Jean Shafiroff wearing a dress from Dolce & Gabbana, photo by Madeleine Thomas/BFA.com
On or around July 14, the French national holiday of Bastille Day, philanthropist/talk show host/social maven and Francophile Jean Shafiroff invites her nearest and dearest to a luncheon commemorating this day, which symbolizes Gallic freedom.
Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, Jean Shafiroff, Valerie Steele, Barbara Tober, & Lee Fryd – photo by Laurel Marcus
Indefatigable Jean is a patron saint and board member of the French Heritage Society (one of her many patronages), and I’ve been privileged to attend this event for more than a decade.
Bergdorf blondes and reality star Ramona Singer – photo by Laurel Marcus
This year, as in several past years, it was held at Maison Barnes at Café Boulud on the Upper East Side and included approximately 70 guests. Notables from all walks of fashion, media, royalty, politics, and exalted lineage were assembled – many in some combo of the red, white, and blue of the French flag. Fun fact: Did you know that there are 19 countries (not just Old Glory) that also share those flag colors?
Main course – photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Between courses of a summer salad of fennel and tomatoes, followed by a choice of dorade or risotto, and finally a chocolate cake with a caramel center and a dollop of ice cream, everyone seemed happy for a respite from the usual exhausting grind in the Hamptons.
Maryanne Grisz & Victor dE Souza – photo by Laurel Marcus
Fashion designers, including Nicole Miller, Victor dE Souza, Nabys Vielman, Malan Breton, hat designer Steven Scott Kokin, and shoe designer (and shoe museum creator) Vanessa Noel, were all in attendance. They were there not just as guests, but also as collaborators and supporters of Jean’s philanthropic work.
Incidentally, Victor is loving his new Midtown West store, Emanuel New York, and even hosting birthday parties and small group get-togethers for shopping, perfume sampling, and cake! He will be having an intimate showing in his stunning atelier for September fashion week.
Marilyn Kirschner & Steven Scott Kokin – photo by Laurel Marcus
Dr. Valerie Steele of the Museum at FIT, Maryanne Grisz of Fashion Group International (both in black, of course) were there as well as fashion press, including Ruth LaFerla of The New York Times, Joan Jedell of Hampton Sheet, Lee Fryd of New York Social Diary, Sydney Sadick, publisher of Spotlight Magazine, Jessica Mackin-Cipro, co-publisher/editor of James Lane Post, and of course Lookonline publisher Ernest Schmatolla and Editor-in-Chief Marilyn Kirschner (who does double duty as Contributing Editor for Hampton Sheet).
Ruth Miller, Susan Kremer, Nurit Kahana, Romana Singer, Pamela Wright – Laurel Marcus
I asked Maryanne if it was challenging to try to fill prior FGI president Margaret Hayes’ shoes. Fellow Philly girl Maryanne, who is also a lawyer (I did not previously know either of those deets), mentioned that Margaret always ran FGI as a business, and she tries to do the same. Yes, I remember Margaret running a very tight ship indeed.
Susan Gutfreund and Lucky – Photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Maryanne likes to take various people’s feedback and try to incorporate it into her programming, scheduling, and even the venues that she picks for events. As I was sitting at my table, I received an email about the vaunted FGI 41st Annual Night of Stars on October 20 – a little earlier in the year than Margaret would have, but hopefully warm enough to take advantage of the venue’s outdoor space.
Interestingly, she mentioned that former Conde Nast executive Barbara Tober was the first person to suggest that FGI, which had been an all-female organization, open its doors to include men as members. Who knew?
Joyce Brooks, Dr. Mar Morosse, Roy Kean – photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Reality show stars included Ramona Singer, Nurit Kahane, Julia Haart, and Captain Kerry Titheradge of Bravo’s Below Deck. Regulars on the social circuit included Susan Gutfreund and dog Lucky, the aforementioned indomitable Barbara Tober, Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, Roy Kean, Dawne Marie Grannum, Lauren Day Roberts, David Hochberg, Anna Rothschild, and Ava Roosevelt.
Jean Shafiroff speaking to her guests – photo by Laurel Marcus
During Jean’s mid-luncheon speech, she mentioned that Ava is producing a film about the timely subject of human trafficking and just signed Halle Berry that morning. Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright was introduced by Jean as “loved by both Democrats and Republicans.”
Jean Shafiroff, Ava Roosevelt – photo by Madeleine Thomas/BFA.com
To be “democratic” and not show favoritism among many of her assembled designers and friends, Jean opted to begin the luncheon in a black and white raised floral embroidered Alice + Olivia sheath dress and cape, later changing into a red lace long sleeved dress from Dolce & Gabbana complete with two large fashion cross necklaces (perhaps giving more Italian widow than French mistress lol).
Anna Martins, Lauren Day Roberts – photo by Marilyn Kirschner
In addition to shout-outs and introductions during her mid-luncheon speech, Jean spoke about the storming of the Bastille Prison on July 14, 1789, and how it marked the beginning of the French Revolution, as the Bastille was a symbol of the absolute power of King Louis XVI. “Freedom is everything!” she concluded.
The annual French Heritage Society gala takes place in November, and, as usual, Jean will host a pre-party kickoff sometime in September.
David Hochberg, Kerry Berlet, Aimee Liliana – photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Back to an unavoidably popular topic: where to stay in the Hamptons? “Jean is the best host,” said David Hochberg when asked where he stays out East. “She cooks me eggs and fresh-squeezed orange juice in her pajamas.”
