Last Night at Bergdorf’s, Markarian, CeCe Barfield, and Christie’s Celebrated Their Stunning Capsule Collections

Every year, in the final days of summer, Christie’s hosts an interiors sale: scrolly gilt chairs from Louis VIX–XIV, Meissen porcelain, and Mughal Empire-era inlays populate the auction block with reserves starting at a (considerably reasonable) $1,000. But among all the antiquities at this latest sale, shoppers will find something novel—a line of homewares inspired by items in the auction catalog and custom made for the occasion.

It’s the first time Christie’s has commissioned such a project, luring in two tastemakers to spearhead the capsule collection: Alexandra O’Neill of Markarian (a 2-year-old label whose romantic gowns can be spotted on the most it Girls about town) and interior designer CeCe Barfield Thompson (a Bunny Williams, Inc. alum who knows a thing or two about chintz).

The result is the CeCe Barfield x Markarian for Christie’s collections, two lines of well-crafted tableware by CeCe Barfield Home and dresses by Markarian to be sold at Bergdorf Goodman through September. The launch was the reason for last night’s celebration, which brought out the likes of Hilary Rhoda, Sarah Hoover, Flaviana Matata, Valerie Boster Macaulay, Mafalda Saxe Cobourg, and Dani Evans.

The group first congregated on the third floor of the 5th Avenue department store, enjoying cocktails and previewing the collection on display. The objects to marvel included Laboratorio Paravicini–produced dishes, which feature chrysanthemums inspired by 18th-century palampore upholstery within the Christie’s upcoming sale on August 21, and dupioni silk pillows (manufactured by Markarian’s garment district factories) with beaded embroidery meant to evoke a Qianlong Dynasty piece up for auction.

The well-dressed assemblage (most wore Markarian, but of course) then headed up to the newly renovated eighth floor for a dinner. The room was heavy with ambiance as cranberry-colored linens were draped on plates—both by CeCe Barfield Home collection—and candles flickered. The tablescapes featured wares from the collection, carefully pulled together by event producer Kristen O’Neill—who just so happens to be Alexandra’s sister. Of the collection, Alexandra had earlier described wanting “to create everything you need for your dream dinner party, from the tablecloths to your hostess look.” Consider this a job well done, ladies!