StyleSpy with Katrina Szish

Tawny, trim tennis ace Maria Sharapova turned 21 this week.  In addition to a star-studded celebration hosted by Tag Heuer complete with a red (er, black) carpet, Ms. Sharapova was decked out in Lanvin for her candle-blowing bash. 


Neil Rasmus/PatrickMcMullan.com/Sipa Press

The press release from Lanvin reads: "Tennis superstar Maria Sharapova looked beautiful at her birthday party last night in a cocktail dress by Lanvin.  For this special occasion, Maria selected Lanvin’s turquoise washed silk gazar ruffle scoop back dress accented by a black elastic belt with a flower enamel buckle."

Yes, there was actually a press release.  Celebrity "special occasions" (whether birthdays or bridal showers or baby showers) have become viable alternatives to the traditional red carpet scenario.  Celebrants are now asked "Who are you wearing?" by reporters rather than "What did you get?" by friends.

But this decadence and indulgence isn't just for starlets.  Birthday parties for adults -- whether or not said reveler is a celebrity -- are getting increasingly sumptuous. 

I've recently been invited to a fete at which the guest of honor has planned "a vignette performance of Swan Lake" in honor of her birthday.  Another gentleman recently celebrated his 40th at a chic downtown bash masterminded by the exclusive Supper Club of New York.  And yet another requested that those lucky enough to be on the very short guest list at his Bungalow 8 soiree donate a specified sum to his favorite charity.

In addition to the location, the guest list and the entertainment, the wardrobe selection -- just like it is for celebs -- is of the utmost importance.  There will be photos taken, of course, most likely by a paparazzi-esque snapper hired specifically for the event.  There will be stares, perhaps even gawkers, as the birthday girl steps from her car and takes those few precious, public steps into the restaurant, club, theater or ice-skating rink. 

The adult birthday party has become an opportunity to be fabulous and to remind everyone else how fabulous you are.  Who doesn't want to be a star for a day?  And then again for another day the following year?!  I'm kind of loving this concept.  It's like being a kid all over again, when that big day was so deliciously all about you.  The only difference is that now you can have champagne with your cake instead of milk.

What do you think of these over-the-top celebrations of self?  What would your dream birthday bash be like if money were no object?  Dare to dream...

I'm thinking private island, pina coladas and horseback riding with about thirty of my nearest and dearest...Oh, and Magnolia chocolate cupcakes with pink frosting, of course.

And you...?