Last night we made BRIDGERTON come alive for City Harvest in New York City. 🌸

We staged the event atop Rockefeller Center with St. Patrick’s Cathedral as our backdrop. From the abundance of bright florals to the epic repertoire of NYC-themed entertainment – featuring the most fabulous costumes – and a decadent dinner, we’d like to think this summertime rooftop soirée would surely get Lady Whistledown’s seal of approval…

Photography: @loricannava
Client: @cityharvestnyc
Venue: @620loftgarden
Catering: @gpfood
Entertainment: @onthemoveevents
Lighting & Video: @bentleymeeker
Linens: @cecijohnson ...

After the lively gospel performance (see previous post!), Oprah’s spectacular Civil Rights Legends Weekend drew to a close with a stunning brunch on the lawn (2014).

Chef Art Smith and Chef Sonny Sweetman curated an impressive menu. Not only did they prepare a bodacious offering of pastries and desserts, but Art served his world-famous fried chicken and waffles. Grand Bevy was behind the irresistible selection of cocktails and mocktails. 🧇🍹

The Civil Rights Legends Weekend was one of Colin’s favorite events (and one of Oprah’s!) and a celebration that everyone will remember for a lifetime. (Legends Weekend 2 (2014) • PART 3/3) ...

Oprah’s Civil Rights Legends Weekend concluded with one of her signature gospel brunches at her home—The Promised Land—with Bebe Winans as musical director (2014).

Featured performers included Bill Withers, Kim Burrell, Kori Withers, Kathy Taylor, Joshua Nelson, Marvin Winans, Carvin Winans, Ledisi, and Angela Bassett.

Guests included George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, Cory Booker, Gayle King, Common, Tyler Perry, David Oyelowo, Ben Vereen, the Obama family, Ivan Reitman, Rashida Jones, Linda Johnson-Rice, Smokey Robinson, Ellen Degeneres, and Portia De Rossi, among many others. (Legends Weekend 2 (2014) • PART 2/3) ...

Oprah’s Civil Rights Legends Gala – “Legends Who Paved The Way” – honored legends of the civil rights movement (2014).

Honorees included Ambassador Andrew Young, Berry Gordy, Rev. C.T. Vivian, Diane Nash, Dick Gregory, Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., Congressman John Lewis, Rev. Joseph Lowery, Juanita Jones Abernathy, Julian Bond, Marian Wright Edelman, Myrlie Evers-Williams, Quincy Jones, Sidney Poitier, and Harry Belafonte. Other guests included Ellen DeGeneres, Deion Sanders, Alfre Woodard, George Lucas, Gayle King, Iyanla Vanzant, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, Magic Johnson, Maria Shriver, Phylicia Rashad, Rashida Jones, Reese Witherspoon, Jimmy Iovine, Robin Roberts, Roland Martin, Samuel L. Jackson, and Smokey Robinson, among many others.

The O’Jays played R&B classics and the cast of Selma read Pearl Cleage’s celebratory poem ‘We Speak Your Names,’ which served as the centerpiece to Oprah's first Legends Ball (2005).

“Cleage considers the poem a continuation of an oral tradition that encompasses the entire history of the African-American experience. The praise poem acknowledges the legacy of those who have gone before and a realization "that we are part of something better, truer, deeper." (Pearl Cleage, Zaron W. Burnett Jr.) (Legends Weekend 2 (2014) • PART 1/3) ...

The last day of Oprah’s Legends Weekend—celebrating iconic Black women in art, entertainment, and civil right—consisted of a lively gospel brunch on the sprawling grounds of Oprah’s estate (2005).

Sipping Bellinis and Bloody Marys on the vast front lawn, glamorous guests enjoyed spectacular performances led by the king of gospel—Bebe Winans—with accompaniment by Shirley Caesar, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick, and Chaka Khan, among countless other gifted musicians. Guests made their way to the garden for a delightful Sunday brunch with exceptionally curated food stations. Colin sat with Sugar Ray Leonard whose wedding he designed years earlier!

As a parting gift, Oprah compiled the weekend's music collection so guests could continue their celebration at home for years ahead. 🎶 (Legends Weekend 1 (2005) • PART 3/3) ...

