More than 600 architects and their admirers gathered in the lobby of the Seagram Building--the shrine to modernism--for the annual Beaux Arts Ball, sponsored by the Architectural League of New York. The league, which celebrates the modern instead of the historical aspects of architecture, used a "Less Is More" theme for the evening, which was well-suited to the minimalist Seagram building. The rest of their perfectly minimalist approach: Hold the flowers. Add some cool, strategic lighting. Invite a smart, good-looking, young crowd, and have a smattering of costumed guests vie for "Most Creative Attire" awards.
Caterer David Turk of Indiana Market and Catering was also charged with keeping to the theme with an interesting table centerpiece in the back room of the giant lobby. He playfully arranged glass vases filled with beans, zucchini and tomatoes, and platters of tiny potatoes on tables covered with simple white tablecloths and small votive candles.
One unexpected element of the party was the wind tunnel effect that was created when guests opened the doors to the airtight building to enter the adjacent tent (by Starr Tents), where the Brazilian band Brazooca performed. The windy effect caused napkins to create air sculptures and led to more than a few destroyed hairdos.
--David Adler
Caterer David Turk of Indiana Market and Catering was also charged with keeping to the theme with an interesting table centerpiece in the back room of the giant lobby. He playfully arranged glass vases filled with beans, zucchini and tomatoes, and platters of tiny potatoes on tables covered with simple white tablecloths and small votive candles.
One unexpected element of the party was the wind tunnel effect that was created when guests opened the doors to the airtight building to enter the adjacent tent (by Starr Tents), where the Brazilian band Brazooca performed. The windy effect caused napkins to create air sculptures and led to more than a few destroyed hairdos.
--David Adler

David Turk of Indiana Market and Catering took the event's "Less Is More" theme and created a food display with trays of roasted potatoes and vases of beans, zucchini and cherrystone tomatoes.

The Architectural League of New York's event organizer and development director Gregory Wessner and executive director Rosalie Genevro.

Since the "Less Is More" theme also extended to seating, architects Ross Anderson and Gregory Rukavin decided to plant themselves on the steps of the Seagram Building.

Carrie Herndon, Ken Smith and Priscilla McGeehon reversed the "Less Is More" theme with their extravagant outfits.