Louis Vuitton Crew Party, Auckland New Zealand, 28 September 2002.
Auckland puts its party hat on
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| Photo credit: Jacques Vapillon |
As far as parties go, it's hard to beat Louis Vuitton. In fact, it's almost impossible. The French luxury goods company has made a reputable history for itself with Cup parties. From San Diego's 1992 party on the US Navy aircraft carrier, 'Kitty Hawk', to the 95 party on board Top Gun's 'Mirimar, and then to 1999's staged affair at the Civic Theatre in Auckland, Vuitton has outdone itself every time.
On Saturday night, it was the first crew party of the LV Cup season. Although it wasn't the ball (wait until December 7 for that extravaganza), last night's revelry had Auckland in the throes of delight.
Held in the Oriental Markets of downtown Auckland, the theme naturally lent itself to urban decay, graffiti art and industrial chic. Taking a neglected old building and turning it into a glam party scene was no small task but Vuitton did it with its usual panache.
Entering the arena was like walking into a fantasyland – decked out in national flags, mountains of mouth-watering delectables, an endless bar, a dance floor half the size of a rugby field and performance graffiti artists, it didn't take long for the party spirit to come alive. The boat bar was staffed by bartenders in navy hats and white overalls – a melange of nautical style with urban hip hop fashion.
Each flag provided food from that country and between the British fish and chips, the French tartlettes, the Italian proscuitto and the Swedish salmon, it was impossible to walk away hungry. Spoilt for choice, you could have spent the whole night just on a taste tour. The dance floor however, beckoned.
In the VIP lounge, Prime Minister Helen Clark rubbed shoulders with millionaires such as Patrizio Bertelli and Vincenzo Onorato. Access to the lounge was by exclusive Louis Vuitton leather bracelets, made especially for the night. Louis Vuitton Malletier's CEO Marcello Botolli was enjoying himself alongside Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker and the gorgeous Mandy Smith. Dennis Conner popped his head in for a while whilst the effervescent Bruno Trouble was having his own fun on the dance floor.
Sailing's celebdom were toting the ultimate in summer fashion accessories; Moet and Chandon's LV Cup labelled Brut Imperial. From a flute or from the hip sip bottles, the Cup-labelled bubbly is what any fashion aficionado is to be seen drinking this summer.
Auckland is currently hell bent on having a good time with the Cup in town and leading the way in frivolities and style is Vuitton. To get a taste of it all, get down to the Viaduct Harbour. Don't forget your party hat!
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