Like Paris in the springtime, the French Institute Alliance Francaise covered Gotham Hall in enough shades of pink, white, and yellow to evoke the feel of the Tuileries Gardens. The bold injection of color was a dramatic contrast to the stately facade of the former home of the Greenwich Savings Bank, but provided welcome warmth to guests coming in from the cold.
The French Insitute’s black-tie Trophee des Arts gala benefit dinner honored Charlie Rose and Lafarge chairman Bertrand Collomb. French writer and philosopher Bernard-Henri Levy presented the honor to Rose, who was recognized for his continuing efforts to enrich the dialogue and understanding between the United States and France.
Event organizers at Inez Weinstein Special Events placed centerpieces of roses, peonies, and wild flowers from Porta Fiori Floral Design, as well as votives of flickering white candles on the pink tablecloths. A simple green grass-colored bow tied the white napkins in place. Before the sit-down dinner, benefitgoers—including French officials—mingled among silent auction tables set up against the walls along the perimeter of the space, giving potential buyers enough room to bid on a Christian Dior Gaucho bag, a silk Catherine Malandrino dress, and a Cartier Tank watch.
A string quartet serenaded guests as they nibbled on smoked salmon, mini brioches, and filet mignon catered by Tentation Potel & Chebot. Hundreds of candles, lined up against what were once teller windows, created a soft glow throughout the night.
—Jeanette Park
Posted 10.31.06
The French Insitute’s black-tie Trophee des Arts gala benefit dinner honored Charlie Rose and Lafarge chairman Bertrand Collomb. French writer and philosopher Bernard-Henri Levy presented the honor to Rose, who was recognized for his continuing efforts to enrich the dialogue and understanding between the United States and France.
Event organizers at Inez Weinstein Special Events placed centerpieces of roses, peonies, and wild flowers from Porta Fiori Floral Design, as well as votives of flickering white candles on the pink tablecloths. A simple green grass-colored bow tied the white napkins in place. Before the sit-down dinner, benefitgoers—including French officials—mingled among silent auction tables set up against the walls along the perimeter of the space, giving potential buyers enough room to bid on a Christian Dior Gaucho bag, a silk Catherine Malandrino dress, and a Cartier Tank watch.
A string quartet serenaded guests as they nibbled on smoked salmon, mini brioches, and filet mignon catered by Tentation Potel & Chebot. Hundreds of candles, lined up against what were once teller windows, created a soft glow throughout the night.
—Jeanette Park
Posted 10.31.06