Glitz. Glam. Gucci. The usual suspects in the Boston party scene chomped at the bit over Gucci’s grand opening last Thursday night at the Mandarin Oriental. Officially opened in November 2008, the haughty house of fashion had been in retail limbo while their former home in Copley Mall remained open to sell the final sale items prohibited at their fancy new Mandarin digs — we suppose that when you shell out $975 per night for an executive suite, you don’t want to be greeted with SALE signs.
The champagne-soaked soiree benefited Mass General Hospital for Children, with 10% of the proceeds from that evening going to the organization.
Upon entering the gilded Gucci doors, we were immediately greeted with a “passionfruit puree soda.” Um, no thanks... we stuck with the bubbly, as any fine socialista should. The harsh lighting reminded us all to book a facial or eyebrow waxing sooner rather than later — did we really need to see bad nose jobs, crater faces, and blackheads up close and personal? Gucci, maybe invest in a little flattering backlighting, pretty please?
The only things shining brighter than the spotlight bulbs were the Gucci models. With impeccable eye makeup and statuesque chiseled features, they stole the show with their stoic poses.
Celtics cheese Wyc Grousbeck and his bride Corrine headlined the affair, which attracted a heavy media presence. Media attendees included Boston Common big Glen Kelley, rockin’ his standard pocket square and giving his best R. Kelly impersonation by cornering the youngest gal in the room (you go Glen); Boston Herald resident stylistas Lauren Beckham Falcone and Jill Radsken, truckin’ it up from the burbs; BOLDFACER’s Lisa Pierpont, looking good in her hot black pantsuit get-up; FB’s Alex Hall, fresh off an exotic adventure and looking as MILF-like as ever; and Improper Bostonian’s society man about town Dana Bisbee, snapping shots of party guests with his digital camera. Really, Improper? Get the man a photog — he deserves it! The Inside Track’s Laura Raposa even granted certain party guests an audience, making a special appearance at Gucci while wearing a fabulous chocolate suede jacket.
The non-media mavens included a stunning Elle Steiner, wearing an appropriate gold dress with matching accessories; the graphic design diva was right on point. Self-proclaimed PR star Max Buccini was there clad in his infamous ripped jeans; we get it Max, you’re edgy. Speaking of publicists, PR madman Chris Haynes showed up in a firetruck-red shirt and racing-stripe suit . . . we think everyone at the event is now quite familiar with Chris’s kissing style (always on the lips, dahling... some smooches are wetter than others). The Regan angels made an appearance, as their fearless leader, George Regan, remained in the hospital due to “exhaustion." We're pretty sure his angels did the old man proud!
The other attendees included a mix of traditional Gucci gals: think teased hair, fake ’n’ bake, and ostentatious dress. One such Gucci gal was a Deb from Medford, who had an undecipherable accent and some major enthusiasm for her neon-colored, completely age UNappropriate outfit.
After a chat with our new friend from Medford, we made our way to the exit and goodie bag line. What fabulous little trinket has the folks at Gucci conjured up? The gals got what appeared to be tassels, probably more appropriately dubbed “breast tassels,” as we're quite convinced they appear in the Britney Spears Circus tour — less than impressive. The men received a small brown leather wallet — simple but chic. Also thrown into both bags was an anemic 10% off coupon. Yes, coupon. If it’s 10%, it’s a coupon; if it’s 20%, it’s a discount. Tsk, tsk Gucci. Even Dior knows to give us a little love and incentive to spend.
