By Huang Lijie

More than 200 celebrities and socialites ushered in 2009 in monochrome style at The St Regis' Lady Astor's Black and White New Year's Eve Ball. The $500-per-person ball was a throwback to the glamour of New York in the late 1800s.

Guests were treated to a five-course dinner, which included roasted Black Angus beef tenderloin with grilled Maine lobster, pommes fondants and truffle juice and free flow champagne and wines.

Adding to the evening's razzle and dazzle were a 16-piece swing band and a fashion show by designer Kevin Seah.

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