They Wanna Be a Contender

(NEW YORK) "I can never refuse a party with my closest friends," said Valentino last night at the space formerly known as the Boom Boom Room. (Will someone rename this joint already?) "So when you're on top of New York in a gorgeous space with beautiful people, it just makes me smile. And I love smiling!"

He wasn't the only one. The Standard Hotel was overrun with A-listers last night as Val, Giancarlo Giammetti and Carlos Souza threw an impromptu little bash with, oh, Madonna and other assorted intimates. Aspiring spin doctor Jesus Luz was hard at work turntabling. "I've become used to this whole DJ thing," he confessed as Marjorie Gubelmann angled in for a beatific photo op--one of many. "I just did a tour in Brazil, so you can say I warmed up for this well."

"No matter how many parties Gwyneth and Madonna host for us, it's still an indie film," said Matt Tyrnauer of Valentino, The Last Emperor, which is looking increasingly like an Oscar contender. "So while these two returned to Italy, I had to man screenings and Q&A's in 35 states! Even though this party is very glamorous, our campaign was very grassroots--the go-to-cities-you-don't-want-to-be-in tour!"

Boom-y regulars like Marc Jacobs and Lorenzo Martone hit the VIP section, while Jacobs spent some QT chatting with Gabi Asfour. Cocktails served on silver trays along with crab cakes and mini grilled cheese sandwiches contributed to the atmosphere of indulgence. Mischa Barton sidled up next to the bar as Adrien Brody and Hugh Jackman stuck strictly to the VIP area. Daphne Guinness' entrée was accompanied by a flurry of flashes, as fashion's best poser did her best to give Joe and Co. the best possible shots. And yes, she was wearing those Nina Ricci shoes...again.

"Being recognized everywhere is OK," admitted Giammetti. "But I'm just finally setting up my apartment and my normal life in New York. I'm doing quiet things that people in this city do, like seeing my friends and having nice, quiet dinners."

Martha Stewart left on the way early side, but Bruce Hoeksema, Narcisco Rodriguez, Italo Zucchelli, Thakoon Panichgul, Mary Boone, Larry Gagosian, Hope Atherton, John Demsey and Michael Chow rounded out the evening. "I've seen the movie," said one Charlie Rose. "But I still can't say anything relevant about fashion."
VALENTINE UHOVSKI & ASHLEY BAKER