White Nights

The Party
The legendary epicurean experience, Le Dîner en Blanc, made its island debut with an evening of undercover culinary excellence.
Created in Paris 25 years ago, the chic Parisian supper club sets up shop at top-secret venues around the world. For this edition, 750 guests donned their best all-white ensembles and boarded motor coaches, which, unbeknownst to them, led to the front of the palace.

The People
Leading the evening were Honolulu scenesters Maleko McDonnell, Aubrey Akana and Malie Moran, who helped to import the European soiree to Hawai‘i. After all the guests arrived, they toasted with Tattinger Champagne. Spotted in the sea of white were KITV’s Moanakeala Nabarro, Lara Yamada and Cam Tran; chef Will Chen; and Tod’s General Manager Sanford Lee.

The Highlights
For this kind of event, a chef of a particular pedigree was needed. Look no further than the toque of the evening, Kanani Lincoln of Hale ‘Aina Caterers, who has cooked for the likes of Rihanna and Dave Matthews. In the spirit of the occasion, he created French- and Hawaiian-inspired dishes like Hau‘ula tomato and watermelon gazpacho with yuzu tzatziki. To keep the party going, Christa Wittmier, aka Super CW, and DJ Delve took to the turntables, getting guests onto the dance floor. -Photos by Olivier Koening