The Tamesis
The dazzling Faena New York was the perfect backdrop for renowned photographer Steven Klein’s 60th birthday. About 70 of Klein’s inner circle gathered at a West Chelsea hotel Thursday night to help him usher in the new decade.
The blowout begins in the living room, the hotel’s sexy, 1970s-inspired lounge filled with leopard print. Outside the study hangs a mural by Keith Haring, the artist’s largest work not on display in a museum. “Alan [Faena] Support artists. He was a great ambassador for the arts and was very generous in letting me host the party here,” Klein told me Fashion. “There’s no better place to celebrate.”
Fashion insiders are in high spirits. Lifelong collaborators include Grace Coddington and former British Vogue Editor Edward Enniful hugged Klein. At the bar, Joan Smalls and Patti Wilson chatted with friends while guests sipped spicy margaritas (Klein’s personal favorite, tequila and mezcal) and mini cheese empanadas.
Kim Cattrall sat on a corner bench with her husband, Russell Thomas, talking to Klein’s sister, Hope. “Steven is definitely who he is,” Catterall said. The actress starred in the iconic 2002 film Got Milk? “Photographed by Klein. commercial and will be filming again in 2023 for a Skims swim event. “The milk campaign was very wholesome, but he made it his own. When I saw his photos, they were beautiful and brutal, and I got a really strong reaction. I have a photo he gave me as a birthday present a few years ago. It was of a stag riding a horse. I don’t know who else would have seen and captured this moment. In all its passion and technical expertise, there was also a very powerful and sexy energy that you couldn’t look away from. It’s a stunning photo that perfectly captures Steven.”
Also in attendance was Helena Christensen, who has appeared in many Klein Lens editorials over the years. “Steven is really caring,” praised the Danish supermodel. “He was always honest. He always held my hand when I spoke to him and was very personal. His talent was amazing. He saw things that I wanted to get inside of him and explore. He had a very weird world in his head and it showed in his art – I loved that.”
That night, Klein surprised himself with a three-tier red velvet chocolate cake designed by his partner, Joshua Cummings. The photographer tells us that before blowing out the candles Fashion His birthday wish was not for himself, but for the fashion world. “My wish is that magazines can regain their creativity and allow people to follow their dreams and find their only purpose in this world.” As the crowd sang Happy birthday, Klein blew out the candles with his 10-year-old son, Ace, with Cummings at his side.
Longtime friend Irina Shayk also sent her heartfelt birthday wishes. “I wish Steven good health, positivity and lots of love – because that’s the most important thing,” said the Russian fashion show regular Fashion, Wearing Issey Miyake (Issey Miyake) clothing to steal the spotlight. “Having known Steven for so many years, he does a great job of keeping great people close to him. It’s a huge honor to be here and be a part of his birthday celebration because he’s one of the most legendary artists out there. I’m so proud to have been photographed by him and to be a part of his vision.”
As the last cake was served, guests moved next door to El Secreto, Faena’s inviting new nightclub space based on a deconstructed disco ball. Madonna’s son David Banda was the first to hit the dance floor and was soon joined by Shayk. Later, the famous nightlife veteran Susanne Bartsch stood on top of the bar and sang a vibrant serenade for Klein. Happy birthday.
At midnight, the last bottles of champagne were poured and the fashionable crowd strolled toward the exits. Turning 60 marks an important moment in life, but Klein isn’t slowing down anytime soon—in fact, he’s working tirelessly toward some important new goals. “My dream is to make my first feature film,” he reveals. “It’s about the dark side of New York. I want to do more books, more exhibitions, more of everything. Every year is a milestone, every day, every minute – it matters, and I’m happy.”
