MET Opera Event Producer David Stark Lists His Favorite Things

Magic Man: David Stark
(Photo: Anna Rose)

"Many hope to freewheel through summer, but for New York event producer David Stark, business is just heating up. Fall gala season is fast approaching, which means Stark is busy crafting otherworldly environments for events that include a black-tie fundraiser for the Metropolitan Opera and a dinner for the Cooper-Hewitt's National Design Awards. The designer has risen to the top of the industry by building parties that feel like art installations. 'It's about creating something event-specific, site-specific, and client-specific,' says Stark, who lists MoMA, Louis Vuitton, and Beyoncé among his clients. 'Flowers are only one tool in the toolbox. Many instances require different kinds of thinking and materials to bring the occasion to life.'" Check out the list of his eight essentials for Fast Company magazine that will make any party special. [Source]

Mr. Stark's previous work at the Metropolitan Opera includes parties for the 125th Anniversary Gala (left) and Opening Night of Das Rheingold (right).