Save Venice Ball 2019: Socialites, models and royalty hit the fabulous New York gala

At the weekend the brightest and buzziest of New York's glitterati descended on the storied Plaza Hotel for Save Venice’s annual masquerade ball.

The luxe evening, dubbed 'the new Met Gala', raised $1.2 million in support of restoration projects of at-risk art in Venice.

And luxe it was. The ball, which is sponsored by fashion heavyweights Moda Operandi, BVLGARI, and Oscar de la Renta, combined social kingpins (Nicky Hilton Rothschild, Derek Blasberg, Lauren Santo Domingo, Tabitha Simmons, Joseph Altuzarra, Tory Burch, Julia Restoin Roitfield) with models (Karen Elson, Karolina Kurkova) and royalty (HRH, Crown Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece, HRH Princess Maria Olympia of Greece, HRH Princess Mafalda Saxe-Coburg).

The Grand Ballroom at the Plaza was decked out in opulent décor provided by Van Wyck & Van Wyck, which included plush navy blue chesterfield couches as banquettes at select tables, succulent bouquets of red roses, an attention-grabbing venetian flag descending from the ceiling into the center of the ballroom, as well as recognizable statues from art history covered in red glitter (which this writer definitely snapped a few pictures of).

The evening is a must-attend for any self-respecting New York socialite, and the ball featured plenty of high fashion, set off with equally opulent masks.

Those who went all out for a look were amply rewarded. Vogue’s Hamish Bowles presented prizes for best lady’s mask, best gentleman’s mask, and best couples mask – with a BVLGARI Shopping spree, or tickets to the Oscar de La Renta Spring Summer 2020 Fashion show in September among the rewards.

While the night was a glittering scene reminiscent of the grand balls Mrs. Astor would throw, among the crowd Save Venice Young Friends could be overheard discussing the cause at the heart of the party – to preserve the artistic heritage of Venice for future generations.

And, like any good party worth its salt, then came the after party, which this year took place at the newly opened Butterfly lounge at the swanky downtown SIXTY SoHo hotel, a place reminiscent of other glamorous watering holes from eras past, with Misson-esque prints, a few special edition Damien Hirsts, and cheetah print on the walls that would make Sophia Loren proud. Guests from the ball arrived still in their masks and finery to continue celebrations into the early hours. La Dolce Vita indeed.

Feeling a bit of FOMO? Insider is taking you behind the scenes of a High Society Pre-Game hosted by the Young Friends of Save Venice – a group of young professionals who might be the next generation of philanthropists working in the coolest and most competitive fields, all while enjoying the New York City social scene off the clock.

Check out the fashion film detailing their evening getting ready for the ball. It’s over the top – with a touch of the aspirational.

This film was made possible by Giuseppe Zanotti, Valdo Prosecco and Galliano.