Photos and information are courtesy of Le Diner en Blanc.

Le Dîner en Blanc launched with just a handful of friends by François Pasquier over 25 years ago, Paris' Dîner en Blanc now assembles nearly 15,000 people each year. The French capital's most prestigious sites have played host to it: the Pont des Arts, the Eiffel Tower site, Place Vendôme, the Château de Versailles, the Esplanade de Notre-Dame, the Esplanade des Invalides, the periphery of the Place de l'Étoile, the Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde and this year: Le Louvre Pyramid and the Trocadéro Esplanade at the same time! The Paris police tend to tolerate this ‘wild' gathering, if not perhaps even wishing they could join in!


At the last minute, the location is given to thousands of friends and acquaintances who have been patiently waiting to learn the “Dîner en Blanc's” secret place. Thousands of people, dressed all in white, and conducting themselves with the greatest decorum, elegance, and etiquette, all meet for a mass “chic picnic” in a public space. Over the course of an evening, the diners enhance the function and value of their city's public space by participating in the unexpected. Beyond the spectacle and refined elegance of the dinner itself, guests are brought together from diverse backgrounds by a love of beauty and good taste. Le Dîner en Blanc recalls the elegance and glamour of court society, and diners engage one another knowing they are taking part in a truly magical event. There are no disruptions: no car traffic, no pedestrian traffic, except for the occasional amazed and astonished looks from passersby at the scene unfolding before them. And we, as they, wonder whether it's all not a dream…


New York, WATCH OUT!


Dîner en Blanc is back for its 4th year and promises to be even more spectacular! Held, once more, in collaboration with their co-host French Tuesdays, this fourth edition will be taking place on Monday August 25th, 2014 from 6:30pm-10pm.


About 4,000 guests will put on their best whites and hit the streets, bound for a secret location for one of New York’s most memorable events.


In a first, this year celebrity chef, restaurateur, author and television personality Todd English, a four-time James Beard Award winner, is creating special menus for those who order through Dîner en Blanc website.


This year, organizers expect to host a large number of fashion and design aficionados as well as foodies. “Americans know true fashion, great food and elegance” says Sandy Safi, Director of Partnership. Aymeric Pasquier, Executive Director, Dîner en Blanc International adds, “Not only have they welcomed us with open arms from the very beginning, but they truly express the joie de vivre that is symbolic of Dîner en Blanc.”


New York has some of the most creative and elaborate set ups from guests who plan months ahead, exhibiting their unique fashion style, showcasing their taste for design, to the delight of on lookers, all with the intent of trying to outdo what they did last year. To preserve spontaneity and secrecy, the très chic picnic takes over a mystery location, which is only revealed at the last minute to the delight of all attendees.


Thousands dressed in white arrive at the same moment, at the same place. It is truly is a magical moment in time! This year is shaping up to be another beauty, one that will definitely go down in the books. Happy 4th Dîner en Blanc and let the planning begin!

LE DINER EN BLANC NEW YORK 2014