It's not every day that one gets to see a beaux-arts Upper East Side embassy awash in a sea of pink, but as they say, there is a first time for everything. Thursday evening, I headed to The Fletcher-Sinclair Mansion, where Jimmy Choo was celebrating its latest collaboration -- that with contemporary artist Rob Pruitt. Previous Choo collaborations have included those with artists Nan Goldin, Richard Phillips and Marilyn Minter.
Pink neon dominated the entry way, which then led to a hypnotic black and white step and repeat. Krysten Ritter, Melissa George, Olivia Chantecaille, Sea of Shoes blogger Jane Aldridge, Julie Henderson, Genevieve Jones, Hilary Rhoda and Tinsley Mortimer were among the starlets and swans who graced this version of the red carpet, all modeling bags and shoes from the limited edition collection, which is available at Jimmy Choo stores and online in November.
It was then up to the second floor, where the party was in full swing and the collection was on display. The 19 styles of shoes, bags, and accessories boast bold colors and feature custom leather linings with angel and devil panda motifs. The brand's creative directors, Sandra Choi and Simon Holloway, were present and accounted for, as was Pruitt, who told me: "channeling art into fashion is a whole other kind of challenge, and an exciting one. It's great to be right here, where I see all of these fashionable -- but very different -- women, incorporate my work into their own style. It gives [my art] a personal touch"... As did the panda popsicle desserts passed around toward the evening's end -- which guests promptly washed down with champagne.