Power Ball XVII: Appetite For Excess

June 15, 2015

If the Ancient Romans and Andy Warhol got together to host a party in 2015, it would probably be something like Power Ball XVII.

The theme of this year’s inaugural art-meets-fashion event was aptly titled Appetite For Excess, a concept that was brought to life with edible art installations and decadent displays at the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery on June 4.

Toronto’s movers and shakers in the art, fashion and entertainment worlds were in attendance including Schitt’s Creek stars Dan Levy and Annie Murphy, and model Yasmin Warsame.

Our first thought walking into the room: “There is a chandelier made of octopus.” Secondly: “This is the most bizarre event ever.” But eventually, we too succumbed to the hedonistic moment, and it was delicious.

The VIP portion of the evening began with So Sorry, an interactive food performance by Jennifer Rubell, which brought together a few of Toronto’s most distinguished chefs: Bertrand Alépée, Winsome Brown, Grant van Gameren and Sam James.

The result was a playful take on how food can be used to amuse and tantalize even the most distinguished of guests. Mystery hands popped up from holes in a table to doll out hors d’oeuvres, while performers shouted from the balconies above, demanding guests toss them chunks of roast pork, bread and cheese.

Meanwhile, an éclair tower was being constructed by the masterful Alépée from the Tempered Room and, depending on your luck, you may have been showered with chips and Cheetos from one of the performers hovering above.

The extravagance continued as the main portion of the party kicked off on the other side of the gallery. Each room boasted excess-themed installations, such as super-sized bodysuits and a limo. Several open bars boasted signature cocktails while Parts & Labour served seafood for guests mingling outside.

In typical fashion, no Power Ball would be complete without a kitschy touch. This year, guests dove into inflatable kiddie pools filled with colourful balls for Instagram-worthy photo-ops. In the end, we can safely say: appetite satiated.