Luck Stone Corp. raised the bar last night for corporate soirees. To kick-off a new approach to its annual showcase of building products, this venerable, family-owned business came up with a fun and funky fashion party that drew about 300 people to the Charles Luck Stone Center in Goochland County. 

Billed as a celebration of stone and style, Elements 2008 didn’t disappoint. Guests could admire stone samples such as the Pietra Piasentina tile from Spain or the Saks Fifth Avenue models who strolled through the party wearing the season’s latest fashions. Music, lights, video, food, a bar made of ice and demonstrations by Italian mosaic artist Francesca Cestarollo all contributed to a hip, international vibe.

Charles Luck executives were on hand to chat with their guests. David Hisey, director of global sourcing, told of travels around the world in search of exotic stones for the company’s commercial and residential customers. While a housing slump has depressed sales of many building products, last night seemed like an anecdote to the gloom and doom.

CEO Charles S. Luck IV spoke proudly of his family’s legacy. He is the third generation to lead the family business, one of the country’s largest producers of crushed-stone products. “Tonight is all about stone, theatre, artistry and a New York style,” said Luck.  “My grandfather [Charles S. Luck Jr.] was a man of distinctive style and taste.”

He would have enjoyed this party. It continues for the next three days with a series of workshops on topics ranging from countertops to terraces and pathways. For more information, go to http://www.charlesluck.com/workshops2008.