Attendees at Luminato's opening night gala, which moved to Canada's National Ballet School this year, traversed the venue's four floors, including the Town Square on the main floor, two second-floor studios—transformed into a dance club and jazz lounge—and the Giorgio Armani V.I.P. lounge on the fifth floor, which required a black wristband for entrance. We asked guests to share their overall impressions of the event and the setup.
"It's nice to see the venue transformed into party central for the night, and it's amazing to see all the people out enjoying the arts. I think the way they've transformed the studios—I'm used to seeing them during the day [when they're filled] with students—is an amazing use of space. The mixture of people enjoying each of the spaces is unbelievable as well."
—William Milne, director of finance and administration, National Ballet School of Canada
"I was mostly hanging around [in the Armani lounge], where they're doing the free makeovers, and it seems like all the women are enjoying them. I have to say that this is an eclectic collection of folks from the business community, from the artistic community, from the creative community. It's wonderful to get that mix going."
—Tony Clement, federal Minister of Industry
"I love the venue, it's beautiful. But I wish there was an outside section. I like that they've made different rooms, because they didn't have that [at the Royal Ontario Museum] last year. And the food's better than last year. Plus it's a nice crowd and there's a lot to see."
—Randy Guevera, print production coordinator
"It's okay. I don't like the wristband thing. My friend has a wristband and I don't and we came together, so it's kind of lame. Have a party or don't. Or if you want to do something with V.I.P. guests, have them come half an hour early."
—Sue Hall, law firm employee
"The first year at BCE Place was amazing, and they wowed everybody, and then last year it was at the ROM... This year things are a little bit toned down because of the economy, but you've got to go with the flow. I think the party represents just a sampling of what Luminato is all about."
—Richard Fong, freelance writer
"It's the first time I've been to a Luminato opening. I think the venue is brilliant. I like the fact that there are different rooms... I think it's very Toronto. They're not trying to be New York. They're not trying to be London. And that's fine."
—Jairo Betancur, fashion consultant
