Bronson Van Wyck is a self-professed nerd—and that quality just might be his superpower. In his work planning high-profile parties, his lifelong love of art history, architecture, and obscure cultural references often manifests as an evening’s defining detail.
Raised on a farm in Arkansas, he studied at Yale before joining the State Department’s protocol operation, managing official visits, diplomatic ceremonies, and other events. He later moved to Los Angeles, where gigs designing film sets helped him perfect the theatricality that now characterizes his lavish affairs. In 1999, he founded Van Wyck & Van Wyck with his mother, Mary Lynn. His sister Mimi soon joined the firm, which has since become a go-to event producer for A-listers including George Lucas, Beyoncé, Madonna, and former President Barack Obama. (Chanel, Hermès, and Mercedes-Benz have also leaned on the family’s skill set.)
In 2019, Van Wyck captured his approach in his book Born to Party, Forced to Work, sharing the philosophy that drives his craft. “Most of what we’re doing is zip ties, hot-glue guns, and staples,” he says. “If you huffed and puffed, you could blow the house down—but it’s perfect for one night.”
First thing you do in the morning?
Hug my dog, Cat (for Catherine of Cambridge).
What apps do you use the most?
Dashlane, which is a password memorizer. I use Artsy a lot, and Midjourney. I use the Weather app all the time. Like, do we go with the rain plan or do we not?
Van Wyck with a portion of his barware collection.
Evelyn Freja
Do you have any personal rituals?
Have a cocktail. Light a candle. Solve a crisis.
What do you do that’s still analog?
I write thank-you notes. I sketch ideas for events also.
What in your wardrobe do you wear most often?
I have a couple great pairs of Bottega sunglasses that I wear, so people can’t tell if I’m hungover or not. And scarves. You never know when a room is going to be over-air-conditioned.
Do you have a uniform for certain occasions?
When I’m working, I dress to fit in. We’re the elves behind the curtain. When I’m going out, I’d like to express something. There’s a place in Madrid called Capas Seseña. Every few years, I’ll treat myself to a cape.
Favorite websites?
I would say Bonhams, Christie’s, and Sotheby’s. I’m a compulsive bottom-feeder.
A corner of his N.Y.C. apartment.
Evelyn Freja
What do you crave most at the end of the day?
A stiff drink. Silence.
Who is your dealer, and what do they source for you?
I feel like this is a trick question. Discretion is the better part of valor.
How do you find calm?
I don’t get stressed doing this. It’s like how Labradors are missing the enzyme that makes them feel full. I’m missing the enzyme that makes me stressed-out about what I do.
What’s your favorite cocktail, and how do you make it?
My favorite right now is probably a mezcal margarita [made with our] ginger and turmeric mule.
What’s the most recent thing you’ve added to your collection?
I got the cutest cocktail shaker during an auction in London. It’s a cat with a fish in its mouth.
His new cat-shaped cocktail shaker.
Evelyn Freja
What’s the most impressive dish you cook?
Fried chicken. I’ve been flown to the White House to cook fried chicken.
What is your exercise routine, and how often do you do it?
My exercise routine is doing three-hour load-ins at the New York Public Library. Standing around doing lighting checks that were supposed to start at 9 p.m. and go until 2 a.m. I don’t sit very much.
What does success look like to you?
Doing what I love and doing it with the people I love. And being able to pay my bills.
If you could learn a new skill, what would it be?
Patience. Tolerance for intolerance.
How much do you trust your gut instinct?
Completely. Entirely.
What is your definition of luxury?
If I’m hosting a party, guests who arrive 20 minutes late. Give me that extra time to finish lighting the candles or to take out the trash.
A selection of his designer sunglasses.
Evelyn Freja
When was the last time you completely unplugged?
They recently came out with a new version of Dungeons & Dragons, and I bought all the rule books. I read them all in one afternoon.
Whom do you admire most, and why?
My mom for her graciousness, creativity, tenacity, and unconditional love.
Drive or be driven?
Depends on the car or what I’ve been doing before I get in the car.
What’s your favorite hotel?
Playa Grande Beach Club in the Dominican Republic.
What’s always in your hand luggage?
Things that I don’t want T.S.A. to find if they open my bag when I’m not there.
What is the car you are most attached to?
This little 1992 Mercedes 500 that had 268,000 miles on it. I bought it for $1,000 and had it for 20 years. It just died, so right now I’m grieving. I’m bereft.
What’s worth paying for?
Quality.
Books from his library.
Evelyn Freja
Last film you paid to see?
On Swift Horses. It was so good.
Last streaming binge?
The Gilded Age.
What kind of music makes you happy?
I’m a classic diva person. So, Madonna, Gaga, Tina Turner, Annie Lennox. I also listen to Fred again.. and Rüfüs Du Sol.
Authors
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Abby Montanez