What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word "socialite"?

Designer bags, thousand dollar couture dresses and shoes, luxurious cars, fashion shows...the list goes on. And just how many of us are guilty of stereotyping "tai-tais"?

I, for one, was guilty of that.

However, after meeting the gorgeous ladies on-set at ICON magazine's 4th anniversary photo shoot, my perception of them took a paradigm shift. I was immediately charmed by their sophisticated style, wit, passion, and most of all, their genuine interest in allowing us to interview them.

Heralded as one of the country's most exquisite photo spread, this year's shoot is the fourth in a series of the "who's who" of Singapore's rich and famous.

Decked in precious Chanel haute couture jewellery specially flown in from Paris, the creme-de-la-creme of high society posed in their swanky dresses for the Chinese luxury magazine.

I was greeted with a lavish set when I first arrived at the studio. Based on a garden theme, the elaborate setup featured props such as lush velvet furniture and majestic bronze mirrors. The style was somewhat surreal yet classy.

However, it was not all fun and no sweat.

For months, ICON's editorial team toiled long and hard to come up with the art direction and props required for the shoot. Top hairstylists and make-up artists from Singapore returned daily to fuss over the "queen bees", while they busied themselves by chatting with one another.

These well-heeled, well-dressed ladies are no strangers to modelling, as they often grace covers of luxury magazines such as Tatler and Peak.

Posing for Chief Photographer Chen Hoon Aik was no difficult feat for them.

It is not surprising why ICON shortlisted them - these women are familiar faces within the local social scene, often appearing at soirees, launches and exclusive events for the rich and famous.

It was not only their good looks that charmed us, it was also their honest and down-to-earth personalities that left us at Plush gushing over them.  

We left ICON not only besotted by these women but also remarkably impressed by ICON's coverage of the 20 "Top Most Invited" in Singapore.

Oh, and we made a number of friends too!

» Watch the behind the scenes video here.

Get March's issue of ICON to take a look at the full photo spread of the 'Top 20 Most Invited'.