Hundreds of balloons from Balloon Trix hung from the ceiling during the V.I.P. dinner. The space changed colour with each course, starting with blue, morphing to pink for the main course, changing to orange for dessert, and ending in red.
Photo: George Pimentel
The event celebrated Marwen's 25th anniversary, or silver birthday. To underscore the theme, guests entered the dinner tent through a tunnel of silver balloons.
Photo: Joseph R. Palmer
Tommy Hilfiger
Details for both shows from Tommy Hilfiger included gates branded with the designer’s initials set in iron and a square-shaped brick runway bordered with gravel and artificial maple trees.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage
Fox launched its fall programming with a casino-style kickoff party decked out in autumnal decor.
Photo: Sean Twomey/2me Studios
Anderson Ranch Art Center's Annual Recognition Dinner
Anderson Ranch Arts Center hosted its 21st Annual Recognition Dinner July 20 at the historic Hotel Jerome in Aspen, Colorado. The event featured cocktails, dinner, and a live auction of works by contemporary artists, which was facilitated by Sotheby’s. Design team Snarkitecture created the mountain landscape-inspired decor. All proceeds benefited Anderson Ranch’s educational programs.
Photo: Owen Kolasinski/BFA.com
Vogue and The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute: Parties, Exhibitions, People presents an insider's look into the glamorous history of the Costume Institute's recent exhibits and the evolution of one of New York's biggest fund-raisers.
Photo: Courtesy of Abrams
The late event designer Robert Isabell mixed crab-apple blossoms and peonies to create spring fresh centerpieces for the 2003 gala, which was inspired by the "Goddess: The Classic Mode" exhibits and held in the museum's Roman Sculpture Court.
Photo: Courtesy of Abrams
In 2004, the gala paid homage to the "Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the Eighteenth Century" exhibition with Victorian-esque topiary trees and conical-shaped centerpieces featuring colorful blooms like lilacs.
Photo: Michael Lisnet
Inspired by a garden party at a French chateau, event designer David Monn used a classic combo of white blooms and greenery, such as juniper, gardenias, boxwood, and camellias (one of Coco Chanel's favorite motifs) for the 2005 tribute to the iconic French fashion designer. The tables were covered with sage-colored burlap and overlaid with Belgian linens to complete the look.
Photo: Michael Lisnet
For the museum's 2007 tribute to French couturier Paul Poiret, four peacocks perched in a gilded cage, which was surrounded by more than 12,000 red roses—the designer's personal emblem. In the book's introduction, Vogue editor in chief and Condé Nast artistic director Anna Wintour recalls an event planner's nightmare: the pride of peacocks going AWOL in Central Park before the gala.
Photo: Billy Farrell/PatrickMcMullan.com
In addition to the eccentric peacock display, the "Poiret: King of Fashion" exhibition and the designer's love of prints inspired the gala's dining decor in the Charles Engelhard Court, which included swinging lanterns, colorful cushions, and mismatched floral centerpieces.
Photo: Robert Fairer
Marc Jacobs designed the grand flowing gown worn by the mannequin in the Great Hall for the 2009 gala to represent "The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion" exhibition—a celebration of the women who give life to designers' creations.
Photo: Michael Lisnet
Guests climbed the steps, which were lined with zebra-striped carpeting for the "Model as Muse" gala, in the museum's Great Hall. The wild inspiration came from legendary Manhattan nightclub El Morocco and its iconic animal-print interior.
Photo: Hannah Thomson
Nathan Crowley's exhibit design for 2010's "American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity" featured panorama rooms, similar to those at the turn-of-the-century world's fairs. Inspired by the Chicago World's Fair of 1893, Crowley and Raúl Àvila, who oversaw the event's decor, inflated a 35- by 40-foot hot-air balloon in the Great Hall to greet guests.
Photo: Joshua Bright
In 2012, the museum presented "Schiaparelli & Prada: Impossible Conversations," which explored the aesthetic similarities between designers Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada. For the gala dinner, held in the museum's Temple of Dendur, the chairs were upholstered with many of Prada's popular prints and were complemented by bright poppies and anemones on the tables, creating a whimsical feel that mimicked both women's fashion sensibilities.
Photo: Eric Boman
For 2013's "Punk: Chaos to Couture" gala, a chandelier made of thousands of razor blades, which was created by London-based artist and designer Simon Kenny, hung above a bed of 75,000 roses in the entrance hall, playing off the subversive nature of the genre. Àvila once again handled the decor for the party.
Photo: Eric Boman
A 30-foot rose-covered sculpture representing Charles James's famous curve-loving construction stood above the Great Hall's information desk for the 2014 gala, which celebrated the 20th-century American couturier.
Photo: Eric Boman
Absolut Lime and Spotify’s Pre-Grammy Party
Absolut Lime and Spotify teamed up for a pre-Grammy celebration that featured a performance by Rita Ora in honor of the Open Mic Project, an initiative from Absolut that asks fans to share their stories of acceptance in an effort to create a more open world. The event was held on January 25 at the Public Hotel.
