This week was full of culture and lifestyle celebrations. Below, we take you through a highlight of our favorites.
Over the weekend in New York, in support of the nation-wide March for Our Lives walk, we practiced a bit of activism at The Standard, High Line for their “Parkland 17” event. Presented by Dwayne Wade and curated by Calyann Barnett, the exhibition included a live mural painting of We Demand Change by artist Manuel Oliver, and an installation of 17 desks that followed its previous presentation on the Wynwood Art Walk. Aimed at supporting the tragedy of gun violence and the 17 lives lost at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the event also hosted a “call to action” by using The Standard’s Ring Your Rep phones.
“Ring Your Rep” phone booth at The Standard, High Line.Courtesy of The Standard, High Line.
On Monday in Hong Kong at Shaw Studios, the annual amfAR Gala Hong Kong took place. Guests like Michelle Yeoh, Liam Hemsworth, Alessandra Ambrosio, Shanina Shaik, Kylie Minogue, Tove Lo, Siwon, Jeff Koons, and Simon de Pury joined in honoring artist KAWS and philanthropist Cathy Lee for their commitments to the fight against AIDS. With special performances by Tove Lo and Kylie Minogue, the night concluded in raising nearly $3 million for the organization’s continued research.
In L.A. on Tuesday, Tanya Taylor and Christie’s hosted special guests for cocktails and canapes. At the Christie’s Beverly Hills gallery, the brand showcased its Fall/Winter 2018 collection, inspired by the Dada movement. In addition to seeing the new collection, the designer welcomed visitors to see her inspiration board, full of materials, colors, and sketches.
“Ring Your Rep” phone booth at The Standard, High Line.Courtesy of The Standard, High Line.
That night in New York at Highline Stages, Lexus celebrated the brand’s North American debut of the all-new Lexus UX with a cocktail reception. The new car was revealed alongside an art installation in partnership with RxArt and artist Daniel Heidkamp. RxArt’s mission to transform and revitalize sterile healthcare facilities was heightened through this, with Heidkamp’s collage of the New York City skyline serving as the perfect backdrop for the new UX. The collage is set to be installed at a local pediatric care center later this year. Additionally, a limited-edition canvas tote is available for purchase, with all proceeds going to RxArt.
The amfAR Hong Kong Gala 2018 at Shaw Studios.Photo by Rachel Carr.
Courtesy of amfAR.
We then ventured to Fleur du Mal’s new pop-up location at 175 Mott Street. Open through the summer, their new “Peep Show” gallery is decorated with plush carpet, red mood lighting, a and small bar, and welcomes visitors to explore the new Spring/Summer 2018 collection. Throughout the upcoming months, the brand will also bring in different artists for activations within the space. The first is set to be Petites Luxuries, launching next month.
On Wednesday at The Highline Loft, FACUNDO Rum Collection held a lively soirée to celebrate the launch of ten one-of-a-kind cocktail trays. Created by artist Damian Aquiles, the launch coincides with his “Alquimista” exhibition at the Highline Loft Gallery, curated by Natalie Kates. Guests like FACUNDO brand director, Magali Podesta, Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler, artist Young Paris, Rita Schrager, and Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos enjoyed signature cocktails like Last Sip and the Star of Autumn, and a peek at the new luxury trays. “Alquimista,” along with the trays, is on view through April 7.
Tanya Taylor.Tanya Taylor x Christie’s.
Courtesy of BFA and Tanya Taylor.
From there, we headed to Alphabet City to attend a multi-course dinner for Grey Goose at Kingsley. The exclusive one-night pop-up welcomed a stellar collaboration between BlackTail’s head bartender, Jesse Vida, and Kingsley’s Chef Roxanne Spruance to highlight the art and science behind food and cocktail pairings. The collaboration was initially born out of a residency in Cognac, France called the “Atelier of Taste” (hosted by Michelin-starred Chef Alain Ducasse and Grey Goose Cellar Master François Thibault). Dishes like escargot, foie gras, and wagyu beef were complemented by deliberate Grey Goose cocktails that exuded sweet, rich, and nutty flavors.
