If you wanted to be momentarily transported to Italy—without a long-haul flight—on Friday evening, all it took was a black tie outfit, a masquerade mask, and a coveted invite to The Plaza Hotel. By 7:30 p.m., a glittering procession of sequins, shimmering satins, tuxedos, and ballgown trains descended on the hotel for the annual Save Venice Ball, bringing Venetian extravagance to midtown Manhattan for one grandly spectacular night.

The evening, supported by Oscar de la Renta, Graff, and Tilt Beauty raised $1.3 million in support of preserving Venice’s historic art and architecture; a mission long championed by the non-profit Save Venice and its calendar of decadent masked balls that spans America, London, and Italy. At The Plaza, it was no different; guests drifted in for drinks, enjoying Champagne and cocktails against a backdrop of pastel floral installations, soft flickering candlelight, and chandeliers. 

Among the crowd, actresses Amy Jackson Westwick and Kate Mara paused for photographs while content creator Becca Bloom arrived in floor-sweeping couture. Nearby, designer Cynthia Rowley caught up with friends, finishing her Venetian-inspired look—a sequin skirt, crisp white shirt, and a moon and star headpiece—with a pair of silver cat-eye sunglasses.

As the reception moved upstairs to dinner, guests navigated the staircases, occasionally glancing up to see a projection of a pristine night sky glimmering overhead. Designed by Bronson van Wyck of Van Wyck & Van Wyck, the event design echoed the evening’s theme, Celestial Serenissima, as the Grand Ballroom was transformed by starry constellations, entwining Venetian motifs, and cosmic light to create an ethereal setting. 

More than 450 people came together for a meal of tuna tartare, radish salad, steak, and risotto, with no detail or indulgence spared. Before dessert, Save Venice board members Adelina Wong Ettelson and Alexandra Lind Rose introduced art curator, collector, and model Racquel Chevremont, who was enlisted to judge the best mask in the room. Prizes were subsequently awarded to Patricia Zajacova, Bach Mai, and Lisa Chambers for their efforts.

The night continued with DJ Olivier Meiji moving into a set of familiar old-school tracks. Suddenly, the historic walls of The Plaza were reverberating with Mama Mia as the formalities of the evening gave way to a wild celebration.