Summer may be coming to an end in 2022, but it doesn’t mean the glow of the season has to stop.
The Knockturnal: Please tell us a little about yourself.
Sam Paige: “I am a content creator who blew up on TikTok during the COVID-19 quarantine. I have 3 million followers, I am 27 years old, and grew up in Connecticut but currently reside in South Florida.”
The Knockturnal: If your life was a theme song what would it be and why?
Sam Paige: “Juice” by Lizzo would be my theme song. “I resonate with so many aspects of Juice. Lizzo sings, “If I’m shining, everybody gonna shine.” If I am shining I want all my friends and family to shine. Also, on the internet, I want everyone to feel like they are so beautiful and the best version of themselves… literally shining. A Lizzo “Juice” line states, “I was born like this, don’t even gotta try.” I was born like this, I was born thick and fat. It is what it is and I am rockin’ with it. Another line I resonate with is, “I’m like Chardonnay, get better over time.” I, like many others, was not one of those girls that peeked in High School. I am out here growing and becoming my better self each and every day. Lizzo: “Heard you say I’m not the baddest bitch, you lie.” I have faced hate comments online and IRL. Despite the negativity, I don’t care what you say, I am the baddest bitch.”
The Knockturnal: Tell us about your TikTok journey. What made you want to start a TikTok?
Sam Paige: “I got into TikTok, like most of us, during quarantine. My friend wanted to learn a dance and realized how great of a dancer and how quickly I could catch on to the moves. After this, I rediscovered my love for dance after not being in the studio for about 6 years. It started with dancing in bikinis (what I continue to do) and sharing my love for body positivity. I genuinely didn’t think anyone would care to see a plus-sized girl dancing in swimwear but is happy the internet proved her differently because it is now my career.” 
The Knockturnal: Tell us more about Dance.
Sam Paige: “I started dancing when I was five, I told my mom that I wanted to be on Broadway. She believed in me and my dream and placed me in dance, choir, and theater. I really love dancing, I stuck with it for 15 years! I even danced for one year on my college’s pom team. Honestly, the experience was shitty… I couldn’t jump as high due to me being a big girl and was told to sit out of dances multiple times because of that… But now the jokes are on them because I am the only one dancing for a living. I think dance is a great way to express myself and I find these TikTok dances extremely fun and enjoyable to learn.”
Fun fact: Sam learns TikTok dances in about 10-15 minutes depending on the difficulty and only needs to do them 3-4 times to get the perfect one.
The Knockturnal: Has TikTok led you into any other creative passions?
Sam Paige: “Since joining TikTok I have discovered a love for modeling. I feel when people model via Instagram they are always considered “Instagram models.” All because of TikTok and my followers I have been able to walk in the past two Miami Swim Weeks. Last year (2021) I walked for boohoo – this is when I really discovered my passion for modeling in a more serious light. The boohoo show was at the Versace Mansion in Miami which was a magical experience.. After, I made my way to NYC for New York Fashion Week (2021) where I walked for two different clothing designers. Just recently I walked in Miami’s 2022 Swim Week, where I walked in three different shows and represented four different designers. I have also done some modeling gigs for e-commerce brands in South Florida. I really enjoys the modeling experience and being a part of the evolution in body positivity within the modeling community.”
Email Sam to inquire about her modeling services.
The Knockturnal: What are some struggles you face as a plus-sized content creator?
Sam Paige: “Some struggles that are faced are; people are really shocked that a fat girl could have a following. I see this struggle when collaborating with different brands. I feel that many brands and businesses are shocked and are in disbelief that a curvy girl can help represent them. I also have noticed that the bots on social media are always flagging my posts for nudity or inappropriate content because I have physically more skin on my body, even though I am showing the same or even less skin than others on the same social channels.”
The Knockturnal: What does diversity and inclusion in the modeling and content-creating world mean to you?
