A FRENCH reunion of sorts for some of Hong Kong's tireless socialites didn't quite materialise because the star turn - Cartier girl Cristal Li - failed to turn up.
The occasion was the surprise bash thrown in the cellar of their home in Montboyer, which is perfectly poised between Bordeaux and Cognac country, by businessman Nouhad Slim to celebrate the 40-something birthday of his elegant lady, Chantal.
At the last minute, Cristal, who days earlier had been on a yacht cruising the Greek islands, called to say she was stuck in Cyprus and unable to get a flight over. Surrealist painter Phil Clarke, who had been seeking fresh inspiration in the French countryside, begged off because he had to return to Hong Kong in a hurry.
But Cafe de Paris owner Maurice Gardette and his wife Il-soon were on hand to be the sole standard bearers for the territory among the 22 other select guests.
Incidentally, apropos of Cristal - of whom we've not heard too much of late (please feel free to cheer) - she is currently taking in the French racing season with husband Alan Li in Deauville, where the couple own a picturesque chateau.
Word is that irrepressible Cristal will be back illuminating the local social circuit in September. The sharpening of knives may now begin in earnest.