What to Wear When the Dress Code Is "Unsuitable"
Vogue
Todd PlummerThe Art Production Fund is not your typical cause and, as such, does not throw your typical fundraiser. As New York's leading nonprofit sponsoring large-scale public artworks, its wide range of supporters straddles the city's many different social strata: uptown, downtown, art enthusiasts, philanthropists, perpetual partygoers, and so forth. Last night, the Bright Lights, Big City gala was held at the Seagram Building's Landmark Rooms, the space formerly occupied by the Four Seasons restaurant. And the dress code being "Unsuitable," more than a few guests received their invitations and asked the inevitable question: "Huh?" But that's the fun of a party like this—there were lots of different types of people, and everyone interpreted the dress code in a different way. Artist Zoe Buckman wore adorable Chanel suspenders; Rachelle Hruska MacPherson donned a funky embellished suit over one of the embroidered sweaters from her Lingua Franca line; and Huma Abedin sported a studded leather moto jacket. Other notables included Nicky Rothschild, Stacey Bendet, Sarah Hoover, and Laura de Gunzburg.
The evening's honorees were Miuccia Prada and artist duo Elmgreen & Dragset, who altogether collaborated to create Prada Marfa, an APF project that has been a pilgrimage for art tourists since 2005. Although Ms. P was herself unable to attend, her presence was felt throughout the room, as many of the evening's best-dressed women were wearing Prada, especially Casey Fremont, who wore an impeccable set of feathered, beaded pajamas.
"I saw these and figured, why shouldn't I wear pajamas to the party?" she told us. An outfit like that takes confidence, which is something that Fremont has in spades. After all, she recently took over APF as executive director after cofounders Doreen Remen and Yvonne Force Villareal retired to positions on the board last year.
After dinner, people were eager to leave—not because it wasn't a fabulous party, but because impending winter storm Stella had everyone in a flurry to get home. Soon enough, the cloakroom was mobbed with people reaching for their coats and air-kissing their friends goodbye, and East 52nd Street choked up with taxis, Ubers, and town cars. Mia Moretti and Abedin shared a brief exchange near the door while trying to contact their drivers.
"Waiting for your car?" asked Moretti.
"Story of my life," replied Abedin.
But getting snowed in at the former Four Seasons might not have been the worst thing in the world. Said Fremont: "Maybe if we get snowed in we'll have to go for a dip in the Pool Room."