The highlight of the Oprah’s Legends Weekend was an elegant white-tie ball at the Bacara Resort in Santa Barbara (2005).

Notable guests included Michelle and Barack Obama, Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie, Usher, Spike Lee, Tyler Perry, John Travolta, Diane Sawyer, and Barbara Walters, among many others. Colin has never seen or been surrounded by such greatness before - it was electrifying.  

From Oprah’s show-stopping haute couture Vera Wang ball gown to the extraordinary dinner by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and the custom, multilevel 1940s Art Deco installation in the ballroom, the night was dazzled with style and glamor. Colin even built the tiered wall sconces himself.

Another recitation of Pearl Cleage’s poem, “We Speak Your Names,” left the room teary–eyed, while musical performances by Chaka Khan and Michael McDonald prompted an unforgettable night on the dance floor. (Legends Weekend 1 (2005) • PART 2/3) ...

Throwing it back to Oprah’s LEGENDS WEEKEND! (2005)

This 3-day mega-event celebrated 20 legendary Black women in art, entertainment, and civil rights. Among the Legends included Maya Angelou, Aretha Franklin, Coretta Scott King, Rosa Parks, Diana Ross, Cicely Tyson, and Tina Turner – just to name a few. Oprah also invited a younger generation of 40 guests—who she termed the “Young’uns”— to meet and celebrate the remarkable women who preceded them. Some of the Young’uns included Alicia Keys, Angela Bassett, Ashanti, Brandy, Halle Berry, Janet Jackson, Iman, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, Naomi Campbell, Natalie Cole, Phylicia Rashad, and Michelle Obama.  
 
The event began with a luncheon at Oprah’s stunning estate. Guests had cocktails in the main residence then were transported via a customized San Francisco trolley to the front garden for a (now legendary) group photo by acclaimed photographer, Kwaku Alston. The trolley then brought Legends and Young’uns to the bespoke gazebo we created in the gardens.  

Guests sat at a table in the shape of a giant ‘O’ where an abundance of vibrant florals and complementary soft hues created an organic springtime feeling. Every detail—from the embroidered napkins to the hand-painted china and even the seat cushions—was custom-made for the occasion!
 
After welcome toasts and an exquisite luncheon, it was time for dessert. Waiters presented the women with miniature hat boxes with a chocolate surprise inside – edible potted plants! (And yes, every woman had their own waiter – the epitome of #TheGoldStandard.)

John Legend performed “Ordinary People” and Pearl Cleage read a poem she wrote for the weekend, “We Speak Your Names.” The Legends offered advice to the Young’uns and Oprah surprised everyone with a parting gift. Oprah gifted each Legend with a gorgeous engraved red alligator box. Each box held 10 carats of diamond earrings.

The Legends received 10k diamond drop earrings and the Young’uns received diamond hoop earrings. Now that’s a legendary party favor. 💫 (Legends Weekend 1 (2005) • PART 1/3) ...

Thank you @archdigest for featuring our revamp with @bocaresort! #TheGoldStandard ...

Thank you Grace Ormonde and @wedding_style for the GORGEOUS CODA feature! Swipe to see beautiful memories from Colin and Danny’s epic wedding celebration - plus a few never-seen-before photos! #LifeAsItShouldBe #TheGoldStandard ...

Nestled in the Swiss Alps, a chic private chateau hosted an unforgettable celebration of art, music, and culture... Guests entered through the garage for an underground cocktail hour. A car by Richard Prince lay on a turntable as the focal point. After cocktails, we transitioned upstairs. The focal point of the dinner space was a large silk cylinder in the middle of the room.  After a French-Vietnamese dinner, the orange fabric dropped—Kabuki-style—to reveal Lang Lang, arguably one of the world’s most famous pianists performing on a rotating stage beneath a canopy of Chinese lanterns. After Lang Lang’s performance, the piano magically disappeared and the stage became the dance floor.  Guests danced late into the night. #itsallinthedetails #prepandemicthrowback ...

MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT! 💥 Colin’s new book—The Gold Standard—is available for pre-order now! This is Colin’s 11th book but his first about business and the power of proactive customer service.

As we soon transition into post-pandemic life, customer service will be more important than ever before. Colin is laser-focused on the experience and how to make lasting first impressions and emotional connections. He inspires you to consider essential questions: In a crowded space, how do you set yourself apart? How can you create a culture of proactive customer service to be noticed first and always remembered?

