Axios New Orleans was given exclusive access to the famous Anne Rice Vampire Ball that celebrates the late author and her world of dark fantasy.
Why it matters: The 37th annual ball sold out in seven minutes, co-host Alys Arden tells Axios.
The big picture: The decadent party on Friday took over the Capital on Baronne in the Central Business District of New Orleans.
- This year’s theme was “Memnoch the Devil,” Rice’s novel where vampire Lestat journeys through heaven and hell.
- A towering sculpture by Gentilly artist Dom Graves was a focal point, with an angel on one side and hoofed demon on the other.
- Midway through the night, the party transitioned to hell, with the lights turning red and projections on the wall morphing in knives and dark objects.
Zoom in: The costumes were next level. It’s a black-tie event and folks wore lavish rococo gowns, barely-there lace and bead ensembles and ornate brocade jackets straight out of Rice’s novels.
- One fan was dressed as Louis’ assistant, Rashid, from AMC’s “Interview with the Vampire.” She walked around with a silver tray laden with a fox and a champagne flute filled with blood. IYKYK.
- An Egyptian look won one category in the annual costume contest, while the vampire versions of Queen Charlotte and King George from “Bridgerton” won another.
- Many people had fangs — presumably prosthetic, but who’s to say. Maven Lore, aka The Fangsmith, was even customizing fangs on-site.
Inside the room: Absinthe was the drink of choice. The mortals had plenty of food — gumbo, muffalettas and other New Orleans favorites.
- The evening’s vampire host kept telling us we looked delicious.
- There were classical tunes, but Rob Zombie’s “Living Dead Girl” got everyone on the dance floor.
- The ladies’ bathroom was a hilarious bonding experience, as we tried to maneuver in the stalls with hoop skirts, trains, wings and wigs.
The vibe: Anne Rice was the emotional heart of the evening, starting with a memorial altar near the entrance. Fans brought mementos to be delivered to crypt in Metairie Cemetery.
- Folks were eager to tell me their Anne stories when they learned I was a reporter.
- While their experiences were different, they had a common thread — Anne Rice’s words made them feel seen and accepted.
- And for many, her novels inspired them to write, travel, find love, perform, read and live life as their true selves.
The bottom line: It was exhilarating to be in a room filled with hundreds of passionate readers.
- Add this event to your bucket list.
Go deeper: Photos from the celebration of life…