Chairmen Lydia Fenet, Byrdie Bell, and Allison Aston (of Roger Vivier), with Honorary Chairman and fashion sponsor Monique Lhuillier, Honorary Vice Chairman Ivanka Trump, and Chairmen Joann Pailey and Elisabeth Saint-Amand; photo: Christine A. Butler

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Considered one of the most enchanting rooms in all of New York City, The Frick Collection gallery named after French eighteenth-century artist Jean-Honoré Fragonard (1732–1806), inspired the romantic theme of the 2009 Young Fellows Ball.  Featured in the room is the artist’s masterpiece, The Progress of Love, a series of panels commissioned by Madame du Barry, the controversial mistress of France’s King Louis XV.  The cycle of love depicted takes viewers full circle, from approach/flirtation to meeting to consummation to reflection upon past love letters, to reverie.  The clever invitation and the event title referred to Les Liaisons Dangereuses, a popular novel of the period by Choderlos de Laclos, wherein seduction and intrigue unfold through a series of letters. 

The keenly anticipated party was the tenth themed fundraising ball hosted by the Young Fellows of the Frick, an event named frequently (including this winter) by The New York Times as one of the top parties of the year.  Attendance exceeded expectations, and guests enjoyed ALL of the galleries throughout the evening, and given the balmy weather, the outdoor private garden as well!

The Event Chairmen were Allison Aston, Byrdie Bell, Lydia Fenet, Joann Pailey, and Elisabeth Saint-Amand.  Monique Lhuillier was the Honorary Chairman and Ivanka Trump was the Honorary Vice Chairman. 

DJ DL began spinning records at 8:30 pm, continuing throughout the evening…he read the guests well, and his selections got the dance floor busy and clublike….which it stayed…. 

Trump Vodka, Ayala Champagne, and Xavier Flouret Wines generously provided wines and spirits for the evening.  Caterer Olivier Cheng complemented the theme and mood of the evening with a fanciful offering of both savory food and desserts.

Gift bags by Monique Lhuillier carried Styling Gel by Frederic Fekkai, Dior Bronze, Trump Vodka mini-bottle, Dr. Perricone High Potency Eye Lift, Elle Magazine, and a Fragonard Bookmark from the Museum Shop of The Frick Collection.