Colin discusses practical protocols and explores experiential touchpoints that any business—from a law firm to your local market—could use. Here’s the secret: It’s all about giving customers what they didn’t know they wanted.

“This book has been a long time in the making and I’m so grateful to share all that I have learned and what continues to serve me well.” Thank you HarperCollins for bringing this book to life!

Coming this September! Secure your copy via the link in our bio. ...

This dreamy post-wedding brunch was not complete without pops of tropical orange florals, breezy lounge areas with blankets and parasols, and of course… an epic Bloody Mary bar.🍹• PART 3/3 ...

1 WEEK until Bridelux’s Symposium - “Turning The Taps Back On.” ✨ Join Colin and fellow industry leaders on Thursday, April 8 for a virtual fireside chat about post-pandemic opportunities and plans for the next year. Full access includes all sessions, a speaker Q&A, networking, catch-up recordings, and more. Reserve your spot via the link in our bio! ...

When the biggest hurricane in 20 years was on its way to Hawaii, we had to pivot and adapt our plans accordingly. Foregoing the original design for an outdoor ceremony, we created a beautiful indoor ceremony with something old, something new, and something blue… From the ethereal chapel to the monochromatic cream florals and azure accents, this wedding design was as airy and romantic as the location itself. #WhateverItTakes • PART 2/3 ...

Can we go back to this gorgeous rehearsal dinner in Maui, Hawaii? 🌴 We created this chic tropical paradise with a popping contrast of creams and vibrant reds. Coral napkin holders played to the location, while silver plates and flatware added a touch of glamour. Guests sipped refreshing lemongrass ginger cocktails as the sun set over the ocean... #LifeAsItShouldBe • PART 1/3 ...

PART 3/3 – The final night of this 3-day birthday celebration featured designs inspired by Murakami, our host’s favorite artist.

This look was all about COLOR. 🌈 We covered the tables with printed Murakami graphics and lucite tabletops for a stylish yet sleek look. We added vibrant charger plates and contrasting linen napkins embroidered with Murakami characters in various hues and styles.

Kaleidoscopic Gerbera daisies in clear bud vases ran along the center of the tables for a playful pop of dimension, while an abundance of silver candles brought a touch of glamour. (We also arranged our host’s initials in candles for another special touch!)

Swipe for an exclusive look one of our design renderings. ✨ ...

PART 2/3 – Hosted at ABC Kitchen, the second night of this 3-day birthday soirée honored pop artist Roy Lichtenstein.

We transformed the tables into massive Lichtenstein comic strips with custom vinyl decals featuring our host. We topped the lively tables with yellow flowers in clear bud vases, glass candelabras, yellow charger plates, and bowls of irresistible yellow candy. Gray water tumblers and linen dinner napkins with custom embroidery balanced the vibrancy of the yellows for an animated yet chic final look.

After dinner, we moved the party to a luxe Manhattan nightclub. Seven dancers painted in Lichtenstein-inspired artwork greeted guests with sparkling magnums of Cristal champagne and Grey Goose vodka that spelled out our host’s name. Talk about an entrance!

Three men painted in Keith Haring-inspired artwork presented our host with a striking Haring-inspired birthday cake—then everyone partied ‘til sunrise! 💥 ...

PART 1/3 – Throwback to this glamorous 40th birthday celebration!

This 3-night event was all about ART.💥 Each night we honored a different artist through design and décor, and we dedicated the first night to Richard Prince.

To build anticipation for the celebration ahead, we separated the cocktail area from the dining space with a sheer curtain. When it was time for dinner, we pinned back the curtain to reveal the spectacular Prince-inspired dining room.

We lined the dinner tables with contemporary black vases, onyx wine glasses, iridescent votives, and glass oil lamps for a chic and sexy look. We added a tasteful touch of color with green Cymbidium orchids, emerald dinner napkins and water tumblers, and of course, Prince-inspired menus.

After dinner, we surprised guests with a burlesque fire show featuring an antique bathtub as the focal point. Everything gets hotter when the sun goes down… 🔥🔥🔥

Stay tuned to see what the next two nights have in store! ...

