Photo: Sophie Sahara
“It’s my wildest dream, but this was always the plan,” Dôen co-founder Margaret Kleveland told Vogue at Chez Fifi on Thursday evening, speaking about the new Madison Avenue boutique that’s been a labor of love. To celebrate, the Los Angeles-based label thew a bash at the sought-after restaurant, which is located in a historic Upper East Side townhouse, complete with a multi-layered caviar station, astrology readings, and late night dancing.
It was a belated christening for the Nicky Kehoe-designed store, which officially opened in February. But better late than never. At Chez Fifi, Champagne flowed, endive spears appeared, and the waft of Dôen’s signature Indra candle engulfed the room with notes of jasmine, musk, and Neroli—prompting everyone to notice and ask what the divine aroma was.
Kleveland made the rounds with her co-founder and sister, Katherine Kleveland, greeting the glamorous guests kitted out in the label head-to-toe. Dozens of fans of the label—Lila Moss, Busy Phillips, Lily Rabe, and Iris Apatow among them—all came to hang out.
“Tonight I realized, ‘Oh my God—I’m a Dôen girl!’ I know everyone at this party, all the way down to the woman who secretly puts Botox in my face,” joked Saturday Night Live’s Chloe Fineman. Sporting a buttery black jacket and capri pants, she certainly looked the part. “A great party is when you’re actually excited to see people,” she added. “Wonderful, well-rounded, interesting women are here. Women I love, and women who have fun.”
By 9:30 p.m., upstairs was abuzz thanks to DJ Justin Lucas, who spun timeless classic—from Fleetwood Mac to Madonna—to commanded the room. Ensuring no one wanted to leave, dips, lobster risotto, and New York strip steak bites complemented by a peppery dip kept appearing.
Vogue’s own astrologer Lisa Stardust was busy giving the crowd personalized astrology readings too, connecting the relationship between mysticism and fashion by linking colors to emotions; like red to passion, pink to confidence, and blue to tranquility—shades that lend themself seamlessly to Dôen’s palette. (This writer was also told to enjoy this whimsical and beautiful time while wearing equally beautiful clothing as the super new moon enters Taurus on May 16.) Elsewhere, illustrator Rob Wilson was drawing customized duck-themed artwork inspired by each attendee’s personality.
As the night came to an end, the vivacious spirit floating through the townhouse surely did not. In fact, come 11 p.m., the party felt like it was just getting started. With French 75s in one hand and silky sequined beaded pouches in the other, guests made their way to a makeshift dance floor to keep the energy going.
As Margaret put it, the brand’s mission is to design emotive pieces that create a pause in time. So surely, most people will remember their outfits from the night fondly as last seen dancing to Twist and Shout with their fellow Dôen girls.
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