Happy B-Day, Preston Bailey!

Celebrity events designer Preston Bailey threw himself a lavish Panamanian-themed 60^th birthday party at Studio 450 tonight. A native of Panama, Bailey has planned events for Oprah Winfrey, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Donald and Melania Trump. Not surprisingly, Bailey went all out for his fête, which he called “The Curious Case of Preston Bailey.” Palm trees adorned with papier-mâché parrots stood amongst an ocean backdrop of tropical fish, making the scene reminiscent of a Latin American summer night. Waiters in white tunics served tiny Cuban sandwiches (grilled ham and cheese with pickles), fried shrimp and piña coladas, while guests sampled fresh avocado arepas and black bass ceviche from various stations set up throughout the venue. A group of Montuno dancers grooved to traditional Panamanian tunes played by a salsa band. A breathtaking feast of corn tamales, chicken con salsa and rice and beans—all made by Bailey’s sister—awaited guests on the roof deck, as did Planter’s punch and fresh mojitos—the perfect complement to the views of the Manhattan skyline.—Maura Kutner

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