BizBash
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
Topics
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
  • Industry Buzz
  • BizBash Lists
Resources
  • On-Demand
  • White Papers & E-Books
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Subscribe
User Tools
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Get Featured
  • Press Releases
  • Newsletter Signup
  • Subscribe to Magazine
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
  • On-Demand
  • White Papers & E-Books
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Subscribe
  1. Catering & Design
  2. Florals

Sex and the City 2 Premiere Recreates Abu Dhabi Scenes, Comes Together in Two Weeks

Courtney Thompson
May 26, 2010

Manhattan once again welcomed the Sex and the City franchise with open arms on Monday night, this time for the movie sequel's premiere at Radio City Music Hall. The screening elicited all the fanfare one would expect, with thousands lining up hours early behind barricades on 62nd Street, where the sprawling step-and-repeat took center stage. Matching the film's poster, the blue carpeted area was full of glittering elements, from hanging chandeliers and rhinestone-embedded giant 2's, to bedazzled frames and a shiny Mercedes—a marketing move tied into the car's presence in the film. Adding to the mania were the 130 photo and press outlets.

Although Radio City had been booked for months, the after-party locale was in limbo until two weeks before the premiere date. Tasked with finding an iconic New York venue that fit the Sex standards, 15/40 Productions' Craig Waldman pitched three biggies—the New York Public Library, Bryant Park, and the Tent at Lincoln Center—to Warner Brothers vice president of special events Courtney Saylor and her team back in February. Ultimately the tent, which hosted the premiere party for the HBO series' fourth season back in 2001, got the green light.

The 15/40 team designed the look of the event in advance, but given that each venue’s configurations were drastically different, sets couldn’t be built until a decision was made. "The challenge for us was that while we had a long lead of design time, we were short on fulfillment time," said 15/40’s Travis Jackson. The company had nine days to custom fabricate all the sets for the 22,000-square-foot space.

Following the screening for 5,000 guests, a whittled down crowd of 1,200 walked amid hundreds of lanterns to enter the tent, which was fashioned to look like—as Charlotte's daughter Lily says in the film—Jasmine and Aladdin's palace. Inspired by Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda's Abu Dhabi vacation, the after-party channeled the city's light and architecture via 600 feet of 20-foot-tall sets that 15/40 built in Los Angeles and transported across the country in three semi trucks.

Inside, designer Thomas Ford helmed the decor, coming up with a look that fell in line with the Arabian Nights theme, but also reflected the film's high-octane glamour. The stars of the night congregated in the raised V.I.P. areas, where Ultrasuede seating in gold, sand, and cream tones mixed with turquoise patterned art hanging on the draped walls. Oscar Mora provided the obligatory pops of pink with some 25,000 floral stems, which were flown in by the Colombian Floral Syndicate, taking up an entire plane.

The evening wrapped at 1:30 a.m., when weary but steadfast fans still awaited the party’s many celebrity attendees—among them Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis, Kim Cattrall, and Chris Noth—outside.

