Another weird pandemic holiday season is behind us, and with Omicron on the wane (among the vaccinated, anyway) and the weather warming up, someone you know is going to have a housewarming, or an art opening, or an engagement party, or the launch of their NFT — something that requires you to look good. But the old world of LBDs (and boys in blue blazers) feels beyond blah for this reemergence. Here, four New Yorkers reinterpret cocktail attire.
Becky Akinyode, stylist
Cocktail order: Spicy margarita
I’m Nigerian. Culture-wise, we love going out. I remember, when I was young, all these parties with my parents until like 4 a.m., and I’m just the kid passed out at the table. So I love looking cute and just, like, having a good time. Even if I had a little black dress, I’d probably have some cutouts or some rhinestones and embellishment. It wouldn’t be simple unless it’s, like, an Alaïa. I don’t shop for the event. I shop for what I like and for knowing that if something comes up, I have something in my closet that can fit.
Collina Strada Butterfly Gown, collinastrada.com.Jimmy Choo Anise Mules and Bon Bon Bag.Panconesi Anemone Earrings and Ring, marcopanconesi.com.Khiry Jug Drops, Khartoum Bangle Nude, khiry.com.Prounis Nauta Ring and Diamond Ruin Ring, prounisjewelry.com. Bulgari Serpenti Viper Ring, bvlgari.com.
Linda Fargo, fashion director, Bergdorf Goodman
Cocktail order: Pink Champagne in an open-mouthed coupe
During the deep freeze of comfortcore we were living through, a lot of people just didn’t care that much. We were dealing with something very heavy, and that kind of playfulness didn’t feel right. I hope there will always be room for fantasy, room for a folly, if you will. And some extravagance. Self-expression. People need it … You want to live in the safe zone? There are plenty of people to carry that torch. I will find something that will still rattle their cage a little bit but not upset them — just enough.
Schiaparelli Bijoux Buttons Shirt, Trapunto Padlock Bag, Lace Cabochons Earrings, and Finger Ring, available at Bergdorf Goodman. All other rings are talent’s own. Carolina Herrera Ruffled Silhouette Pants and Tom Ford Metallic Cap-Toe D’orsay Pumps, available at Bergdorf Goodman.
Willa Bennett, head of social at GQ
Cocktail order: Gin-and-tonic
I’m so attracted to menswear, and most of my closet is menswear. I think historically menswear and the shapes of suits are so fascinating. And a lot of times, the suits just fit me better. It has been that way since I was, like, a teen. So it is more about figuring out who I am than saying, “I hate cocktail dress.”
Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello Cropped Checked Blazer, ysl.com.Louis Vuitton Knit Tank Top and Academy Loafers, select Louis Vuitton stores. Ralph Lauren Tie and Pants, talent’s own.David Webb Nail Link Bracelet and Diamond Nail Ring, David Webb stores.
Shaobo Han, co-founder of Syro
Cocktail order: Vodka martini, up with a twist
When you are perceived as a man, they expect your shoulders to be covered in a jacket. Only cis women are allowed to expose their shoulders, and I think that’s the biggest freedom that I have. I was at some fancy hotel rooftop bar, and they said I needed to cover my shoulders. So my friend took out a shirt and covered my dress. It was shocking. I looked so good.
Area Cutout Minidress, area.nyc.Syro Black Patent-Leather Platforms, shopsyro.com. Shawl and Luar bag, talent’s own. Patricia Von Musulin Sterling-Silver Long Chain Earrings and Swirl Ring, patriciavonmusulin.com. Lady Grey Wade Ring, Waverly Ring, and Wade Ring With Amethyst, ladygreyjewelry.com.
Photographs by Huy Luong
Becky Akinyode, stylist
Cocktail order: Spicy margarita
I’m Nigerian. Culture-wise, we love going out. I remember, when I was young, all these parties with my parents until like 4 a.m., and I’m just the kid passed out at the table. So I love looking cute and just, like, having a good time. Even if I had a little black dress, I’d probably have some cutouts or some rhinestones and embellishment. It wouldn’t be simple unless it’s, like, an Alaïa. I don’t shop for the event. I shop for what I like and for knowing that if something comes up, I have something in my closet that can fit.
Collina Strada Butterfly Gown, collinastrada.com.Jimmy Choo Anise Mules and Bon Bon Bag.Panconesi Anemone Earrings and Ring, marcopanconesi.com.Khiry Jug Drops, Khartoum Bangle Nude, khiry.com.Prounis Nauta Ring and Diamond Ruin Ring, prounisjewelry.com. Bulgari Serpenti Viper Ring, bvlgari.com.
Linda Fargo, fashion director, Bergdorf Goodman
Cocktail order: Pink Champagne in an open-mouthed coupe
During the deep freeze of comfortcore we were living through, a lot of people just didn’t care that much. We were dealing with something very heavy, and that kind of playfulness didn’t feel right. I hope there will always be room for fantasy, room for a folly, if you will. And some extravagance. Self-expression. People need it … You want to live in the safe zone? There are plenty of people to carry that torch. I will find something that will still rattle their cage a little bit but not upset them — just enough.
Schiaparelli Bijoux Buttons Shirt, Trapunto Padlock Bag, Lace Cabochons Earrings, and Finger Ring, available at Bergdorf Goodman. All other rings are talent’s own. Carolina Herrera Ruffled Silhouette Pants and Tom Ford Metallic Cap-Toe D’orsay Pumps, available at Bergdorf Goodman.
Willa Bennett, head of social at GQ
Cocktail order: Gin-and-tonic
I’m so attracted to menswear, and most of my closet is menswear. I think historically menswear and the shapes of suits are so fascinating. And a lot of times, the suits just fit me better. It has been that way since I was, like, a teen. So it is more about figuring out who I am than saying, “I hate cocktail dress.”
Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello Cropped Checked Blazer, ysl.com.Louis Vuitton Knit Tank Top and Academy Loafers, select Louis Vuitton stores. Ralph Lauren Tie and Pants, talent’s own.David Webb Nail Link Bracelet and Diamond Nail Ring, David Webb stores.
Shaobo Han, co-founder of Syro
Cocktail order: Vodka martini, up with a twist
When you are perceived as a man, they expect your shoulders to be covered in a jacket. Only cis women are allowed to expose their shoulders, and I think that’s the biggest freedom that I have. I was at some fancy hotel rooftop bar, and they said I needed to cover my shoulders. So my friend took out a shirt and covered my dress. It was shocking. I looked so good.
Area Cutout Minidress, area.nyc.Syro Black Patent-Leather Platforms, shopsyro.com. Shawl and Luar bag, talent’s own. Patricia Von Musulin Sterling-Silver Long Chain Earrings and Swirl Ring, patriciavonmusulin.com. Lady Grey Wade Ring, Waverly Ring, and Wade Ring With Amethyst, ladygreyjewelry.com.
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