That's a bit rich: The glitzy world of charity balls

Published on Thursday 27 November 2008 18:55

IN THE world of charity balls and lunches there's one main aim – to raise as much money as possible. There's no point inviting people who haven't a bean, when it all rests on high bidding during an adrenalin and, usually, alcohol-fuelled auction.

While PDW (Public Displays of Wealth) are frowned upon in many circles, at these events it is exactly what the organisers want. Which is why you'll find them populated by designer-dressed, diamond-accessorised women who are either enormously wealthy in their own right or married to the country's most powerful men and there to support a good cause.

The very idea of having to keep an eye on one's handbag, be it a Prada stuffed with used tenners or a Smythson clutch that can just about contain lipstick and a black AmEx card, is anathema to those present. If, while tucking into your truffle risotto and sauted venison, you decide you like the look of another lady's bag, then a trip to Harvey Nichols the next morning will surely scratch that itch.

The shockwaves currently rocking the world of public relations, after a woman's bag went missing during just such a charity dinner, at a private members' club and restaurant in Glasgow recently, are almost palpable.

However, the schadenfraude surrounding "Handbag-gate" would be quite surprising to those outwith the industry. The allegation, reported in the press on Wednesday, that a high profile Glasgow PR, Tessa Hartmann, 38, founder of The TFF Agency, has parted company with her protge Ejay McEwan, 28, after the mysterious disappearance of another guest's Prada handbag (which was later found stuffed behind a lavatory cistern) is like a plotline from Ugly Betty.

For goodness' sake! Everyone will now need three hands during a charity auction – one to hold on to that prized bit of leather, one in which the champagne glass must be held and another to raise skywards to ensure that Martin Wishart will come round and cook dinner for eight.

The manicured nails of publicists around Scotland are banging the jungle drum: whoever said that all publicity is good publicity obviously hadn't banked on this story.

Tessa Hartmann is without doubt one of the highest profile PRs in Scotland. One acquaintance has said that "I've never seen her with a hair out of place", and her glamorous image is carried into her personal life with friends such as Sean Connery, whom she often mentioned when she had her own column in the Scottish edition of a national paper.

Ejay McEwan was employed by Hartmann in 2003 as a graduate, soon becoming a "mini-me" with both having similar blonde hair and similar ease when dealing with celebrities such as American fashion designer Tom Ford, Dougray Scott and Kelly Osbourne. Their clients have included Bentley, Bulgari and Ortak jewellery. In 2006, Hartmann set up the Scottish Fashion Awards, which has attracted names such as designer Christopher Kane, heiress and style icon Daphne Guinness and photographer Albert Watson to a lavish annual event held at Stirling Castle.

However, despite the carefully managed persona, this isn't the first time Hartmann has hit the headlines after a night out. Three years ago she and a female Scottish television presenter were embroiled in a public scuffle after the rival Scottish Style Awards.

"Very Scottish style," another guest quipped. For let us not overlook that these high-glamour charity and fashion events are also very much about being seen.

However, in the end the world of charity balls won't stop spinning, even if the world of spin has been slightly tarnished. Tomorrow night, one of the most glamorous charity events of the year will be held at the Sheraton Grand in Edinburgh, a fine example of what it's all about. Some 300 people, including Christopher Biggins and Angela Rippon, will be at the Muir Maxwell Trust Casino Royale night. Tickets cost 500 apiece, and credit crunch-busting amounts are expected for items up for auction such as a dress and shoes worn in Quantum of Solace or one of the 19 latest goody-stuffed designer handbags up for grabs in the night's silent auction.

For the ladies, turning up in some imitation of a designer dress from ASoS or Primark would equate to social death. Susan Mathieson, event organiser for the Casino Royale night, says: "I know of women who have travelled to the fashion capitals around Europe in order to get the right dress to wear for this."

Here's hoping they've got the right bag to go with it as well.