COUNCIL IS THE BANQUET!

For Immediate Release.

February, 2010.

COUNCIL boutique, celebrating its one year anniversary on February 14th, is changing its name to THE BANQUET.

Comprised of women's clothing designer Miranda Bennett and Jewelry Designer Pamela Johnston of Plume, the pair selected the name in part for the series of artist dinners that they plan to host, much in the tradition of the salons, inviting guest artists and friends to mingle over offerings of food, ideas, and camaraderie.

"We loved the celebratory tone of "the banquet", and the suggestion of a beautifully arranged and ceremonious coming together - in much the same way that a lavish feast comes together to honor and celebrate its guests. This past year has taught us how deep the channels of support in the design community are, and we want to pay tribute to that and inspire further participation."

THE BANQUET is a store and concept created by designers, serving the design and arts community, as well as a larger audience of patrons and connoisseurs. Much in the same way that COUNCIL represented the coming together of each partner's endeavors under one roof, THE BANQUET seeks to remain a platform for Johnston and Bennett's work, functioning as both a gathering place and design laboratory for new ideas and collaborations. The centerpieces of the store are Johnston's much loved editorial pieces and collection of fine jewelry and Bennett's women's collection that fuses the elegant simplicity of Grecian inspired draping with effortless daywear. In addition to the co-owner's lines, the pair will curate a house line of vintage clothing, furniture and curiosities called "THE BANQUET ARCHIVE". ARCHIVE gems are in the store now. THE BANQUET blog will continue documenting trend, art, music, film, and pop cultural inspiration as well as relaying announcements on openings, sales, and other store events (thebanquetnyc.blogspot.com).

The banquet had become the supreme rite. The cultural capital of the world, which set fashions in dress, the arts, and the pleasures of life, celebrated its vitality over a long table laden with food and wine. From The Banquet Years by Roger Shattuck