Businessman, socialite and cigar aficionado Sir David Tang may soon be puffing on the last smoke of his life.
Tang, who turned 63 earlier this month, has been in poor health. The flamboyant billionaire, who has enjoyed close relations with the British royal family and many celebrities, sent out an invitation this week for a final farewell party with friends, promising “jolly merriment” and “a lot of embraces” at the Dorchester Hotel, according to The Times in London.
He wrote: “As I have been given by my politburo of medical experts just a month or two to last, I thought the best way to go would be to give a party where we can see each other at least one time more, rather than at a memorial service where I shall be dead as a dodo.”
The grandson of Hong Kong’s most famous philanthropist Tang Shiu Kin, Sir David founded Shanghai Tang, one of the first Chinese fashion labels with a global presence. It sells qipao (ladies) and cheongsam (gentlemen) – elegant Chinese dresses – but was sold to Richemont in 1998, who owned the brand for 19 years, before it was taken over last month by Italian fashion entrepreneur Alessandro Bastagli.
Sir David has had a weekly column, “Agony Uncle”, in the Financial Times. He wrote recently about having an ulcer that began a sinister hemorrhage. He said a friend lent him a private jet and four men had dragged him out of the plane on a sliding sheet into an ambulance, which took him to Hillingdon Hospital.
He concluded: “I will howl and hunt down anyone who dares to question the NHS (National Health Service).”
Splitting his time between Hong Kong, London and mainland China, the famous Chinese broker has had an admirable connection with foreigners anxious to know more about Eastern culture.
A holder of the Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE), he had the privilege to dance with Queen Elizabeth and was a close friend of Princess Diana. He is also a friend of models Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell.
This week, Campbell uploaded a photo of herself with him and Italian designer Giuseppe Zanotti on to Instagram.
Tang is also an honorary consul of Cuba and has been an exclusive distributor for all Cuban cigars in the Asia Pacific. Among his other achievements, he was a founder of the prestigious China Clubs in Hong Kong, Beijing and Singapore, and the China Tang restaurant at the Dorchester Hotel.
He will be remembered as China Tang, the man who made Shanghai Tang a global brand.
First met him at a Highgrove dinner. His dinner partner was my feisty southern belle sister who could keep up with him. He had a great manner about him and loved life. He never lost that spirit, wanting a celebratory parting party to go out with a bang. What a guy. He will be greatly missed.
David Tang is a genius in promotion and branding but hopeless in running a mundane business. He cannot sit still. He flies round the world.
Read my letters to editor in FT about Hong Kong and China.
I met him the first time when he was an articled clerk at the Hong Kong law firm of Denton Hall. That was in late 1980s. He is the most fluent Cantonese foul language speaker in human history. He can speak in foul Cantonese for half an hour non-stop.
First time I met David Tang was in 1990 when he was an articled clerk with the Hong Kong law firm of Denton Hall. He is probably the most fluent Cantonese foul language speaker in human history.
I hv known mr david tang bec. of my employer , a good friend of him . I remembered him a very generous man…i pray for your peaceful farewell!God Bless You …
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My deepest heart felt thanks to Donald and his family/loved one – he is a true gentleman and visionary..! Warmest regards, Antony ��
If David Tang changes his diet immediately, it might delay the grim reaper. He must just eat fresh fruit and vegetables, some raw and uncooked. He must get bitter gourd and juice it, then drink a pint glass of the juice 3 times a day. He should also have fremented soya (or miso), turmeric with garlic, onions, ginger, cloves and chilli/curry lentils with salad or steamed veg and fish/prawns/squid. He must also eat blueberries, cherries, straberries and peaches every day. He’s bound to recover very soon and even be cured… all illnesses are reversible. He must act now!!!
"瀟灑走一回". That sums up your wonderful life.
What a great way to celebrate your legend, Sir Tang.
Thats so sad-hope its not true
David has been a dear friend for a very long time . I just hope his condition is exaggerated .
Last time we saw him and Lucy was at his daughter’s wedding in Beijing last year.
I read his column every week, as do a lot people .
I want to you survive David !
I had dinner with him once (in his China Club in Hong Kong), along with many others, back in the 1980s. I have no idea now what I was doing there and I suspect he felt the same way about me. But he was the complete host, with time for everyone and a dozen stories to tell. I had no idea he was terminally unwell. A great pity.