Who’s in and who’s out at diamond queen Zena K’dor’s six-figure 40th birthday party: 250 VIPs, $30,000 fireworks… but two high society absences had everyone talking

Sydney’s social set pulled out all the stops on Tuesday night as some of the city’s biggest names descended on the Opera House for a lavish birthday celebration complete with fireworks and a rumoured $200,000 price tag.

The glittering affair was held in honour of luxury jewellery designer Zena K’dor, who celebrated her 40th birthday surrounded by a who’s who of Australian entertainment, fashion, business and high society.

And if there was ever a guest list that demonstrated the reach of the House of K’DOR creative director’s social circle, this was it. 

Among the 250 guests were luxury property mogul Monika Tu, philanthropist Sharon Maroun, NRL star Beau Ryan and his wife Kara, model Simone Holtznagel and her designer partner Joshua Clapp, singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte and television favourite Kylie Gillies.

Fashion entrepreneurs Bianca and Bridgett Roccisano, the sisters behind the Booby Tape empire, were also on the exclusive guest list.

They were joined by Laser Clinics Australia co-founder Babak Moini, ballet dancer Brooke Cassen, philanthropist Luke Hepworth and Frances Ingham of Ingham’s chicken fame.

Other notable attendees included designers Joe and Katy Farage, marketing director Candice Fernandez, racehorse owner Karen Shadbolt, industrial business leader Tony Stephens and his stylist wife Alicia, prominent defamation lawyer Rebekah Giles, as well as Sydney society couple Rhonda and George Ishac.

Notably absent was model Madeline Holtznagel, who has appeared in many shoots for the brand, and her partner Justin Hemmes.

But while the star-studded turnout was impressive enough, it was the extraordinary lengths Zena went to for her milestone birthday that had guests talking.

The Mail understands the extravagant affair cost well over $200,000, with lavish catering, flowing champagne, elaborate floral arrangements, live entertainment and the prestigious venue contributing to the eye-watering price tag. 

And in perhaps the biggest extravagance of all, Zena even arranged her very own fireworks display overlooking Sydney Harbour.

It was the kind of spectacle more commonly associated with a multimillion-dollar wedding than a milestone birthday. 

The celebrations took place at Bennelong, the exclusive fine-dining restaurant nestled beneath the sails of the Sydney Opera House.

Guests had been instructed to dress in their finest black-tie attire.

Making a spectacular entrance, the birthday girl dazzled in a figure-hugging, ruby-red sequinned gown that shimmered beneath the venue’s lights.

The striking floor-length number featured delicate straps, a plunging neckline and a daring thigh-high split, allowing her to show off her matching red heels.

She completed the glamorous ensemble with a sparkling necklace, earrings and bracelet, while her brunette locks were styled in voluminous waves and her makeup featured a bold red lip.

Her grand arrival was made all the more theatrical by a cloud of white smoke that billowed across the Opera House staircase as she descended into the celebrations.

However, the sparkling red gown was just the first of her two looks for the evening.

Later in the night, Zena quietly slipped away for an outfit change before reappearing in an elegant champagne-gold halter neck dress. 

The shimmering floor-length gown featured a softly draped neckline and a sleek silhouette, giving her a more relaxed but equally glamorous look for the speeches and dance floor. 

The extravagant decor was another major talking point.

Towering arrangements of deep red roses, crimson blooms and burgundy foliage transformed the venue into a dramatic floral wonderland, with the rich colour palette providing a striking contrast to the harbour views outside.

Taking pride of place was an elaborate multi-tiered birthday cake in a matching deep-red hue.

Far from a traditional birthday cake, the towering creation featured intricate sculptural ruffles that cascaded down its tiers, surrounded by fresh red roses and sumptuous burgundy velvet draping.

The attention to detail extended to the drinks, with guests treated to elegant coupe glasses filled with colourful cocktails, each garnished with delicate red rose petals.

Renowned drummer and entertainer David K delivered an electrifying performance, bringing rhythm, theatre and infectious energy to the festivities as guests gathered to toast Zena’s milestone. 

A team of waitstaff was on hand to ensure guests were looked after as the celebrations continued. 

As the evening progressed, the restaurant was transformed from a sophisticated cocktail and dining affair into a lively private party.

A troupe of dancers dressed in black took to the floor for a choreographed performance, with guests gathering around to watch the spectacle.

But despite the impressive celebrity turnout, lavish surroundings and extraordinary spending, it was the heartfelt speeches that provided some of the night’s most memorable moments.

Leading the tributes was Zena’s long-time best friend, prominent philanthropist Sharon Maroun, who took to the floor to honour the birthday girl.

The close friendship between the two women took centre stage as Sharon led the speeches, adding a deeply personal touch to the otherwise glittering affair.

Zena’s three children, Noah, Sienna and Jacob, also each delivered speeches in honour of their mother, bringing a touching family element to the festivities.

‘When I think legacy, I don’t think houses, cars or jewellery. My legacy are my children. My entire universe. My purpose. My greatest achievement,’ she said on the night. 

The heartfelt tributes offered a moment of reflection amid an evening otherwise filled with champagne, dancing and celebrations.

And it wasn’t long before the birthday girl was back on her feet, joining the entertainers on the dance floor as her guests watched on.

Zena let her hair down in her gold gown, throwing her arms into the air as she danced alongside performers dressed in black.

Guests gathered around the dance floor as the party atmosphere reached full swing, with the spectacular Opera House setting providing a dramatic backdrop.

For Zena, who has spent years building an enviable network of celebrity clients, business heavyweights and society figures, the birthday bash was a fitting reflection of her standing on Sydney’s social scene.

‘If the past 40 years have taught me anything, it’s that the best things in life are never things. They’re people. They’re love. They’re connection. They’re family,’ she said. 

As creative director of House of K’DOR, she has helped establish the luxury jewellery brand as a favourite among Australia’s wealthy and well-connected.

The company’s Double Bay boutique has become synonymous with bespoke diamonds, elaborate creations and the sort of luxury shopping experience that attracts some of the country’s most affluent clientele.

But beyond the diamonds and designer labels, Zena has also established herself as a familiar face on Sydney’s exclusive social circuit, regularly rubbing shoulders with entertainment personalities, philanthropists, entrepreneurs and influential families.

And on Tuesday, many of those relationships were on full display, as was the love shared between Zena and her nearest and dearest.

It was a rare occasion that brought together personalities from vastly different corners of Sydney and Melbourne’s social landscape, from television stars and fashion models to nightlife royalty, luxury property moguls and multimillion-dollar business founders.

The evening also showed that when it comes to throwing a lavish party, Sydney’s well-heeled social set is still prepared to spend big.

Between the spectacular harbour fireworks, intricate floral displays, extravagant cake, fine dining and multiple outfit changes, Zena’s milestone celebration had all the hallmarks of a society wedding.

While Sydney’s social calendar is hardly short of glamorous events, few private birthday parties can boast such a diverse celebrity turnout, let alone a spectacular fireworks display over one of the world’s most famous harbours.

And judging by the spectacle inside Bennelong, this was one birthday celebration Zena and her guests won’t be forgetting anytime soon.