Night of 1000 Gowns ‘07
Photos & article by Jeannie Lieberman

March 31st the torch was passed from the yearlong reign of perhaps one of the most regal of couples, Empress Gefil Tefish & Emperor Fantasia, to Emperor XVI Craig Hollywood, the Fire Taming Rose Emperor & Empress XXI B, the Bewitching & Bewildering Empress.

Gawkers hung over the railings to catch a glimpse of perhaps the most startling array of guests ever assembled at New York’s Marriot Marquis Grand Ballroom flaunting high hair in colors Nature never intended, sequined, feathered and flounced gowns never found in pret a porter.

The departing EmpressTefish was recently featured in a New York Times article working on the very coronation dress she then wore (among others) highlighting her unique talent for costume designing that we have all come to appreciate.

The ball was a phantasmagoria of gorgeous delights. Its Broadway theme echoed in show stopping numbers from “Hello Dolly (Gefil)”, “A Chorus Line” by the GMHChorus featuring our own Jacqueline Jonee, and “Mary Poppins” with Gefil, of course, as Mary. Outstanding theatrical guests contributed their presence and some performances: Charles Busch & Julie Halston, Barbara Cook, Robin Strasser, Cyndi Lauper, Daphne Rubin-Vega and Darlene Love. Empress Gianna sang “Impossible Dream” from “Man of LaMancha” in tribute to the late Emperor Tomas.

Empress Robin Cradles, who was awarded a President’s Award for her extensive work on ther Ball, also performed.

Once again the New York Imperial Court illustrated why they earned the title of “the diamond in our international crown”.