On Thursday, October 16th, the New York Chapter of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA NY) hosted its 12th annual Color Invasion event. This year’s highly anticipated fundraiser drew a record number of 1,250 attendees from the design community to The Tunnel on the Waterfront.
Inspired by the world of Alice in Wonderland the IIDA NY’s Color Invasion Committee, helmed by Steven South of Perkins+Will and Brian Bates of Geiger International created an unforgettable night filled with intrigue and mystery found around every corner.
Guests first stepped into the Clock Room where giant ticking clock projections were found on the walls. Servers passed out special Drink Me cocktails to arriving guests marking the official entry into the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. In true Color Invasion fashion, at the entrance stood boxes for attendees to donate clothing and books to children of all ages as part of IIDA NY’s partnership with The Pajama Program.
Party goers got the chance to play dress up thanks to a millinery shoppe with accessories like hats and feathers before heading further into the Tunnel. Inside, the design committee created long, elaborate display tables set with mismatched teacups and plates, and surrounded by wooden logs, flowers, and moss, evoking the forest where the Mad Hatter hosts his topsy-turvy tea party.
This Mad Hatter Tea Party-inspired event included custom decorations and Alice in Wonderland character projections set on exposed brick walls of the Tunnel. Stilt walkers from NYC Stilts dressed as the crazy White Rabbit, the pernicious Cheshire Cat, and punk rock pink flamingos , roaming the venue and interacting with guests. Throughout the space, Neuman’s Kitchen served tea party-inspired fare, including finger sandwiches, salads, and a wide assortment of sweet and savory bites. Frost Productions and Liquid provided media production and lighting to set the ethereal tone of the evening.
Keeping with Color Invasion tradition, IIDA NY provided a wide variety of entertainment— all in theme, of course. The Drag Mad Hatter served as MC for the evening, taking command of the dance floor (entitled The Rabbit Hole). As party goers ventured further down the Tunnel, they entered the Queen’s court. A croquet area complete with flamingo clubs invited guests to play a leisurely round—without the threat of losing one’s head. Throughout the night, party goers posed for pictures at the Queen’s throne, decked out with props.
For the 12th installment of Color Invasion, IIDA NY brought the interior design community together to create a truly memorable experience. A portion of the proceeds from this year will be donated to The Pajama Program, to honor Ellen Kushman, former executive director of the IIDA NY Chapter. Proceeds will also go toward funding for IIDA NY’s student awards programs throughout the year.
