She is arguably the most in demand event coordinator in the country. “Every detail counts!” the effervescent Gordon chimed as she eased her way down. Perhaps it is her attention to detail that accounts for her capacity to transform a space into her clients’ wildest fantasies. From the tropical beach bungalows she created for Club Med to the regal dining room designed for Elton John’s Aids Foundation, there seems to be very little out of her power. “Everyone’s trying to do something that’s never been done before,” Gordon admits. “Sometimes they have a fantasy that’s not logistically great for the event, so that’s where my vision comes in the most. I refine their fantasy to make it work for the space.”
There is never anything derivative about a Jes Gordon event. Each is breathtaking, playful and unequivocally unique. Gordon draws primarily from her clients, which is perhaps why each event shines with quirkiness as well as poise. However, her own style is by no means absent from her designs. She explains, “I’m known for being eclectic, for blending old with the new, for being cutting-edge, and for thinking out of the box.”
When asked if any of her finicky clients make outrageous requests, Gordon replied, “Most of the crazy requests involve animals. People ask for white tigers in cages, there was a couple that wanted butterflies floating through their wedding reception. We don’t like that, and we have to let them down, because it could be harmful to animals.”
Event planning aside, Gordon is extremely passionate about animals. She recently coordinated an event for Animal Haven, to raise money for their new shelter and boutique in SoHo, and confessed that it was the most important event she had planned in a long time. When asked about her pets, two blond Boston Terriers named Hurricane and Ruckus, Gordon melted, gushing, “You got an hour?” She adores spending time with her pooches, and often brings them to work.
When planning an event that is BYO-Pet, Gordon is doubly vigilant. “Lower the furniture,” she advises, “so they can hop on up. In terms of design, nothing too loud—it should be comfy, with lots of cushions. Also, we have to make special provisions to the caterer not to make anything too spicy, because those dogs will eat anything around and we don’t want them getting sick. And place lots of water bowls everywhere!”
At the end of the day, Gordon just wants every guests, the four legged as well as the two – to be happy. “It kind of rocks my world when clients walk into an event and are blown away. I like knowing that I’ve made their dream come alive.
Jessica Almon
For more information on Jes Gordon and jesgordon llc., visit www.jesgordon.com.