Most people probably feel that summer has long since arrived, but the season only technically began last night. Entertainment Weekly seized the opportunity to toast its annual "Must List" of the best of the summer's pop-culture offerings with a bash celebrating the season.
The magazine's biggest client-entertaining event of the year in New York, the party welcomed 800 ad clients, publicists, and editorial and photo staffers for an evening of drinks and dancing and a performance by pop singer Rihanna (whose song "Umbrella," currently number one on the Billboard pop charts, is arguably a strong early contender to be the song of the summer).
David Stark's design showcased the brands of presenting sponsors Diet Coke and Garnier as well as the Discovery Channel and Cheaptickets, using lighting, lounges, sculpture, and myriad icons of the season.Match Catering continued the event's theme, serving appetizers such as mini lobster rolls and hamburgers, sushi, mushroom pizzas, and coconut shrimp.
Previous "Must List" events have taken place at what the publication's director of event marketing, Sheila Kelly, described as the nightclub of the moment, such as Buddha-Bar (in 2006) and Deep (in 2005). This year the event moved to Gotham Hall, Kelly explained, "because it's become about our performance, so we wanted to commit to a space that had great sound and a great stage—something that was suited for an amazing live performance."
The magazine's biggest client-entertaining event of the year in New York, the party welcomed 800 ad clients, publicists, and editorial and photo staffers for an evening of drinks and dancing and a performance by pop singer Rihanna (whose song "Umbrella," currently number one on the Billboard pop charts, is arguably a strong early contender to be the song of the summer).
David Stark's design showcased the brands of presenting sponsors Diet Coke and Garnier as well as the Discovery Channel and Cheaptickets, using lighting, lounges, sculpture, and myriad icons of the season.Match Catering continued the event's theme, serving appetizers such as mini lobster rolls and hamburgers, sushi, mushroom pizzas, and coconut shrimp.
Previous "Must List" events have taken place at what the publication's director of event marketing, Sheila Kelly, described as the nightclub of the moment, such as Buddha-Bar (in 2006) and Deep (in 2005). This year the event moved to Gotham Hall, Kelly explained, "because it's become about our performance, so we wanted to commit to a space that had great sound and a great stage—something that was suited for an amazing live performance."
Sponsor Garnier's summery branded seating area.
Photo: BizBash
Garnier's display, in the brand's signature hues of lemon and lime,included a seating area topped with a lifeguard chair, where abikini-clad model sat for the duration of the event. A neon sun hovering over guests helped unify the multiple branded areas in the space.
Photo: BizBash
The Diet Coke seating area featured a massive sculpture created out of cans. The beverage is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
Photo: BizBash
Rihanna performed a half-hour set.
Photo: BizBash
Laptops displaying sponsor Cheapticket's Web site sat atop Lucite tables that were filled with sand and seashells. The company raffled off plane tickets for two after Rihanna's set.
Photo: BizBash
Garnier displayed products behind its branded bar, where it served margaritas.
Photo: BizBash
Moe Hallak created logoed pillows for all of the event's sponsors and EW. The Discovery Channel highlighted the 20th anniversary of the network's Shark Week.
Photo: BizBash
Models passed out samples of Garnier's Nutritioniste Nutri-Pure towelettes.
Photo: BizBash
