The 19th annual Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball was held on August 5th and 6th at the historic Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles, California. Destination Luxury attended the opulent event on Saturday evening to experience a feast for the imagination. Master of the royal court and LOJ creator Shawn Striders was a gracious host, generously inviting Los Angeles’ most creative minds out to play in an enchanting world of artistry and inspiration.
The costume ball is based on “Venetian tradition, Celtic faerie and goblin lore, and storie of fantasy and wonder.” (1) Sypher studios created a bevy of surreal entertainment acts and featured elaborate dance, music, storytelling, and character performances supported by a tireless crew. Even Khaleesi would have approved of the enormous smoke breathing dragon puppeted by several performers. In addition to to jaw dropping acrobatic feats there were guest performances by ALICE • BAD WOLF • JEREMY SOULE • DJ FETT • ORBIS LAZULI • STUDIO IQAAT • PICADILLYS AND LES PLAISIRS CHAMPETRE.
Noble guests like Bubbles and Frown designer Sylva Hattington, and Deblightful Designs creator Debra Spangler Welch donned head turning horned fringed crowns, and gowns. Sylva’s popular creations were spotted on several attendees. Costumers from around the country arrived in style and pulled out all of the stops to create unique characters with film quality costumes. Some lit up with led lights sewn into the headdresses, staffs, or outfits. Some shined with sparkling armor or thermoplastics sculpted to the body. Many had wings, wigs, and masks that fascinated passers by.
Even detail was meticulously well thought out from the Chamberlain’s Checkin Desk to the Clockwork Tea Room where guests could enjoy tea time while watching live music and ballroom dancing by all types of beautiful fairies and fantasy creatures. Royal Pavillion ticket holders got a birds eye view from balconies overlooking the main Crystal Ballroom. The 1923 Millennium Biltmore was the epitome of a luxurious backdrop with architecturally elegant, carved marble fountains, crystal chandeliers, embroidered imported tapestries, vaulted curved ceilings, and exquisite frescoed murals hand painted by White House and Vatican artist Giovanni Smeraldi. (2)
It’s no wonder why Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was founded in the Crystal Ballroom in 1927 and hosted early Oscar’s ceremonies there. The location has also been used to film movies like Beverly Hills Cop, Ghostbusters, True Lies, Independence Day, Blow, Ocean’s 11, The Italian Job, Spider-Man, The Game, Daredevil and many others. (3) Needless to say the Millennium Biltmore was the perfect venue for Labyrinth’s inspiring masquerade ball even though it had previously been hosted at the historic Park Plaza.
In the outdoor courtyard belly dancers shimmied to the sounds of thumping doumbeks while guests of all ages spun to the music. The Elvish Gardens and indoor main corridor created a tunnel of visceral delights. Downstairs the Sypher Post Office created a unique experience and the select vendors that lined the hallways added to the ambience. The most impressive element of the event was the creativity it inspired in the costumes of its guests, who truly brought the evening to life.
There is no doubt the 20th anniversary of Labyrinth Masquerade next year will be exceedingly spectacular and we will take you there with Destination Luxury. If you would like to join in on the fun in 2017 visit labyrinthofjareth.com
Citations:
(1) www.LabyrinthofJareth.com
(2) https://www.millenniumhotels.com/en/los-angeles/millennium-biltmore-hotel-los-angeles/
(3) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millennium_Biltmore_Hotel