Valentino Hosts Chic Soirée In Anticipation Of Modern Ball

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

The hottest party of the spring season is the SFMOMA’s Modern Ball. The event, which occurs every other year, takes place on Wednesday, April 25. It’s only the second ball to be hosted in the renovated museum and it’s a hot ticket. Unlike other galas which can feel stuffy and serious, the Modern Ball is an over-the-top extravaganza where guests wear statement dresses and dancing is encouraged. In anticipation of the ball, Valentino, the supporting sponsor, hosted a private cocktail reception to celebrate its partnership with SFMOMA.

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Guests and patrons of the arts were invited to purchase clothing and accessories to wear to the ball. Charlotte Mailliard Shultz and Nancy Hellman Bechtle, the ball’s 2018 co-chairs welcomed the stylish crowd to Valentino.  “We are honored and thrilled to be the chairs of the Ball, the Modern Ball for the Museum of Modern Art,” Shultz said. “It’s the number one ball for the number one museum.”

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Shultz went on to explain the three distinct tiers of ticketing. “First of all there is the gala, which is very elegant, with wonderful food by McCall’s and Stanlee Gatti is doing all the decor—and he is wonderfully crazy. Then there is the supper club, which is a lounge. They have DJs, it’s a place where some of us older folk won’t fit in. Then at 9:30 p.m. is the post-modern ball when the real hipsters come in.”

The chic group browsed the racks while sipping champagne and nibbling quail eggs topped with caviar. Notable San Franciscans at the event? Sabrina Buell, Becca Prowda, Katie Traina, Mary Gonsalves Kinney, and Emily Holt.

Tickets for the Modern Ball are now on sale.

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer