Story by Leslie D. Weinberg and
John Forrester Photos by Leslie D. Weinberg
2013 Brit Week Celebrates Downton
Abbey party was delightfully decadent while being oh so proper and
elegant. British high-style and culture ruled
the night with gentlemen in top hats and tails, and the ladies resplendent in
very large hats, gloves and beaded finery.
The dress was less dowdy than
Downton Abbey as the guests channeled the flamboyant flapper era of crazed
jazzy decadence.
Perhaps this was also an
homage to the expectant ‘Great Gatsby’ movie. British design icon Zandra Rhodes
looked ‘absolutely fabulous’ still rocking flaming pink hair. She is the
eternal queen of punk elegance. Other
notable guests included; Downton Abbey Executive- Producer Gareth Neame, Star Laura
Carmichael, (Lady Edith,) Actors John Savage, Blanca Blanco and Fred Willard, Comedienne Jo
Anne Worley, and Designer Sue Wong.
The lush gardens and terrace of the Fairmont Miramar
Hotel and Bungalows served as a stunning backdrop for this A-list glamorous
party. Revellers delighted in the 1920s
music from Richard Halpern & his band and in the special live dance
performances. White gloved waiters
delivered tea cups filled with gin fizzies and caviar shooters with vodka and
dollops of heavy cream, and other delectable treats from Fig restaurant, while bar
keeps kept the booze flowing with custom, pre-prohibition era cocktails.
With the intoxicating beauty of the crowd
mixed with the opaque sky at nightfall and the serene ocean breezes, you were
brought back to the fantasy of roaring ‘20’s.
Proceeds from the evening
benefitted Big Brothers Big Sisters, the nation’s largest volunteer supported
mentoring network.
Learn more about Brit Week here.
