A Look Inside Vogue100’s ‘Paris After Dark’ Dinner Party at Le Bristol

On Saturday night, Vogue editors and fashion folk gathered at the iconic Le Bristol hotel for Vogue100’s first-ever ‘Paris After Dark’ affair. Formerly the Count of Castellane’s private theatre, the Salon Castellane served as the perfect setting for the spectacular evening. Baccarat crystal chandeliers and glasses of Champagne welcomed guests to the theater turned formal dining room for an intimate cocktail hour. 

Of course, The World of Interiors’ Hamish Bowles and Vogue’s Virginia Smith stopped by for some bubbly. British Vogue’s Julia Hobbs also made an appearance alongside Vogue Japan’s Tiffany Godoy and Vogue Mexico’s Karla Martinez de Salas. I think it’s safe to say that this Paris Fashion Week soirée garnered quite the global interest. 

For the main event, three-Michelin-starred chef Éric Fréchon prepared an exclusive five-course meal. First on the menu was a generous portion of caviar from Sologne followed by large langoustines lightly cooked with lemon and thyme. The candele macronis prepared with black truffle and duck foie gras was an instant crowd-pleaser. And for the entrées, the New Zealand whitefish and poached hen breast dishes were delightful. Of course, the exquisite cuisine was served on white-and-gold Limoges porcelain designed by Haviland, especially for the salon. 

The Salon Castellane dressed for dinner. Photographed by Joseph Bishop. 

Floral fabrics created by the great Venetian design house Rubelli decorated the romantic room, and the Manufacture de Lille tapestry on the far wall offered an ever-fitting palatial vibe. The long candlelit table was lined with rose petals and finished with gorgeous bouquet centerpieces. 

Before the final dessert course, Nicky Doll of RuPaul s Drag Race rose from the table and gave a surprise performance of Britney Spears’s “Toxic.” Stopping at every seat, Doll, who was sporting a sequined Valentino number, quickly turned her solo show into a duet with guests eager to belt out the words on rhythm. From beginning to end, this special evening felt nothing short of Parisian fantasy come to life for one night only.