Asher on Aspen: Frosted with fashion at Aspen Snow Ball
COSF’s Aspen Snow Ball Gala
The snow fell in thick, cinematic flakes as I stepped into the night — cowboy boots peeking from beneath the hem of my black gown, a hat tilted just right over freshly curled hair. Lifting my dress with one hand and steadying myself on the railing with the other, I made my way down the grand staircase toward the ballroom of the St. Regis. The evening carried a heady mix of sparkling spirits, designer fragrance, and the rustle of fine fabric. A hush of anticipation filled the space — the night was just beginning.
This past weekend, a group of Kemo Sabe wranglers and I attended the 3rd Annual Aspen Snow Ball, hosted by none other than Jay Leno, an event so opulent and absurdly charming it could have been pulled from a scene in a Wes Anderson film. The gala, designed to raise funds for pediatric cancer through the Children’s Oncology Support Fund (COSF), took whimsy to an entirely new level with its Dr. Seuss-inspired theme: “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.”
Upon entry, I found myself transported into the magical, slightly chaotic world of Dr. Seuss — a kaleidoscope of pastel balloons, towering Truffula trees, and floral arrangements so intricate they seemed almost alive. Pink cotton candy balanced delicately atop champagne glasses, a sugary prelude to an evening of extravagance. It was immersive, avant-garde, and just the right amount of eccentric.
Cocktail hour was a blur of red-carpet flashes and the kind of high-energy socializing that only occurs when you gather a roomful of powerful people in designer clothes and serve them drinks. I watched, half-amused, as people politely tried to pretend they weren’t starstruck by the likes of Jay Leno, Brooke Burke, Christie Brinkley, Nicholas Alexander Chavez, Robin Thicke, and Hunter Doohan.
The dress code? “Black tie fantasy.” A theme begging for bold interpretation. The ballroom pulsed with flashy textures — feathers, sequins, plush fabrics, and sculptural silhouettes, creating a spectacle of high fashion and creativity. The men, as expected, adhered to the timeless tuxedo and bow tie ensemble. My friend Jett, forever the outlaw fashion connoisseur, opted for a Kemo Sabe bolo tie so perfect that half the room stopped him to admire it. It’s proof that Western fashion isn’t just a fleeting trend; it’s a timeless style that stands the test of time.
Leno took the stage, his voice carrying that familiar cadence, a mixture of dry wit and undeniable charm. He navigated the night with effortless humor, roasting, riffing, and keeping the energy high. His presence was a reminder of an era when late-night talk shows were an art form, not just a content vehicle.
Then came the live auction — an absolute spectacle. The auctioneer, a man with the energy of a game show host, worked the crowd into a frenzy. A VIP, all-inclusive trip to St. Barts with a private chef and villa? Gone in seconds. A sculpture by Anthony James, master of minimalist monuments? Snatched up by an eager patron. A painting by Mr. Brainwash, contemporary pop art darling? Another hot-ticket item. The room was electric, wallets flying open with the kind of reckless generosity that only happens when philanthropy is mixed with high society.
Dinner was a lavish three-course affair, but honestly, I barely remember eating. The energy was too high, the conversations too engaging. And then — just as we were settling into the post-dinner lull — came the music. First, a surprise performance by platinum recording artist Parson James, his voice smooth soaring, setting the stage for what was to come. And then, the grand finale: A full-fledged concert by Swedish pop sensation Zara Larsson.
She was a force — a hurricane in stilettos. Her stamina was unmatched, her dance moves precise, her voice unwavering. Flanked by four impossibly synchronized backup dancers, she commanded the room like she was headlining a sold-out arena, not a charity gala in a ski town.
By the end of the night, the Aspen Snow Ball had shattered its own records, raising an astonishing $3.5 million for pediatric cancer research, with funds directed toward Children’s Hospital Colorado for crucial psychosocial support, art therapy, and music therapy programs.
Stepping back into the snowy night, I felt it — the sense that beneath all the spectacle, the music, and the glittering chandeliers, something meaningful had taken place. Something deeper than the couture and the opulence. Tonight wasn’t just about elegance — it was about impact. It was about rallying together to support a cause far greater than ourselves, raising crucial funds for children battling cancer. And that, more than any stunning gown or grand performance, was the true magic of the evening.
