Friday night Nordstrom gave a new meaning to in-store events. Upon arriving at the fifth floor of the luxury department store, it was hard to imagine this is where Nordstorm houses its activewear and lingerie collections. The space was converted entirely into a laid-back lounge, clear of racks, registers, and other retail innuendos. Two bars, plush velvet couches, and several stand-up tables decorated with soft candle lights filled the massive room. A gleaming sign that read “A Legendary Holiday” illuminated the stage, foreshadowed what the night was soon to bring.
Guest including Justin Theroux, Natasha Lyonne, Dominque Jackson, Tituss Burgess, Brooke Shields, Eric Rutherford, Ezra J. William made their way to their cozy seats after enjoying passed around truffle grilled cheese bites to tuna tartare hors d’oeuvres, and, of course, with any holiday party, specialty cocktails. Once settled, Pete Nordstrom, Executive Vice President of Nordstrom, welcomed the night’s first act, Seattle-based singer, Shaina Shepherd. The singer set the mood with a heartwarming vocal set. Following her performance, Katherine Cousins, the Global Brand President of Sperry, introduced took the stage to introduce the man of the hour, John Legend.
Legend, who recently launched his first collection with footwear brand, naturally took the stage in a pair of his own curated collection, giving a quick shoutout to the label. He went on to perform a solo set, including some of his top hits like “All Of Me” alongside throwback from his very first album before transitioning into the holiday spirit with “This Christmas.” One glance around the room, it was evident all were moved by Legends angelic voice, some gently singling along or nearly to tears.
After Legends set and a short speech on his love for New York, DJ Questlove got the energy back pumping as everyone took to their feet for the after-party. Champagne and specialty cocktails were flowing as pizza and chocolates were passed around. The guest took advantage of a fun GIF photobooth with an empire state building backdrop and danced all night until the lights turned on.
