Annabel’s hosts an opulent gala dinner during Frieze Week 2024, unveiling Wallace Chan’s latest masterpieces to London’s art elite and celebrities.
Annabel’s, the renowned private members’ club in London, orchestrated an unforgettable gala dinner marking the commencement of Frieze Week.
The exclusive soirée showcased the latest masterpieces by the internationally acclaimed jewellery artist and innovator, Wallace Chan, captivating an elite audience of art aficionados, celebrities, and discerning club members.
A Night of Artistic Splendour
The gala dinner, held within the sumptuous confines of Annabel’s, served as a glittering platform for the unveiling of Chan’s most recent creations: the exquisite jewellery piece “Fish in Waves” and the awe-inspiring titanium sculpture series “PETALS”.
These works, emblematic of Chan’s visionary approach to art and craftsmanship, stood as the centrepieces of an evening dedicated to the celebration of creativity and innovation.
As guests arrived, they were immediately immersed in an atmosphere of refined luxury, with the club’s interiors transformed into a veritable gallery showcasing Chan’s artistic prowess.
The “Fish in Waves” jewellery piece, a testament to Chan’s mastery of gemstone cutting and setting, drew gasps of admiration from attendees. Its fluid design and vibrant use of precious stones epitomised the artist’s ability to capture the essence of nature in wearable art.
Equally captivating were the “PETALS” sculptures, towering works of titanium that challenged preconceptions about the material’s use in fine art. These pieces, with their delicate forms belying the strength of their composition, stood as a bold statement on the intersection of technology and artistic vision.
A Gathering of Luminaries
The guest list reads like a who’s who of the art world, fashion industry, and high society. Notable attendees included the artist himself, Wallace Chan, whose presence lent an air of gravitas to the proceedings. Olivia Buckingham, the fashion entrepreneur and style icon, was seen in an animated conversation with Ed Tang, the influential art advisor and curator.
Veronica Chou, the sustainability advocate and fashion entrepreneur, mingled with Emily Lam-Ho and Kent Ho, power couples known for their philanthropic endeavours and business acumen. Han Chong, the creative force behind the fashion label Self-Portrait, was spotted admiring Chan’s works alongside Eliza Ruston Pang, the art collector and patron.
The event also saw the attendance of Christina You, the gallerist and art consultant, and Gisela Winkelhofer, the respected art historian. Tatiana Kharchylava, the international model and muse, added a touch of glamour to the already star-studded affair.
Richard and Patricia Caring, the visionaries behind the Birley Clubs, which include Annabel’s, Mark’s Club, and Harry’s Bar, were the gracious hosts of the evening. Their presence underscored the long-standing commitment of their establishments to the arts, a dedication evident in the original artworks that adorn the walls of their venues.
A Fusion of Art and Entertainment
The gala dinner was not merely a visual feast but a multisensory experience that engaged all facets of artistic expression. As guests savoured exquisitely prepared cuisine, they were treated to a special performance by Katherine Jenkins OBE, the celebrated Welsh mezzo-soprano.
Jenkins’ operatic renditions provided a sublime auditory complement to Chan’s visual masterpieces, her crystalline voice soaring through the opulent rooms of Annabel’s.
As the evening progressed, the atmosphere transformed from one of refined appreciation to a joyous celebration. Mimi Xu, the multifaceted artist known for her work in music, fashion, and art, took to the decks in Annabel’s Nightclub.
Her carefully curated DJ set, blending electronic beats with classical motifs, kept the party atmosphere alive well into the small hours, embodying the club’s reputation for hosting London’s most exclusive and entertaining events.
A Culinary and Mixological Adventure
In keeping with the artistic theme of the evening, Annabel’s presented a bespoke Frieze cocktail menu, created in partnership with Johnnie Walker Blue Label. The signature drink of the night, aptly named “Now and Always”, was a masterful concoction that mirrored the innovative spirit of Chan’s art and the whisky brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries.
