The launch of a photo exhibit focused on female beauty stands to be a very self-conscious thing in this town. And to celebrate the opening of "Beauty Culture" at the Annenberg Space for Photography in Century City—a party itself filled not only with striking photos, but also striking women, on one of the most high-gloss city blocks anywhere—organizers had to create a look befitting the works and the atmosphere. Annenberg Foundation communications associate Camille Lowry oversaw the event, with production by J. Ben Bourgeois Productions.
Adjacent to the exhibit space was a sleek black tent, with all the fixtures and cords carefully hidden behind fabric, itself adorned with blown-up images of feminine beauty. Dita Von Teese performed a burlesque act using a giant makeup compact set piece as a frilly backdrop.
"We decided to make the party beautiful by decorating it with the beauty from the exhibit," Lowry said. "We wanted the evening to be focused on photography, and to have the room filled with guests who are part of the world of beauty—such as photographers, the subjects from the photos, the stylists, and makeup artists. By throwing this event, we sought to create a buzz and draw people to visit the exhibit."
The invitation to the event was another riff on the makeup compact: Art directed by Annenberg's David Scharff, designed by Portland graphic design firm Brand Navigation, and printed by Burbank-based printers Graphic Visions, the card included a mirror and the text "What does beauty look like?"
