On Friday, April 25, Save Venice hosted its annual Un Ballo in Maschera at The Plaza Hotel in New York City, raising over $1.2 million for the preservation of historic art and architecture in Venice, Italy. Sponsored by Oscar de la Renta, Pasquale Bruni, Casa Tua, and Tilt Beauty, the masked ball welcomed more than 400 guests to an evening themed The Banquet of Cleopatra.

Inspired by Giambattista Tiepolo’s 18th-century depictions of Cleopatra and Mark Antony, the event featured an opulent setting designed by ball co-chair Bronson van Wyck and his team. Lavish tabletops of fruits, crystals, and obelisks recreated the grandeur of a royal feast in a ballroom transformed into an ancient palace by the Nile, complete with a reproduction of Tiepolo’s oil painting.

In one of Save Venice’s most valued global partnerships, Oscar de la Renta has served as the Fashion Sponsor of the ball since 2017.

Save Venice is proud to recognize Pasquale Bruni for its role as the official Jewelry Sponsor of the ball. The privately owned, family-run jewelry Maison is renowned for its masterfully handcrafted pieces and celebrated for its distinctive designs that seamlessly blend elegance with bold, contemporary artistry.

The organization also gratefully acknowledges programming partner and Hospitality Sponsor of the ball, Casa Tua. Rooted in a shared passion for art, culture, and heritage, the partnership reflects a natural alignment between Save Venice’s vital work and Casa Tua’s mission.

Making its debut as Beauty Sponsor, Tilt Beauty brought an inclusive and accessible vision to the evening. Founded by Ball Junior Chair Aerin Glazer, the brand is the first to receive both the National Arthritis Foundation’s Ease of Use® certification and the National Psoriasis Foundation Seal of Recognition®.

President of the Board Charles Tolbert, Board Member and Ball Chair Dayssi Kanavos, Ball Junior Chair Natalia Kanavos, and Ball Junior Chair Aerin Glazer opened the dinner with greeting remarks from the dance floor.

Save Venice Board Chairman Frederick Ilchman then introduced the evening’s Best Mask Judge—designer and tastemaker Jenna Lyons—who presided over the Ceremony for Outstanding Masks. Coveted prizes, generously donated by the event’s sponsors, were awarded to the evening’s standout masks.

Most Creative Mask | Yu-Chi Lyra Kuo and Devin Finzer received a generous gift certificate from Oscar de la Renta.
Most En Thème Mask | Mona Patel was awarded a Ghirlanda necklace in 18K rose gold from Pasquale Bruni.
Most Venetian Mask | Bonnie Comely won a Chef’s Tasting Experience for four at The Club at Casa Tua, New York.

After the ceremony, 80 Young Friends—supporters aged 39 and younger—joined the festivities for Drinks, Dessert, and Dancing. DJ Olivier Meiji kept the energy high, extending the celebration well into the early hours.

Photos featured above by Matteo Prandoni & Deonté Lee/BFA.com and Jean-Pierre Uys.