Sam Paige: “Diversity and inclusion mean the world to me… I wouldn’t be where I am if I was just a stick figure little girl dancing on TikTok… There are a million billion girls of that nature.” What has really gotten me far in my career is the fact that I am different. I am curvy and plus-sized. My goal is to include more plus-sized people as content creators or models. I really want people to see that just because they are bigger they should not be limited from being a content creator or model as a career. I am so pleased that significantly more companies are giving curvy girls these opportunities. I have gotten to work with brands that I thought would never give a plus-sized creator or model the time of day. Some brands I have worked with are Lucky Brand, Aeropostale, and boohoo. Even some plus-sized companies, like Torrid, see the value in a plus-sized girl representing them online and modeling. I owe everything to people who want to have inclusion. I can’t wait to have more diversity!”
The Knockturnal: Although the fashion industry has progressed a lot in the past few years, what are some challenges that you believe still need to be addressed or faced?
Sam Paige: I believe although the fashion industry still has a long road of progression ahead of them they have been trending in the right direction. It has really helped my confidence to wear outfits that make me feel good in my own skin… I have seen a lot of changes in fast fashion. I find fast fashion is a lot easier to shop while being plus-sized whereas luxury brands still have a long way to go. It’s great that Gucci offers a 3XL now but it’s still not enough for the masses. I love shopping at Shien but think they could be more size-inclusive as well, their biggest size is only one size bigger than mine. I would really love to see extending in size so all people could experience the clothing they want to wear to express themselves. I am extremely sick of oversized clothing being available to straight-sized girls and making the clothing fit plus-sized girls but not offering it their size… It makes no sense.”
The Knockturnal: What advice would you give to someone who wants to get into content creating or modeling?
Sam Paige: “I have only experienced the modeling world as an influencer and it has definitely helped in my case. I want to say I am not trained as a model so everything I have learned has been from my own experience, photographers, and fashion designers that have guided me. I suggest that you sign up with an agency that you trust and go from there. Content creation comes down to consistency. It is also very important to find your niche and work your niche to its full capacity. Even now it’s hard for me to post things that don’t consist of me dancing due to my following. Post three times a day on TikTok if you have to. Whatever you decide your niche is stick with it!!!!”
The Knockturnal: Give us all the Miami Swim Week 2022 tea!
Sam Paige: “This past Swim Week I participated in three different walks. I walked in “Splashing Lights” for FLKD, the next show was for “The Society” created by designer Krissy King, and the last show was for “Miami Swim Week – The Shows” which was hosted at the SLS. In the next show the designer, Diva Kurves, had only curvy girls which were really inspiring to walk with plus-sized girls. I also walked for another brand called “Porshia” where I walked in a swimsuit cover-up. I enjoyed all the walks and found each one to be very different. I also got invited to an influencer event and got to go to the “Good American” event at the 1 Hotel South Beach Miami.”
The Knockturnal: What has been the best vacation you have been on?
Sam Paige: “I graduated from Johnson and Wales with a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Traveling Tourism with a concentration in cruise line management. I always had an interest in traveling but decided I didn’t want to work on a cruise ship after working on one for a little. Travel has now become something I am even more passionate about because I have experienced some crazy things. Last year, my best friend Morgan, AKA @bald_baddie on IG, and I went on a 20-day Europe trip. It was probably the best trip of my life.
The Knockturnal: Any new and exciting news you can share with us?
Sam Paige: “I will be walking in New York Fashion Week in September of 2022, I will also be going to Playlist Live in Orlando (The Ultimate Creator Event) in September (right after my birthday).” Playlist Live will be my first content creator event, and I am super excited! I also am slowly working on a swimsuit line with a company hopefully coming out in April.”
Keep up with Sam on TikTok and Instagram to follow her journey.
On Tuesday, the iconic fashion designer, Betsey Johnson, celebrated her 80th birthday with LA’s hottest influencers and celebs. The event was held at Lombardi House in Hollywood and Selling Sunset’s, Christine Quinn was in attendance.
