Eager to let their hair down and play dress up—not to mention support a good cause in the process—a gaggle of downtown and uptown celebrities, models and New York tastemakers gathered for Wednesday night’s annual Whitney Art Party. “Don’t stay home and hide,” preached Lubov Azria, wife of Max Azria, whose brand BCBGMaxAzria (celebrating its 20th anniversary this year) sponsored the evening for the third year in a row. “I’m trying to single-handedly save the economy, buying everything from food to art. Max understands.”
With coveted works of art from artists like Marilyn Minter, Terrence Koh, Matthew Brannon and John Baldessari on display, many of the 1,200 guests found themselves dashing back and forth between the silent auction and the bar. “It’s crazy in here,” exclaimed Camilla Belle, in town for 36 hours. “I’m new to the contemporary art thing, but I did take art history classes in college as a starter.”
Surrounded by palm fronds and sleek white banquettes courtesy of Bronson Van Wyck, Ali Larter, Lake Bell, Gretchen Mol, Gerard Butler, Amber Tamblyn, Maggie Grace, Alexis Bledel, Lindsay Price, Maggie Rizer, Brooklyn Decker, Hilary Rhoda, Ivanka Trump and sisters Scout and Tallulah Willis joined models Lisa Cant, Hana Soukupova, Sasha Pivovarova and Lydia Hearst, not to mention designers like Narciso Rodriguez, Stacey Bendet, Brian Reyes and Jason Wu in doing their part to support the arts. “I’m definitely going to get some art tonight,” said Hangover star Bradley Cooper, illuminated by a neon “PARTY” sign hanging across one wall. “These last few weeks have been such an amazing fashion whirlwind. Everyone’s been so great to me and shelling out a few bucks it the least I can do.”
Art, however, wasn’t the only thing on guests’ minds that night. “I’m so getting a campaign tonight,” grinned Melissa George as she struck a Matrix pose for photographers in her Hervé Léger bandage dress and Ferragamo heels.
Photos by Jaime McCarthy/Wire Image.
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