Bronson Van Wyck
Bronson is a one-namer. You know, like Bono or Beyonce. Not sure why I chose to lump him into the entertainer category, since he is usually on the other side of entertainment where the true genius tends to reside. He makes dreams come to life, and his imagination is only rivaled by his intensity to get shit done. I met Bronson in New Orleans many years ago. It was then that I knew I was in the presence of a true artist who could turn a blank empty lot or room into a fantasy, even if it was only for a few hours, and into a memory that would last forever.
I’ve been fortunate to document some of the life and times of Bronson along with the rest of his family, the creative forces that make up their thriving business Van Wyck Van Wyck.
Bronson with his family at their family farm in Arkansas for a holiday celebration.
Featured in his new book, Born to Party, Forced to Work: 21st Century Hospitality
Bronson Van Wyck is one of the world’s leading authorities on hospitality, celebrated for a style of entertaining that combines wit and sophistication with the gracious warmth of his Southern upbringing. An event planner of international renown, Bronson has organized some of the most memorable and imaginative parties of the past two decades in locations all over the world. Bronson’s talent and style have drawn clients like Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama, Madonna, Beyoncé, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jerry Seinfeld, and Diane von Furstenberg. Bronson also creates strategic event programs for international luxury brands, such as Chanel, St. Regis, Mercedes Benz, Christie’s, Bulgari, Range Rover, and Van Cleef & Arpels among many others. Passionate about giving back, Bronson is a founding member of the Friends of the Highline and was instrumental in the creation of the beloved park, of which he is a trustee, raising millions of dollars as one of the organization’s leading supporters for more than a decade. He also serves on the Board of Directors of The Apollo Theater. An avid traveler, writer, photographer, and host, Bronson resides in New York City.
It was an honor to photograph some of the most avant-garde designs by Van Wyck & Van Wyck. When I got the call about the new book by Bronson, I was not surprised. Born to Party, Forced to Work: 21st Century Hospitality was released on October 23rd by Phaidon.
Bronson, tell us a story…
I never knew that what I do, producing parties, was actually a way to make a living, much less a way to make a life. I got here after an extended process of elimination during which I learned I had no other marketable skills. My mother and I accidentally started our business, Van Wyck & Van Wyck, twenty years ago in 1999. In a way it was an escape for both of us. Me from years of hard living on the Hollywood D-List (with more than a few glorious brushes with the A-, B-, and C-lists) and her from an isolated nest whose birds- like so many in rural America – had flown the coop. We come from a place where parties are given, not produced. And it’s precisely for this reason that what we do seems to work. What is it that we do? Actually, nothing revolutionary. We are taking part in a tradition as old as man, using the same tools to create the same feelings of welcome, of being appreciated, of being taken care of, and of being loved.
Bronson Van Wyck holiday shoot. Photo by Stephen Karlisch
Favorite piece of clothing you own?
I’ve never met a cape I didn’t like
Favorite must read book and why?
Edie: American Girl by Jean Stein. She’s the original influencer!
Bronson in his NY home library. Photo by Stephen Karlisch
What modern design trend makes you cringe?
That faux-hipster Brooklyn Pinterest aesthetic
A skill you’re working on mastering?
Photography. Tell Stephen I want a lesson.
- Bronson, they don’t call me a photo coach for nothing! Let’s chat! - sk
A book that everyone should read?
My publisher would want me to say mine
If you had one more hour in the day what would you do with it?
Keep the party going.
Blurbs about his new book:
"This book is like a shot of tequila at the beginning of an unforgettable night. Appropriately so, because serving tequila to guests right when they arrive at our house for a night of revelry is a party trick Bronson van Wyck taught me - and one I highly recommend. In his book, Bronson shows us that being a great host is something we can all achieve. This beautiful book is a fun gift for those who like to entertain, and for the anxious host as well."—Jessica Seinfeld
"I've watched Bronson van Wyck grow up, as he's turned his passion into a profession. Born to Party, Forced to Work is an inspiring, beautifully written read for anyone who's ever wondered how to make a career out of doing what you love. Bronson's sincerity, graciousness, and sly sense of humor come across in every page. And the pictures of the events make you feel like you were there yourself."—Diane von Furstenberg
"Every party Bronson van Wyck designs is a party you want to attend. And every party is a creative tour de force, full of innovation, great music, wonderful decoration, and an all-encompassing friendly ambience. Energy, joie de vivre, incomparable glamour, vivaciousness, and otherworldly beauty are just a few of the building blocks Bronson employs to accomplish his wizardry at any party venue. This evocative book captures so much of Bronson's work and evokes the range of his amazing talents."—Martha Stewart
Thank you Bronson for sharing your creative spirit and talents with us. To keep the party going head over to Phaidon to buy his newly released Born to Party, Forced to Work: 21st Century Hospitality. Also check your local bookstores or we just found on Amazon too. To learn more and see the multi-talented Van Wyck & Van Wyck head over to their website.
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