Tatler Ball 2023: Inside the party

How does one make a grand entrance at the social event of the season? With a stylish ride, of course, and several of our esteemed guests did just that.

Gen.T honouree Benjamin Swan and wife Lesley-Anne were one of the first guests to arrive, and they did so in a sleek Range Rover Sport Dynamic. Looking elegant in a pink ballgown adorned with rosettes was Tatler friend Rebecca Eu, who turned up hand-in-hand with fiancé Kin in a Range Rover SE PHEV. Last but certainly not least, the legendary Dick Lee—looking mighty dapper in his sequinned tuxedo jacket—made a fashionable entrance at the National Gallery in a Range Rover SE PHEV.

Before entering the main event space, there was one particular photo op not to be missed: Chopard’s revolutionary 360-degree glamcam that captured our guests in all their finery. Our Tatler friends certainly knew how to bring on the glitz and glamour as they struck poses and hammed it up for the roving camera–resulting in some the most creative and memorable shots of the entire night. 

Just like the year before, this year's ball was held inside the Supreme Court Terrace. The National Gallery Singapore’s most expansive and impressive space was transformed overnight to feature lavishly decorated tables spread across the ballroom. 

The night began with a speech by Tatler Singapore’s managing director Stephanie Tay. Looking back at the year we had, she shared: “We are truly inspired by all of you and we hope you continue to inspire the community and our next generation to make your mark.”

Meanwhile, the neighbouring Glass Room was turned into a Hennessy private tasting room that overlooked the stately dome. Inside this intimate space, our guests got the chance to let their hair down and savour a dram or two of the finest Hennessy VSOP, X.O and Paradis cognacs.

Adding a touch of indulgence to the festivities were the La Prairie products in the Powder Room. Throughout the evening, our guests refreshed themselves with invigorating spritzes of the Eau de Soin Cellular Energising Mist, and gave their hands some TLC with the moisturising Cellular Hand Cream.  

Conrad Centennial Singapore’s executive chef Mandar Madav dreamed up an indulgent menu for our guests that night. His menu drew inspiration from cherished dishes and admired chefs, creating a four-course menu layered with ingredients, colours and textures. Some star dishes include cured carabinero prawns topped with sustainably farmed caviar, sea urchin and avocado timbale; creamy roasted kabocha veloute crowned with truffle; and succulent braised wagyu.

To sip, guests enjoyed wines and spirits that have made their mark over the years, including flutes of Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial and vino from New Zealand’s Cloudy Bay. Bottomless pours of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Whispering Angel 2022, Belvedere and Don Julio 1942 also flowed throughout the night.

Between courses, Tatler Singapore honoured various individuals for making their mark in the community. This year, four awards were given out: the Style Award, Cultural Icon Award, Hero Award and Diamond Award.

Asia’s Most Stylish 2023’s Willabelle Ong received the Style Award for championing the fashion and luxury industry while enthralling her followers on social media with her impeccable taste. The sartorial trailblazer was also awarded 12,500 Ion Points from Ion Orchard, along with a special edition bottle of Kim Jones Hennessy XO from Moët Hennessy Diageo Singapore. 

The Cultural Icon Award was conferred to fashion designer Andrew Gn, in honour of his contribution to Singapore’s cultural scene on a global stage. He also received a personalised bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label from Moët Hennessy Diageo Singapore.

ItsRainingRaincoats’s Dipa Swaminathan was the recipient of this year’s Hero Award, in recognition of her impactful contributions to Singapore. Along with the award, she received a luxurious set of skincare products and a platinum facial treatment from La Prairie, as well as personalised bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. Leading financial trading institution CMC Markets also made a charitable donation of $2,500 to ItsRainingRaincoats.

This year’s Diamond Award went to Koh Seow Chuan in honour of his lifelong dedication to serving the community. In addition to the award, The retired architect was gifted a Chopard Classic watch and a personalised bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label.

From glamorous photo ops to an awards ceremony that celebrated the achievements of remarkable individuals, the Tatler Ball was full of unforgettable moments that kept everyone entertained all night long. One particular highlight of the evening was the Chopard jewellery showcase. The Swiss luxury maison dazzled our guests with a show-stopping display as models made their way around Supreme Court Terrace, decked out in the finest haute joaillerie pieces. Following the dinner spread, DJ Aldrin lured guests from their tables and onto the dance floor with his crowd-pleasing tunes. 

With lively chatter and tantalising tipples, it was truly a night to remember at this year’s Tatler Ball. 

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