On March 20, art lovers headed to the newly opened Phillips headquarters at the West Kowloon Cultural District for a party like no other
Where? Phillips’ new headquarters in West Kowloon Cultural District
What? A Dragon-i themed after-party
Who? Jonathan Crockett, Gilbert Yeung, Eleanor Lam, Loui Lim, Jehan Chu and Katrina Razon
Here’s what you missed:
Located opposite the M+ museum, the Herzog & de Meuron-designed 52,000 sq ft building welcomed 400 guests to celebrate its unveiling. That’s not all: for one night only, it was transformed into Hong Kong’s legendary nightclub Dragon-i.
Pink and purple fluorescent lights, beautiful people, paparazzi flashes and bubbly flowing by the caseload were seen at every turn. Guests were treated to shot glass bracelets—a perfect keepsake for the seasoned partygoer.
For every face in the crowd, there were another ten hoping to enter this exclusive party—the Dragon-i theme, coupled with a brand new, stunning venue, only added to the event’s mystique.
It wasn’t just any night at the club, however. Guests also toured the auction house’s inaugural exhibition, which is located on the ground floor of the building. It included auction highlights from the 20th century, as well as pieces from the Hong Kong contemporary art spring sales, which took place on March 30 and 31. Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama, one of the highest valued works by the artist to ever be offered at auction, was a highlight— and a favourite among the Instagram-conscious.
“I hope you’re having a good time,” said Jonathan Crockett, Phillips’ chairman in Asia, before introducing DJ Katrina Razon, who had flown in from the Philippines. Taking to the decks, Razon spun classic house tunes, including Sean by the British artist Lysa Aya Trenier, which got the crowd moving.
Nadia Harilela, Eleanor Lam, Loui Lim, Inna Rodchenko-Highfield and Justin Ng couldn’t get enough of the reimagined club, enjoying many of the night’s moments from behind the DJ booth. Dragon-i boss Gilbert Yeung, who joined Razon on the decks to the sheer delight of the crowd, played hit after hit—including Mary J Blige’s 2001 classic Family Affair. As the party came to an end, and the club lights came on, the duo switched gears to a medley of gospel music—to usher out the party guests.
Rumour had it that many a VIP crossed the harbour to party back at the real Dragon-i until 5am. For those who spotted bleary-eyed sleep-walkers at Art Basel the following morning—that would explain why.