We take a lookback at some of the passionate minds in Malaysia's high society, who are behind the few great events of 2014.
2014 has been a wonderful year of parties. We speak to five passionate society figures including Andre Ambra, Grazia Iannarelli, Ken Lim, Tunku Mohamed Alauddin Naquiyuddin and Puteri Badrinise Zakuan-Alauddin, who have been behind the few great events of the year .
These thoughtful, meticulous and people-centric hosts have made party planning a work of art.
Andrea Ambra and Grazia Iannarelli
This year has been a busy year for the Italian Trade Commissioner Andrea Ambra and his wife Grazia Iannarelli with a slew of events that they have been responsible for. The parties include the ‘60 Years of Made in Italy’ fashion exhibition in Pavilion KL and the Italian Jewellery gala night at Shangri-La Hotel KL.
“Whenever we organise an event at the hotel, we feel at home and the hotel always does an excellent job. Despite the size of the event, more often than not it is a big success,” says the elegant Grazia who finds Shangri-La to be her preferred hotel choice to host any function.
Ken Lim
Ken Lim is the dynamic force that brought in brands like Diptyque, Annick Goutal, Caudalie, Dr Brandt and Dr Sebagh to Malaysia. For this past winner of the Entrepreneur Par Excellence award, event planning is something he does with pride.
“Smaller groups would be my forte as I enjoy the intimacy that it brings,” he explains modestly although we notice that whatever the size of the crowd, his parties are always a great success. When he is at a loss for ideas or inspiration, his friends Alann Lung and Ken G Ng would be the ones he turns to for a sounding board.
“They give me good tips so that my parties will be a hit,” he explains. His checklist for a perfect party is simple and comprehensive: “A beautiful set-up, great music, amazing food, wonderful scents and a comfortable seating arrangement.”
Tunku Mohamed Alauddin Naquiyuddin and Puteri Badrinise Zakuan-Alauddin
This vivacious husband-and-wife team are known among their circle of friends as fun-loving hosts who would go out of their way to ensure their guests have a good time.
“We celebrate all anniversaries and birthdays especially when it comes to our children’s,” says Tunku Mohamed Alauddin candidly. Puteri Badrinise adds on to this jovially, “We really do enjoy entertaining so we look for an excuse to throw a party every now and then. Sometimes we have parties not for ourselves but for our close friends!”
Their hosting abilities are evident in the parties that they have organised together. Both of them cited Puteri Badrinise’s toga-themed party as their favourite as well as their daughters’ birthday bashes.
(Photography by: Allan Casal)
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