The stars were out in force at the 30th edition
of the TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes, held from October 27-31 2014.
The legendary funk guitarist Nile Rodgers – famous for
producing/writing some of the world’s biggest hit records (think Daft Punk’s
Get Lucky and Chic’s Le Freak) – performed for a packed house at the event’s 30th
anniversary gala evening, where wines from Languedoc legend-in-the-making Gérard
Bertrand were enjoyed by the guests.
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| TFWA got lucky: Nile Rodgers performed at the 30th anniversary event |
On Tuesday, a select group of journalists – including MJ
Rabbit – met the equally legendary ex-footballer David Beckham, who was in town
to launch his Haig Club whisky partnership with Diageo. Ever the style icon, he
wore a sharp dark grey suit, teamed with a blue denim shirt and brown brogues, and toasted his Cannes appearance with a signature
ginger-flavoured cocktail. I asked him where his suit came from, and his eyes
lit up as he told me it was by Paris-based Maison Martin Margiela. Now there’s a
man in-the-know about fashion…
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| MJ Rabbit meets David Beckham at Cannes |
Davidoff’s award-winning Nicaragua cigar was the star of the
show at the Swiss brand’s brilliantly executed Master’s Evening, hosted by CEO Hans-Kristian
Hoejsgaard and his partners at Belgian chocolatier Neuhaus, Paris-based gourmet
brand Fauchon and Flor de Cana, which provided slow-aged rum. Neuhaus delighted
the crowd with a master chocolatier on hand, dipping delectable chocolates. I also
spotted travel retail’s number one gun, DFS chairman and CEO Philippe Schaus,
savouring a Davidoff No 2. Smokin’ hot!
Pernod Ricard held its strictly-off-the-record media dinner,
where I think I’m allowed to say that deputy chief executive Alexandre Ricard
previewed the 2015 celebrations for the 300-year-old Martell Cognac. A legend
indeed.
When it comes to hospitality, few do it better than the
Danes. On Tuesday night, Danish chocolate brand Anthon Berg dished out
generosity in spades – as well as a delicious buffet dinner. A group of famous
Danish comedians performed at the event, ensuring the gathering was both unforgettable and hilarious.
Stay tuned for more TFWA brand highlights, and see you next
year!
