No stranger to celebrity, Capote was already a fixture in New York City’s elite social circles, and knew very well how to play the game. A masterful manipulator of self-promotion, he knew that this was much more than just a celebration—it had the potential to be a major publicity opportunity for “In Cold Blood”, and the ultimate act of self-aggrandizement.
The task before Capote now was no easy one. How could he devise the perfect, titillating, gimmick for the party he planned to hold for himself? One that would create a spectacle like none ever seen before, that would hold both the media and fans breathless? Well, the answer was pure genius.
Capote decided to make it the most posh event, not just of the year, but also of the decade, and maybe even the century. He held it at New York City’s Plaza Hotel — which In Capote’s mind was the only decent ballroom left in the city. Attendance would be limited to 540, so it quickly became the most coveted invitation on every major celebrity’s wish list. Capote knew he was in control, and would often taunt the potential guests with, “Well maybe you’ll be invited, and maybe you won’t.”
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