Thursday, March 19, 2009

Night About Town: A Scented Soiree

As I sashayed up to the entrance of Arader Galleries in my Nanette Lepore cocktail dress and black Manolos, I had a Sex in the City moment. Here was another night about town with my girlfriends but with a philantrophic slant.

Christopher Ong's soiree which benefited the National Stroke Association was backed by who's who of Upper East Side society. The launch of his limited edition“Madame Butterfly” scented candle was an evening of fine wine, art and the trendiest Malaysian expats in the Big Apple.

Arader Galleries is situated in a multimillion dollar Beaux Arts townhouse on Madison Avenue on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Featuring American and English artwork, maps and furniture, the gallery is a sight to behold.

One may ask, how did this humble, small town boy from Kelantan end up here? The road from rubber plantation to the concrete jungle of the Big Apple started with a vision for excellence.

"One must keep believing in oneself," said Christopher.

Daniel Perry, NY Cool and Yeweng Wong

Photograph by Bartomeu Amengual

A charming bon vivant, Christopher exuded grace without pretension. In a former life, he designed interiors of the best hotels in South Beach and the Caribbean. Currently, he embraces the entrepreneurial spirit in his role as an interior and lifestyle designer with an impressive client list and products for the home.

His hand poured French candles and silk pillow collection are purveyed at Takashimaya.

Datin Amy, Chris Ong, Mabel Cheah

Photograph by Bartomeu Amengual