DIFFA: The Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS’s Dining by Design event, held in six U.S. cities throughout the year, recruits event and interior designers to create elaborate dining installations for a fund-raising dinner.

For the 21st installment of Dining by Design, designers and manufacturers brought elaborate vignettes to Pier 92 in New York. DIFFA’s annual fundraiser, part of the Architectural Digest Design Show, supports organizations that fight HIV/AIDS. Leaders from Perkins + Will, Rapt Studio, Rottet Studio, Rockwell Group, Gensler, and more, dreamed up wonderful spaces full of glamour, vibrant eye-catching colors, and whimsical settings.

Interior Design contributed its own table with the theme of light. “As chairman of the board for the past six years, it’s been so invigorating to be a part Dining by Design year after year,” says Interior Design editor in chief Cindy Allen. “This March, we celebrate Dining by Design in a time that could really use some light and inspiration. The entire five-day event is a celebration what we do best: dining, designing, and making a DIFFA-rence!”

Here’s a look at some of the highlights from the Cocktails by Design Opening Night event.  Thank you, to esteemed photographer Alan Barry for your sensational photos of the vignettes.