By Rob Arango

Once again over the past 10 years working at the Plaza, almost every client or guest I have met has mentioned their unique experience at Trader Vic’s. One common thread of gossip was the deadly drinks—the Polynesian-themed bar with the potent rum-based cocktails that created some memory lapses in the evening dinner.

The birth of Trader Vic’s was in Oakland, California in 1934. The original restaurant was named Hinky Dink’s by the owner Victor Jules Bergeron. Three years later the restaurant turned into the famed Chinese food with the gigantic Polynesian drinks. For decades, Trader Vic’s served that combination without updating their menu. I assume why fix something if it works and is a huge smash hit?

Trader Vic’s made its first debut at the Savoy-Plaza Hotel, the site of the GM building across the street from the Plaza. In 1965 Trader Vic’s moved into the basement of the Plaza hotel replacing the Turkish baths. Celebrities, movers and shakers lined up for reservations from day one. Jacqueline Onassis, Richard Nixon and Salvador Dali, to name a few, enjoyed famous watering hole until the doors closed after 28 years in 1993.

To this day guests have asked “Where is Trader Vic’s? Will it come back? When will it reopen?”. I hope investors are reading my piece and think about a second debut of Trader Vic’s—New Yorkers are asking for it.

A favorite excerpt from NY Eater, “During its heyday in the late ’60s and early ’70s, Trader Vic’s was a popular hangout for prep school kids and their parents. Entertainment writer Nikki Finks remembered her experience at Trader Vic’s, ‘When I was growing up, my gang’s local diner was Trader Vic’s at the Plaza. A typical evening out meant going to the Paris Theater, across 58th Street, to see an art movie and then inside the hotel for a pupu platter. (It would be years before I realized that most films didn’t have subtitles, or that this restaurant served entrees.) I can attest that Trader Vic’s was the ideal setting for a first date between two sophisticated teenagers. There was so much loopy Polynesian tiki décor to make fun of that we never ran out of conversation.’”

By Kelsey Butler

It was clear from the moment I met Maggie Zellner and Ryan McInnis that they were very in love and truly enjoying the process of planning their wedding together. We sat around the tasting table along with Maggie’s parents and planners Caitlin O’Hara and Julianne Austin, of Cait & Jules, to choose their menu and discuss the details of their big day. Maggie’s big personality and enthusiasm were apparent, and we found creative ways to incorporate all her favorite things (including Casamigos Anejo tequila) into a fun, yet very classy, party. I knew from early on that this wasn’t going to be your typical Plaza party and that it was going to be a day to remember.

Maggie and Ryan’s big day started out with beautiful, huge green trees of all shapes and sizes loading into the Ballroom along with stunning, long, mirrored tables and classic ghost chairs for the reception. Simple white florals and candlelight graced the tables while the trees and greenery took center stage. The Grand Ballroom soon transformed into the enchanted forest wonderland of Maggie’s imagination, unlike anything I have seen in the Ballroom before.

Before long, Maggie elegantly made her way down to the Terrace Foyer to see her friends for the first time; and as she exited the elevators, mouths dropped and squeals erupted. She wore a stunning, long-sleeved lace Monique Lhuillier gown with a long train and it could not have been more perfect for her. After photos with family and friends, she was whisked off to St. James Church for the wedding ceremony where Ryan was patiently awaiting her arrival. Soon after, they exited the church as husband and wife to family and friends lining the church’s steps with sparklers and cheers! After a couple more kisses on the steps, they made their way into their Rolls Royce waiting to whisk them back to the Plaza for pictures and the big party.

Guests began to arrive and were directed to the Terrace Foyer to gather their escort card, which perched on top of a shot of Casamigos Anejo garnished with a lime slice! This creative way of playing up something the couple loved gave guests such delight. It started off the night with a fun and innovative twist. The cocktail hour was bountiful with cocktails and champagne and stations filled with seafood, Asian and Mediterranean offerings to get guests ready for dinner. Before long, guests were welcomed into the Grand Ballroom for a stunning reveal of the greenery with the Veronica Martell band setting the stage for a night of fun. Dinner was executed flawlessly along with speeches and conversation and then guests hit the dance floor to rock away for the remainder of the evening. As “Praise You” by Fatboy Slim played, cannons shot colorful confetti over dancing guests for one final surprise!

