A cream coffee Patron cocktail that looked like frozen hot chocolate was served during arrivals.
Photo:Billy Farrell/BFAnyc.com
Showcasing a white gown, another dancer made swan-like poses on and around a bird cage-like perch.
Photo: David X. Prutting/BFAnyc.com
Miniature truffled grilled cheese bites were among the night's passed hors d'oeuvres, which also included Chinese chicken and cabbage salad in crispy wonton cups, scallion pancakes with Szechuan-braised beef shank, and hearts of palm and artichoke fritters.
Photo: Billy Farrell/BFAnyc.com
Installed in a dimly lit room that glowed with pops of neon fluorescent lighting, the dinner was set up supper club-style, with guests dining on low, soft benches that allowed for ease of conversation. In honor of Chinese New Year, the menu included dim sum as well as chilled Maine lobster salad, fried eggplant with tofu and roasted peppers in a sweet basil chili sauce, and lemon chicken.
Photo: David X. Prutting/BFAnyc.com
As a reminder of Chanel's numerical legacies, the producers digitally embedded numbers in the floor of the dinner space.
Photo: David X. Prutting/BFAnyc.com
The dinner room was divided into eight sections, with 25 people each.
Photo: Billy Farrell/BFAnyc.com
Chanel kept the furniture black, allowing the all-white floral displays to contrast the palette and simultaneously pay homage to Coco Chanel's love of the two hues.
Photo: David X. Prutting/BFAnyc.com
DJs Alexa Chung (pictured) and Nick Cohen took the early and late shifts, respectively, providing musical entertainment for much of the evening.
Photo: Billy Farrell/BFAnyc.com
Following dinner, Dublin-born rockabilly singer Imelda May performed live.
Photo: David X. Prutting/BFAnyc.com
During the performance, the area in front of the stage was turned into a dance floor as guests flowed freely through the 5,000-square-foot party space.
Photo: David X. Prutting/BFAnyc.com
In addition to the Chanel goodie bags that awaited them on the private planes and in their hotel rooms, guests received take-home treats as they left dinner.
Photo: Billy Farrell/BFAnyc.com
Photo: Matt Horton/Artist Group Photography for BizBash
Performers in checkerboard bodysuits mixed among the guests in one of the reception bars.
Photo: Matt Horton/Artist Group Photography for BizBash
The reception included a sushi bar served from atop a large ice sculpture.
Photo: Matt Horton/Artist Group Photography for BizBash
Masked servers offered passed hors d'oeuvres, such as oysters on the half shell.
Photo: Matt Horton/Artist Group Photography for BizBash
The Collection sponsored the gala and brought in four vehicles for display.
Photo: Matt Horton/Artist Group Photography for BizBash
During the reception and the after-party, the DJs worked from a platform inside a two-story tower.
Photo: Matt Horton/Artist Group Photography for BizBash
Most of the tables in the ballroom had solid black or white linens, except the 25 V.I.P. tables which had circular-patterned toppers.
Photo: Matt Horton/Artist Group Photography for BizBash
Deco Productions created two 16- by 42-foot prints to display on either side of the stage, one showing a reclining model, the other showing a large eyeball. Each one was divided into six individually framed panels and suspended from the ceiling.
Photo: Matt Horton/Artist Group Photography for BizBash
Deco Productions created a white acrylic panel that hung behind the stage. To one side of the stage, the Collection displayed a 2012 McLaren that it donated for the live auction.
Photo: Matt Horton/Artist Group Photography for BizBash
Bayfront Floral Decorators filled glass bowls with white roses and added white calla lilies for height.
Photo: Matt Horton/Artist Group Photography for BizBash
The first course consisted of a toasted brioche topped with smoked sturgeon mousse, caviar, deviled egg, and grapefruit segments.
Photo: Matt Horton/Artist Group Photography for BizBash
Deco used bold black and white graphics and artwork to turn the walkway from the reception into the ballroom into a mod art gallery. printed on an adhesive transparent
Photo: Matt Horton/Artist Group Photography for BizBash
Guests could purchase masks at the gala, with 20 percent of the proceeds going back to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Photo: Matt Horton/Artist Group Photography for BizBash
In the all-black cocktail reception space, Piers Baker from Third from the Sun spun on the DJ Kreemy Booth, designed by Karim Rashid.
