One of my favorite scenes in Lilac Girls takes place in 1957 at The April in Paris Ball, held at the Waldorf-Astoris Hotel. For decades the ball was one of New York’s most glamorous and extravagant benefits (the gift bags were over the top–suitcases filled with luxury items that chauffeurs carried to the guests’ limousines.) Through the years the ball featured a three ring circus, a full scale opera and a herd of French cows that gave champagne instead of milk. The theme in 1957: celebrating the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s birth. It was all for a good cause. The galas benefitted French and Anglo charities.
Lovely Jacqueline Kennedy.
French actors Françoise Arnoul and Gérard Philipe (as young and not-so-young Lafayette) enter in style.
Former U.S. ambassador to Britain Winthrop Aldrich, Marilyn Monroe and her husband, playwright Arthur Miller.
Hello,
I’m reading a biography of Elsa Maxwell. Can you please tell me when the last “April in Paris Ball” was held?
Thank you in advance.
Best Regards,
Nicholas Arden
ndcnyc@gmail.com
Hi Nicholas,
I know the April in Paris ball lasted through the early 1970s but I’m not sure what the date of the last one was. I’d love to know, if you find out!