The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida teamed up with the InterContinental Hotel Miami for the foundation’s 17th annual fund-raiser on Saturday. Continuing the event's tradition of over-the-top decor and entertainment, Make-A-Wish hired Deco Productions to transform the hotel into a modern version of Truman Capote’s legendary Black and White Ball that took place at New York's Plaza Hotel in 1966.
“The idea was Capote’s black and white masquerade ball but in today’s era. We wanted the glamorous aspect of the original night, but with modern components. The evening [was] slick, with lots of lighting and graphics,” said Robert Torres, the creative director of Deco’s Grande Affaires division.
As the more than 900 masked guests entered the hotel, they found models dressed as living chandeliers, in floor-length white dresses wearing elaborate crystal headpieces that were functional light fixtures. A white carpet led guests past more costumed models meant to be a living representation of stanchions.
Using floor-to-ceiling black and white drapes, decorators sectioned off the mezzanine into multiple spaces. Deco created two interactive, gallery bars. The all-white bar featured white lounge furniture, white walls, and a white floor where three performers in checkerboard bodysuits moved among the guests. The second bar was decorated reminiscent of a modern Roman motif, with a black leather set, hardwood floors, and models dressed as warriors handing guests their drinks. DJ Irie spun a variety of beats during the reception from inside a two-story metal tower.
The ballroom decor also reflected the Capote theme, with two massive canvases on either side of the stage and white floral centerpieces by Bayfront Floral Decorators. Actress Gabrielle Anwar hosted the evening’s live auction, while guests dined on a four-course dinner prepared by the hotel’s executive chef, Alexander Feher. The grand finale included a performance by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.
Following the gala, guests could return to the mezzanine, which had been transformed into a nightclub setting with white drapes and a red stage. At the separate ticketed event, Bogosse presented a fashion show and DJ Joe Dert spun tunes into the early morning.
