Evantine Design Blog

Earlier this week, we were honored to participate in the IMAJNZ Foundation’s “A Date with a Plate” event at  The Phoenixville Foundry.  Inspired by his love for Central and South American travel, Brian Kappra created his own tropical paradise with “Dinner on the Terrace in Buzios.“  

Photos Courtesy of Marie Labbancz.

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Got a closet full of un-loved party frocks and once-worn bridesmaids’ dresses?  What about those too-tight tuxedos and forgotten dark suits?  Perhaps you might let those gowns and tuxes OUT to play by DONATING THEM to the Cozen PAL Center!

With Prom Season just around the corner, the Samuel D. Cozen PAL Center is looking to fill up their formalwear racks with “gently worn” fancy cocktail dresses, evening gowns and tuxedos.   For the young ladies, formal dresses of all lengths and sizes will be accepted.  Evening bags, shoes and accessories are also greatly appreciated.   But it’s not just about the girls!  Every young man needs to feel handsome and well-dressed too!  We are looking for tuxedos, suits, sports coats, dress shirts, ties and shoes in all sizes.

Donated items are now being accepted!  The Deadline is Monday, March 8th!

Please drop off your donated materials at the following locations:

Suburbs:  Sheri Resnik’s residence located at 426 Parkview Drive, Wynnewood (please leave items on the front porch benches).

Center City, Philadelphia:  Evantine Design located in the lobby of The Rittenhouse at 210 West Rittenhouse Square 215.790.8576.

What is Cozen PAL?  The law firm of Cozen O’Connor is the proud sponsor of a Police Athletic League Center dedicated to the memory of Samuel D. Cozen.  As one of the 27 Police Athletic Leagues located in Philadelphia, the Cozen Police Athletic League is supervised by Philadelphia police officers, and offers children a large variety of free sporting, educational and recreational programs. Everyone at Cozen O’Connor has the opportunity to volunteer and participate in programs and activities benefiting the Cozen PAL kids.  The firm sponsors a wide variety of enrichment programs for the benefit of the Cozen PAL kids, including a Summer Job Program, aimed at assisting the children in developing job skills, and a Positive Images Program, designed to expose the children to positive role models.  Firm employees continually support the Cozen PAL center throughout the year by offering their time and energy for the betterment of the community.

For any further questions regarding donations or Cozen PAL, please contact Nancy Rounbehler at 215.665.2020.

On February 12, 2010, The African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) will host its 5th Annual Heritage Gala at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel.  PECO President and Chief Executive Officer Denis P. O’Brien and Philadelphia Phillies’ shortstop Jimmy Rollins are this year’s distinguished honorees.   Last year’s successful AAMP Gala honored Pennsylvania State Representative Dwight Evans and Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback Donovan McNabb.

We are excited to provide decor and event design for the gala this year - all 50 tables and counting!   Gala Chair, Thomas O. Muldoon, and Honorary Co-Chairs, The Honorable Mayor Michael A. and Lisa Nutter, have a spectacular program planned for the evening!   To view the event invitation, go to AAMP Gala E-vite 1-22-10.

This fascinating museum is located just off Independence Mall in the heart of the historic district and offers permanent collections as well as educational programs.

Founded in 1976 in celebration of the nation’s Bicentennial, The African American Museum in Philadelphia is the first institution funded and built by a major municipality to preserve, interpret and exhibit the heritage of African Americans.   Throughout its evolution, the museum has objectively interpreted and presented the achievements and aspirations of African Americans from pre-colonial times to the current day.  The AAMP is committed to telling the story of African Americans in all its permutations:  family life, the Civil Rights movement, arts and entertainment, sports, medicine, architecture, politics, religion, law and technology.  The AAMP currently houses four galleries and an auditorium, each of which offer exhibitions anchored by one of our three dominant themes:  the African Diaspora, the Philadelphia Story, and the Contemporary Narrative.

For more information about the Heritage Gala or the museum itself go to http://www.aampmuseum.org/.

