A recent elegant gathering honored Sofia Coppola's latest literary endeavor, a comprehensive volume dedicated to Chanel's Haute Couture. The event, held at New York's exclusive Doubles Club, transformed the venue into an exquisite floral haven, mirroring the iconic brand's aesthetic. This celebration underscored the deep historical connection between Coppola and Chanel, a relationship that began during her formative years as an intern in their Parisian atelier. The evening, filled with prominent personalities and artistic flair, marked a significant moment for both the author and the fashion house.
The Doubles Club, renowned for its opulent velvet seating and mirrored surfaces, provided a fitting backdrop for the sophisticated affair. Adorned with countless pink and red roses, the decor harmonized with the club's distinctive wallpaper, creating an immersive experience for guests. Even the smallest details, such as napkins delicately tied with velvet ribbons, reflected Coppola's refined touch and attention to detail. This meticulous curation extended to the dining experience, which featured an array of luxurious appetizers, main courses, and whimsical, jewel-like desserts.
The guest list boasted a constellation of stars, including the impeccably dressed Jon Hamm alongside his wife, Anna Osceola, and the radiant Kirsten Dunst, who reconnected with old acquaintances. Sofia Coppola, resplendent in a gold Chanel lace gown, graciously welcomed attendees, accompanied by her daughters, Cosima and Romy, and her musician husband, Thomas Mars. A highlight of the evening was when Bill Murray, abandoning the formal dining setting, playfully drew Coppola onto the dance floor, signaling a shift from a refined dinner to an ebullient celebration.
Coppola's book, a substantial 450-page compilation, delves into the rich history of Chanel's Haute Couture. It is a collaborative effort with the fashion house, meticulously designed by Anamaria Morris for Joseph Logan Design, and co-published by Éditions 7L and Important Flowers. The volume showcases Coppola's unique artistic vision, employing a collage-and-assemblage style to present a captivating narrative of Chanel. It features a trove of previously unrevealed sketches, intimate photographs of clients adorned in their bespoke creations, iconic runway imagery, and rare archival ephemera, spanning the influential eras of Gabrielle Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld, and Virginie Viard.
During a heartfelt toast, Coppola expressed her gratitude to the assembled friends and collaborators, fondly recalling her early days at Chanel. She specifically lauded Veronica Webb, whom she first encountered as a somewhat awkward teenage intern. Coppola reminisced about Webb's striking presence, describing her as the epitome of cool, even in jeans and a T-shirt, elevated by a simple Chanel jacket. As the evening progressed, marked by the arrival of exquisite desserts, DJ Jean d'Armes took to the turntables, transforming the sophisticated dinner into a vibrant dance party, bringing the celebration to a dynamic close.
The event served as a testament to Sofia Coppola's artistic contributions and her enduring connection with the world of high fashion, particularly with Chanel. It was an evening that beautifully blended literary achievement with sartorial elegance, creating a memorable experience for all in attendance. The meticulous planning, the esteemed guest list, and the festive atmosphere underscored the significance of Coppola's new book, positioning it as an essential addition to the discourse on fashion history and creative expression.