On the cozy corner of Perry and West Fourth Streets in Manhattan, Aerin Lauder and Olivia Palermo gathered their fashionable friends at Sant Ambroeus for a holiday party to fete Lauder’s latest accessories collection—the campaign of which features Lauder’s chic cohost. “We thought Olivia was perfect—beautiful, modern, and she loves accessories, as you can tell,” said the designer in a festive sheer and velvet black dress. Nearby, Palermo was bedecked in an all-black ensemble with layered necklaces and cocktail rings, clutching an Aerin Lauder leopard-print pony-hair pouchette for added flair.
If the holidays felt far away to any of those in attendance—including Brett Heyman, Meredith Melling, and Valerie Boster—the season was surely ushered in upon entering the West Village boîte. Inside, the proverbial halls were decked for the occasion. Red taper candles flickered atop tablecloths printed with whimsical illustrations of mistletoe and Christmas trees. Guests mingled over cocktails before finding their seats at the merrily dressed tables—a popular Instagram of the night. “I just looked up at the wreaths and realized it was Christmas,” said Carolyn Murphy, radiant in a sparkly Miu Miu dress. Cameron Russell also shone in a striped frock by Michael Kors, who made a fashionably late entrance to the party. “It’s like musical chairs!” said Lauder, as attendees shifted and hopped about as they filed in the banquettes for dinner.
At each place setting, Christmas crackers (filled with Aerin Lauder cosmetic goodies and paper crowns) were found. “A surprise for guests when they get home!” said Fiona Leahy, the creator of the evening’s holiday ambience. Some, however, opted to pop open their crackers over dinner, adorning themselves with their crowns. But that wasn’t the only accessory doled out to the partygoers. Upon exiting, they were treated to a piece from Lauder’s handbag collection—because what’s a Christmas fete without a little gift giving?
