Aloha from The Ritz! Loulu Hawaiʻi Makes Its Moda Debut

Lauren Santo Domingo, Allison SarofimGiovanni Mocchetti/BFA.com

Throughout her career, Lauren Santo Domingo has had a prescient eye for what’s next. As Moda Operandi continues its expansion into beauty, that instinct remains as sharp as ever. Yesterday, she hosted a glittering celebration alongside Loulu Hawaiʻi founder Allison Sarofim to mark the brand’s launch on the e-commerce platform.

“Moda is the dream,” said Sarofim, who had the retailer in mind from the earliest stages of developing her line. “I was such a fan of their beauty director, Jess [Jessica Matlin], and The Fat Mascara. When we were doing research, I listened to her podcast constantly. It’s so special to me.”

The brand takes its name from the Loulu tree (pronounced “low-loo”), the only palm native to the Hawaiian Islands. Its offerings—face oils, supplements, vitamin treatments, and serums—reflect a holistic approach to skincare, treating the skin as an organ and prioritizing health over vanity. It’s a philosophy that sets Loulu Hawaiʻi apart in an increasingly saturated market.

Naturally, The Ritz served as the glamorous backdrop for the event—ground zero during Couture Week, where fans and photographers stake out the hotel’s famed façade, hoping to catch a glimpse of stars sweeping across the iconic blue carpet. Just steps from the glittering Vendôme Column, The Ritz transformed its summer terrace, La Terrasse d’Été, into a lush oasis. Surrounded by flowering shrubs and garden beds, the space felt surprisingly secluded—an ideal setting to toast Loulu Hawaiʻi.

Guests were welcomed by ukulele players flown in from Honolulu, while citrus trees added vibrant pops of color to the scene. The air was perfumed with jasmine, and trays of Casamigos cocktails and fruity mocktails made the rounds.

The crowd brought together the best of the international fashion and beauty scene. Anna Wintour caught up with Santo Domingo, while Christian Louboutin grinned as he mingled among the stylish guests. Giambattista Valli—fresh off receiving the title of Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters from the French government—basked in the glow of both the honor and an exceptional runway show. Members of Manhattan’s jet set, including designer Zac Posen, editor Derek Blasberg, and stylist Elizabeth Saltzman, turned out in celebration. Princess Olympia-Marie of Greece, Moda Operandi’s Contributing Editor, held court beneath the pale umbrellas.

The evening had the spirited feel of a reunion. Gossip swirled about the week’s many notable debuts (Matthieu! Jonathan! Michael! Glenn!) and just as many farewells (Demna!). Unlike the month-long, four-city whirlwind of ready-to-wear, Haute Couture is brief—and for many, the final industry commitment before September.