(Photo Credit: BFA / Madeleine Thomas)
New York’s Halloween season reached dazzling new heights this year as Leesa Rowland and Larry Wohl hosted their annual extravaganza, “Midnight at the Met,” transforming Chelsea Industrial into a theatrical world where art, fashion, and fantasy collided in spectacular form.
Inspired by the grandeur of the Met Gala, the evening invited guests to “dress like it’s the last day of your life,” a theme that encouraged extravagant self-expression. The result: a parade of avant-garde couture, sculptural silhouettes, and surreal artistry that turned the space into a living museum of creativity and imagination.
An Evening of Fire, Ice, and Fantasy
For the occasion, designer Marc Bouwer created Leesa Rowland’s fiery couture masterpiece — a striking counterpoint to his own “Ice” costume — perfectly capturing the night’s bold duality. Under golden, moody lighting, more than 300 guests mingled among dramatic art installations, live performances, and cinematic vignettes that blurred the boundaries between fashion and fantasy.
A show-stopping performance by Luke K, channeling Cher in a powerhouse musical number, brought the crowd to its feet, while a live painter created a kinetic masterpiece before the audience’s eyes — her movements part of the art itself. Throughout the space, interactive installations and sculptural works added a sense of wonder and irreverence, fusing high style with playful theatricality.
A Night of Icons and Imagination
Notable attendees included Leesa Rowland, Larry Wohl, Marc Bouwer, Pedro Oberto, Hank Stampfl, Ramona Singer, Noreen Donovan, James Brynes, Nicole Noonan, Steven Knobel, Sandra Ripert, Gianni Musso, Stewart F. Lane, Bonnie Comley, Cindy Guyer, Niki Haskell, Marco Maranghello, Jose Castelo Branco, Kyle Farmery, Sir Ivan, Paola and Arnie Rosenshein, Ann Van Ness, Sharon Bush and Bob Murray, Peter Thomas Roth, Lauren Day Roberts, Andrew Molen, Elyse Slaine, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Pamela Morgan, Amy Ralston Povah, Wendy Federman, Missy and Dr. Jerry Lubliner, Sergio Zapata and Paul Margolin, Les and Katarina Feldman, Cristina Fontanelli, Jane Pontarelli, James and Elvira Grau, Maria and Ken Fishel, Diana Mahrach, Carmen D’Alessio, and Cheri Kaufman and Bill Sclight, among others.
High-resolution images from the event are available here.
View the Full Gallery
(Photo Credit: BFA / Madeleine Thomas)
Behind the Magic
Leesa Rowland’s breathtaking costume was designed by Marc Bouwer, with hairstyling by Marco Maranghello and makeup by Nellie, creating a look that epitomized the night’s theme of otherworldly elegance.
The event’s creative partners included: BIATCH® Tequila (Liquor), Blace’s Chelsea Industrial (Location), DJ Deroza (Music), Drape Kings (Fabrications), Elite PleaseBeSeated (Rentals), Kendall Kreations (Balloon Art Installation), Luminae Productions (Lighting), Luxe Events (Chandeliers), Marcy Brownstein Catering (Catering), Perfect Serve NYC (Flair Bartending), Posy Flowers NYC (Floral), and Revel Rouge (Event Production and Curation).
About Leesa Rowland
A Texas native and daughter of an artist and professor, Leesa Rowland studied broadcast journalism before training as a classical actress at the Stella Adler Studio in Los Angeles. Known for her film and television work, she is equally admired for her philanthropy and activism, serving as President and Founder of Animal Ashram, the New York–based nonprofit she established in 2013.
A dedicated vegan and longtime advocate for Last Chance for Animals, Leesa continues to balance her humanitarian efforts with her artistic pursuits. Recently, she has added a new dimension to her creative repertoire — comedy — studying improv and sketch performance at the Upright Citizens Brigade in New York and working with Richard Kline (Larry from Three’s Company) in Los Angeles.
For more information, visit leesarowland.net
