Save Venice: A Grand Masquerade Ball at The Plaza Hotel
Saving the floating city of Venice is no easy task. The rising tides, known as “acqua alta” to the locals, pose a constant threat to the city’s artistic treasures. While a floodgate system helps keep the waters at bay, the delicate artworks housed in Venice’s museums and palazzi still require meticulous restoration. This is where Save Venice comes in, funding the preservation of these priceless treasures.
To support their efforts, Save Venice hosts a series of extravagant masquerade balls in cities like New York, Dallas, London, Los Angeles, and Venice itself. The recent gala at The Plaza Hotel in New York was a dazzling affair, reminiscent of Truman Capote’s iconic Black and White Ball. Guests adorned themselves with masks of all shapes and sizes, adding to the mystique of the evening.
Creative director Laura Kim, wearing a stunning metallic silver mask designed by her embroidery artist Zachary Fernandez, had just returned from Venice and felt the effects of jet lag. The theme of this year’s ball drew inspiration from the works of Giambattista Tiepolo, particularly his frescoes depicting Antony and Cleopatra’s opulent banquets.
Designer Alexandra O’Neill of Markarian embraced the theme with a pink silk gown reminiscent of Cleopatra’s attire, accessorized with pink diamonds and pearls sourced from Manhattan’s Garment District. Event planner Bronson van Wyck created a lavish setting inspired by Tiepolo’s frescoes, featuring pearls, peonies, roses, and the iconic candy-striped poles of Venice.
Van Wyck shared a fascinating tidbit about Cleopatra’s legendary wealth and extravagance, adding a touch of historical context to the evening’s festivities. The event was a true celebration of Venice’s rich cultural heritage and a testament to the ongoing efforts to preserve its artistic legacy.
The grand masquerade ball at The Plaza Hotel was a magical evening filled with glamour, history, and a shared commitment to safeguarding Venice’s treasures for future generations. Save Venice continues to be a beacon of hope for the preservation of this unique and enchanting city.
