Richard Haines for The Carlyle
Everyone who’s anyone knows that the Met Ball really starts a few blocks away from the museum, at the Carlyle Hotel. Celebrity guests book rooms there to get dressed and then stop for photo ops as they breeze through the iconic lobby on their way out to the ball. To make the lead-up to this year’s festivities extra memorable, the Carlyle commissioned Richard Haines to sketch their famous guests live, as they left the hotel, bolstered by a crowd of incredibly enthusiastic fans cheering from behind the velvet ropes. We caught up with Richard to ask a few questions about this prestigious opportunity:
1. How did this collaboration come about?
The PR team at the Carlyle and the CD Matthew Bannister approached us with the concept. We had a call and worked out the details, and then suddenly there I was, out in front of the Carlyle waiting for the celebs to exit.
2. You've sketched so many amazing live fashion shows and events.
What made this one special?
Fashion shows generally have a particular rhythm and flow: the model comes out, walks down a long runway, pivots and walks back. It's quick, but also enough time to take in a lot of info. Drawing celebs on their way to the car is a whole other experience - some of them didn't stop, others stopped for a moment for photos, and then there was the consummate pro, Cher, who spent a few minutes acknowledging the press and fans. I loved drawing the event - I describe it as the Olympics of live drawing and it really felt that way! In the lull between star exits I started showing the onlookers behind me the drawings I’d finished and they would cheer and clap. It was an unexpected bonus.
3. Any favorite looks?
I'm always looking for exaggerated shapes, and this year there were a lot of those. Cher could wear a paper bag and I'd think it was great, so I loved her punk-ish look. The singer Karina was amazing in Prada - so beautiful and the black coat was incredible. Nia Long was stunning in a dramatic gown and brilliant necklace…too many great ones to name!
