A recap of Barbie's 65th Anniversary Celebration in NYC

September 10, 2024

Everyone knows that Barbie throws the best parties!

The Barbie shop inside the iconic F.A.O Schwarz toy store in Manhattan, NY was the perfect location for her 65th Anniversary. It was an event to remember, with an interactive activation that included live fashion sketches by Fashion Illustrator Deanna Kei (that’s me!) , and lots of other fun gifts!

The energy level inside the shop was off the charts! Everyone was so happy to be there! At the Barbie shop, fans can customize their very own Barbies with the help of a trained Barbie stylist. Each time a kid finished customizing their Barbie doll, the stylist presented them to the audience by name and everyone in the shop gave them a round of applause. The applause were going all day and had everyone smiling.

After guests chose their Barbies, they were treated to Barbie donuts and fashion sketches of themselves as a Barbie doll!

It was a fun filled day full of cute photo ops! Shoppers were given a Barbie hat with their purchases and the large Barbie box at the front of the store made the best frame for photos!

Barbie shoppers who spent $75 or more were able to have a live illustration done of themselves. The fashion illustrations were framed with a pink Barbie box border. It was the perfect memento from the day!

Krispy Kreme joined in on the festivities with a beautiful donut display of their Barbie x Krispy Kreme collaboration donuts. There were 4 different flavors to choose from, each featuring a different design! The Barbie donuts are available outside of the event too!* See Krispy Kreme for details.

Barbie fans showed up from all over, dressed in their best Barbie outfits. It was so much fun sketching everyone and chatting with them about their collections! There was a fun crowd around the sketch station and everyone was mingling with each other and showing off their Barbies and it was really just such an amazing day full of good, pink vibes!

The Barbie shop is located inside F.A.O Schwarz and is definitely worth a visit!

Deanna Kei is a fashion and beauty illustrator who works with brands to create custom illustrations, and she also sketches guests live at special events. To book live fashion art for your next event contact: DeannaKei@gmail.com or see here for more details!

7 Unique wedding and event venues in NYC!

July 9, 2024

NYC is home to some of the most amazing event venues in the world! If you’re planning an event and are currently on the hunt for the perfect location check these out! I’m sharing 7 of my favorite spots below!

No matter what your aesthetic is, these versatile venues will give your event the perfect vibes!

620 Loft and Garden - Manhattan, NY (Midtown)

View of St. Patrick’s Cathedral from Loft 620

Why you’ll love it: The roof top garden over looks 5th Avenue and has an unrivaled view of St. Patrick’s cathedral. It’s the perfect space to hold a mixer, a cocktail hour, or even a wedding ceremony. The rooftop venue also has a fully indoors, yet airy space that can be transformed to match the event inspiration board of your dreams.

Deanna Kei sketching at a 620 Loft wedding - Photo Credit: Meg Smith Photography

Bride and Groom sketch of Tamsen Fadal and Ira Bernstein by Deanna Kei

2. The Foundry - Queens, NY (Long Island City)

Why you’ll love it: The Foundry is an 19th century building with a cool, industrial vibe. The brick archways create dividers, perfect for housing different entertainment vendors. The main space opens up to a larger back room and outdoor space (not pictured).

3. The River Café - Brooklyn, New York (Dumbo)

Why you’ll love it: The River Café is set right on the water below the Brooklyn Bridge and has a gorgeous view of NYC’s skyline. The out door deck is the perfect spot to watch the sun set over the city and the window lined indoor dining space has an equally beautiful view.

4. Nobu Downtown - Manhattan, NY (Financial District)

The downstairs level has a beautiful dining space

Why you’ll love it: The visuals and the level of design inside Nobu’s downtown multi-level dining space are breathtaking. The restaurant serves beautifully plated Japanese cuisine and is available for private events.

5. The Wythe Hotel - Brooklyn, NY (Williamsburg)

Why you’ll love it: Entering the Wythe hotel is like stepping into a story book. The Cooper Room, pictured above, is an adorable brick lined space for more intimately sized parties and gatherings.

6. Gallow Green - Manhattan, NY (Chelsea)

An old train car sits in the open air venue

Why you’ll love it: The dim lit, wooden paneled elevator will whisk you away to Gallow Green’s hidden roof top restaurant, bar, and garden. Lush greenery frames the space overlooking the west side water. The vintage train car and dreamy lighting will make you feel like you’ve stepped into another time.

7. The Loeb Boathouse - Manhattan, NY (Central Park)

Why you’ll love it: The Loeb Boathouse is a landmark restaurant overlooking the Central Park lake at the center of the city. The indoor event space has windowed doors that open to a beautiful lake view.