Photo: George Pimentel
In the cocktail reception space, ovoid ice sculpture centrepieces sat on every cocktail table. The fluid, organic shapes were inspired by the work of all three designers.
Photo: BizBash
Hundreds of balloons from Balloon Trix hung from the ceiling during the V.I.P. dinner. The space changed colour with each course, starting with blue, morphing to pink for the main course, changing to orange for dessert, and ending in red.
Photo: George Pimentel
Clear ghost chairs and white tablecloths created clean lines in the V.I.P. dining room. Seventy-five cymbidium orchids made up the centrepiece at each table, mimicking the circular balloons overhead.
Photo: George Pimentel
Glass votives with electric candles hung from the ceiling in the V.I.P. dining room.
Photo: BizBash
Eatertainment designed the V.I.P. menu and played with the colours and shapes from the event invitation. Each plate had the name of the dish and the spirograph design from the invitation across the top. For the first course, they served cider braised beet with poached pear, Benedictine blue and spicy candied pecan, and an herb salad with raspberry vinaigrette.
Photo: George Pimentel
For the after-party, Iceculture created an eight-foot ice wall at the entrance of the trading floor. Iconic shapes from Karim Rashid were cut into the ice blocks and packed with snow. The negative space spelled out "DX."
Photo: George Pimentel
Silver and copper spheres hung from a square truss structure over the trading floor. An eight-foot lampshade from Eurolites illuminated the bar.
Photo: George Pimentel
Large cubes of ice with a hollow sphere sat on the corners of the square bar on the trading floor.
Photo: BizBash
Large ice replicas of Karim Rashid's Garbino garbage can were placed on the bar on the trading floor. Large spherical ice cubes filled the bins. A single spherical ice cube was served in each drink.
Photo: BizBash
Iceculture created a candleholder and flower piece, which is a larger version of designer Hani Rashid's Alessi pencil holder.
Photo: BizBash
Box Top Productions designed the three-dimensional mappings projected on the walls of the trading floor.
Photo: George Pimentel
Crystal Head Vodka sponsored the event and served specialty cocktails from a bar on the trading floor. Ice skulls decorated the bar.
Photo: George Pimentel
Dancers from DLM Studio wearing bodysuits circulated the trading floor, interacting with guests, posing for photos, and dancing.
Photo: George Pimentel
Contortionists and acrobats from Zero Gravity Circus performed on stage on the trading floor. Aerialists also performed over the Crystal Head martini bar.
Photo: BizBash
Sponsor Cambria had models showing off the brand's tile designs with a fashion show during the after-party.
Photo: George Pimentel
Karim Rashid's Garbino garbage can, supplied by Umbra, acted as gift bags for guests.
Photo: George Pimentel
The silent auction was located on the first floor of the Design Exchange.
Photo: George Pimentel
Noel Noir
By Andrew Stevens and Kim Swift, We Came in Peace
“The concept is a dark twist on the classic holiday fête, using elements of mystery, drama, and Old Hollywood glamour. A speakeasy meets an underground masquerade in a cinematic pleasure palace, and the mood is set with a minimal palette of black and white. Finding a perfect venue is key; architectural details and grand spaces with an oversize fireplace are ideal. Then pools of smoky light are interspersed with gobos casting slatted-blind texture on the walls and floors. A lush tableau of exotic hors d’oeuvres spans the space, illuminated by tiers of candelabras. Reinterpretations of classic seasonal themes are woven into the space, such as a forest of suspended Christmas tree chandeliers, composed of blackened branches and adorned with ornaments. Entertainment is a smorgasbord of vices, including gambling, hand-rolled cigars, on-site tattooing, and private shows by shadow dancers. The soundtrack for the evening is provided by a live jazz band that performs holiday classics.”
Rendering: Courtesy of We Came in Peace
Noel Noir
“Noel Noir is inspired by the moody black-and-white scenes of old Hollywood, with a cheeky holiday twist.”
