Part of our list of New York's Top 10 Event Designers.
Company: Robert Isabell Inc.
Why He's Here: Like no one else on this list, Isabell is a survivor. For more than 20 years, he has been at the top of the industry, from Studio 54 parties to JFK Jr.’s wedding, from the Costume Institute gala to Marc Jacobs’ after-show events. Since 1980, his company has expanded from a floral design studio to a full-fledged production shop that builds customized furniture and designs complete lighting plans.
His Clients: He’s known for working with society swells, respected institutions, and fashion types, and he also flies around the country for corporate events, like a UBS dinner dance in Hawaii.
His Style: Overused words like “beautiful” and “elegant” don’t mean much anymore, but let’s face it: More than anyone else working today, Isabell defined modern event style, while remembering to incorporate the purpose of each party, and an endless supply of unique, original touches. And even when he makes a grand statement—like a 20-foot-tall lilac arrangement at last year’s Costume Institute gala, for example—it never looks gaudy or kitschy.
His Attitude: In a day when many event designers prefer to brand themselves as lifestyle gurus while smiling and gabbing in TV segments, Isabell quietly keeps designing gorgeous events. And even though his big-time fashion, charity, and social clients flirt with the latest designer-of-the-minute, they keep coming back to the master.
—Chad Kaydo
Posted 04.06.05
This story originally appeared in the February/March 2005 issue of the BiZBash Event Style Reporter.
Company: Robert Isabell Inc.
Why He's Here: Like no one else on this list, Isabell is a survivor. For more than 20 years, he has been at the top of the industry, from Studio 54 parties to JFK Jr.’s wedding, from the Costume Institute gala to Marc Jacobs’ after-show events. Since 1980, his company has expanded from a floral design studio to a full-fledged production shop that builds customized furniture and designs complete lighting plans.
His Clients: He’s known for working with society swells, respected institutions, and fashion types, and he also flies around the country for corporate events, like a UBS dinner dance in Hawaii.
His Style: Overused words like “beautiful” and “elegant” don’t mean much anymore, but let’s face it: More than anyone else working today, Isabell defined modern event style, while remembering to incorporate the purpose of each party, and an endless supply of unique, original touches. And even when he makes a grand statement—like a 20-foot-tall lilac arrangement at last year’s Costume Institute gala, for example—it never looks gaudy or kitschy.
His Attitude: In a day when many event designers prefer to brand themselves as lifestyle gurus while smiling and gabbing in TV segments, Isabell quietly keeps designing gorgeous events. And even though his big-time fashion, charity, and social clients flirt with the latest designer-of-the-minute, they keep coming back to the master.
—Chad Kaydo
Posted 04.06.05
This story originally appeared in the February/March 2005 issue of the BiZBash Event Style Reporter.