Roaring start with touch of glamour

GUESTS lived it up in glitzy 1920s style as Gurney Paragon Mall celebrated its grand official opening with a Great Gatsby-themed bash and fashion show.

Shades of gold and black were in vogue among the 600 over guests who crowded the mall’s atrium yesterday to witness models sashaying around in apparels and accessories from internationally-renowned brands.

These included luxurious, sporty and casual apparels from Canali, TUMI, La Martina, Pedro, Debenhams, Adidas Originals, Brands Outlet, Cotton On, Dressing Paula, Padini, and Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club.

Bebe Butterfly and My Dream Wedding unveiled gorgeous gowns, while Charles and Keith, Naraya and Rabeanco were a hit with the ladies with their selection of handbags.

Footwear by Aldo, accessories from Red’s Revenge, glittering jewellery from Vanessa Diamonds, and a special Feather Dress by renowned local designer Richard Rivalee completed the lineup.

In his speech, Hunza Properties Bhd group executive chairman Datuk Khor Teng Tong said the event marked the culmination of their integrated RM500mil shopping, dining, entertainment, office and residential project.

“We are extremely proud of this milestone, which also fulfils Hunza’s dream of having a home in the number one address on Penang island.

“We have restored St. Jo’s to its former glory and also brought in many established international brands here for the first time,” he said of the 700,000sq ft mall with around 200 outlets currently open, and more to follow.

Khor earlier joined Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and state excos in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, with hundreds of balloons released into the sky to mark the opening.

Lim commended Hunza, a locally born and bred company, on their momentous occasion, saying the success was conceived and achieved in Penang.

“Tourists who come to Penang do not just look for our heritage, beaches, food or nature. They also come here for shopping,” he pointed out.

In conjunction with the opening, the mall is also giving away free goodie bags worth RM50 each to the first 150 shoppers who download their newly launched mobile app, daily until Sunday.

Over 40 tenants are also offering 10%+10% discounts on selected products until Sunday, while shoppers can also participate in the ‘Guess The Feather’ contest running until Oct 31.

Another fashion show featuring sports, travel, kids and maternity apparels will be held tomorrow at 2pm and 7pm.