A Delightful Evening at DIFFA’s Cocktails By Design

Architectural Digest

NYC’s critically proclaimed “Unconventional Center” has been transformed into the showroom to end all showrooms.  Filled with interior designer booths and vignettes of innovative dining settings, the venue was an expansive display of luxury dining and fine craftsmanship.  In Honor of Architectural Digest editor in chief Margaret Russell, the charitable event raises money with a silent auction in addition to the ticket sales from its cocktail soirees.  Luckily you don’t have to be a major player to check out the beautiful designer installations, for $25 the public is invited to view the latest in interior design trends and marvel at the astonishing displays a few of our favorite displays include:

“Coca Cola Company” designed by Stefan Beckman –  This marvelous installation was an easy favorite as it featured all recycled materials.  From the place settings to the “bubble” themed lighting fixtures and the very chairs themselves this gorgeously green setup was a lovely as it was socially responsible.  We were also fortunate enough to run into one of the designers of the project Deklah Polansky who was nice enough to walk us through the installation and share her inspiration with us.  The best feature of this set is that you too can own a piece as the chairs are currently on sale at www.coca-colastore.com, for $230.  The chairs are not only adorable they are a statement piece as each is made from 100% recycled plastic.

“Ultimate Tailgater” designed by Brad Ford – We ran right into designer and friend to the site Brad Ford and his amazing machine. Designed as the ultimate traveling bar this decadent installation featured real mahogany and genuine Buffalo Hide courtesy of Moore & Giles, purveyors of luxurious leathers.  ” I created  this as an updated camper, this unit is self contained and can be hitched to the back of any vehicle for easy transport” gushed the very busy Brad Ford.  The sought after interior wiz showed off his latest with ease highlighting its many intricate charms.  “I wanted to give people something to talk about” he said, and he certainly has. excited party goers milled around the amazing piece  admiring its classic detailing and functionality. DIFFA attendees may be among the first to marvel at its charms but we won’t be the last as this exciting piece will be traveling to various high end sporting events throughout the country this year.

Designer Brad Ford

“The Wings of Hope”– designed by Jeffrey Brooks Interior Design – In our journey throughout the swelling venue we came across an amazing table setting featuring a large set of ornately feathered wings. Luckily we were there in time to meet interior designer Jeffrey Brooks who let us in on the inspiration.  Known mostly for his art deco inspired pieces the wings came as a finishing touch after being inspired by an Emily Dickinson quote: “Hope is the thing with wings”.  A message that rings true for all in these uncertain times.

Along with meeting and greeting amazing designers and viewing whimsical installations we enjoyed cocktails and edibles from some of the city’s finest eateries.  Daniel one of our favorites brought along a Chocolate dessert infused with Gran Mariner and featuring a medley of fresh citrus, a delicious mix of sweet and tart.  We also enjoyed specialty cocktails courtesy of sponsor Effen Vodka who presented delicious variation on rum and coke aptly named “Vanilla Coke” and yes it was as good as it sounds.

Daniel's Chocolate Baba

A fantastic event to say the very least there was just too much for one post.  Luckily the event will run until Sunday, March 20th, from 10am to 6pm daily.  Don’t miss out, head to Pier 94 immediately and visit some of these amazing works of art for yourself and remember its for a more than worthy cause. DIFFA is an organization dedicated to providing care for people with AIDS/HIV and preventative education for people at risk.