Fashion and fiction went hand in hand as the online luxury retailer Gilt Groupe helped to launch Bridie Clark’s latest novel, The Overnight Socialite, at an invite-only party Wednesday night at the W Boston. Co-hosted by Gilt Groupe founders Alexandra Wilkis Wilson and Alexis Maybank, Erica Corsano of Stuff Boston Magazine, Lisa Pierpont of Boldfacers.com, and jewelry designer Tonya Chen Mezrich, the party kept the decor minimal and the food and cocktails simple.
About 250 guests mingled while DJ (and Shag salon owner) Sandy Poirier mixed fun tracks in the W’s modern second-floor ballroom, which Gilt Groupe and the hotel transformed from an empty space (with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Theatre District) into a lounge area complete with low black leather benches and small cocktail tables scattered throughout. For decor, pink floral arrangements by Winston Flowers played off the purples and blues on the book jacket, floating candles illuminated large candlestick-style vases, and simple signage touted Gilt Groupe.
Waiters passed featured cocktails by Stoli, which were also available at two separate bars; passed appetizers by the hotel included mini burgers, grilled chicken skewers, lobster spring rolls, and Parmesan risotto balls.
After an introduction by Wilson, a close friend and Harvard school mate, Clark read an excerpt from her novel. “Her latest book of fiction is a perfect fit for Gilt Groupe as it chronicles the Pygmalion-esque story of a young woman who moves to New York City, determined to make a name for herself in the world of fashion,” said Wilson, who also hosted a screening of The September Issue in Nantucket over the summer. “Gilt Groupe regularly features both established and emerging fashion designers, so we felt there was a great connection between the character in the book and our business.”
Clark personalized copies of her book for guests and slipped in Gilt Groupe bookmarks, which were then included in the evening’s swag bags. The bags also featured $25 Gilt Groupe gift cards and samples from Bliss. (The W’s Bliss spa is slated to open this spring.)
Correction: The original version of this story misidentified the company responsible for styling the event.