By Kelsey Butler

Each year, the Plaza’s Grand Ballroom springs to life with thousands of orchids of all colors for the New York Botanical Garden’s annual Orchid Dinner. This year’s 17th Annual Orchid Show was themed “Singapore,” and Executive Chef Geoff Rudaw and our culinary team created dishes inspired by the theme. The appetizer was a custom version of the very popular Vegetables and Pearls, complete with carrot-sesame purée, shaved baby beets, radishes, sorrel, dragon fruit and soy beans. The meal continued with an entrée of Chicken Breast Rendang that guests heartily enjoyed, followed by alternating desserts of Alphonso Mango Panna Cotta and Yuzu Cheesecake Bamboo.

Throughout the day, designers flooded in, armed with orchids, custom seat covers, and stunning décor, to transform each table into a different floral wonderland. This is my favorite gala of the season because each table was unique. Each one showcased the designers’ personal flavor and flare through the centerpieces, candlelight and glassware.

As guests arrived in floral, sparkly, gorgeous gowns, they were greeted with custom Singapore Sling cocktails complete with Botanist Gin infused with orchids! After a cocktail hour where guests were able to purchase and bid on rare orchids, they were invited into the Grand Ballroom to be amazed by the beautiful tables. The Orchid Gala is always one for the books; enjoy a sample of some of my personal favorite tables!

By Emily Reifel

I feel extremely lucky that I have been able to call The Plaza Hotel my “home” for a decade! I often like to refer The Grand Ballroom as my “living room”, which then makes sense that I refer to my teammates as “family”.

When you spend as much time together as we do, you certainly build a bond. In our business, there is no such thing as 9-5 business hours, so if you are going to work 15-hour days, it’s an added bonus to truly enjoy the people that you work with. As I look back, I can’t believe that CPS Events has been in existence for 10 years and it’s really amazing that there are five of us who have been together since the beginning. Like sitting on cardboard boxes while answering the phones because we were waiting on our office furniture, really the beginning. It’s not just the events here that we have truly bonded over, but many personal life events that have occurred for all of us during our time here. It doesn’t look like any of us are going anywhere in the next 10 years either; we must really love what we do. Here are a few of our favorite moments from the past 10 years and we are really looking forward to seeing what is going to happen in the next decade.

EMILY REIFEL, SENIOR SOCIAL SALES MANAGER

  1. Chanel’s Night of Diamonds – It was the first party at The Plaza since the 3-year renovation. The building was still a hard hat zone but the party truly sparkled. I had never seen someone as gorgeous as Christy Turlington in real life and I will never forget that Candice Bushnell, the author of Sex and City, was there! It was my first time seeing a live step and repeat. I learned what a red carpet really looked like!

  2. Meeting Paul McCartney – He was the uncle of the bride for a wedding I worked on. I escorted him in and was in awe over how friendly he was. Sir Paul told me I had a hectic job…. then sent me to his concert the next week!

  3. A 60th Birthday Party for the Books – When Tom Jones, Natalie Cole and Julio Iglesias were ALL performing in one night along with a separate 35 piece orchestra and a 7-course meal. This client took entertaining their personal guests to the next level.

ROB ARANGO, DIRECTOR OF CLIENT DEVELOPMENT

  1. The mod squad coming out of the Campbell Suite – Karl Lagerfeld, Anna Wintour and Sarah Jessica Parker. As they walked by me I smelled my mother—Karl was drenched in Chanel #5, his aftershave.

  2. Meeting Oscar de la Renta when he was honored by Carnegie Hall. He was the most elegant man ever. He said he loved the fish at dinner and I noticed his manners were impeccable.

  3. Tastings with Mercedes Bass – She taught me how to place friends/donors at the host table; what lighting really does for a room; how she adds her own personal touch to our Chef’s first, main and dessert presentations; and that the eye catches everything first. She is the most elegant woman ever.

MIKE WARREN, DIRECTOR OF CATERING

  1. SNL’s 40th Anniversary – Watching history in the making and seeing the impromptu performances on stage–Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, Prince, etc. This party was the modern day black and white ball.

  2. The Great Gatsby Premier – Working so closely with Baz Luhrmann on every detail of planning this event and witnessing his creative genius. The moment we instantly transformed the party into a speakeasy, with an entertainment moment that was like a scene from the movie and changing lighting and decor right in front of the guests was very special.

  3. Tony’s Afterparty – Over the years we have created an iconic event that all of Broadway looks forward to and attracts so many A-list celebrities. The party is so much fun that most of the celebrities stay the entire night.

