HISTORY was made on Sunday, December 15th at Boston’s 2nd Annual Runway Ball, as the triumvirate of Amanda Vargus (Wave + Woven), Jimmie Espo (617 Event Group), and Matt Ribaudo (BostonMan Magazine) produced the largest indoor fashion related show on record in the city of Boston in front of nearly 500 distinguished attendees, all dressed to the nines.
As expected, the evening featured awe inspiring designers, flawlessly styled models, and mesmerizing musicians -but before any of them took to the dazzling white runway (wrapped by Fantasy Dancefloors) at Boston’s Hilton Park Plaza, The Runway Ball’s luxurious sponsors and vendors took center stage themselves in the opening cocktail reception for the ‘A Winter’s Dream’ themed spectacular.
Elizabeth Pehota, the official red carpet host of The Runway Ball, bounced around the opening reception with Eights Digital Media checking out these various sponsor activations + the in’s and out’s of all things ‘behind the scenes’ at the 2024 Runway Ball!
AFTER guests checked in at the Sensa Padel sponsored registration table, they worked their way up the breathtaking spiral staircase of Park Plaza’s Grand Ballroom. Upon ascending the top, they were greeted by Sugar Factory Boston’s delicious activation curated by Amanda DePasa’s Get Sweet.
Here, guests were treated to a custom candy wall with an assortment of treats they could bag and take with them while enjoying both the cocktail reception and runway show itself. In addition, each candy bag came with a gift voucher for 20% off their next visit to Sugar Factory at Boston’s Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
“I love the candy wall and all of the treats!” exclaimed six-year old Ava, a special guest of The Runway Ball and -as a leukemia survivor- a courageous warrior with ‘Riley’s Rockstars’ featured in the Runway Edition of BostonMan Magazine’s publication released that night.
To the left of the candy wall, guests posed for professional pictures on the official Runway Ball red carpet + step & repeat sponsored by Eventhaus, The 617 Event Group, Wave + Woven, BostonMan Magazine -and of course the evening’s beneficiary- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital of New England.
From there, many Runway Ball attendees enjoyed a tasting from one of the evening’s specialty spirits sponsors, Boston Harbor Distillery, while en route to check their stylish outerwear into the designated Sensa Padel ‘Coat Check’ activation.
“This is such an incredible show and overall evening for the city of Boston,” Boston Harbor Distillery owner Rhonda Kallman said. “It’s an honor to be one of the cocktail sponsors and to be able to contribute towards the fight to end pediatric cancer.”
With coats checked, guests then stepped foot in front of ‘The Designer Wall of Recognition’ sponsored by Bogosplit and complimented with pics from Taileen Love’s Photo Booth featured in The Runway Ball’s foyer destination.
The ‘Designer Wall of Recognition’ is a collection of independent designers highlighted in front of a red carpet/step & repeat further showcasing the many various talents in the creative arts and fashion community throughout Boston.
Working the way back into the Grand Ballroom, guests were submerged by the sounds of The 617 Event Group’s ‘Mashup Charlie’ while headed towards one of the four centrally located bars indulging into the delicious specialty cocktails provided by The Runway Ball’s generous spirits sponsors.
Featuring a ‘Winter’s Dream’ curated menu with wines and bubbles provided by Nantucket Vineyard and Familia Escudero Vineyard; Craft Cocktails from Cisco Brewers; and a host of Specialty Drinks from Boston Harbor Distillery, among them: ‘A Winter’s Demon’; ‘The Runway Old Fashioned’; ‘The Boston Harbor Espresso Martini’; and ‘The Nor’easter’.
AND..
“The Catwalk Cosmo is heavenly,” said a smiling Tabatha Roseman. “It may be my new favorite cocktail for 2025!”
Consisting of the smooth flavors of Cointreau paired with a choice of TSV or Tito’s vodka, (and a little lime juice, a little cranberry juice, and a lime slice garnished) ‘The Catwalk Cosmo’ was helped brought to life by Remy Cointreau’s Julien Zehnacker. A connoisseur at matching high end specialty spirits with lavish events, Zehnacker’s ‘Catwalk Cosmo’ and its sister spirit ‘The 617 Margarita’ (Cointreau with Lancosta Blanca tequila) undoubtedly will have many Runway Ball attendees echoing the sentiment of having a “new favorite cocktail for 2025.”
