Snapped

TV presenter Sam Armytage has been tweeting about the dreaded paparazzi hounding her at Bondi Beach. To nip them in the bud she posted this snap on Instagram. And who is the chap Sam is getting up close and personal with on the far right ?. it's designer Jonathan Ward who has been responsible for the successful revival of the iconic Aussie brand R.M.Williams.

The annual Fag Hag 2018 bash went off with masses of wigs and hairspray at The Star Sydney as a lead-up to the Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras (pics by Belinda Rolland)

The Bay Soiree at the Watson's Bay Boutique Hotel raised funds for the Victor Chang Institute (launched in 1995 by the late Princess Diana as her last public charity event). Artistic duo Charles & Krista Billich (left) attended 
(pics by Belinda Rolland)

And last but not least: our snaps from the sensational Inaugural Grammy Awards party hosted by Steven Tyler in Los Angeles to raise funds (nearly $2M !) for Janie's Fund which assists young girls from across America who have suffered from trauma and abuse. Our own Ruby Rose was there along with..some Kardashians (it's not a party without a Kardashian) Alice Cooper with Sharon Stone while Tyler performed.

Hollywood : Where Dreams Come True

Pictured above at the Los Angeles premiere of Hercules is Bondi Battler James Packer, his film business partner Brett Ratner & star of Hercules Dwayne Johnson and his wife Simone Johnson.

Yesterday the movie premiered in New York with the same line-up. Our dear friends at the UK Daily Mail have indulged in the same fantasy that has gripped several local publications with this tale of Miranda Kerr & Packer supposedly meeting secretly in New York with Kerr going to great lengths to swap cars. Alas the tale is almost word for word for the April Fool's Joke we ran on April 1st this year. The fact the Mail excitedly contacted us for more details on the great non love affair of the year is entirely co-incidental. Below is a preview of the Packer Ratner flick.
                                                             

London Life

While our captains of industry were settling their differences in a street punch-up, HRH Prince Harry was putting his time to good use and attended his annual charity event the Sentebale Summer Party at the Dorchester Hotel  in London,as our exclusive snaps show. Above Harry is seen with Malineo Motsephe (left) and Joss Stone. Joss is a patron of the charity.
The evening was to mark 10 years since Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho made a commitment to helping the vulnerable children of that landlocked African nation.
In 2004, Prince Harry visited the country on his gap year and was shown around the country by Prince Seeiso. Overwhelmed by the poverty and hardship faced by many children together they decided to set up Sentebale, which means ‘forget me not’ in Sesotho, with the aim of giving some of the most vulnerable children the chance of a happy, hopeful future.
## During the 1980s the Shuttle lived next door to the Lesotho Embassy in Kensington. So impoverished is the country that our apartment was far grander than the Embassy.
 ### James Packer and David Gyngell might like to make a donation to Sentebale here.
Packer is worth around $7Billion and Gyngell is on a salary of about $10Million a year.

 

Fight Club Minefield

Finally the seriousness of the Bondi Bender is sinking in as it dawns upon the mainstream media just how serious the street brawl between two Australian corporate giants  is and why it's a little more than a disagreement between pals.
Malcolm Farr in the Telegraph was the first to point out the obvious : James Packer has just been awarded the opportunity to make a fortune with his proposed casino complex at Barangaroo with relaxed licensing laws. This opportunity was given him by former NSW premier Barry O'Farrell who dramatically resigned a few weeks ago after mis-leading the ICAC. O'Farrell had also just legislated tough new laws with stiff penalties for street brawling after several deaths and restricted alcohol sales in Kings Cross while also announcing that Packer's Barangaroo casino would be able to operate 24 hours 7 days a week.
Yesterday the police have gone from "not investigating" to now calling for witnesses to the dust-up. Trials are under way in the UK with numerous News Ltd employees accused of hacking mobile phones with serious questions about 'fitness' to run broadcasting networks. David Gyngell heads the Nine Network that ironically, was once owned by James Packer.
How could it have come to this : 2 men who have been life long friends- as were their fathers Kerry Packer and Bruce Gyngell- now find themselves on the front pages for all the wrong reasons?
Waverley Police are now calling for witnesses to come forward, If the 2 fighters were to be charged - as law experts now say could happen-that also brings into question the payment for photos of the affair. 

