Simon B. Mørch, the creative mind behind the London-based interiors publication Scenery, knows how to curate a captivating experience. With his second issue fresh off the press, Mørch took his readers on a journey, inviting them to step right into the pages of the magazine with a cocktail party in New York City. The location? The home and studio of Peter Schlesinger, whose personal photography graces the latest edition. This was a first for Schlesinger, opening his doors to such a celebration in his Flatiron apartment, a large part of a former girdle factory. Given the esteemed individuals documented in his photography – Eric Boman, David Hockney, Grace Coddington, Andy Warhol, Manolo Blahnik, Paloma Picasso, Ossie Clarke, and Amanda Lear, to name a few – one can only imagine the stories these walls could tell.
Mørch’s vision for the gathering stemmed from a question plaguing print editors: how can a magazine transcend its physical form and become a catalyst for connection? For Scenery, which delves deeper than staged vignettes, offering an intimate look into the world of interiors, the answer was simple: bring like-minded individuals together. In the spirit of timeless tradition, the evening was a celebration of shared passions. Co-hosted by interior design firm Nicky Kehoe, the event unfolded with the classic elements of a good party: champagne, delectable bites, and the magic of spontaneous connection.
The party was a celebration of Schlesinger’s remarkable talent. Scenery had already tantalized art lovers with three decades of his captivating Pentax photographs taken around the world, from the late 1960s through the ‘90s. Now, guests had the unique opportunity to step into his personal sanctuary and witness the creative process up close. They wandered through the studio, marveled at his ceramics collection, and even met Hockney, a close friend of Schlesinger, who was happy to chat with guests.
The energy of the gathering was palpable. Decor editors engaged in lively conversations about new design trends, model couple Mikkel Jensen and Maya Stepper relaxed on a sofa, surrounded by Schlesinger’s ceramics, as though part of a fashion campaign, and designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, art advisor Sharon Coplan, artist Chloe Wise, fashion editor Phyllis Posnick, and photographer Diego Villarreal Vagujhelyi mingled with peers over charcuterie and Hennessy cocktails.
As a fitting finale, the magazine featured the wisdom of Nicky Haslam, a renowned figure in the world of interiors, who shared his ultimate party etiquette, honed over a lifetime of experiencing the most fabulous gatherings behind closed doors. His advice was simple yet profound: “Don’t get drunk. Don’t embarrass yourself. Don’t eat too much. (Or at least don’t be seen to eat too much.) Wear your most flattering clothes. Look wonderful.” Fortunately, the guests had clearly absorbed the memo, embracing the spirit of the evening with elegance and grace.
Scenery’s cocktail party at Peter Schlesinger’s home was a testament to the power of connection, the beauty of art, and the enduring magic of a well-curated gathering. It was a night where design, photography, and the art of living collided, creating an unforgettable experience for all who attended.
