Kanye & Rachel

Before last night, I had only known the Palace Hotel as the hotel that Chuck’s dad owns and Serena’s family resides in on Gossip Girl. But last night, I became a Gossip Girl myself and partied it up with Kanye West at the Palace Gate, the hotel’s beautiful outdoor courtyard space.

The Fabulous DJ Cassidy

Jamie Pallot, Dirk Standen, Tyler Thoreson, and Kanye West hosted Men.Style.Com‘s Women of Fashion 2009 event, celebrating 25 women who make the world more glamorous. All the young hoi polloi were there, including Charlotte Ronson, Steve Allen, Jason Wu, Yigal Azrouel, Leigh Lezark, Paul Sevigny, O’Neal McKnight, Fonzworth Bentley, Poppy de Villeneuve, Rachel Roy, Ric Pipino, Sean Avery, and DJ Cassidy.

New Fashion Icon Jason Wu

Being a huge Kanye fan, I was thrilled to spot him mingling among the crowd like a regular guy instead of the uber-celebrity that he is. I made my way to his side hoping to snag a photo, when a woman standing next to him (whom I assume is his publicist?) encouraged me to interrupt Kanye’s conversation to get a photo with him. I was shocked by how short he is, and even more shocked when he put his arm around me and smiled for the camera. Thanks, Kanye!

Fonsworth Bentley

Passed hors d’oeuvres were provided by the hotel’s restaurant, Gilt, and the open bar kept the crowd well lubricated. Sadly, the Veuve Clicquot was reserved for only a select few in the VIP lounge areas. Still, I wasn’t too upset since I drank way too much Veuve at the Manhattan Polo Classic.

Contributed by Gal About Town, Rachel Brill

Rachel

Poppy & Friend

Guests

Maxwell & Models