On Saturday 24th August, Alaria hosted its very first event – a magical flower-filled brunch at The Villa, Corinthia Hotel and Spa. New members were welcomed to Alaria’s community, creating a space where 16 local changemakers could each connect over an intimate boho brunch.
Guests were welcomed into The Villa’s grand entrance with its wonderful high ceilings, providing a dreamy setting for our first celebration. As the room started to fill, connections sparked over glasses of champagne or fresh summer watermelon juice. The room was lovingly set by our Founder Rebecca’s mother Maria, who transformed it into a bohemian paradise. In the centre, a grand table was adorned with whimsical florals from Alistair and delightfully set places, with each of the guests’ names written delicately on bay leaves.
The brunch began with a special introduction Rebecca Pisani, who introduced the brand and its beginnings. She opened up about the origins of the name Alaria, her personal experiences that lead her on her journey to make a change and our philosophies and beliefs as a brand – striving for progress, not perfection.
A heavenly spread was laid out by Chef Stefan Hogan, who carefully created a wonderful family-style brunch menu of vegan and vegetarian delights, from soy glazed tempeh, to golden beets and black quinoa salad, to beetroot spaghetti with a smoked cashew nut pesto. All gorgeously accompanied by a variety of homemade kombucha and finished off with a vegan creation from Marc McBride – a divine lychee, rose and raspberry concoction.
After the feast, guests browsed the pop-up featuring curated products from Alaria’s global artisans and fairly traded brands: Penh Lenh from Cambodia, No Nasties and House of Wandering Silk from India, Siblings Army from Peru and Maya Traditions from Guatemala. The products were displayed on bamboo rails made by Alistair. A table of delectable organic raw cacao treats were provided by Theobrama, whilst the ladies looked through and tried on the handmade artisan products.
As the guests began to make their way, they went home with an Alaria linen tote bag filled with goodies from ‘Rebels for a Cause’, ‘Souvenirs That Don’t Suck’, baked delights from ‘Baker Street’ and a sweet bouquet from ‘Alistair’.
Rebecca would like to personally thank the incredible guests for supporting Alaria and joining the Community that thrives together to make a difference. As well as this, a heartfelt thank you goes towards Corinthia Hotel and Spa, Chef Stefan Hogan for the delicious vegan and vegetarian spread, Marc McBride for his out of this world desert, Maria Pisani for her impeccable eye for detail and event planning, Tammy Fenech for her constant support, love and mentoring, Alistair for the beautiful flowers, Rebels For A Cause, Souvenirs That Don’t Suck, Baker Street, Theobrama and Michael Calleja for taking stunning photos throughout.
You can check out more photos on our Facebook and Instagram
– Arabella Hogg
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