The Tamesis
You can take away our baguettes, you can take away our rings and watches, but please don’t take away Alioune Fall’s Manolos! The night’s host burst into the bell tower’s candlelit private dining room and breathlessly shouted, “Someone stole my Manolos!” All eyes were on Farr, and then, realizing the tongue-in-cheek reference to Carrie Bradshaw, the chatter resumed.
His Manolos remain autumnal—a sleek pair of black patent loafers with a bow at the top. The performance skit was produced for the model and street style star’s social media channels; it was one of many engaging efforts by the creatives to bring everyone in the room together – which was what the entire evening was about.
Manolo Blahnik and Fall captured the essence of community perfectly. It was the Tuesday before New York Fashion Week; the day and night were packed with never-ending events, yet those gathered at the New York edition were happy to slow down and spend a relaxing evening together. Upon arrival, one is immediately immersed in the gorgeous retro charm of the 1980s-style Gold Room. Models Amina Ladymya and Aweng Chuol sipped Manolo margaritas at the pool table, where Fall and Ian Jeffrey were playing golf.
Soon, the guests were led into the large living room to enjoy dinner, and suddenly there was a burst of excited cheers. Upon arriving at their seats, attendees found a custom framed illustration on their seat; artist Pepe Muñoz combed through their feed for favorite fashion moments and captured them as souvenirs. After admiring their portraits, dinner began and the room was buzzing with activity.
It was evident from the silence of the evening that the first community dinner was a success and more events are to come. Somehow, the fall brought together 30 people from all walks of life and from all over the world seamlessly. “This is my 10th year in fashion and my 100th year of Black History Month,” he said as he stood and toasted the room. “It means so much to me to be around all of you. Each of you truly inspires and motivates me.”
As the filet mignon and halibut arrived, drinks and conversation flowed, and the host worked the room, making sure he personally greeted each guest. He told attendees how he stayed up until midnight on the seating chart – he didn’t want best friends sitting together to create isolating bubbles, or loud people occupying quiet corners. He hopes that everyone can truly get to know each other through this event. This is exactly what happened. Strangers became friends. The relationship between acquaintances becomes closer. Phone numbers and Instagram accounts were exchanged, and promises were made to catch up after New York Fashion Week, and everyone left feeling like the industry was a little smaller.
