Sultan of Selangor graces opening at Suria KLCC’s new luxury annexe

ERMENEGILDO Zegna has been a longtime tenant at Suria KLCC since Petronas Twin Towers opened in 1997. Recently, the time arrived for the boutique to move — a few steps away to the next corner.

“Suria KLCC has opened its new luxury annexe and our immediate neighbours are Chanel, Cartier and Giorgio Armani, so we are pleased to be located in a prime position in this exclusive enclave,” said Melium president Datuk Farah Khan, who holds the coveted franchise.

True to Ermenegildo Zegna’s style, the new boutique, slightly bigger than the previous one, is an exercise in understated elegance and style.

Like Zegna’s garments, the opening was done in good taste, with pricey canapes and finger food from Mandarin Oriental’s Grill proffered to distinguished guests while Moet & Chandon flowed from a bottomless source. Zegna dresses most of Malaysia’s business elite and royalty, and many turned up to show their support.

The guest of honour was the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, a known Zegna wearer.

True to form, the Sultan arrived with minimal protocol and proceeded to cut the ribbon with Farah and Ermenegildo Zegna managing director Alessandro Raniolo.

The other guest of honour was the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah Sultan Azlan Shah.

As I was standing akimbo by the entrance, Raja Nazrin grinned: “The way you stand you look like the proprietor of this shop,” and added “I am here alone” when I asked the whereabouts of his entourage.

He strode off and even looked back to nod at me 10 metres away to prove he was indeed a people’s prince without any pretensions.

Songbird of the operatic species Shafinaz Selamat sang several Italian opera numbers including Nessun Dorma which was rapturously received.

Emcee Henry Golding and 10 handsome hunks in Ermenegildo Zegna Sartorial, Upper Casual Collection and Zegna Sport mingled with the crowd, allowing guests to see the impeccably cut apparel up close on a breathing torso.

The Sultan of Selangor stayed on for a private dinner at The Grill at Mandarin Oriental hosted by Farah.