Chic Soiree and Spring at Ralph Lauren

I had intended to post these photos of the new spring Ralph Lauren Home rooms at the Ladies Mansion yesterday but my computer had other ideas.  It actually worked out perfectly because now I can not only post photos of the gorgeous rooms but tell you about the chic soiree I attended there last night.  Ralph Lauren, the man and the store, graciously hosted a lovely cocktail party to celebrate editor in chief Margaret Russell and the new Architectural Digest and it was definitely the party of the year so far.

Not only was everyone in the design world of New York in attendance but many came from out of town to celebrate with Margaret.  Some of the attendees included Charlotte Moss, looking beautiful in black Ralph Rucci; legendary decorator Mario Buatta; architect Richard Meier; Jesse Carrier, who as I suspected will be decorating Jay Fielden's new office at Town & Country magazine; chic party planner and shop owner Antony Todd, Suzanne Kasler, the sweetest designer ever in town from Atlanta; Darryl Carter in from Washington, DC; and Nathan Turner from Los Angeles.  I did not get to meet Nathan when I was in LA last year so it was a treat to finally meet him in New York.  His new design reality show will debut this spring on Bravo and I can't wait to watch.  My friend Jessica and I couldn't let style icon Iris Apfel pass us by without telling her how much we love her style and I couldn't resist telling Zezé how much I love his flowers.  I think a field trip to his shop is in order soon. 

So, I can tell you a good time was had by all especially since my head is still pounding today.  But more importantly, make sure you stop by the 4th floor of new ladies Ralph Lauren mansion to check out the gorgeous new spring collections for Ralph Lauren Home.  It's like visiting the chicest home where you can actually buy everything you see.  What could be better than that?!  Bon Weekend!

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

Studio Sofield's Chic Soiree

My first inclination that the "evening of finery, furniture and friends" at interior designer William Sofield's Studio Sofield would be fabulous last Thursday evening was the special installation by the Matthew Marks Gallery. The second was the "7pm till..." open ended time frame of the party. You know that's a sign you better clear your schedule for the following day! But I think it was the live white snake on a bed that we encountered when we arrived that confirmed that this was no ordinary event!

But then again, I didn't really expect anything less than a chic soiree from the interior designer of choice for a man as discerning as fashion designer and filmmaker Tom Ford. Bill Sofiled, above, is also as wonderfully nice as he is talented luckily and I felt honored to have make the cut!

What we noticed about Studio Sofield is the amazing attention to detail. The office was moved into it's current larger space about a year ago and you can tell that it's not only an office but a laboratory for design from the beautiful paint colors to the unique furnishings.

As I mentioned, part of the evening was intended to highlight the wonderful artwork from the Matthew Marks Gallery which was hung around the space which included pieces from Gary Hume among others. Artist Brice Marden and his wife were also on hand for the festivities, as was artist Michelle Oka Doner.

This stunning piece is a replica of one that hangs in a client's house in California.

Perhaps you'll be able to see that it is actually a large goldfish bowl in this close up.

It might be a little hard to tell in this photo but Studio Sofield also arranges it's design books by color!

Yes, I know smoking isn't good for you but the thoughtful host made arrangements for his smoking guests to keep them inside during the party so they wouldn't have to shiver outside in the cold.

Everyone joked that if I worked at Studio Sofield, this would be my desk. Not sure why they have a vanity in the office but maybe it's the reason why they all look so good!

My friend Satya Twena who works for Studio Sofield was kind enough to give us the grand tour. My favorite part was watching the slide show of project photos on the computer screens on the desks. The office doesn't have a website with a portfolio so it was a wonderful treat!

As I mentioned, the attention to detail was heightened for the party but I have a feeling that the office probably doesn't look much different during the day. My favorite part though was how it smelled! They wouldn't tell me exactly what I was smelling but there is someone in the office who layers scents around the space.

The other reason for the party was to showcase Bill's new designs for Baker.

This room was set as the dining room with some of the beautiful pieces from Baker as well as a fabulous Gary Hume above.

There is a lovely quiet elegance to Bill's interior design which is also evident in his furniture designs.

I also spoke with some of his staff who helped with the designs and there was a large emphasis on comfort as well as aesthetics. Since they often measure their clients for bespoke sofas and chairs, it was a very easy task to design for Baker.

Even the simplest arrangements were beautiful and the catering by Mary Giuliani was delicious!

At the party, both Fabiola Beracasa and Tinsley Mortimer were brave enough to drape the snake over themselves while most everyone else avoided this room! It had a handler but I joked that he was only there so it wouldn't eat the parrot that was also hanging out!

The bedroom area also had an amazing painted lacquered ceiling that looked like it was studded with jewels!

Beautiful artwork and tablescapes were around every corner.

The color of the leather on these dining chairs made me swoon. The whole room was divine actually! I can't imagine working in such a beautiful environment. It must inspire creativity daily!

Everyone thinks New Yorkers are jaded and sometimes we are but I can tell you that every person at the Studio Sofield party, from the chic socialites and Vogue-ettes to the fashion and interior designers, was blown away by the design genius and hospitality of our host! As I joked that evening, it was like dying and going to design heaven. Bill Sofield clearly has the divine touch!

Photos by Kevin Tachman/BackstageAT.com