Setting The Scene

Glamour and stunning gems were the order of the evening as Charmaine Ho flew to the French Riviera for the celebration of Chopard's 25th anniversary as the official partner of the Cannes Film Festival

I'm on my way to the hotel from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport under an overcast sky that colours everything in a grey, murky light. As if sensing my disappointment, the chauffeur tells me that "it always rains during the festival, but the sun always comes up". And right on cue, shafts of light break through the clouds above as tarmac roads are replaced with a view of the Mediterranean Sea on my left; and I find myself smiling at the drama of the moment.

After all, where better to get dramatic than in Nice as it plays host to the Cannes Film Festival? It's the reason I've made my maiden post-Covid journey out of Singapore on the invitation of Chopard, who is celebrating its 25th anniversary as the official partner of the prestigious event. And I have to admit: I have been looking forward to it.

'm on my way to the hotel from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport under an overcast sky that colours everything in a Before the trip, I was informed that the Swiss jeweller had arranged for us to attend the full "red carpet experience" at the screening of Broker-the South Korean film by Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda, who won the Palme d'Or in 2018, starring Parasite actor Song Kang-ho and South Korean sensation IU. Yet, as we pull up to the circular driveway of Hôtel Martinez Cannes by Hyatt, I get the sneaking feeling that the festival experience has already begun.

A throng of people, with their phone cameras ever ready, are lining the road adjacent to the hotel, braving the afternoon sun in the hopes of seeing a famous face. Reputed to be a favourite among the celeb set whilst in town, the hotel is also where Chopard has based itself for the two weeks of the festival's running.