Esquire magazine and AIDS Project Los Angeles threw a benefit bash in kissing distance of one of the big kahunas of Oscar night—the Elton John AIDS Foundation party at the Pacific Design Center. APLA’s viewing party is certainly the smaller, calmer cousin of the evening’s AIDS events, with only 400 seated guests and another 100 hovering over drinks at the Abbey. But what the APLA bash misses in terms of sheer star wattage, it makes up for in coziness and maneuverability—no small thing on a night when parking one’s car and making it through the door at a bigger event can devour a whole hour.This was the third year that Abbey owner David Cooley offered up his West Hollywood restaurant for APLA’s fund-raiser, and this year, Adrienne D. Levey, APLA’s senior development officer for events, and outside event planner Eric Roth decided to veer away from last year’s more ornate approach to the evening. “We wanted to create an environment where people felt it was fun and elegant, something a little more contemporary,” Levey says.
This year’s party was also all about details. One exposed-brick wall in the warren of indoor/outdoor seating spaces had tiny floor-to-ceiling shelves that the planners topped with votive candles and mini fishbowls holding Oscar fish. Ahem. The candles and fishbowls alternated to form a checkerboard design that picked up the checkerboard pattern on the butterscotch satin jacquard runners on the buffet tables. Tables were covered in chocolate faux suede and topped with amber-colored, bi-level flower arrangements of roses with hydrangea and orchids at the base. Orchids suspended in water inside tall glass columns decorated the bars and buffets. The awards show beamed from 15 flat-screens arranged around the indoor dining rooms and tented patio. Guests left with gift bags stuffed with magazines and Marc Jacobs perfume. The evening raised $200,000 for the 23-year-old organization that provides food and dental services for people with AIDS.
—Irene Lacher
Posted 03.08.06
Photos: Spellbound Creative Concepts
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This year’s party was also all about details. One exposed-brick wall in the warren of indoor/outdoor seating spaces had tiny floor-to-ceiling shelves that the planners topped with votive candles and mini fishbowls holding Oscar fish. Ahem. The candles and fishbowls alternated to form a checkerboard design that picked up the checkerboard pattern on the butterscotch satin jacquard runners on the buffet tables. Tables were covered in chocolate faux suede and topped with amber-colored, bi-level flower arrangements of roses with hydrangea and orchids at the base. Orchids suspended in water inside tall glass columns decorated the bars and buffets. The awards show beamed from 15 flat-screens arranged around the indoor dining rooms and tented patio. Guests left with gift bags stuffed with magazines and Marc Jacobs perfume. The evening raised $200,000 for the 23-year-old organization that provides food and dental services for people with AIDS.
—Irene Lacher
Posted 03.08.06
Photos: Spellbound Creative Concepts
Related Stories
Elton Hosts Massive, Tented Feast
Big Academy Ball Has Dramatic Tube Lighting
Big Oscar Parties Mean Big Money
Esquire magazine and AIDS Project Los Angeles threw a cozier, intimate Oscar party at the Abbey.
The viewing party had only 400 seated guests and another 100 for drinks.
A tented area expanded the party space, which featured 15 flat-screens arranged around the Abbey.
Tables were covered in chocolate faux suede and topped with amber-colored, bilevel flower arrangements of roses with hydrangea and orchids at the base.
