PRIDE AT THE MUSEUM OF ARTS & DESIGN

The always-original Jordan Roth was the guest of honor at a tour and luncheon at the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) on June 3, which kicked off Pride Month. The event was hosted by Barbara Tober, Chair Emereta of the museum, and Tim Rodgers, the museum’s director. We’ve already told you about “Out of the Jewelry Box” in our story about Barbara’s luncheon for her glamorous friends in May. The show features 56 pieces of wearable art from the Porter Price Collection, precious objects with a queer perspective that delve into themes like AIDS, being closeted, and gay identity.

Barbara Tober and former curator Louis Bofferding at the Museum of Arts and Design 2024 PRIDE Luncheon. (Photo by Patrick McMullan/PMC)

MAD Curator Elissa Auther noted that the groundbreaking collection on loan was lovingly worn by two gay men, Ron Porter and Joe Price.

The second exhibit, in the atrium, “Identity Is…,” stars the iconic coat designed by Michael Sylvan Robinson for Jordan Roth for the 2021 Met Gala. This masterpiece is a tapestry of queer imagery and texts, hand-stitched into a fabulous collage.

Jordan Roth with his custom-made coat (Patrick McMullan PMC/PMC)

“We are conditioned to think of art as only that which is framed or put on a pedestal. But some art has sleeves, some art is worn, some art is hung on the ear or the neck,” Jordan Roth said, praising MAD’s curatorial rigor.

“Pride has always been an integral part of this museum,” said Barbara Tober, a cherished friend of Jordan’s mother, Daryl Roth, and now of Jordan himself. “It is our honor to celebrate it here.” Tim Rodgers chimed in, “Craft has always been intertwined with the queer community, and it is important to celebrate that. As a gay man who has been out throughout his career, it is a pleasure to lead this institution.”

Dan Clay, AKA Carrie Dragshaw, with a model, Sophie Sumner. Clay is the author of last year’s book “Becoming a Queen.” (Photo Patrick McMullan PMC/PMC)

And who else was mingling among the glitterati? MAD Board Chair Michele Cohen, Bjorn Amelan and Bill T. Jones, Frederick Anderson, Mickey Boardman, Louis Bofferding, Randall Bourscheidt, Ron Chereskin, Dan Clay (aka Carrie Dragshaw), Jamie deRoy,  Kelly Graham and Will Fleming, Joel Grey, a neighbor to the producer Daryl Roth, and Jordan Roth; Alvin Hall, David Hochberg, Tony Ingrao, Richie Jackson, Paolo Martino and Frank Riti, Bob Morris, Michael Musto, Tinu Naija, Wang Newton, Cheryl Riley, Scott Rothkopf, Sophie Sumner, Bronson Van Wyck, and Barbara Paris Gifford. Talk about a fashionista’s dream guest list.