One Punch Laws, a Billionaire and the Media Mogul

Lost in the media's salivating over the street punch up between friends James Packer and his former Nine Network pal David Gyngell is the fact that both could be charged under NSW's heavy new "one punch" legislation introduced by the recently retired NSW premier Barry O'Farrell who was also instrumental in paving the way for Packer to build a multi-million dollar hotel and casino complex at Barangaroo.

Instead Australia's media have overlooked this important factor and despite the fact neither were apparently intoxicated, the legislation is squareky aimed at those who brawl in the streets. Both Gyngell and Packer have been life long friends- Packer was best man at Gyngell's wedding and visa versa. Meanwhile pundits have been excitedly fronting cameras in a reporting frenzy over the sale of a by-stander's snaps of the bust up and the fact they were purchased by News Ltd for a reputed $200,000 even while Packer pal Lachlan Murdoch visited James at his Bondi residence today. Not one has mentioned the new laws on street fights and the fact both could be charged with affray. This is a serious matter. According to witnesses both were throwing heavy punches : Packer is around 6'4" and a slip or fall during a fight could easily do him serious damage. Nor does the fact they are friends exempt them form the law particularly as the fight was witnessed by numerous by-standers and security men had to pull them apart.
What message will be sent to the public if two of Australia's senior businessmen can freely battle in the street ?
How on earth can the NSW government justify it's oppressive 'one punch' legislation and the fact James Packer has almost carte blanche with lax licensing hours with his proposed new casino when Kings Cross club & pub owners have been hit by laws restricting their hours?
The history of street punch ups has been tragic in Sydney with a number of distressing deaths in recent years and they weren't all strangers  as this recent example shows.
Being Sydney & NSW- once described as "the Chicago of the Southern hemisphere" with it's woeful history of official corruption since inception of the colony, the 'sweeping under the carpet' mode was immediately in full flight with both protagonists issuing gushing press releases and declaring undying support for each other.
It remains to be seen if the law is impartial in this case.
# James Packer's grandfather Sir Frank Packer was known for his fisticuffs and street fights with rival publishers and was once NSW Heavyweight boxing champ.
## The battling duo were mismatched : Packer is a billionaire, Gyngell a mere multi-millionaire.
### View the "$200K" fight snaps here.

New Found Fame

Bondi resident, popular swim wear designer and TV fashion commentator Tali Jatali ( pictured right) is enjoying her new found fame as a "London socialite" as reported in a Saturday newspaper last week.

Although Tali has visited the UK a number of times she tells the Shuttle she hasn't really had time to crack the social scene in Old Blighty but perhaps her fame precedes her. Tali was attending the New Years Day party at Catalina Restaurant on the first day of the New Year at a bash organised by Damien Downey of former Sneaky Sound System fame. Although billionaire James Packer- a friend of Downey's - was meant to attend he failed to appear.
Meanwhile on Tali's Facebook page friends have been having fun with her new status. What a hoot !

Grin And Bear It at Tiffany

All roads lead to Westfield, literally. As the uber shopping strip of Paddington loses boutiques by the day (30 empty shops between Whitlam Square and Bondi Junction at last count) the giant Bondi Westfield booms.

Lisa Cooper

 It was inevitable that Tiffany would end up there along with all those other luxury brands that the masses now embrace. And they threw a cocktail party to celebrate. Artist Lisa Cooper collaborated with the jeweler to produce a range of custom sculptures which are on display there and best of all, Tiffany's has heaps of beautiful silver jewelry by the great Elsa Peretti. Above : Romance Was Born designer Luke Sales shows the latest in Bear Wear.                             

Guess Who? #1

An occasional quiz where we bring celebs as they were...(and tomorrow as they are today)

Who is this cool looking dude  channeling David Sylvian (Japan) from a  1981 snap at Warwick University in the UK?.
These days he runs a critical eye over the decor down Bondi way.

