Last Wednesday, Princess Alia Al-Senussi and Dino Sadhwani lit up art week once more with the long awaited return of their iconic Art Basel Hong Kong LACMA party! Previously held at the K11 Atelier last year, the exclusive event is a grand celebration of the international art scene in Hong Kong, bringing together the global art community and institutions for a night of unbridled joy and creativity.
“At the heart of it is the city; at the heart of it is Art Basel; at the heart of it are the people that most deserve to be celebrated—the institutions supporting the artists that we believe are at the core of our society,” explained Al-Senussi.
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This year’s edition was presented by a visionary triumvirate comprising LACMA, UCCA, and the K11 Art Foundation, in collaboration with Hong Kong luxury fashion house Shanghai Tang, who celebrates their 30th anniversary this year. For the “Dragon Icon” themed extravaganza, the Libyan princess and longtime patron of the arts took over the city’s one and only dragon-i, the legendary Hong Kong nightclub helmed by Gilbert Yeung, and a location truly fit to host. “It all just came together like kismet,” she said about this year’s concept. “It’s the Year of the Dragon, at dragon-i, one of my favourite places in Hong Kong. Gilbert is a dear friend to so many of us and—I know it sounds crazy to say about a nightclub but—dragon-i really is an institution. Then you have Shanghai Tang, who is absolutely a cultural institution. So how better to bring the world of fashion, nightlife, hospitality, arts and culture?”
Doors to the party swung open at 10pm, revealing neon-lit interiors and a magnificent series of Shanghai Tang dragon woodblock prints by Chinese artist Long Di. Esteemed guests the likes of Tina Leung and Vincent Guy Raffin, all showed up in their most stylish statement looks, from vibrant embroidered cheongsams to Shanghai Tang’s signature Tang jackets. Al-Senussi herself was personally styled by Victoria Tang-Owen. She donned a glamorous custom red and black dragon dress, kept mini to “honour being in a nightclub.”
Guests partied long and hard into the night, dancing away to the infernal beats of DJ .tif and indulging in a stellar lineup of drinks. You had your classic red and white wines; nightclub staples Belvedere vodka, Beefeater gin, and mini bottles of Don Julio Blanco tequila; as well as two exclusive cocktails crafted using KHEE soju. It was yet another Alia & Dino party for the books.
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Alyanna Raissa J. Payos
