Bronson Van Wyck on Sourcing Art and His Classic Diva Playlist 

Bronson Van Wyck is a self-centered idiot. And this quality just might be its superpower. In planning his work at high-level parties, his lifelong love of art history, architecture, and obscure cultural references often appears as a defining detail of the evening.

Raised on a farm in Arkansas, he studied at Yale before joining the State Department’s protocol operation, managing official visits, diplomatic functions and other events. He later moved to Los Angeles, where gigs designing film sets helped him in the theater 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, becoming an event producer for A-listers including George Lucas, Beyoncé, Madonna, and former President Barack Obama. (Chanel, Hermès, and Mercedes-Benz have also leaned on this family’s skill set.)

In 2019, Van Wyk captured his perspective in his book Born to party, forced to worksharing the philosophy that drives his craft. “All 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, Billy (for Catherine of Cambridge).

What apps do you use the most?

Dashlane, which is a password mnemonic. I use RC a lot, and Midjourney. I use the weather app all the time. Like, do we go with the rain plan or don’t we?

Do you have any personal rituals?

There is a cocktail. Light the candle. Solve a crisis.

What do you do it’s still analog?

I write thank you notes. I also sketch ideas for events.

What do you often wear in your wardrobe?

I have a couple pairs of Bottega sunglasses that I wear, so people can’t tell if I’m hungover or not. And scarf you never know when the room is going to be more air-conditioned.

Do you have a uniform for certain occasions?

When I’m working, I dress to fit. We are the elves behind the scenes. When I’m going out, I want to express something. There is a place in Madrid called Capas Cecia. Every few years, I’ll treat myself to a cape.

Favorite website?

I would say Bonhams, Christie’s, and Sotheby’s. I am a compulsive bottom feeder.

What do you most desire at the end of the day?

A strong drink. silence

Who is your dealer, and what resources do they have for you?

I think this is a trick question. Discretion is the better part of valor.

How do you get calm?

I don’t feel pressured to do it. This is similar to how Labradors are missing the enzyme that causes them to be full. I’m missing the enzyme I use to stress about my tasks.

What’s your favorite cocktail, and how do you make it?

My favorite right now is probably a mezcal margarita (made with us) ginger and turmeric mule.

What’s the latest thing you’ve added to your collection?

I found the most beautiful cocktail shaker at an auction in London. This is a cat with a fish in its mouth.

What’s the most impressive dish you’ve ever cooked?

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 workout routine is doing three hours of heavy lifting at the New York Public Library. Standing around checking the lighting that should have started at 9pm and gone until 2am I don’t sit around much.

What does success look like to you?

I’m doing what I love and doing it with the people I love. And being able to pay my bills.

If you could learn any new skill, what would it be?

Tolerance for intolerance.

How much do you trust your gut instinct?

Completely completely

What is your definition of luxury?

If I’m hosting a party, guests who arrive 20 minutes late. Give me extra time to blow out the candles or take out the trash.

When was the last time you fully plugged in?

They recently came out with a new version of Dungeons & Dragons, and I bought all the rulebooks. I read them all in one afternoon.

Who do you admire most, and why?

My mother for her kindness, creativity, toughness and unconditional love.

Drive or be driven?

Depends on the car or what I’m doing before I get in the car.

What is your favorite hotel?

Playa Grande Beach Club In the Dominican Republic.

What do you always have on hand?

Things I don’t want the TSA to know if they open my bag when I’m not there.

Which car are you most attached to?

This little 1992 Mercedes 500 with 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 sad. I am unconscious.

Is the price worth paying?

Quality

Last movie you paid to see?

On fast horses. It was great.

The ultimate streaming binge?

The Gilded Edge

What kind of music makes you happy?

I am a classic diva person. So, Madonna, Gaga, Tina Turner, Annie Lennox. I also listen to Fred again .. and Rufus du Soul.