The Museum of Decorative Arts Hosts Its First Family Ball

While the Museum of Decorative Arts (MAD) has hosted galas in the past, the museum’s president, Lionel Sauvage, described the recent event as its “first real family ball.” He emphasized the close relationship that attendees have with the museum and expressed his hopes to make the family ball a biennial tradition. Sauvage credited Jean-Victor Meyers, president of the gala’s honorary committee, for the idea of a festive summer ball in collaboration with director Sofia Coppola.

During the pandemic lockdowns, Thomas Mars, Coppola’s husband and the lead singer of the band Phoenix, utilized the museum’s great hall for band rehearsals. Sauvage highlighted the camaraderie and fun that defined the evening, stating that it was more about friendship than fundraising.

As the artistic director of the event, Coppola aimed to create a welcoming atmosphere for guests, steering away from the typical fundraiser ambiance. She drew inspiration from the concept of a summer ball and sought to bring the essence of a garden indoors. Coppola approached the event with the same creativity and attention to detail as she would a party scene in one of her films.

The evening featured rosy table settings, a menu curated by Bertrand Grébaut of Septime, and a captivating performance by South African soprano Pretty Yende, adorned in a stunning vintage Balenciaga gown from the Nicolas Ghesquière era. Actress Kirsten Dunst, a close friend of Coppola, was in attendance and expressed her admiration for Yende’s performance as a standout moment of the night.

Reflecting on the event, Coppola shared her inspiration from the elegant hostess Countess Jacqueline de Ribes, as captured in a renowned Horst photograph from the 1980s. She aimed to evoke a sense of sophistication and glamour, drawing from the Chanel archives and Karl Lagerfeld’s iconic shirt dresses.

The festivities continued post-dinner with an after-party featuring a performance by Phoenix, accompanied by renowned bartender Colin Field overseeing the cocktail creations. Students from Paris’s top fashion and design schools added to the vibrant atmosphere of the evening.

Guests, including Inez and makeup artist Pat McGrath, marveled at the transformed space and the opportunity to dress up for the occasion. Inez expressed her excitement for the dress code, which encouraged attendees to embrace a delicate and chic style. McGrath, despite her early call time for a fashion show the next day, lingered at the event, captivated by the beautiful setting and the presence of loved ones.

The success of the family ball left attendees pondering why such events are not held more frequently, with a shared sentiment of joy and appreciation for the celebration of art, beauty, and the spirit of togetherness.