On Wednesday evening, Bond Street was buzzing with excitement as LuisaViaRoma, the iconic Italian luxury retailer, unveiled its first international store. The event, a celebration of the brand’s 100th anniversary and its expansion into the American market, drew a vibrant crowd of fashion enthusiasts, celebrities, and industry insiders.
The atmosphere was electric, a blend of European charm and New York City energy. The air crackled with the sound of camera flashes as models navigated the cobblestone street, while Uber drivers craned their necks to catch a glimpse of the star-studded spectacle. The opening was perfectly timed, coinciding with New York Fashion Week, attracting a diverse audience, from Hollywood A-listers to international fashion influencers.
Among the notable attendees was Maggie Gyllenhaal, fresh off the set of her upcoming film “The Bride.” Sporting a relaxed yet chic look in slouchy Margiela jeans and Miu Miu ballet slippers, Gyllenhaal expressed her excitement about potentially attending a few shows with her daughter, Ramona. The actress revealed that she might even catch a glimpse of her brother Jake’s longtime model girlfriend, Jeanne Cadieu, gracing the runway.
Matt Damon, another familiar face from the red carpet, made a guest appearance to offer his congratulations to LuisaViaRoma CEO Tommaso Maria Andorlini. The scene was abuzz with anticipation as aspiring models mingled with runway legends like Amber Valletta and Helena Christensen. Even the creative duo behind Proenza Schouler, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, took a break from their busy schedules to raise a toast, fresh from presenting their Spring 2025 collection to editors downtown.
Emerging actress and musician Charlotte Lawrence, currently starring in the black comedy “Bad Monkey,” was another standout guest. Dressed in Dries Van Noten in her favorite shade of green, Lawrence treated attendees to a captivating performance, showcasing her musical talents with a set of original songs and a special request from the LuisaViaRoma team.
“They want me to play ‘Girls Just Want To Have Fun,’” she shared with Vogue, adding, “It’ll probably sound like a sad version as it’s just me alone with my guitar, but I’m really stoked about it.”
Beyond the fashion, the event showcased the brand’s appreciation for Italian culinary artistry. In the heart of the 11,000-square-foot split-level store, culinary artist Laila Gohar created a captivating display of museum-worthy busts sculpted from butter, alongside dark chocolate figurines and rows of glazed baguettes. Guests, drawn by the tantalizing aroma and the allure of a taste of Italy, indulged in the culinary delights, washing them down with refreshing Grey Goose Espresso Martinis. It was a testament to the fact that even the most fashionable crowd knows how to appreciate the finer things in life, especially when those things come with a touch of Italian flair.
