Emmanuel Ray's Socialite Evening

Hot from an encounter with a bag thief and Sharon Osbourne at the Dorchester, "It-boy and socialite" Emmanuel Ray was a picture of fabulousness with cheeky cocked hat presiding over a packed but compact Avista Bar at the Millennium Mayfair hotel. We went with no expectations and surprisingly had a lovely time. The socialites were hugely diverse in age as well as personal and professional background. We met a personal stylist, actors, Margot Fonteyn's chauffeur, representatives from the Gay Business Association and the Eccentrics' Club, photographers, fashion, media and eventsy types. There were beautiful dresses, modish haircuts, bar peanuts, cravats, cameras flashing, a Tiger Lily singing and business cards changing hands at a rate of knots.

The one thing that everyone had in common was Emmanuel. They either knew him or knew of him and he's clearly building a unique network through sheer force of fabulousness and personal graft. The socialite evenings are shortly being turned into a private members' club as Emmanuel builds his personal empire. All we'd say is, don't let not knowing Emmanuel put you off trying a future event, even if clubs aren't your thing. If you feel like getting glammed up and meeting a whole bunch of interesting, unintimidating, fun people he might be your man. Check them out in more photos by Chris Osburn.