At last year's Museum of Fine Arts Summer Party, (from left) Caroline Stevens, Jessica Rubin, Brett Spadi, Benjamin Mannix, Lindsay Conlin, and Jeff Kraft.
A toast to 5 hot summer parties
At last year's Museum of Fine Arts Summer Party, (from left) Caroline Stevens, Jessica Rubin, Brett Spadi, Benjamin Mannix, Lindsay Conlin, and Jeff Kraft.
To the uninitiated, Boston's two big party seasons are as indistinguishable as Sophia Bush and Leighton Meester. For spring galas, gents don dark suits and pastel ties, while ladies are zipped into their finest medium-weight black cocktail dresses. That look changes completely for the fall party season, when men wear dark suits and rust-colored ties and women arrive in heavyweight black cocktail dresses. Whoever claimed Boston socialites are conservative with their couture has clearly never viewed these wild variations in fashion.
But the time to see how Bostonians truly express themselves is during the summer party season. Beginning this month, the sartorial rules of party style are temporarily suspended and a melange of seersucker, sundresses, and - oh dear - lightweight black cocktail dresses, begin to invade well-manicured lawns and billowy-white party tents. The joy of these fetes - aside from the all you-can-drink mojitos and soundtrack of "The Girl From Ipanema" - is watching Boston's privileged partiers try to figure out what in the name of Nina Garcia "creative croquet attire" means on the letterpress invite.
For those of you whose invitations have gotten lost in the mail, here's a quick guide to five of the hottest summer fetes.
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS SUMMER PARTY
When: Saturday
What's it all about: An expected 400 guests slip into tuxedos and frocks to raise money for the MFA. The party's hosted by the MFA Council, a group for art lovers ages 21-45 who join with the intention of pairing up, perhaps, with another cultured, well-groomed 21-45 year old. Oh yes, they also throw big parties to benefit the museum.
How can you get in? Dust off your checkbook and give these art-loving kids $150. Or simply join the Museum Council and tickets are $100 each. Museum Council membership starts at $250.
Notable guests: Author Ben Mezrich and wife and jewelry maker, Tonya; designer Michael De Paulo (see sidebar); investment banking magnate Ernest Jacquet; and party-loving socialite Francesca Piper Koss.
Dress code: Black tie, which means a lot of people sweating though dress shirts and cocktail dresses as they attempt to groove along to the Latin music.
Details, details: Visit mfa.org for ticket information.
JACOB'S PILLOW SEASON OPENING GALA ON THE GREAT LAWN
When: Saturday
What's it all about: A lot of really hot dancers rub calves with monied connoisseurs of dance.
How can you get in: Becoming a patron of the arts is not cheap. Tickets to this Berkshires bash start at $350 and go up to $750. If all else fails, maybe the catering company is looking for help.
Dress code: It's Berkshires dressy, meaning the more money you have, the less concerned you need to be with your outfit. Helpful hint: To give the illusion of wealth, hit a second-hand store on your way to the party and arrive in some threadbare Brooks Brothers.
Details, details: Visit jacobs pillow.org for more information, proceeds from the gala help support the organization's free programs.
PROVINCETOWN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 10TH ANNIVERSARY GALA
When: June 21
What's it all about: John Waters's favorite film festival celebrates 10 years with a star-studded bash.
How can you get in? You'll need to become a patron of the festival - so pony up $500, Spielberg. If you're feeling extra generous, you can become an executive producer for $2,000.
Celebrity guests: The mouthwatering Spanish tapa Gael Garcia Bernal, hyperactive visionary Quentin Tarantino, Christopher Guest muse Jane Lynch, and, of course, Waters. There may also be appearances from Todd Solondz, Gus Van Sant, Todd Haynes, and other past winners of the festival's Filmmaker on the Edge Award.
Dress code: Purely creative. Follow the simple motto "If you've got it, flaunt it." The "it" is entirely up to you.
Details, details: Visit ptown filmfest.com to find out how to become a festival patron. Proceeds help support aspiring filmmakers.
OPENING PARTY FOR INDIGO
When: June 25
What's it all about: A former Holiday Inn in Newton is christened as an upscale boutique hotel. The opening party takes over the hotel and the accompanying restaurant called Bokx 109.
How can you get in? Book a room for the night, or get drafted by the New England Patriots (see celebrity guests).
Celebrity guests: Brace yourselves, this party is like VH1 Classic come to life. Guests include Debbie Harry, Jefferson Starship (!), members of AC/DC and Deep Purple, Dee Snider of Twisted Sister, Linda Ronstadt, Terri Nunn of Berlin, the Knack, a live set by the Fixx, and financially troubled sidekick Ed McMahon. A cadre of local jocks from the Patriots and Celtics will also be on hand.
Dress code: Dolce & Gabbana evening wear to match the South Beach feel of the pool area, or dig out your parachute pants to blend in with the celebrity guests.
Details, details: Visit hotel indigo.com.
CANINE COUTURE FASHION SHOW
When: Aug. 6
What's it all about: Fashion goes to the dogs on Nantucket, and a lot of innocent animals are humiliated for a good cause.
How can you get in: Write a check for $150, and start re-creating Sarah Jessica Parker's "Sex and the City" Vivienne Westwood wedding dress for your pug.
Celebrity guests: The Taco Bell Chihuahua?
Dress code: A summer dress that will show a minimum of dog hair. An outfit made of a stain-resistant fiber might also be helpful.
Details, details: Visit mspca.org for tickets. Proceeds benefit the MSPCA.
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