VINCENT PALUMBO, GENERAL MANAGER

  1. Manhattan Children’s Center (MCC) – As a parent of a child with Autism, it was truly a privilege to being able to have this event at the Plaza.

  2. SNL’s 40th Anniversary – I was just in awe of the guests that were here that evening. It was exciting watching Hollywood’s Entertainers being the ones entertained.

  3. Grand Opening Party in 2008 – The night that started it all. I had no idea of the experiences, guests and events that the Plaza Universe would show me and the overall impact it has made to my life.

CELIO ROMERO, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

  1. SNL Party in 2015 – The best party ever! With Jimmy Falon as the MC, everyone improvising on stage; Miley Cyrus on the keyboard, Paul McCartney and Taylor Swift on the vocals and guitar, Bill Murray on the side performing the chorus and much more.

  2. Fox’s Superbowl Party in 2014 – Started with a walk-through on September 2012 lead by our Wallis DiMatteo, then continued with preparations in the final quarter of 2013, and finally the event taking place on February. Also invited were lots of sports figures and TV personalities.

  3. Sean “P. Diddy” Combs’ 40th Birthday Party – Another event with tons of celebrities. The funniest part was seeing P. Diddy doing his own setup through the whole day, moving couches around and having a blast.

By Ali Ciafre

In The Summer Of 2017, I Took An Appointment For A Future Bride And Groom, Lauren & Nick, And In They Walked With Both Sets Of Parents, Tina & Dan, And Eileen & John

The chemistry between the whole gang was as if they’d known each other their whole lives.  And it turns out, that Lauren & Nick are high school sweethearts!  They are the cutest couple and the relationship they had with each other, their families, and each other’s families led me to know that this was going to be one fun bunch to work with! 

Lauren and I hit it off from the start – we’re around the same age, I was engaged at the time too, and we were both the oldest of three girls.  She knew exactly what she wanted when she came in to the Ballroom – classic elegance, and that’s exactly what she was going to get!  Not too long after, we were signed, sealed and delivered for September 22nd!

The planning process was underway, and they were just a dream to work with.  The most important thing in the world for them was that this was a party to celebrate the love that Lauren and Nick have for each other, that was evident every step of the way, from the first appointment, to all the pre-wedding festivities that they were planning!  

Their wedding weekend had finally arrived and they kicked it off with a gathering at their apartment to watch the Thursday night Jets game!  Friday came along and they had a Bride Ride at SoulCycle – moms, dad, bridal party and everyone in between, such a cute idea to get the good vibes flowing for the rehearsal dinner at Del Posto!

On Saturday, everything was picture perfect – including the weather.  They started the day off with getting ready and Lauren looked beyond fabulous in her Monique Lhullier gown. Her bridesmaids and parents were in awe when Lauren came down the stairs (a few happy tears too!). And we can’t forget about Nick! He was dressed to the nines in his Tom Ford tuxedo.  Soon it was time to head to St. Ignacious for the ceremony – these two were about to tie the knot!  When they became Mr. & Mrs. Pambianchi, guests couldn’t get out of their seats fast enough to give a standing ovation!  Then they were off to Central Park to take group photos!

Guests were greeted to the Terrace Room by an enormous gold escort card tree – I couldn’t believe my eyes!  And it was time for cocktails, and did they have a great menu! Guests were greeted by a sushi station, Asian station (Nick’s fave!) and a gorgeous seafood display on a fabulous ice sculpture. What really struck me was the level of intimacy of this crowd. Tina, Dan, Eileen and John wanted this wedding to really be about Lauren and Nick! Everyone in that room knew the bride and groom personally. It was full of their friends and close family – and it was a young crowd which we knew would make for a super energetic party!  The Ballroom was decorated so elegantly, from the gold flatware, all the way to the custom floral chandelier in the middle of the Ballroom – I’ve never quite seen anything like it.

Soon it was time to announce them into the party as Mr. & Mrs. Pambianchi and the crowd erupted! We quickly went into a dance set – and we knew this was going to be a tough crowd to get off the dance floor for dinner and speeches!  The band was absolutely phenomenal and I really don’t remember a time that the dance floor wasn’t filled to capacity! That’s what this whole thing was about – it was a celebration of Lauren and Nick, and this is one loved couple! Their families were grinning from ear to ear the entire time; there was so much love in that room.

