The Lowline Anti-Gala
Where: Skylight Modern
Who was there: Guests included Lena Dunham, Spike Jonze, Edward Norton, Laura Prepon, James Murphy, Tom Sachs, Kira Kazantsev, Tom Murro, Allison Figg, Claire Du, Eddy Moretti, Erin Allweiss, Julia Kennedy, Kristin Studman, Maura Walters, Michael Goldberg, Rameet Chawla, Stephanie Simon, Taylor Harris, Vincent Fong, Zhenya Posternak, and Zuzanna Buchwald.
[Lena Dunham by Sam Deitch/BFAnyc.com]
Other details: Last night the Lowline hosted their second annual Anti-Gala to support the ambitious and exciting underground park project. The project has gained momentum in the last year, and quickly has become one of the most anticipated additions to New York's ever-expanding attractions. High profile celebrities and moguls have committed their support to the cause, including the hosts of the event last night, actress Lena Dunham and director Spike Jonze.
Famed Booker & Dax mixologist Dave Arnold kicked things off with his unique Absolut cocktail offerings to go along with hors d'oeuvres from Lower East Side eateries, where the park will be built. Guests fittingly walked into the large dining room in the basement through a black-lit passageway filled with trees and leaves, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Julian Alonzo of Neuman's Kitchen prepared a meal which included pastrami braised short ribs with pickled cabbage and bone marrow, as well as a decadent caramel and apple gelato with chocolate astronaut ice cream.
[Jack Antonoff via @adamdanielweiss]
[Spike Jonze, Lena Dunham via @lowlinenyc]
During the dinner, there was a brief auction which featured one of the highlights of the night: Lena Dunham auctioning the dress she was wearing at that very moment. The dress was specially made by Rachel Antonoff, and featured a digiprint of trees that reflected the future park. The dress sold for $3000, but a couple of true Girls fans shelled out $11,000 for a set visit. Among the dinner guests were Edward Norton, Tom Sachs, Laura Prepon, and more. They all were engaged with the community of people who were excited for the future of the Lowline.
The event concluded with an after party at the same location, featuring a performance by Bleachers, the Jack Antonoff-led band. Following their set, former LCD Soundsystem lead singer and DFA Records head honcho James Murphy took control of the turntables and played a fun dance set that kept the crowd going. Rameet Chawla of Fueled showed of his dance moves, while generous Lowline contributor and hotelier Ed Scheetz chatted up the crowd. Jonze himself loosened up the bow tie and courteously talked to adoring fans and peers alike, serving as the perfect ambassador for the project. The night was another successful fundraiser, bringing the reality of the awaited Lowline that much closer.
[Spike Jonze via @guestofaguest]
[Laura Prepon] [James Murphy by Sam Deitch/BFAnyc.com]