The Official 2018 Diner en Blanc Recap
The Official 2018 Diner en Blanc Recap!
On Thursday, August 16, 2018 over 5,500 guests attended Le Dîner en Blanc – Philadelphia held at City Hall and Thomas Paine Plaza. This was the seventh edition in the City of Brotherly Love and the largest Dîner en Blanc gathering in the country, so far this summer, for the second year in a row. Guests had the opportunity to explore one of the city’s most iconic landmarks while mingling amongst fellow Philadelphians.
“This year we were celebrating the 30th anniversary of the event’s creation in Paris that brought so many people together throughout the world,” said Le Dîner en Blanc – Philadelphia co-host Natanya DiBona. “We selected City Hall, including Dilworth Park and Paine Plaza, this year because it’s located in the heart of our city. We wanted to celebrate Philadelphia as an international destination, and highlight our culturally rich and diverse city.”
Attendees dined, danced, and were delighted by this year’s variety of entertainment. Over 75 artists, musicians, performers, and DJs put on lively shows throughout the City Hall courtyard, Dilworth Park, and Paine Plaza. The local talent reflected the international theme and included the infamous Drew Nugent Band with Queen Esther, the Philadelphia Pan Stars Steel Orchestra, Siempre Salsa Philly, John Byrne Band & Cummins Irish Dancers, the West Philly Orchestra, and many more. Guests also enjoyed ping pong courtesy of SPiN Philadelphia and cheered on skateboarders dressed in white riding through the crowds.
Local artist Alloyius Mcilwaine was onsite painting a colorful canvas of the Philadelphia skyline, which will be auctioned to benefit Broad Street Ministry, a non-profit that provides meals and support to those in need. “I had a blast painting live Dîner en Blanc!” said Alloyius. “Such an amazing environment! The energy was electric… which heavily influenced my painting and the colors I used.” In July, Dîner en Blanc – Philadelphia auctioned off additional registration to the sold-out event and donated those proceeds to Broad Street Ministry as well.
A panel of local judges awarded prizes to guests in three categories: “Best Table,” “Most Elegant Women,” and “Most Elegant Men.” The “Best Table” panel included Meryl Levitz, President of Visit Philly, Christina Henck, owner of Henck Designs and local influencer Kass Dahlquist, founder of Philly Food Girl. The “Most Elegant Gentleman” judges were local fashion influencers Mike & Alex, of the Mike & Alex lifestyle blog and Sabir Peele, stylist and founder of Men’s Style Pro. The “Most Elegant Women” judges were Alex Holley, FOX29 anchor, Anita Oh, CBS3reporter, and Davida Janae, stylist and lifestyle blogger at Vida Fashionista.
This year, Dîner en Blanc International offered its US members a chance to experience travel at its finest with its prize provider Luxury Retreats. With a prestigious collection of private vacation rentals in more than 100 sought-after locations around the globe, complete with world-class guest services, Luxury Retreats promises a getaway you will remember for years to come. Le Dîner en Blanc – Philadelphia 2018 guests entered for their chance to win a luxury villa stay worth $10,000.
Le Dîner en Blanc – Philadelphia gratefully acknowledges Luxury Retreats, Sofitel, and ONEHOPE as the 2018 Le Dîner en Blanc US national partners.
