Sydney’s social elite turned out in force on Tuesday night, gathering at the Opera House for an extravagant 40th birthday celebration featuring fireworks and an estimated price tag of more than $200,000.
The lavish event was held for luxury jewellery designer Zena K’dor, who marked the milestone surrounded by leading figures from Australian entertainment, fashion, business and high society.
Few guest lists could better demonstrate the reach of the House of K’DOR creative director’s social network.
Among the 250 attendees were luxury property mogul Monika Tu, philanthropist Sharon Maroun, former NRL star Beau Ryan and his wife Kara, model Simone Holtznagel and her designer partner Joshua Clapp, singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte and television presenter Kylie Gillies.
Fashion entrepreneurs Bianca and Bridgett Roccisano, the sisters behind Booby Tape, were also among the exclusive guests.
They were joined by Laser Clinics Australia co-founder Babak Moini, ballet dancer Brooke Cassen, philanthropist Luke Hepworth and Frances Ingham of Ingham’s chicken fame.
Sydney’s social elite turned out in force on Tuesday night, gathering at the Opera House for an extravagant birthday celebration featuring fireworks and an estimated price tag of more than $200,000
The glittering event was held for jewellery designer Zena, pictured with her husband Tarick, who celebrated her 40th birthday among leading figures from Australian entertainment, business and high society
Model Madeline Holtznagel and her partner Justin Hemmes were notably absent, despite having appeared in several shoots for the brand. They are pictured in Coogee in September
The guest list also included designers Joe and Katy Farage, marketing director Candice Fernandez, racehorse owner Karen Shadbolt, industrial business leader Tony Stephens and his stylist wife Alicia, prominent defamation lawyer Rebekah Giles and Sydney society couple Rhonda and George Ishac.
Model Madeline Holtznagel and her partner Justin Hemmes, who have featured in numerous campaigns for the brand, were among the notable absentees.
Yet the star-studded guest list was only part of the evening’s appeal. Much of the conversation centred on the extraordinary lengths Zena had taken to celebrate her milestone birthday.
The Mail understands the event cost well over $200,000. Lavish catering, flowing champagne, elaborate flowers, live performances and the prestigious venue all contributed to the eye-watering bill.
In the most spectacular flourish of the evening, Zena arranged a private fireworks display above Sydney Harbour.
The scale of the production was more reminiscent of a multimillion-dollar wedding than a 40th birthday party.
The celebrations were held at Bennelong, the exclusive fine-dining restaurant beneath the sails of the Sydney Opera House.
Guests were asked to arrive dressed in their finest black-tie looks.
Luxury property mogul Monika Tu, former NRL star and television personality Beau Ryan and his wife Kara, pictured, were among the arrivals
Simone Holtznagel made an entrance in a daring black mini dress, sheer tights and oversized blazer, arriving hand-in-hand with designer partner Joshua Clapp
Natalie Bassingthwaighte stepped out in a strapless, black leather-look gown that highlighted her figure
Booby Tape founders Bridgett, left, and Bianca Roccisano, right, made a dramatic entrance
Birthday girl Zena stunned in a figure-hugging ruby-red sequinned gown as she made her entrance
She accessorised with a sparkling necklace, earrings and bracelet, wearing her brunette hair in voluminous waves and finishing the look with a bold red lip
She was accompanied throughout the evening by her husband Tarick
Zena made a show-stopping entrance in a figure-hugging ruby-red sequinned gown that caught the light as she stepped into the venue.
The floor-length dress featured delicate straps, a plunging neckline and a thigh-high split, revealing a matching pair of red heels.
She completed the look with a glittering necklace, earrings and bracelet. Her brunette hair was styled in voluminous waves, while a bold red lip added to the dramatic effect.
Her arrival became even more theatrical when white smoke billowed across the Opera House staircase as she descended to join the celebrations.
The striking red gown, however, was only the first outfit of the night.
Later, Zena discreetly changed into an elegant champagne-gold halter-neck dress.
The shimmering floor-length gown featured a softly draped neckline and sleek silhouette, creating a more relaxed yet equally glamorous look for the speeches and dancing.
The elaborate decorations provided another major talking point.
