Ballgowns & Electronica : The Celebration of Dieter Meier (Backstage)

A lifetime of accomplishment was honored with wine, dancing, and a live anthem-belting Statue of Liberty this past weekend, as conceptual artist Dieter Meier was welcomed as the Guest of Honor for the Swiss Society Ball 2009.

One of the two founding members of the group Yello (you might remember the track "Oh Yeah" thumping its way through Ferris Bueller's Day Off), Meier has built up an artistic entrepreneurial mountain as multifaceted as Christian Bale's personality. The gregarious Zurich native's other attainments include directing various films and videos (Alphaville's Big in Japan), a short stint as a professional poker player, and serving on the board for the recording studio technology company Euphonix.

The Swiss event itself glistened with a societal elegance many have forgotten; and the celebration of such an unprecedented force in electronica, amongst all the satin and champagne, displayed improbably beautiful contrast. The Pierre Hotel will doubtlessly commemorate not only the endless libations and ballgowns -- but the toasting of Meier's career in form of unleashing "Oh Yeah" to whump its way through the Grand Ballroom. Congratulations, Dieter Meier.

-- Ashley Avis