And the party didn’t end there – by the time the clock struck midnight, the Terrace Room was transformed to an after party that dreams are made of!  The DJ kept the party going nonstop until 2am!

I’ll always remember this wedding fondly, there’s nothing better than working with people that are truly happy and are just so excited to celebrate this major milestone.  Congrats to Lauren and Nick – The Plaza loves you!

Planning: Francesca Events

Décor: David Beahm Experiences

Music: Harris Lane Band Of Hank Lane Music

Photography: Christian Oth Studio

Dress: Monique Lhullier

Tux: Tom Ford

Cake: Ron-Ben Israel

Lighting: Bentley Meeker Lighting & Staging

By Rob Arango

Where were you born?

Roanoke, Virginia

How did you get involved in the not-for-profit world?

Community service and activism were a constant in my childhood. My family was involved in helping to desegregate housing on Long Island. My mother volunteered as a teacher’s aide for preschoolers with Down syndrome and when they were short staffed I would help out and play with the children. We moved to Greece for two years, just in time to experience the military coup of 1967. My parents ended up printing the only underground free press and helping dissidents leave the country safely. Less than two years before my father died at age 85, he spent a night at Zuccotti Park with the Occupy Wall Street movement.  Clearly, with a tradition of engagement, of acting on one’s beliefs deeply ingrained in me it’s no surprise that my original career choice – and where I’ve ended up though I took a few detours – was nonprofit, social service related.

When did you first feel like a true New Yorker? What was a defining moment for you?

I think when my daughter was born, wheeling her in her carriage and people being so kind to a new mother with a baby, holding doors, cooing at her, feeling all was right with the world those infant through toddler years.

Who is the smartest New Yorker you know?

My dad was the smartest New Yorker that I knew. If anyone had a question in my office no matter whether the subject, we’d say, “call Rachel’s dad”. I don’t know if there was a topic – no matter how obscure – that he could not discuss knowledgeably and thoroughly. He had so many interests from WW1 history, Greek mythology and the voting record of every living politician, to Frank Lloyd Wright and the Arts & Crafts movement, Apple computers and the great English and American poets.

What do you think are the key ingredients to a successful gala?

It needs to be inspiring, fun and end on time. Guests need to feel special and appreciated by the charity they have come to support.

What is your favorite New York Moment?

I’ll never forget the blizzard of 1996, sledding down the middle of West End Avenue with my then three-year old daughter! Not a car in sight, half expecting a horse-drawn carriage to reveal itself instead. 

What do you love about The Plaza?

Aside from the grandeur and old world beauty of The Plaza itself, the central location and the fact that our gala attendees look forward to coming to this grand venue year after year, I love that I am treated – that Volunteers of America is treated – like family here. The banquet captain remembers me and of course Mike and Rob are incredibly attentive and invested in ensuring my event is flawless. When I moved our annual event to The Plaza I planned to take it to a different venue the next year so as to keep things “new”, but eight years later we’re still here and it doesn’t feel old. Instead it feels “familiar” as it would if you were looking forward to returning home.

If you could have dinner with 3 people tonight, living or passed, who would you choose?

JK Rowling, Michelle Obama and Beto O’Rourke.

What is your crowning achievement at Volunteers of America?

Personally? I’d have to say my most impactful contribution to the organization and by extension, the NYC community, is our signature community service campaign, Operation Backpack® which puts new, top quality backpacks into the hands of every child who calls a New York City shelter “home”. This year we gave 20,000 backpacks to children. And these backpacks are ones we would put on our own kids’ backs. Over 300 NYC companies contributed to the success of this year’s campaign including The Plaza which hosted our Operation Backpack® kickoff breakfast.

Tell me more about Operation Backpack

Imagine being a child who is homeless whose family does not have the means to buy you all the supplies on the list your school has sent you. Most children who are homeless try to hide the fact from their classmates but if they walk into class empty-handed, counting on a teacher to outfit them with supplies, the other children will see this is a child in need and the stigma around being poor or homeless is a great burden to bear. The beauty of Operation Backpack® is that our backpacks are in the children’s hands before school begins so they can walk in on day one looking and feeling more like their classmates and less like a child in need.   

What book are you reading now?

“The First Bad Man” by Miranda July. Lately, I get most of my best book recommendations from Madeline, my 25-year-old daughter. 

What’ is on your bucket list?

