All sugar but no Spice

By the end of Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee Ball one thing was clear: Hong Kong really doesn't miss Britain.

We have our own de facto queen: guest of honour Anson Chan Fang On-sang, who with husband Archie provided a commanding regal presence and helped preside over a night which raised money for Operation Smile and proved to be one of the most fun balls of the year.

Special mention goes to glamorous chairwoman Sophia Harilela (above with Anson Chan), organiser Margery Au, compere Tamara Beckwith, and volunteer auctioneers Kevin Egan and Lorraine Hahn. Together they kept up the momentum through the Paul Smith fashion show, the auction, live music and dance shows.

Sadly, due to a mystery throat infection, the much-hyped Emma Bunton didn't show up. Guests responded to the slight by greeting an auction of her Spice Girl memorabilia with total disinterest. This put auctioneer Egan in a spot. The mouth from the south - who had been effortlessly pulling in the offers - suddenly found the ballroom silent. The Aussie barrister's ego was only saved by G-Spot Production's Gilbert Yeung who, ever the perfect gentleman, saved the day with a generous bid.

Among the 400 guests were Teresa Cheung Siu-wai, who provided the fashion show, author Eunice Lam, Talkies columnist Olivia Davies, Frederique PR Rosemary Hamilton, Blaze Productions' Ann Tsang, DateAsia.com's Kathryn Ma and face of Fendi Yolanda Choi.