Derek Blasberg's "Classy" Party

I still get tickled pink all over when I get an invite to a really great fashion party. I still feel a bit out of place among the uber-chic fashionistas and socialites because that scene is so NOT me, but I love playing along for a few rounds of cocktails!

I definitely wanted to play along when I received an invitation for a party honoring Derek Blasberg and his new book Classy: Exceptional Advice for the Extremely Modern Lady. Hosted by Alexis Maybank of Gilt Groupe and the fabulous (new) San Franciscan Maggie Rizer, and held at the Spanish Suite of The Clift Hotel, I knew this was an event not to be missed! It's pretty rare that we San Franciscans have a legitimate excuse to get dressed up in our finery these days, but events of this sort certainly drive me to put on the dog.

I went in a new little black dress from Jigsaw, leopard pumps, lace tights, and my favorite vintage Galliano Couture clutch in red pony calf. I do think I fit the "classy" bill, if I do say so myself - getting a fresh manicure probably didn't hurt either. When I arrived I instantly ran into Kim from J'Adore Couture who looked amazing in a deep blue Balenciaga dress. Chic or no chic, famous or infamous, even at the best party in town you're still grateful to have a true friend to catch up with over cocktails!

Alexis Maybank of Gilt Groupe, Maggie Rizer, and Derek Blasberg at The Clift's Spanish Suite.

An always entertaining writer, blogger, and man-about-town, Blasberg's new book is geared for the late teen/young twenties set. I agree that the role models for class and decorum in this demographic are slim at best, but is Blasberg really meant to be the Emily Post of this set? His book sets off "classy", ladylike behavior against that of the ever-present "tramp", making a clear but playful distinction between the two. His advice is sound if a bit pedestrian, but definitely tuned for the modern life that's full of trampish noise: tabloids, logos, cheap clothes, fads, bad habits, and online nonsense.

Speaking of online nonsense of the stylish variety, Gilt Groupe brought along an array of iPads featuring Gilt Groupe's own iPad application. The combination creates a very sexy way to shop, bringing design porn of the hardware and software variety together in one.

The crowd was an interesting mix: about 15% from the SF fashion scene, and the rest looked to be top customers of Gilt Groupe and the social set combined. An odd melée of Marina girls, Junior Leaguers, and party girls who mixed the different camps of "classy" and "tramp", according to Blasberg's definition. I do wish the book included a chapter on the ladylike activity of people-watching because this event was prime fodder!

When Kim and I did get a moment alone with Blasberg, we found him to be just as delightful and goofy in person as he is in his writing and on Twitter. Plus, the fact that he loved my Galliano clutch made me love him all the more!

I also love the lists of cultural touchstones Blasberg included in Classy, citing the different characters of literature and film that one really must know to round out their expertise. While there are a few others I'd like to add to these lists, I found them to be intelligent and insightful starting points for the young pundit in bloom. Overall, the night was an exciting an glamorous good time with a dose of fashion on the side. The book? Likewise a fun, viable, and breezy tome of decorum and behavior that will surely be the hip gift of the year.

Image from Drew Altizer photography.

Comments

[Genevieve]

How fun! How was this made possible??! Always fun to get dolled up once in awhile, no?