In true Betsey fashion, shirtless men with beefy muscles greeted guests with rose at the door. Old TVs and colorful, yellow and green lawn chairs were sprinkled throughout the venue as bartenders wearing “BOYS <3 BJs” offered the crowd pink Palomas and ice cold margaritas. Vintage pink flamingos laced the lawn making for the perfect photo op. The designer who turned 80 on August 10th also released a new “80th birthday collection” that many LA it girls were seen sporting during the event. Euphoria star, Chloe Cherry, was seen wearing one of the latest collection’s highlight pieces: a body con, rosy printed black dress that she paired with matching combat boots; pushing the narrative that the “teenage dirtbag” Tumblr era is back. The trend (teenage dirtbag) surfaced earlier this summer on TikTok for a reason. And Betsey Johnson is not new to the “too cool for school” aesthetic. She pretty much invented the idea that minimalism is lame when creating her brand back in the 80s. With tattoo inspired designs fused with recognizable pink ballerina tulle, her maximalism attitude can’t be missed. Betsey Johnson’s universe is the epitome of fusing a masculine and feminine approach to fashion creating a name for herself that is known to be whimsical and fun even at age 80.
Rupaul’s Drag Race contestant Gottmik and the audience went wild. The crowd cheered in delight as Betsey danced alongside, eventually going into the splits. “I wish I was that flexible at 80,” was overheard as fans whipped out their iPhones to catch the performance in action. Makeup guru and internet sensation, James Charles, was seen in a matching pink blazer pant set while taking videos of Betsey as she sang. Benito Skinner, Larsen Thompson, Charlotte McKinney, Joy Corrigan, and Carmella Rose were also amongst the crowd – Talk about a guest list.
It’s no surprise that Betsey Johnson is stillas spunky, badass and relevant as she always has been. She’s crushed the idea that women need to be “ladylike” in order to be respected. Instead to Betsey, being cool is all about being authentically you. Her punk rock mentality has shifted into her designs with her new Halloween inspired spider motif patterned fits. Her accessories make a statement, like the champagne bucket-shaped bag or the birthday cupcake clutch. Betsey Johnson’s brand is always 2 steps ahead, pushing political ideologies and fashion alike. Happy birthday, Betsey!
Betsey’s 80th birthday collection is now available for purchase.
In the coming weeks, the leaves will start to change color and the holidays will roll in one by one before our eyes—yes, it’s almost fall! Now while I do love all the fashion that the season brings with it (loafers, chunky sweaters, etc.) I would be lying—and giving myself way too much credit—if I said my typically daily fall uniform did not consist of hoodies and sweatpants. What can I say? I’ll take comfy fits over restricting ones any day. And Canadian brand Roots has dropped a new collection that couldn’t have come at a better time, and it’s one you’ll want to shop ASAP for all things loungewear.
The new launch features a series of gender-free items including the Original Full Zip Hoodie, Original BF Sweatpant, Original Zip Stein, and Heritage Sweatpants. It’s full of basic essentials you’ll more than likely find yourself putting on for things as simple as a coffee run to a girls’ night in. Plus, all of these pieces are sustainable, 100% made with organic cotton and recycled fleece; and there’s no better feeling than knowing you’re shopping smart. Scroll on for some of our favorite products from this collection.
These Organic Cooper High Waisted Sweatpants feature a high rise fitand a slightly tapered leg. Plus, it is made in classic super-soft fleece.
The Cooper BF Hoodie is super-soft and made for everyday use. It’s perfect to layer over or throw on on its own with a pair of sweats for the ultimate casual outfit.
Sometimes hoodies aren’t for everyone, which is understandable! This Cooper Relaxed Polo Sweatshirt brings a little bit more of an elevated touch to your casual days. Plus, it can easily be dressed up with a cute skirt and some sneakers.
