When Oprah Winfrey has you on speed dial, you know you’ve hit it big. The go-to event planner of the talk-show host, not to mention Jennifer Lopez, Demi Moore, Jennifer Aniston, and Elton John, Colin Cowie is the architect behind some of Hollywood’s most spectacular events (think Oprah’s Legends Ball and Elton’s Oscar party). Born in Zambia and educated in South Africa, Cowie operates Colin Cowie Lifestyle offices in New York and Los Angeles, consulting on party and wedding planning, interior design, and food. He’s authored seven books on style and entertaining, and the eighth, 1001 Wedding Details, debuts this winter. Here he shares some secrets to a stylish soiree—and divulges his guiltiest food pleasure. --Amy Gurvitz