Deanna Kei is a New York based live event illustrator who turns guests into fun fashion illustrations at special events, private parties, and weddings. She’s available to book for your next event! *Contact deannakei@gmail.com or view her event details page to find out more!

13 Amazing New Jersey Venues You'll Love!

January 8, 2023

Did you know that some of the most beautiful event venues can be found in New Jersey, just miles outside of New York city?! The state has countless unique event spaces, from rustic barns, to restaurants with views of the city skyline, to beach spas overlooking the open sea, and everything in between.

As a live wedding illustrator I often share creative event entertainment ideas, but before you book the talent you need to choose the space. So this time I’ll be sharing my photos and notes from some of the amazing venues NJ has to offer!

Scroll below to see13 of my favorite venues that I’ve done live guest sketches at. *This list is in no particular order.

1. Molos Restaurant - Weehawken, NJ

Why you’ll love it: This Greek and Mediterranean restaurant is right on the Hudson river and has an unmatched view of New York City. Its private event space is lined with full windows so that guests can watch the boats pass by as they dine. The restaurant itself is located in Weehawken, just beyond the Lincoln tunnel.

2. The Ryland Inn, The Coach House - Whitehouse Station, NJ

Why you’ll love it: The Coach House at the Ryland Inn has a beautiful cocktail hour room with raised ceilings, wood paneling, and a rustic feel. The attached main ballroom (not pictured) is a charming refurbished barn.

3. The Ryland Inn, The Grand Ballroom - Whitehouse Station, NJ

Why you’ll love it: The Grand Ballroom at the Ryland Inn is located in a separate building on the grounds. The high ceilings are decorated with elaborate chandeliers and there is a separate room for the cocktail space, a piano bar, as well and multiple more intimate sized event rooms.

4. Wave Resort & Spa - Long Branch, NJ

Why you’ll love it: The Wave resort is a beautiful spa venue overlooking the sea at the jersey shore. It has an airy loft event space with a roof top balcony area for outdoor ceremonies. The resort is framed by a cute beach town and is a minute walk from a carousel, ice cream shop, and more!

5. TPC Jasna Polana, Princeton NJ

Why you’ll love it: The TCP Jasna Polana is a classic styled country club, set beyond a breathtaking arched gate and brick entry way. The ballroom has a domed ceiling and is lined with full windows that look out on the grounds.

6. The Sheraton - Eatontown, NJ

guest holding their sketch by Deanna Kei

Why you’ll love it: The raised ceilings and modern lighting design of both the ballroom and the cocktail space make the Sheraton at Eatontown a chic choice for events.

7. Art Factory Studios - Patterson, NJ

Why you’ll love it: The Art Factory is such a one-of-a-kind space! The ground floor has a vintage art market feel to it. The upstairs level is made up of multiple areas, including an outdoor space. The event design options are limitless!

8. The Westin Governor Morris - Morristown, NJ

Why you’ll love it: The Westin Governor Morris has a classic, open floor cocktail space making it a great choice for larger events. Beyond the doors is an ornate ballroom where the tables frame the dance floor.

9. The Imperia - Somerset, NJ

Why you’ll love it: The Imperia’s unique ceiling designs and wall and carpet furnishings make this venue a must-see! Their multiple banquet rooms can accommodate both larger or smaller events.

10. The Park Chateau - East Brunswick, NJ

Why you’ll love it: The Park Chateau has a gorgeous library space just outside of the main cocktail room which can be opened up to extend the area. The cocktail hour room also opens to an outdoor ceremony space.

11. The Venetian - Garfield, NJ

Why you’ll love it: The Venetian’s ballroom has a beautiful curved double staircase leading down from the bridal suite to the dance floor, perfect for making a grand entrance. The chandeliers and color changing light-lined ceiling bring the perfect ambience to any type of event.

12. Nanina’s In The Park - Belleville, NJ

Why you’ll love it: Nanina’s in the Park is known for its beautiful outdoor garden area. Inside, the ballroom has a large dance floor in the center surrounded by an elevated seating area so guests have a perfect view.

13. The Meadow Wood - Randolph, NJ

Why you’ll love it: The Meadow Wood’s grand stair case is the first thing your guests will see as they enter and its the perfect backdrop for photos.

Deanna Kei is a New York based live event illustrator who turns guests into fun fashion illustrations at special events. She’s available to book for both live and virtual events. *Contact deannakei@gmail.com