Chairing a gala that has a split personality — a sedate seated dinner followed by a rocking after party — calls for wardrobe creativity. Just ask Ann Short, who chaired "Cabaret Da Camera" with husband Don Short. Think dressing for the Sarah Rothenberg dinner recital while being fashionably correct for the late-night bash with Rolling Stone keyboardist Chuck Leavell.
Happily for Ann, she's close friends with international designer Zang Toi. The major talent created two gowns for her starring role at the Da Camera gala and was on her arm at the St. Regis Hotel throughout the evening.
For the dinner portion, the designer created a black velvet "Louis XV" gown trimmed in mink and embroidered with Swarovski crystals.
For the dinner portion, the designer created a black velvet "Louis XV" gown trimmed in mink and embroidered with Swarovski crystals that Ann wore with a Kokin-autographed "Millionaires Row" feather fascinator. When the party got rocking with Leavell, Ann changed into Toi's red silk satin gown decorated with love birds, that touch in celebration of her 20th wedding anniversary. She finished off the look with a Kokin top hat, also autographed.
The French-themed evening honored 25 years of Da Camera trustees and board members. Rothenberg, the non-profit's artistic and general director, presented a musical program featuring Da Camera Young Artists Sonja Harasim, Aaron Perdue, Julia Fox and Geraldine Ong.
Kicking the action up a notch were after party chairs Jennifer and Josh Gravenor, who were on the packed dance floor as Leavell rocked the night.
The guest list included Lillie Robertson, Nancy and Walter Bratic, Chinhui and Eddie Allen, Mimi Lloyd, Da Camera board chairman Laura Sayavedra and husband Leo Sayavedra, Claudia and David Hatcher, Robert Azencott, Annette and John Eldridge, Gary Tinterow and Christopher Gardner, Sharyn and David Harris, Harvey Marks and Lynn Detrick, Alex and Lou Ann Chae and Joe and Susie Ting.
