A Gala Goes On: Glimpsing the Future of Benefits

As the event industry wonders how the tone of special events will change after the World Trade Center attacks, The New York Times offers a glimpse at one of the first glitzy post-disaster benefits. The Times' astute fashion critic Cathy Horyn's report on the New Yorkers for Children benefit gala for 700 on Wednesday at Cipriani 42nd Street called the evening's tone "upbeat," and she noted that co-hosts Oscar de la Renta and Sarah Jessica Parker discussed Parker's new haircut. But there were some changes in the plan. Planners nixed the after-dinner dancing, and event co-host and Vogue editor Anna Wintour ruled out the original decor scheme--pale green tablecloths with centerpieces of white roses and orchids--in favor of pale white linen and smaller flower arrangements with red-white-and-blue streamers on each table. Socialite Nan Kempner told Horyn she came because "when times are tough you want to be with your friends," and predicted that her crowd would be entertaining at home more now.

Posted 09.22.01

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