Purple Madness: The Purple Fashion Party, 2007

Juergen Teller and Helmut Lang

New York’s newest and hippest hot spot, Beatrice Inn, is owned by Paul Sevigny, (DJ and brother of Chloe Sevigny), Andre (Love Graffiti artist) and Matt Bromchec (part owner of the downtown hangout Employees Only). Since opening, Beatrice Inn has played host to a plethora of avant-guard gatherings, from V Magazine’s Halloween bash to Proenza Schouler’s fall 2007 after party. The recent Purple Magazine soiree – held in collaboration with the Villency Emerging Fashion Fund - was no exception.

The fête drew some fashion heavyweights, including the reclusive Helmut Lang, and photography legends Juergen Teller and Terry Richardson. Olivier Zham, Purple’s eccentric editor- in- chief, graciously mingled with guests, who included fashion royalty Bee Shaffer, Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, Alexis Bryan, Meredith Melling Burke and Hamish Bowles. New York scenesters in attendance were Waris Ahluwalia and Chiara Clemente, Rebecca Guiness, Karen Duffy, Brian Wolk and Claude Morais of Ruffian, Kate Shelter, Elisa Lipsky-Karasz, Eric Villency, and Kimberly Guilfoyle. Girl about town Byrdie Bell arrived on the arm of her boyfriend Bingo Gubelman, after having held a lunch with Annie Churchill for Tadashi and later hosting the Philosphy Di Alberta Ferretti fall/winter 2007 presentation.

Paz de la Huerta, Olivier Zham and Terry Richardson	Kimberly Guifoyle and Eric Villency	Lou Doillon and Andre

Olympia Scarry

As the New York social set mingled under Beatrice’s low ceilings, plush couches, and laid back sitting rooms, their west coast and British counterparts made their presence known. Ultra hip duo Victoria and Vanessa Traina held court by the fireplace, while Olympia Scarry (granddaughter of children's book illustrator Richard Scarry) made her New York fashion week rounds before heading back to London. Greg K from the MisShapes spun retro hits, creating a lively atmosphere for guests to enjoy Pravda’s cocktail made especially for the Beatrice, aptly named 'the 12th street'. The party continued late into the night, and included an appearance by Mary-Kate Olsen, who spent the evening canoodling with Max Snow in the back room, avoiding photographers.

— Kate Hindin

Photos - © Billy Farrel & © Patrick McMullan