Nurit Kahane, Barbara Tober, Jean Shafiroff, Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia – All photos Patrick McMullan/Sean Zanni
Jean Shafiroff’s Annual Bastille Day Luncheon commemorates the Storming of the Bastille and the unity of the French people at the Fete de la Federation on July 14, 1789. It is not typically a celebration for most Americans, but most Americans are not Jean Shafiroff.
Frederick Anderson
For 15 years, the avowed Francophile (Jean is a longtime board member of the French Heritage Society, and she was honored at their November 17th celebration at the University Club in 2022), prominent philanthropist, and “Hostess with the Mostess” has made Bastille Day a signature event on her calendar.
Malan Breton, Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin
Each year, Jean effortlessly corrals a diverse group of New York’s movers and shakers (fashion designers, editors, journalists, politicians, artists, publicists, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists) to a great Manhattan restaurant to celebrate Bastille Day. This celebration not only marks a significant historical event but also serves as a platform for Jean and her guests to come together, celebrate life, and remind us how fortunate we are.
Jennifer Herlein, Pamela Morgan, Mar Morosse, Nicole Noonan
For many years, Jean held this annual lunch at Le Cirque and moved it to Michaels, the midtown media magnet bistro. Jean’s signature lunch was held this year on Wednesday, July 10, at Maison Barnes, a private event space within Café Boulud. It features the sublime cuisine of chef Daniel Boulud. Even though I thought my appetite would wane on such a hot day, I had no problem finishing the divine piece of trout washed down with rose; what else?
Mark Anthony Edwards, B Michael
Of course, Jean did not hold it on the 14th because it falls on Sunday this year, and many of Shafiroff’s friends are out in the Hamptons. It’s a testament to Jean’s clout that she seduced so many people back to the city in the middle of what turned out to be one of the hottest days of the year. It was so sweltering that after walking a few blocks, I had to duck inside the Regency Hotel a few blocks away on Park and 61st Street to wash my hands. I would have preferred to take a shower!
Jean Shafiroff
Jean greeted guests wearing a pink floral Oscar de la Renta dress, and later changed to an Alexander McQueen flowy silk pajama set. While she did not adhere to the traditional Bastille Day dress code, many of her guests donned red, white, and blue combinations.
David Hochberg & Maribel Lieberman
There will always be a prominent fashion element whenever Jean is involved, and many of Jean’s good friends are fashion designers, many of whom were at the lunch.
Victor dE Souza
During Jean’s impromptu lunchtime speech, Jean called out the names of all the fashion designers in attendance: B. Michael, Frederick Anderson, Nicole Miller, Victor dE Souza, Malan Breton, Frederick Anderson, and Esé Azenabor, and noted that she wears all their designs.
Nicole Noonan, Janna Bullock, Lee Fryd
Jean gave a shout out to Patricia Mears, deputy director of the Museum at FIT, and mentioned the upcoming FIT Couture Council Artistry in Fashion award lunch honoring Jacquemus, which takes place at Lincoln Center on September 4. Jean’s connection with the museum and her support for the fashion industry make this event particularly significant.
Katlean de Monchy
Jean is also a seasoned and thoughtful hostess. As she is wont to do at these events, Jean stood up and called out the names of as many of her guests as possible. Barbara Tober turned the tables this time. The soon-to-be 90-year-old philanthropist stood up and gave a toast to Jean, thanking her for her years of tireless philanthropy.
Nabys Vielman
Other notable guests were Susan Gutfriend and Lucky, Flo Anthony, publicists R. Couri Hay and Norah Lawlor, artist Hunt Slonem, journalists Joan Jedell, Nadja Sayej, and Lee Fryd, Assembly Member (District 76) Rebecca Seawright, fashion tech expert Katlean De Monchy, spokesmodel, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin, Cheri Kaufman, founder of Kaufman Astoria Studios, divorce attorney Nicole Noonan, lifestyle expert and event planner Pamela Morgan, and TV personality Ramona Singer.
I had a pleasant conversation with Jennifer Herlein, Executive Director of the French Heritage Society, who told me she was excited to head to Paris for the Summer Olympics.
Marilyn Kirschner, Nadja Sayej, Laurel Marcus
My table mates included the Lookonline group (Ernest Schmatolla, Laurel Marcus), Katlean de Monchy, and fashion designers Victor dE Souza and Azenabor. I know Victor very well and have featured him in several articles, but I never met the Nigerian-born Canadian transplant who now lives in Dallas, and I enjoyed talking with her.
Ese Azenabor
Ms. Azenabor is a self-taught designer (and Beyonce lookalike) who launched her eponymous line in 2012 without any financial assistance. Esé has produced 21 different collections to date and has quite a loyal client base that includes Michelle Williams, country star Kelsea Ballerini, Tyra Banks, and Taraji P. Henson among others.
She has three stores that sell her ready-to-wear, couture, and bridal wear. One is in Dallas, two are in New York, one at 1269 Madison Avenue, and the other at 101 Job Lane in Southampton.
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