Hot new CBD venue spends up big on celebrated launch event

The launch night of The International was a defining moment in the CBD’s revival, drawing a vibrant crowd of cool newcomers and Sydney stalwarts eager to experience the space.

The launch night of The International was a defining moment in the revival of the CBD. Picture: Supplied

The launch night of The International was a defining moment in the revival of the CBD, drawing a vibrant crowd of cool newcomers and Sydney stalwarts eager to experience the boundary-pushing space.

The event, rumoured to have cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, was a lavish affair, with unique cocktails, excellent entertainment and an often hard to achieve cool vibe, which set the tone for what will no doubt become one of Sydney’s hottest venues.

The three level venue is run by The Point Group, with chief executive Brett Robinson saying Byron and Melbourne’s social set flew in for the party. While the venue opened in December, the idea to host the grand soiree in February was to ensure everything was perfect and that everyone could make it.

The International, a new destination in Sydney’s central CBD which integrates mid-century modern aesthetics with the best of Sydney’s drinking and dining culture across three levels, was officially launched on Wednesday. Picture: Supplied

Many of the 700 attendees suggested The Silver Dinner committee members could take a leaf out of The International’s book, with their hugely anticipated event due to take place next month.

MOST POPULAR COCKTAIL

Toss-up between Kettle One Vodka and Tanqueray Gin Martinis.

OVERHEARD

“Only drinking martini via ice-luge from now on.”

RUMOURED TO HAVE COST

A motza – it was a very generous party with free-flowing Ruinart, martini bars and lavish canapes.

Those in the know say there’s no doubt the event cost six figures. “Maybe even a million. The Moet mega party held a few years ago cost $3m so it wouldn’t surprise me.”

SCANDALOUS

We’re not judging we promise. We are actually impressed because this kind of behaviour doesn’t happen anymore as the new age influencers play it safe.

We hear Simon Johnson and Melbourne-based interior designer Cindy Sargon had such a big night, the pair were spotted eating meat pies at a nearby 7/11 at around 3am.

A-LIST GUESTS

Luke Bracey. Picture: Supplied

Gracie Otto and Romy Frydman. Picture: Supplied

■ Luke Bracey

■ Gracie Otto

HOTTEST COUPLE

Jourdan Revelle and Craig King. Picture: Supplied

They made it onto Saturday Confidential’s “hottest couples” list earlier this year, and on Wednesday night, they proved why. Genetically blessed couple, Ksubi boss Craig King and his partner, jewellery designer Jourdan Revelle, turned heads.

THAT’S AWKWARD

Tamie Ingham and Tink Reed in the same $1400 Common Hours dress.

OLD SCHOOL GLAMOUR

Penelope Seidler. Picture: Supplied

Chyka Keebaugh. Picture: Supplied

■ Penelope Seidler

■ Fran and John Ingham

■ Chyka Keebaugh

■ Cindy Sargon and Michael Coade

■ Nicky and Simone Zimmerman

COOL CROWD GUESTS

Pip Edwards. Picture: Supplied

Karl and Jasmin Stefanovic. Picture: Supplied

■ Brett Robinson and Anna Hewett

■ Pip Edwards

■ Bernadette and Jordan Sukkar

■ Deke Miskin

■ Karl and Jasmine Stefanovic

■ Guillaume Brahimi and Tamie Ingham

■ Eva Galambos

■ Daimon Downey

■ Mel Jarnson

FOODIE GUESTS

Mitch Orr. Picture: Supplied

Guillaume Brahimi and Tamie Ingham. Picture: Supplied

■ Mitch Orr

■ Guillaume Brahimi

■ Justin North

NICE TO SEE

This lavish CBD soiree was the first time that author and former Vogue editor Kirstie Clements and her French-Algerian former nightclub bouncer husband Mourad Ayat had been seen together in the same room, and what a room!