It was a dark and stormy night, but supporters of the Toronto Public Library Foundation were undeterred. Braving hail and high winds, more than 500 guests showed up for the inaugural Book Lover's Ball at Liberty Grand, dressed semiformally or, at the invitation's suggestion, in costumes reflecting book titles or literary characters. Specially invited celebrity authors in attendance included Margaret Atwood, who sported a get-up depicting the front and back covers of her most recent novel, Oryx and Crake.Foundation president Heather Rumball developed the novel-inspired dress concept with help from Chad Brincheski of Solutions with Impact. "We wanted a gala that would reflect the library's mission of sharing stories and also generate public interest," Rumball said. Brincheski came up with the idea of a literary fashion show to extend the theme into the entertainment portion of the evening. He enlisted well-known designers such as Hoax Couture, Tome, and Pat McDonagh, who created pieces representing Mutiny on the Bounty, Memoirs of a Geisha, and Gone with the Wind, respectively. The fashion show was created and produced by Erika Larva, an event producer with Monarch Events Group, and narrated by Gord Martineau, anchor of City TV's CityNews at Six.
A cocktail reception kicked off the evening. Chef and author Michael Stadtlander of Eigensinn Farm supplied hors d'oeuvres. During dinner, one of the invited celebrity authors sat at every table. Erik Aragon of the Aragon Group created centerpieces of barren branches, vibrant blooms, and hanging votives. Chef Michael Ewing of the Liberty Grand served beet marinated salmon with blood orange and.phparagus salad, butternut squash bisque with star anise cinnamon foam, and beef strip loin on a melted leek and goat cheese pave. For those who saved room, dessert was apple pie and ice cream.
Aragon underscored the evening's literary theme with decor items such as a pair of bookcases that flanked the entrance, faux hardcover books hung from the ceiling, and antique typewriters. Event Services Group, Liberty Grand's in-house production supplier, lit an overhead treatment of sheets of parchment strung along a fishing line. Contemporary Furniture Rentals furnished lounges with espresso-coloured couches and black tables. Aragon accented the lounges with hot pink florals in silver square containers.
Photos: Distinctive Foto Imaging
A cocktail reception kicked off the evening. Chef and author Michael Stadtlander of Eigensinn Farm supplied hors d'oeuvres. During dinner, one of the invited celebrity authors sat at every table. Erik Aragon of the Aragon Group created centerpieces of barren branches, vibrant blooms, and hanging votives. Chef Michael Ewing of the Liberty Grand served beet marinated salmon with blood orange and.phparagus salad, butternut squash bisque with star anise cinnamon foam, and beef strip loin on a melted leek and goat cheese pave. For those who saved room, dessert was apple pie and ice cream.
Aragon underscored the evening's literary theme with decor items such as a pair of bookcases that flanked the entrance, faux hardcover books hung from the ceiling, and antique typewriters. Event Services Group, Liberty Grand's in-house production supplier, lit an overhead treatment of sheets of parchment strung along a fishing line. Contemporary Furniture Rentals furnished lounges with espresso-coloured couches and black tables. Aragon accented the lounges with hot pink florals in silver square containers.
Photos: Distinctive Foto Imaging
Designer Tome created a gown inspired by Memoirs of a Geisha for a fashion show during the Book Lover's Ball at the Liberty Grand.
Gord Martineau, anchor of City TV's CityNews at Six, sat in a library vignette from the Aragon Group while narrating the fashion show.
Designer Pat McDonagh took inspiration from Gone with the Wind for her contribution to the runway show.
Aragon Group created dining table centerpieces of barren branches, vibrant blooms, and hanging votives.
