Toronto Light Festival
Enunciation is a sculpture made with stainless steel, LEDs, and acrylic. The exterior mirrors its surroundings with the metal’s reflective quality, while the interior displays color palettes inspired by nature. The sculpture was created by U.S.-based mixed-media artist Taylor Dean Harrison.
Photo: Justine Apple Photography
In a smart move that avoided the complications that come with laying carpet over stairs—especially on a snowy night in New York—the event's producers projected a strip of red light over the library's front steps, effectively creating a virtual red carpet that led to the entrance. Hundreds of LED candles sat on either side of the illuminated pathway.
Photo: Carolyn Curtis/BizBash
Yellow Brick Road
For the cocktail hour, the Capitol Hill hotel was turned into two Wizard of Oz-inspired spaces. After checking in, guests followed a projection of the book's infamous yellow brick road, which led into a bar and lounge styled after the book's Emerald City. Electric Entertainment created a custom gobo from an automatic moving projector and a lighting software to position the road to go across the length of the room.
Photo: Evelyn Alas
The surface of the runway was painted with colorful, retro graphics.
Photo: Keith Sirchio for BizBash
In a section dubbed the "damier lawn," monogrammed bags sat atop a patchwork of grass and flowers.
Photo: Jeff Thomas/ImageCapture
The American Express Platinum House took place September 13 to 16 at the former site of London arts college Central Saint Martins. Outside of the venue, the activation was designated with a reflective, geometric structure. A geometric design was prominent throughout the pop-up.
Photo: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for American Express
The inside of the venue was lighted in bold, blue lighting. Adding to the sleek aesthetic was a transparent, circular chandelier that welcomed guests to the pop-up.
Photo: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for American Express
Graffiti artist Jay Caes created a Brick Lane-inspired mural on a wall composed of Away suitcases. Throughout the weekend, guests received complimentary luggage stickers and could shop select items from the luggage brand's "travel uniform" program.
Photo: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for American Express
As part of the Black Tomato "Hidden London" installation, vinyl and record players were on display to highlight Rough Trade record store in London. The display also featured fragmented mirrors.
Photo: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for American Express
Guests could shop for clothing at a shop curated by Sarah Andelman.
Photo: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for American Express
American Express partnered with Equinox to offer group fitness classes such as pilates, yoga, and barre.
Photo: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for American Express
The Harlem School of The Arts Masquerade Ball
This year’s Harlem School of the Arts Masquerade Ball and after-party raised more than $1 million for the second year in a row. The event was held at the Plaza Hotel in New York in October. The dining setting included tall palm leaf centerpieces and African-inspired fabric chair tie-backs.
Photo: Julie Skarratt
Guests were greeted with rainbow curtains, oversize balloons, disco balls, "TurnOut" signage, and a carpet emblazoned with the campaign's logo as they entered the gala. The welcome room became a popular spot for guest photo ops.
Photo: FotoBriceno
Buona Sera Signorina, Kiss Me Goodnight
Designed around Luxe’s bright new Riley linen, the vibrant, summery table was a team-up between Jennifer Naylor Catering & Special Events and Mark’s Garden.
Photo: Dina Douglass / Andrena Photography
Buona Sera Signorina, Kiss Me Goodnight
Rentals came from Theoni Collection and Premiere Party Rents, while Andrea Davis created hand-painted menus. Luxe Linen’s Amalfi napkins in Coral, Rosa, and Naranja were also on display.
Photo: Dina Douglass / Andrena Photography
Premiere Party Rents
Longtime Luxe Linen partner Premiere Party Rents provided most of the table, chair, decor, and flatware rentals for all tables throughout the evening. The company also had their own table, where it showcased a new hardwood table from its collection. Celebrate Flowers and Invitations designed elegant pink and white florals for the table, and Luxe’s Pink Beads napkins completed the look.
Photo: Dina Douglass / Andrena Photography
Fruit Punch
The bright table by Nicole Alexandra Designs and Emblem Flowers was designed to resemble a bowl of colorful fruit punch. Emiko Woods created the backdrop design, and Luxe’s Amalfi linen in Rosa was used.
Photo: Dina Douglass / Andrena Photography
Fruit Punch
The table runner was Luxe’s Floral Path design in Tutti Frutti, and Cut It Lab created laser-cut name cards.
Photo: Dina Douglass / Andrena Photography
Palm Springs Zen
Empty Vase handled design, production, and florals for an eye-catching table inspired by Palm Springs. The table used Luxe’s Retro (Pucci) Zig Zag in the Caribbean color, alongside the company’s Mermaid Iridescence napkins.
