Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Raises a Glass to Yayoi Kusama

On June 3, Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame kicked off the summer season with a champagne cocktail hour at the New York Botanical Gardens to celebrate their annual spring gala and the recently unveiled exhibition “Kusama: Cosmic Nature.” Guests enjoyed glasses of La Grande Dame 2012—a prestige Cuvée created in honor of the brand’s namesake, Madame Clicquot, who trailblazed the champagne industry as a female entrepreneur in the early 1800s. Champagne was served from ornate vintage bottles designed by Yayoi Kusama, who adorned the limited-edition series with her signature dots and bright colors to spread messages of joy, hope, and optimism—which also felt like themes for the evening despite the rainy weather. Notable attendees include Aurora James, Prabal Gurung, Eny Lee Parker, and more. Photos by Neil Rasmus/BFA.