The Power Of Flowers
Takashimaya x Harijanto Floral Extravagance Season 2
Takashimaya x Harijanto Floral Extravagance Season 2 was a weekend of fabulous floral masterpieces. In his second collaboration with the department store, Boenga Founder and Floral Designer Harijanto “Hari” Setiawan conceptualised a spectacular opening to make us literally stop and smell the flowers.
The 2013 President’s Design Award winner has earned accolades from flower shows across
the US, UK, and China. His awe-inspiring installations are also sought after for weddings
and parties.
Some of Hari’s a+ friends strutted out with his floral pieces, while others were ITE College Central floristry students. “It was a great opportunity to nurture these young talents… I focused on building their self-confidence,” says Hari.
Additionally, Takashimaya x Harijanto Floral Extravagance Season 2 allowed floral artisans to share their creations with peers. More than 20 participated in the event. As Hari enthused, “Young floral designs should be encouraged to keep learning.”
Keeping It Sweet
New Opera Singapore’s La Dolce Vita
Guests at New Opera Singapore’s La Dolce Vita soiree came in their “Dazzling, Elegant”
best on the evening of 3 November, ready to party and, more importantly, make a difference. Many of the organisation’s members and supporters attended the event at The Fullerton Hotel.
New Opera Singapore, founded in 2011 by soprano Jeong Ae-Ree, aims to increase local appreciation of opera and improve talent and experience. A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the Youth Opera Comique have been among its acclaimed productions.
As the evening began, Music InCommon opened with an excellent classical piece. Performances across the themes of passion, youth, and love, such as “Somewhere Over
The Rainbow” (Wizard of Oz) and “Se” (Cinema Paradiso), followed.
Festivities reached an emotional high during the charity auction as guests dug deep into their wallets. The money raised supports development programmes for young performers and quality productions.
More details here if you’d like to contribute.
Twinkle, Twinkle
UltraLuxe
In its highly anticipated return at Tent@Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza from 4 to 13 October, UltraLuxe reaffirmed its position as an icon of niche luxury.
With 120 global brands spanning jewellery, fashion, watches, and spirits, the programme’s line-up was thoughtfully curated into three categories: JeweLuxe, Homme, and Advocacy. Among the highlights were haute joaillerie showcases, an elegant UltraBar by Elliot James Interiors, and the ChronoSphere and StyleSphere lounges.
The advocacy panel discussions, supported by CIMB, focused on sustainable development, philanthropy, and purposeful luxury, bringing pioneering innovators and tastemakers together to share their inspiring experiences.
Let’s Drink To This
"Sip, Savor & Socialise" At Vivino
Singapore is now home to Vivino’s first-ever flagship store at Raffles City Singapore, which opened on 19 September. It’s a historic move for the global app and online marketplace with over 70 million users and 100 million reviews of 18 million wines.
Chuffed to bits, the a+ team gathered our thirsty chums to check out the 2,000 sq ft store. Guests clearly appreciated Vivino’s 150 wine labels, as evidenced by everyone’s smiles as they scanned the labels—each one had four or more stars!
The conversation and wine flowed freely as guests lived up to our invitation to Sip, Savour & Socialise. Here’s a throwback to the evening’s best moments.
Make Good Time
HCSA Community Services's Be Bold Fundraising Dinner
Since launching in 1996, HCSA Community Services has served distressed groups and helped them build resilience, with the goal of strengthening Singapore’s social compact.
It offers four different programmes that restores the home as a safe space to build and nurture family and community bonds, as well as equip lifelong learners with training and knowledge and enable them to achieve sustainable livelihoods.
Held on 30 October at Sospiri, its Be Bold Fundraising Dinner aimed to raise money to support programmes at HCSA Dayspring and HCSA Spin. The former works with abused teenage girls while the latter addresses struggles of single parents to provide their kids with equal opportunities.
Packed with fun and exciting activities—a lucky raffle draw, games, and live band performance among them—the evening also served as an opportunity for guests to not just make a positive impact but also connect with other like-minded folks.
Discover more ways you can contribute here.
All Jazzed Up
Jazz Association Singapore Benefit Gala 2024
With its theme “Love Is Here to Stay”, the Jazz Association Singapore (JASS) Benefit Gala 2024 presented a spectacular showcase of our flourishing jazz culture and managed to raise $1 million for its continued development.
The funds support initiatives such as youth scholarships, community outreach, and fostering new jazz audiences. Held at the Shangri-La Singapore, the event drew more than 600 distinguished guests, including Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat.
Leading the line-up was Grammy-winning artist Carmen Bradford, who performed alongside the Jazz Association Singapore Orchestra under its music director Jeremy Monteiro’s baton. Another highlight of the event was the debut of JASS Masters Circle, which recognises long term donors committed to cultivating Singapore’s jazz scene.
Offer your support here.
