The Tate Modern may be home to some of the world’s greatest artworks, but it’s never hosted an exhibition quite like last night’s display: Tilda Swinton dancing to Missy Elliot while Anderson .Paak got behind the decks. This was the scene inside the Tate’s dimly lit Blavatnik building, where guests celebrated Dom Pérignon’s new chapter, Creation Is An Eternal Journey.
Earlier this week, the legendary champagne brand unveiled its latest campaign, which comprises a series of photos by Collier Schorr and film by Camille Summers-Valli, featuring some of the world’s most iconic creators, including Tilda Swinton, Iggy Pop, Zoë Kravitz, Anderson .Paak, Alexander Ekman, Takashi Murakami, and Clare Smyth. Dazed’s own co-founder and CEO Jefferson Hack interviewed each creator as part of the campaign.
So what happened when these creators crossed paths in the depths of the Tate? Poetry, dancing, and a whole lot of champagne. Here’s what went down.
Talk about an event where the attendees were as sparkling as the drinks being served. As expected, several of the creators from the brand’s new campaign made appearances throughout the evening. Tilda Swinton – ethereal as ever in royal blue and sporting a platinum pixie cut – recited a poem she’d written, encouraging the audience to “dance every day” and “respect the youth”. Zoë Kravitz was there in silk Saint Laurent, Iggy Pop wore a pair of sliders and Anderson .Paak sported a 70s-style wig to signal his alter ego, DJ Pee. Wee. Other familiar faces included Alicia Vikander, Damien Lewis, Emma Corrin, Sandy Powell and Paloma Faith.
Everyone knows it’s important to line the stomach before an evening of alcohol. For the pre-party dinner, Dom Pérignon called upon three-time Michélin-starred chef Clare Smyth (also one of the featured creators) to create a culinary experience. Paired with Dom Pérignon Vintage 2008-Plénitude 2 – served ahead of its release – guests were served a series of dainty dishes including scallop tartare, wagyu beef, mushrooms, leeks and potatoes.
Upon entering, guests discovered an exhibition detailing Dom Pérignon’s illustrious history with art. Taking us on a trip through the brand’s past, present and future, on display were original Dom Pérignon labels designed by David Lynch and Andy Warhol, images of Marilyn Monroe sipping her champagne, and even a Jeff Koons sculpture from his 2013 collaboration with the brand. Of course, Collier Schorr’s images and Camille Summers-Valli’s film were at the heart of the exhibition.
After Tilda’s profound poem, Anderson .Paak made a surprise appearance as DJ Pee.Wee, immediately launching into pop and R&B classics, ranging from Prince to Soulja Boy, Whitney Houston to Kylie Minogue. At one point, jazz musician Maurice Brown pulled out a trumpet in the middle of the crowd, playing along to “Fergalicious” and “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head”. Despite it ending at around midnight on a Thursday, it was the type of party that no one was ready to leave. Then again, Dom Pérignon knows how to celebrate.
