Move over, Met Gala. The People’s Ball is back.
While the Met Gala is touted as the biggest and most exclusive fashion event of the year for the rich and famous, the Brooklyn Public Library hosted its fourth annual People’s Ball on Sunday, May 5, at its iconic Central Library at Grand Army Plaza.
The free fashion event, praised for being by the people, for the people, was held on the eve of the Met Gala and drew around 1,000 people. Guests showcased their unique style on the runway to the music of DJ Spinna while being cheered on by the energetic and diverse crowd.
This year’s celebration of inclusivity and individuality was hosted by actress Delissa Reynolds, known for “A Thousand and One” and “Wu-Tang: An American Saga,” and celebrity stylist and lifestyle expert Robert Verdi.
The extravagant event also honored legendary New York Times photographer Bill Cunnigham, who would have turned 95 this year. This year’s theme was “Our Libraries are for Everybody.”
“Icon of Harlem” Souleo — sporting an “I [love] My Library” crop top — introduced some of Cunningham’s muses, including Marilyn Kirschner, Lauren Ezersky, Jean Stone, Lana Turner, Tziporah Salomon, and Amy Fine Collins, who frequently posed for the legendary shooter.
Musician, DJ and performance artist Kevin Aviance entertained the crowd with songs like “Din Da Da.” He told Brooklyn Paper that gatherings like The People’s Ball are important for the morale of the community.
“We need that in the world — Black, white, everybody getting together and just having a good time,” the iconic drag queen said. “You know, fashion, music and art — all that stuff — and books and everything, have a way of simplifying everything for everybody. Everybody can understand those things.”
Aviance added that, although the Met Gala can come off a bit elitist, it is truly something “special.” He said he watches the event on live television each year and hopes to be invited one day.
But in the meantime, he’s grateful for opportunities like the People’s Ball — and to BPL for playing host.
“We didn’t come here to be not elitist,” Aviance said. “We came here to see fashion. We came to see the drama. We came to see the kiki.”
László Jakab Orsós, vice president of arts and culture at BPL, said the People’s Ball also serves as a yearly milestone for the borough’s book-lender.
“The People’s Ball has become one of Brooklyn’s rituals of spring,” he said in a statement. “Last night, hundreds of people from every corner of the borough and from every walk of life showed off their stellar outfits and unique personalities on a runway in the middle of the public library. This event celebrates the true spirit of democracy and reminds us that fashion and creativity belong to everyone, and you really don’t need much to be a relevant part of it- just imagination, inspiration, courage, and a zest for life — values that at we all deeply believe in at the library.”
The Rodriguez family attended because their daughters, 3-year-old Aurora and 7-year-old Vega, love fashion and a big scene. Vega — a fashion designer in the making — designed her and her sister’s outfits, which they showcased on the catwalk.
Their dad, Mark Rodriguez, told Brooklyn Paper they had to sign up for the event as soon as they learned about it.
“The minute we mentioned the [People’s Ball] to Vega, and there was a chance to run the runway, she got ideas in her head about how to design the dress and what to wear,” said Rodriguez, calling the People’s Ball “amazing.”
“This gives everyone the opportunity, like our daughters and us, to come to an event that celebrates fashion and people’s creativity and people’s different identities without the craziness of how to be a celebrity or extremely wealthy to get in there,” Rodriguez told Brooklyn Paper. “It’s just [the] people, it’s just us, and we’re all neighbors, and here, we are all together.”
Karina Williams was the belle of the People’s Ball in her captivating gown by designer Teuta Matoshi. The California girl, who now resides in Bushwick, loved the idea of the event.
“Everyone gets to come in their own sort of fashion sense, and I love that we get to see everyone express themselves,” Williams said.
Clifton Aaron Hinton attended the event with his friend Crystal Harper. Hinton’s outfit by designer Dominique Duroseau was a celebration of Cinco de Mayo and the Day of the Dead.
“This is my first time attending, so I’m hoping to have a great time,” said Hinton, who is currently running for district leader in the 55th assembly district. “I’m excited to be here.”
For Harper, the People’s Ball was an opportunity to showcase a gown she’d worn to a wedding.
“I had no other reason to wear this dress again until I found out about this event,” Harper said. “Once I knew [the People’s Ball] was about personal style, the only person I knew to bring was my friend here, so I got a chance to wear my beautiful dress again. And I got someone who I knew was going to bring some personal style, which is how we got this interview right now because I’m sure this is why we’re here. I’m just along for the ride.”
Kensington resident April Palmieri attended the event with her friend Sue Laurita, who splits her time between San Fransisco and New Jersey.
Palmieri said she enjoyed watching the Met Gala on television, but attending the highly sought-after event was way out of her budget and “just not for normal people.”
“[The People’s Ball] is really fun because we’ll never get into the Met Gala, but we can really enjoy ourselves in Brooklyn,” Palmieri said.
The 2024 Met Gala will take place Monday night, and will celebrate the Costume Institute’s new exhibition, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.”
