Vogue Fashion Fund Finalist label RtA arrival to NYC called for a lavish soiree, and they didn’t disappoint. Last night, a fashionable mix of models, actors, and artists flocked to the Los Angeles-based brand’s new store, opening August 7. Located at what is arguably the coolest cross street in Manhattan, RtA fits in perfectly with the Mercer x Howard street scene.
If the 2,000 pounds of crystal from French luxury brand Baccarat didn’t hint that the two were partnering together, then we’re here to tell you the two are partnering together. RtA co-founders David Rimokh and Eli Azran welcomed guests with specialty cocktails and champagne in, of course, Baccarat crystal chalices christening the new store (I’m curious if anyone made off with some of those really stunning glasses.) Gossip Girl‘s Evan Mock, the host of the night and everyone’s latest heartthrob, brought out his fun and stylish IRL posse, not the Gossip Girl gang. His squad included model and actress Ama Elsesser, stylist Donte McGuine, and models Maya Stepper, Tanner Reese, Parker Kit Hill, Alexander Roth, Kailand Morris, Drew Jessup, Zoe Lazerson, Gabriel Kane Day-Lewis, Alika Mock, Anaa Saber, and Deon Hinton.
The dinner was intimate, one long table stretching down the width of the store’s main room. Naturally, the tables were also decorated with Baccarat chandelier candle holders. The three-course meal included a delicious dill-cured arctic char, buttermilk-poached chicken, and a summer berry tartlet. After the past year, it’s evident people are ready to be back out and dress up. The first sign of that, at least for me, Alexander Roth sported an open denim vest, no shirt included, but sunnies were. At the same time, another guest looked stunning in a glamorous custom Giambattista Valli dress with flowy balloon sleeves.
Laughter and smiles filled the room. DJ Gonnie Garko provided hits mixed with underground vibes all night (Shazam couldn’t even pick up on the tunes, they were that cool.) As the music got faster and Louis Dousset NV continued to flow, the crystal flutes, guests converting any empty floor space into a dance floor where they danced the night away.
