Having a Ball at the Ball!
For over 12 years, I have made my way to the Art Deco Ball on Catalina Island.
As a kid, we would sail with my father on a small red sailboat from Redondo Beach and throw out our mooring line. Now we take the Catalina Express ferry from Long Beach. While only 70 minutes outside of the coastal mainland it feels like you have travelled far away. This laid back atmosphere and wandering the shops and eateries is definitely relaxing and picturesque, calming the soul.
From miles away one can see the iconic art deco styled Catalina Casino opened in 1929. It was commissioned by William Wrigley, Jr. who owned part of the island. It is truly a jewel with its frescos, silent movie theater and circular art deco ballroom at the top with the colonnaded terrace all around.
While I may not be a ballroom dancer, there is still nothing quite as exhilarating as being spun across the dance floor by a willing partner.
It brings out a kind of childlike laughter and joy that never fails to make me smile — even if I do occasionally step on a toe now and then.
Each year, there is a grand parade of people in their finest. The glamour, elegance, and pure delight on everyone’s faces is truly something to behold. And there could hardly be a more magical setting than the iconic circular ballroom of the Art Deco Catalina Casino, commissioned by William Wrigley Jr. and opened in 1929.
Among the evening’s finery, one detail especially caught my eye this year: Brooches. Not just on the women, but on the men as well. It seems these expressive adornments are no longer reserved solely for celebrities on the red carpet. Whether vintage, couture or costume jewelry, brooches have found their way into modern evening wear with confidence, personality, and unmistakable style.
Here are a few fashionably dressed guests embracing the art of adornment beautifully.
My Latest Read, to go along with the art deco theme:
A Gentleman and a Thief: The Daring Jewel Heists of a Jazz Age Rogue
by Dean Jobb / Mike Chamberlain
A captivating Jazz Age true-crime caper about "the greatest jewel thief who ever lived" (Life Magazine), Arthur Barry, who charmed everyone from Rockefellers to members of the royal family while simultaneously planning and executing the most audacious and lucrative heists of the 1920s. With many descriptions of amazing jewels of the age.
Wearable Art Museum (WAM) curated our Vitrine Context Cut Citrine Ring as an offer into the Art Jewelry Forum publication. Thank you to Lisa M. Berman! How wonderful to be among such talented artists!
xoxo
