French Heritage Society’s Sophisticated Halloween Ball Beautifies the Night

Halloween this year had an elegant and sophisticated twist as the French Heritage Society hosted a memorable night at The Plaza Hotel.

The beautiful Black and Orange Ball was a splendid affair full of delight and blissfully exquisite touches.

Black-tie clad guests wore elegant masks, disguises, and colorful accents.  The highlight of the holiday was a fantastic tribute to the passion of the organization.

Naomi Jabouin, Amy Fienga and Christian Draz attend the French Heritage Society’s Black & Orange Ball 2018 at The Plaza Hotel on October 31, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Ostuni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

French luxury lifestyle brand LALIQUE and its founder René Lalique were recognized for their wonderful work. The night was superbly structured under the gracious patronage of His Excellency Gérard Araud, Ambassador of France to the United States, His Excellency François Delattre, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations, and Mrs. Sophie L’Hélias-Delattre, Ms. Anne-Claire Legendre, Consul General of France in New York, and Mrs. Bénédicte de Montlaur, Cultural Counselor of the French Embassy in the United States.

Guests attend the French Heritage Society’s Black and Orange (Photo by Michael Ostuni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

Gala Chairmen included CeCe Black, Silvina Leone, Liz McDermott, Jay R. Paul, Jean Shafiroff, and Ann Van Ness. The New York Chapter Chairs are Guy N. Robinson and Odile de Schiétère-Longchampt, who also served as the Design Consultant. The Board of Directors includes Elizabeth F. Stribling, Chairman of the Board, Denis de Kergorlay, President, David M. Gray, Treasurer, and Jennifer Herlein, Executive Director.

Lenny Hoops (Annie Watt)

Performer Lenny Hoops entertained at a lovely cocktail reception before guests sat for a beautiful dinner presentation. Attendees raised their glasses as Chairman of the Board, Elizabeth F. Stribling and Denis de Kergorlay welcomed attendees, and CeCe Black thanked her fellow Gala Chairs.

The events wine consultant and emcee, George Sape then introduced a short video about LALIQUE before Elizabeth F. Stribling and Denis de Kergorlay presented a trophy to the LALIQUE team, which was accepted by Sarah Gargano on behalf of the brand.

Guests lit up the dance floor to the divine tunes of Alex Donner Orchestra before Nicholas Dawes, Vice President, Heritage Auctions, the country’s leading expert on René Lalique, began the live auction.

Bettina Bennett (Annie Watt)

Supporters were given the opportunity to bid on four lots that included Living LALIQUE – an exclusive cocktail party for up to 10 guests in an elegant space designed by LALIQUE, which served so popular a second party was provided with both selling at $4,500. A lavish travel package to Discover the Parisian Art-de-Vivre was sold for $6,500, dinner for four at Skybox at Daniel accompanied by superlative wines was placed for $3,500, and a stay at La Mamounia, the legendary 5-star palace hotel in Marrakesh, Morocco, resulted in a bidding war before being placed with the winner for $6,000.

French Heritage Society was founded in 1982 so Americans and French could share their love of historic architecture. French Heritage Society intervenes to ensure that the treasures of our shared French architectural and cultural heritage survive to inspire future generations to build, dream and create. There are 11 Chapters of the Society throughout the United States and Paris.