The venerable Royal Ontario Museum showed off a decidedly feisty side Saturday night when it was decked in leopard print, zebra stripes, and snakeskin for its Prom benefit, which had an "Into the Wild" theme. Sponsored by BCBG Max Azria and hosted by the Young Patron’s Circle, the annual fund-raiser attracted more than 650 guests to the museum's Samuel Hall Currelly Gallery for an evening inspired by the museum’s "Life in Crisis" exhibition, which addresses the need for conservation and protection of wildlife.
Faux snakeskin sofas and zebra print rugs were dispersed throughout the space, with arrangements of vibrant red flowers and angular palm leaves on every table. Cabana-style bars were draped with burlap and muslin and wildlife scenes were projected onto the walls behind them, while the dance floor was bordered with additional seating and palms. Catering by Presidential Gourmet incorporated the wild theme into items like Caesar salad with wild boar, venison bourguignon, and seared duck sushi.
“We want everyone to enjoy the party, but also, for people to go away inspired,” said Keiko Okutsu, the museum's senior development manager of donor events.
At the Hyacinth Gloria Chen Crystal Court entrance, BCBG Max Azria showcased pieces from spring collection and looped video projection of the latest runway show. There were other subtler touches of the sponsorship: BCBG’s spring colour palate was incorporated into signage, fashion tips were offered on the Prom Web site, and 100 V.I.P. guests gained exclusive access to a pre-party shopping event held earlier this month.
“It was an integrated partnership,” Okutsu said. “It’s not in your face, but it’s there.”
After adding a V.I.P. pre-party last year, Okutsu and her team brought it back but switched things up a bit. Last year’s V.I.P. party was held on a different floor of the museum. This year, the V.I.P. lounge was in the sanctuary-like Rotunda connected to the Samuel Hall Currelly Gallery; it was distinct from the main space without being isolated.
Last year, “it felt a little divided,” Okutso explained. “A lot of the guests are friends and don’t want to be too far apart. This is the first time that Prom is in one area. It adds continuity."
