The Best-Dressed Guests At The 2023 Icon Ball
One of the highlights in the society calendar is back – and these best-dressed guests ensured it was not short of fashion moments.
Chinese luxury title Icon brought back its annual Icon Ball on April 13 after a three year hiatus brought about by the pandemic. Held at the Island Ballroom of Shangri-La, this year marks the gala's 18th edition and saw guests turning up the glamour as they interpret the night's theme of 'Modern Orientalism'.
The ball also held its inaugural The Next Icon awards to promote innovation, excellence and leadership among young entrepreneurs and family businesses in Singapore and the region. This year’s nominees were selected based on their sustainability endeavours and initiatives, and included Ho Ren Yung, senior vice-president of Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts; Victor Tan Jenn Chyen, chief executive of Top International Holdings; and Cynthia Handriani Wijaya, vice-president of business development and investor relations of the Daya Selaras Group.
Content creator and artist Willabelle Ong (right) with Didier Ambroise of perfume house Amaffi, which is the official fragrance of the Icon Ball.
In the lavishly decorated ballroom, guests were treated to an erhu performance by Singaporean actor Ayden Sng as well as another show by the National Arts Council’s 2022 Young Artist Award recipient and renowned flautist, Rit Xu. The evening culminated with an award honouring the evening’s 20 most exquisitely dressed women. The winners walked away with gifts from Amaffi Perfume House and aesthetic clinic Asian Skin Aesthetic.
Here are the high fashion highlights.
Drawn to luxury brand Yves Saint Laurent’s critically acclaimed Dreams Of The Orient collection, private investor and style influencer Wendy Long has put together a modern ensemble that pays homage to traditional Chinese attire. From her Azzedine Alaia dress to her limited-edition Opium clutch from Saint Laurent and black fascinator by British milliner Stephen Jones, she has nailed the look down to the last detail.
Former legal eagle Karen Ong Tan opted for an archival look from Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford. The dramatic creation was similar to the one that was exhibited at the China: Through the Looking Glass exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 2015. Her accessories – embroidered Gucci platforms, a pair of Schiaparelli finger guards and Balmain minaudiere – are equally fierce.
Dr Georgia Lee opted for a Valentino dress decorated with pretty bows from the brand's Pink PP collection, which she paired with a Philip Treacy hat. The bows are reminiscent of the knots featured in traditional qipao designs.
F&B entrepreneur Amanda Toh Steckler wore an intricately embroidered Fendi Couture haute couture short dress with a cape silhouette. She complemented her red ensemble with her refreshing makeup which comprised fiery red lips and flushed cheeks.
Yellow, an auspicious hue in Chinese culture, is the focal point of this elegant Valentino design worn by entrepreneur Kim Lim. The simplicity of the look is anchored by the glamorous Serpenti high jewellery necklace by Bulgari.
The majestic dragon print on socialite Marion Zhang's Valentino shirt dress is a motif that hails from the Italian house's archives.
Lawyer Shabnam Arashan exuded the coolness and elegance of a Ming vase with this finely embroidered blue-and-white gown from Tiiya’s Spring/Summer 2021 collection, which is inspired by Chinese pottery. For the uninitiated, Tiiya is Qatar’s first haute couture brand, founded by Qatari royalty and mother-and-daughter design duo Shaikha Alanoud Alattiya and Shaikha Shaikha Al-Thani.
A vision in white, socialite Nina Ng gave Disney princesses a run for their money with her pearl- and sequin-embroidered dress made by Tel Aviv-based bridal couturier Julie Vino. Her white-gold necklace set with 12-carat diamonds and jadeite from local jewellery house Larry Jewelry completes the dreamy attire.
Author and podcaster Paige Parker brought the drama in a Naeem Khan gown that featured porcelain prints. She accessorised with a Cartier timepiece; jewellery from Lauren Khoo, Boucheron and Tiffany & Co.; and a Judith Leiber clutch.
Sharel Ho, the managing director of DeFred Jewellers, donned a custom chinoiserie-inspired design by local maestro Frederick Lee. She added a rock star edge to the ensemble with a pair of black knee-high boots.
An Isabel Sanchis jumpsuit emblazoned with an ornate dragon motif was the main event of this ensemble worn by society doyenne Susanna Kang. Completing it all were a selection of jewellery and a watch by Cartier.
IT entrepreneur Tiffany Primalia Goutama Tan was spotted in a golden couture gown that Spanish designer Isabelle Sanchiz made for her sister’s engagement. When asked about her sartorial choice, she said: "I don’t mind wearing outfits again, especially if they’re beautifully made. I think it’s so important."
Zanelle Lim, the marketing director of Atalanta Hospitality, specially selected a Tarik Ediz evening dress provided by Stylelease.
Entrepreneur Layla Pi dressed up her black outfit by London-based designer David Koma with lace that is emblazoned with motifs of peonies with the help of home-grown designer Renee Leong.
Jamie Chua was the centre of attention in her gilded creation by Farah Angsana Couture which features the motif of a phoenix embellishment. The dress was made in Paris and took 16 craftsmen 10 days to complete.
Ashley Woo Toh first wore this custom peach dress by Fang Lu for her wedding. For the Icon Ball, she tweaked the design into a two-piece ensemble complete with delicate embroidery and tassel elements.
Red and gold is a winning combo for Grace Chong Tan. The fiery red Dolce & Gabbana dress comes decorated with golden dragons along the shoulder; she accentuated her ensemble with Clash de Cartier large hoop earrings from Cartier.
This regal Gucci dress features a Mandarin collar and looked like liquid gold on Loh May-Han. The colour is an apt choice too considering how the gold is the symbol of nobility and magnificence in Chinese culture. Also, clock the Tiffany & Co. Bird on a Rock perched on her hairpin.
Chinese designer Guo Pei, who is behind the iconic yellow gown that Rihanna famously wore to the Met Gala in 2015, is the designer for the dreamy and sculptral dress on Dr Ho Chi Ling.
Another guest who repurposed an old design for the event was entrepreneur Cheryl Wee, who resurrected the evening gown she wore for her wedding banquet. She completed the outfit with a Comme des Garcons harness-sleeve that belonged to her mother, Jean Yip. She also wore a Mauboussin necklace
This article is adapted from stories that first appeared in Harper's Bazaar Singapore, The Straits Times & Icon