Marketing director Candice Fernandez was among the glamorous arrivals in a striking black one-shoulder dress
Racehorse owner Karen Shadbolt was another high-profile guest, arriving in an effortlessly elegant ensemble
Industrial businessman Tony Stephens and his stylist wife Alicia were among the prominent couples attending the celebrations
Kylie Gillies and her husband Tony were also photographed arriving at the event
Another guest was seen recording content as she arrived for the birthday celebrations
Tarick was photographed arriving with the couple’s son, Jacob
Luxury property mogul Monika Tu, right, embraced a shimmering look
Tall arrangements of deep-red roses, crimson flowers and burgundy foliage transformed the restaurant into a dramatic floral setting, contrasting vividly with the harbour views beyond.
At the centre of the room stood an elaborate multi-tiered birthday cake in the same rich deep-red shade.
The towering creation was far removed from a traditional birthday cake, with sculptural ruffles cascading down each tier and fresh red roses arranged around burgundy velvet draping.
Even the drinks matched the occasion. Guests were served colourful cocktails in elegant coupe glasses, each finished with delicate red rose petals.
Renowned drummer and entertainer David K brought the room to life with an energetic performance, combining rhythm and theatre as guests raised a toast to Zena’s milestone.
A team of waitstaff remained on hand throughout the evening to attend to the guests.
As the night unfolded, the restaurant shifted from a refined cocktail and dining venue into a bustling private party.
A group of dancers in black took over the floor with a choreographed performance while guests gathered around to watch.
White smoke rolled across the Opera House staircase, adding theatrical impact to Zena’s grand entrance
The Mail understands the lavish celebration cost well over $200,000, with catering, champagne, floral arrangements, entertainment and the prestigious venue all adding to the bill
Zena’s long-time best friend and prominent philanthropist Sharon Maroun led the tributes to the birthday girl
Zena’s three children, Noah, Sienna and Jacob, each delivered a speech honouring their mother and adding a touching family moment to the evening
The emotional tributes offered a reflective pause during an evening otherwise filled with champagne, dancing and celebration
Colourful cocktails were served in elegant coupe glasses, each decorated with delicate red rose petals
“When I think legacy, I don’t think houses, cars or jewellery. My legacy are my children. My entire universe. My purpose. My greatest achievement,” she said during the celebrations
Despite the celebrity arrivals, spectacular setting and lavish spending, the evening’s most memorable moments came from the heartfelt speeches.
Zena’s long-time best friend, prominent philanthropist Sharon Maroun, led the tributes, taking to the floor to honour the birthday girl.
Their close friendship was central to the speeches, with Sharon bringing a deeply personal note to an otherwise glittering celebration.
Zena’s three children, Noah, Sienna and Jacob, also spoke in honour of their mother, adding a warm family element to the festivities.
“When I think legacy, I don’t think houses, cars or jewellery. My legacy are my children. My entire universe. My purpose. My greatest achievement,” she said during the evening.
The emotional tributes created a reflective moment amid the champagne, dancing and spectacle.
Before long, however, Zena was back on the dance floor, joining the performers as her guests looked on.
Still wearing her gold gown, she danced alongside the black-clad entertainers, throwing her arms into the air as the party gathered momentum.
Guests surrounded the dance floor while the Opera House provided a dramatic backdrop to the celebrations.
For Zena, who has spent years cultivating an impressive network of celebrity clients, business leaders and society figures, the party was a fitting reflection of her position in Sydney’s social world.
“If the past 40 years have taught me anything, it’s that the best things in life are never things. They’re people. They’re love. They’re connection. They’re family,” she said.
As creative director of House of K’DOR, Zena has helped develop the luxury jewellery label into a favourite among Australia’s wealthy and influential clientele.
The brand’s Double Bay boutique is known for bespoke diamonds, elaborate designs and the exclusive shopping experience associated with some of the country’s most affluent customers.
Beyond the diamonds and designer fashion, Zena has become a familiar presence on Sydney’s elite social circuit, regularly mixing with entertainers, philanthropists, entrepreneurs and prominent families.
On Tuesday night, many of those connections were on display, alongside the affection shared by Zena and her closest friends and family.
The celebration brought together figures from very different corners of Sydney and Melbourne society, including television personalities, fashion models, nightlife figures, property moguls and multimillion-dollar business founders.
It also proved that Sydney’s well-heeled social set remains willing to spend lavishly for a memorable occasion.
With harbour fireworks, intricate floral displays, an extravagant cake, fine dining and multiple outfit changes, Zena’s birthday had all the hallmarks of a society wedding.
Sydney’s social calendar is filled with glamorous events, but few private birthday parties can match such a diverse celebrity turnout, let alone fireworks over one of the world’s most recognisable harbours.
Judging by the spectacle at Bennelong, it was a milestone celebration Zena and her guests are unlikely to forget.