As Manhattan temperatures plunged on Thursday night, the atmosphere inside the Tom of Finland Foundation’s Anniversary Affair told a very different story. Celebrating 41 years of mentorship, advocacy, and unwavering support for queer artists, the Foundation’s newly appointed board partnered with interdisciplinary design studio Apparatus—renowned for its signature red-hued showroom—to host a holiday gathering that pulsed with heat, elegance, and self-expression.
Hidden on the fourth floor of a Garment District building, the event felt like a living embodiment of Tom of Finland’s iconic imagery. The late Finnish artist’s unmistakable visual language appeared to leap off the page and into the space—quite literally, as several rare original drawings were displayed throughout the venue. Apparatus’s interiors set the tone: rich crimson walls, plush carpeting, and deep sofas created an immersive environment as guests—many dressed in body-hugging black ensembles—mingled beneath the hum of understated Euro trance music.
Anchoring the room was a striking bronze sculpture of a reclining nude male figure positioned beside an oversized black Tom of Finland boot. The boot, it was later revealed, was not merely decorative but an intricately designed cake crafted by Amy Yip of Yip.Studio. Guests sipped classic cocktails courtesy of Misguided Spirits as they drifted through the showroom and down softly lit corridors, conversations lingering as long as the glances exchanged. The evening also unveiled a rare collaboration envisioned by Apparatus founder and creative director Gabriel Hendifar, who debuted bondage-inspired wreath installations that drew admiration and delight from the crowd.
Attendees arrived dressed either as an homage to Tom of Finland’s legendary illustrations or as unapologetically authentic versions of themselves. Sleek leather coats reminiscent of Peter Do’s universe were paired with daring designs by Ludovic de Saint Sernin, while others opted for razor-sharp tailoring from Saint Laurent. No matter the styling approach, the outfits shared a common thread: fantasy, freedom, and fearless sensuality. What bound the room together was a collective reverence for Tom’s enduring legacy—one that continues to inspire pride, joy, and confidence in personal desire.
Beyond the revelry, the event underscored the Tom of Finland Foundation’s continued commitment to preserving queer art and uplifting voices at risk of being erased. Through its Artist-in-Residence program, the Foundation has supported creatives such as Lukasz Leja and Donald Shorter Jr. Their work, chief curator Brooke Wise explained, mirrors Tom’s playful spirit while pushing masculinity forward in contemporary ways. “Their work is infused with humor and sensuality—qualities Tom embraced wholeheartedly,” Wise told Vogue. “They explore dominance and submission through a modern lens, challenging and evolving ideas of masculinity. I think Tom would have loved seeing how his influence has grown.”
Now guided by refreshed leadership—including Wise, David Aldea, Robert Knox Hayes, and Nolan Feng, alongside the Foundation’s Los Angeles–based board—the organization is entering a new chapter, one focused on reaffirming its relevance and resonance within today’s queer cultural landscape.
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Photo by: Hunter Abrams