Noel Noir
“Nightcap: The bar serves martinis with an emphasis on seasonal cocktails featuring absinthe or whiskey.” Absinthe Verte from St. Georges Spirits (510.769.1601, stgeorges spirits.com)
Photo: Courtesy of Jason Heilig
Noel Noir
Toronto venue: “The Grand Banking Hall in this turn-of-the century tower has magnificent details and timeless charm, perfect for event and parties.” One King West
Photo: Courtesy of the Desmond Tutu Center
Noel Noir
The Grand Banking Hall.
Photo: Courtesy of One King West Hotel & Residence
Noel Noir
“Layers of antique books add height and interest to tablescapes.” Book prop from Juniper Books
Photo: Juniper Books LLC/Juniperbooks.com
“Exotic birds add drama and interest to buffets and gifting areas.” Taxidermy, pricing varies, available in New York from Lost and Found Props
Photo: Theo Vamvounakis
Noel Noir
“Deco-inspired lines with a modern, high-gloss finish make this perfect for a room-spanning display.” Bubble dining table from the High Style collection, $425, available in New York, Miami, and L.A. from Luxe Event Rentals
Photo: Courtesy of Luxe Event Rentals
Noel Noir
“A decadent reimagination of the dessert-table staple.” Gilded chocolate-covered strawberries from Canard Inc.
Photo: Courtesy of Canard Catering
Noel Noir
“Earthy, sweet figs bound with savory prosciutto are a delicious way to start the festivities.” Devils on Horsebacks from Canard Inc.
Photo: Courtesy of Canard Catering
Noel Noir
“Transform the typical cheery holiday fireplace into a multihued, dramatic centerpiece.” Mystical Fire Retail 50 Pack, $57.50 from Mystical Distributing
Photo: Courtesy of Mystical Fire
Noel Noir
“Perfect for displaying all sorts of holiday curiosities.” Bell jar, $19.95 from Crate & Barrel
Photo: Courtesy of Crate & Barrel
Noel Noir
“Nothing sets the mood better than an authentic live orchestra and crooning front man.” Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra
Photo: Len Spoden Photography
Noel Noir
“A classic silver multi-armed candelabra towers over the tablescape. Pair with black taper candles.” Silver standing candelabra from Party Rental Ltd.
Photo: Courtesy of Party Rental Ltd.
Noel Noir
Andrew Stevens and Kim Swift are co-founders of We Came in Peace in New York. The creative studio specializes in experience and production design, art direction, and narrative environments. Clients include Art Basel, Microsoft, Schick, and Porsche.
Photo: Daniel Cavazos
The Snowball Lounge
By Jaime Geffen & Brian Worley, Your Bash!
“The concept starts with a customized invite to the lounge. Upon entry, snow machines will have people making snowmen as an interactive activity. Inside, white fur-lined linens and fur-capped Chiavari chairs are set against antler candlesticks, votive holders, and fireplaces. Oversize silver frames with wood paneling, alternating with white sheer drapes and a variety of contemporary furniture, provide the groundwork for winter-inspired accessories like large lacquer deer and fur-and-antler-inspired pillows. The menu is cozy and festive, with items such as mixed berry and gingerbread trifles, roasted chestnut truffles, and specialty cocktails.”
“The concept starts with a customized invite to the lounge. Upon entry, snow machines will have people making snowmen as an interactive activity. Inside, white fur-lined linens and fur-capped Chiavari chairs are set against antler candlesticks, votive holders, and fireplaces. Oversize silver frames with wood paneling, alternating with white sheer drapes and a variety of contemporary furniture, provide the groundwork for winter-inspired accessories like large lacquer deer and fur-and-antler-inspired pillows. The menu is cozy and festive, with items such as mixed berry and gingerbread trifles, roasted chestnut truffles, and specialty cocktails.”
Rendering:
The Snowball Lounge
“For the table setting, fur chair caps and gorgeous white linens with unique and festive centerpieces tie the whole look and theme together.” Table linens and chair covers, pricing varies, from Wildflower Linens
Photo: Courtesy of YourBash!
