NEW YORK — The Marc Jacobs holiday party at The Pierre Tuesday night resembled a scene out of Stanley Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide Shut.” Employees threw themselves into the ball’s red-and-gold theme, making outrageous entrances as luridly masked men, scantily clad go-go boys and girls, cancan dancers, devils and even a cardinal or two.
Like last year’s event at the Rainbow Room, when he came dressed as a polar bear, Marc Jacobs himself opted for a more comic approach and dressed as a life-sized Heinz 57 bottle, made especially for him by Izquierdo Studios. “It came to me in a dream,” the designer said playfully. “I heard the Republicans boycotted Heinz 57 because of Teresa [Heinz Kerry], so this supports my political beliefs. Of course, it also hides a multitude of dancing mishaps.” Indeed, despite the cumbersome ensemble, Jacobs bobbed up and down to the music throughout the evening.
“The polar bear was hotter,” Jacobs added. “But this one fulfills my height fantasies.”
Kal Ruttenstein held court as a “couture Phantom of the Opera” in a Sean John sweatsuit with Lesage embroidery, a mask, a cape and shimmery gold blush. He was gunning for the best costume prize. “I didn’t realize I’d have so much competition or I would have told my makeup department to really hit me,” he said.
The King and Queen of the Ball awards — reserved for those who best represent the company’s spirit — went to Debbie Harry and John Reinhold. The two were dressed in period costume. However, the true spirit of the party was on display on the dance floor, which writhed with energy the whole night. Novelist Michael Cunningham, who also was at last year’s bash, was showing off his moves as a devil replete with wings. “The devil flies, too,” he said of his red plumage. “He’s got lots of places to go.”
Company president Robert Duffy was virtually unrecognizable sporting a deep tan, a blond wig and matching Fu. “I was trying to come as one of those Chinese men who dye their hair blonde with white lips,” he explained. “Now I don’t even know what I am.”