Grammy and Academy Award-winning composer Tan Dun’s modern opera Tea: A Mirror of Soul  had its World Premiere in 2002 in Tokyo and debuted at the Santa Fe Opera Festival in 2007.  The visually-stunning production will make its East Coast Premiere here in Philadelphia on February 19th at the Academy of Music.  

On February 17, 2010 the Opera Company of Philadephia’s TIGER BALL 2010 will honor Tan Dun and his extraordinary opera, as well as local award-winning restauranteur, Margaret  Kuo, with a gala dinner dance.  Working with Ball co-chairs, Kathleen P. and Nicholas Chimicles, Esq., and the Special Events Chair, Ellen Berman Lee, Evantine will provide Asian-inspired event design for the celebration at the Hyatt at The Bellevue.  The Chinese New Year (2010 is the year of the tiger), presents even more inspiration for the Asian-inspired menu, decor and entertainment.  Proceeds support the Opera Company of Philadelphia’s mission to deliver outstanding productions, showcase rising young talent alongside internationally-acclaimed stars, and provide free educational programming to both students and adults.

Tan Dun (above) is a Chinese contemporary classical composer most widely known for his Grammy and Academy-award winning score for the movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.  The conceptual and multifaceted composer/conductor has made an indelible mark on the world’s music scene with a creative repertoire that spans the boundaries of classical, multimedia, Eastern and Western musical systems.  Central to his body of work, Tan Dun has composed distinct series of works which reflect his individual compositional concepts and personal ideas — among them a series which brings his childhood memories of shamanistic ritual into symphonic performances; works which incorporate elements from the natural world; and multimedia concerti.  Opera has a significant role in Tan Dun’s creative output of the past decade, with the premiere of The First Emperor by the Metropolitan Opera featuring a title role created for Plácido Domingo. In 2008 Tan composed Internet Symphony No. 1: “Eroica” commissioned by Google/YouTube as the focal point for the world’s first collaborative online orchestra.   He is currently nominated for a 2009 GrammyAward for his opera The First Emperor.

An innovatively modern yet melodious opera based on ancient lore, Tea:  A Mirror of Soul is a fascinating blend of East and West, religion and drama, love and death in true Romeo and Juliet fashion.  Set in ancient Kyoto, Japan, the opera follows the tragic legend of Lan (a Chinese Princess) and Seikyo (a Japanese monk) retroactively. We are first introduced to the end result before we are told how it came about. Seikyo and his beloved Princess Lan roamed around ancient China in search for the true ‘Book of Tea.’ Just as they are enlightened to the time-tested lore by Lu (the daughter of the legendary tea sage, Luyu) - tragedy strikes.

The story is elegantly told by two exceptionally gifted lead opera singers, the baritone Haijung Fu and American soprano Kelly Kaduce.  In addition to their gorgeous voices, the set design, lighting and costumes are incredible!!!  China silks and custom-made Japanese textiles were used to create 64 elaborate costumes for the opera by costume designer Masatomo Ota.   Such fantastic inspiration can be taken from these sumptuous costumes!

In October, we had the distinct honor of creating the decor for the annual Give the Shirt Off Your Back!! Gala held at The Rittenhouse for the Foundation for Breast and Prostate Health (FBPH), a world-renowned nonprofit foundation and think tank that serves as a catalyst to advance breast and prostate cancer research and treatment.  In addition to sponsoring a series of International Consensus Conferences, the Foundation is dedicated to developing the talents of a new generation of physicians by initiating Breast and Prostate Cancer Fellowships, and advancing the scope of scientific research through grants to pioneering doctors.

This was the 15th edition of the Gala and Evantine’s 15th year of designing a spectacular setting.  After last year’s rich, elaborate and colorful Venetian-themed Gala, we decided to return to the classic-yet-dramatic palette of Black and White, calling to mind the Black and White-themed balls from yesteryear with an updated edge we could embrace.  Everything from the invites to the programs, menus, place cards, flowers, linens, draping and chairs was Black and White.  Even the guests were invited to dress in their finest black and white evening attire. 

