Some Enchanted Evening: Scarlett Johansson Leads Louis Vuitton's Love Toast

Scarlet Johansson

“With all the flashbulbs going off, I started to wonder which film I’d been in,” joked Fabiola Beracasa of the red carpet scrum outside Louis Vuitton’s cocktail soirée to celebrate its spring Love Collection in New York last Thursday night.

The socialite was amongst the starry arrivals, which included tennis ace Serena Williams, REM’s Michael Stipe, actresses Alex Kingston and Scarlett Johansson, who played co-host with LV’s North America president, Daniel Lalonde. There was also a solid showing of ASW members including Antoine Arnault, Gustaf Demarchelier, Amanda Hearst, Genevieve Jones, Julia Restoin - Roitfeld, Eric Villency, Alvin Valley, Susan Shin, Fabian Basabe, Hud Morgan, Daniel Benedict, and Lauren Goodman.

Gustaf Demarchelier, Fabiola Beracasa, Fabian Basabe	Michael Stipe	Amanda Hearst

Daniel Lalonde, Scarlett Johansson, Antoine Arnault

While the snappers and curious onlookers created a frenzied sidewalk jam, the mood was serene inside the store. An “enchanted garden” makeover made “it look like Midsummer Night’s Dream in here,” said Cinema Society’s Andrew Saffir as he surveyed the space, which was festooned with pastel paper flowers, “And I could be Puck!” Performances by New York City Opera guest soprano Kerry Walsh, who wore white angel wings, only heightened the evening’s surreal feel.

In between clinking cocktails and sipping champagne, guests eyed up the Love Collection, which includes tote bags and tank tops bearing the Love logo in delicate embroidery by Lesage, the Parisian atelier famed for its couture work.

The love theme extended beyond the clothes since the reception was also held in support of Oxfam America. Johansson, an ambassador for the charity, was not about to let anyone forget the cause. The actress, who wore a 1950s-style strapless dress from LV, was heard passionately outlining the organization’s work to guests throughout the evening.

- Sabine Heller