Haute Event – S.F. Ballet’s Opening Night Gala “Belle Notte”

Date: January 19, 2012
Location:  City Hall
Photography Credit:  Drew Altizer

Despite the stormy weather, approximately 860 of SF’s social set came together to celebrate the start of the San Francisco Ballet 2012 season at the opening night gala themed Bella Notte.  While the weather may have been dreary, the attendees sparkling and dazzled in stunning gowns in every color of the rainbow.  Drawing influence from the Romeo and Juliet ballet, Idea designer, J. Riccardo Benavides, morphed City Hall into a Renaissance-era Italian palazzo by draping luxurious azure and emerald satin curtains between the arches, displaying grand urns and overflowing centerpieces filled with flora and fauna, and brilliant teal and crimson linens to draw contrast to the delicate culinary creations of Chef Lucas Schoemaker of McCall Associates.  No detail left unattended, there were whimsical Vespas decorating the festive after party, for that Roman Holiday feel.