Official Beach Haus Launch

The vitals: Official Beach Haus launch

What went on:
Sydney’s younger social set celebrated the official opening of Simon Chalmers’ latest bar, Beach Haus.

What we're addicted to: The live trumpet player mixing his tunes to the beats spun by DJ Reflex (Lady Gaga's protégé)

What we're not: Getting our Jimmy Choo clad toes trod on by one overly vodka’d guest

What else: For those who are game, try the Beach Haus' Hi Beached Tea share cocktails

Date: 16 June 2010

Location: Beach Haus, Roslyn Street, Potts Point

-Hui

Bvlgari Serpenti watch collection preview

The vitals: Bvlgari Serpenti watch collection preview

What went on: Bvlgari unveiled a modern day reinterpretation of its Serpenti watch. The original 1950's collection was specially sent over from Italy as part of the evening's exhibit.

What we're addicted to: The 38 diamonds and pink rubellite cabochon encrusted in the timepiece

What we're not: The number of dollars we will have to part with to own one of these exquisite watches

What else: The Serpenti collection will be available from September 2010

Date: 16 June 2010

Location: Bvlgari Boutique, Castlereagh St, Sydney

-Hui

Paspaley Polo in the City - a dash for the dashing

The marquees were up, the sun was shining. Champagne free-flowing and men in polo attire on powerful steeds.

The 2009 Polo in the City Series is a highlight of the social calendar and the G.H. Mumm Marquee the hot ticket. This year those with the right coloured wrist band could toast all day, and down freshly shucked oysters by Two hated chef, Warren Turnbull. The “it” accessory had to be a G.H. Mumm fan or umbrella (last year's was the red galoshes). 

Have a look at these pics for the Mumm Dash - a classic (and somewhat startling) sight watching well-dressed ladies kick off their heels and bolt for G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge Champagne. Congratulations to Amanda - her strategy? "There was a bit of jostling at the start but I stayed completely focused on the prize".

We expect more from the Stella Artois men's dash next time - the ladies drew blood!

                             
Click here to download:
Paspaley_Polo_in_the_City_-_a_.zip (3642 KB)

King's Vault - pop up wine bar

Know much about King's Valley or Prosecco?

Step into King's Vault - one of the best pop ups bars to grace the Sydney scene this year.  There's still time to check it out until 27 November at 20 McLachlan Ave, Darlinghurst.

             
Click here to download:
Kings_Vault_-_pop_up_wine_bar.zip (1574 KB)

Carla Zampatti - ICCI 2009 Hall of Fame recipient

It's not often you come across a lady who is supremely confident, remarkably successful as an entrepreneur and all-bella-class.

At the 31st Italian Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Gala Dinner held last Friday (6 Nov) at the Westin Sydney, one such lady was honoured; Ms Carla Zampatti - ICCI's 2009 Hall of Fame recipient. Not only does she amaze with her iconic collections, we're truly inspired by the many demanding roles she is able to fulfil (mother, mentor, designer, business woman, exec chairman...the list goes on).

Most warming moment of the night - the acceptance speech by the patriarch of Italian Restauranterus Beppi Polese and his wife Norma when awarded a Business Excellence Award. Who else has a family-run restaurant going strong after 52 years?

Melbourne Cup at the Stables - raising champagne glasses for Cure Our Kids

Despite 37 degree heat making a few fillies fluster 380 guests showed up in all their finery for the inaugural Cure our Kids Cup at the Stables on Melbourne Cup Day.

Charlotte and Arthur Inglis (Inglis Thoroughbred Auctioneers) opened the doors of their Newmarket Stables with one of the longest red carpets, to an enormous Marquee via stables holding six thoroughbred horses. 

With VIPs seated in one of the historic stables, much of the fun and giddiness took place outside - highlights include a recycled garbage Fashion on the Field hat making contest (judged by Fashion designer and Stylist Donny Galella).

The Melbourne Cup race had enthusiastic punters jumping and screaming watching it on a huge screen. Faux pas of the day would have to go to a lady who took a bit of a tumble as her winning horse crossed the line. Shocking indeed but we doubt she did mind.

 

                   
Click here to download:
Melbourne_Cup_at_the_Stables_-.zip (2033 KB)

Absolut Halloween Rock Royalty and Ruin

Extravagant parties are back. And ABSOLUT is the first to prove it.

To launch ABSOLUT Rock edition everything conservative was thrown out of the window. Party ringmaster Mark Cavanagh (Cav Con) orchestrated an eclectic guest list to turn up in rock and ruin halloween costumes at a secret Sydney location (which turned out to be the laneway behind State Theatre). 

Bowie Wong showed us some Kill Bill moves, Brad Ngata pulled a Prince and Konstantina Mittas blew a perfect KISS. Darth Maul, Marilyn Manson, Marie-Antoinette and one too many Amy's seeking rehab were amongst the crowd. It was also hard to miss one very cheeky Gingerbread Man.

An unrelentless supply of Absolut Vodka cocktails (a new one every hour) encouraged some to turn un-natural. And whether it was the impeccable manners of friendly wait staff or the moreish yet perfectly bite-size canapes - we couldn't resist.

Half English, half Spanish, all theatrical Paloma Faith entertained, along with an uncannily accurate Taro reader called Ruth, a lady contortionist and Phantom of the Opera (very content playing his piano just outside the ladies washroom).  

ps. The ABSOLUT vodka rock edition is a limited edition series; a black leather studdend 'second skin' which encases a 700ml bottle of classic ABSOLUT Vodka.  A collaboration bringing togehter visionary rock and roll photographer Danny Clinch and Australian rock outfit Wolfmother.

                 
Click here to download:
Absolut_Halloween_Rock_Royalty.zip (1418 KB)