The clouds parted, the rain cleared, and art magic happened at the Rachofsky House, the scene for the 2018 rendition of the annual Two x Two First Look. The official mission: preview fine art being auctioned off for Two x Two for Aids and Art, the annual event benefitting the Foundation for AIDS Research and the Dallas Museum of Art.
But this night on October 27 was also about sips, snacks, and fun and games, along with an ongoing fashion show of models and partygoers alike, nearly 400 strong, doing their creative interpretations of the "White Hot" theme.
There were thigh-high clear plastic boots sported by Kristin Smith. A theme-defiant black dress worn by Rachel Kelton with a row of vertical letters that spelled out the words "Little Black Dress" in white.
There was a gloriously fuzzy sheath festooned with tiny swatches of fabric that looked like feathers, donned by clothing designer Marina Moscone — attending with her sister and partner Francesca Moscone; their line will soon be carried at downtown Dallas boutique Forty Five Ten.
Would-be collectors gazed at works such as Space Frame #4, a soothing piece in hues of teal from artist Howardena Pindell; and Landscape with Houses (Dutchess County, NY) #8, a stark photo of a model village created by James Casebere.
The art gauntlet was thrown outside with a magnificent 48-foot-tall geodesic dome tent set up in the mansion's front yard, glowing orange from within. A stunning video installation of a moving tree by artist Jennifer Steinkamp flickered against an outdoor wall.
Between the serendipitous break in the weather and the abundance of angelic white, the night had a transformative effect that bordered on beatific.
Logistics were seamlessly orchestrated by Headington Companies, whose portfolio of bars and eateries provided food and drink.
Restaurant stations beckoned in the yard from across a reflecting pool. Bites included fried chicken from Mirador, a carnitas taco station and seafood cocktail from CBD Provisions, burger sliders by Wheelhouse, and shaved cauliflower salad from Americano.
Sassetta, the Italian restaurant in Dallas' Design District, set up a pizza beachhead in the courtyard, with a blazing hot oven from which they pulled out freshly baked Neapolitan-style pizzas topped with Taleggio cheese, burnt honey, pepperoni, and smoked mozzarella.
With near-military precision, Headington staffers formed two rows along the courtyard entryway, hoisting trays of tequila cocktails and Moet Imperial, served in cups branded with a double X. Models posed on pedestals garbed in modern white ensembles from Forty Five Ten.
Hosts Howard Rachofsky and Cindy Rachofsky waved newcomers past works for sale and on to a grand room, where the makings of a mural had been traced out in black outline on the wall. With a sonic backdrop by DJ Lucy Wrubel — wearing white jeans and a jacket with vividly colored patches — attendees were encouraged to pick up a brush and fill it in, like a grand coloring book.
"X Marks the Spot" was a token game in which guests punched through a paper-shaped X to retrieve a cube and seize their prize, be it a handbag from The Row, Hunting Season, Staud, Tonya Hawkes, men's Common Project sneakers, Rosie Assoulin T's, an FFT Heretic Candle, beauty goods by Edward Bess, and more.
Everyone got a key that could open one of three vitrines at Forty Five Ten through November 3. Prizes include a $22,800 Adam Lippes fur coat; a session at The Spa at The Joule, valued at $8,500; and brunch for eight at the Mirador, worth $2,000.
Attendees included director Melissa Meeks, gallerist Daniela Gareh, Kristen Cole, Joe Cole, Joyce Goss, Jeny Bania, Josy Collins, Michael Patrick, Andrew Lipman, Nancy Rogers, Sheryl and Eric Maas, Todd Fiscus, Ceron, Andrew Jornod, Dianna Miller, Erin Benson, Eve Reid, Suzanne Droese, Justine Mullen, Kimberly Schlegel, Jennifer and John Eagle, Christen Wilson, and Terri Provencal.
The theme was "white hot." From left, Catherine Rose, Cindy Rachofsky, Marguerite Hoffman.
