The Tamesis
Jasmine Larian Hekmat, Aurora James, Sophie BouhayMark Patrick/BFA.com
If the preferred type of party these days is a low-key family get-together, then the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s cocktail party at Silver Lake’s Oliver House might just be the party of dreams.
On Wednesday, golden sunlight poured through the large windows of an RM Schindler-designed modernist house nestled near a beloved nearby reservoir. “It’s a prism of light,” agrees owner Gina Correll Aglietti, who is also CEO of Yola Mezcal.
The backyard, where most people mingle, maintains its magic as the light reflects off the small sink, wine glasses and quartz earrings worn and designed by co-host Sophie Buhai. Aurora James, CFDA vice president of Brother Vellies (and co-host), also decorated her ears with Buhai designs.
California talent who helped shape American style gathered on the lawn and patio, with guests including Danielle Frankel Hirsch, Bethann Hardison, Cult Gaia’s Jasmin Larian Hekmat, Zoe Latta, Google Fashion executive Stephanie Horton, Spencer Phipps and Steven Kolb, who enjoyed grazing on chunks of Barbari bread at farmers’ market-style tables.
James, who was wearing Bode clothing, pointed out that night was the first time the CFDA held a gathering on the West Coast since the pandemic began. “I hope we can start to feel like Los Angeles is also part of our larger community and family because there is so much talent here,” she said. “I love having pizza parties in my own garden, so you’re welcome to come over anytime.”
Wearing a Fortuny kimono paired with a vintage Calvin Klein top, Buhai spoke to guests about her experience with the organization: “I’m so grateful for the community that CFDA provides. I think it’s so important to be able to have other friends in our industry and be able to connect with them and come together and share what’s going on.”
Indeed, the camaraderie was palpable in the laughter and light-hearted banter that lasted well into the night – although the blooming jasmine and jacaranda certainly helped, as did the specialty cocktail; a lemon leaf-garnished Yola Mezcal Coco Fresca.
Jewelry designer Marvin Douglas Linares is excited to do just that. He’s rarely home these days because he’s traveling the world as Bad Bunny’s stylist. To complete his Jacquemus ensemble, he paired it with football-shaped diamond stud earrings that the singer debuted during Super Bowl halftime.
Dressed in head-to-toe Thom Browne, Kolb took in the colorful booths and crowds as he took in it all. He thanked Donnie, the house’s four-legged resident, saying: “Just having a dog around means I know we’re in a really good place.”
