It was past 10 Monday night when Ciara walked into the Hotel Derek for the Moët & Chandon Rosé Lounge Series, but the party had all the trappings of a big weekend gala. Men in tuxedos and women in strapless evening gowns and sparkly minidresses danced to tunes spun by DJ Wonder and, of course, sipped a lot of bubbly.
The black-tie event is part of a six-city celebration sponsored by the famed French champagne maker. "It's always hosted by a celebrity where we celebrate an accomplishment in their life," Moët & Chandon brand director Keith Howard explained. "It's Ciara's birthday (the singer celebrated her 28th birthday last Friday), and on top of that she got engaged."
"It's just great that both of us ladies got something special for our birthdays. And how funny that that happened back-to-back."
The Austin-born singer, best known for hits "Body Party" and "I'm Out," was in a futuristic black gown by Alon Levine with cut-outs, a slit up to the top of the thigh, neck piece and tulle bodice and sported an eye-blinding 15-carat engagement ring. Over the weekend, her boyfriend, rapper-producer Future, surprised her with a marriage proposal in New York.
It will be the first marriage for both. Future, 29, whose real name is Nayvadius D.Wilburn, collaborated with the singer on her latest, self-titled album.
"It was very special, very sweet. I don't even have the words to describe it," the singer said about the engagement. "It was perfect."
So whose ring is bigger, Ciara?
"I haven't seen Kim's ring yet but I saw a picture and I talked to her. It looks very massive," Ciara said about her friend, Kim Kardashian, who got engaged to Kanye West last week. "It's just great that both of us ladies got something special for our birthdays. And how funny that that happened back-to-back."
As a native Texan, the singer said she was looking forward to sampling some local cuisine again. "I used to always go to Pappadeaux's, even though are two in Atlanta (where she has resided). You still have to do that when you come to Texas. Pappadeaux's in Texas is just a little different."
And Ciara plans a return visit soon, she said. "We're putting together the tour dates now. I can't wait."
Battle of the engagment rings: Ciara, left, and Kim Kardashian, right.
