7 MORE PHOTOS: Saks Fifth Avenue 30th Anniversary Party to Benefit the MSPCC
Finally, the Saks makeover is done, and now you can stock up on your fave NARS lip gloss and drool-worthy Louboutins (I’ve been proudly obsessed since 1998) without dealing with a construction zone. Saks’s fabulous new storefront was revealed on Thursday night to celebrate their 30th anniversary. (We have something in common: this year is the 30th anniversary of my birth. Insert shameless plug for my birthday party on October 25.)
The veteran retailer had everyone’s attention: socialites (old-school and new), media professionals, VIP shoppers, and supporters of the MSPCC were all in attendance to sip, mingle, and maybe even shop a bit. Former Herald columnist Dana Bisbee is quickly learning how the other half lives; he looked a bit nervous sans camera and notepad as he buzzed around representing his new employer, the MSPCC. Congrats on the new gig, Dana.
One of my first social encounters on this night was by far one of the best: chatting it up with the Improper Bostonian’s Jonathan Soroff as we both took notes. Priceless. (P.S.: JS, you rocked the “stepdad” attire — not getting decked out when everyone expects you to is total style power.) We chitchatted about all of the good versus bad facelifts within a 10-foot radius, plus his thoughts on Mike Diskin’s secret gay attraction to him (to which Diskin replied “Dream on” — poor metrosexual Mikey just can’t get a break), and then we stared down and commented on PR maven Anne Lower’s style. She totally caught us in the act and came over to see what all the fuss was about.
I’ll tell you what the fuss is about: this woman has one of the best wardrobes in the city. It’s not boring, it’s not too over-the-top, and she always combines edgy with age-appropriate sophistication. On this night, she had on a little black cut-out dress from Marc Jacobs (to die) and Alaia booties (that she proudly announced were from the Closet on Newbury), which were also adorable if just slightly too chunky for her thin little legs. Hey Anne, if you’re reading this, I’ll take a field trip to your closet any day.
I also saw the stunning Ashley Bernon, surrounded by an entourage of fabulous gay socialites. I’m not going to lie: I was slightly jealous. Where was my gay entourage? I AM BOSTON’S ULTIMATE FAG HAG!
Seriously, though, I want a night out on the town with these boys and then I want to write about it. I mean, who are they? They’re handsome, well-dressed (Cartier, Valentino, and Gucci were all represented), and at every party in town. I asked one of the gay mafia members what he does for a living and he said (straight-faced), “I’m a philanthropist.” He didn’t look a day over 22. Next time, love, just say you’re a super-cute trust-fund baby with a penchant for helpin’ puppies and the environment. I then asked self-dubbed “PR Prince” Max Buccini to help me set up the outing. This should be good, so stay tuned.
Oh, random and really sad side note: rumor has it some guests were confused when they got there and expected to see furry little friends at the event. Holy shit, people: MSPCC, not the MSPCA. Get it straight — children, not puppies! They both need our love, support, and attention, but just know who you’re supporting, when!
Fashion highlights included Frances Rivera’s one-shoulder Missoni dress; Tommie Watson’s Elie Tahari oversized necklace; Barbara Quiroga’s vintage re-creation necklace, Saks PR coordinator Nicole Bertucci’s ’50s-inspired tweed DVF skirt; and an adorable couple (sorry, your names escaped me) who were there with Chronicle’s Mary Richardson. Bravo on the ultra-chic and totally age-appropriate looks, he in his bright-purple tie and her with a fantastic crystal beaded clutch. They looked maaahvelous. Other local TV starlets at the soiree included Emily Rooney and a very tan and very blonde Susan Wornick.
More notables: Anne Fitzgerald, the adorably chic artist and part-time lady who lunches — this is one classy woman who’s always perfectly accessorized (God, I want to be her someday), event planner Amy Kimball, and PR gals Michelle Rathbone (Saks) and Mariel MacNaughton (Boston Ballet).
Oh wait, I forgot the “celebrities” in attendance: Austin Powers, Tina Turner, Elton John, Madonna, and Cher. Saks enlisted impersonators for the event — times are tough, folks, and the real deal is expensive to come by. Austin Powers was actually quite good, and Tina Turner had a voice on her. Overall the lineup was fun, but it did remind me a little of the time I was front row at a Julio Iglesias concert — the older ladies were shakin’ their money makers and thanking their lucky stars that their grandkids taught them how to take snapshots with their Jitterbug cell phones.
— Erica Corsano