Party Rivals see in the New Year

Catalina in Rose Bay                                                                Bondi Icebergs

Paris Hilton at Icebergs in 2007

Ever since Paris Hilton and then boyfriend Stavros Niarchos III attended the first New Year's Day charity bash at Bondi  Icebergs in 2007 it's been the recovery party for January 1st but a new competitor looks like stealing Iceberg's thunder. 

Damion Downey

Catalina in Rose Bay threw an almost identical party hosted by musician Damion Downey formerly of Sneaky Sound System . With his party partner Tim Holmes a'Court they pulled in around 300 guests, about the same number that attended the Bondi Bash.

Catalina's was slightly marred by the discovery of a body floating beneath the pier the previous day, the result of  tragic boating accident but with it's expansive view and large dining room it's certainly a comfortable venue.

Chris Brown

Chris Joannou * Laura Csortan

At the Icebergs and sipping on Veuve Clicquot: Dan Single and girlfriend Bambi Northwood-Blyth, Kings Cross nightclub mogul John Ibrahim, Charlotte Dawson and Brian McFadden with Vogue Williams.
At Catalina swilling Pommery and lunching on pancakes and duck sauce-the newly trimmed billionaire James Packer taking a series of intense looking phone calls and wife Erica, Laura Csortan and boyfriend Chris Joannou from Silverchair and Southeby's Justin Miller with designer Danielle Wallace-she flew in from Lake Como.
Missing in action : Kylie Minogue and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Sydney Mardi Gras Line-Up

Jake Shears,Heather Small,Wayne G,Delta Goodrem

February 10^th signals the beginning of the Sydney Mardi Gras season (they dropped the moniker 'Gay & Lesbian' last year after 2 decades of scolding the media if they got the name wrong) with Fair Day.

 Fair Day really shouldn’t be missed. It’s a chance to run into your favourite 6' Sydney drag queen in the daylight. You might even see your accountant or as the Shuttle did one year, our normally conservative solicitor in a fetching sun yellow frock and Christian Louboutin pumps.

drag races at Bondi Beach

Queer Thinking is on Saturday 16 Feb and Harbour 13 ( a huuge party by the harbour) on the 13^th & 23^rd Feb and our very favourite event, the Drag Races at Bondi Beach on March 1st.

There are films , plays , art shows and so on culminating in the parade and after party on Saturday 3^rd Match. 

A few slebs will be in town to entertain at  the party including Heather Small from M People and Scissor Sisters' Jake Shears , DJ Wayne G who will be joining local entertainers like Garcon Garcon and Delta Goodrem. And Mitzi McIntosh returns from London where she has wowed audiences.

As always the Social Shuttle is spot on in predicting special guests who will be in town to party which will include George Michael ( as if he’d miss it !) and this year- Ricky Martin who will also be here as a a judge on the 2013 The Voice.

Re-live Your Puberty

Your Puberty Blues that is.
 The 1981 film that centered around teenage angst on Sydney's Southern beaches has had a new lease of life with the success of the Network Ten TV series of the same name.

Beyond Puberty Blues will be held this Saturday evening at the Bondi Pavilion from 6pm with a special screening of the movie and some of the stars in attendance including Nell Schofield. The night will be a tribute to a co-star Jad Capelja to aid Beyond Blue, the very worthy organisation that provides aid and help to depression sufferers. Tickets are only $28 for what promises to be a great night.
 
 But hurry, tickets are going fast.
October 13th 2012. The Bondi Pavilion Theatre, 6pm – 11pm  Click HERE to buy tickets.
                     ***************
 



Meanwhile one of the writers of Puberty Blues Kathy Lette has been out and about in London and attended the launch of Salman Rushdie's new book Joseph Anton which recounts the years he spent under the threat of death.

Rushdie who lived for ten years in a series of 'safe houses' spent time living in the attic of Kathy and her husband barrister Geoffrey Robertson's North London home.

right : author Salman Rushdie at his book launch with Stephen Fry and Kathy Lette

Camilla : Ajay Rochestor wants An Apology

Ajay Rochestor wears Camilla with Derek Warburton (inset).

She really does deserve one.
 Ajay is living in the USA forging a new career but has been the target of reverse Tall Poppy Syndrome attacks from her home country.

a real woman !