We got the chance to get “festival ready” at the Outside Lands kick off party which was held August 4th. The event took place at Bloomingdales at Westfield mall in San Francisco. The fun afternoon featured a live performance, a fashion presentation by Bloomingdale’s personal shopper, light bites, and specialty cocktails. The event was hosted by Value Culture, A 501c3 NGO focused on building the future by valuing cultures.
Upon arrival we headed to the check in table and felt like we had been transported to a whole other world. Attendees were wearing festival attire while sipping on specialty cocktails presented by Bacardi. Music filled the whole floor as local singer Sam Johnson played guitar and guests swayed along. The event also featured quick bites prepared by Honey Brie Boards in the form of charcuterie board bowls filled with decadent cheese and crackers paired with a variety of dried fruit and nuts. We also got to chat with Bloomingdale’s Personal Shopper, Amanda Adams who gave us a fashion presentation on all the best festival pieces Bloomingdale’s had to offer.
Value culture, created by founder Adam Swig, believe that culture heals, builds, and brings people together. The San Francisco based nonprofit says, “In our ever changing globalized world, there’s never been a more important time for us to value the world’s cultures, heritages, arts, music, and those creating and preserving humanity’s greatest gift to each other.” The mission of Value Culture is to produce and support artistic, educational, charitable, and spiritual events to inspire individuals to give back in their communities. To support Value Culture’s cause, text VALUECULTURE to 44-321 to donate or visit their website here .
Don’t forget to check out our TikTok on the event down below or @theknockturnal.com and follow us on Instagram @theknockturnal for clips and interviews of your favorite celebrities and exclusive events.
@theknockturnal.com We got to check out the Bloomingdale’s Pre Outside Lands Party hosted by Value Culture in San Francisco this weekend #theknockturnal #journalism #fyp #fypシ #foryou #outsidelands #bloomingdales #sanfrancisco #valueculture #33333 #summer #party #outsidelands2022 #outsidelandsoutfits
The first thing you’ll notice about Barbara Tober is that she’s a sharp observer, picking up on the slightest of details and reacting to them. During a speech to a roomful of guests at the St. Bartholomew’s Conservancy Gala Organ Concert (an event which she chaired), Mrs. Tober vocalized her observations in real time, from the heft of the award she was giving to the decor of the space, to the size of the paper her speech was written on.
During my interview in her private office at her uptown home, she was at it again. As she told a story about growing up near New Jersey’s “Pre-DDT” Kittatinny Mountain, Mrs. Tober watched my eyes drift toward a plate of cookies. Instantly, Mrs. Tober interrupted her own line of thinking with a remark on how delicious they were. “Try those chocolate ones. You must take some home.” I do, then we’re back on track: “Anyway, that’s my childhood.”
I soon learned that this was partially Mrs. Tober’s wry sense of humor at play. Mrs. Tober isn’t constantly cracking jokes, but by sharing her thoughts- big and small- she is inviting you to enjoy the world with her. When telling a story, she sometimes speaks in what sounds like vocal italics, imbuing a certain amusement by the very thing she’s thinking before she ever finishes the thought. Pair that with a penchant for incidental pauses and whole sentences effortlessly shift meaning, gaining humor or becoming grounded in seriousness. She is a master of the language, running the full gamut of its tricks and tools.
Barbara Tober. Graphic by Benjamin Schmidt
Mrs. Tober’s love affair with details and language has defined her career, beginning with a copywriter job at Vogue Magazine which eventually led her to the role of editor-in-chief at Conde Nast’s Bride’s magazine. Along the way, she’s written two books, The Bride: A Celebration, featuring fascinating lore as well as facts about courtship, engagements, weddings, and honeymoons, as well as ABCs of Beauty, from when she was a beauty editor.
Mrs. Tober speaks candidly about how important language is to her, remarking, “I like to put everything in words in a way that is graceful, gracious, charming… interesting. You use interesting words. I love the language. I love being involved in a language.”
