Event Spotlight - Old Hollywood

In this edition of the event spotlight, I am sharing a gala I did with the one and only David Tutera. This was the second event I created with David and just like the first one, it was a total blast. He and his team were consummate professionals who also had a lot of fun. Unlike other celebrities I have met and worked with (ahem...not mentioning any names), David is completely down to earth and easy to work with. BTW - if you haven't caught his new show CELEBrations on WeTV you must tune in. Check it out here!

This one was created for The Phillips Collection Museum in Washington, DC in celebration of the 85th anniversary of the museum. The theme of the event was Old Hollywood, complete with black and white film decor which was inspired by an exhibit at the museum at the time of the gala. Working with David, we came up with an elegant way to include film into the decor. Here are some shots of the 2007 Phillips Collection Gala:

Because the museum has a lot of incredible paintings that are full of color, the black and white tables and flowers really stood out in contrast. The very large flower arrangements were made of white calla lillies, hydrangea and roses along with white snapdragons. They were completely stunning in person and made a big statement.

The event took place about seven years ago and the times they have a changed! Events are even more over the top now and glamorous. Look at these other Old Hollywood themed parties on I found on Pinterest. Here's a really cool one that incorporates red into the design which I love.  Look how the base of the candelabra is all roses and how the seating around the table is a one large sofa. Love how unique and intimate it is. This is the way you want to enjoy a party - feeling cozy and glamorous all at the same time!

Here's a beautiful event that incorporates feathers into the decor. There is no doubt this was a big budget event, but it is so dramatic it was surely incredible inside that tent. 

Along those same lines, here's an over the top old Hollywood themed wedding which is just stunning. Would have love to have been to that event!

Speaking of taking it to a whole other level, can we just stop for a minute and admire the style of the women back then?  How incredibly stunning were they? Here are a few of my favs...

Rita Hayworth 

Grace Kelly

Yvonne De Carlo

Audrey Hepburn

It is hard to think about being this gorgeous...it just makes my head hurt! But don't worry..even though 99.99% of us will never look like this, it doesn't mean we can't incorporate the feeling of Old Hollywood in our events and homes.