As the Shuttle reported last week. Camilla Franks has been cleaned out of her new Gypsy range after a break-in at her Bondi store but now her stylist has reportedly made a mean statement in Ros Reines' Sunday Telegraph column about Ajay's appearance on the catwalk wearing a Camilla caftan- and looking sensational- in the finale of New York Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, the Real Fashion. Real Women-Bottomless Closet parade organised and hosted by top New York stylist Derek Warburton.
Camilla's rep is reported as saying : "I'm sure that she (Camilla) felt much happier about the gorgeous Jennifer Lopez wearing one of her kaftans". Oh really ?. Earth to stylist : apart from being a bit ill-mannered, the very nice Camilla ain't going to survive on lending kaftans to the likes of Jennifer Lopez.  
The Real Women Real Fashion parade was an industry supported event to try and prove that the fashion industry cares about its real consumer, the women who wear the clothes. A worthy ambition one would think but brought undone by the words of a representative of one of the designers on show. Ajay (and her co-models) demonstrated far more grace and style on the night.
Is it any wonder that old Shuttle pal (Dame) Vivienne Westwood, one of Europe's most influential designers of the last 50 years and someone who abhors much of the pomposity that surrounds the business turned up at her show in London last week wearing this outfit (right).

Below is a video of the parade from Fashion News Live:

Marriages

 Danni Minogue's ex Kris Smith has linked up with glamorous model Maddy King and the pair were spotted over dinner last week in Kings Cross and partying afterwards at the Bondi beachside bar The Bucket List.










                                           ****************************************
 It was probably the worst kept secret. The Shuttle got wind of it at the David Jones' Spring/Summer fashion show a fortnight ago when we spotted Qantas CEO Allan Joyce sitting quietly amongst the guests.

Orlando & Miranda at the Qantas party last night

                                            Today Qantas announced a new partnership with Emirates Airlines and on Thursday evening at a party at the Park Hyatt to celebrate the marriage Miranda Kerr was named as the new Ambassador for Qantas.  Miranda checked into the Park Hyatt on Tuesday with baby Flynn and hubby Orlando Bloom with the couple attending the bash together.
Kerr now has three major sponsorships: Victoria's Secret, David Jones and Qantas where she joins John Travolta (who pilots his own Qantas jet) Cathy Freeman and Greg Norman.

Move Over Hugh Jackman-Thor Is In Town

He's could easily take the mantle of Mr Nice Guy of
the movies- Chris Hemsworth who flew into town for the opening night of Snow White & The Huntsman and wowed hundreds of waiting fans at Westfield in Bondi Junction.

Some had camped out for 8 hours to catch a glimpse of the 6' something,blue eyed, blond star and co-star Kristen Stewart and despite a publicist warning fans that Chris wouldn't be signing autographs, he spent 30 minutes doing just that.

Lincoln Younes

Michelle Bridges spots Thor

Veronicas : Jessica & Lisa

leggy Laura Csorton

Celeb Sightings in Sydney

Olivia, hubby John Esterling, Delta Goodren at the Downs Syndrome fundraiser

An unusually busy Sydney wet weekend with a charity ball, the finale of the Sydney Film Festival at the State Theatre and new superstar Chris Hemsworth taking a day off to surf at Maroubra Beach before the launch of his film Snow White and The Huntsman this Tuesday at Westfield in Bondi Junction.

Our favourite Academy Award types were at the State Theatre including Oscar winner Emile Sherman (producer of The King's Speech), nominee Jackie Weaver and Hugo Weaving. 

Emile Sherman

Hugo Weaving

Still celebrating his 25 years on TV, celeb interviewer Richard Wilkins hosted the 25 Year Anniversary Fundraiser for Downs Syndrome at Fox Studios and that brought out Hollywood types like Nicole Kidman and Olivia Newton John plus the judges from The Voice-Seal, Delta Goodren, Keith Urban and Joel Madden (they sang for their supper). 
Meanwhile Lady GaGa jetted in from Melbourne and did a walk about outside the Park Hyatt Hotel greeting a few hundred excited Little Monsters and posed for snaps with them.

major Hollywood eye candy at Maroubra Beach yesterday

And that's just the weekend!