Not terribly exciting I’m afraid:

  •  I’d like to be a member of a book club but I need to find time to read the books
  • I’d like to go to New Zealand, LOTR country.

By Kelsey Butler

It’s officially winter at The Plaza, time to bundle up and grab a warming cocktail with your loved one! The Palm Court is the perfect place to escape the crisp city air, and bask under the glow of the glass mosaic ceiling and lush palm trees of this timeless oasis. Shake up your own “Winter Scotch Old Fashion” or stop by for an afternoon vacation where our fabulous bartenders will fix one up just for you!

WINTER SCOTCH OLD FASHIONED

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INGREDIENTS

PROCEDURE

  • ½ Tea-Infused Syrup

  • 2 oz. of Dalmore 12yr Scotch

  • 4 Dashes of Barkeep Baked Apple Bitters

    Syrup Prep

    • ½ oz. The Des Amants Tea

    • ½ oz. Sugar

  1. Muddle orange and cheery, build on ice, shake, pour into rock glass on fresh ice cubes, garnish with cinnamon stick.

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By Rob Arango

If I Had A Dollar For Every Guest I Have Met Over The 10 Years I Have Been At The Plaza Who Has Said To Me, “I Remember The Persian Room, Where I Saw Eartha Kit Perform And Trader Vic’s And The Deadly Punch Bowl Drinks,” I Would Be A Very Rich Man

The Persian Room opened April 1, 1934—four months after Prohibition was repealed.  New Yorkers were thirsty and looking for a hot spot to see the latest and hottest entertainers in the world.  The most famous couple to dazzle the elite crowd in the early thirties was Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.  Note, that the whiskey bottle and glasses made a significant message in the opening photo of the Persian Room that prohibition was over!  Another interesting tidbit of nostalgia, was live radio shows were broadcasted from the Persian Room until the late 1950’s.  The public demanded the highly sought after performers and it was a major offering to produce these live radio shows.  As far as design of the famed room—Lillian Palmedo, the artist who produced five specific murals including dancing, eating, hunting and drinking all Persian style were so stunning that guests often came to the Persian Room just to see the murals before a cocktail.  Sadly, like El Morocco and the Stork Club, the Persian Room closed its doors in 1975.  The Rose Club today sits in the same footprint of the famous room. If only those walls could talk.  Next month I will take you on a tour of Trader Vic’s.

By Emily Reifel

What A Year We Had At The Plaza! Our Team At CPS Events Had The Best Year We Have Had Since We Reopened The Doors To The Grand Ballroom Back In 2018. When You Work That Hard In “The Season” Here In New York Sometimes You Feel As If You Will Never Make It To The Finish Line, Especially When That Line Is On December 29th! However, Because We Were Working With An Amazing Family And Bride And Groom The Excitement Just Kept Building!

Jessica and Greg’s wedding planning process started last year, and she knew from the moment that she walked in the door that she had dreamed of a Winter Wonderland wedding here at The Plaza. The couple came in to meet with me and right away we hit it off. Jessica is a gorgeous petite blonde and her prince charming just happens to be 6’ 7” of Panamanian decent. They looked like a fabulous couple straight of out Hollywood and the NBA, but I came to find out that they were both teachers and student coaches.

Their love story began where they worked… at school! As someone who has a family who all works in Education I appreciate the good teachers in this world and who doesn’t enjoy a work romance story!  Jessica and Greg introduced me to both their lovely sets of parents and we were finalized on the December 29th date. Jessica’s parents were thrilled to be hosting this affair as she is their only daughter and only child. They wanted to make it extraordinary and were very vocal in trusting me to tell them how to do it all.  The first order of business was convincing the Bride and Groom that they should definitely have a band. They were thinking a DJ from the get go and I told them to go meet with Erik over at Hank Lane and he will change your mind.  They booked Brooklyn Sound on the spot and a DJ for their after party which worked out perfectly.  I immediately told them to head straight to Ed Libby & Co for décor because there is absolutely no one better for a winter wonderland look than Ed.

Somehow we made it to the end of 2018 and the details were buttoned up.  Christmas came and went and everyone had a little time to relax before the wedding weekend!  Jessica and Greg came to check in and get ready for their rehearsal dinner at Avra, they even invited me and a colleague to join! We snuck out a little early to get to bed because we had an early day coming.

