A recap of Barbie's 65th Anniversary Celebration in NYC

September 10, 2024

Everyone knows that Barbie throws the best parties!

The Barbie shop inside the iconic F.A.O Schwarz toy store in Manhattan, NY was the perfect location for her 65th Anniversary. It was an event to remember, with an interactive activation that included live fashion sketches by Fashion Illustrator Deanna Kei (that’s me!) , and lots of other fun gifts!

The energy level inside the shop was off the charts! Everyone was so happy to be there! At the Barbie shop, fans can customize their very own Barbies with the help of a trained Barbie stylist. Each time a kid finished customizing their Barbie doll, the stylist presented them to the audience by name and everyone in the shop gave them a round of applause. The applause were going all day and had everyone smiling.

After guests chose their Barbies, they were treated to Barbie donuts and fashion sketches of themselves as a Barbie doll!

It was a fun filled day full of cute photo ops! Shoppers were given a Barbie hat with their purchases and the large Barbie box at the front of the store made the best frame for photos!

Barbie shoppers who spent $75 or more were able to have a live illustration done of themselves. The fashion illustrations were framed with a pink Barbie box border. It was the perfect memento from the day!

Krispy Kreme joined in on the festivities with a beautiful donut display of their Barbie x Krispy Kreme collaboration donuts. There were 4 different flavors to choose from, each featuring a different design! The Barbie donuts are available outside of the event too!* See Krispy Kreme for details.

Barbie fans showed up from all over, dressed in their best Barbie outfits. It was so much fun sketching everyone and chatting with them about their collections! There was a fun crowd around the sketch station and everyone was mingling with each other and showing off their Barbies and it was really just such an amazing day full of good, pink vibes!

The Barbie shop is located inside F.A.O Schwarz and is definitely worth a visit!

Deanna Kei is a fashion and beauty illustrator who works with brands to create custom illustrations, and she also sketches guests live at special events. To book live fashion art for your next event contact: DeannaKei@gmail.com or see here for more details!

Inspired: Décor and details - An Amalfi Coast themed bridal shower

July 12, 2024

Design is in the details and this bridal shower was laden with meticulously curated details! Guests were visually swept away to the Mediterranean coast the moment they entered this space. The venue was adorned in lemon yellow hues and Capri blues for the occasion. A vibrant welcome sign greeted guests at the door and the color story continued through out the space, from the delicate place settings, down to the table seating cards which were composed of beautiful white roses, each in their own glass vase with the guests’ names and table numbers attached.

The event was designed and planned by Party with Sol and they definitely brought the ‘sol’ to this vibrant bridal shower!

The Maritime Parc, set inside Jersey City’s Liberty State Park was the perfect venue for this intimate brunch. The large windows brought in natural lighting and the room had plenty of space for with space for mingling as well as table seating.

Guests were treated to live acoustic music by Lawrence Trailer and live fashion illustrations by Deanna Kei (~ that’s me!)

The sketches were a hit! Guests were invited to be turned into fashion illustration versions of themselves and each walked away with a special keepsake from the day! Since it was a sit down event, guests posed for a quick photo at the sketching station and were able to return to their seats while their drawings were being created on the spot. Then they were able to pick up their sketches at their leisure.

Credit: Walter Wall Photography - Illustration: Deanna Kei

The bride-to-be wore a beautiful white sundress with a corseted bodice and a full skirt.

There was a gorgeous back drop set out for people to take selfies and photos in front of. It was the perfect spot for the cake cutting!

The event was photographed by Walter Wall Photography. The breathtaking images in this post are credit to Walter Wall Photography.

Each of the guests were dressed for the occasion. Here are some more illustrations of their looks!:

Here are some of the vendors who made the event such a success:

Venue: The Maritime Parc , Jersey City, New Jersey USA

Event Planner: Party With Sol

Music: Lawrence Trailer - Trailer Entertainment

Photographer: Walter Wall Photography

Live Fashion Art: Deanna Kei

Deanna Kei is a New York based live event illustrator who turns guests into fun fashion illustrations at special events. She’s available to book for live events, and for custom illustration projects *Contact deannakei@gmail.com

7 Unique wedding and event venues in NYC!

July 9, 2024

NYC is home to some of the most amazing event venues in the world! If you’re planning an event and are currently on the hunt for the perfect location check these out! I’m sharing 7 of my favorite spots below!

No matter what your aesthetic is, these versatile venues will give your event the perfect vibes!

620 Loft and Garden - Manhattan, NY (Midtown)

View of St. Patrick’s Cathedral from Loft 620

Why you’ll love it: The roof top garden over looks 5th Avenue and has an unrivaled view of St. Patrick’s cathedral. It’s the perfect space to hold a mixer, a cocktail hour, or even a wedding ceremony. The rooftop venue also has a fully indoors, yet airy space that can be transformed to match the event inspiration board of your dreams.

Deanna Kei sketching at a 620 Loft wedding - Photo Credit: Meg Smith Photography

Bride and Groom sketch of Tamsen Fadal and Ira Bernstein by Deanna Kei

2. The Foundry - Queens, NY (Long Island City)

Why you’ll love it: The Foundry is an 19th century building with a cool, industrial vibe. The brick archways create dividers, perfect for housing different entertainment vendors. The main space opens up to a larger back room and outdoor space (not pictured).

3. The River Café - Brooklyn, New York (Dumbo)

Why you’ll love it: The River Café is set right on the water below the Brooklyn Bridge and has a gorgeous view of NYC’s skyline. The out door deck is the perfect spot to watch the sun set over the city and the window lined indoor dining space has an equally beautiful view.

4. Nobu Downtown - Manhattan, NY (Financial District)

The downstairs level has a beautiful dining space

Why you’ll love it: The visuals and the level of design inside Nobu’s downtown multi-level dining space are breathtaking. The restaurant serves beautifully plated Japanese cuisine and is available for private events.

5. The Wythe Hotel - Brooklyn, NY (Williamsburg)

Why you’ll love it: Entering the Wythe hotel is like stepping into a story book. The Cooper Room, pictured above, is an adorable brick lined space for more intimately sized parties and gatherings.

6. Gallow Green - Manhattan, NY (Chelsea)

An old train car sits in the open air venue

Why you’ll love it: The dim lit, wooden paneled elevator will whisk you away to Gallow Green’s hidden roof top restaurant, bar, and garden. Lush greenery frames the space overlooking the west side water. The vintage train car and dreamy lighting will make you feel like you’ve stepped into another time.

7. The Loeb Boathouse - Manhattan, NY (Central Park)

Why you’ll love it: The Loeb Boathouse is a landmark restaurant overlooking the Central Park lake at the center of the city. The indoor event space has windowed doors that open to a beautiful lake view.

Deanna Kei is a New York based live event illustrator who turns guests into fun fashion illustrations at special events, private parties, and weddings. She’s available to book for your next event! *Contact deannakei@gmail.com or view her event details page to find out more!