The stars aligned in the City of Angels on November 12, 2023, as Designer Sue Wong hosted an unforgettable, exclusive Red-Carpet celebration at her prestigious historical Golden Hollywood palazzo, The Cedars. #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos has the recap.
This iconic estate, one of the most famous in Los Angeles, played host to a night of opulence and spirituality in honor of His Holiness, the Venerable Grand Abbot, Shi Yongxin of the Central Shaolin Temple in North Central China.
The evening began with an awe-inspiring meeting between the Venerable Grand Abbot and the renowned fashion designer, Sue Wong. The Venerable Grand Abbot was accompanied by the Master’s disciple, the Venerable Abbot Shi Yanfan. During his visit, the Venerable Grand Abbot bestowed a blessing upon her exquisite home and the party, setting the tone for an evening of unparalleled grandeur. With grace and wisdom, the Venerable Grand Abbot briefly joined the festivities before departing for another crucial engagement later that evening. His time was limited, as he was scheduled to return to China the following morning.
The illustrious event brought together a constellation of luminaries, industry professionals, designers, entrepreneurs, and musicians. A dazzling array of special guests graced the Red-Carpet, including acclaim(Founders Sofia Milos (known for her role in “The Sopranos”), the ever-charming Actress Lydia Cornell (“Too Close for Comfort”), the talented Actress Renée Lawless (“The Haves and the Have Nots”), the dynamic TV Personality and Realtor Kendra Wilkinson, the distinguished Designer Donald Pliner and his wife Artist Lisa Pliner, Nigel Daly (Chairman of Brit week, President of Screeners International), Sacha Stone ( Founder of Humanitad), Larry Namer (Founder of E! Entertainment TV Networks), among many other notable figures. The stunning Fox News 11 News Anchor Christine Devine, winner of 16 Emmy awards, graced the evening in a splendid Sue Wong gown.
Adding to the glamour of the night, eight models showcased the sheer brilliance of Sue Wong couture, captivating the audience with their impeccable style and grace.
Sue Wong Models (Credit: Jaime Lim)
The fashion on display was nothing short of phenomenal, and the sophistication of the evening complemented by live music and sparkling conversation, masterfully orchestrated by the incomparable hostess, Sue Wong herself. As the creator of this memorable evening, Sue Wong once again demonstrated her exceptional ability to blend the worlds of fashion, art, and spirituality into an unforgettable tapestry of elegance and enlightenment.
But the night was not just about fashion and spirituality; it was also a stellar musical extravaganza. The evening’s entertainment started with remarkable sets from a lineup of all-star musicians masterfully produced and directed in its entirety by famed Musical Director Robin DiMaggio who set the tone for the entire evening. His exceptional talent also shone through as he captivated the room with his rhythmic artistry on the drums during one of the sets.
The evening began with an elegant, 1930s jazz trio, inspired by the legendary Django Reinhard. The Gypsy Jazz Trio featured master impresario, Djordje Stijepovic on vocals and bass phenomenon, Maestro Fabrice Martinez on violin, Dusty Brough, guitar extraordinaire, and guest singer Terra Jackson. Their performance transported the audience to a bygone era of musical sophistication.
Lua De Morais graced the stage with her breathtaking renditions of “La Vie en Rose” and “Over the Rainbow” in Portuguese, taking everyone’s breath away.
The great Bex Marshall, who flew all the way from her native London, delivered a powerhouse performance of Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll on guitar and vocals, channeling the spirit of the legendary Janis Joplin.
Vince Fazzari followed with an electrifying set, performing Beatles and Stones covers with his guitar, adding his own unique twist to classic tunes.
Veronica Vitale mesmerized the audience with her beautiful and elegant opera performance, highlighting her remarkable vocal talents.
Session and touring great Jay Gore was stellar on guitar accompanying different artists through the night.
The night culminated with two extraordinary performances. The Chambers Brothers and the Leon Hendrix Band as they delivered a soul-stirring show that had the crowd on its feet. Leon Hendrix, the brother of the legendary Jimi Hendrix (who once took up residence at the famed Cedars in the late 1960s), brought the house down with a tribute to rock and roll history. It was a fitting end to a night filled with unforgettable moments.
This exclusive Red-Carpet celebration will undoubtedly be remembered as a historic moment in the annals of Hollywood’s elite gatherings. It was a night when East met West, where spirituality mingled with style, and where the extraordinary collided with excellence, all set to the backdrop of phenomenal live music.
For more information about Sue Wong and her world of beauty magic transformation, and her iconic creations, please visit: www.suewong.com.
