The show’s ups, downs, and attire
Last night’s awards show was my first, and like many firsts, it both dazzled and disappointed.The scale of the event - décor, attendees, and show details - exceeded my expectations, and really displayed its mutual value for the PR industry and our publication. However, while I’m mesmerized by the scale of the event and its many supporters, I’m horrified by the amount of people who yapped through Christian Finnegan’s comedy act, to the point where it was hard to hear him. But even ruder were the tables that emptied in the middle of the awards ceremony, many full of empty-handed nominees.Anyway, always best to end on a positive… and “necessary” message:My favorite thing about any black tie event is the clothing, so if these really are the Oscars of PR, then this part of the blog can be the “Red Carpet” review of the PRWeek Awards show.Women impressed a fair balance of short cocktail and long gown, enough so not to make either stand out as more or less appropriate. Most were in black, obviously, but a few brightened the room, draped in deep pinks, berries, and golds. I was disappointed not to see bright red, or have worn it myself!The men’s mix included tuxedos, suits, military uniforms, Scottish kilts (well, only one of those). Some staffers complained about the tuxes, but I’ve never been to a formal event where the men don’t complain about wearing tuxes.Of the staffers, I’d have to give the PRWeek gold hanger (who do I think I am?!) to Natalie Morales, Haymarket advertising assistant. She wore a deep mud-colored floor-length BCBG, with and empire waist and thick croche’d straps. Good show.
