Friday Fête: A Chanel Tribute Opera in Paris, The NYBG Orchid Dinner, and More

On February 10 in New York, The Standard, East Village relaunched its special programming event series—The Standard Talks—with an energetic event spotlighting Helmut Lang’s much-anticipated exhibition, “COWBOY.” The evening began with a compelling panel discussion between curator Antwaun Sargent and gallerist Hanna Traore, moderated thoughtfully by founder of ALMA Communications, Hannah Gottlieb-Graham. Distinguished attendees, including model Ella Emhoff, photographer Tyler Mitchell, and fashion designer Grace Wales Bonner, were immersed in a private preview of the exhibition as well as an elegant three-course dinner. 

Kicking off the weekend, cutting-edge art gallery and media company House of Spoils marked the brand's 10th anniversary with an intimate dinner at Narukiyo in the premier Shibuya district, known affectionately as the beating heart of Tokyo. The secret Izakaya—stay-drink place—set the perfect scene for delicious drinks and small bites. Throughout the traditional open kitchen and bar setting, founder Max Samis hosted 45 friends and notable guests, including Poggy The Man, Kith’s Tokyo Director Junya Matano, DJ and producer Rhyme, and model Paige Watkins. Highlights of the dynamic evening included a special sake barrel ceremony and an end-of-evening nightcap and DJ set at Sam Jung’s sleek bar Rokusho. The festivities continued on Saturday night with an inaugural photography exhibition at the boutique Trunk Hotel in Shibuya. Cocktails flowed, along with beats by skilled DJ’s Trevor Baruh, Gui Martinez, and Eames Aquatica. Over 300 guests gathered to take in the vibrant and inspirational artwork. 

On February 18 in Los Angeles, Frieze LA was brought to a ceremonious close with an exquisite VIP dinner surrounding the visionary artist Mickalene Thomas. Art Firm Advisors’ Nathalie Marciano and Julie Miyoshi co-hosted the dazzling evening along with A Celebration of Women in Art's Nicole Ehrlich. At the chic home of Nathalie Marciano, special guests such as Jwan Yosef, Renee Cox, Joakim Andreasson, and Teal Black came together to share vibrant conversation surrounding Thomas’ singular creative language as well as decadent dishes by premier Iron Chef Cat Cora. 

On February 21 in Paris, Chanel united with the Opéra National de Paris Ballet, paying a ravishing homage to the one and only Patrick Dupond, former Director of dance and Principal performer of the Opera, who passed away in 2021. The event built upon the intimate history between the esteemed fashion house and the art of dance. Gabrielle Chanel herself financed the 1920 revival of The Rite of Spring, designed the avant-garde costumes for the ballet Le Train bleu in 1924, followed by the 1928 costumes for Balanchine and Stravinsky's Apollon Musagète. Her wondrous 1989 creations for Léonide Massine and Salvador Dalí's Bacchanale were sadly left unseen at the onset of World War II. For the imaginative tribute event, CHANEL embellished the famous Grand Staircase at the Palais Garnier with larger-than-life pink wooden bows, reminiscent of chic ballet shoes. A glittering cast of guests such as Vanessa Paradis, Karidja Touré, Lyna Khoudri, and Alma Jodorowsky enjoyed three ballets: Vaslaw by John Neumeier, Le Chant du compagnon errant by Maurice Béjart, and Études by Harald Lander, followed by a succulent dinner and musical after party with DJs Wladimir Schall and Agathe Mougin.

Also that night but in New York, we gathered with Bombay Sapphire for a celebration, welcoming its latest product release—the Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru Murcian Lemon. The premium, handcrafted gin—infused with bright Fino lemons—was used by lead mixologists in Manhattan to create inventive cocktails that paired perfectly with cuisine by Blule Hill. In the Chelsea neighborhood, a luxe event space welcomed guests to an immersive environment, filled with projected videos of lemons, washes of blue swirls, and a relaxing scene of nature. Between sumptuous bites and sips of dynamic cocktails, we heard from those that created each pairing.

On February 23 in Milan, a star-studded array of guests such as Sienna Miller, Emma Roberts, Gigi Hadid, and Ellie Bamber raised a collective toast to Miuccia Prada and Raf Simmons in honor of the elegant and inspired Prada Fall/Winter 2023 Womenswear presentation. A festive dinner was held at the iconic Ristorante Torre at Fondazione Prada, overlooking magnificent views of the fashion capital of the world, followed by an unforgettable dance party pulsing with light, color, and celebration.

Thursday evening was a night to remember as nearly 400 guests arrived at New York’s legendary Plaza Hotel on the joyful occasion of The New York Botanical Garden’s annual Orchid Dinner. With the support of Guerlain and Hearst, the evening honored renowned artist Lily Kwong’s spirited design of “The Orchid Show: Natural Heritage,” a breathtaking exhibition, which is currently on view in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory through April 23. Leading florists and designers evoked Kwong’s otherworldly vision with astounding tiers of fresh flowers and greenery, by which a sumptuous multi-course dinner was served. Esteemed guests such as artist Angelica Hicks, Christopher Griffin aka The Plant Kween, ballet dancers James Whiteside and Isabella Boylston, and actress Pauline Chalamet basked in mother nature’s beauty and mingled with artists and floral enthusiasts alike, all while enjoying a serene performance by premier pianist Gina Alice, the official “Orchidee Imperiale” global ambassador of Guerlain. Guests danced the night away to music by Timo Weiland, having raised over $800,000 in support of the Garden’s worldwide plant research, education, and conservation programs.

And on Saturday February 25 Amref Health Africa, the largest healthcare non-profit in Africa, raised a toast in New York to embrace vivacious culture and philanthropy with the annual ArtBall at 26 Bridge Street in Brooklyn. Hosted by Young Prince, joyous guests witnessed Tariku Shiferaw present fellow artist Julie Mehretu with the esteemed Rees Visionary Award. The event launched a special art auction on artsy in which 38 Contemporary African, Pan-African, and Black Art pieces by artists such as Damien Davis, Emily Manwaring, and Adjei Tawiah were highlighted; proceeds benefited Kefeta, Amref’s own youth empowerment initiative in Ethiopia. Guests delighted in traditional West and East African food by Teranga and Bunna Cafe and swayed to the rhythms of Chop and Quench—the celebrated band from Broadway’s The Fela!, led by Tony Award nominated actor Sahr Ngaujah.