Cover Here are some facts about our annual Tatler Ball which you may not know
Here are some facts about our annual Tatler Ball which you may not know
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As we look forward to our 42nd-anniversary celebrations, here are some facts about our annual Tatler Ball which you may not know
Did you know we held our first-ever Tatler Ball in 1987? Our first ball celebrated our fifth birthday, with the next one taking place five years later in 1992. It was only in 1998 that our ball became an annual affair.
Our annual tradition continues on, with the latest ball to be held this year on October 25 at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore. Whether it’s your first or tenth ball, it doesn’t hurt to learn more about our lavish birthday bash. Below, we share some facts which you may not know about our lavish soirée.
In case you missed it: Going to Xanadu with fashion at the Tatler Ball 2024
1. By invitation only
Above The exclusive guest list is carefully curated ahead of the ball each year
The exclusive guest list is carefully curated ahead of the ball each year
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The Tatler Ball is strictly by-invite-only—no plus-ones are allowed, unless they have also been invited. The exclusive guest list is carefully curated ahead of the ball each year.
2. Prominent guests
Above Koh Seow Chuan received the Diamond Award at the Tatler Ball 2023
Koh Seow Chuan received the Diamond Award at the Tatler Ball 2023
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Reserved for the crème de la crème of Singapore—including industry veterans and high society—our guest list has comprised prominent figures over the years, such as the late SR Nathan, Tee Yih Jia Foods chairman Sam Goi, Hong Leong Group Singapore chairman Kwek Leng Beng, and former president Dr. Tony Tan Keng Yam.
3. Theme
From the dress code to the menu, the Tatler Ball’s theme defines the entire event. Discussions about the theme of the year start as early as the year before and it’s selected to reflect the zeitgeist of the moment. Themes for the previous balls include ‘The Lady and Her Professor’ (2016), ‘Rebellion’ (2017) and ‘Legendary’ (2018). This year, our theme ‘Xanadu’ celebrates impactful individuals who contribute to shaping a more idyllic and paradisiacal world.
In case you missed it: Xanadu: The 42nd Tatler Ball’s theme is a celebration of paradise and power
4. Fashion forward
While there’s no “Best Dressed Award” at the ball, it doesn’t (and shouldn’t) stop guests from going all out in their fashionable ensembles. Guests are always encouraged to don their best outfits for the ball, embodying the beauty of Xanadu on the red carpet.
Read more: Tatler Ball 2024: Step into Xanadu with Christian Louboutin
5. An intimate soirée
Above This year's ball will be held at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
This year's ball will be held at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
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This year, our ball will be held at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore’s grand ballroom, offering an elegant space for the Tatler community to mingle and catch up with one another.
6. Appreciating our friends
Above The honourees of the Tatler Awards 2023
The honourees of the Tatler Awards 2023
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The highlight of the Tatler Ball is undoubtedly the Tatler Awards, where we take the opportunity to fete the accomplishments of our society friends. This is a Tatler tradition that began at the first-ever Hong Kong Tatler Ball in 1995. Honourees are then featured in our December issue. Past honourees include Dean Ho, JJ Lin, Betty Chen, and Kwek Leng Beng, who have all graced our pages.
7. Comfort food
Above Braised Wagyu was served as the main course at Tatler Ball 2023
Braised Wagyu was served as the main course at Tatler Ball 2023
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Apart from the red carpet and awards ceremony, a big part of our annual ball is the food. Each year, lavish menus are dreamed up by local chefs with each dish crafted to fit the night’s theme.
Food at the ball doesn’t stop at dessert. A long-standing tradition, guests at the Tatler Ball always look forward to a bowl of Teochew porridge to warm their stomachs at midnight. The Teochew porridge bar comes with savoury dishes and condiments, and is our answer to comfort food after an evening of revelry.
8. A memorable 40th anniversary
Above The Tatler Ball was held at the National Gallery Singapore in celebration of our 40th anniversary
The Tatler Ball was held at the National Gallery Singapore in celebration of our 40th anniversary
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To celebrate our 40th anniversary in 2022, we hosted our Tatler Ball at a Singapore landmark, National Gallery Singapore. That year also marked the return of our grand soiree after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
9. A moment to remember
Above Shabnam Arashan and Iroshini Chua
Shabnam Arashan and Iroshini Chua
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Back in 2017, guests would receive coffee table books filled with memories from the Tatler Ball couriered to them as a memento. In the past few years, we’ve partnered with brands that we work closely with to dream up elegant photo booths to capture Instagram-worthy moments throughout the night.
More recently in 2023, guests were thrilled to experience Chopard’s revolutionary 360-degree glam-cam. The roving camera captured some of the most creative and memorable shots of the evening that guests could download instantly for keepsake.