Mrs. Tober isn’t hesitant to verbalize how impactful her time at Bride’s was on the broader culture, where she was the editor-in-chief for 30 years. “We changed the way America married!” She smiled. “We asked so many questions. ‘Why is the bride the only person in the picture? Why is he over there? Why don’t they write their own vows?’ We just kept saying, ‘Why is this the way it is?’” It wasn’t about solving anything, but a matter of knowing something else was possible, if you wanted it.
“In those days, they had these huge weddings in Vietnam and in Russia where they’d have 50 couples getting married at the same time. It wasn’t personal at all. A lot of these people escaped and came to the United States. They wanted to have a wedding for themselves. We started there. It was really a matter of anthropology.” Indeed, Mrs. Tober surrounded herself with people who wanted to observe the condition first, heavily influenced by the theories of Margaret Mead, the foremost anthropologist of the time. “One of my best friends is Helen Fisher. She’s an anthropologist and both of us sat at the feet of Margaret Mead. Together we explored so much. It was only the tip of the iceberg.”
Under Mrs. Tober’s bold leadership, the content of Bride’s magazine expanded as Barbara’s interests did. Eventually, Bride’s magazine went so far as to change its name to Brides & Your New Home. “That was done for one simple reason. Everyone knows we have fashion because we have a bridal dress on the cover. But not everyone realized we talk about decorating and entertainment as well. Marriage is a lot more than the ceremony.”
Barbara Tober, The Queen of Hearts By Ron Alexander for The New York Times, June 14, 1992
One of Mrs. Tober’s most prescient quotes captures the scope: “When people marry, other people work. A wedding brings economic health… It is a great banquet from which everyone can derive a living. It makes enormous economic sense to me.”
Indeed, in her personal life, marriage has had a near-perpetual presence. Tober has been married three times, but it’s impossible to chat with Mrs. Tober without a mention of her late husband of 49 years, Donald Tober, who died in early 2021 amid a challenging diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. Over the course of their long marriage, while Donald found success leading Sugar Foods Corporation, the couple rose to the top of the New York City philanthropic scene; becoming increasingly involved in the intersection of craftsmanship and art.
It’s on this topic that Mrs. Tober becomes particularly enthusiastic, demonstrating her passion for craft in real time. She tells me about a few details of the office we’re sitting in. A pair of columns: “Those are tribute to the Isabel O’Neil school. That’s not pore-free concrete. They’re painted.”
They’re truly remarkable, impressing a sense of heft and realism that feels increasingly rare. The walls and molding: “It’s paint behind you. It’s not Cinnabar. That’s paint. The artist was here for six months painting and sanding and painting and sanding and painting until he had it the way he wanted.” She finishes it off with a charming bonus, the classic extra detail: “Polish guy; a fabulous guy.” Without missing a beat, “Come to the living room”. The living room is vast and painted, of course, with commentary on every detail. She describes everything with a juvenile sense of giddy. “We took everything out and started over. We redid it.”
A some point, Mrs. Tober becomes a bit woeful. “You see how they decorate now. I know whoever buys this will paint it white. People shouldn’t do that!”
After his passing, Mrs. Tober turned Mr. Tobers’s bedroom into a well-preserved memorial space, packed with notes of appreciation, condolences, and a variety of ephemera and photos of the loved man. “I still visit him. I still talk to him. We did everything together.”
Barbara and Donald Tober. Graphic by Benjamin Schmidt
Mrs. Tober, now 87, hasn’t slowed down by any measure. If anything, she’s more active than ever, having treated her staff to a holiday in Abu Dhabi (“I’ve never seen anything like it.”) and returning to New York City in the middle of the crowded Spring social season. “Mrs. Tober does have an engagement this evening, we’re going to have to get ready.”
An early woman in the male-dominated world of advertising and magazine editing, Mrs. Tober has served on the Boards of a number of women’s oriented organizations including the Women’s Forum and the Women’s Leadership Initiative at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. Just recently, Play for Pink, the Breast Cancer research initiative founded by Evelyn Lauder (herself a breast cancer patient), is honored the philanthropist for her contributions to the cause.
