Swiss
ambassador Urs Ziswiler and his wife, Ronit, opened their newly constructed residence to the Susan G.
Komen National Race for the Cure on May 10 for a silent auction and soiree
sponsored by watch retailer Fashion Time. Three rooms of watch displays enticed
the 230 guests to bid, and two terrace bars drew them outdoors. Pink, the color
of the breast cancer fight, dominated the decor, from fuchsia linens to
blushing cocktails. For
Fashion Time event planner Ali Zargarpur, the large party was a departure from
the usually small in-store events he produces. This time around, the challenges
were unique, from selecting which watches to feature (there were 22
participating brands to choose from) to outfitting the entryway. “You'll never
believe how hard it is to find a hot-pink carpet,” Zargarpur said.
Former congressman and Komen Foundation chairman Kenneth Bentsen offered remarks during the fete while guests nibbled on light hors d’oeuvres from Windows Catering Company and cocktails from event sponsor Pink, a caffeine-laced vodka. Later, passed entrées allowed guests to try a variety of dishes, while also honoring Ronit's request not to set up tables indoors.
Former congressman and Komen Foundation chairman Kenneth Bentsen offered remarks during the fete while guests nibbled on light hors d’oeuvres from Windows Catering Company and cocktails from event sponsor Pink, a caffeine-laced vodka. Later, passed entrées allowed guests to try a variety of dishes, while also honoring Ronit's request not to set up tables indoors.

A hot-pink carpet marked the entrance to the event.
Photo: BizBash

A hot-pink carpet marked the entrance to the event.
Photo: BizBash

The embassy provided flowers including large pink roses, lilies, peonies, and gerbera daisies.
Photo: BizBash

Amannequin was dressed in Komen Foundation race gear.
Photo: BizBash

Small bouquets were interspersed among the watch displays.
Photo: BizBash

A jazz trio set an upbeat, contemporary tone for the fund-raiser.
Photo: BizBash

Fashion Time's Ali Zargarpur displayed the watches in several of the Swiss embassy's parlors, grouping each room's collection by price and design.
Photo: BizBash

This pink-diamond-studded watch from Accutron was among more than 150 pieces on display.
Photo: BizBash

Radoand Versace signage figured prominently in the foyer decor.
Photo: BizBash