How fashion insiders do party season
Whether you’re a social butterfly whose diary is overflowing with invitations or a consummate host on the hunt for crowd-pleasing tips, excelling at party season requires a magical mix of imagination, stamina and sartorial prowess. But how do the fashion industry’s most sought-after party planner, celebrated makeup artist, cult hair stylist and in-demand designers take merrymaking to the next level? Read on…
Han Chong
It’s hard to overstate the impact Malaysian designer Han Chong (@mrselfportrait on Instagram) has had on women’s occasion wear. From the moment he launched Self-Portrait in 2013, it became a firm favorite with stylists, editors and celebrities alike.
“If you’re putting in the effort to get dressed up to go to a party, you want to get noticed. When I’m designing, I think about the women who will be wearing my creations. I want them to feel beautiful, confident and in control. When I want to have a good time, I always call my friend Tina Leung; she loves to dance. Personally, I love pop music – any song by Madonna, Beyoncé or Rihanna will get me on the dance floor. Last month, I threw a Self-Portrait party in Venice that lasted all weekend long. On our last night, we had a gala dinner party at an incredible palazzo. It was incredible seeing the guests arrive by boat in their Self-Portrait pieces and custom capes we had made especially for them. I’d love to have Cardi B come to my next party. I follow her on Instagram and she looks like she’d be a great time!”
Jeanette Friis Madsen & Thora Valdimarsdottir
Despite launching their label, Rotate Birger Christensen, just a year ago, Danish fashion editors-turned-designers Jeanette Friis Madsen and Thora Valdimarsdottir have redefined Scandi style with their feel-good designs. Follow them on Instagram @_jeanettemadsen_ and @thora_valdimars
“We love hosting and attending parties, but for both of us the dream celebration would be piling all our dearest friends into a private jet and flying them out to the Maldives to party in a beautiful house by the beach. We’d eat under the stars, our favorite music would be blasting, everyone would be wearing Rotate and we’d dance until the sun came up. When it comes to designing pieces for party season, our inspirations really vary. We search archives of vintage pictures, movies, music videos and magazines. We love it when the outfit and accessories are a little ‘extra’ but hair and makeup are kept natural; it brings balance to your look. We want women wearing our designs to feel special, extravagant and like the center of the party.”
Mimi Xu
As the musical virtuoso responsible for the runway soundtracks of some of fashion’s most iconic labels – including Miu Miu and Prada – Mimi Xu is one of the world’s most influential DJs. Check out Mimi on Instagram @mimixumusic
“Playing a party is a lot of pressure because you’re there to entertain. I can be pretty selfish with my track choices but, in my opinion, if you’re having fun, then the crowd will too. I’d never play music I don’t like. One song that never fails to get me on the dance floor is the original version of I Feel Love by Donna Summer; it’s a hard track to top. When it comes to parties, I like extremes. I either want to go to a proper rave or a gathering of just 10 friends. Plus, unless I’m going to see an amazing DJ perform, I like to be in control of the music. My dream party would be on a secret beach in Ibiza, far from the commercial side of the island.”
Isamaya Ffrench
Prodigious makeup artist and Christian Louboutin Beauté ambassador Isamaya Ffrench (@isamayaffrench on Instagram) leveraged a part-time job face-painting into a career as one of the beauty industry’s most daring and distinguished figures.
“I love using glitter eyeliner and lots of mascara – lipstick always ends up coming off on someone else anyway! My job is less about working with makeup than it is about working with faces. Over time, I’ve realized how subjective and personal our relationship to beauty is. When it comes to party dressing, I love Vivienne Westwood, Courrèges and Paco Rabanne’s chainmail bags and dresses. If I’m hosting a dinner party, I’ll usually do a roast – that always feels like you’ve put a bit of effort in. I was actually offered a place on the TV show MasterChef when I was 19 and I’m still a pretty good cook. But the true secret to throwing a great party is making sure you have a cleaner booked for the following morning!”
Henrietta Rix & Orlagh Mccloskey
When best friends Rix and McCloskey couldn’t find the mood-enhancing party pieces they were looking for, they decided to make their own. The result? Rixo.
“We always host a party during London Fashion Week and it inevitably turns into a wild dance-floor extravaganza. The secret is great music and a well-stocked bar! We love a good party; we’ve gone to Ibiza together every summer since we first met. Even though everyone else on the island goes out in sneakers, we always make the effort to put on a great dress – like our Daisy style – and a pair of platforms. Studio 54, or more specifically disco icons like Cher and Bianca Jagger, are our ultimate inspirations. They’d definitely be on the guest list for our fantasy party, plus Kate Moss and her crew. Party season is a great excuse to let loose and wear something really special, but it’s also important that you feel confident and comfortable. That’s why we’re so obsessed with fitting our dresses perfectly. We always make sure they’re fluid enough that you can move and dance easily, and that there’s just enough skin on show.”
Jen Atkin
Cult hair stylist Jen Atkin (@jenatkinhair) has worked with everyone from Jennifer Lopez to Jessica Alba and counts Chrissy Teigen, Christine Centenera, Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid among her most loyal clientele. In 2016, she launched her own haircare line, OUAI.
“My husband and I are trying a new thing right now when we host dinner parties: no cell phones allowed! It might freak some people out for the first few minutes, but by the end they are totally converted. When I’m going out, I’ll usually wear a blazer, bodysuit, jeans and a killer pair of heels. I also love pantsuits for when you just need a one-stop solution. Right now, for hair that has a party vibe, I’m loving the slicked-back, almost-wet look, especially with a bun or ponytail. It looks even better when your hair isn’t squeaky-clean, but you can achieve the same look by dousing your roots with OUAI Rose Hair & Body Oil. And, finally, ’tis the season to chill out, so invest in some self-care: take a bath, put a treatment mask on for 10 minutes and take time for you during all the holiday hustle and bustle.”
Fiona Leahy
It’s been 14 years since Dita Von Teese and Marilyn Manson asked their good friend Fiona Leahy to plan their lavish Irish wedding. Since then, party planner Leahy has gone on to work with clients such as Dior, Christian Louboutin and even Middle Eastern royalty. @fionaleahydesign
“There is no secret to throwing a great party: if you have amazing guests and great music, nothing else really matters. I like adding an interactive element to the evening – like a dinner pass-the-parcel. I used to do a lot of karaoke, but not so much anymore… I have neighbors! Adding an element of personalization is also a really nice way to let your guests know how happy you are to host them, whether it’s a beautifully written place card, a crystal or a monogrammed truffle shaver. Nothing ruins a party like bad shoes, which is why I have multiple pairs of my favorite, super-comfortable Aquazzura Sundance platforms. My dream holiday party would be in a big country house. I’d get reindeer, an ice rink and have roaring fires everywhere. There would be an amazing banquet and then Nile Rogers and Chic would perform. We all need a little escape from reality now and then – and that’s what a great party offers.”
PARTY-SEASON STAPLES
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