ICON magazine, a leading Chinese luxury lifestyle publication by Singapore Press Holdings, threw a gala ball on Wednesday night to celebrate its 10th anniversary.
The event saw more than 400 A-listers in social and business circles turn up dressed to the nines in accordance with the magazine's glitz and glamour theme.
The gala ball also unveiled the 20 Best Dressed of the evening. We spoke to some of them.
SHE COMES OUT OF HER 'COCOON'
Susanna Kang, socialite
Heads turned and camera flashlights popped as she sashayed down the 30m red carpet leading to Shangri-La hotel's Island Ballroom.
Known for her typically audacious style, Madam Kang said it was always going to be "either pyjamas or drama" as she showed off her mermaid-cut dress that featured a cocoon-esque fixture on her back.
She revealed that the bespoke gown was a creation by the founder of fashion label All Walks Of Life, Mr Alfie Leong.
Madam Kang said: "I called Alfie and told him I wanted something special and to forget brand names. In the light of SG50 and ICON's 10th anniversary, I wanted (my outfit) to reflect metamorphosis."
Madam Kang said that about 150m of can-can type netting was used for her gown.
While she said the dress was comfortable, Mr Leong told The New Paper the "cocoon" alone weighed about 8kg.
And true to her promise of drama, later in the night, Madam Kang transformed her dress into an Oscar-style gown when she unhooked the cocoon, which stored her gown's train, from her bustier
HER DRESS HAD 'MORE LAYERS'
Jamie Chua, socialite
She walked around like she was the belle of the ball.
High-profile socialite Jamie Chua said her hellos and gave away air kisses to her gal pals the moment she arrived at the pre-event cocktail reception.
The entrepreneur, who co-founded online luxury fashion platform Closet Raider, had on a $10,000 Isabelle Sanchis gown for the party.
Ms Chua, a former Singapore Airlines stewardess, justified her outfit choice, saying: "It's the dress that's on the red carpet this season."
She added: "I don't spend a lot of time preparing. I just see the best thing and I just get it."
The event saw another woman in a similar gown, but Ms Chua nonchalantly defended her choice by saying her version of it had "more layers".
When Ms Chua was called up on stage to collect her bouquet of flowers for being one of the 20 best-dressed women, she said it was not a surprise to her at all.
"I wasn't shocked. Honestly, I'm really used to it," she said.
GOWN FLOWN IN FROM NEW YORK
Shabnam Arashan, part-time lawyer
Looking almost as elegant as Egyptian queen Cleopatra, especially with her coiffed bob haircut, was part-time lawyer Shabnam Arashan.
Madam Arashan, who is the assistant director at the Legal Aid Bureau, turned up at the event with her husband, Mr Rajendran Kumaresan, who is also a lawyer.
She wore an elegant pink Carolina Herrera gown from the 2015 Spring Collection.
Madam Arashan said about her outfit: "It was flown in from New York and it cost about $7,000".
It was not surprising that she was also one of the 20 best-dressed beauties, although she said she did not "dress up with that in mind". She added: "I was thrilled to be one of the 20, but it was really unexpected.
"The reason I chose this outfit was because it's elegant and understated and that's very much my style, not to be a part of the best-dressed women group."
Madam Arashan implied that choice was about how it looked on her and not about anyone else.
She added: "My theory (for outfits) is you always wear the gown and not the gown wears you."
FOLLOW TRENDS? NO, THANKS
Marisa Hjelle Wee, lawyer
Equity lawyer Marisa Wee, the daughter-in-law of the late former Chief Justice Wee Chong Jin, wore a dazzling sequined long-sleeved gown.
The Norwegian-Chinese socialite disclosed that the eye-catching frock was bought from Dolce & Gabbana two years ago.
TNP understands the gown was from the Dolce & Gabbana 2013 Fall collection.
Even though the dress is not one fresh off the runway, Mrs Wee said she had no qualms throwing it on.
The mother of one said: "I don't believe in following trends. What may look good on someone else may not look the same on you.
"It's more about what makes you feel good that's more important."
crobert@sph.com.sg
