Interior at the Palm

This past weekend, I flew down to Palm Beach for what is sure to be the most talked-about society party for some time.  The occasion was Larry Herbert‘s 80th Birthday celebration, thrown by his wife Michele Herbert at The Breakers. Using the theme An American Dream, Michele paid tribute to her husband’s rise from Brooklyn to business mogul through his invention of the Pantone color system.

With Michele Herbert

Michele and Larry Herbert

On Friday night, there was a cocktail reception and dinner, with décor inspired by the vibrant blue and green colors of St. Tropez —  which was fitting considering that I first met Larry and his wife there several years ago.  They are such a warm couple and so much fun.  Our hectic travel schedules often make it difficult to connect in New York, so I really look forward to seeing them in St. Tropez every summer.  Saturday night was the main birthday event, with entertainment by Alec Mazo and Edyta Sliwinska from Dancing With the Stars, the Starlight Orchestra, and a set by The Born Again Baldwins, a band fronted by Larry and Michele’s son Loren.

A performance by Dancing with the Stars

Dancing with the Stars’ Edyta Sliwinska and Alec Mazo

The Starlight Orchestra

The Born Again Baldwins

The crowd was chic and elegant.  I loved seeing all of the beautiful dresses.  Michele wore a few different numbers throughout the evening — every look more marvelous than the next.  I wore a dress by Parisian designer Olivier Chevalier.  He custom-made it for me last year.  The invitations called for a “touch of color” in our attire, and I thought the unique turquoise and brown design fit the bill.  After dinner Patti Labelle emerged to sing a few songs, including a Happy Birthday serenade.  Guests danced the night away into the early hours of morning.

Aside from being a very fashionable affair, the whole event had such a wonderful energy.  It was uplifting to see everyone in great spirits and celebrating such a remarkable man.  Michele really made this a special event, and I am so glad I was able to attend.  Other guests, as reported by the Palm Beach Daily News, included Ivana Trump, Denise Rich, Patrick McMullan, Francine LeFrak, Caroline Hirsch and Andrew Fox, Dennis Basso and Michael Cominotto, Yanou Collart, Paul Schindler, Earle and Carol Mack, Martin and Audrey Gruss, Lois Aldrin, Ann Dexter Jones, Don Burns and Greg Connors, Mai Harrison, Raul Suarez, Hilary and Wilbur Ross, Della Rounick, Andrea and John Stark, Irwin and Joan Schnitzer Levy, Adrien Arpel, Louise Kornfeld, Denise Wohl, Iris Cantor, Anka Palitz, Jasmine Horowitz, Frederick Anderson and Douglas Hannant, Gerry Goldsmith and Sherry Scott, Marjorie Gubelmann, Nicki Haskell, Somers and Jonathan Farkas.

Patti Labelle

Ivana Trump

Denise Rich

Marcia Levine, Michele Herbert, Regina Lane

Bob Gazzale, Larry Herbert, Mimi Gazzale

Dennis Basso, Michele Herbert, Michael Cominotto

Rick Friedberg and Francine LeFrak

Jane Schindler, Paul Schindler, Marla Helene, Alan Helene

Michele Herbert, Douglas Hannant, Ann Dexter Jones

Tom Silverman and Donna D’Cruz

R. Couri Hay, Yanou Collart, Patrick McMullen

A night to remember…

- photos by Rob Rich for SocietyAllure.com