E18445standalone
The film's stars walked the 400-foot blue carpeted step-and-repeat, where chandeliers hung overhead.
The film's stars walked the 400-foot blue carpeted step-and-repeat, where chandeliers hung overhead.
Photo: Line 8 Photography
Glittering silver and gold frames housed the giant Sex and the City 2 posters on the step-and-repeat.
Glittering silver and gold frames housed the giant Sex and the City 2 posters on the step-and-repeat.
Photo: Line 8 Photography
Channeling Shahrazad and Abu Dhabi, the after-party at the Tent at Lincoln Center included 600 feet of 20-foot-tall sets inspired by the United Arab Emirates architecture seen in the movie.
Channeling Shahrazad and Abu Dhabi, the after-party at the Tent at Lincoln Center included 600 feet of 20-foot-tall sets inspired by the United Arab Emirates architecture seen in the movie.
Photo: Line 8 Photography
Designer Thomas Ford helmed the after-party's decor, working in turquoise-patterned seating that was seen again in the V.I.P. area wall decor.
Designer Thomas Ford helmed the after-party's decor, working in turquoise-patterned seating that was seen again in the V.I.P. area wall decor.
Photo: Line 8 Photography
Oscar Mora handled the step-and-repeat and after-party flowers, working with 25,000 stems that the Colombian Floral Syndicate flew in gratis.
Oscar Mora handled the step-and-repeat and after-party flowers, working with 25,000 stems that the Colombian Floral Syndicate flew in gratis.
Photo: Line 8 Photography
The raised V.I.P. areas comprised cream Ultrasuede banquettes separated by gauzy panels.
The raised V.I.P. areas comprised cream Ultrasuede banquettes separated by gauzy panels.
Photo: Line 8 Photography
The evening's palette was made up of gold, sand, and cream marked by pops of turquoise and pink.
The evening's palette was made up of gold, sand, and cream marked by pops of turquoise and pink.
Photo: Line 8 Photography
Many of the flowers at the after-party were Intuitions, a Colombian rose that is almost zebra patterned, mixing pink and red hues.
Many of the flowers at the after-party were Intuitions, a Colombian rose that is almost zebra patterned, mixing pink and red hues.
Photo: Line 8 Photography
Potted palm trees accented rows of 24-inch tables that flanked the bars and buffets.
Potted palm trees accented rows of 24-inch tables that flanked the bars and buffets.
Photo: Line 8 Photography
15/40 Productions fabricated two nine-foot-tall 2's for the step-and-repeat, each of which were embedded with 100 four-inch rhinestones.
15/40 Productions fabricated two nine-foot-tall 2's for the step-and-repeat, each of which were embedded with 100 four-inch rhinestones.
Photo: Line 8 Photography
Latest in Florals
Inside the New York Botanical Garden’s 2025 Orchid Dinner
Florals
See Inside New York Botanical Garden’s 2025 Orchid Dinner—Celebrating Mexican Modernism
Robertson’s Flowers & Events scored the second-highest amount of points in the Floral category with its exhibit, 'Tending Our Roots.' The design takes inspiration from the proverb, 'One generation plants the trees; another gets the shade.” The 'tree of life' figure in the center is drawn from a real-world park in Singapore focused on sustainability and is meant to symbolize the efforts of the current generation in planting seeds for a future filled with environmental benefits. Beneath the canopy is a cityscape 'where our roots connect us through a common weave under the promise of a shared sunrise,' the Robertson's team shared on social media.
Florals
11 Futuristic Floral Designs From the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show
Speaking of Coachella, at the festival's annual Neon Carnival, sponsor Tequila Don Julio grabbed attention with an oversize, succulent-filled version of its logo, produced by NVE Experience Agency. See more: Coachella 2022: Peek Inside the Festival's Buzziest Parties & Brand Activations
Florals
12 Stunning Floral Installations That Are Sure to Spark Event Design Inspiration
IllExotics
Florals
10 Inspiring Floral Designs From the Philadelphia Flower Show—Just in Time for Spring
Related Stories
E21060sac
Florals
2001-2011: Lavish 'Sex and the City' Premieres
E18481standalone
Vancouver
Warner Brothers Hosts Middle East-Inspired Sex and the City 2 Canadian Premiere
E18505standalone
Chicago
Moët & Chandon Fetes Sex and the City 2 With Swarovski Stilettos, Passionfruit Marshmallows
E18507standalone
Miami / South Florida
Planners Stage Independent Sex and the City 2 Screenings in Six Cities
More in Florals
Florals
See Inside New York Botanical Garden’s 2025 Orchid Dinner—Celebrating Mexican Modernism
The Plaza’s Grand Ballroom was in full bloom for the event, which supports global plant research, conservation, and education.
Inside the New York Botanical Garden’s 2025 Orchid Dinner
Florals
11 Futuristic Floral Designs From the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show
The nation’s largest horticultural event returned with the theme "Gardens of Tomorrow."
Robertson’s Flowers & Events scored the second-highest amount of points in the Floral category with its exhibit, 'Tending Our Roots.' The design takes inspiration from the proverb, 'One generation plants the trees; another gets the shade.” The 'tree of life' figure in the center is drawn from a real-world park in Singapore focused on sustainability and is meant to symbolize the efforts of the current generation in planting seeds for a future filled with environmental benefits. Beneath the canopy is a cityscape 'where our roots connect us through a common weave under the promise of a shared sunrise,' the Robertson's team shared on social media.