The cocktail, a harmonious blend of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, rare botanicals, and artisanal ingredients, was served in custom-designed glassware that echoed the organic forms found in Chan’s sculptures. This attention to detail extended to the dinner menu, where each course was conceptualised as a culinary interpretation of Chan’s artistic themes, marrying flavour, texture, and visual presentation in a gastronomic tour de force.
Annabel’s: A Bastion of Art and Culture
This gala dinner marks the fifth consecutive year that Annabel’s has played host to elite art events during Frieze Week, solidifying its position as a cultural powerhouse in London’s social scene. The club’s commitment to the arts is evident not only in these annual showcases but in its day-to-day operations, where members are surrounded by a carefully curated collection of original artworks.
In previous years, Annabel’s has featured exhibitions by art world luminaries such as Damien Hirst, whose provocative pieces challenged and delighted club members, and Es Devlin, whose immersive installations transformed the club’s spaces into otherworldly realms.
This year’s focus on Wallace Chan’s work represents a continuation of this tradition, bringing the best of contemporary art and design to an appreciative and discerning audience.
Wallace Chan: A Master of His Craft
The decision to showcase Wallace Chan’s work during this year’s Frieze Week is a testament to the artist’s growing influence in the world of fine art. Chan, who began his career as a gemstone carver in Hong Kong, has evolved into a multidisciplinary artist whose work transcends traditional categorisations.
His journey from craftsman to internationally recognised artist is a story of relentless innovation and spiritual exploration. Chan’s pieces, whether jewellery or sculpture, are known for their technical complexity and emotional depth.
The “Fish in Waves” jewellery piece, for instance, demonstrates his pioneering use of titanium in high jewellery, a technique he developed to create larger, more intricate designs that remain lightweight and wearable.
The “PETALS” sculpture series, on the other hand, represents Chan’s foray into large-scale public art. These monumental works, some standing several metres tall, challenge perceptions of what is possible with titanium, a material typically associated with industrial applications.
Through Chan’s artistry, the metal is transformed into delicate, flower-like forms that seem to defy gravity and logic.
Frieze Week: A Global Art Phenomenon
Annabel’s gala dinner for Wallace Chan is set against the backdrop of Frieze Week, one of the most significant events in the global art calendar. Frieze London, along with its sister fair Frieze Masters, attracts galleries, collectors, and art enthusiasts from around the world, transforming the city into a hub of cultural activity.
The decision to hold such a high-profile event at Annabel’s during this week speaks to the club’s status as a nexus of art, fashion, and high society. It provides a more intimate, curated experience compared to the bustling fairgrounds, allowing for a deeper appreciation of Chan’s work and fostering meaningful connections among the attendees.
The Intersection of Art, Fashion, and Music
The gala dinner at Annabel’s exemplified the growing trend of cross-pollination between different creative disciplines. The presence of fashion designers like Han Chong, and musicians like Katherine Jenkins and Mimi Xu, alongside traditional visual artists, underscores the fluidity of contemporary creative expression.
This interdisciplinary approach was reflected in every aspect of the event, from the dress code, which encouraged guests to view their attire as an extension of the artistic experience, to the music selection, which was carefully chosen to enhance the visual impact of Chan’s work.
Conclusion: A Night to Remember
As the gala dinner at Annabel’s drew to a close, guests departed with a sense of having participated in something truly extraordinary. The event not only celebrated the remarkable artistry of Wallace Chan but also reinforced Annabel’s position as a custodian of culture and a facilitator of memorable experiences.
In an age where digital interactions often dominate, events like this serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of physical presence and shared experiences in the appreciation of art. As Frieze Week 2024 unfolds, the gala dinner at Annabel’s will undoubtedly be remembered as one of its highlights, a perfect fusion of artistic innovation, social celebration, and cultural significance.
The success of this event sets a high bar for future collaborations between Annabel’s and the art world, leaving attendees and art enthusiasts alike eagerly anticipating what the next Frieze Week might bring to this storied London institution.
Images: Dave Bennett for Getty Images
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