New York City’s social scene took a trip to another galaxy as actress, philanthropist, and animal advocate Leesa Rowland, alongside Larry Wohl and co-host, and fashion designer Marc Bouwer, welcomed guests to their annual Halloween extravaganza. Held at Casa Cece, this year’s celebration, aptly titled “Calling All Aliens Home: Forbidden Planet,” brought together an eclectic crowd of fashion insiders, philanthropists, and notable New Yorkers for an evening of intergalactic glamour.
Taking inspiration from the mysteries of outer space, the party invited guests to embrace their most imaginative interpretations of extraterrestrial style. From metallic ensembles and celestial couture to futuristic accessories and elaborate alien-inspired costumes, the evening was a playful fusion of science fiction and high fashion.
Rowland herself embraced the theme in a custom creation by Marc Bouwer, complemented by hairstyling from Marco Maranghello and makeup by Dimitry Kukushkin. The celebration, produced by Hank Stampfl of Revel Rouge, transformed Casa Cece into a gathering fit for another universe, complete with theatrical fashion moments and plenty of Halloween spirit.
Among the notable attendees were Nikki Haskell, Sharon Bush, Carmen D’Alessio, Geoffrey Bradfield, Bonnie Comley, Stewart F. Lane, Noreen Donovan, Nicole Noonan, Elyse Slaine, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Wendy Federman, Jane Pontarelli, Jose Castelo Branco, and Paola and Arnie Rosenshein, alongside a host of other familiar faces from New York’s social and creative circles.
Beyond her reputation for hosting elaborate themed celebrations, Rowland is also recognized for her longstanding commitment to philanthropy and animal welfare. An advocate for animal rights since the late 1980s, she has been involved with the nonprofit Last Chance for Animals and founded Animal Ashram, a New York-based nonprofit, in 2013. Her career has also spanned film, television, and theater, with more recent pursuits in comedy and improvisation.
With its imaginative theme, extravagant costumes, and fashionable guest list, “Calling All Aliens Home: Forbidden Planet” proved that when it comes to Halloween in New York, the sky is hardly the limit.
