Last night, I attended the launch party for Tacori’s 18k925 collection at Michael C. Fina in Midtown Manhattan. A line of consisting of 18k gold, 925 silver and colorful gemstones, the baubles are priced high (between $400 - $3000) and are geared towards the young set.
But what belle of the ball, currently representing the young set could possibly pull off the task of shilling someone else’s brand for self-serving purposes? Enter Whitney Port of MTV’s The City, who while talking up Tacori, made sure that a couple of her designs were prominently displaced next to the colorful jewels. Cute frocks but unfortunately not the best accompaniment to the David Yurman-esque look of the 18k925. It all seemed like a PR company killing 2 birds with 1 party for their clients.
Whitney looked great in a white studded number and vintage heels that reminded me of a 1960s prom. She spoke to a few media people and took a few random facebook mobile snaps with guests and that was it. She spent the rest of the evening speaking only to her small group of friends. If it was Princess Diana or Jackie O., I bet they would have at least graciously smiled at everyone because that’s what a belle does. They knew how work the crowd, acknowledging everyone’s existence in the process.
So does Whitney truly represent this era’s definition of a Daisy Buchanan? With shows like “Jersey Shore” and “Tool Academy”, featuring Tiger Woods’ former mistress, gaining popularity, seems like there’s a new wave in our midst. It’s as if we’re done with obsessing over the hostess’ gown–we’re too preoccupied with the trashy crashers who got through security.
Even our own first lady (though I admire her for many reasons) is more apt to showing you how to plant rosemary in your garden than flaunt a fabulous gown at an Elton John benefit. She doesn’t seem like a schmoozer/connector which is vital to being a belle.
I know I’m rambling so I’ll get to my point. As we enter a new decade, the “belle of the ball” is over. Who knows what to expect in the new decade (hopefully not an apocalypse!) but I’m pretty sure that it won’t include a classy It Girl that deserves worldwide love and respect for her gift of throwing a great party. Our new 2010s heroine will probably be some reality TV star who loves to fuck in coat rooms and blows her nose at the dinner table. Get ready, maybe she’ll look like this:
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