But first things first.  Normally, the grand ballroom exhibits champagne, gold and ivory;  a wonderfully luxe environment for many society gatherings.  But we wanted to change it to something totally different, with as little fuss as possible.   We started by draping the walls from floor to ceiling in gorgeous black velvet, after which we installed a  shiny black dance floor.   PRESTO CHANGO!  An immediate and dramatic environment was created just with those two simple elements!

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Last year’s ”Shirt Off Your Back” Gala, A Masked Venetian Ball, was held on October 31st, Halloween night, at The Rittenhouse in Center City Philadelphia.  The Gala has historically been recognized as Philadelphia’s most exclusive and high profile fund-raising effort. The Philadelphia Inquirer has said that the SOYB (Shirt Off Your Back) Gala is the “Party with a Purpose, one of the high points of the fall social calendar.”   This year, the Gala retuns to The Rittenhouse on Friday, October 2, 2009.  

The 2008 Gala was co-chaired by Rema Giordano, of  The Rittenhouse, and our own Brian Kappra.  For years, the foundation partnered with Fashion Group International to produce the event, and many times has honored pillars of the fashion community for their philanthropic deeds.  Evantine Design has had the distinct honor and pleasure of creating fabulous environments for these designers: Geoffrey Beene, Vera Wang, Badgley Mischka, Ralph Rucci, Randolph Duke, Mary McFadden, Tori Burch and others.  In years past, the Foundation has honored three local Philadelphian’s for their philanthropic efforts:  Gerry Sills, Georges Perrier and Brian Kappra.

The Foundation for Breast and Prostate Health (FBPH) is a world-renowned nonprofit foundation and think tank that serves as a catalyst to advance breast and prostate cancer research and treatment.  In addition to sponsoring a series of International Consensus Conferences, the Foundation is dedicated to developing the talents of a new generation of physicians by initiating Breast and Prostate Cancer Fellowships, and advancing the scope of scientific research through grants to pioneering doctors.

Originally founded in 1990 as the Breast Health Institute by our dear friends, Dr. Gordon and Shelly Schwartz, the Foundation initially launched the Mammocare™ program, funding mammograms for thousands of underserved working women with limited health care options.  Additionally, as the Foundation grew, it funded programs to stimulate breast cancer awareness as well as treatment for women with quality-of-life issues in need of breast cancer care. 

As the Foundation’s activities expanded, it realized that its consensus conferences, fellowships, and research grants were not limited by geographical boundaries.  In recognition of its global responsibility, an additional office in Europe was opened and new foundations in Italy, Germany, and the UK were established.

Recognizing that prostate cancer is in many ways a disease analagous to breast cancer, the Breast Health Institute officially changed its name to reflect a new mission in 2006.  The Foundation for Breast and Prostate Health was born, incorporating two divisions; Breast Health International and Prostate Health International.

[Additional event photos below.]

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Recently, we enjoyed the rare opportunity for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Ballroom at The Academy of Music, which is undergoing an extensive and amazing renovation.  The Ballroom has been lovingly and respectfully restored to its original 1857 decor after removing years of renovations occurring over the last century.

Ten new crystal chandeliers and two bronze main chandeliers, replicas of the originals, have been installed.  Decorative painting on the walls and ceilings has been completed as well.  The most dramatic change is along the Broad Street side of the room where five windows have been revealed and replaced, allowing natural light into the space!  The new windows include original stained glass designs set in fanlight transoms atop each.

The Academy of Music Ballroom is a magnificent treasure in Philadelphia, the site of many swanky social and cultural galas in years past.  When the renovations are completed, the room will be available for event rental once again!  We think it is the PERFECT setting for rehearsal and cocktail-style receptions, anniversary parties, weddings, birthdays and other events.  For example, coupled with other available spaces in the Academy of Music that may be used for cocktails, the Ballroom offers a beautiful setting for an elegant dinner dance.  Restaurant Associates, the hip NYC firm that caters in the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, is the exclusive caterer in the Academy of Music and has excellent plans for ways to use the space.  The renovated Ballroom at the Academy of Music promises to play host to many wonderful celebrations in the coming years.

