In the heart of Manhattan’s Upper East Side, the air crackled with anticipation as guests arrived at an exclusive event hosted by fashion icons Plum Sykes and Liana Satenstein. The atmosphere was electric, a vibrant tapestry woven with the city’s most stylish ladies and the downtown’s coolest fashion writers. It was a gathering that only two alumni like Sykes and Satenstein, both renowned for their impeccable taste and discerning eye for fashion, could have orchestrated.
Sykes, having recently returned to New York City after a five-year hiatus, graced the occasion to promote her latest literary offering. Upon her arrival, her first stop was the salon of renowned hairstylist Ashley Javier, where she indulged in a rejuvenating cut and color, preparing herself to face the ever-evolving fashion landscape of the Big Apple. As she shared with the crowd, “New York has a knack for making women feel a tad insecure about themselves,” she quipped. “Yet, it’s equally captivating to witness the sheer splendor that surrounds us.”
Fresh from her hair appointment, Sykes embarked on a whirlwind tour of the city’s fashion hotspots. Her first stop was the elegant Upper East Side apartment of the esteemed Liana Satenstein, where she hosted an intimate book event for a select group of fashion enthusiasts earlier in the week. The evening culminated in a panel discussion held downtown, a captivating dialogue that brought together the signature styles of Satenstein and Sykes.
The event, meticulously produced by Starkman & Associates and Conti Communications, was a testament to the enduring legacy of The New York Times’ fashion coverage. As Satenstein eloquently explained, “Our aim was to evoke the essence of the ’90s era of The New York Times’ fashion section. The exquisite lettering that adorned the backdrop was meticulously crafted by alumnus David Vo, its typeface a nod to the iconic font that graced the pages of Plum’s articles in the ’90s.”
Both Sykes and Satenstein exuded an effortless elegance, their attire a harmonious blend of high fashion and downtown cool. They were clad head-to-toe in Batsheva, an American favorite mall brand, complemented by kitten heels from Chinatown and Breda watches, a beloved accessory among Gen Z. True to her reputation as one of fashion’s best-dressed women, Sykes accessorized her ensemble with a vintage Yves Saint Laurent scarf, a touch of timeless sophistication that elevated her look.
During the panel discussion, the dynamic duo delved into Sykes’s latest literary creation, a captivating tale that explores the elite yet chaotic lives of the “country princesses” residing in the villages that Sykes now calls home. The story also features a sophisticated butler with a penchant for vintage treasures, his unwavering dedication to restoring peace and harmony within the community.
The conversation flowed effortlessly, punctuated by anecdotes and fond reminiscences of their shared experiences at The New York Times. Heckling was actively encouraged throughout the evening, with Lucy Sykes, Plum’s twin sister, interjecting to provide additional context and insights. The panel culminated in a lively Q&A session, where guests had the opportunity to engage with Sykes, seeking her advice on writing and the most glamorous aspects of her former role at American Vogue. Sykes candidly shared that one of the perks of her position was receiving an abundance of It bags delivered to her doorstep, so many that she often lacked the time to delve into their contents. Instead, she generously distributed them among her friends, family, and even the doormen who watched over her building.
The evening concluded with a delightful reception, where guests mingled with Satenstein and Sykes, eager to express their admiration and delve deeper into the world of fashion and literature. A book signing provided an opportunity for personalized interactions, while a thoughtfully placed smoking area, adorned with Capris cigarettes, catered to those who wished to indulge in a moment of respite.
For Satenstein, the evening was the culmination of a dream that had been brewing for two years. It was during her tenure as a fashion director for The New York Times that she first reached out to Sykes, eager to collaborate on a Neverworns episode. “I’ve always held Plum’s writing in the highest regard,” Satenstein enthused. “Her ability to imbue fashion with a fantastical edge is unparalleled. When she writes, she transports us into a realm where we can experience the tactile pleasure of wearing a luxurious gown, the exhilaration of sipping a Kamikaze cocktail, and the allure of gliding through the city in a sleek black car… all from the comfort of our own beds.”
After maintaining a cordial connection, Sykes and Satenstein serendipitously crossed paths in London, where they decided to bring their Neverworns collaboration to life. “Initially, we envisioned it as a video segment,” Satenstein explained. “But then, I thought, why limit ourselves? Let’s transform it into a live event, an opportunity for people to meet Plum in person and immerse themselves in her world. I had an unwavering belief that it would be a resounding success.”
This event marked a pivotal chapter in Satenstein’s professional journey, signaling an ambitious expansion of her Neverworns series. “We’re meticulously curating each episode, inviting extraordinary guests and blending elements of research, shopping, and sheer delight,” she revealed. “Throughout my career, I’ve yearned to create the kind of immersive fashion experiences that captivated my imagination as a young girl.”
As the evening drew to a close, guests eagerly anticipated the release of the Neverworns episode featuring Plum Sykes, slated to premiere on May 21st. The event had left an indelible mark, a testament to the enduring power of fashion, storytelling, and the collaborative spirit that unites creative minds.
