Gursheel Dhillon: On Starting Vanilla Luxury & Sky Grande Prix

Where luxury meets travel, food, beauty and events

By Lifestyle Guide

October 8 2018

Starting out as a luxury lifestyle marketing agency, Vanilla Luxury has since branched out over the years to include an affordable luxury lifestyle digital magazine on top of organising several award-winning and notable events such as Valentine Vendetta and Sky Grande Prix. STYLEGUIDE has a short chat with Gursheel Dillion to find out more about her journey and what we can expect from her upcoming event Sky Grande Prix 2018.

What made you start Vanilla Luxury?

I founded Vanilla Luxury in 2015, as I had many start ups and brands approach me for marketing services.  Vanilla Luxury is best known for our range of lifestyle events as within my 2nd month, we won Silver at the 2015 Marketing Event Awards and was up against big brands like SK-II and Singtel.

I realised very quickly through my work that there was a gap in the media space in Singapore hence launched VanillaLuxury.sg, our affordable luxury lifestyle magazine that is focused uncovering beauty, dining, travel experiences irregardless of their price.  

What were you doing before Vanilla Luxury?

My first job right after my "O" Levels was with SK-II Boutique Spa and then I went to Perth to complete my undergrad majoring in Marketing & Advertising.

I came back and worked in a local advertising firm, got into brand managing luxury cosmetics and fragrances and then brand managing at Triumph International.

You've also organised various events over the years, with Sky Grande Prix being one of the main highlights. How has Sky Grande Prix evolved over the years?

Sky Grande Prix started in 2012 as a 1 day event with 800 attendees. It then grew with the support of the Singapore Tourism Board to a 3 day event hosting 2,500 people and last year we had almost 5,000 people over 5 days.      

What were some of the most unforgettable experiences you've had along this journey?

From winning awards within our very first year to meeting some amazing individuals such as the former US Ambassador to Singapore and having the opportunity to be part of the grand opening of Finolhu Maldives, the list is endless.      

What's different for Sky Grande Prix 2018 and what can partygoers look forward to this year?

Firstly, we're excited to announce Sky Grande Prix will be held in martini bar, Grand Hyatt Singapore from 12th - 16th September 2018. Presented by JiojioMe, doors open from 5pm - 3am daily:

12th Sept, Wednesday - Glamour Pit Stop

Kicking off the parties, even before the races start, is a ladies’ night dedicated to fashion and beauty featuring Joseph Ribkoff, Fervor Montreal and Only Aesthetics. First 100 ladies enjoy complimentary entry through RSVP.

13th Sept, Thursday - The Launch of Dunhill CENTURY

In true Dunhill style, guests can look forward to a fun-filled night of games, starting with a cocktail inspired by notes of the new fragrance. For just SGD 48++, guests will also be able to enjoy The Macallan Flight experience.

14th Sept, Friday - The Fast Lane presented by Sugarbook

Elevating the weekend into an even higher gear, Sugarbook, Asia’s Sugar Daddy Dating Platform with over 200,000 members across the globe, will be hosting games of Blackjack at the tables.   

15th Sept, Saturday - Champagne Wonderland

Enter the world of Perrier-Jouët with a night dedicated to bubbly going for SGD 108++ per bottle all night long.

16th Sept, Sunday - Gourmet Pit Stop

Indulge in our F1-themed menu from Mezza9 with dishes such Grilled Black Onyx Beef Sliders, Fine de Claire Oysters, and Wok-fried Blue Swimmer Crabmeat with Chili Egg Gravy and Crispy Mantou Buns as you watch the live screening of the final race.