malaysia tatler. august 2019 59
Paddles were
raised for hot
auction items
The point of view from
the auction stageLETTHEBIDDINGBEGIN
The evening commenced with a speech by the three
co-chairwomen who thanked guests for their continuous
support and generosity, while rallying excitement among
the bidders. Auctioneers for the night, Dato’ Steve Day
and Dato’ Nick Lough took to the stage soon after to
begin the evening’s highlight with the fi rst auction item,
a Givenchy Charm Bag by Clare Waight Keller. Excited
bidders sat in their seats, while readying themselves
with a paddle in one hand, and the auction item booklet
in the other. Paddles were quick to rise among fashion
enthusiasts for the hottest item of the night, a Farah
Khan couture dress similar to the one worn by Bella
Hadid during her visit to Malaysia, which was eventually
upgraded to two dresses, due to popular demand. Loud
gasps of excitement and sights of paddles up in the air
fi lled the room as one item after another was introduced
on stage or showcased by models around the room.
Guests were also in for a treat when opera singer
Fiona Mariah surprised everyone with a performance
before the bidding began for an intimate opera
performance by her—she was gracious enough to donate
her services thrice to three lucky bidders.Zenith Affair
presented an
ornamental south
sea pearl diamond
ring as one of the
auction itemsTHE
INSIDERDexter and Dato’ Simon Foong