Daily Front Row

2010 May 19

The Butterfly Ball

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Mary J. Blige
NICK HUNT / PatrickMcMullan.com View Gallery

(NEW YORK) “Everyone is coming out for the beautiful event, despite the weather!” exclaimed Tory Burch last night during The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center’s 3rd Annual Spring Ball. Burch, who served as co-chair, keenly observed that the misty weather couldn’t keep the guests from coming in droves. Gowns floated through the ballroom, and no one looked as if they had been caught in the rain. Supporters including Dennis Basso, Tamara Mellon and the like, eagerly filled The Pierre Hotel.

Burch noted, “I am so fond of the hospital, and I spend a lot of time working there.” Mary J. Blige, who provided the music for the evening, chatted with Burch, like two old friends. “What’s up, Tory? Love the flowers!” and she motioned towards the designers floral frock. Blige beamed, “It’s a good night! I’m just so excited and happy to be here.” The evening had the singer feeling on the spiritual side. “You know, things have been busy, but I relax in my own skin and know I’m loved by myself and by God, and I keep on going!” Burch explained she’s been keeping calm by anticipating a bit of vacation time. “I’m taking the boys to climb Machu Picchu. It will be a first for all of us!”

Mellon, fresh of the plane, also spoke warmly of the cause. “I have friends who have been treated at the hospital, and the research and the work they do is incredible. So incredible, in fact, that it was well worth flying back from Cannes.” Guests then moved to the dining room, where the evening’s motif was butterflies. Renowned Bronson van Wyck lent his marvelous touch, providing an ambiance that was positively resplendent. Thousands of delicate paper butterflies hung from the ceiling, launching the crowd into cries of “oohs” and “ahhs.” Dreading the night ending and the inevitable drizzly walk to the car, guests had beach on the brain. Mellon smiled, “I’m looking forward to wearing summer clothes and feeling some heat. I love slipping into my Jimmy Choo flip flops and keeping things casual all day long.”
EMILY POPP