The Snowball Lounge
“Cookies and trifles are gorgeous and delicious.” Catering by Alligator Pear Catering in Canoga Park, California
Photo: Courtesy of Alligator Pear Catering
The Snowball Lounge
“Create a warm glow and ambience with an enclosed fireplace.” Black fireplace, $300, available in New York, Las Vegas, and Palm Beach from Taylor Creative
Photo: Courtesy of Taylor Creative
The Snowball Lounge
L.A. venue: "Start with a blank canvas and let the holiday spirit take over at the Book Bindery in Culver City."
Photo: Courtesy of the Bookbindery
The Snowball Lounge
“Peppermint twists help guests toast to a joyous night.”
Photo: Courtesy of YourBash!
The Snowball Lounge
“Get your guests excited with a custom invitation created by Cocodot.”
Photo: Courtesy of Coco Dot
The Snowball Lounge
Jaime Geffen and Brian Worley are the creative duo at YourBash! in Santa Monica, California. The full-service event production company has worked on movie premieres, product launches, and green events including Fox’s American Idol finalist party, the Foundation Polo Challenge, and the Teen Choice Awards.
Photo: Courtesy of YourBash!
The Holiday Aquatic
By Britt Whitfield, Revel Global Events
“This distinctly visceral experience for holiday revelers challenges their ideas of a classic holiday party. The theme is nautical and fantastical and elegant without losing the warmth and nostalgia of the season. It surprises the guest’s palate and eye—traditional elements are alluded to, but made both contemporary and graceful. Suspended from the ceiling, an oversize octopus mobile with gold sequins will wrap her tentacles around the room to serve as a visual anchor for the space. Subtle hints of red and green are woven throughout this whimsical underwater world to retain the whisper of the season. People leave our aquatic Eden swimming with ideas about how they can update their own holiday traditions.”
“This distinctly visceral experience for holiday revelers challenges their ideas of a classic holiday party. The theme is nautical and fantastical and elegant without losing the warmth and nostalgia of the season. It surprises the guest’s palate and eye—traditional elements are alluded to, but made both contemporary and graceful. Suspended from the ceiling, an oversize octopus mobile with gold sequins will wrap her tentacles around the room to serve as a visual anchor for the space. Subtle hints of red and green are woven throughout this whimsical underwater world to retain the whisper of the season. People leave our aquatic Eden swimming with ideas about how they can update their own holiday traditions.”
Rendering: Courtesy of the Revel Group
The Holiday Aquatic
“Miniature sequins between panels of silver damask on the linen.” From Private Label Linens
Photo: Steven E. Gross
Chicago venue: “Few spaces undergo a deep-sea transformation as easily as the River East Art Center, which features a canvaslike atrium and atmospheric water wall.”
Photo: Courtesy of the River East Art Center
“Vessels encrusted with sequins and mirrors give way to red coral branches, tucks, orchid blossoms, amaryllis blooms, thistle, and protea.” Floral accents designed by Whitfield’s partners at Revel Decor
Photo: Steven E. Gross
“An artisan soda bar offers snow-cone syrup flavors, with infusions like hibiscus basil orange blossom and fig vanilla black pepper.” From Jo Snow Syrups
Photo: Melissa Yen
“A Bubble Man is adorned in vintage scuba gear to further intensify the underwater fantasy world.” From Redmoon Theater
Photo: Courtesy of Renegade Craft Fair
“The menu is both indulgent and appropriately seaworthy, with squid ink cones filled with smoked trout and sesame-scented crème fraîche.” Hors d’oeuvres by Paramount Events
Photo: Steven E. Gross
Britt Whitfield is C.E.O. of Revel Global Events in Chicago. The event marketing and management agency has worked on events for the University of Chicago, Teknion, and the Chicago Cubs.
Photo: Courtesy of Britt Whitfield
“Contemporary white lounge furniture slips serpentinelike throughout the space, providing a respite from dancing.” Sofa from Lounge 22, available in Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, Chicago, and other cities from Cort Events
Photo: Courtesy of Cort Event Furnishings
For the New Era activation, an artist worked on wood panels that were part of the press wall.
Photo: Mark Davis
Roseland Ballroom was chosen as the site of the premiere party, largely as it sits within walking distance of Radio City Music Hall, the venue for the show. Just one year earlier, Cirque du Soleil staged an event in the same spot to celebrate the opening of its production Banana Shpeel, so the organizers looked to create an entirely different setting.
