The New Museum hosted its 40th annual spring gala last week at Cipriani Wall Street in New York. The event honored artist Chris Ofili and had a “Tux ‘n’ Trainers” theme, requiring guests to pair their formal attire with sneakers. We showed up to ask noteworthy attendees how they chose their footwear.
Culture Club
Tux ‘n’ Trainers
At the New Museum’s spring gala, the dress code paired sneakers and formal wear.
At the New Museum’s spring gala, the dress code paired sneakers and formal wear.
John Waters
Oh, I don’t know! I wear these a lot. They’re Comme des Garçons—they go with everything!
Jack Whitten
Well, these are homemade. I spray painted them.
Marilyn Minter, Bill Miller, and Cindy Sherman
These are the ones I wear every day!
—Marilyn Minter
I can never ever wear them out.
—Bill Miller
I’m not wearing trainers because I didn’t think it went with what I was wearing!
—Cindy Sherman
Marcus and Cherie Weldon
I grew up in the U.K., and Adidas were our favorite sneakers because of soccer. I’ve always liked Adidas shoes, and we found his and hers matching.
—Marcus Weldon
Fred Poses
They’re Margiela.
Jacob Banks
I just wanted to be comfortable.
Michael Stipe and Thomas Dozol
I think trainers are stupid, so I wore boots … like a lumberjack.
—Michael Stipe
Marcel Dzama
I was thinking ‘Happy Birthday’ because I got them as a birthday gift. My wife picked them out, so I was thinking ‘Thank you,’ I guess.
Bill Powers and Cynthia Rowley
They were the least beat-up sneakers I had in my closet, and they were a father’s day gift, so they say ‘Best Dad’ in there.
—Bill Powers
Karen Wong and Chris Ofili
(Chris had no comment)
I was looking for sneakers that were futuristic. Future forward.
—Karen Wong
Racquel Chevremont and Mickalene Thomas
(Yes, that’s New Museum’s own Paul Jackson photobombing in the background)
I was thinking of height when I put on these shoes. I wanted to be tall and towering and Amazon-like.
—Mickalene Thomas
Simon de Pury
I chose them because they’re so comfortable. I walk miles and miles because I’m obsessed with this app that counts your steps everyday.
Julian Schnabel and a friend
These are really light.
—Julian Schnabel
Jeff Koons
You know, I like these sneakers. They have a blue, kind of patent leather quality to them and black canvas. I just enjoy them.
(Photos: Antwan Duncan)