Drapes are ubiquitous in traditional event design; they work hard to do things like mitigate noise and create privacy. But their purpose doesn't have to be solely practical. In fact, event designs can truly stand out when drapes are incorporated into a theme, transforming ordinary spaces into opulent environments. We gathered some of our recent favorite draping designs from events like the Emmys and Grammys, plus other pop-ups and galas. Take a look.
For a three-day pop-up in New York City, luxury beauty brand Hourglass collaborated with visual artist and designer Andrés Reisinger for an art installation promoting Hourglass' new Unreal Liquid Blush. Reisinger—known for digitally taking over iconic architectural locations around the world with his dreamlike pink drapes—created this rare physical installation for one weekend only in July.
Photo: Courtesy of Hourglass
This year's Steppenwolf Gala in Chicago celebrated the Steppenwolf Theatre Company's "bold, irreverent, and rock ’n’ roll style of work and play," according to the ensemble's artistic directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis. Here, strategic draping down a row of tables lent to the event's steampunk aesthetic. Jeffrey Foster of Frost Chicago handled design and decor for the event.
Photo: Kyle Flubacker
We're still thinking about Netflix's monochromatic masterpiece of an after-party following the 2022 Emmys. Best Events transformed a raw studio space into a posh tone-on-tone affair layered with shades of cream, champagne, and gold. The drapes, designed by Dazian, were no exception and helped set a dreamy mood at the entrance.
Photo: Tiffany Rose
Speaking of the Emmys, this year’s Disney after-party—which followed the postponed ceremony that took place in January—leaned into the winter season with an “Après Fête” theme. Designed and produced by Sterling Engagements, the event's highlight might've been this ceiling installation, where poly chiffon draping in monochromatic tones created a decorative display.
Photo: Maya Myers Photography
Draping also has the power to transport. Take it from this dinner benefit designed by Toronto-based CANDICE&ALISON, who drew inspiration from what they imagined the view would be from under Monet's pond. "The dramatic angled drape lines represent beams of light cutting through the surface of the water," partner Candice Chan told us. "The lighting effects behind the drape slowly changed colors over the course of the evening, representing the different times of daylight."
Photo: Renata Kaveh
As we've already seen, drapes can put an exclamation point on an event theme. For last year's Atlanta Pride kickoff event at the Georgia Aquarium, YES Event Designs immersed guests in a vibrant, fantasy-like environment that offered a futuristic take on an under-the-sea theme. Lounges, like the one pictured here, featured custom wave drapes to mimic the sea and illuminate an ever-changing jellyfish.
Photo: Vosamo Photography
Drapes definitely added to the illusion of Google's Wonders of the W activation at this year's WNBA Live fan experience, which took place ahead of the All-Star Game. Here, they accentuated a product display of Google Pixel phones. Google produced the activation with The Robot Co and NRG Experiential.
Photo: Courtesy of Google
You know we love a monochromatic look. At Universal Music Group’s After-Party for this year's Grammys, the main space featured vintage theatrical drapes evoking nostalgia, juxtaposed with modern furnishings and a repurposed studio prop transformed into a DJ booth.
Photo: Anna Webber/Getty Images for Universal Music Group
Drapes especially make an impression when they're rich in color. This look also comes from Disney's Emmys 2024 after-party, designed by Sterling Engagements, where a tunnel entrance moment featured a photographer who captured a portrait of each guest; attendees could scan a QR code to get their photos post-event. The enclosed entrance was covered by a dreamy olive velvet drape.
Photo: Maya Myers Photography
Along with adding warmth and elegance, drapes can make a statement at an event when they're expertly interwoven, like they were for this recent wedding ceremony.
Photo: Courtesy of Quest Events
For last year's WME Oscars Party, the talent agency ushered in Oscars weekend at one of LA’s most historic properties, the Hearst Estate in Beverly Hills. The multilevel, multiroom party—hosted by WME co-chairmen Christian Muirhead and Richard Weitz—welcomed guests through a foyer that had a WME photocall draped in pink curtains.
Photo: Courtesy of WME
Drapes, of course, have practical purposes as well. For Guy Fieri's Walk of Fame celebration in 2019, bright red draping served as a perimeter and more aesthetically pleasing barrier for the event, which took place outside the Hollywood Palladium. Chad Hudson Events handled design and production for the colorful daytime gathering, while Revelry Event Designers handled decor, furniture, and draping.
Photo: Sean Twomey/2me Studios
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