Amelia GrayMike Vitelli/BFA.com
Presented by Alo.
Alo might be what fashion people reach for in the morning to kickstart their wellness routine, but on Wednesday evening, the brand proved that it’s just as comfortable playing after dark too. To usher in New York Fashion Week and simultaneously unveil the second collection of high-end handbags, Alo hosted a dinner party and late-night bash at The Twenty Two.
Ahead of a family-style meal, Candice Swanepoel, Amelia Gray Hamlin, and Daiane Sodre, who once again front the latest glossy campaign by Steven Meisel, this time alongside Natasha Poly and Ming Xi, reunited on the ninth floor of the elegant hotel. While their form-fitting athleisure had been swapped for more PM-appropriate outfits—the crystal-adorned leather bags still remained tucked under their arms.
Welcoming guests—who also included The Shards star Hayes Warner, Winnie Harlow, and Delilah Belle Hamlin, Alo’s longtime EVP of marketing and creative, Summer Barry Nacewicz, reflected on the road to now. “Alo actually started back in 2007—it’s been a really long journey, and we’ve always done things differently,” she said. “Where most athletic brands would never come out with a handbag, last year, we set out to make the nicest bags possible—all made in Italy with excellent craftsmanship.”
During a relaxed and unhurried al fresco dinner—with Hiramasa yellowtail crudo, rigatoni al limone, dry-aged New York strip, and the fav-favorite: Alo-stamped pats of butter—screams would momentarily break out around the table. The reason? Nevo Abutbul, a 21-year-old mentalist with mind-blowing prowess, was demonstrating his impressive skills. “You’re crazy,” Amelia Gray exclaimed after waking up from a momentary trance she’d been put under. Warner was also called up as a would-be magician’s assistant to help the most jaw-dropping number-related feat of the night. “I’m sick,” the actress said as she put her phone calculator away.
Another cause for excited squeals to ring out was the surprise arrival of Lisa Rinna, who couldn’t miss the opportunity to fete her daughters. Once the tiramisu was served, it was time to head inside to Louisa’s, the Twenty Two’s nightclub, where dozens of people were ready to ring in the season over cocktails, dancing, and a performance of original music by Delilah Belle. As the model serenaded the crowd with Done with the Party, her mom and sister filmed the moment and roared in approval.
Also among the room were Alton Mason, British Vogue cover star Bhavitha Mandava, Albert Ayal, Patrick Ta, Lameka Fox, and Blu de Tigre, who stayed for a set by house music chart-topper Carlita. Who knew wellness was this much fun?
