With an Ultra-Chic, Lauren Santo Domingo-Hosted Dinner, Caviar Kaspia’s New York-Era Begins
Leave it to Moda Operandi’s Lauren Santo Domingo to host what will undoubtedly be the chicest dinner of New York Fashion Week—especially as it had little to do with the city’s sartorial programming. Last night, Santo Domingo welcomed her culture-defining, ultra-stylish friends to Caviar Kaspia, located within the luxurious confines of The Mark Hotel on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Co-hosted by Caviar Kaspia owner Ramon Mac-Crohon and Izak Senbahar, co-owner of The Mark, the party marked the first-ever meal served at the Parisian restaurant import.
During cocktail hour, which unfolded on the sidewalk of Madison Avenue—surprisingly mild February temperatures allowed for such a congregation—guests sipped on Champagne and mingled. Others were still rushing uptown from Prabal Gurung’s fashion show, which ended just in time for the dinner portion of the evening.
In attendance were Leslie Mann, Lily Allen (who debuted a new blonde ’do following her big Architectural Digest cover), Natasha Lyonne (who sat by and chatted with New York City Mayor Eric Adams), Sienna Miller, Justin Theroux, Tom Sturridge, Eve Jobs, Talita Von Furstenberg, Huma Abedin, Derek Blasberg, and more. Though several designers were on the eves of their own presentations, this was an event that was not to be missed, pre-show stresses be damned: Catherine Holstein, Tory Burch, Wes Gordon, Aurora James, Gabriela Hearst, Erik Torstensson, Brandon Maxwell, Laura Kim, Fernando Garcia, and Ana Khouri were all present and accounted for. So too were Jim Gold, CEO of Moda Operandi, and Chief Merchant April Hennig.
A seated dinner commenced, featuring Kaspia’s beloved baked potato topped with caviar and a delectable baba dessert served with raspberries. Each place setting was marked with a personalized caviar tin shipped straight from Paris, while the tables were draped in Kaspia s signature turquoise linens and adorned with simple yet striking floral arrangements. As if in unison, everyone whipped their phones out as soon as the iconic baked potatoes arrived, and throughout the meal, partygoers switched up seats in what was surely the most well-dressed game of musical chairs in Manhattan.
Of her fondest memories at Caviar Kaspia, Santo Domingo told Vogue, with gracious discretion, “there are too many to mention.” Kaspia is, after all, a place where guests are encouraged to truly enjoy themselves. “It s a great place for chic gatherings during fashion week, but also for special occasions,” she continued. “Few places can do both."
The restaurant s design, masterminded by the renowned Jacques Grange, embodies the essence of the original Parisian haunt, which has hosted celebrities since its doors first opened in 1927. In perfect aesthetic harmony with The Mark Hotel, Caviar Kaspia marries Parisian old-world elegance with a touch of New York Art Deco—plush emerald green mohair banquettes lined the room, which is anchored by a sculptural Belgian black marble bar. "Caviar Kaspia at The Mark Hotel is a match made in luxury heaven," said Mac-Crohon. "Our Parisian institution, considered the Fashion Canteen,’ seamlessly blends into the international fashion and creative community at The Mark.”
Before encouraging everyone to take a shot (or two) of vodka, Santo Domingo stood to deliver remarks and officially kick off Caviar Kaspia’s New York era. “We have a solid crew; everyone here is on the VIP list. I m going to give everyone Ramon s home phone number so you re all taken care of,” she joked, teasing her guests about what was soon to be the most in-demand reservation to secure in a city filled with white-hot hotspots. We have a feeling many in the room are going to take her up on that.
Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com1/23Justin Theroux, Sienna Miller, Andres Santo Domingo
Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com2/23Natasha Lyonne
