The Tamesis
Lily Collins, Naomi OsakaPhotography: Presley Ann/Shutterstock
Stylish, exciting and unforgettable: a tennis match is often like an ideal night out. Every year, the Desert Smash Gala brings the two together in star-studded fashion, and it’s not just because of the Coachella Valley’s lack of light pollution. founder Ryan Macaulay said, pointing to the well-dressed guest in the center. Fashion“Entertainment loves sports, and sports love entertainment.”
Fueled by Macaulay’s passion over the past 22 years, this celebrity-attended charity event brings together people who often lend their skills to entertainment and philanthropy, sometimes successfully, all for a good cause. This year, Desert Smash raised funds for the USTA Foundation, which develops youth programs in under-resourced communities across the country.
Before the tournament began, the white tennis match was put on hold and everyone had a night of introductions on Zenyara’s court. Owned by real estate mogul Michael Scott, this 70-acre private estate showcases this mysterious and vast terrain. The word “sandbar” took on a whole new meaning as guests in heels, loafers and (wisely) flat sandals made their way through the powdery pellets to the bartenders to order cocktails like “The Green Heat” – a Dobel Tequila concoction of fruity Midori and spicy Ancho Reyes.
Echoing the rapid pace of the racquets back and forth, the conversation between those wearing Carolina Herrera, Christopher Esber and Trina Turk remained vibrant. Actress Lily Collins posed between Italian champions Lorenzo Musetti and Matteo Berrettini and chatted animatedly with all-stars Naomi Osaka and Elena Rybakina. Meanwhile, actors Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen and Eric McCormack laughed and laughed as they enjoyed Japanese-Italian fusion dishes such as eel gnocchi and banana olive oil cake with Nutella sauce and matcha dulce de leche, taking advantage of the warm light refracted by the lagoon and the fire pit.
In partnership with HexClad, Masaharu Morimoto iron chef fame, tuna hand rolls held up like trophies. Guests cheered and took photos of the night’s biggest star: 180-pound bluefin tuna, which was both awe-inspiring in its preparation and an easy appetizer to pair with French tips.