Photo: Jika González for BizBash
Staffers in bowler hats and outfits comprised of upturned umbrellas�"costumes that recalled a scene from Zarkana�"promoted the show in Times Square during the day and guided the guests from Radio City Music Hall to Roseland in the evening.
Photo: Jika González for BizBash
The entrance and lobby of Roseland were draped in white and black strips of fabric, and staffers manned several tables that held flutes of rosé.
Photo: Jika González for BizBash
To give attendees a variety of areas to explore, Cirque du Soleil's internal event team built several environments within the theater district space. The design was intended to resemble, but not replicate, the show's visuals with long drapes, patterned projections, and other accoutrements.
Photo: Jika González for BizBash
Strolling entertainers outfitted in costumes from Cirque du Soleil were another element picked up from the show and added an interactive dimension to the event.
Photo: Jika González for BizBash
A large lounge was designated as the seating area for supporters of One Drop, a nonprofit initiative started by Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté. Signage in this space held statistics about the number of people without access to safe drinking water, the issue Laliberté's organization tackles.
Photo: Jika González for BizBash
Rather than place all the performers on the venue's stage area, the producers turned the elevated platform into an additional lounge and decorated the staircase with tactile fixtures.
Photo: Jika González for BizBash
The presentation of vegetarian Moroccan cigars, which came with a yogurt and dill sauce, matched the entertainment and was manned by a staffer dressed as a fakir.
Photo: Kari Otero
Beside the stage stood a third seating space, furnished with black couches, colorful pillows, and long drapes in black and gray.
Photo: Jika González for BizBash
In the third lounge, guests could see a screen on which producers projected the images an artist was creating from sand.
Photo: Jika González for BizBash
Using a drum topped with sand, a costumed artist crafted images from a corner of the stage. The act, which imitated one from the show, included creating silhouettes of people, faces, and the city skyline.
Photo: Jika González for BizBash
The booths set up for the food were integrated into the overall look of the event, with carnival-like signage and decorations that included a knife-throwing wheel.
Photo: Jika González for BizBash
Taking inspiration from the performers in Zarkana, waitstaff in circus-style costumes passed hors d'oeuvres. For instance, one staffer dressed as a sideshow strongman gripped a barbell-like prop that held plates of spinach, Swiss cheese, and bacon frittatas.
Photo: Kari Otero
Staffers also included a man and woman pushing an old-fashioned baby stroller filled with Kobe beef frank lollipops (pictured) and a server dressed as a human cannonball passing spicy buffalo chicken poppers with blue cheese dressing.
Photo: Jika González for BizBash
The organizers also took cues for the waitstaff costumes from the overall aesthetic of the show and had some servers dressed as cigarette girls passing trays of crudités and assorted dips.
Photo: Kari Otero
Cafeteria, one of the food and beverage partners, served cotton candy and popcorn from a carnival-like stand next to the bar on the main floor.
Photo: Jika González for BizBash
The event made use of all Roseland's rooms, including the Rose Bar, where French Champagne house Pommery served its sparkling wine.
Photo: Jika González for BizBash
The producers also used the balcony area on the second floor, placing a cluster of photo booths around curving mirrors in imitation of a carnival's house of mirrors.
Photo: Jika González for BizBash
Nestlé Group's Nespresso was another partner in the event. The brand set up stations throughout the space, places for guests to sample its espresso drinks.
Photo: Jika González for BizBash
Brazilian cachaça brand Leblon supplied caipirinha cocktails, parked a branded truck outside the venue, and set up a foosball table.
Photo: Jika González for BizBash
Trend: Food and Beverage Carts
At a recent private event, Choura Events in Long Beach, California, served Louis Roederer Cristal and Dom Perignon from Champagne carts.
Photo: Mike Stonis
Two models dressed as living chandeliers greeted guests at the entrance to the hotel.
Photo: Matt Horton/Artist Group Photography for BizBash
On one side of the white carpet near the entrance, five models were meant to represent stanchions.
Photo: Matt Horton/Artist Group Photography for BizBash
