A Night of Parisian Elegance
The Palais Brongniart glowed softly on December 13th, rising out of the dark streets of the 2nd Arrondissement. As I made my way towards the entrance, I found myself surrounded by fur coats, tuxedos, and the unmistakable cloud of expensive cologne, setting the tone for an evening of elegance.
This was the magic and luxury I hoped to find in Paris, yet had not fully experienced until now. The city's lively streets, gritty corners, vibrant nightlife and world-renowned museums are easy to encounter. Glimpses into high-society life, however, are far more rare and the Winter Gala was my chance to peak behind the veil.
The Palais Brogniart
In the early 19th Century, the golden age of society balls in Paris, the Palais Brongniart was at the heart of the city's financial world. The Palais became a home to centralize all stock exchange activities, an innovation at this time to optimize the existing system.
After the stock exchange closed in 1998, the space was reimagined as the leading congress and event center in Paris. With its neoclassical style, grand columns and extravagant halls, it was the perfect setting to instill elegance for an event.
Haloban Legend, a Paris-based events and ventures group, sought to revive some winter magic back into this historical space. As presented on their website: "In this prestigious setting, experience an 'old money' vibe where live music, DJ sets, a champagne bar, fashion showroom, vintage cars, and unforgettable encounters come together."
The gala offered three ticket tiers, with the mid-level priced at 90€. Every ticket included entry and a facial recognition photo system, which is an impressive modern touch that ensured privacy and created a sense of exclusivity.
Before the event began at 8 PM, an optional swing-jazz lesson was offered at 7 PM for 20€. While not necessarily a core attraction of the event, it seemed to be a charming addition.
Inside the Ballroom
Upon arrival, guest were greeted by security checking tickets and bag before being welcomed onto a red carpet, where professional photographers stood at the ready. While people took their time with the photoshoot, vintage cars were parked outside the steps for more photo opportunities. Even the electric faux candles substituting real ones could not dim the shine of the introduction to this evening.
After my friends and I posed for our picture, we stepped inside to check our coat for an additional 5€ and received a small blue claim cards. As we wandered through the entryway, the grandeur of the main ballroom opened before us. People were already dancing, mingling and admiring the architecture.
The venue in itself was stunning: ornate ceiling, towering columns and a ballroom inviting its guests to be spun by their partners inside. A few Christmas trees scattered across the dance floor, understated for the scale of the room but still aligned with the winter and holiday theme.
A group of professional dancers soon took to the floor, moving with effortless grace in white dresses and tuxedos. Not long after, the live band began playing on a raised stage that subtly divided the ballroom from the VIP section.
As the night progressed, guests drifted between dancing, champagne refills, balcony smoke breaks and an art gallery tucked away in one of the hallways.
Blend of Past and Present
The gala not only reminisced in the past but incorporated a contemporary flair becoming a gala for today's society. While it wasn't quite a scene straight out of Bridgerton, it captured an updated version of old-world sophistication.
The classic live jazz band was paired with a DJ spinning modern hits and picture perfect venue paired seamlessly with contemporary art and photography being showcased. Together these aspects, created a celebration to honor the past and embrace the present. I encourage anyone on an extended stay in the City of Lights to seek out a glamorous event like this in the future.
