As the theme suggests, most faces were donned with masks ranging from the Zorro style of eyewear to the far more exotic and elaborate. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly the males embraced the masquerading as much as the fairer sex…
Over six enchanting days Auckland’s Viaduct precinct was dramatically transformed by the addition of the magical Garden of Soul in the form of a “lush” secret garden on the terraces of the Soul Bar & Bistro.
Designed by Xanthe White, the garden took inspiration from the Royal Greenhouses of Kew Gardens, with over 500 plants installed to create an opulent space.
To celebrate this living installation Soul bar invited their patrons to four uniquely themed parties, the penultimate event being the Garden of Good and Evil Masquerade Party.
Guests listened to live DJs Roger Perry and Simon Paul, and enjoyed divine cocktails and delicious canapés of the standard we have come to expect from Judith Tabron and her team.
As the event’s theme suggests, most faces were donned with masks ranging from the simple Zorro style of eyewear to the far more exotic and elaborate. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly the males embraced the masquerading as much as the fairer sex.
Our favourite outfit of the evening was an anonymous masked man (okay, Colin Mathura-Jeffree) in a Casanova style outfit, complete with a full feather and sequin period mask.
The gardens had a tropical theme, with plantings of ferns, palms and orchids at the ends of the terrace. The addition of a park bench created more of an outdoor feel. Overhead hung gorgeous oversized floral chandeliers, and green and white flowering vines hung from the awning creating a natural style of curtain, though still allowing guests to enjoy the views of the boats and the water. Completing the look was a large water fountain in the centre of the balcony.
The Garden of Soul was the perfect place to enjoy a drink on a still warm summer night, and soak in the ambience of an urban garden wonderland.
Story and photos by Anna Sutcliffe, 6 March 2010
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