The Council of Fashion Designers of America held its first West Coast gathering since the pandemic at The Oliver House in Silver Lake, Los Angeles, on Wednesday. Fashion leaders mingled in the modernist R.M. Schindler-designed home amid golden hour light and a farmers' market-inspired spread. Co-hosts Aurora James and Sophie Buhai highlighted the event's role in fostering industry community.
Golden hour sunlight streamed through the large windows of The Oliver House, owned by Gina Correll Aglietti, CEO of Yola Mezcal. Guests gathered in the backyard around a small pool, enjoying a grazing table with Barbari bread. The relaxed atmosphere featured blooming jasmine, jacarandas, and a lime leaf-garnished Yola Mezcal Coco Fresca cocktail. Laughter and banter continued late into the night, with the house dog Donny adding to the welcoming vibe, as Steven Kolb, CFDA CEO, noted: “Anytime there’s a dog, I know we’re in a really good place.” dressed in Thom Browne, Kolb admired the colorful crowd and spread. Among the California-based designers and executives were Danielle Frankel Hirsch, Bethann Hardison, Jasmin Larian Hekmat of Cult Gaia, Zoe Latta, Google Fashion executive Stephanie Horton, and Spencer Phipps. Jewelry designer Marvin Douglas Linares, stylist for Bad Bunny, arrived in Jacquemus paired with a football-shaped diamond stud from the singer's Super Bowl halftime performance. CFDA vice chair Aurora James of Brother Vellies, wearing Bode and Sophie Buhai's earrings, emphasized Los Angeles' importance to the organization. “My hope is that we’re going to start feeling that L.A. is a part of our greater community and family as well, because there’s so much brilliance here,” James said. Co-host Buhai, in a Fortuny kimono over vintage Calvin Klein, added: “I’m so appreciative of the community the CFDA provides. I think it’s so important to be able to have other friends in our industry and to come together.” Both co-hosts sported Buhai’s quartz earrings.
