My Dearest Guest,

You are cordially invited to Stanford’s inaugural La Soirée Cardinale, on Thursday May 22, 2025.

This exquisite night at the museum has been organized by FashionX, Cantor Arts Center, Anderson Collection, and Cardinal Nights, as an evening to celebrate Stanford’s vibrant creative community—naturally, you have been invited.

The party begins at 7 P.M. with check-in at the Anderson Collection, followed by a red carpet with professional photographers. Following the red carpet, there will be hors d’oeuvres, tapas, dirty sodas, a jewelry workshop, music by Afro-Latin Jazz and Clare’s in Town, and finally, a DJ set in the grand lobby of the Cantor with Titus Parker at 9 P.M. At the end of the evening, a handful of lucky attendees will win tickets to Lake Street Dive and Men I Trust, courtesy of Stanford Live. And of course, throughout the night, the Cantor and Anderson exhibits will be open for your private viewing—a once-in-a-year opportunity.

But most importantly: dress. For this one evening a year, we encourage you to release yourself from the usual conventions of black tie, and become an exhibition in and of yourself.

Please consider the museum as your muse and come dressed inspired by art.

Perhaps your intricately beaded dress will reference the opulent detailing of a baroque painting, or your suit will find inspiration in the emotive expression of Rodin’s sculptures. Maybe you will take broader strokes, finding inspiration in the color palette of a Julie Mehretu masterpiece, or will seek to emulate the avant-garde with a suit that challenges our expectations of formal dress. Or perhaps you will take on the role of artist and create a garment of your own, upcycle a thrifted garment, or make alterations to an existing piece. From canvas to couture, the red carpet is yours—we encourage you to dress vibrantly, and look to art as your fashion guide.

Your RSVP and Stanford ID are required for entry, absolutely no exceptions. On behalf of the Co-Chairs of the ball, we are looking forward to your attendance.

Sincerely,

Anna Wintour

Chairperson of the Ball

Grand Prize Raffle sponsored by Stanford Live!

(2) Stanford Live tickets to Lake Street Drive on Sunday, June 29, 2025

(2) Stanford Live tickets to Men I Trust on Sunday, August 17, 2025