AGO: Marchesa Luisa Casati party

April 18, 2011

Text by Hannah Yakobi.

Photos by Danielle Preston.

She was known for her exuberant nature and ability to host incredible parties. She wore snakes around her neck as jewelry, took pet cheetahs out on diamond-studded leashes and was the biggest star of the first half of the twentieth century. She was a femme fatale and a muse to many artists, fashion designers and literary figures. She was Marchesa Luisa Casati.

Last Thursday, the AGO hosted its seventh annual ultimate art party, dedicated to Casati (most commonly known as Marchesa). The event, titled Marchesa Luisa Casati’s Massive Party, was completely sold out and attracted close to 1,600 guests.

Marchesa was well-known for her extraordinary fashion sense, so guests at the event knew that they really had to dress up. The result of the challenge was a variety of colourful, vibrant and exceptionally stylish dresses, suits and costumes.

Toronto artist and Massive Party artistic director Bruno Billio said that his creative vision for the event was based on one of the few remaining portraits of Marchesa by Augustus John, which is a favourite in the AGO’s permanent collection.

The AGO’s Baillie Court, Walker Court and second-floor galleries were transformed into parlours with Venetian, Parisian and Tunisian influences, echoing Marchesa’s parties. Several Toronto artists were also showcasing their art projects at the venue, including Ame Henderson, Allyson Mitchell, Jamie Shannon, Camilla Singh and Walter Willems.

Guests enjoyed an open bar and an array of delicious and creatively-presented appetizers (some were shaped like swans!), created by AGO’s executive chef Anne Yarymowich and consisting of a blend of various cuisines: mini cheese croissants, profiteroles stuffed with crab salad, risotto Milanese in bamboo gondolas, prosciutto gorgonzola crostini, mini tiramisu in chocolate cups, chermoula shrimp and beef kefta with harissa.

The entertainment for the night was provided by the international headliner and Canadian House DJ of the Year, DJ jojoflores, as well as Canadian entertainers Tanika Charles aka Mz. Chawls & The Wonderfuls and Deejay L’Oqenz, Vinny Gruvhunter and Morgan Shim.

Proceeds from Massive Party support the AGO’s exhibitions and education programs.

For more information about the Art Gallery of Ontario, please visit  http://www.ago.net

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Most elegant outfit

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Most stylish outfit

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