In what has become an iconic photograph, Kahn masqueraded as his own Squibb Building with other architects dressed as buildings for the Beaux Arts Ball of 1931. The building moved decisively away from the decorative modernity of the Art Deco 20s: Lewis Mumford praised it in 1931 as “a great relief after the fireworks, the Coney Island barking, the theatrical geegaws that have been masquerading as le style moderne around Manhattan during the last few years.”
In a renowned photograph, Kahn disguised himself as his own Squibb Building for the Beaux Arts Ball of 1931. This building moved away from the decorative modernity of Art Deco in the 20s: Lewis Mumford praised it in 1931 as “a great relief after the fireworks, the Coney Island barking, and the theatrical geegaws that have been masquerading as le style moderne around Manhattan during the last few years.”