Photo: Dina Douglass / Andrena Photography
Fiesta in Tulum
A team-up between Michelle Garibay Events and Florals by Isabelle, the Mexico-inspired table used Luxe’s colorful Ikat Marmalade linen and Amalfi napkins in Naranja.
Photo: Dina Douglass / Andrena Photography
Oh Baby!
Appropriate for a baby shower, the table was designed by Hilary Hamer Weddings & Events with florals by Avant Garden. Luxe Linen’s Wiggle linen in Mist was used.
Photo: Dina Douglass / Andrena Photography
Oh Baby!
Premiere Party Rents’ place settings added to the pastel color scheme, and Fantasy Frostings created mini personalized cakes.
Photo: Dina Douglass / Andrena Photography
Summer Showers
A romantic tabletop used Luxe’s Enchanted linen in Mist. It was designed by Natalie Sofer Weddings & Events with florals by Butterfly Floral & Event Design.
Photo: Dina Douglass / Andrena Photography
Viva Coachella
A fun, Coachella-inspired table featured design and production by Percy Sales Events and florals by XO Bloom. Rachel Brown created specialty bird-theme art, and Luxe’s colorful Santa Maria linen was featured.
Photo: Dina Douglass / Andrena Photography
Jardin des Rêves
Using Luxe’s Villa Tile linen in Blue, the table by Sterling Engagements and Shawna Yamamoto Event Design offered a darker, elegant take on the tropical theme. With a name that translated to “garden of dreams,” the backdrop spelled out “Never Stop Dreaming” in purple neon. Chiavari Chair Rentals provided the chairs.
Photo: Dina Douglass / Andrena Photography
Jardin des Rêves
The dream-theme continued to the place settings, which featured writing by Calligraphy Katrina and colorful treats by Fantasy Frostings.
Photo: Dina Douglass / Andrena Photography
Mermaid Kisses and Candy Floss Wishes
An under-the-sea-theme table, which featured an actress dressed as a mermaid, offered a fun take on a girly birthday party. Designer Bluebell Events and florist the Hidden Garden used Luxe’s Oodles linen in Candy Floss, plus the appropriately named Mermaid Iridescence napkins. Hollywood Candy Girls provided candy for the table.
Photo: Dina Douglass / Andrena Photography
La Réserve
A summery tabletop by Vanessa Michelle Co. and floral designers Oak & the Owl used Luxe’s McGregor Nautical and Shell Amalfi linens.
Photo: Dina Douglass / Andrena Photography
At the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, a 3-D arrivals area evoked a vintage flower stand with bottles potted as plants and logo plaques on wooden sticks growing up from moss.
Photo: Claire Barrett Photography
Quaker Good Energy Lodge at Sundance Film Festival
The step-and-repeat at Quaker Oats' Sundance Film Festival activation was lined with stacked packages of the company's products.
Photo: Jack Dempsey/Invision for GenArt/AP Images
On the fantasy city street where the carnival took place, a flower-shop-style setup played double duty as the step-and-repeat. Inspired by a scene in the Prabal Gurung for Target TV commercial, the buckets of fresh flowers stood on tiered platforms, creating a wall of florals with small signs carrying the Target and Prabal Gurung logos rising from within.
Photo: Neil Rasmus/BFAnyc.com
Photo: Courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden
Jim Beam Global had a narrow 30-foot tent that combined three brands: Skinny Girl, Pucker, and Courvoisier. "The challenge here was that each brand needed an identity, but they shared a space," said designer Kelly Wagner. She placed Pucker in the center of the tent under a candy-hued canopy that had a lemonade-stand feel. The canopy contained the colors of the different Pucker flavors.
Photo: Josh Sears for Event Creative
Patron tequila had a bright, green-and-white space with oversize replicas of the brand's bee-shaped logo.
Photo: Josh Sears for Event Creative
Raj Tents in Los Angeles and San Leandro, California, launched its Beach Chic line for outdoor events last year. The tents, built around the frames of the company’s popular Pergola and Pavilion tents, come with a sea-spray or turquoise exterior and blue wave valance. Additional decor options include crystal chandeliers, mirrors, and hand-carved furniture for lounge settings.
Photo: Courtesy of Raj Tents
At the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, a collection of six marigold chandeliers filled the V.I.P. tent ceiling, each standing eight feet high and made from thousands of strands of silk marigolds in the brand's recognizable yellow shade.
