Photo: Courtesy of Diner en Blanc International
It sounds like a concept out of a fiction novel: hundreds of urbanites gather at a specified meeting place, adorned head to toe in beautiful white attire garnished with whimsical masks, hats, feathers and lace. They are poised to picnic, carrying their own tables, chairs and utilities but they have no idea where they will be dining. They are directed by a group leader through a subway route that will lead them to their destination, whether it is a famous New York park, monument or acclaimed landmark. Once they arrive, they are treated to the ultimate pop-up soiree with delicious food, flowing drinks and infectious entertainment. Not only are they able to dine with fellow white-clad participants, but they are able to do so while enjoying their city, surrounded by the people and atmosphere that give New York its unique brilliance. The meal melts into an evening of dancing and merriment. And once the night is over, the entire affair disappears as quickly as it began.
This is Diner en Blanc: the trendy, covert affair has been celebrated by a lucky set of New Yorkers for going on five years. Aymeric Pasquier, a partner/ executive director at Dîner en Blanc International and Diner en Blanc legacy, boasts about the devising that goes into making the enchanting night. The details of the event remain obscured until the guests arrive. Pasquier explains that they are even kept secret from the press and the fire department is not even made aware of the event location until the day before.
All of the planning, the clothing and the dining are part of a tradition that Pasquier’s father François Pasquier created back in 1988. It began as a picnic that was much simpler than its contemporary counterpart. After being away from Paris for many years, Francios returned and hosted a picnic for family and friends as a way to reconnect with France after his long absence. The event was held in a large open space and guests were advised to wear white so that they would be able to find one another. The picnic was a cumulative celebration of friendship as well as regional pride and was such a rousing success that it was held again, year after year, with more and more friends being invited each time. It was originally held in a public park but, with the party’s growth, the tradition of making the location a secret to picnic patrons was sparked.
Photo: Courtesy of Diner en Blanc International
Now, Diner en Blanc events are hosted all over the world in over 40 countries with the beguiling traditions staying consistent with their French roots. In the spirit of how it began, Dîner en Blanc aims to emulate each cities’ unique identity through its location and cuisine. The mission of the event is to connect the citizens of the respective cities to the areas that make it unique, all while dining glamorously together.
Pasquier goes to great lengths to keep his father’s traditions ailve in Manhattan. Though it is admittedly difficult to create a fabulous, fleeting event within the bustling city, he has found a system that maintains its secrecy. At first, only two head organizers have the knowledge of where it will be held. They then relay the location to 25 “group leaders” who are in charge of leading the large groups of partygoers to their destination. This ensures that no one knows about the location in advance. No detail is left unturned in order to systemize the process. Over 100 volunteers are also recruited to make sure that the entire affair can be set up and broken down as quickly as possible.
Photo: Courtesy of Diner en Blanc International
Pasquier hopes that his father’s vision to celebrate both region and companionship continues to grow. He hopes to continue the legacy of hosting events that bring friends together as well strengthen regional pride. In the spirit of the earlier “picnics”, Pasquier expresses that he would love to create a network of Dîner en Blanc participants all over the world. As the rumors of the brief, white-laden wonderland continue to be whispered among excited New Yorkers, this year’s Diner en Blanc in NYC promises to be bigger, better and more fantastical then ever. For more information please visit here or visit Le Diner en Blanc at various social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.
-by Johanna Silver
