ISTANBUL74 Co-founders Alphan Eşeli and Demet Muftuoglu Eşeli hosted a VIP dinner at BRASS in New York City, bringing together top names across entertainment, art, fashion, culture, and design to preview the theme of the 15th anniversary edition of the ‘74 IST. ARTS &CULTURE FESTIVAL (IST.FESTIVAL), taking place October 10-12, 2025 in Istanbul. 

Guests in attendance included Alphan Eşeli, Demet Muftuoglu Eşeli, Nazy Nazhand, Waris Ahluwalia, José Parlá, Flavin Judd, James Kaliardos, Trevor Paglen, Hillary Taymour, Osman Can Yerebakan, Christina Ohly-Evans, Josh Glass, Jihae Kim, Linda Fargo, George Sotelo, Mickey Sumner, Arden Wohl, and many more.

The evening began with a cocktail hour at The Tusk Bar with guests enjoying champagne, cocktails, and wine courtesy of Ruinart and Lalo Tequila, as well as Love Conquers All non-alcoholic elixir, before sitting down to dinner and wine pairings from JUSTIN Vineyard & Winery. Champagnetoasts were made by ISTANBUL74 Arts and Culture Director Nazy Nazhand, co-founder Alphan Eşeli, and the evening’s co-hosts, Waris Ahluwalia and José Parlá, building excitement for the upcoming theme: What Is Really Real?

Image credit: Michelle Kammerman/BFA