Judging from the bare legs, high spirits and claims from fellow young professionals (YPs) that it was their first night out “in forever,” Saturday night’s ForbiddenPROM assured us that spring is definitely around the corner. Emerging from hibernation were some of the city’s most stylish YPs, who filled the Royal Ontario Museum’s Michael Lee-Chin Crystal for a night of partying, dancing and socializing, with a side of culture and selfies alongside dinosaur bones. ROM PROM, of course, is the Young Patrons’ Circle’s largest fundraiser for the museum.
This years prom was inspired by the ROM’s Centennial exhibition and did not disappoint with its entertainment and dancing, alluring activities, gourmet fare, Chinese astrology readings (if you were patient enough to wait in line) and dimly-lit, ever-so-tempting lounge areas. If you got there early enough, you could participate in a curator-guided tour of The Forbidden City: Inside the Court of China’s Emperors, where guests heard all about the 200 national treasures from Beijing’s Palace Museum and the challenges of transporting them to the ROM, some of which have travelled from China for the first time.
If you missed your hair or makeup appointment in the typical Saturday afternoon craziness, guests could get party perfect upon arrival with the Forbidden Beauty Bar, which offered makeup applications from Stila, eyelashes from Ardell and a manicure station. Yorkdale Shopping Centre representatives were on-site for a draw, which included prizes like a Kate Spade handbag and a Salvatore Ferragamo wristlet and cufflinks.
With a dress code of “rich and regal,” there was no shortage of exquisite embellishments, elaborate hair ornaments, Geisha-inspired and mysterious makeup, crisp tuxedos and embroidered robes and full out costumes, making for ample Instagram and Twitter activity. All this was re-tweeted for guests to see in a massive wall projection. This, of course, inspired even more picture taking, as guests waited for their picture to pop up on the screen again to take a picture in front of the picture. Not surprisingly, the event’s selfie station – though tucked away at the back – had a line-up all night.
As usual, there were delicious food stations, which served up Asian-inspired dishes like dim sum and Cantonese stir-fry. Also on site was David’s Tea, which tempted the senses with its oolong tea-infused cocktail bar. Other temping highlights included Chocolates by Purists Chocolatier and offerings from Three Olives vodka, 1800 Tequila and Kim Crawford wines.
The party seemed to officially begin when co-chairs Leen Al Zaibak and Koel Loyer made their opening remarks, but it was when the lion dancers entered the room that the energy really kicked up and guests started dancing. Whether your shoes were on or off, the dance floor remained packed until the very end of the evening thanks to DJ Rory Them Finest’s very danceable favourites.
If you missed out, there’s always next year. In the meantime, the Young Patrons’ Circle offers events throughout the year that provide the perfect opportunity to get in-the-know with the latest happenings of the museum and mix and mingle with likeminded YPs at the same time. Check out the YPC website for membership details.
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#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)
All images by: Nick Merzetti
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Photos by Nick Merzetti