Now in it's fifth year, the Masquerade Ball is attended by the industry's top designers, architects, manufacturers and editors of shelter and lifestyle publications including Architectural Digest, Array, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Interior Design, New York Spaces, Traditional Home and Veranda. Each magazine will present a "Best Costume" award to an attendee they deem most worthy.
The event takes place each year at the New York Design Center and raises funds for The Alpha Workshops Studio School, which trains creative people living with HIV in the decorative arts field. The past four years have raised over $300,000; this year's goal is to raise $100,000.
2009 Masquerade Ball costumes: Leah Blank, Jim Druckman, Alix Lerman, and Alana Moskowitz of the New York Design Center
"The Masquerade Ball is a rare opportunity for the design industry to join together for a fun filled evening while raising much needed funds for The Alpha Workshops, a charitable organization rooted in design," said Jim Druckman, President/CEO of the New York Design Center.
This year's theme, "Le Vrai et Le Faux Chic," references the work of artist George Goursat, also known as SEM, whose imaginative and insightful portrayals of Paris Society at the turn of the 20th Century were celebrated for their wit and whimsy. The décor, created by The Alpha Workshops, will transform the 11th floor of the New York Design Center into a "fin de siècle" high society Ball. The design community will create magnificent costumes that will take the NYDC back to Paris.
For information about The Alpha Workshops or to purchase tickets for this event, contact Barbara Thomson at 212.594.7320 or barbara@alphaworkshops.org.
