Harper’s Bazaar held its annual Icon’s party on September 7, 2018 at the Plaza Hotel with festivities beginning at 9 PM. Despite the melee between musical superstars Nicki Minaj and Cardi B, the event was pretty much predictable-gorgeous swan like models sashaying by in epic gowns and pantsuits while dozens of photographers waited breathlessly nearby.
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| Evan Ross and Ashlee Simpson |
The evening was sponsored by Infor, Estee Lauder, Saks Fifth Avenue, Fujifilm Instax, Genesis, and Stella Artois as Belvedere and Moet and Chandon provided the night’s cocktails. The party is held in honor of Hearst’s fall fashion issue which celebrates musical legends chosen by global fashion director Carine Roitfeld who picked Kanye West, Christina Aguilera, Steven Tyler, Bruce Springsteen, and Mariah Carey along with their adorable offspring for this year’s September edition.
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| Suki Waterhouse |
While the definition of an icon has eluded the general public for infinity, Harper’s Bazaar decides on its list with a notable alacrity. One thing is certain, this event draws the elite of the fashion world who dress up in their finest threads to met up with fellow mannequins and celebrities and hopefully obtain some publicity. Guests arrived early to pose on the red carpet as hundreds of attendees waited outside to catch a glimpse of their favorite luminaries.
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| Models by the mirrors |
There were carpets set up outside the Plaza as well as six different backdrops where photographers could snap their favorite subjects. There was even a multi-glass mirrored exhibition sponsored by Estee Lauder where guests could view themselves in multiple reflections – a Kardashian’s wet dream.
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| Kelly Rowland, Dapper Dan and La La Anthony |
The party attendees did not disappoint as model after model posed on the red carpet in dazzling attire with their own signature touch. Even CEO of Twitter Jack Dorsey joined the eclectic crowd as the who’s who of New York, Los Angeles and Miami arrived at the Plaza. Caitlyn Jenner, along with girlfriend Sophia Hutchins, was one of the first to arrive and she did so in an elegant and understated manner with a navy blue gown and downplayed jewelry. Susan Lucci similarly stunned in a black gown as she excitedly remarked this was her first Icon’s party.
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| Romee Strijd and Shea Marie |
Some other lovelies included Victoria’s Secret stunner Romee Strijd who wore a black-and-white sequined tuxedo Balmain gown as well as Carol Alt who sashayed by in a flowing pink Zang Toi dress. The older models including Amber Valletta, Carol Alt, Christie Brinkley, and Daniela Pestova more than held their own against younger mannequins Sara Sampaio, Georgia Fowler, Candice Swanepoel and Martha Hunt.
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| Carol Alt |
Alt, who is effortlessly beautiful with her long brown mane and sparkling blue eyes, told me she was currently working on three infomercials covering skin care, abdominal exercises, and wrinkle treatment. She will also be hosting a documentary for FLN network covering fashion designers as well as starting a technology and shoe company-this woman is unstoppable.
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| Sadie Newman, Megan Williams and Bregje Heinen |
Some other indomitable females including Bella and Gigi Hadid as well as Kendall Jenner arrived together and wore some of my least favorite fashion ensembles of the evening. Bella’s getup looked like she was auditioning for a Spanx commercial as she busted out of the sheer seams of her attire and Kendall and Gigi were just too plain black. Heidi Klum similarly wore a dour black gown that did little to flatter her face or figure with a severe hairstyle that aged her.
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| Nadine Leopold and Devon Windsor |
Others chose provocative attire as Tiffany Haddish and Kelly Rowland appeared in plunging pantsuits while Lais Ribeiro and Victoria Justice donned sheer gowns that left little to the imagination. Christina Aguilera wore a dynamite white feathered gown and performed a nearly ten-song set that was more shouting then singing-unsuccessfully attempting to channel Aretha Franklin. As guests streamed in there was a palpable electricity in the room as attendees greeted each other after a long hot summer.
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| Paris Hilton runs into ex Jordan Barrett |
There were some interesting celebrity run-ins with Moschino designer Jeremy Scott gushing over Christie Brinkley who seemed unaware of his notoriety, and Paris Hilton bumping into her ex Jordan Barrett. A guest commented that many no-shows were attending the Ralph Lauren 50th Anniversary Party at Bethesda Terrace. Chance the Rapper and Kaia Gerber appeared at the Plaza after the Lauren shindig; however, Bruce Springsteen and Kanye West who were blocks away at the Lauren event neglected to stop by the Icon’s party despite their appearance on the magazine’s cover-I think they should be stripped of their “iconic status.”
As midnight struck, guests were eased out by tired security guards as workers stripped the carpets and walls – indelible memories and hot selfies being the sole remnants of this unforgettable evening.
– Lieba Nesis
