This gala was a made up, invitation-only supper club with an absurdly fabulous backstory. Long dormant, Chez Claude is opening its doors again for one night only. A dinner party with a secret history, a wink of mischief, and a mission: to raise funds for the Lycée Français de San Francisco’s long-dreamed-of cantine.
The most exclusive club to never exist
Each year, the Lycée Français de San Francisco hosts a gala to raise funds for the school, typically guided by a set theme. This year, our creative team took a different approach: rather than a theme, we built an entire world.
Chez Claude began as a narrative conceived by Molly de La Falaise—the story of Claude, a mysterious figure whose chic, exclusive supper club existed for one night only. From that story, I developed the brand identity that would bring the club to life, transporting gala guests into Claude's world the moment they arrived.
Bimbo's, a well-known San Francisco club, became the setting for this secretive world's single night of existence.
Rich burgundy and sophisticated cream anchor the palette, with occasional pops of red and washes of blush. An inspired take on iconic French typography served as the hero typeface. Illustrator Eunice James added chic, spirited illustrations that rounded out the brand's richness.
The Brand
Bringing the World of Chez Claude to Life
Every detail of the event, from velvet drapes and moody lighting to table settings and art, was designed to feel brand-consistent, immersing guests fully in Claude's world. Branded collateral included dinner and cocktail menus, table signs, placement cards, matchboxes, napkins, a live auction presentation, and a pin and foulard gifted to volunteers.
Eunice James hand-threw the table vases and crafted a porcelain exhibit imagining items left behind from past Chez Claude nights—both sold at the event. She additionally conceived event props including the photo booth and student volunteer uniforms.
Additional contributors to the event were of the highest caliber, including acclaimed executive chef Daniel de La Falaise, who crafted the dinner menu, and cabaret vocalist Shannon Wolfe, who provided entertainment.
Haute Goss
Le Cancanier is a fictional society tabloid that peels back the curtain on the secretive world of a mysterious San Francisco socialite's underground supper club, featuring scandalous rumors, insider gossip, and a curated selection of live auction items, executed as a playful clash of editorial refinement and tabloid mischief.
Copies were quietly scattered throughout the supper club, doubling as mischievous decor and a cheeky bit of entertainment for guests.
The Result
Chez Claude raised $1 million for the school, by far the highest total in the gala's history. What began with Molly's fabulous, intriguing story became a fully realized world, one that let guests forget everything outside its doors for one unforgettable night—a fitting thank you to the generous attendees who made it possible.
$1 million
FUNDRAISED
Project — Event Design
Role — Creative Direction, Design
Molly de La Falaise — Creative Direction, Narrative, Producer
Eunice James — Illustration, Event Props, Art
Client — Lycée Français de San Francisco