A wall of men in black waited patiently for the first of many socialite wielding luxury vehicles outside the Bulgari San Francisco store opening. Passerby’s stopped to catch glimpses of San Francisco royalty the likes of Gavin Newsom, Vanessa Getty and Maggie Rizer. Not to mention Dede Wilsey, John Traina and Denise Hale, (who got special elevator service for their stature). Allison Speer PR wo-manned the door with guest lists their weight in gold including Tatiana Sorokko, Sloan Barnett, Kate Harbin, Alice Larkin Cahan and LA man about town, Decades boutique owner Cameron Silver. The well-oiled PR team made sure the event went off without a hitch.
The Winchester Mystery house floor plan gave the sleek three-story interior a sense of movement. Illuminated staircases and a disco esc under-lit floor hinted enduring traces of an era gone by. Enter Lisa Grotts, (recently featured in a full-page SFIS spread) rocking a fabulous sleeveless jumpsuit with scoop neck embellishments. More classic design elements in the décor and vintage Bulgari pieces from their archive collection added an expected refinement. Clear materials in varying shapes and mediums were prevalent throughout washing the retro touches with a modern sensibility.
A dashing wait staff served bottomless champagne and the hors d’oeuvres supply raged on. For instant gratification a permanent display of caviar on beds of mini pancakes paired with iced Grey Goose laid in wait upstairs. Against a looming backdrop of ostrich and alligator handbags and satchels, Stylist Lo’renzo Hill-White was spotted spilling an entire glass of bubbly on Sonya Molodetskaya. Eyes bulged and mouths dropped, as the bright fuchsia Oscar de la Renta dress couldn’t conceal the menacing stain. In a magical don’t leave home without it moment Sonya revealed a large yet delicate scalloped lace wrap from her small clutch. It not only concealed the stain more importantly it looked smashing to boot. Before the two raised glasses and had a good laugh about the situation, Sonya remarked with a big smile “I’m Russian it happens all the time”.
Claudia Ross was there just off the plane from New York where she attended Pamela Joyner’s School of American Ballet's Winter Ball. The seasoned jet-setter looked positively revived and ravishing in a pale pink frock by Sweet Face. Angelique Griepp in a vibrant Monique Lhuillier dress, Marissa Mayer Bogue and Zach Bogue also left the Big Apple following the Winter Ball to attend the Bulgari San Francisco store opening. Other sensory delights were Olya Dzilikhova, a sculptural work of art in a Von Vonni creation with YSL booties. Barbara Brown donned a Giambattista Valli dress interwoven with images of jewels and embellished with plumes. Lets not forget the men who always look lovely. Giles Marsden, Group Director at Tiffany & Co. SF looked dashing as always holding court with a slew of other well dressed notables. And real estate connoisseurs Joel Goodrich (people would pay to have that last name) and Damion Matthews of Sotheby’s and Publisher of SFLuxe.com added confident flare with Joel’s shimmering blazer, polka dot pocket square and Damion’s structured plaid jacket. Just like the variety of Bulgari retail goodies the crowd didn’t disappoint.
Click here to see all the photos from the event. But before you go take a moment to leave a comment, subscribe to this column or become an advertising partner for the SF Socialite page.
All the best-
Comments
Nice coverage, Moanalani! :)
Great Job! You make events worth attending & reading about.
Wish i was there..
Beautifully written! Thank you..
love it!!!!!
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