‘Clout circus’ is a term I heard for the first time this week, written by Urbyn of Hot Fire on a post related to the clothing/designer convention Complex Con. From a certain perspective, LA social society could be seen as one clout circus event after another. The idea of going out with the intention of meeting and networking with popular, powerful or otherwise visually stimulating individuals has long been associated with Los Angeles and often contributes to a negative stigma, i.e. “LA people are all fake.” Like all stereotypes, arguments can be made that this is true however the annual Born x Raised winter formal does not offer those much support.
You have to be invited to attend the event - wristbands are required and good luck getting one if you don’t know anyone who’s been before. I was invited by my friend, a photographer and model who has worked with the brand and is personal friends with one of the founders. I did not receive a wristband so I showed up with mixed expectations; either I would be turned away or, if the universe favored, I’d glide past the security checkpoints with a smile and a nod. The latter is what happened. Once inside we felt comfortable and happy. My friends joined a line for drinks while I opted to check out the queue for the infamous photo booth. It wrapped around the floor of the Palladium ballroom and led to the stage, the same stage the Rolling Stones caused a riot from in ‘72. There was an altar with an airbrushed backdrop of clouds in a blue sky, faux marble pedestals topped with bouquets of red roses, framed by a twisting archway of black and white balloons. Everyone in line waited patiently for their moment to vogue for the professional photographer and this continued the entire evening.
I saw a lot of friends throughout the night. As the party filled up it became impossible to coordinate any sort of rendezvous and I resorted to floating through the crowd, greeting and mingling with the friends I encountered and meeting new characters along the way. Each person was genuine and happy, no trace of ego or networking motives in the air. It was a celebration of life for the late great Spanto, Born x Raised’s father and founder. The DJs played the hits, a mariachi band led the crowd in singing ‘Volver’in chorus, the Palladium staff poured $30 cocktails for 5 hours straight. My plan was to leave early but I was having too much fun. Eventually the lights came on, which I think took everyone by surprise. It felt like the night was going to go on forever until that moment. I’ll keep the memories, here’s some flicks.
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