Photo: Justin Bridges
Absolut Lime and Spotify’s Pre-Grammy Party
The party, which was produced by creative agency MKG, featured dangling lime decor over the bar, along with a neon green Absolut "infinity bottle," a digital wheatpaste wall, and a custom T-shirt distressing station.
Photo: Justin Bridges
Warner Music Group Pre-Grammy Party
Harley Viera-Newton spun tunes inside a DJ booth built to resemble a lock with keyhole during the Warner Music Group celebration, in association with V Magazine, on January 25 at the Grill. Guests sipped on cocktails courtesy of Hennessy, which were themed around nominated artists, including champagne cocktails named “Bodak Bubbles” and “24K Twinkle.”
Photo: Brian Ach/Getty Images for Warner Music Group
For its latest PUB (a.k.a., pop-up bar) experience, Drink Company transformed one of its bars in honor of the royal wedding. The limited-run Royal Wedding PUB on 7th Street in Washington will be open until May 20 and is decked out in family crests, faux stained glass windows, and hand-carved replicas of St. George’s Chapel's vaulted ceiling and columns; it also includes a Buckingham Palace-inspired throne room and a mailbox for fans to send handwritten notes to the couple, which the British Embassy will deliver to Kensington Palace. Plus, the bar will open early on May 19 for wedding watchers, with all proceeds from ticket sales benefiting the Invictus Games Foundation. Fans will also get a chance to win a replica of the couple’s wedding cake. The pub features 11 original cocktails that are inspired by the couple's background, past royal weddings, and English springtime and were created by Drink Company’s head of bar concepts Paul Taylor. (Pictured: the Kensington Garden Party is a mix of Pimm’s, raspberry quinquina, and sparkling lemon soda.) Cocktails cost $13 or $14.
Photo: Karlin Villondo
Drink Company's God Save the Queen is a classic martini with gin and dry vermouth, served with a souvenir crown.
Photo: Karlin Villondo
The Royal Wedding PUB's Markle Sparkle is a spritz-style cocktail with rose cider and edible glitter.
Photo: Karlin Villondo
Designer Debi Lilly and her company A Perfect Event in Chicago planned a royal wedding-inspired tea party that incorporated Meghan's favorite flowers—peonies in pinks and whites—into the centerpieces.
Photo: Nicole Jansma
A rose or champagne tower of vintage crystal coupes stacked on top of a gilded tray and garnished with edible blooms was a reference to the iconic gardens of Windsor.
Photo: Amanda Meg Miller
Mini lemon elderflower cakes were served under personalized, calligraphed glass domes at each table setting. Prince Harry and Markle will be serving lemon-elderflower cake with buttercream frosting on their big day.
Photo: Amanda Meg Miller
White and ivory balloon garland dotted with sprigs of eucalyptus and hints of glitter and gold hung across windows and walls.
Photo: Amanda Meg Miller
Mini garden party cakes, adorned with sugar blooms, honored the Queen's Windsor Castle gardens, where weddings have been celebrated since 1863.
Photo: Roots of Life
Victoria Eggs, a homewares and gifts brand in the U.K., created a limited-edition line of products for the royal wedding that includes aprons, tea towels, mugs, and a tote bag, all of which could be used as on-theme party favors as well as decor. The items are available on victoriaeggs.com, which ships internationally, and on Amazon Prime starting May 11. Prices start around $16.
Photo: Yeshen Venema
From mixologist Benny Hernandez at Area 31 at the Kimpton Epic Hotel in Miami, the Diamond Heart contains whiskey and is garnished with activated charcoal and micro flowers for a feminine touch in honor of the royal couple.
Photo: Benny Hernandez
Known for its afternoon tea, the Omni King Edward Hotel in Toronto will be commemorating the royal wedding with a special service during the weekend of May 18 to 20. It will include tea with lemon and elderflower, as well as an elderflower mocktail and a tea kit takeaway. Plus, part of the proceeds from the afternoon tea service will be donated to a charity partner. The hotel’s weekend brunch menu will also feature new British items like coronation chicken, flapjacks, and puddings.
Photo: Rick Vyrostko
Strongbow Hard Ciders partnered with British designer and illustrator Stanley Chow to create a limited-edition Royal Rose Teacup Set ($100) for sipping the brand’s new Rose Apple Hard Cider, which is a semi-dry cider that gets its color from red-fleshed apples. The teacup sets are available for purchase on rosetheukway.com.
Photo: Courtesy of Strongbow Hard Ciders
Strongbow also created its own version of bingo to play during viewing parties.
Photo: Courtesy of Strongbow Hard Ciders
This royal engagement-inspired cocktail called the Princess and the Tea was created by lead bartender John Walter at Outlier in Seattle and features creme de violette from two flower breeds, including the “Queen Charlotte” blossom, and chamomile syrup, which is a nod to the British love of tea. It’s served in a teacup with saucer.