Photo: Claire Barrett Photography
Inspired by the Rose Bowl, the pillows in the lounge area depicted different aspects of the game with three different designs.
Photo: Dan Scott/American Image Gallery
The Recording Academy's Grammy Celebration
The Recording Academy's official after-party took place at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Sunday night, drawing 5,000 Grammy winners, nominees, industry executives, and other celebrities. Designed and produced by the Recording Academy and Angel City Designs, the event took on a European, modern masquerade ball theme that evolved throughout the night. Eggs&Bacon handled additional production and logistics, while ShowPro handled lighting and video and Town & Country provided rentals.
Photo: Sean Twomey/2me Studios
The Recording Academy's Grammy Celebration
The color scheme also changed throughout the night, starting with light pastel colors that evoked Marie Antoinette and evolving into deeper purples and greens. "The intention was to really transport guests to another time and place without being too specific about the moment or the location," explained the Recording Academy's event head, Branden Chapman.
Photo: Sean Twomey/2me Studios
The Recording Academy's Grammy Celebration
In keeping with the theme, designers placed a garden maze in the middle of the event. CJ Matsumoto & Sons handled florals for the evening.
Photo: Sean Twomey/2me Studios
The Recording Academy's Grammy Celebration
On-theme performers from E Plus Productions entertained the crowd, and ATK handled audio production. TLC and En Vogue also performed at the event, along with DJ Michelle Pesce and jazz singer Kurt Elling.
Photo: Sean Twomey/2me Studios
The Recording Academy's Grammy Celebration
Catering came from Joe Flamm, the executive chef of Spiaggia in Chicago. In partnership with Levy Restaurants, Flamm's menu was designed to complement the theme with four Renaissance-inspired food stations. The beginning of the night saw tray-passed appetizers such as beef shank and frutti di mare. Later in the evening, food stations called “Venice,” “Glamorous,” and “Renaissance” served a variety of dishes, many that were vegan, gluten-free, or nut- and shellfish-free. Dessert (pictured) took on a carnival theme, with gelato pops, French macarons, and mini eclairs and tarts.
Photo: Sean Twomey/2me Studios
The Recording Academy's Grammy Celebration
This year marked Absolut's third sponsorship of the Grammy Awards, and the brand worked with MKG to create a series of experiences throughout the weekend that were designed for social sharing. At the Grammy Celebration, the brand's photo op used vertical frames, pink neon lighting, and greenery to create the shape of a bottle that guests could pose inside.
Photo: Courtesy of MKG
Steven Tyler's Grammy Awards Viewing Party
On Sunday, Steven Tyler hosted his second annual viewing party for 500 people at Raleigh Studios. Sponsored by Live Nation and Hilton and hosted by Jane Lynch, the event raised $2.8 million for Janie's Fund, a nonprofit for girls dealing with abuse and neglect. Virginia Fout from V Productions produced the event, which included a live auction from AAB Productions, a seated dinner, and a performance by Aerosmith. 15/40 Productions handled additional production design and lighting.
Photo: Line 8 Photography. All rights reserved.
Steven Tyler's Grammy Awards Viewing Party
Damon Dunbar handled floral arrangements, which sat atop linens from La Tavola Fine Linen Rental. Crumble Catering provided the three-course meal, while Senovva handled audiovisual production and Gallagher Staging handled staging.
Photo: Line 8 Photography. All rights reserved.
Steven Tyler's Grammy Awards Viewing Party
For a smaller cocktail reception, V Productions created a rock 'n' roll-inspired living room using Medieval-style chandeliers, plush furniture, and bookshelves filled with personal photos. Never-before-released images of Tyler decorated whitewashed wooden planks.
Photo: Line 8 Photography. All rights reserved.
Roc Nation's The Brunch
One of the weekend's buzziest events was Roc Nation's annual brunch, held on Saturday at a private estate. Presented in conjunction with Puma, American Express, and Barclays Center, the event drew a who's-who of the music industry, including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Diddy, DJ Khaled, Usher, and many more. The entryway featured green hedges and cascading yellow flowers punctuated by framed images of previous brunch attendees. The gathering was designed and produced by SO Events, while Celio's Design handled florals.
Photo: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Roc Nation
Roc Nation's The Brunch
Inside the white tent, vibrant decor details included floral chandeliers and blue and white furniture with pops of yellow that created an Italian Garden theme. Bright Event Rentals and Revelry Event Designers also worked on the event.
Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation
Roc Nation's The Brunch
Food stations from the Kitchen for Exploring Foods also tied into the Italian Garden theme, offering items such as steak and eggs, pasta, made-to-order waffles, and a grand Italian charcuterie station.
Photo: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Roc Nation
MusiCares Person of the Year Tribute
Another high-profile event was MusiCares' Person of the Year tribute, held on Friday night at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Honoring Dolly Parton, the 2,800-attendee event was hosted by the band Little Big Town with performances from Pink, Katy Perry, Kacey Musgraves, Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks, Miley Cyrus, and many more. It raised $6.7 million for MusiCares. Decor-wise, the evening was planned by the Recording Academy with decor and florals from Elite Productions International (EPI). The team designed two different looks for the table settings, one with free-flowing florals and mini lantern votives, and another with a large gold lantern surrounded by florals.
Photo: Rich Fury/Getty Images for NARAS
MusiCares Person of the Year Tribute
EPI continued the floral concept throughout the registration and auction reception, using pops of yellow as a tribute to Dolly Parton's favorite color.
Photo: Courtesy of EPI
Delta Air Lines' Pre-Grammy Party
Guests entered the celebration through an installation of hanging gold records.
Photo: Tyler Curtis
Delta Air Lines' Pre-Grammy Party
MKG also designed a GIF booth where guests posed around an oversize Grammys gramophone; a wall of gold records provided the background.
Photo: Tyler Curtis
Spotify's Best New Artist Party
Spotify hosted its Best New Artist 2019 party on Saturday night at the Hammer Museum. The event featured performances from Best New Artist nominees including the eventual winner, Duo Lipa, along with Jorja Smith (pictured), Margo Price, Chloe x Halle, Bebe Rexha, and H.E.R. For a stage backdrop, vibrant lighting accentuated the museum's existing trees.
Photo: John Sciulli/Getty Images for Spotify
Citi Sound Vault
On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, Citi hosted exclusive events for cardmembers at the Hollywood Palladium. Featuring intimate performance from Pink, Muse, and Chris Stapleton, the events also featured a capsule collection designed by artist Trevor "Trouble" Andrew. A photo op at the events was made from speakers and oversize records.
Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Citi
Mastercard Sensory Lab
To celebrate Grammy week, Mastercard debuted its sensory lab at Fred Segal in West Hollywood on Thursday night. The interactive space, designed and produced by BMF, featured a fireside chat with Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda, a sneak peek at the brand's new ad with Camila Cabello, and a performance by rapper Kyle. The space debuted Mastercard's new audio branding, a lyric-free melody meant to resonate with customers around the world.
Photo: Tory Stolper Photography
Mastercard Sensory Lab
Guests could win prizes from a Mastercard-branded claw machine.
Photo: Tory Stolper Photography
Mastercard Sensory Lab
In keeping with the "lab" theme, staffers wearing lab coats served drinks out of beakers.
Photo: Tory Stolper Photography
Republic Records Grammy Awards Celebration
On Sunday night, Republic Records hosted an after-party at Spring Place Beverly Hills. The night, which featured a DJ set from SG Lewis, had a photo booth from sponsor Crocs that displayed a series of black and white shoes. Guests could also decorate their own Crocs to take home.
Photo: Rachel Murray/Getty Images for Republic Records
AEG's Grammys Party
AEG tapped Revelry Event Designers to create a chandelier-filled V.I.P. lounge and event on Sunday at the Staples Center. Bright Event Rentals provided rentals for the space.
Photo: Staples Center/Bernstein Associates
Sir Lucian Grainge's 2019 Artist Showcase
Universal Music Group C.E.O. Sir Lucian Grainge hosted his annual artist showcase, presented by Citi, on Saturday at the Row. Attendees such as rapper YG signed their names on a mirror; the mirror theme continued throughout the event.
Photo: John Salangsang/Invision for Universal Music Group/AP Images
Warner Music Group's Pre-Grammy Celebration
Warner Music Group celebrated its Grammy-nominated artists and songwriters on Thursday night at the NoMad Hotel. Dua Lipa and Nispey Hussle performed at the event, which was sponsored by Citi and Belvedere Vodka in association with V Magazine. Belvedere created signature cocktails inspired by the year's nominees, with names such as "Dua Daydream" and "Django Jasmine"; they were displayed in front of custom neon signage.
Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Belvedere Vodka
