Rita Ora’s private album launch at Justin Hemmes venue with closed friends

British chart-topper and Voice coach Rita Ora got together with some close Aussie mates for cocktails and a bespoke album launch at a discreet, high-end Justin Hemmes venue.

Pip Edwards, left, Rita Ora, centre and Millie Gategno at the party. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

Rita Ora has issued a message to her Australian fans ahead of the much anticipated release of her third album.

In Australia, which is somewhat of a second home for the chart topping superstar British singer as she is a coach on The Voice, Ora hosted an intimate launch for the album, You & I, at Justin Hemmes venue, J&M, on Thursday night.

“I am really happy to celebrate my album in Australia where I feel so welcome and loved and supported,” Ora told The Daily Telegraph, attending with Hollywood director hubby Taika Waititi.

“I just hope everybody enjoys the album and feels really connected to it and it inspires somebody that needs it.”

You & I has already spawned the hits You Only Love Me and a reworking of Fatboy Slim classic Praise You, and will be released globally on July 14.

Rita Ora at her private party in Sydney. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

Ora shares a laugh with actor Keiynan Lonsdale. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

Ora chose J&M to host the event with her closest Aussie mates as she is friends with Merivale hotelier Justin Hemmes.
The discreet venue on the top floor of The Angel Hotel is named after his parents, John and Merivale.

Taika Waititi and Rita Ora enjoy the celebration. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

It is the location of the couple’s original Hemmes fashion stores of the 60s and 70s.

Chef Dan Hong catered the intimate cocktail event, that saw a bespoke menu of drinks including Ora’s version of a margarita, the RitaRita.

Guests included actors Craig Hall and Keiynan Lonsdale and fashion designers Pip Edwards, Michael Lo Sordo and Mikey Nolan.