Poiret Beauté Arrives in the U.S. With a Launch Party Worthy of the Couturier

On a quiet Wednesday night in Manhattan, the blue doors of John Demsey’s townhouse swung open to reveal something rare: a fashion-and-beauty fête that felt more like Paris in the spring than Sutton Place in the fall.

The occasion was the stateside debut of Poiret Beauté, the luxury skincare line inspired by the spirit of couturier Paul Poiret. Hosted by Demsey, James Kaliardos, and Cassandra Grey, the celebration took place inside Demsey’s art-and-object-packed townhouse. Inside: original Warhols, brutalist sculptures, a floor-to-ceiling library, and endless mirrors—offering not just a party setting but a fitting metaphor for a beauty brand built on reflection and glamour.

Guests were ushered past Demsey’s now-famous blue doors and greeted by sharply dressed servers offering flutes of Veuve Clicquot and trays of shrimp toast, risotto balls, and curated vegetables. “We’re here to celebrate the new beginning of the House of Poiret and Poiret skincare,” Demsey said from his backyard terrace. “Have fun and stay long—everyone’s triple-parked tonight!”

Among the crowd: Tonya Lewis Lee, June Ambrose, Lauren Ezersky, Maria Cornejo, Jennifer Fisher, Emilia Wickstead, Peter Brant, Amy Fine Collins, and more. “Seeing everyone come out tonight is amazing—it’s all fabulous,” said Grey, whose brand, Violet Grey is collaborating on the launch.

Inside, a “skincare bar” showcased Poiret’s debut products—including the Cleansing, Absolift, L Aube, and Essential Lines—while the backyard turned dancefloor glowed under a red neon sign reading Chez Poiret. Samantha Ronson manned the DJ booth, spinning for a well-heeled crowd that sipped and swayed beneath the stars.

“I feel like these products will help re-establish interest in Poiret and start new conversations,” said Kaliardos, the U.S. launch’s creative director. Judy Lee, Poiret’s Director of Brand Strategy and Imaging, added: “Paul Poiret’s famed Parisian garden inspired this evening—it’s about beauty, pleasure, and a little theatricality.”

Guests, naturally, were enchanted. “I’m very particular about what I use,” said global management consultant Umindi Francis, “but these moisturizers and serums completely sold me.”

As the night wore on and dessert trays emerged, a second wave of guests arrived—including Nicky Hilton Rothschild and Jill Kargman—just as early birds made their exits. Upstairs, the second-floor parlor became a refuge: a red salon featuring a Warhol of Diana Ross, and a blue room with velvet sofas, oversized celebrity portraits, and a rhinestone-studded peacock perched in the window.

“This is my first time at John’s house—and I’m in awe,” said Luann de Lesseps. “He loves his knick-knacks, doesn’t he?” June Ambrose added: “I’ve known John for years—we worked together on MAC’s Viva Glam—and I’ve been to this house before, but tonight it feels totally reimagined.”

And as one guest was overheard saying on their way out: “I think someone knocked and asked us to turn the music down.”

Which, as launches go, might be the ultimate compliment.