Legendary Parties Book

Legendary Parties 1922-1972 by Prince Jean-Louis de Faucigny-Lucinge

An Insider's View of Cafe Society's Greatest Legacy

Originally published in French in 1986, Prince Jean-Louis De Faucigny-Lucinge, a French aristocrat and frequent host and guest, chronicles what he believed were the most incredible parties of the 20th century.  Each party is exceptional, and this is a priceless record of the most inspiring parties ever thrown.

The participants in these balls are an eclectic mix of socialites, patrons, and artists whose members now define “Café Society” and its special combination of taste and fashion.

Imaginative themes and exquisite venues brought together exclusive lists of women of beauty, aristocrats and wealth.  Dances and entrances were choreographed and danced by the greatest dancers in the world, including Serge Lifar and Balanchine.  Costumes were designed by the most important couturiers, including Elsa Schiaparelli, Christian Dior, Chanel, and Yves Saint Laurent.  Music was composed and played by the most illustrious musicians like Francis Poulenc.  Backdrops and themes were imagined and drawn by the most important artists, including Picasso, Christian Bérard, and Salvador Dali.  And it was all recorded by the best photographers, including Cecil Beaton, Horst, and Man Ray.

Hosts include Count Étienne de Beaumont, Baron Nicolas de Gunzburg, Princess Jean-Louis de Faucigny-Lucinge, Adrien Drian, Countess Pecci-Blunt, Mrs. Reginald (Daisy) Fellowes, André Durst, Viscount Charles and Viscountess Marie Laure de Noailles, Monsieur Carlos de Beistegui, Marquis de Cuevas, Madame Hélène Rochas, Baron Alexis de Redé, and Baron Guy and Baroness Marie Hélène de Rothschild.

Highlights include the Bestegui Ball at Palazzo Labia in Venice, the Oriental Ball of Baron Alexis de Redé at the Hôtel Lambert in Paris, and the Surrealist Ball of Guy and Marie Hélène de Rothschild at Château de Ferrières.

Ephemeral by nature, parties are only recorded by the memories of those that attended and the few photos that are preserved, so it is a significant achievement to bring this incredible collection together for us all to enjoy.  As such, it is a necessary addition to the library of anyone interested in social history, café society, fashion, and beauty.