Famed Bash
A decade ago, Schwarzman’s lavish 60th birthday bash in Manhattan was highly chronicled, later becoming a symbol of Wall Street’s excess just before the financial crisis wiped away almost $10 trillion in market value. This time, it was far removed from the usual media horde and tucked behind security to keep out would-be protesters. But comparisons are still possible.
Last time: The cavernous Park Avenue Armory, built for military drills and society balls during the first Gilded Age. This time: Schwarzman’s own house on what’s come to be called an American Riviera.
Last time: Patti LaBelle and Rod Stewart. This time: Stefani did a set and afterward danced with Schwarzman, and “Jersey Boys” performers sang Frankie Valli songs.
Last time: There were moments that felt like a roast. This time: A video focused on his philanthropic endeavors. The party was “a warm and wonderful reflection of Steve’s generous support” of education, said Richard Levin, the former president of Yale. “His friends take pleasure in the good work that he is doing for children, institutions and global harmony.”
Last time: Remember that beautiful fur coat on Melania Trump? It was New York in February, on a weeknight. This time: No bundling required, with many folks golfing and swimming all day before a balmy night and fireworks alongside a full moon.
Foiled Escape
Donald Trump was staying nearby at his own seaside estate turned private club, Mar-a-Lago, but didn’t attend. Many people, it seems, needed a little Palm Beach respite.
“The world is an uncertain place, a lot of people are unhappy with a lot of other people, there are a lot of things that people are upset about,” said Oaktree Capital’s Marks. “So it’s nice to have an evening where everybody’s happy, harmonious and upbeat.”
But the best laid plans can be foiled, and Schwarzman himself wasn’t immune. After a luncheon on Sunday at the Brazilian Court hotel, Schwarzman tried to leave in a light-blue convertible Buick Skylark.