Lions, whales, dolphins– oh my! Modeling agency The Lions celebrated World Oceans Day on Saturday with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation group at Spring Place, featuring performances by Zhavia Ward and MAX.
High-profile models Anne V, Cameron Russell, Ebonee Davis, and Megan Williams sipped on custom ocean-themed cocktails while nibbling on sushi rolls and Sweet Chick fried chicken biscuit sliders. DJ Scram Jones spun classic hip hop and R&B tracks, and famed tattoo artist Rob Green designed tattoos for partygoers including a face cross tattoo for singer Zhavia Ward. Model Rubina Dyan mingled with trainers from event co-sponsor The Dogpound, and Cha Cha Matcha bartenders served up tropical mocktails.
The Blue Drink mocktail by Cha Cha Matcha (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for The Lions NY)
Model Megan Williams introduced Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) Marketing and Fundraising Manager Missy Walker who spoke about the nonprofit’s mission to defend the ocean. “It shapes our climate; it gives us food,” Walker said in her speech. “The ocean sustains us. Just like we rely on the ocean for our survival, the ocean needs us too.”
Guests mingle under real underwater footage (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for The Lions NY)
The purpose for WDC, as Walker explained, is to protect ocean animals from human-made threats like environmental harm and poaching. “Whales and dolphins are individuals who feel and think,” Walker continued. “They play, they teach, they learn, and they innovate.” The WDC follows particular whale pods’ patterns, and offers donors the opportunity to “adopt” a whale and follow its progress. Over 50 whales were adopted during the event, directly benefitting their wellbeing.
Zhavia Ward poses with tattoo artist Rob Green (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for The Lions NY)
MAX performs his hit songs (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for The Lions NY)
Zhavia Ward kicked off the evening with a passionate live performance including a cover of Khalid’s “Location” and her duet with Zayn Malik for Disney’s Aladdin, “A Whole New World.” Singer MAX followed suit, belting into a neon yellow microphone as the audience cheered.
The Lions x WDC event honored World Oceans Day with song, spirits, and of course, style.
