Spring Arrived in New York With Save Venice’s La Primavera-Themed Gala

It was springtime in New York last Friday night, with temperatures in the high 60s marking the arrival of a new season. But so too did Save Venice’s annual Un Ballo in Maschera event, with this year’s theme of La Primavera.

Hosted between both ballrooms at The Plaza Hotel, the gala—which was sponsored by Oscar de la Renta and The Gritti Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel—transported over 400 guests from Manhattan to the floating city.

Outside the Plaza Hotel, @LadiesofMadisonAvenue’s Joshua Kamei documented the looks—and there were looks! In the absence of Oscar de la Renta shows at New York Fashion Week (the label no longer presents on the runway), the night was the next best thing. In came Nicky Rothschild Hilton in a flowing floral chiffon look from the label; next came Ivy Getty in a semi-sheer diamanté encrusted dress. Then, of course, there was the label’s co-creative director Laura Kim (her own best model) in an ankle-length column constructed with swags of chainlinks.

Other stellar ensembles came by way of Huma Abedin (wearing Lafayette 148) and Emily Ratajkowski in a slinky black dress.

And the men didn’t disappoint, either. Jordan Roth floated in wearing a rainbow-hued Schiaparelli look; designer Bach Mai wore his own ostrich-plumed headpiece—“I’m going for Marie Antoinette!” he exclaimed of his regal creation—and Leviev brooch; Bronson van Wyck wore a cape entirely of peacock feathers in which he whisked around like a matador all night. (Truly, the women were just about outdone.)

The sold-out gala not only dazzled with its fashion, but also demonstrated the organization’s profound commitment to preserving Venice’s historic art and architecture. The night’s co-chair, Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, reminded everyone why they had put in all the effort to dress up in their springtime best: “Since 1971, Save Venice has funded the restoration of 2,000 works of art and counting,” she told the room. “Tonight’s event has raised $1.2 million. Thank you for helping us to ensure that the artistic heritage of Venice can be enjoyed by future generations.”

Another reason for getting gussied up? The mask competition. Oscar de la Renta’s creative directors Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia presided over the Ceremony for Outstanding Masks. Jordan Roth was applauded for his ingenuity, winning “most creative”; Andy Yu was hailed as the epitome of Italian flair, winning “most Venetian” mask; and Lisa Sher-Chambers embodied the essence of the night best and took home the “most en theme” award. Upon walking up to claim his win, Garcia jokingly asked Roth for a few words. “I didn’t know a speech was required,” Roth purred to the audience. “Does my mask not speak for itself?”

The ceremony took place just before dessert, in a room inspired by Paolo Veronese’s masterpieces—a nod to the culmination of 17 years of painstaking restoration of Veronese’s works at the Venetian church of San Sebastiano, made possible by Save Venice.

Decor came to life under the guidance of Save Venice Co-Chair Bronson van Wyck, with verdant foliage and fragrant blooms punctuated by life-sized trees.

Just after dessert, the Young Friends of Save Venice joined the party, and suddenly the dancefloor swelled and swayed to the tunes spun by DJ Olivier Meiji.

Just before midnight, it was time to plot and plan. Which of the three after-parties to hit up? There was really only one answer: Tutto!