Once a Hollywood gem—and poised for a comeback after a $15 million face-lift—the historic Roosevelt Hotel set the scene for Details magazine and Nautica’s Next Big Things party, toasting the mag’s April issue and the gaggle of up-and-comers it features. The 500 guests were among the first to see the renowned hotel, home of the first Academy Awards ceremony and a favorite of Marilyn Monroe, since its recent renovation.
Guests and celebs walked a red carpet set against a navy-blue-and-white backdrop evocative of the American flag and made their way into a softly lit oasis. Details’ Melissa Mattiace and Melanie Rosenthal and event production firm Rabin Rodgers Inc. situated the party around the palm tree-lined, Olympic-size pool, its bottom painted in 1980 with a mural by California artist David Hockney. Guests lounged on oversize chaises adorned with Nautica-branded pillows. Buckets of goodies, including sweatshirts and flip-flops from Nautica, helped everyone get cozy.
Flowers arranged by Joseph Free further emphasized the nautical theme. Orchids, bromeliads, and other succulents were planted in sand and stone in clear blue plexiglass boxes and scattered poolside. Larger, more dramatic versions of the arrangements sat atop the bars.
Guests nibbled on traditional American backyard fare: Mini corn dogs and cheeseburgers, bite-size Ruben sandwiches, lobster macaroni balls, and french fries in red-and-white-gingham cups were elegantly served on silver trays. Dessert was all-American too: chocolate brownie bites and red, white, and blue gelato in sugar waffle cones. Servers were dressed casually in white pants, blue Nautica polos, and white deck shoes. Party guests like Eva Longoria, Jessica Alba, Kimberly Stewart (Rod’s daughter), and omnipresent event staple Paris Hilton opted to show more skin.
And like any memorable pool party, this one featured a fully clothed party guest—in white pants, no less—taking an unexpected dip. At least it was in the shallow end.
—Raegan Gall
Photos: WireImage
The pool area at the historic Roosevelt Hotel set the scene for Details magazine and Nautica’s blue and white Next Big Things party.
Guests lounged on oversize chaises adorned with Nautica pillows.
The bottom of the Roosevelt’s pool features a mural by California artist David Hockney.
