Behind the elegant, glass doors of The St. Regis Jakarta, a spectacular fashion show by Indonesian fashion designer Monica Ivena is about to take place. Jakarta’s well-heeled crowd is preened to the nines and are gliding into the stately lobby—replete with Art Deco-style chandeliers of crystal glass and marbled floors—in stunning gowns, paired with bold jewels and beautifully coiffed hair. Champagnes are handed out in abundance, as guests flocked to their own posse and lively chatter ensued. This is no ordinary night in the city.
Perhaps this was the norm for the Astors, The St. Regis’ founding family, well-known for their extraordinarily lavish gatherings. Caroline Astor, the ultimate New York socialite, was lauded for her exquisite taste in throwing private teas, midnight suppers and the city’s most extravagant parties. ‘The House of Celebration’, which kicked off in South Jakarta with Ivena’s exquisite fashion show, beckoned the start of a year where St. Regis hotels would showcase exclusive cultural, fashion and dining experiences across the Asia-Pacific region—offering a glimpse into the Astors’ enviable lifestyle.
Ivena’s capsule collection of glittering couture designs, titled ‘Kaleidoscopic Dreams’, featured a smorgasbord of dramatic capes, feathers, intricate beading, iridescent sequins, and metallic fringes in sculptural shapes. It was split into four segments—Gatsby, Disco, Under the Sea and Birds of Paradise—and was befitting of spring’s theme, ‘A Celebration of People’. The St. Regis Jakarta also launched Bright Encounters, a thought-provoking salon experience which brings together changemakers and leaders to partake in meaningful conversations on fashion, lifestyle, culture, art, sustainability and travel.
In the summer months, the hotel took guests on expeditions of culinary tastes and traditions in ‘A Celebration of Place’. They indulged in journey menus which infuses locally-sourced ingredients in its thoughtful repertoire, and special cocktails that whisked you away to another St. Regis destination in the world. The St. Regis Jakarta’s Violet Hour ritual, which marks the transition from day to evening, offered a glimpse into this unique celebration, alongside the city’s take on the Bloody Mary—a vital part of St. Regis’ legacy. The Batavia Mary is crafted from 20 ingredients, including sambal oelek, a spicy Indonesian chilli paste made with hot red peppers.
After summer comes autumn’s ‘A Celebration of Culture’, which runs from now till the end of November. Bright Encounters continues to lead the charge here, as well as masterclasses with St. Regis Butlers and brilliant fashion tastemakers who come armed with tips for packing couture garments and other luxury items. The hotel will also put on fashion trunk shows, allowing its guests to interact with various fashion designers and purchase bespoke couture pieces.
Finally, from 6 December to 29 February 2024, is winter’s ‘A Celebration of Time’, which rounds out the fanfare with a host of heartwarming activities. Holiday rituals are heightened here, whether it be The Art of Gifting, which will see St. Regis Butlers put to test their gift-wrapping services, or Family Traditions, where children can grasp the art of gift-wrapping. Hotels will also roll out The Art of Sabrage—private champagne sabering masterclasses—and learn about the history and techniques of sabrage, one of the most iconic evening rituals in St. Regis traditions.
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