Grey Goose, the World’s Best Tasting Vodka, is set to host what has become one of the most hotly anticipated events of the international social calendar: The sixth annual Grey Goose Winter Ball in aid of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
The prestigious event which takes place on 10 November 2012 at one of London’s most iconic venues, Battersea Power Station, brings together some of the most renowned characters from the worlds of film, fashion, food, art, and music, who combine their unique talents to raise funds for the singer’s charity. To date, the ball has provided in excess of £2.3 million for the Foundation which supports a range of hugely significant and worthwhile projects in Cambodia, Africa, and the UK.
To be themed around a 1950’s Côte d’Azur summer, the Winter Ball has previously taken inspiration from a Chateau in Cognac, and the rooftops of Paris. This year, it will evoke the dreamy elegance of the south of France, a favourite region of Sir Elton John and David Furnish, during its glamorous heyday, pastel colour palettes, palm trees, and poolside sophistication.
Each year, Grey Goose invites a handpicked selection of character partners to design a unique lot that is auctioned at the Winter Ball. Past editions have seen names such as Elizabeth Hurley, Eva Herzigova, and Jean Paul Gaultier create bespoke cocktail bars that encapsulate their personality and style. Fashion designers, Roland Mouret and Jonathan Saunders, have donated one-off cocktail dresses, and artist Marc Quinn contributed a bespoke commission of one of his most iconic Iris canvasses in 2011.
2012 will see character partners invited to lend their creative talents to designing a portable cocktail bar that reflects their individual personality. One of most renowned photographers, Ellen von Unwerth, famed for capturing some of the world’s most beautiful women and one of Time Magazine’s Top 100 Fashion Icons, will be taking up the challenge. She will be joined by international fashion designer Gareth Pugh, who is celebrated for his outlandish designs exploring structure, light and dark, as well as other soon-to-be-announced A-List names.
Guests on the night will be treated to an exquisitely prepared dinner by two Michelin-starred chef Hélène Darroze. Having cut her teeth working under Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, Hélène now leads the team at The Connaught in London and will be serving up her signature sublime cuisine to the delight of guests at this year’s ball.
Tickets for the Grey Goose Winter Ball costing £450 are available to buy from ejaf.com with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Elton John AIDS Foundation.