Her all-female staff supports the efforts of her venture capital fund, Acronym, Inc., which focus on art-related projects including The Guild Publishing Company, Inc., publishers of The Sourcebook for Architectural and Interior, and CODAworx, a global online hub for commissioned artwork where Mrs. Tober serves on the Advisory Board.
A true patron of the arts, Mrs. Tober has collected works by established as well as emerging artists such as Dale Chihuly, Bernar Venet, Boaz Vaadia, Michelle Oka Doner, Roy Lichtenstein, Tom Otterness, Olga de Amaral, William Morris, Betty Woodman, Lino Tagliapietra, and more. Her collection is defined by the practice and technique of the creation itself; an obsession with the how of the work.
The Museum of Arts and Design’s MAD Ball 2019
Currently, Barbara Tober serves as Chairman Emerita at the Museum of Arts and Design, where she was Chairman of the Board of Trustees for 15 years, critically seeing the completion of the new museum building, now sited at the southern curve of Columbus Circle. Mrs. Tober now heads the Museum’s International Council and Education Committee and remains an active member of the Amati group at the Metropolitan Museum, New York City Ballet, Lincoln Center, The Metropolitan Opera, and New York Philharmonic.
Her enthusiasm for the beauty of the natural world, first instilled as a young girl in the hills and farms of New Jersey, continues with her support of the Central Park Conservancy, Friends of Wethersfield organization, and the Duchess Land Conservancy. She maintains Yellow Frame Farm in Millbrook, New York, a working farm where she’s able to indulge her green thumb.
Purchase Barbara Tober’s book, The Bride: A Celebration here. Read Ron Alexander’s 1992 New York Times story on Barbara Tober here.
AVYA, an Ayurvedic-inspired skincare brand from the minds of Deepika Vyas and Dr. Tanuj Nakra, recently launched 3 new products. As a skincare aficionado, I couldn’t wait to try out their new items. Over the last month, I tested out the newly developed Daily Milk Cleanser, Daily Detox Clay Mask, and Sheer Tinted Moisturizer SPF 40, along with their fan-favorite Anti-Aging Power Serum, Eye Bright Cream, and Night Moisturizer with Vitamin A. Read more to hear how the products worked and to learn more about the brand!
Seeking to “take traditional Ayurvedic ingredients and implement state-of-the-art technology to concentrate and boost their natural healing powers,” Vyas and Nakra say their brand is inspired by nature, and perfected by science. Ayurveda, meaning “the knowledge of life”, is an ancient Indian form of medicine that encourages “certain lifestyle interventions and natural therapies
to regain a balance between the body, mind, spirit, and the environment.” By combining these principles with their medical and pharmacy backgrounds, the co-founders have created a special connection of Eastern and Western medicine, and harnessed the unique powers of both, to deliver the highest-quality results.
As Avya means “First Rays of the Sun”, I thought it would be fitting to go through the products in the order I’ve been using them throughout the day.
First up, we have the Daily Milk Cleanser. It feels exactly like the name claims, like a creamy milk, and foams up ever so slightly when you massage it onto your skin. The scent of fresh blossoms fills the air, and the mild formula cleans and moisturizes your skin. It’s perfect for first thing in the morning, when you want to remove any residue of the previous night’s skincare, and leaves you with a fresh canvas.
After cleansing, I use the Anti-Aging Power Serum with Vitamin C, one of my favorite ingredients and my favorite product from Avya’s original line. This serum absorbs quickly into your skin and plumps and brightens it up for the day ahead. Vitamin C works great with SPF, so it’s a great ingredient to use in the morning when you can’t use harsher ingredients like retinol or chemical exfoliants, but still want to add something to improve your skin. I also add the Eye Bright Cream, which contains caffeine to brighten and refresh the eyes after a night’s rest, and leave you looking well-rested.
