Dubbed "Mad Hot Wonderland," the National Ballet of Canada's 2011 gala held a number of references to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, including the costumes worn by staff. For instance, valet drivers were dressed as the White Rabbit.
Photo: Gary Beechey
In a bid to capture the attention of the Comic-Con crowd in San Diego during the 2014 show, M.A.C. Cosmetics dressed models as Marge Simpson to unveil the Simpsons Collection makeup at its San Diego Gaslamp store. Models done up like the cartoon character circulated in the store and outside.
Photo: Robert Benson/Getty Images for MAC Cosmetics
For Paris Fashion Week in 2013, H&M built its 20,000-square-foot “Maison H&M” on the historic Musée Rodin grounds. The elaborate setup comprised several rooms, including the parlor, bathroom, and library space, where models donned French maid uniforms. The staff at the after-party also wore maid outfits.
Photo: Stéphane Fugier
At the Absolut X tour stop in Miami in 2013, models clad in futuristic gear offered masks to guests, all in line with the high-concept masquerade theme.
Photo: World Red Eye
In 2011, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts brought together its “Brits to Watch” honorees—not to mention the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge themselves—for a party where staff dressed appropriately in jackets done as interpretations of the Union Jack.
Photo: Adrian Carr/Bafta
Thinkery Imaginarium Gala
At Thinkery's Imaginarium gala, held in Austin in September, staff wore necklaces with Scrabble pieces that spelled out their names. These were used in lieu of traditional name tags.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
Trays of edible licorice pipes topped the bar, and guests could grab one with their cocktails. Some used them as a swizzle stick.
Photo: Jenny Berg/BizBash
The Shuttr selfie remote (from $39.99), available from Axis Promotions, is compatible with most phones and tablets and can trigger a photo from as far away as 30 feet. A logo can go above or below the Shuttr logo.
Photo: Courtesy of Axis Promotions
Give guests peace of mind with Tile (from $20 each with logo for bulk orders). Attach the water-resistant device to things like keys, chargers, memory sticks, or wallets, and if the item is misplaced, it can be tracked instantly using the Tile app. The company offers customization for corporate clients, and the Tiles can be left in bulk or individually wrapped.
Photo: Courtesy of Tile
Make it easy for guests to share photos from events with a Bluetooth selfie stick (from $11.88) from Geek Tech Branding that comes in blue and black. The stick extends to nearly 40 inches and photos are snapped with the remote control. The clamp can be customized with a logo.
Photo: Courtesy of Geek Tech Branding
Evernote Notebooks by Moleskine ($29.95) are the first paper notebooks designed to create digitized versions of handwritten notes. Jot down notes on the specially designed pages, snap a picture with the Evernote app, and the page is instantly digitized for storage on all of your devices. The items are available from Scarborough & Tweed.
Photo: Courtesy of Scarborough & Tweed
A DJ spun in front of a dance floor that featured the birthday girl’s personal logo at a sweet sixteen party produced by Magnolia Bluebird Design & Events. Warhol-style graphics, props, custom throw pillows, and comic-art-inspired decor punched up the white lounge furniture at the Musikfest Café at the SteelStacks in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Photo: Courtesy of Rodney Bailey
Another sweet sixteen was produced by the JDK Group in April 2014. The company's producer and designer David Everett created a flowing champagne fountain displayed in front of a greenery backdrop with a custom monogram for the party’s step-and-repeat.
Photo: Courtesy of Leslie Gilbert Photography
Rather than go big, Toyota opted to hold a competition for the 10th anniversary of its Prius car in October 2010. Following a Facebook contest to find the most passionate driver of the eco-conscious vehicle, the carmaker hosted dinner for the winner as well as 150 Prius enthusiasts, musicians, members of the press, and Toyota executives at a private home in California.
Photo: Charley Gallay/WireImage
For the Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami's 15th anniversary in February, David Stark used past press releases, editorial clippings, photos, and invites to decorate the walls of the institution. The color-coded mosaic also covered lamp shades suspended from the ceiling.
Photo: Courtesy of KT Merry Photography
At the October 2011 dinner for Boston's Institute of Contemporary Art's anniversary, each table number represented a year in the museum's 75-year history.
Photo: Liz Linder
Hundreds of past issues formed an oversize wall that stood at the entrance to Women's Wear Daily's 100th anniversary party in 2010.
Photo: Susie Montagna
For another spin on a birthday cake, Mattel's 50th anniversary bash for Barbie in 2009 included a 1,000-pound-plus ice sculpture that resembled a giant cake.
Photo: Line 8 Photography
Two custom structures created a sense of arrival at the entrance to the residence of the German ambassador. They reflected the modern architecture of the residence, and the long design drew guests into the reception hall. Since the attractive structures featured the Opera Ball logo, they also doubled as a step-and-repeat.
Photo: Yassine El Mansouri
On the first floor, nearly all fixtures—including furniture rentals from Blueprint—were gold.
Photo: Yen Chen Photography
Culinary Eye handled catering and created a branded doughnut wall with gold pegs.
Photo: Yen Chen Photography
Illuminated high-boy tables were decorated with graffiti-style numbers and mathematical symbols.
Photo: Steve Maller Photography
Numbers and symbols also appeared on columns.
Photo: Yen Chen Photography
SickKids' Scrubs in the City Presents Tokyo 2015
On June 4, the SickKids Foundation hosted its 14th annual “Scrubs in the City” benefit at Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto. At the end of the night, a food trunk gave guests a taste of next year's theme: "London Is Calling." The truck had the date of next year's event written on its side.
Photo: George Pimentel Photography