PART 3/3 - The 2008 grand opening of Dubai’s Palm Island and Atlantis set the world record for the largest fireworks show in the history of pyrotechnics at its time. Fireworks launched off every balcony and illuminated the entire 226km perimeter of the island. Only the 2,500 VIP guests in attendance witnessed the spectacle from below while nearly 1 BILLION people tuned into CNN’s satellite feed from above. #WhateverItTakes ...

PART 2/3 – The grand opening of Dubai’s Palm Island and Atlantis featured unparalleled theatrics and special effects.💥

Leading up to the world record-setting fireworks show, a 70’ dragon wound its way through the cocktail area carrying sushi by @therealnobu. Marching soldiers led guests to the dining space where a combination of HD video projection, lighting, and pyrotechnics of epic proportions told the story of Atlantis Rising from the Sea. Atop a custom-made 75,000 sq. ft. deck, 2,500 VIP guests enjoyed a formal dinner hosted by Michelin-starred chefs Nobu Matsuhisa, Santi Santamaria, Michel Rostang, and Giorgio Locatelli.

Spectacular entertainment throughout the evening—including performances by Kylie Minogue, Priyanka Chopra, Nawal El Zoghbi, and Donna D’Cruz—made the night one remembered for a lifetime. ...

PART 1/3 - The spectacular $25M opening of Palm Island and Atlantis in Dubai was one of—if not, *the*—best events in Colin Cowie history. The celebration attracted VIP celebrity guests around the world, set a Guinness world record, and was arguably one of the world’s most talked-about parties. Swipe to see why… #WhateverItTakes ...

PART 6/6 - From the ‘glamoflauge’ safari party and welcome cocktails to the beach party and wedding day, the CODA fashion was truly unforgettable. Swipe to see some of the most show-stopping looks—and let us know your favorites in the comments below! 💥 ...

PART 5/6 - Exactly one year ago today, Colin and Danny exchanged vows in front of 176 of their closest family and friends at Cape Town’s sumptuous Boschendal Vineyard.

The grooms crafted their own wedding from start to finish, putting unique and personal spins on the rituals and ceremony. They shared a 100-year-old Louis XIII cognac toast with their groomsmen then walked down the organic aisle in two groups, greeting and mingling with guests along the way.
 
In lieu of rings, Colin and Danny exchanged custom Jacob + Co. bracelets engraved with CODA and the date – 02/22/20. Guests blessed the bracelets during the ceremony before they were locked onto their wrists.

The attire was ultra-glamorous black tie and no one held back! Colin and Danny wore custom Saville Row tuxedos from Thom Sweeney. Close friend and best man, Naeem Khan designed custom ombré gowns for the women in the wedding party, their sisters and closest friends. Best friend and officiant Sloan Lindemann Barnett looked incredible in Chanel Haute Couture.

The grooms said ‘I do’ and cold white pyros shot out from grand stone urns. The 22-piece orchestra played “Love’s Theme,” and their lives together began!
 
Colin created a sexy, masculine atmosphere for dinner using deep reds and shadowy grays. He covered the tables with red roses and burgundy dahlias, leafy greenery and mosses, halved figs, and hundreds of candles for a natural yet romantic look.
 
Between Alistaire Lawrence’s three courses, the grooms enjoyed amazing heartfelt speeches. Colin spent eight months writing and rehearsing his speech for Danny, and it was one of the most special moments of the entire wedding.
 
Marcela Roggeri, Danny’s best friend and the top classical concert pianist, performed two of their favorite songs and the SA Three Tenors performed two opera classics.

Danny jump-started the party by dancing a tango with their talented friend Lisa Heiden. The uber-chic CODA nightclub opened and they danced ‘til sunrise - yes, they went to 6am.
 
“I still can’t believe our epic CODA wedding was a year ago today. Thank you to everyone who made this magical day happen. This will forever be my favorite wedding!”

-Colin ...

PART 4/6 – Colin and Danny’s rehearsal dinner took place at a stunning villa in Boschendal. Chef Alistaire Lawrence curated a delicious menu, and Colin treated his closest friends and family to an all-encompassing Louis XIII tasting experience. A Louis XIII specialist spoke about the spirit’s rich history, and Colin and Danny toasted to their families with the signature Baccarat sunflower glasses. ...