While on our tour, we snapped a photo of an original 1860 photograph found in the Archives of the Academy.  Below is the photo along with a few shots of the room under renovation.  Check back in the Fall to see just how magnificent the completed space looks!

Above, the1860 photograph depicting the original interior of the Ballroom.  Below, today’s work in progress.

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Founded in 1900, The Philadelphia Orchestra has distinguished itself as one of the leading orchestras in the world, through more than a century of acclaimed performances, historic international tours, best-selling recordings, and its unprecedented record of innovation in recording technologies and outreach.  The Orchestra has maintained unity in artistic leadership with only seven music directors throughout its history: Fritz Scheel (1900-07), Carl Pohlig (1907-12), Leopold Stokowski (1912-41), Eugene Ormandy (1936-80), Riccardo Muti (1980-92), Wolfgang Sawallisch (1993-2003), and Christoph Eschenbach (2003-08).

This rich tradition is carried on by Charles Dutoit, who was appointed chief conductor and artistic adviser of The Philadelphia Orchestra for the 2008-09 season through the 2011-12 season.  Mr. Dutoit has a long-standing relationship with the Orchestra, having made his debut with the ensemble in 1980.  As chief conductor and artistic adviser, he will lead the Orchestra in Philadelphia, as well as at Carnegie Hall and on tour.  [ref:  Philadelphia Orchestra's website]

On Saturday evening, September 26, 2009, The Philadelphia Orchestra will celebrate its 110th season with a series of receptions and a Concert at The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts followed by a black tie Dinner Dance.  Alec Baldwin will participate in the concert this year, lending his impressive voice to the evening!

Evantine Design has once again been selected to create a spectacular setting for Opening Night.  We welcome (and are accustomed to) the challenge involved in preparing for 700 guests on the various levels of the Kimmel Center; especially since one area, accommodating 300 for dinner, is set while the concert is happening!

This year, we have selected an elegant, sophisticated color palette which we will present to the committee in the coming weeks.  We will share photos of the decor with you as soon as possible.  In the meantime, why not plan to attend this very special evening?  More than ever, the Orchestra needs your support this year to weather the tough funding challenges it is experiencing.  As a loyal corporate supporter of the Orchestra, we encourage other businesses to also lend their support to this leading cultural icon in Philadelphia.  It helps to keep our city vibrant and current!

Below are photos of a previous opening night taken during the afternoon hours, awaiting the evening’s glamorous attendees to arrive…

Yes, we found Forsythia in bloom… in September!

180 guests dine on the Hamilton Rooftop Garden, which is beautiful at night, bathed in candlelight.

Tables are placed on the two tiers overlooking Commonwealth Plaza, Verizon Hall and Perelman Theater.

The arrival of June brings with it one of the swankiest galas in town, The Ball on the Square, a gala for 300+ benefiting the Friends of Rittenhouse Square. A non-profit organization established in 1976, the Friends provide the financial support for the preservation, protection and beautification of the historic six-acre Rittenhouse Square Park.

As usual, the black tie gala will take place in a large tent placed right in the middle of the Square. In fact, it’s actually quite a clever feat of event planning since the tent will be installed on top of the existing fountains, with poles and flooring installed in and around statues, limestone walls, the Guard House and intricate landscaping.  This will be the 20th year that Evantine has decorated the gala, with each year’s design a complete surprise and WOW for the guests! Evantine’s own Brian Kappra will AGAIN be the glue that pulls the whole design together, with this year’s theme honing in on vibrant hues of tangerine and fuschia juxtaposed against modern white. In fact, Brian is a co-chair for the gala alongside Alan Sandman and John Pcsolar.  Entertainment will be provided by the Eddie Bruce Band and all cuisine by Stephen Starr Events.  More info to follow after the party!