The pedigree of a truly successful party doesn't appear until the next morning. Just how brightly does that sun shine? Do you spurn sunlight and ache for sleep like a newborn bat? More than a few New Yorkers are likely in this predicament on the morning following the Chandelier Creative and Commonwealth Utilities' Christmas extravaganza party.
The boutique design firm and menswear line, both headed by creative director Richard Christiansen, sent out over 700 16-inch wide red invitations (some 300 were returned by the postal service) promising Santas, hot dogs and Champagne.
Christiansen and Commonwealth Utilities designer Anthony Keegan, who was dressed in a reindeer costume, warmly greeted guests at the door. Holiday revelers entered a high-ceilinged Soho loft filled with balloons, a towering Christmas tree and a choir singing disco and R&B tunes. Besides the requisite open bar, there was a hot dog stand, popcorn and bite-sized cupcakes. A second room hosted a silent auction and a young Santa who forgot to put on a shirt under his red suit. Visits to Santa were commemorated with an instant photo and a silly gift.
We were lingering by Santa's line, when, what to our wondering eyes should appear, but Calvin Klein designer Francisco Costa, who is definitely not too cool for Santa. What would he ask of Santa? "Love, love and love," he said. "That sounds boring, doesn't it?"
What about something we can buy? He reconsidered. "A cast hand."
A what?
"A Bruce Nauman cast hand. He's the most amazing artist. I love art." And in a scene repeated in malls everywhere, a tug at Costa's sleeve told him it was time to stop talking and get on Santa's knee.
Later, in the same spot, Speakeasy bumped into Real Housewife of New York Alex McCord. Same question, Ms. McCord? "I would ask for it not to be so cold," she said, pretending to shiver in an evening dress that exposed her shoulders.
For Christmas, Speakeasy would like new Real Housewives gossip. "It's going to be juicy and off the charts," McCord said of the new season, but wouldn't offer more.
