While the annual IIDANY Color Invasion is mostly a party, at its heart it is a fundraising celebration of creativity, inclusiveness and charity. The first iteration of this now-landmark event began in 2002 when then-chapter president Peter Conant suggested a fundraising event for their annual scholarship program. The result was Woza, a South African-themed event that was held at a downtown Manhattan gallery; roughly 400 people attended. Conceived and executed in only three months, it was a financial and cultural success that created a template for the behemoth it has become today.
This year, the sold-out event boasted more than 1,500 attendees, many of which arrived in costume, aligned with the theme of the carnival of Venice.
Each Color Invasion benefits IIDANY’s student activities throughout the year as well as its Design Awards Program. This year, for the fourth time in a row, IIDANY collected donations of childrenās pajamas and books at the event on behalf of the Pajama Program, a nonprofit organization that provides fresh pajamas and new books to children in need nationwide, many of whom are waiting to be adopted. These two simple gifts of pajamas and books let the children know that someone cares; sometimes these are the only new things they have ever received.
Elaborate Venetian masks were on hand for guests to adorn themselves; several manufacturers held mask decorating parties at their showrooms several days before the event so guests would be adequately prepared. Since Color Invasion is a high-production, one night only event, I loved the idea that the greater design community could extend the spirit of imagination and playfulness beyond this one memorable night.
Color Invasion Committee co-chairs Brian Bates of Geiger International and Bob Elliot of HOK, along with a host of other committee team members, created an unforgettable evening of experience and intrigue that energized the large gathering of creative design professionals.
Taking place for the second year in a row at the space formerly known as the Tunnel nightclub on Manhattanās West Side, partygoers were welcomed to the space with a projected depiction of the famed Rialto Bridge, sponsored by furniture dealer Henricksen. Waiters garbed as Venetian Gondoliers offered libations to entering guests. After walking through a space representative of the Campo San Giacomo, the Grand Canal was the spot for guests to decorate their own mask.
Close by, a magic lantern theatre by Liquid Light Lab, sponsored by Meadows Office Interiors, depicted classic animations that would have been enjoyed by 17th century Carnevale attendees, and was equally enjoyable to the large group of design professionals attending the event. Italian cuisine, catered by Gracious Thyme, was served on Gondola-shaped tables throughout the blue and gold space, making sure guests were nourished between their trips to the three massive and fully-stocked bars.
The eveningās dance floor, sponsored by furniture dealer EvensonBest, took the form of Piazza San Marco and was much larger than previous years. Walking through the city block long building, guests eventually arrived at the final destination, the Giardini Papadopoli, where they were able to create souvenir gifs at the smilebooth, sponsored by furniture dealer WB Wood, before lounging on couches below a featured mask projection wall.
Product placement and corporate sponsorship was everywhere; Nemo Tile sponsored folding fans for party favors; Tri-Kes provided masks for guests who arrived without one. Innovant, Teknion and Architectural Flooring Resource sponsored specialty cocktails for all guests.
As with previous Color Invasion parties, performance and decor were blended within the venue, creating an immersive and color-charged evening. Entertainers such as a living Venetian statue on a pedestal and harlequin stilt-walkers moved throughout the extraordinary space, interacting with guests and posing for selfies. Design professionals came prepared that evening with Carnevale outfits that added to the ambiance; over-the-top and elaborate costumes were everywhere, and since almost everyone was wearing a mask, both identity and inhibitions were quickly discarded.
As a nod to the Tunnelās rich history during the 1980ās, event producer and nightlife icon Susanne Bartsch arrived at the party with a posse of Club Kids, including trans-model and performer Amanda Lepore and make-up artist and photographer Ryan Burke. The costumed crew took to the stage to dance beside DJ Philip as he played Sweet Transvestite from the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
The evening was memorable and a welcome break from the regular grind of networking events. This was a night to check your self-consciousness at the door, have some fun, and do some good for design students as well as children in need. The Color Invasion goes to show that design professionals have a heart as well as a mind; they also look damn good while having fun.