Nolita’s Elizabeth Street Gardens transformed into a surrealist wonderland last night as celebrities and fashion influencers gathered to celebrate the opening of Hourglass Cosmetics and Barneys New York’s limited-time concept store. The event, co-hosted by Carisa Janes (founder and president of Hourglass), the CFDA, Julie Gilhart (president of Gilhart & Co and Barneys alumn), and Simon Doonan (author and Barneys alumn), was a vibrant celebration of the brand’s 20th anniversary.
Guests, including Emily Ratajkowski, Katie Holmes, Teyana Taylor, and Ella Emhoff, navigated through a hazy hedge wall labyrinth to enter the festivities. Inside, the garden was transformed into an immersive playground, featuring life-size Hourglass brush heads dressed by store designers amidst lush greenery and twinkling lights. The atmosphere was reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland, with vibrant beats by DJs Angel + Dren setting the perfect tone for the evening.
The party offered a series of unique experiences, including blindfolded tastings and a bespoke dance show from the renowned subway crew ‘Showtime.’ Candles illuminated the passageways, while tables laden with fruit and blossoming flowers added to the sensory delight.
Simultaneously, guests were escorted across the street to an exclusive preview of the whimsical concept store. The Hourglass and Barneys collaboration celebrates the beauty brand’s return to the iconic New York retailer where it first launched two decades prior. The pop-up shop showcases fashion and beauty brands with limited-edition offerings.
Inside the store, guests were greeted by a life-size poodle installation custom-built with Hourglass products. They also explored racks of partner designers, including Thom Browne, Marc Jacobs, Khaite, KidSuper, Proenza Schouler, Luar, and many more.
The Hourglass and Barneys Concept Store will open to the public on September 5th and run until October 11th, offering a unique shopping experience for fashion and beauty enthusiasts.