Many guests were fortunate enough to experience the immersive ‘live painting’ activation of Art Experienced‘s ultra-talented Giovanna Chaisson, where Giovanna churned out stunning on the spot take home portraits of Runway Ball attendees!
“I can’t believe you are able to create such a beautiful piece of art in an environment like this so quickly!” red carpet host Elizabeth Pehota gushed while talking to Giovanna.
With self-portraits in hand, many attendees then explored another form of memorabilia: The Runway Ball Silent Auction powered by Pinpoint Payments. Boasting signed jerseys from Boston sports legends past and present, gift packages from luxurious med spas, VIP tables at the city’s trendiest lounges and even rare fine art, there was indeed something for anyone and everyone looking to snag a bargain keepsake for a cause.
“One of the better silent auctions I’ve seen at an event of this stature,” Cowboy Paul O’Connor observed.
At this point in the evening, any attendee that may not have meandered their way over to The Magic Mirror of New England most certainly was feeling a gravitational pull from Magic Mirror owner Sarah Poire to come join the fun her way!
With her big energy and even bigger smile, Sarah adds her personality and custom touch to the cutting edge photo technology she is known for her, forging memorable experiences for everyone who passes through her activation. For The Runway Ball this year, Sarah was teamed up with sponsor David Gomes and his team at Boston Beautox (also featured in the current edition of BostonMan Magazine) creating the most glamorous ‘beauty booth’ in fashion!
After capturing some fire moments in front of the Magic Mirror, attendees were able to cool off with Liz White’s always stylish Chic Party Carts, a staple at The Runway Ball in both 2023 and 2024. This year, Liz and her team served up ‘A Winter’s Dream’ themed Italian Ice, easily making her this year’s “most chill” activation.
All throughout the evening guests marveled at the beautiful decor in both the cocktail reception and in the runway show provided by Lexi Palumbo. Far more than just a ‘floral designer’ Lexi’s interpretation and displays undoubtedly helped to turn ‘A Winter’s Dream’ into a reality.
Adding to the decorative transformation in the cocktail reception was the luxurious combination of DEZ Collective and Your Love in Lights, who together built out the evening’s ‘St. Jude Lounge’ -a chic spot where attendees were able to relax while delighting in thier delicacies, browse through the evening’s brochure, and enjoy early access to tickets for the 2025 Toast to St. Jude Gala (April 11th at The State Room) at a special Runway Ball rate.
Further stimulating the decor were the vibrantly designed signage of Eventhaus’s Sofia Quinones, printed by sponsor Boston Building Wraps, and the invaluable expertise of Insieme’s Ashleigh Powers on everything from lighting to placement.
“This truly was an all star team effort to nail the vibe and feel of this room,” Amanda Vargus stated proudly.
For those fortunate enough to have scooped up one of the seven Benito Escudero sponsored VIP Mezzanine sections (56 total attendees) complimentary bottles of the award-winning winery’s crisp and refreshing Cava were served for enjoyment during the runway show.
In addition, each VIP attendee was able to take home a luxurious Runway Ball gift bag filled with a “winemaker’s selection” bottle, handpicked by Benito Escudero’s family; a generous gift card from POST 1917 Steakhouse; and a gourmet Dubai Chocolate Bar courtesy of Sugar Factory Boston.
“This is one of the best experiences and sponsorship arrangements we’ve participated in,” Starlyn Fernandez of Familia Escudero Winery said. “Everyone back in Spain (home of the winery and family proprietors) are very pleased with the integration and response from The Runway Ball.”
As the cocktail reception neared its conclusion, Runway Ball co-producer and BostonMan Magazine publisher Matt Ribaudo took to the stage where Kier Byrnes & The Kettleburners had just wrapped up a very entertaining set.
Donning a custom tuxedo, specifically designed to match ‘A Winter’s Dream’ by Aldo Segama of Aldo’s House of Formals, Matt delivered what’s come to be known as “The Runway’s Magic Words” -written by a beloved sponsor and friend of The Runway Ball- capturing the essence and meaning of the evening.
“It is a pleasure to for us to be here in this place as one; and be a partition for the truth and beauty to come.”
With that, guests were invited to take their seats, and the magic of the 2024 Runway Show was set to unfold..
To watch the official ‘Sponsors Shine Bright’ video spotlight hosted by Elizabeth Pehota and produced by Eights Digital Media, please CLICK HERE.
