We’re just days away from the highly anticipated 2018 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix weekend (Sep 14-16). And with it, comes the biggest ultra lounge revelry that has consistently proven to be the ultimate F1 after-party destination. Now in its 10th edition, The Podium Lounge, held at the swanky Grand Ballroom at Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, is set to be a super-sized soiree of glitz, glam and pizzazz; and here’s why you need to be there.
Boyzlife is making their Singapore debut
Vocalists from two of the biggest boy bands of the late ’90s to early noughties have come together to bring their “Boyzlife Tour” for the opening night (Sep 14) of The Podium Lounge. Lifelong friends Keith Duffy of Boyzone and Brian McFadden of Westlife will be performing some of the biggest hits from their respective bands’ discography, so expect karaoke favorites like Boyzone’s “No Matter What” and “Love Me For A Reason”, as well as Westlife’s “Flying Without Wings” and “Fool Again”. They’ll also be dishing out their highs and lows on their journey to stardom and life in the spotlight.
Also taking the stage this year are Good Charlotte’s Joel Madden, who’ll be putting up a DJ set on Sep 15, and Grammy Award winning urban group The Black Eyed Peas’ Taboo, who’ll be taking it home after the Race night on Sep 16.
International models and celebrities will be walking The Podium Lounge’s iconic catwalk
Adding on to the glamor of the Champagne-fuelled party is the nightly Fashion Circuit. Besides prancing about to some of the grooviest tunes on the airwaves, feast your eyes on some of the most on-trend garments of today. EGO by Strawn Teague Holmes, a brand that combines modern style with the design ethos of Italian Sportswear and the spirit of the hustlers of the ’80s, will be presenting a collection of hip-hop inspired track suits, denim pieces and other streetwear for both men and women on Sep 14 while legendary guitar photographer Lisa S. Johnson will be launching her Cosmic Rocker Lifestyle Wear line, Cosmic 108, on Sep 15. To end off the weekend on Sep 16, MTHEMOVEMENT, whose pieces have been worn by The Black Eyed Peas, Britney Spears and Andy Lau, will be showcasing a series of men and women’s luxury designer streetwear, which is inspired by the designer’s global jet set life.
Check out works by British contemporary artist Lincoln Townley, who’s known by many as “the next Andy Warhol”
To say that Townley is the current generation’s poster child of what it is to be a “tortured artist” would be a stretch, yet it’s not that far off. He does embody what The Telegraph describes as “the darker side of the male psyche”, having created art as a means to deal with his consuming addictions. His works—often dark and tormented—depicts the chaos that hides beneath the thin layer of one’s lust to succeed in life. Singapore’s leading fine art investment gallery Art Works will be presenting a couple of his figurative paintings that were commissioned by the likes of Al Pacino, Gary Oldman and other Hollywood A-listers.
You can also catch world-famous speed painter Armin Flossdorf, who’ll be performing live throughout the weekend to create “Formula 1 Art” through the combined use of acrylics and pencil on canvas, right before your eyes. Private diamond dealer Infiniti Jewels will also be celebrating The Podium Lounge’s 10th year with a sparkling showcase of diamonds with their centerpiece, a $3.34 million 40-carat Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond, which is one of the world’s finest and rarest pieces today.
Rub shoulders with A-list celebrities, F1 legends and drivers, supermodels and royalty
Will Lewis Hamilton, who will be entering the Singapore leg with a 40-point lead over Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, once again prevail, or will Vettel be a little luckier this time (and not to find himself in a collision on the first lap like last year)? It’s anyone’s guess, really. But one thing we do know, is that the stars of the racing scene have often been spotted at this glamorous affair. Hosted by former F1 driver and TV celeb Alex Yoong and E! News Asia’s Yvette King, the Podium Lounge has seen A-list guests like Gordon Ramsay, Princess Charlene of Monaco, Kim Kardashian and more rubbing shoulders with the guests. This could be the start of your very own Crazy Rich Asians narrative if you’re lucky enough, because you’ll never know who you could be cozying up next to while sipping on a Singapore Sling at the bar.
Get your hands on rare F1 memorabilia while doing your part for charity
Charity has always been a mainstay at this otherwise glittering event, and this year is no different. Take part in a series of live auctions where you could walk away with a Lewis Hamilton signed race glove, a Niki Lauda signed and framed 8 x 12-inch photo, a signed, full-sized replica of Michael Schumacher’s F1 helmet and a ridiculously huge checkered flag autographed by 20 F1 world champions the likes of Schumacher, Hamilton, Vettel and more. All proceeds will go to a local charity.
The Podium Lounge‘s special 10th anniversary celebration will take place on Sep 14-16 at Grand Ballroom at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore. Tickets are priced from $188, available here.
