Marmont launches at Crown Melbourne to A-list crowd

Melbourne’s social set stepped out for the launch of DJ and restaurant kingpin Grant Smillie’s hot new Crown venue — but not everything went as planned.

Melbourne’s newest hotspot venue was completed and in the hands of owner Grant Smillie with five minutes to spare.

At 6.55pm on Thursday night he was ready to launch his new venture at Crown, Marmont Bar, before A-list guests arrived for a first preview.

“What we’re trying to do is give you a preview of what we’ve been working on behind the scenes for the past six months,’’ Smillie said.

Dom Dolla and Grant Smillie. Pic: Danielle Castano

Chris and Bec Judd. Pic: Danielle Castano

I’ve been here until 4am and back at 7am to get it right and we couldn’t be more thrilled.

“This is behind the hoarding and then we will open it up (on the river walk).

“I am merely the vessel to a part of the team that are incredibly dedicated to their craft. We are a team first and a restaurant second. You’ll be drinking, dining and watching a sunset here.”

Jessica Gomes. Picture: Danielle Castano

Jessie Roberts and Michelle Greene. Picture: Danielle Castano

Among the first to see the Californian vibes were Chris and Bec Judd — Bec wearing a stunning two piece mesh and crystal creation by Melbourne couturiers J’Aton.

One of Judd’s favourite DJs Dom Dolla stepped out to support his friend Smillie, along with DJ Tyson O’Brien.

Melbourne raised Dolla has just sold out shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden in March.

Lauren Phillips and Clint Stanaway. Picture: Danielle Castano

Lana Wilkinson. Picture: Danielle Castano

“That’s a life goal,’’ Dolla said.

“It’s the goal for any artist to play Madison Square Garden. I had my mum and sister there (at shows in Melbourne on the weekend). I wanted to come and support my friend Grant.”

Models Jessica Gomes and Montana Cox raised the glam, while Lana Wilkinson, Jessie Roberts, Michelle Greene and Sally Crinis stepped out in style.

Sussan Mourad and Anna Vitali. Picture: Danielle Castano

Two thirds of Nova’s no.1 breakfast team, Lauren Phillips and Clint Stanaway, were celebrating the final ratings survey win along with station colleague Jack Charles.

Dale Thomas and wife Natasha were joined by Khanh Ong and swimmer Sam Williamson.

Other guests included Joey Scandizzo, Lyndon Watts, Marty Fox and wife Charlotte, JR Reyne, Daria Varlamova and Cat Spanti.

Smillie has introduced medallions for Marmont sporting a green frog which features in the classic wall to ceiling mural spanning the width of the restaurant.

Marmont is officially open on Wednesday.