Cathryn Macrae, Business Owner, Robert Graff,Retired
At the opening night of the Metropolitan OperaThat’s a lot of dress.
Cathryn: It’s Oscar de la Renta, and it’s this season. I had a dinner at Windsor Castle that Prince Charles was hosting three weeks ago, so I’ve worn it twice.
What were you doing at Windsor Castle?
It was the 45th anniversary of the London Chamber Orchestra. I like music very much. I support it whenever I have the time.
What do you do?
My company, the McCrae Group, is a facilitator between the pharmaceutical community and the scientific community. I work with world opinion leaders.
Who’s the guy?
A friend—just a friend. A good friend. It’s nice to bring someone to the opera.
Is it hard to move around in that dress?
Well, people keep telling me that it was made for me, so I guess I carry it quite well. I have a driver, but you do have to be careful when you have that much tulle. You’ve got to go sideways and sort of put it over your legs.
What kind of shoes are you wearing?
Manolo Blahniks. Peau de soie. Black, but the whole back is covered in Swarovski crystals.
How long did it take you to get ready?
My makeup is, like, ten minutes. My hair took about a half-hour. And then of course you need someone to put you in the dress . . .
Marcella Belle Luiso,
Senior Consultant, The Daniels Company
What are you wearing?
An Adele Ross. She was a high-society Madison Avenue designer back in the Kennedy years. She was very glamorous, this woman. She looked like Jean Harlow. I bought the collection from her niece. It turns out that I’d had an Adele Ross years ago that I wore to a party for an Italian furrier. There I was, competing with Sophia Loren’s agent’s daughter, so I really needed an exclusive gown. And now, many moons later, Adele is back in my life!
And the accessories?
My little bag is vintage from Florence, my jewels are from an Arizona designer called Jean Stetson. The shoes I’m wearing are from Tanino Crisci, one of the most elite Italian designers.
How long have you been coming to the opera?
My parents loved opera very, very, very much. Since I was 3 years old I heard it on the record player day and night. I also do volunteer work at the New Rochelle Opera.
What did you do to get ready for the evening?
I got my hair done by a very lovely lady. She’s quite excellent, I think. The name of the company is Gil Ferrer, and they’re located on East 74th Street. My exceptional hairdresser is called Paige.
How would you describe your look tonight?
Classic, because truly beautiful clothing is classic. This fabric would probably cost $500 a yard these days. To me, fashion is an art form, just like opera.
Lynn Shecter and Noele Wein,
Executives
Tell me about your dresses.
Lynn: My husband and I were in Paris and we got to Chanel at 5:55 p.m. He said, you might want to stay open for my wife. She’ll be quick, and it’ll be worth it.
Alan M. Ades,
Advisory Director to the Met
Do you always wear white tie?
No. We’re having dinner at the Met Opera Club. I thought, I haven’t worn my white-tie outfit in a while, and, as they say, if you’ve got it, flaunt it!
Amy Rogers,
Chief Investment Officer, Phillips Academy Endowment
What’s your favorite opera?
The “Ring” cycle. You can do it in a week, and it’s mythical. We got a box with friends, and we went every night. By the end of it, we were all totally wired.
Andrew Andrew,
“A Creative Force”
Nice tuxes.
It’s difficult for people like us to wear a tux without thinking about Sean Connery. But Sean Connery is here! And he’s dressed more like Bono.