Putting the ART in PARTY, Whitney-Style

As Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney said, during the Great Depression upon the founding of the now iconic Whitney Museum, “It is especially in times like these that we need to look to the spiritual. In art we find it.” And now with the country facing a similar challenging period, Whitney’s statement still rings true– the resonant power of art alive and well, and stronger than ever– judging from the heavy turnout to this year’s Whitney Art Party held at Skylight Studios.

The popular annual benefit and art auction, hosted by the Whitney Contemporaries in partnership with fashion house BCBGMAXAZRIA to support the museum’s Independent Study Program, drew in a sea of well-dressed art connoisseurs, fashion elite, young Hollywood stars, and models, donning everything from long and flowing summer gowns to short and sexy bandage dresses. Notable attendees included host Camilla Belle, actors Ali Larter, Lindsay Price, Lake Bell, Amber Tamblyn, Alexis Bledel, Bradley Cooper, Gerard Butler, models Lisa Cant, Sessilee Lopez, Hana Soukupova, Lydia Hearst, Hilary Rhoda, and fashion designers Max Azria, Gilles Mendel, and event co-chair Adam Lippes.

Unfazed by the impending weather, patrons packed into the spacious yet intimately-decorated atmosphere– which included floor-to-ceiling white curtains, a center “glow bar” faintly illuminating the room, plush white couches, clear acrylic table stands filled with votives, and orchids and royal palm trees scattered throughout– evoking the summery tone of a tropical cabana, courtesy of event designer Bronson van Wyck. “It was a lighter touch, more optimistic, and a real mix of the serene and the whimsical, he says, “We wanted it to be a breath of fresh air, an escape– a moment to focus on fun, friendship, and great art.” Further extending the escapist tone with refreshments, the event offered a selection of fresh and fruity Belvedere cocktails and hors d’oeuvres catered by Taste from miniature Cuban sandwiches to bite-sized coconut dulce de leche chocolates.

Included in this year’s auction were the works of Terence Koh, Marilyn Minter, Corin Hewitt, Andrew Kuo, and more than 70 other contemporary artists– an attribute to the museum’s reputation and the event’s continued success. Adam Lippes, who acquired one of the auction’s pieces for his own personal collection, explains, “People really care about the Whitney and know it is focused on supporting artists while they’re alive, especially in the most crucial time of their careers.” And highlighting what sets this event apart from others of its kind, says, “There are so many charity events, but this is not ‘charity.’ A party should be a party, so we make it fun and easy. Many people run out of benefits after desert, but for this, people stick around.”

And true enough, attendees danced to the DJ stylings of Kid America and enjoyed the art up for auction long into the night and left appropriately armed for rain drizzles with the event’s commemorative gift– a Mark Fox-Lubov Azria collaboration umbrella with Fox’s signature ink-drop pattern and Whitney quote inscription on the interior– bidding a final adieu with the benefit’s inspirational message. Although if you’re handbag designer Rafe Totengco, who particularly enjoys the event’s healthy mix of,  “uptown PYT’s and downtown denizens,” you may have left the scene with more than an umbrella: “It’s one of the best parties of the season, and if you’re lucky, you might just go home with a new person or a new art piece– or both!”

~Leann Peterson

PHOTO CREDIT: Patrick McMullan

Read our story in the Huffington Post:  Fashion’s Darling Benefit:  Whitney Art Party