Haute Living + The Dalmore Celebrate Mr Brainwash at Marea Beverly Hills

Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea

Some evenings feel orchestrated. Others feel inevitable. The night Haute Living and The Dalmore came together to celebrate Mr Brainwash—honoring his latest Haute Living cover—fell firmly into the latter category. Set against the refined, coastal-Italian backdrop of Marea Beverly Hills, the dinner unfolded less like a formal event and more like a gathering of creative forces who understood, instinctively, that they were all part of the same conversation.

Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea

Guests arrived to a lively cocktail hour where two signature Dalmore cocktails set the tone for the evening: The Deco Ember, crafted with 15-Year Dalmore, cacao nib syrup, and Regan’s No. 6 orange bitters, and The Modernist Rouge, a vibrant blend of Dalmore Port Wood Reserve, pomegranate juice, lemon, simple syrup, and aquafaba. The energy was relaxed and anticipatory—the kind of prelude that signals something special is about to unfold.

Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea

Then, guests took their seats for dinner. At the center of the table was Mr Brainwash himself—an artist whose work has never shied away from optimism, provocation, or scale, and whose influence extends far beyond gallery walls. His Haute Living cover marked a defining moment in a career built on instinct, disruption, and an unshakable belief in art as a living, breathing force. Seated alongside him was Haute Living Editor-in-Chief Laura Schreffler, joined by Gerry Tosh, Rare Whisky Director at The Dalmore, and Craig Bridger, Vice President of Sales and Advocacy for The Dalmore. The guest list also included Todd Gurley, Cameron Gwynne, Chief Brand Officer of the DeLorean Motor Company, Sean Lee, founder of the Purist Group, Chris Smith of Independent Artists Group, and model and actress Alina Goncharova—an eclectic mix that mirrored the creative spirit of the night itself.

Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea

As the first courses were served, Laura Schreffler and Craig Bridger raised their glasses to officially open the evening, offering a toast that celebrated Mr Brainwash’s Haute Living cover, his creative impact, and the shared values that brought Haute Living and The Dalmore together. It was a moment that grounded the night—setting an intimate, celebratory tone as guests settled in around the table.

Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea

The partnership between Haute Living and The Dalmore felt instinctive. Both brands share a reverence for craftsmanship and storytelling, and The Dalmore’s longstanding commitment to art and architecture—most notably as a supporter of the Venice Architecture Biennale—made the alignment with Mr Brainwash especially resonant. Like his work, The Dalmore embraces bold vision grounded in discipline, patience, and legacy. It was a connection that didn’t need explanation; it simply existed.

Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea

Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea

Marea Beverly Hills, anchored by Executive Chef PJ Calapa, delivered a menu that mirrored the tone of the evening—thoughtful, elegant, and quietly indulgent. The night began with refined antipasti, including branzino seabass tartare layered with pistachio, Calabrian chile, radish, and chive, alongside lobster paired with burrata, tomato, basil, and eggplant al funghetto. Primi courses followed, from pappardelle with Dungeness crab, scallion, and tarragon to ricotta-filled marubini ravioli finished with cacio e pepe, tomato, basil, and pine nuts. For the main course, guests selected between pan-seared halibut served with farrotto and seasonal winter vegetables or a grilled prime strip loin accompanied by bone marrow panzanella and braised lettuce.

Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea

Dessert was served family-style and leaned unapologetically indulgent: tiramisu with mascarpone mousse, espresso sabayon, chocolate crumble, and Dalmore-infused gelato, alongside Dalmore-infused bon bons—a final, subtle nod to the whisky that anchored the evening.

Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea

Just before dessert, Craig Bridger led the room through a guided tasting of The Dalmore King Alexander III, one of the distillery’s most complex and expressive whiskies. Matured in six different cask styles—including ex-bourbon, Matusalem Oloroso sherry, Madeira, Marsala, port, and Cabernet Sauvignon—the whisky unfolded slowly, revealing layers of red berries, citrus zest, dark chocolate, and warming spice. Each sip told a story of balance and intention, mirroring the creative philosophies that had brought everyone together around the table.

Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea

And just when the evening seemed poised to wind down, Mr Brainwash did what he does best. In a spontaneous gesture that felt entirely on brand, he invited the entire group to join him for a late-night, impromptu visit to his nearby Brainwash Museum—a rare and particularly meaningful experience given that the museum is set to close its doors on January 4. What followed felt less like an afterparty and more like a private immersion into his creative universe: bold color, layered iconography, familiar symbols reimagined, and an undeniable sense of joy radiating through every room.

Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea

In the end, the evening wasn’t just about a cover or a celebration. It was about alignment—between Haute Living, The Dalmore, and an artist whose work continues to challenge, delight, and provoke. Art, architecture, whisky, and conversation converged in a way that couldn’t have been forced, only allowed to unfold. The kind of night that lingers long after the last glass is emptied—and reminds you why these moments matter in the first place.

Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea

Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea

Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea

Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea

Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea

Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea

Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea

Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea

Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea

Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea

Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea