The Langham Melbourne Celebrates the Victoria Derby with a luncheon with guests including
Dannii Minogue and Chyka Keebaugh.
Once again, The Langham Melbourne indulged special guests with its Derby Day Eve luncheon, hosted by the effervescent André Jacques, the Regional Director of Marketing, Pacific for Langham Hotels. This year’s gathering, held at the stunning Alto Terrace, was a delightful blend of elegance and excitement, as guests arrived in their finest racewear attire, ready to toast to the Melbourne Cup Carnival in style.
Among the familiar faces gracing the event was none other than the fabulous Dannii Minogue, who brought an extra spark to the celebration and of course wearing the Langham colour of baby Pink in a dress by Rebecca Vallance.
As guests savoured a decadent menu crafted to perfection, André took to the podium to share his warmest congratulations to Dannii for being honoured with the Ally Award at the 2025 Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards. He also celebrated the remarkable success of her clothing label, QVC UK, highlighting her contributions to fashion and her unwavering spirit around the globe.
The atmosphere was filled with gratitude as André expressed his appreciation for the continued relationships the Langham has fostered over the years. A heartfelt thank you went out to notable guests including Lisa Barron, Jackie Epstein, Chyka Keebaugh, and many others who have played a significant role in the Langham’s success. On a personal note, I extend my own gratitude to The Langham for their generous support of Melbourne My Style, which truly enhances our publication.
As the afternoon unfolded, it was a bittersweet moment as André bid farewell to Managing Director Jeffrey van Vorsselen, who was retiring on that day.
Andre said, “On a final note, today marks a very important day for other reasons. As many of you might be aware, our leader and Managing Director Jeffrey van Vorsselen is retiring and today is Jeffrey’s last day with us. I know Jeffrey does not want any fanfare and we have had a number of farewell events for Jeffrey this week but Jeffrey again on behalf of the team thank you for your leadership, support, vision over the last 6 years and most importantly your friendship, Monday will be a very different day for me and the hotel with you not here. I wish you and Janine a lifetime of happiness in your next chapter.”
The room toasted Jeffrey and clapped in applause, celebrating Jeffrey’s impactful leadership and the legacy he leaves behind at The Langham.
Guests, including Sarah Gale, Michelle Stamper, Cara Waters, Jane Rocca, Simone Elliott, Donna Demaio, Emily Jabour, Lorinska Merrington, Melissa Hoyer, Caroline Ralph Smith, Jo Hall, and Stephanie Leung to name a few, mingled and shared in the joyous atmosphere, toasting to each other and to the excitement of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
By Melinda Sullivan
Photography Sam Tabone – supplied by The Langham.
