Thursday Socials

Can I tell you…about Thursdays in the city. New York’s best social events are always held on Thursdays, always has been, always will be. I don’t know why but it is. So a few months ago, on a crisp Spring Thursday, my friends designer Peter Som, writer Rima Suqi and I decided we’d party hop.First stop was Shinique Smith’s opening at Yvon Lambert’s gallery in Chelsea. I met Shinique a few years ago through my girlfriend and museum curator Christine Y. Kim and we instantly hit it off. She’s funny, warm, thoughtful and a prolific artist. Her work has been steadily gaining momentum and was recently among the chosen few at the Rubell Family Collection show entitled “30 Americans” in their gallery in Miami.Shinique’s mixed media style referencing pop and urban street culture through collage and painting has made her a rising star in the Art World. This show was entitled,“Ten Times Myself". I was blown away by the show…her pieces were exuberant, powerful and energetic. Her work blurs the lines between sculpture and painting seamlessly.Art openings always draw in an eclectic crowd and it’s great for people watching. As we were heading out, we bumped into fashion editor Emil Wilbekin wearing his Rafe satchel. I love an unexpected Rafe sighting!Next up, we headed all the way downtown to Crosby Street, on the edge of Soho and Chinatown to the Super chic design store/gallery De Vera. On this insider street address, you’ll find Derek Lam, Jil Sander, Ted Muehling and Opening Ceremony. It’s a destination but it’s worth the trek. Federico de Vera is a good friend and an insanely talented jewelry designer, curator and collector of objets d’art.His store is like a mini museum of the most exotic artifacts from around the world and he has impeccable taste. His store is filled with exquisite examples of deities and Philippine saints, vintage Venetian glass, Japanese and Chinese lacquerware, and updated Georgian and Victorian jewelry.Federico's own jewelry designs are to die for. The guest list was an impressive mix of architects, artists, interior designers, editors and fashion designers.Can you imagine my excitement when Pierre Hardy walked in? If you don’t know who Pierre is, you should! Can I tell you…he’s major! On top of designing his own collection of shoes for men and women, he also designs Balenciaga’s women’s shoes and Hermes’ fine jewelry and women’s shoes. He’s a designer’s designer.I told him I had several of his shoes and he was so gracious about it. Listen, when somebody adores you like I do him, how can you not be thrilled?! When I meet people who are so effusive about their love for my designs, I’m always flattered and humbled at the same time.All those cocktails leave me hungry and it’s impossible to eat at these events…as much as I try to nibble. So Peter and I dashed to the Lobster Shack up the street for a proper meal while Rima stayed to mingle some more. That was a fun night. Note to self: Thursday Socials are always great!