Fancy Footwork
Ball Gowns and Bollywood Dancers at New Yorkers for Children's Fool's Fête
At last night's New Yorkers for Children's Fool's Fête, the crowd was so enjoying its own sparkly, healthy glow that it took 15 minutes of steady prodding to get the girls in gowns to sit down for dinner, and barely anyone batted an eyelash when Leighton Meester and Kate Bosworth, who had both RSVP'd, failed to show up. Overheard: "It's like the Vanity Fair Oscars party, for socialites."
The powerhouse charity's spring event, which raises funds for the city's child welfare programs, is more intimate than its grandiose fall gala; the crowd is younger, the official program short and sweet. All of which leaves more space for the likes of Hilary Rhoda and Karolina Kurkova to stretch their very long legs. "We're basically sold out before the invite drops," event co-chair Lydia Fenet explained. Even so, a few ticket-less souls had turned up in the rain, in hopes they could buy their way in last-minute.
Why all the fuss? Maggie Betts took a moment to search the Mandarian Oriental's 36th floor ballroom for a reason. "There are more red lanterns here," she decided. (Decorator David Stark's theme was a nod to the presenting sponsor, Soigne K, a retailer that showcases designs from India.) But the social sparks were flying, too, whether it was Arden Wohl introducing her friends to Honor designer Giovanna Randall or Wyclef Jean leaning in for a word with Selita Ebanks.
A troupe of Bollywood dancers warmed up the dance floor, but they needn't have; it became a swirl of designer dresses before dessert was even served. Lily Kwong accidentally put her foot on one and got a dirty glance. "Angry girls with trains!" she exclaimed. Even when the mood in the room seems good, a girl's got to watch her step.
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