They’ve done it annually for 22 years. The dedicated members worked hard, and their labors have always paid off for the supporters and guests. The effect achieved was strikingly beautiful, the food and entertainment were wonderful, everybody had a great time and significant money was raised to support the organization’s operations, thus benefitting our community. It was La Jolla’s beloved Athenaeum Music and Arts Library and its annual international-themed gala, this year titled “Thai Fantasy,” chaired by Miriam Krippl with Alice Brana. Seeing all the Thai-themed costumes at the party, one might suppose such items were common closet content. They’re not, of course, but that didn’t stop the 230 partygoers from collecting components correlating with the theme and dressing (and sometimes acting) the part. Their brilliantly colored silks and extravagant golden jewelry complemented the venue’s painstakingly-prepared décor, and made the traditional parade of entertainers, guests and members an impressively lively sight. Other thematic entertainment included music and dance from the Summer School of Wat BuddhajakraMongkolratanaram and Thai shadow puppet performances staged by the San Diego Guild of Puppetry. There were ethnically-correct hors d’oeuvres and special cocktails, and the sumptuous dinner featured a spicy chicken curry with jasmine rice. Evona Wascinski and her jazz trio played for late-night dancing. *** The Museum of Contemporary Art’s 35 annual galas have had varied Monte Carlo themes, including Grand Prix, James Bond and even Austin Powers. But this year’s event, chaired by Valerie Cooper and David Copley, achieved new heights of sensual sophistication and showcased a new star. The 2011 theme was “Monte Carlo Goes Burlesque,” and Copley (who’s also MCA’s board chair) picked Dita Von Teese, the beautiful and sultry modern burlesque queen, as the evening’s performer. Most guests shunned black tie and dressed instead in “club chic,” including some very sexy attire for the ladies. Guests arriving for the perennially sold-out evening were offered a choice of libations, including a specialty cocktail — a cross between a martini and a margarita with some added spiciness, dubbed a “Marga-Dita.” They enjoyed burlesque-themed concoctions in the Boudoir Lounge, underwritten by Harry and Valerie Cooper (and formerly known as the Axline Court). The Burlesque Girls, in corset outfits, peddled raffle tickets. Dinner under the stars featured prime Creekstone Farms filet mignon. The first “dessert” was a special performance of Dita Von Teese’s “Opium Den” act. Stage curtains were drawn, revealing the star reclining in a long red Chinese-style gown. Slinking up the short runway, hands on hips, her fingers nearly encircled her incredibly tiny waist. Slowly, demurely, she stepped out of her dress, then her high-heeled shoes. She doffed her corset, appearing now in just a quarter-cup bra, tasseled pasties, and a thong. Holding a large translucent fan, she released the bra, swayed seductively, and crisscrossed the stage. She dropped the fan and stood before a background from which four sets of red-gloved feminine arms extended, encircling her body in undulating movements. A blast of feathers exploded into the air — a beautiful effect in the red lighting — and the black curtains slowly closed. It was all in excellent taste, of course, but fortunately there were no ayatollahs present. After the 15-minute show, several women in the audience gave what seemed a nervous laugh, and partygoers of both genders (including many non-smokers) were heard saying they suddenly craved a cigarette. A second dessert, a deconstructed “naughty” sundae, was served, and energized guests took to the dance floor. The after party began at 9:30 p.m., bringing additional guests to enjoy music in the Peek-A-Boo Gallery, dancing in the Boom-Boom Room and charity gaming in the VIP Casino Lounge. Dita’s second performance, at midnight, was a very different show. In short, she slowly and seductively became “neat” (in cocktail terms) before immersing herself in a giant martini glass. Widely admired, she’s appeared in Vanity Fair, Vogue and Elle and in ad campaigns for top luxury products. She takes burlesque to a new level of artistry and elegance.
