Editor at Large ALEXANDER HANKIN celebrates Art Production Fund’s 25th Anniversary
The red silk Chrome Hearts pajamas I’ve been longing for have finally arrived from Japan. And BAM! I am ready for Art Production Fund’s 25th anniversary gala, themed “Slumber Party: Truth or Dare.” In my designer PJs, I feel like a Chrome Hearts dream.
On the mattress-covered step and repeat, I pose for party photographers and see friends like Timo Weiland, Sterling McDavid (in Elie Saab) and Samantha Brand in Alexander McQueen. Climbing the stairs of The Grill, I say hi to APF board member Dan Tanzel amidst flashing cameras. The pink whimsical cotton candy Buggy Bear sculptures by Alake Shilling scream “art party.” Nearby, I notice rows of pink beds adorned with popcorn, champagne, and teddy bears. Larry Milstein and Ivy Getty toss popcorn into each other’s mouths while Shantell Martin, Elizabeth Kurpis, and Lilah Ramzi flit about the crowd. My sister, Danielle Hankin, arrives fresh from maternity leave and a hiatus from the social scene, making a splash in a plush green Laurence and Chico pillow inspired dress.
I sip Lallier champagne and snack on kernels of popcorn as APF cofounders Yvonne Force Villareal and Doreen Remen, along with Executive Director Casey Fremont and Director of Operations Kathleen Lynch, toast to 25 years. On my way into dinner in The Pool, I catch up with Amy Fine Collins in a Geoffrey Beene dress. We take our seats and enjoy a piece by Madeline Hollander, titled “Sonnambula,” inspired by choreographer George Balanchine’s “La Sonnambula” ballet features a harpist and violinist duo, LEYA, concluding with dancers “falling asleep” center stage.
The dinner is planned by APF Board member and author Sarah Hoover – a decadent menu my taste buds can’t resist: classic shrimp cocktail and Sadelle’s mini pizza bagels served in custom APF x Saks pizza boxes. Each table setting includes an illustrated bedtime storybook/program by Angelica Hicks. My tablemates Lizzie Asher, Natasha Das and Casey Kohlberg indulge (just for tonight!) in the decadent and delicious menu.
The live auction features work by Katherine Bernhardt, Joel Gaitan, Greg Ito and Joel Mesler (in a multi-colored bathrobe), who is in the crowd to drive the bidding higher. I steal a moment with Kathleen Lynch to congratulate her on the evening who gushes: “Our slumber party was a dream! The gala is such a success. Not to mention the truly daring “Truth or Dare” inspired looks throughout the room…beyond!”
