New York City’s trendiest partygoers embarked on Chelsea’s art district on Thursday night for an unexpected thrill at Kim Crawford Wines’ interactive art event with famed fashion photographer Miles Aldridge. Television presenter and fashion icon Alexa Chung, Mad Men actress Nora Zehetner, reality star Kelly Killoren Bensimon, TGATP favs model sisters Alexandra and Theodora Richards, Paper magazine’s Mickey Boardman, fashion model Alana Zimmer and Miss Lily’s co-owners Binn and Genc Jakupi were among the notable and surprised guests. Upon arrival at Cedar Lake Studios, the guests discovered that the party, disguised as an exhibition showcasing Aldridge’s work, was also the site of Kim Crawford’s summer 2012 ad campaign, shot live by the renowned photographer.
Guests gathered around the elaborate sets to get a glimpse of Aldridge at work – capturing everything from a pianist in couture to a model flying through the air on an oversized swing. Some on-lookers were even pulled from the party to be featured in the campaign images, including former model Bensimon. We’ll find out, when the campaign breaks in June, if she made the final cut!
Arriving within minutes of each other, ultra-thin pals Chung and Zehetner ran in for a hug and stayed close throughout the evening with Chung sipping on Kim Crawford’s Pinot Noir while Zehetner enjoyed the Sauvignon Blanc. At the opposite end of the party, Alexandra Richards DJ’ed for the packed house as her sister Theodora danced by her side. Theodora later making her way around the venue to pour herself a glass of wine using a Rube Goldberg machine.
Separate from the elaborate advertising scenes, were four extravagant vignettes featuring a provocative cast of characters for guests to interact with. From hipster flower goddesses and woodland mischief nymphs to performance artist like Dangerkat, LadyFag and Ericka Toure-Aviance, partygoers were invited into a mythical and extraordinary world. In keeping true to the unconventional party theme, guests enjoyed inventive bites by Pinch Food Design including gold-dusted truffles and mini servings of pink cotton candy, presented on everything from floating trays to towering silver platters. And as the wine was flowing, a dance party erupted, moving to beats ranging from The Beatles to Lady Gaga.