Photo: Aubrie Pick
The Lanesborough Hotel in London will host a Little Royal Tea Party on May 13 for children ages four and older. The mini royal fans will be given tiny tiaras and crowns upon arrival. Parents can sip on champagne and nosh on canapes. Afternoon tea service includes scones and pastries, plus chocolate and biscuits from Artisan du Chocolat. Rates begin at $35 per child, including a goodie bag.
Photo: Dominic James
The Martini Club in Toronto, in conjunction with the Great Britain campaign, created the Windsor Knot with gin, orange liqueur, lemon juice, cranberry juice, and cucumber slices.
Photo: Jodi Pudge
Another cocktail concoction from the Martini Club, the G & Tea is made with gin, orange marmalade, chilled Earl Grey tea, and bitters, and is garnished with an orange twist.
Photo: Ronald Tsang
Earlier this year, the Snowdonia Cheese Company in North Wales presented Prince Harry and Meghan with a five-tiered wedding cake made of five different cheeses.
Photo: Courtesy of Snowdonia Cheese Company
British retailer of luxury goods Halcyon Days has released commemorative items for the wedding, as well as a “A Very Special Relationship” collection, which features a design that combines the Union Jack and the Star Spangled Banner. The line includes enamelware and English fine bone china pieces such as mugs and teapots. Prices start at $20. The items are available at select retailers in the U.S. and on halcyondaysusa.com.
Photo: Courtesy of HalcyonDays
Created by bartender Laura Kruming at Sable Kitchen & Bar at the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Chicago, the Message in a Bottle cocktail boasts a royal price tag of $75 and is featured in the restaurant’s “Lap of Luxury” section. It’s a modern twist on a classic Manhattan made with hibiscus tea syrup.
Photo: Alexander Gouletas
At the Fairmont Copley Plaza’s viewing party and breakfast, which takes place May 19 from 6:30-9:30 a.m. in Boston, guests will receive Sugarfina’s Royal Roses gummies ($7.50) as wedding favors.
Photo: Courtesy of Sugarfina
During the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner weekend last month in Washington, Politico’s brunch featured a British theme, with a menu from Occasions Caterers that included classics such as fish and chips, along with a full English breakfast, shepherd’s pie, and corned beef sandwich wedges. Tea stations featured scones with clotted cream, spring fruit tartlets, and shortbread cookies.
Photo: Courtesy of Occasions Caterers
On-theme props included a telephone booth, an Abbey Road sign, and a Union Jack-decorated Pimms bar.
Photo: Malcolm Brown
This royal cocktail from SpikedSeltzer called Slice of Spiked is inspired by the couple’s lemon and elderflower wedding cake and features SpikedSeltzer’s new flavor Ventura Lemon, elderflower liqueur, champagne, orange marmalade, lemon juice, bitters, and vanilla extract, and is garnished with an edible flower.
Photo: Courtesy of SpikedSeltzer
Stella Artois recently debuted its limited-edition Stella Artois Regal Chalice ($5.19) in celebration of the nuptials. The chalice’s gold design features 19 (in honor of the wedding date) icons that hold special meaning to the couple. It’s available for purchase at stellaartois.com/regalchalice.
Photo: Courtesy of Stella Artois
Stella Artois also introduced the Le Cidre Royale cocktail made with Stella Artois Cidre, rose champagne, gin, and elderflower liqueur in honor of the royal wedding.
Photo: Courtesy of Stella Artois
KKW Beauty’s Westfield Century City Pop-Up
Creative agency Donda (which was founded by Kardashian West’s husband, Kanye West) handled the shop’s design, which featured a muted neutral palette that was reflective of the brand’s packaging, as well as oversize versions of the products as wall decor.
Photo: Courtesy of KKW Beauty
Byrdie Beauty Lab
"Our color palette was inspired by a vintage summer in L.A. We wanted to stay away from the ultra-clean, sterile environment that our namesake [lab] is known for and instead really immerse our visitors in color,” explained Clique’s art director Kayla Griffin. “We chose the warm, saturated tones of a rich terracotta, sunny yellow, and a vivid teal paired with familiar wood and layered texture finishes to create a dream environment for our visitors."
Photo: Courtesy of Byrdie Beauty
Camila Cabello x L’Oréal Paris Launch Event
During the sunset party, guests noshed on Cuban fare and craft cocktails, while trying out products from the collection. The event was produced by creative agency HangarFour Creative, which is part of DKC.
Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for L'Oreal Paris
Totalee Grand Opening and Product Launch
Hair care brand Totalee had its grand opening party in June at its new salon in Beverly Hills. The event, which was produced and designed by Sterling Engagements, featured a large sign of the brand’s logo, which included product bottles as part of the design.
Photo: Courtesy of Totalee
L’Oreal Hair Fashion Night
L'Oreal Professionnel hosted a one-night consumer pop-up in June at the Symes in Toronto. The event celebrated summer hair trends and offered guests hair-styling sessions, YSL Beauty makeup tips, and a pop-up shop. The event was produced by Tim:Tom and featured a pink and white color scheme.
Photo: Carlos Bolivar
