Who: “Anna Wintour, Mia Wasikowska, Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr, Gwyneth Paltrow, California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom and Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Kelly Wearstler, Irene Neuwirth, Gela Taylor, Pamela Skaist-Levy, Dede Wilsey, Denise Hale, Denise Fitch, Marissa Mayer and Zack Bogue, Sloan and Roger Barnett, Trevor and Alexis Traina, Todd and Katie Traina, Billy and Vanessa Getty, Juliet de Baubigny.”
What: “A Spanish-theme gala dinner for 300.”
When: “Thursday, March 24.”
Where: “In a tent attached to the museum, designed by Stanlee Gatti, with charcoal-colored carpet, purple satin banquettes, and an orchard of charred trees hung with Seville oranges. The after-party was in the museum’s Piazzoni Murals Room.”
Why: “To celebrate the opening of ‘Balenciaga and Spain.’”
What Balenciaga would have thought: “He was an austere man who loathed mondanités [society life], so I suspect he might have been miserable.”
Best moment: “Dancing onstage by the sublime flamenco artist Rosario Toledo, accompanied by the haunting singer Arcángel. Both had traveled all the way from Huelva [Spain].”
Worst moment: “Having to surrender my hot pink and Seville yellow Fermín cape. I swept in wearing it, but the weight was so stupendous I couldn’t manage it for too long; it is, after all, meant to protect you from a bull’s unforgiving horns.”
Hangover quotient: “None. San Francisco keeps very early hours. Our Spanish performers were stunned that there wasn’t a bar to be found open after 2 a.m.—the hour at which things are just starting to get going in old Seville. I was a trifle surprised myself.”
