Reserved for the crème de la crème of Singapore—including industry veterans and high society—our guest list has seen 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.

From the dress code to the menu, the Tatler Ball’s theme defines the entire event. Discussions for the theme of the year start as early as the year ahead 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 ‘Make Your Mark’ celebrates individuals making their mark on the lives of others. 

Don't miss: Unveiling the theme for the 41st Tatler Ball 2023: Make Your Mark

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, making their mark on the red carpet. 

Read more: Making your mark with fashion at the Tatler Ball 2023

Despite the grand occasion, the Tatler Ball is never held in a colossal ballroom. We have a preference for cosier halls so that the Tatler family and friends can have a relaxed and comfortable time mingling and catching up with one another. This year, our ball will be held at the National Gallery Singapore’s Supreme Court Terrace, which will be transformed into a dining room. 

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. The categories include Diamond Award, Hero Award, Style Award and Cultural Icon Award. 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. 

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.

Besides the various photo booths that offer plenty of Instagram-worthy moments, guests will also have something more to remember the night by—a beautiful coffee table book, laid out with all the memories from the Tatler Ball, couriered to them as a memento.

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