LEGENDARY CREAM

       Celebrities and dignitaries alike celebrate the 10th anniversary of Le Mer products, arriving at
       the gala dinner all primmed, primed and flaunting
       their flawless skin By Usnisa Sukhsvasti
       The gala dinner to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Creme de la Mer was more like a Swiss finishing school reunion than anything ever before seen in Bangkok's social scene of late.The A-list of beautiful people were all there looking their most glamourous as befitting the exclusive cream that most of them swear by to keep their skin in its most flawless condition. In fact, if anyone dropped a bomb on Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok's Royal Ballroom that evening the entire core of Bangkok's haute societe would have been wiped out.
       Five long tables stretched from the stage to the other end of the ballroom, but despite the formal seating arrangements, not many people remained in the seats for long.
       iPhones and BBs were de rigueur as practically everyone was taking pictures of themselves and of each other to upload onto their Facebook site as quickly as their BBs would allow them to; such is the demand for instant gratification in these digital times.
       Emcee Saraichatt Jirapaet introduced the video presentation featuring some of the La Mer ambassadors talking about their experiences with the product,and reflecting on some of the events that La Mer has organised, including the diving trip to release cartoon fish into their natural habitat in Thailand's southern coastal seas, as well as to install pontoons for boats to berth instead of having to drop anchor and destroy the coral beneath.
       Formalities began with Ampornpim Vajrabhaya,managing director of Elca (Thailand), taking to the stage to welcome guests and thanking them profusely for their support, which brought the success of the product.
       Then La Mer brand manager Yaova-anong Chanawongse reminded the guests - as if they needed reminding - of how scientist Max Huber created this legendary cream from marine ingredients, especially seaweed from the depths of the ocean, turning it into a must-have product on any self-respecting vanity table.
       Then all the La Mer brand ambassadors were invited onto the stage in a show of force, both men and women with their impressive La Mer-fortified porcelain skin.
       Then it was time to get down to the serious business of dining and table hopping, which was done with such gusto that waiters were practically crying in frustration, not knowing which seat was taken or empty, or who to serve. Meanwhile, Thai diva Nantida Asavahame thrilled guests with some of her wellknown numbers, backed by the Hot Chilli band.
       A dance routine aptly called "Aphrodite" also served to define the image of beauty and the sea.
       It was quite late by the time the last guest left the ballroom, no doubt to head home and slather on some of that precious Creme de la Mer before hitting the pillow for a much needed beauty sleep.
       Nophasit Thiengtham.
       Nusba Punnakanta.
       Pensupa Gajaseni and Onthira Bharksuwana.
       Creme de la creme, seated from left: Gunnigar Virojanavat, MR Sorut Visuddhi and Buppha Kingchatchaval; standing from left: Gloria Mahadumrongkul, ML Piyapas Bhirombhakdi, Jantana Pangputhipong Selby, Daranee Yoovidhaya and Vorakorn Chatikavanij.
       Sirinya and Byron Bishop.
       Varalak Vanichkul and Eric Levine.
       Tirawan Pangsivongse and Nagara Sambandaraksa.
       Ampornpim Vajrabhaya pours the bubbly with Yaova-anong Chanawongse.
       Yupapak Vajrabhaya, Pitchana Sa-Nguansat, Korn Narongdej, Apinara and Pimpayap Srikarnchana and Pimpisa Chirathivat.
       Thawin and Tipanan Srifuengfung.
       Sirikarn Saktidej Bhanubhand, right,and her daughter Sikanya.
       Poruethai, Nadoln and Nop Narongdej.