This year hosted a whooping 4500 guests, dressed to the nines, all clad in white.
Being a newbie to the Diner En Blanc experience, I gladly took my place as media – which basically mean’t I could get away from dragging table, chairs, wine and food with me. What to expect, what to expect? I’ve seen tons of pictures capturing the beauty of the event in past years but what would it be like to experience it? My very first encounter with the event was walking by a couple who dropped a box of their (hopefully not too expensive) glassware- followed by curse words that young children should never hear. Nonetheless, I was glad all I had to carry was myself.
The location of the dinner was kept secret until 5 pm with an astounding itinerary. There were floods of people in white- almost impossible to find each other if you didn’t have big signs or a cellphone. Sure enough, there were a lot of name signs for guests to find their table leader. It was a spectacle- you see tourists stopping by just to catch a glimpse of the event and take pictures. Due to the structure of Canada Place, you could see people at every corner, the East and West entrance were hard for individuals who are height challenged like myself to locate. Guests were greeted by umbrella arcs by the entrance and it was like a version of Cirque du Soleil- men cycling on large unicycles and individuals as painted performers. Did I mention there was also a hot air balloon ride before the event? – missed out on that one I guess
As guests sashayed in to this fantasy, whimsical world, we were greeted by none other that Prince Charming’s unicorn- courtesy of Nordstrom Vancouver! I mean, that’s every girls dream right? To meet a unicorn, god knows those things are extinct. You see people setting up their tables, making finishing touches to their mini decor, dinner by the candlelight, a very Parisian, picnic-like feel turned up a notch!
Some went all out with chandeliers, canopy-like settings, bottles of wine, perfect wine glasses and yummy food whereas others went the simpler route- sushi for dinner! Canada Place served as a venue large enough for the growing number of guests in white but were segregated for the most part- I remember walking up stairs and around corners to find tables, tables and more tables. Thanks goodness for my comfy Le Chateau heels! Did I mention there was even a surprise pop up wedding! How great to have 4500 guests to celebrate such an important moment with you! Congratulations to the happy couple- Rachel Steinebach and Sam Merrell ! This my friends, just added to the Diner En Blanc spectacle!
But my favourite part of the evening had to be at 9 pm, when the sparklers went up and lit Canada Place. It was literally the most beautiful thing I’ve seen, pictures don’t do it enough justice- it is something you have to see for yourself. Not to mention the great music! Good music selection The Social Concierge- I’m such a 90s music gal, I loved the tunes that played throughout the night!
What makes Diner En Blanc an event that is envied by those who spectate and obsessed by those who attend?
After my experience – I have to admit, I want to go again. There’s something about gathering a ton of people together at one spot and sharing an experience like this. There is a sense of inclusivity, and exclusivity of being involved in a big event like this! Not forgetting the string of dreamy photos to post!
Getting ready for an event as such takes a lot of effort- I started getting ready early in the day and would not have materialized the look in my mind if it weren’t for these lovely ladies:
Fascinators and hats are a growing trend – with style icons such as Kate Middleton, fascinators are creeping in to not only being an accessory for special events but a piece that can be worn during different seasons and for casual events as well! I had the utmost pleasure of working on a design with Always on Top for Diner En Blanc! I first found her when I saw her designs being worn by my dear friend Maria Kritikos – Ladies who Lunch!
In addition to her impeccable talent, eye for beauty, and sweet demeanour, the one thing that stood out to me was how dedicated, and hardworking designer Lori Lachance is. Most of our communication in terms of coming up with a design was through emails and when I received the finished piece, it was beautifully wrapped in (like 5 layers?) of different coloured paper. The piece was beautifully crafted by hand- hand sewn beads, feathers, lining – everything was so detailed and perfectly put together. Each piece that Lori makes is 100% hand made and unique in its design. Not only that, you can expect it to be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, and there is now an option to order a heirloom hand-made custom hat box. The artists making the hat boxes use hand-made papers and top-quality embellishments – each box is a work of art in and of its own. I can totally vouch for that- mine came in a comic book like wrapping (SO MUCH FUN), and layered with different colours of tissue paper!
Lori had always had this love for creating hats – she started out by giving her creations to friends and as the fans grew, what started as a hobby gave birth to Always on Top Hat Designs! Having worked with two accomplished milliners: Piroska von Kampen Mulleur (a distinguished Master Milliner trained in Germany) and William Walker (Walker Millinery in Yaletown creates exquisite, high-end hats), Lori describes the Always On Top woman to be described as quiet, serious, kind, loyal, well-developed senses, aesthetic appreciation for beauty, flexible, open-minded, original and creative!
Lily from AnaV Beauty used my face as a painting canvas. We opted for a classic evening look- Dark Smokey Eyes with Red Lips! I’m not someone who likes to put a lot of makeup on and because of that we had to blend/adjust the darkness of the eyes as well as tone down the cheekbones but they were masters of the art and I ended up loving the look!
Having worked in the film industry for 10 years, Ana found herself gravitating towards makeup for fashion shoots and later opening up her own business with the goals of empowering women and educating them in the beauty industry!
Located at a beautiful location in downtown Vancouver : 1125 Howe Street #110 (look for the pretty pink wall through the glass doors!)
When asked what owner- Ana’s favourite look for the evening was, this is what she said~ “My Favorite Night out Makeup is a Very sculpted, designed face, with contouring under cheekbones paired with a smokey eye. I preffer purples and greys for my Smokey looks and glitter too; It’s a very clubby look for the eyes. Oh and how could I forget! Eyebrows, a defined brow is so chic!”
One thing to definitely check out is the AnaV Beauty Cosmetic Line! Something I just absolutely have to mention is how SOFT the brushes are- Laugh if you must but it’s like having mini soft cotton candy like paws caressing your face
Follow the beauty journey on Instagram!
They also offer beauty classes for those of you who wish to sharpen your art in makeup!
All photos are by Kuna Lu Photography and Ed Ng Photography unless otherwise specified.
A Special Thank You to be made to these individuals:
Jihannah Hwang | Bella Garnet Beauty Salon = Hair
Lori from Always on Top Hat Designs = Hair Piece
Lily and Ana from AnaV Beauty= Makeup
Au revoir!