Each fall, the New York Junior League opens it’s lavish Upper East Side house for it members and their guests to fete fall. This year’s theme for the sold out Home Coming party wasThe Roaring Gatsby Soirée,inspired by the newGreat Gatsby movie premiering this December, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Carrey Mulligan and Toby Maguire. The ladies of the Junior League did not disappoint when it came to dressing for the theme. Dressed in fringed flapper dresses, sequins and head dresses inspired by the era. Most accessorized with enough pearls to wrap around the Island of Manhattan.
Party goers, both men and women, indulged in a four hour open bar with specialty cocktails from Godiva Vodka, light brews from Bud Light and Stella Artois and lovely hors d’oeuvres from Farinella Italian Bakery. There was a champagne room on the lower level, as well as a red carpet and a step and repeat room for guests to pose in front of.
Instead of drawing outfit inspiration from Boardwalk Empire, whose ladies tend to dress a lot more drab, guests looked to the Great Gatsby, Dita Von Teese and flapper girls from the gold age of the Twenties for ideas. Most of them chose cocktail length frocks with sequins, lace and feathers. Some went a bit more lavish with fur and elaborate head pieces. Thanks to Rent the Runway, I was able to wear a sequined gown by Badgley Mischka with two long strand pearls from Kenneth Jay Lane and a pair of statement earrings by Oscar de la Renta. Proceeds from the party went to benefit the charitable activities of the New York Junior League.
The next party, which is also most likely to sell out is the New York Junior League Fall Fete on November 9th.
