The annual Save Venice Ball took place at The Plaza Hotel in Manhattan on Friday evening, raising $1.3 million to preserve Venice's historic art and architecture. Over 450 guests attended the black-tie event themed Celestial Serenissima, featuring masquerade masks and elaborate decorations. Supporters included Oscar de la Renta, Graff, and Tilt Beauty.
Guests arrived at The Plaza Hotel by 7:30 p.m. in sequins, satins, tuxedos, and ballgowns, donning masquerade masks for the Venetian-themed evening. The non-profit Save Venice organized the ball, part of its series of masked events across America, London, and Italy to fund preservation efforts. Champagne and cocktails were served amid pastel floral installations, candlelight, and chandeliers during the initial reception. Among attendees were actresses Amy Jackson Westwick and Kate Mara, content creator Becca Bloom in floor-sweeping couture, and designer Cynthia Rowley wearing a sequin skirt, white shirt, moon and star headpiece, and silver cat-eye sunglasses. The event moved upstairs to the Grand Ballroom, transformed by event designer Bronson van Wyck of Van Wyck & Van Wyck with starry constellations, Venetian motifs, and cosmic lights under a projected night sky. Dinner featured tuna tartare, radish salad, steak, and risotto. Save Venice board members Adelina Wong Ettelson and Alexandra Lind Rose introduced art curator Racquel Chevremont, who judged the best masks, awarding prizes to Patricia Zajacova, Bach Mai, and Lisa Chambers. DJ Olivier Meiji later played old-school tracks, turning the formal dinner into a lively celebration with guests dancing to songs like Mamma Mia.
