#1 | Czar Nicholas and Alexandra's 1903 BallNicholas and Alexandra were famous for many things as rulers of Russia, not least of which was their sweeping love story. But their 1903 ball, held in the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, is legendary for two reasons: the opulent fancy dress, and the rumblings of the Russian revolution outside. A concert was held in the Hermitage Theatre, the feast was so large it spanned three rooms, and iconic photographs were taken to document the bright, jewel-encrusted 17th-century costumes. The Grand Duke Alexander Mikhailovich called it the last spectacular ball in the history of the empire.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons/-Shakko
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#2 | The Bradley-Martin BallMrs. Cornelia Bradley-Martin was responsible for a scandalous, yet wildly successful, ball thrown in February of 1897 at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. With the intention of kick-starting New York City's economy toward the end of the Long Depression, the Bradley-Martin ball was the talk of the town in social circles, but received backlash in others. The Waldorf was made to look like the inside of Versailles, the evenings itinerary matched that of a party thrown in the French court, and the menu, too, would have even made Louis XIV lick his lips. All in all, Mrs. Bradley-Martin spent just under $400,000 on the féte, which today amounts to more than $8.5 million.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Timbreese
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#3 | Hollywood Parties at Hearst CastleAs soon as William Randolph Hearst met Hollywood starlet Marion Davies, all bets were off. His iconic castle in San Simeon, Calif., became the ultimate party destination for performing elites, dignitaries, and literary figures. Davies was a consummate hostess whose elaborate parties (sometimes costumed, and often held weekly) regularly welcomed influential names like Winston Churchill, Calvin Coolidge, Gary Cooper, Joan Crawford, Cary Grant, Howard Hughes, and, well, the list goes on.
Photo Credit: Flickr/heydrienne
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#4 | Opening Night of Les Noces, at Ballet RussesTo think about history's most sensational parties is to close ones eyes and imagine Picasso laughingly rearranging centerpieces and princesses toasting with champagne. And to celebrate the opening night of the Ballet Russes Les Noces, composed by Igor Stravinsky, that was exactly the scene. The party was thrown by Sara and Gerald Murphy (who are immortalized as Nicole and Dick Diver in Tender Is the Night) on a dining barge along the Seine, in Paris. Sergei Diaghilev was there, Stravinsky ranked it among the best nights of his life, and Picasso did indeed, enthusiastically, rearrange the centerpieces. It cemented Sara and Gerald Murphy's already star status in Paris chicest sets.
Photo Credit: The Russian Ballet History Collection
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#5 | Sultan of Brunei's 50th BirthdayThe Sultan of Brunei turned 50 in 1996 with one of the most gilded and expensive birthday parties the world has ever seen. He held a private Michael Jackson concert (which he himself did not attend), guests were famously served the world's finest caviar and champagne, and the final tally came to about $27 million. Later that year, the Sultan flew in Stevie Wonder and Whitney Houston to perform to celebrate his daughter's marriage.
Photo Credit: Flickr/Trodel
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#6 | Mrs. Astor's 5th Avenue BallsIn the mid-1800s, Caroline Astor (known simply as, Mrs. Astor) and her husband William built a multi-story townhouse on Fifth Avenue in New York City, where she threw storied fétes. Legend has it that their parties had a strict maximum of 400 on the guest list, and so it became hugely fashionable to be among Mrs. Astor's chosen 400. (It should be noted, there are other tales for how the 400 came to be). She was the ultimate socialite who essentially wrote the rules of New York society in the late 1800s.
Photo Credit: Flickr/JovanCormac
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#7 | Compte Étienne de Beaumont's Masked BallsIn his day, Compte Étienne de Beaumont was known for throwing the best soirées around. He threw them often, and always with inventive themes and wild flair, though some stand out from the rest - the Flora and Fauna Ball (pictured) and the Automotive Ball among them. At the Flora and Fauna Ball, dancers from the Folies-Bergere and models wearing the latest designs from Paris mingled with royalty and socialites in a fantastical, nature-inspired setting. And then there's this iconic image of Sara and Gerald Murphy in costume, taken by Man Ray, from the Automotive Ball held in 1924 at the Theatre de la Cigale in Montmartre, with a guest list that included a who's who of Paris society.
Photo Credit: Condé Nast Archive/Corbis/ASSOULINE
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#8 | Truman Capote's Black and White BallThe stories that swirl around Truman Capote's Black and White Ball are still up for heated debate. Some records from party guests have said that the images do too many favors to the evening, and that fun was had by few. Others hold strong that it was one of the greatest parties of the century. It was held to celebrate the release of his epic success, In Cold Blood, and welcomed a guest list (strictly capped at 540) of serious New York and Hollywood society. Heads of state, royalty, literary figures, and starlets came together, adorned with sparkling masks, in the ballroom at The Plaza Hotel.
Photo Credit: Bettmann/Corbis/ASSOULINE
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#9 | Carlos de Beistegui's Masked Costume BallInarguably one of the most famous masked balls of the 20th century, Carlos de Beistegui's 1951 soirée was held in the Palazzo Labia in Venice, where he entertained the world's richest and most famous citizens. It was the first grand affair post-World War II, and as such, guests went all out. Costumes were elaborate, guests arrived to expectant and cheering fans who lined the Grand Canal, the food and drink was endless, and local firemen were hired to create a human pyramid.
Photo Credit: Scala Regia/The Memoirs of the Baron de Redé by Hugo Vickers
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#10 | Paul Poiret's Thousand and Second NightOne of the most important figures in early 20th century fashion, Paul Poiret exuded flamboyance and flair in everything he did. And in 1911, he became the first clothing designer to release a perfume, so to celebrate, he threw a costume ball (and supposedly the first fashion show) at his extravagant home. He called the event The Thousand and Second Night because he was inspired by the tales of Sheherazade. His house was decorated to look like a harem, and guests were asked to wear glittering Oriental costumes.
Photo Credit: Scala Regia/The Memoirs of the Baron de Redé by Hugo Vickers
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