| EVENT REPORT 11.06.08 11:10 AM |
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| White Lions |
| The New York Public Library's annual Library Lions celebration hinted at colder months ahead Monday night with a white, autumnal decor. |
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Edward Albee, Ashley Bryan, Nora Ephron, and Salman Rushdie each received honors at the New York Public Library’s annual Library Lions benefit Monday night. Helping the literati celebrate were M.C. Toni Morrison, a slew of high-profile guests, and a seasonal decor that transformed the Humanities and Social Sciences Library into an autumnal dining room covered in an early frost.
In stark contrast to last year’s dark, reading-room atmosphere, designer David E. Monn created a white, fall dining room using preserved oak leaves and yards and yards of white linen. Massive white lampshades hung from the ceiling and 8- by 8-foot mirrors framed in the white oak leaves blocked the room’s windows. One of the only incorporated elements not sheathed in white was the lofted stage. Brown leaves stuck to the stage walls created a woody hedge for the speakers to look down from. The smell of thousands of leaves, combined with that of the old books, heightened the room’s air of academia.
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PHOTO GALLERY |
 | In stark contrast to the white decor on the tables, garlands, and lamp shades, the lofted stage was surrounded with a blanket of brown oak leaves.
Photo: Emily Gilbert for BizBash |
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 | The elevated stage hosted a performance by the Orchestra of St. Luke's and several speakers, including host Toni Morrison.
Photo: Emily Gilbert for BizBash |
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 | Giant white lampshades served as the room's aerial focal point and concealed the library's existing chandeliers.
Photo: Emily Gilbert for BizBash |
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 | The centerpieces of leaves, pine cones, fruits, and beaded flowers sat in mahogany pedestal bowls.
Photo: Emily Gilbert for BizBash |
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 | Each of the Library's eight window archways had its own square mirror, lined with preserved white oak leaves.
Photo: Emily Gilbert for BizBash |
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 | Each of the 21 long tables in the library was draped in white linen tablecloths.
Photo: Emily Gilbert for BizBash |
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 | Guests entered the library on the tented front steps and walked through archways of autumn leaves before entering the cocktail area.
Photo: Emily Gilbert for BizBash |
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 | The library's Astor Hall, covered in gauzy fabrics and palm fronds, hosted both the cocktail reception and dance after-party.
Photo: Emily Gilbert for BizBash |
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As the night’s festivities got underway in the dining room, with honors presented by Morrison and a meal by Glorious Food, 600 “Young Lions” (the library’s set of supporters in their 20s and 30s) arrived downstairs for the annual dance party. The ceiling of Astor Hall, the same space used for the earlier cocktail hour, was covered in gauzy, white drapes, and potted palms lined its perimeter. After the dinner, many of the library’s older benefactors—including billionaire Stephen Schwarzman, who was spotted tearing up the floor during Rihanna’s “Disturbia”—were continuing to revel in the hall.
—Michael O'Connell
RELATED TOPICS
New York Public Library, Library Lions
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