Style was on high in San Francisco at the Academy of Friends "Behind the Seams" 30th Annual Academy Awards Gala . For those who have never attended this red carpet event be assured it was a night of high class and a sure nominee for Best Interpretation of Black Tie Optional. A sea of mostly men, pressed, polished and posh took over the 30,000 square foot Herbst Pavilion. The night was a showcase of effortless style and relentless attention to detail benefitting those affected by HIV | Aids.
As you walked in a huge backdrop patterned with the Academy of Friends logo got everyone in the red carpet mood. Guest lined up for their 15 seconds of fame in front of flashing lights. Fort Mason has never looked so great. The normally frigid space was draped with massive velvet curtains and warm lighting. Pops of florals sat beside voluptuous tufted seating arrangements. Numerous restaurants and wineries served up their best while viewing areas with drop down movie screens and Philippe Starck's Ghost chairs awaited the large crowd. One person remarked “It’s just like watching at home with friends but more fabulous!” Further into the event chandeliers added to the drama hanging from high above.
The best accent was also one of the most brilliant advertising ideas. Human Oscar replicas provided by Gold’s Gym lit up the night. The cast of mostly men wore only skimpy boy shorts. Painted head to toe in gold and perched atop platforms they took as much pride in their duty as the guards at Buckingham palace.
Wayne Kaleck, Partner and General Manger of the award winning Gene Hiller Menswear in Sausalito arrived with his long time significant other Michael Rose. The pair donned black shadow stripe tuxedos by Canali. Michael paired his with a diamond pattern gold silk | lamay tie by Tino Cosma and Wayne bet on black with a Pancaldi silk tie adorned with Swarovski crystals. For many distinguished San Franciscans the quick trip across the Golden Gate is no bother to get the wide variety of luxury clothing and exquisite tailoring they offer. It looked as if quite a few in the crowd had done just that. Venture capital guru Stewart Schuster and wife Bette Schuster in vintage also came out in support of the cause arriving like true VIP’s. The pair made their entrance after they were revealed from behind the doors of their silver Aston Martin.
For part II of this article and all the photos from the event click here
Comments
Academy of Friends was an amazing experience and I thought that you captured the night perfectly. I am a fan of yours Moanalani!!
What a fun night! The Gold's gym "statues" sure took me by suprise. Glad you attended this event :)
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