Florals
12 Stunning Floral Installations That Are Sure to Spark Event Design Inspiration
Talk about flower power. These gorgeous displays of bright blooms and sultry succulents can help unleash your creativity for your next event.
Speaking of Coachella, at the festival's annual Neon Carnival, sponsor Tequila Don Julio grabbed attention with an oversize, succulent-filled version of its logo, produced by NVE Experience Agency. See more: Coachella 2022: Peek Inside the Festival's Buzziest Parties & Brand Activations
Florals
10 Inspiring Floral Designs From the Philadelphia Flower Show—Just in Time for Spring
The nation’s largest horticultural event returned this year—back indoors—with an electric theme.
IllExotics
Florals
See These Inventive Centerpieces from the New York Botanical Garden's Orchid Dinner
The fundraiser celebrated the annual Orchid Show with opulent tablescapes that showcased the elegant flower.
FlowerSchool NY & LA
Florals
The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad Celebrated Its Floral Partnership with a Rosy Affair
FLOWERBX, the new exclusive floral partner of The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, celebrated their partnership with a floral-themed, intimate evening.
The Ritz-Carlton New York's Intimate Dinner Celebration
Most Popular
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Gov Ball 2025: 25+ Eye-Catching Brand Activations From the NYC Music Festival
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
See Inside This High-Tech, Multisensory Experience from Don Julio
Event Design & Decor
How BET’s Stylish Anniversary Dinner Honored the Past—and Embraced the Future
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
This Event Turned Home Decor Into a Celebration of Latinas' Life Moments
Meetings
C2 Montreal 2025: How the Business Conference Puts Creativity in 'Motion'
Industry Insiders
Inside the Build: How Bellagio Fountain Club Delivers F1® Weekend’s Most Luxurious Hospitality Experience
Florals
How the Philadelphia Flower Show Bloomed Bigger and Better in 2022
This year’s event celebrated the restorative and healing power of nature and plants with more offerings and activities.
This year's show featured the work of landscape architects, garden designers, and florists, with an emphasis on diversity both in the demographics of exhibitors, including more female exhibitors than ever before, and in their unique designs.
Florals
7 Ways Event Planners Can Navigate the Current Flower Shortage
Struggling farms, supply chain slowdowns and an influx of rescheduled events have created a ‘perfect storm’ in the floral industry. Here’s what event planners should consider as they vet floral vendors right now.
“The floral industry is in a really unique space right now,” explain Danielle Flores-Gary and Katie Hartman, co-owners of Floral Crush, a Los Angeles-based floral design studio that has worked on high-profile events for clients like Event Eleven, Gina Wade Creative and NBCUniversal. (Pictured: a Floral Crush-designed display at Rosé Day L.A. in 2019.)
Florals
See This Summer's Floral Trends—From Anthuriums to Zinnias
Here’s what floral designers are working with this season.
“Dried flowers are coming back this year after a long hiatus. They will be popular for design due to their longevity, deep rich colors and added visual texture. Among the many popular dried flowers making a comeback are mini pampas grass, star grass, avena and helichrysum, which will be a popular species that designers are leaning towards integrating into arrangements with live flowers.” —Seth Pearsoll, director of design, shows and events for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (Pictured: The Samantha from East Olivia's spring collection)
Florals
Event Design Inspiration: 10 Over-the-Top Floral Installations
Steal some ideas for your spring and summer soirees from these larger-than-life floral arrangements seen at past events.
In 2018, Luxe Linen asked local designers and florists to create a tablescape around a swatch of fabric from its colorful new line of linens. Held for the first time at the Petersen Automotive Museum’s rooftop, the product launch drew more than 400 high-end event planners, designers, florists, members of the media and more. Designed around Luxe’s bright new Riley linen, this vibrant, summery table was a team-up between Jennifer Naylor Catering & Special Events and Mark’s Garden. See more: Get Inspired by 15 Colorful Twists on a Tropical Theme
Sponsored
Event Planners Are Thinking Micro To Bring Back Live Events
Coastal Cool - One of many hyper-curated tablescapes from Hestia Harlow, the newly launched event platform that's creating a revolution in our industry.
Florals
How These Industry Pros Are Keeping the Flower Business Blooming
From DIY kits to pop-up markets, find out how some event designers and florists are pivoting during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Visitors to the pop-ups actually thank us for being there, and you can see on their faces just how happy it makes them to see these gardens appear in their neighborhoods,” says Tom Kehoe about Kehoe Designs' Green Market Gardens.
Page 1 of 49
Next Page
BizBash
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  1. Privacy Policy
  2. CCPA: Do Not Sell My Personal Info
  3. Contact Us
  4. Site Map
© 2025 Connect Biz, LLC. All rights reserved.