To protect my skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays, I apply their Sheer Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 40. This sunscreen / makeup hybrid feels soothing and lightweight on the skin without adding grease, which sunscreens high in SPF are notorious for. I would love to see Avya expand their shade range to fit the skintones of all consumers, especially since their brand inspiration comes from a part of the world where people have darker-toned skin!
When the evening hits and it’s time to wind down, I grab the Daily Milk Cleanser again after removing my makeup (you need something stronger to get off skin and eye makeup) and then apply their Daily Detox Clay Mask for 10 minutes. The scent of Camphor feels comforting and medicinal in a way that evokes childhood for me, and other ingredients like bentonite clay, salicylic acid, and zinc work to clear and deep cleanse your skin. After rinsing the mask off, I’ll apply their Night Moisturizer with Vitamin A, which contains a mild form of retinol and peptides to hydrate, improve fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
I’ve been using this regimen for about a month now, and I look forward to using the products every evening and morning. The routine is calming and the aromatherapy feels like I’m pampering myself, and my skin definitely agrees with the products. Looking forward to continuing using AVYA’s new line and noticing even more brightening and firming effects on my skin!
Fashion and car designs were the focus last week Wednesday at Genesis House in NYC!
On August 4th, Nordstrom hosted a VIP cocktail party in celebration of Black Business Month.
Last night on a perfect summer night in a very downtown New York City, ST~GERMAIN Elderflower Liqueur in collaboration with multi-hyphenate artist Jameel Mohammed of KHIRY and Paper Designer Zoe Bradley launched the 2nd Annual Fleuriste ST~GERMAIN — a veritable paper “fleuriste” or flower shop en français in response to the global flower shortage.
The multi-sensory paper flower shop sought to reimagine the joie de vivre of fresh florals by bringing their eternal joy to life with paper mediums, and spark collaboration and creativity through inspired conversations, exclusive jazz performances, one-of-a-kind bouquets, and whimsical cocktails.
“It’s been an honor to collaborate with Jameel on Fleuriste ST~GERMAIN,” said Zoe Bradley of Zoe Bradley Design. “Working alongside an artistic peer allowed me to endlessly leverage my imagination and create emotive installations that reintroduced the elation of fresh flowers. I hope guests delight in the pleasure and fantasy of our creations.”
The paper flower shop-cum-craft cocktail bar pop-up in the heart of SoHo buzzed, as an illustrious mix of cultural tastemakers, celebrities, musicians and industry innovators mingled and toasted with artfully crafted St~Germain cocktails inspired by Jameel and Zoe —the ‘Songbird’, ‘Fleur Savage’ and ‘Above the Clouds’.
The intimate soiree previewed the second iteration of the limited-run Fleuriste St~Germain pop-up space, which will be open to New Yorkers from Friday, August 12 (2-8 pm) through Saturday, August 13 (12-8 pm), where they can enjoy exclusive performances by Jameel, spirited dialogues, and paper flower workshops by Zoe along with specialty craft cocktails.
We spotted Actress AnnaSophia Robb, who is set to tie the knot next month, arrived wearing in a stunning yellow Carolina Herrera dress and Mark Cross bag. She chatted with Jameel Mohammed on how her very first cocktail was one whipped up by her mom using a bottle of her favorite elderflower liqueur, St~Germain. Southern Charm star, Venita Aspen, made a surprise appearance, sipping on a ‘Fleur Savage’ St-Germain cocktail as she told fellow guests about her recent move from Charleston to New York just in time for the summer.
Multi-hyphenate artist and Fleuriste St-Germain Creator Jameel Mohammed of KHIRY entranced the crowd with his singing, performing two Ella Fitzgerald songs; ‘Blue Skies’ and ‘I Didn’t Know What Time it Was’.
The evening wrapped with AnnaSophia in the back of house snacking on the leftover hors d’oeuvres, including the miniature tempura rutabagas, and joking that this might be better than the post-event sushi date she had planned with Carrie Diaries alum Stefania LaVie Owen.