Beauty industry folks barely had time to defrock from last week's gorgeous Breast Cancer Research Foundation gala before they were donning the evening gowns again for another black-tie fund-raiser, this time the March of Dimes' Beauty Ball. Both benefits drew crowds from cosmetic and fashion industries to the Waldorf=Astoria, but that was where the similarities ended. Where BCRF used a flood of pink lights and floral centerpieces for a romantic look, the March of Dimes went for an elegant, outdoor garden party feel with towering blossom branches suspended with small crystal-looking jewels and candles, designed by Eliza Tuli Pierson. And the room was flooded with cool bluish purple lights akin to moonshine by Bestek Lighting & Staging. Even the chairs, rented from Party Rental, were painted silver to enhance the glowing, shimmery effect of the lighting and flowers.
For the cocktail hour, a rainbow of pink, green, blue and clear vodka martinis joined the standard wine and beer bars. While it was an enticing display, most of the female guests chose to sip from mini bottles of Moet Chandon through straws.
The evening honored Deborah Walters, senior vice president and general merchandise manager of cosmetics and fragrances at Saks Fifth Avenue and Camille McDonald, president and CEO of Parfumes Givenchy. Produced by Twist Productions and March of Dimes director of special events Jennifer Rosenblatt, the event's look was elegant and sophisticated this year, in marked contrast to last year's drag queens and papier-mâché centerpieces extravaganza. The event raised an impressive amount: $1,282,000, the second-largest amount in the history of the Beauty Ball.
--Suzanne Ito
Read about last year's event...
For the cocktail hour, a rainbow of pink, green, blue and clear vodka martinis joined the standard wine and beer bars. While it was an enticing display, most of the female guests chose to sip from mini bottles of Moet Chandon through straws.
The evening honored Deborah Walters, senior vice president and general merchandise manager of cosmetics and fragrances at Saks Fifth Avenue and Camille McDonald, president and CEO of Parfumes Givenchy. Produced by Twist Productions and March of Dimes director of special events Jennifer Rosenblatt, the event's look was elegant and sophisticated this year, in marked contrast to last year's drag queens and papier-mâché centerpieces extravaganza. The event raised an impressive amount: $1,282,000, the second-largest amount in the history of the Beauty Ball.
--Suzanne Ito
Read about last year's event...
For the March of Dimes Beauty Ball at the Waldorf=Astoria, Bestek Lighting & Staging flooded the room with bluish purple lights that gave the room an elegant moonlit look.
The Waldorf offered a rainbow of pink, green, blue and clear vodka martinis during the cocktail hour.
Honorees Deborah Walters of Saks Fifth Avenue (left) and Camille McDonald of Parfumes Givenchy posed with Beauty Ball chairman Lawrence Aiken. (Photo by Al Periera)