Trace Henningson of Henningson and Co. arrived super early and was in charge of the getting ready process for Jessica, the moms and the bridesmaids. Jessica’s makeup artists Alicia and Valerie couldn’t have been more talented and these women screamed Hollywood glamour! Jessica’s mother Karen happens to be close friends with a fabulous dress designer, Janine Dray and she designed and made Jessica’s custom wedding gown and Karen’s gown as well. The bridesmaids sparkled in their gold Portia and Scarlett gowns that were more reminiscent of Oscar worthy gowns than bridesmaids dresses.  Soon we found the statuesque groom and his equally tall brothers and groomsmen for a fabulous photo shoot in The Oak Room with Shawn Connell, formerly of Christian Oth Studios and AJ Igoglia Films. Then we were off to the  spectacular ceremony at St. Ignatius with the organ music playing Wagner’s Bridal Chorus. As Jessica and Greg walked down the aisle as husband and wife, they were cheered on by all of their guests but also by some of their students attended the ceremony.  They were all so excited to be a part of their special day!

We all made it back to The Plaza in time for cocktail hour to begin in the Terrace Room, where guests dined on a raw bar and a carving station complete with traditional Panamanian food in honor of Greg’s roots! As guests made their way to the Grand Ballroom they stopped in the Grand Ballroom Foyer to enjoy of holiday photo opportunity that Ed Libby’s team designed with snow flocked Christmas trees, and  then into the jaw dropping Grand Ballroom. Ed Libby’s team turned it into a sparkly winter wonderland complete with a fabulous floral and crystal chandelier complete with white feathers that matched Jessica’s custom dress. The tables were dressed with sequin linens that matched the bridesmaids dresses along with floating candles, white roses, orchids and tall white branches. The dusty lavender color that filled the room was a perfect ambience designed by James from Bentley Meeker Lighting and Staging. The ceiling and the stage looked as if there was snow falling around the room! Jessica and Greg were announced into the room and Brooklyn Sound got the dance floor rocking immediately!  And they didn’t stop! Toasts were given and their Ron Ben Israel cake was cut as we passed Godiva White Chocolate Martini’s around the room to keep the guests energized and in the holiday spirit. 

Eventually we moved the guests to The Rose Club for the official after party.  We created a special corner for Jessica’s mom, Karen, who even had an outfit change!  The guests loved their sliders, pizza and mini hot dogs, and I loved that we were almost done with such a perfect night! I boarded a plane to start my holiday the next morning and when I landed I had a text saying it was the most perfect night of Jessica and Greg’s life.  Their fairytale came to life, what a way to end 2018!  

HARPER’S BAZAAR ICONS PARTY AT THE PLAZA HOTEL

By Ali Papalia

What Better Way To Open New York Fashion Week Than An Extravaganza At The Plaza?

On Friday, September 7, Harper’s Bazaar threw the party of the year in honor of Carine Roitfeld’s icons – a stunning portfolio of “The First Families of Music”, worthy of picking up the issue at the checkout counter.  This event was a who’s who of the fashion world — models, designers and the like pulled out all the stops when it came to picking their outfit of choice for the evening.  Not only were all of the guests dressed to impress, but the most chic of them all was the Grand Ballroom. The inspiration of the evening was “families that rock” – with dark red, giant gold lipsticks, the signature black carpet and a Moet Champagne tower took the party to another level.

Dressed to the nines, guests entered through Fifth Avenue crossing through the Palm Court to get the chance to view the black carpet in action! The carpet was completely abuzz with celebrities including Christina Aguilera, Adriana Lima, Gigi Hadid, Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, Christie Brinkley, Heidi Klum and many many more – click here for Harper’s Bazaar official gallery. Top show stopper Bella Hadid, in a nude cat suit, got the cameras flashing non- stop. The drinks were flowing and guests indulged in specialty cocktails by Belvedere Vodka and Stella Artois, and splits of Moet Champagne – so incredibly chic.

Christina Aguilera, the featured musical icon this year, paid tribute to the first families of music including Bruce Springsteen, Kanye West, Erykah Badu, and many more. As soon as she was ready to perform, drinks and iPhones were in hand ready to snap photos and videos of the concert. This was my first time seeing her perform and she was amazing! She has so much energy when she gets on stage and it definitely radiates throughout the crowd. She was singing for just about 50 minutes and the crowd could not stop dancing!

This event was truly memorable, it was a triple threat blending fashion, music, and The Plaza.