The event and catering industries accepted the challenge to create vignettes inspired by well-known fashion designers for the 14th annual International Live Events Association (ILEA) Denver Designer Showcase. This was the first year that ILEA partnered with the Denver Chapter of the National Association for Catering & Events (NACE), knowing it would bring a whole new level of opportunity to the table.
“Think of it as a pocket-size table arrangement that tells a story,” says Donnah Phipps, owner of Poised Events and immediate past president of ILEA Denver as she explains the concept of a vignette. Phipps and her team developed a vignette that resembled a birthday party inspired by Christian Louboutin. “We wanted someone notable and knew that no one would have chosen a shoe designer [as their inspiration],” says Phipps.
The designer’s trademark red-bottomed shoes set the creative process in motion and gave way to the red look and feel of the Louboutin-themed tablescape. Guests were greeted by draped, sheer red fabric and metal mannequin forms toting black shopping bags and wearing strands of pearls. The tablecloth, a white sequined fabric, was set with black-mirrored charger plates, black satin napkins and a runner of red roses that cascaded to the ground with pillar candles in between. More red roses and high-heeled shoes were placed strategically throughout, making the whole scene look like a shoe lover’s dream.
A black-studded backdrop and a catwalk for attendees to show off their footwear was accompanied by shoe-shaped cookies and framed Louboutin illustrations that hung from the walls in white frames. Clear crystal chandeliers helped brighten the space and accentuated the iridescence of the glassware, translucent chairs and sequins.
The showstopping cake, designed to look like a Christian Louboutin shoebox, was both stunning and delicious. Phipps says, “It’s always fun trying to theme food to an event; the designer from Greens Point Catering took some descriptive words and came up with her interpretation.” Squid ink risotto with smoked tomato jam skewers, crispy roasted cauliflower with romesco sauce, and cherry hopped soda were just a few of the tantalizing eats and treats available.
Get ready for next years’ Designer Showcase on Feb. 11, 2020!
Vendor Partners
Allwell Rents
allwellrents.com
Chair Covers & Linens
linenhero.com
Colorado Party Rentals
cpartyrentals.com
DIY Design Inspired by You
diydenverflowers.com
Greens Point Catering
greenspointcatering.com
Lighting and Design by Scott
lightinganddesignbyscott.com
Platypus Papers
platypuspapers.com
Poised Events
poisedevents.com
Royalty Sweets & Treats
royaltysweetsandtreats.com
Yours Truly Cupcake
yourstrulycupcake.com
