A sold-out crowd of some 900 guests mingled, danced, and sipped specialty cocktails at Saturday evening's Fall Fete, a black-tie gala at the Corcoran Gallery of Art. Sponsored by the gallery's young benefactors organization, the 1869 Society, the fund-raiser benefited the Corcoran's adjoining College of Art and Design. Dubbed "Party With the Power Players," the event's theme coordinated with the current exhibition on display, Richard Avedon's "Portraits of Power."
A $200 "Power Player" ticket admitted guests to a private champagne reception on the gallery's second floor, where they had exclusive access to the exhibit for the first 30 minutes of the gala. "Blocking off the exhibition … helps create a more vibrant atmosphere downstairs while the attendance rises," said Guiter. Another advantage of the top-tier ticket: All-evening access to a private bar on the second floor, which overlooked the main atrium.
Another private bar in the downstairs north atrium catered to V.I.P. ticket holders ($125). Red signage, velvet ropes, and large ferns shielded V.I.P. attendees from those with basic $90 tickets while they had access to a private bar and comfortable black chaises.
In the main event space, red lights illuminated the room's double-height ceilings and grand white columns. "Our decor theme is centered on power," said Guiter. "We took inspiration from the Richard Avedon exhibition and his specific interpretation of power and how it takes shape in the hands of individuals. We are following the design and color scheme of the exhibition by using bold reds, black, white, and gold throughout the event.
"Power Player" guests were also privy to a fleet of Zip Cars that transported them to the after-party at the St. Regis bar, where they received an exclusive power-themed gift bag with items from the Grooming Lounge, Haute Papier, Mi Chiama Eka menswear, and ACKC Cocoa Gallery.
Other guests received complimentary copies of Washington Life magazine, CDs by a local band, or politically themed notepads as tokens of the event, all donated by Destination DC, the city's convention and tourism organization.
