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‘Dine with Dez’ Hosts Elegant Met Gala Eve Dinner

Iconic photographer Flo Ngala honored at lavish bash in Brooklyn

by ElizaBeth Taylor May 6, 2025
by ElizaBeth Taylor May 6, 2025 0 comments
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The supreme were praised in style at another lavish Dine with Dez event.

On May 4th, the foundation with a meaningful purpose served up a fantastic dinner to honor Flo Ngala, the first Black woman to be commissioned by “Vogue” to photograph the Met Gala. The “Black Excellence Dinner” on the eve of fashion’s biggest night in partnership with Nature Spell & Don Julio brought out a tony crowd to Brooklyn for grand showcase that was one for the memory books.

The collective, Black Girls in Archives, dedicated to empowering and uplifting Black women in the GLAM sector, presented a special visual installation showcasing the history behind this year’s Met Gala theme.

Flo Ngala (Photo credit: Andre Gray)

Guests included co-hosts Desmond Sam and Flo Ngala, Alston Mason, Alouine Badara Fall, Armiel Chandler, Aweng Ade-Chuol, Chelsea As of Late, Dewayne Perkins, Kendall Werts, Jazzelle, Lion Babe, Miss Peppermint, Raisa Flowers, Sydnee Washington and more.

A divine menu created by Chef Scotley Innis at Aliya’s Cocktail Den paid tribute to this year’s Met Gala theme, which was inspired by the history of Dandyism. Being bold, rooted, and unapologetically Black was a message shared with joy across the room off the party full of splendid tastemakers and changemakers.

The evening also celebrated the US launch of Nature Spell haircare, an Ayurvedic-inspired line of products using ashwagandha, bhringraj and amla—herbs that have been used for centuries to support healthy hair.

“Dine With Dez” is conceptualized by Desmond Sam an experiential event producer, publicist, and entrepreneur from NYC, with co-producer-partnership and experiential creative, Ramses Rubio. This collaboration began simply as an idea to elevate how we experience each other. They noticed that it wasn’t nightlife as in clubs or parties, which stimulated us in comparison to breaking bread with like-minded creatives. As we start with these intimate installments, we will continue to build our community and broaden the conversations needed for a brighter tomorrow.

As an acclaimed dinner series, it always brings together tastemakers, creatives, and cultural shifters for a moment of elevated cuisine, spirited conversation, and signature vibes.

Aliya’s Cocktail DenAlouine Badara FallAlston MasonArmiel ChandlerAweng Ade-ChuolBlack Girls in ArchivesChef Scotley InnisChelsea As of LateDesmond SamDewayne PerkinsDine With Dezdon julioFlo NgalaJazzelleKendall WertsLion BabeMet GalaMiss PeppermintNature SpellRaisa FlowersSydnee Washington
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ElizaBeth Taylor

DEPUTY EDITOR - ElizaBeth Taylor is known to many in the media world with featured work in Variety, E! News, Dan’s Papers, and several international publications. The Sensible Socialite began her career as a travel reporter exploring Europe, Russia, South America, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. Greatly influenced by her time on the road, she developed a heightened awareness for the way humans connect. Her skills have led to current work as both a journalist and entertainment producer. With over 50 shows under her belt, Taylor has worked behind the scenes with major networks and studios. Taylor’s calendar year is always full, and she joyfully rings in the next chapter every December with her notable contributions to the most recognized show on the planet - The Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. (Instagram @liztaylorworld)

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