Nolita’s Elizabeth Street Gardens was buzzing last night with the likes of Emily Ratajkowski, Katie Holmes, Teyana Taylor, Ella Emhoff, Ivy Getty, Alek Wek, Lynn Yaeger, Colm Dilane, Jackson Wiederhoeft, Presley Oldham, Carisa Janes, Julie Gilhart, Steven Kolb, June Ambrose, and many more.
All were gathered to celebrate the opening of Hourglass Cosmetics and Barneys New York concept store, co-hosted by Carisa Janes (founder and president of Hourglass), the CFDA, Julie Gilhart (president of Gilhart & Co and Barneys alumn), and Simon Doonan (author and Barneys alumn).
“For our 20th anniversary, we wanted to go back to where it began for Hourglass, Barneys New York. Tonight’s launch event captures the magic of Barneys, an interactive celebration of discovery and creativity,” Janes told Vogue. “With the launch of Hourglass and Barneys limited-time concept store, we celebrate the spirit of Barneys by supporting the beauty and fashion talent of tomorrow through this unique experience, layered with our partnership with the CFDA.”
As the partygoers made their way through a hazy hedge wall labyrinth to enter the festivities. Inside, the beloved local garden was transformed into a surrealist immersive playground of sensory experiences. The party kicked off on the other side of the mystical mini maze, with life-size Hourglass brush heads dressed by store designers amidst lush greenery and twinkling lights, creating an enchanting Alice in Wonderland ambiance.
Inside, the air was filled with the vibrant beats of DJs Angel + Dren, setting the perfect tone for the evening. Guests were treated to a series of unique experiences, including blindfolded tastings and a bespoke dance show from the renowned subway crew ‘Showtime.’ The passageways were adorned with candles, and the tables were set with a lavish display of fruit and blossoming flowers, adding to the sensory delight.
Simultaneously, guests were escorted to an exclusive preview of the whimsical concept store across the street. Hourglass’s collaboration with Barneys New York celebrates the beauty brand’s 20th anniversary, returning to the iconic New York retailer it first launched two decades prior with a concept shop spotlighting fashion and beauty brands with limited edition offerings. Inside the Hourglass and Barneys pop-up store, guests engaged with a life-size poodle installation custom-built with Hourglass products. Meanwhile, attendees sifted through racks and racks of partner designers, including Thom Browne, Marc Jacobs, Khaite, KidSuper, Proenza Schouler, Luar, and many more.
The Hourglass and Barneys Concept Store will open to the public September 5 – October 11.