The Lexington New York City grand opening was celebrated by the art and fashion world. The historic and stylish landmark midtown Manhattan hotel was originally opened in 1929 and re-opened after a $46 million renovation. The Lexington is rich in history and was once recognized as the place to be for Hollywood royalty, jazz aficionados, including Arthur Godfrey and Dorothy Lamour. At one time it was also the private residence of Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio after they married and she filmed, The Seven Year Itch. Nearby is where she stood above a subway grate in a white dress and created one of the most iconic images of the 20th century. A night of jazz and champagne-filled elegance christened a new era at the hotel with special performances by the cast of the highly anticipated Broadway musical, After Midnight.
The hotel features a new collection of art with pieces by Alba Clemente and Ruben Toledo. Toledo and his wife have created Jazz Age costumes for After Midnight in their first Broadway show collaboration. Isabel Toledo also designed Michelle Obama's historic sparkling lemongrass-yellow Inauguration dress and coat ensemble that the First Lady wore as her husband was sworn into office.
Holding a red balloon, Dulé Hill, widely known for his role on The West Wing, performed the legendary Frank Sinatra song "I've Got the World on a String" to the crowd of art and fashion influencers. Isabel Toledo also celebrated Mickey Boardman's birthday with vegan cupcakes. It was a swanky party that honored the "Old New York" and ushered in a "New New York" at this classic hotel.
Attendees included: Ruben Toledo, Alba Clemente, Isabel Toledo, Chiara Clemente, Francesco Clemente, Dulé Hill, Mickey Boardman, Paige Powell, René Ricard, David Hershkovits, Kim Hastreiter, Gus Van Sant, Bevy Smith, Stephanie Hirsch, Fern Mallis, Jamee and Peter Gregory, Kipton Cronkite, Sante D'Orazio, Elizabeth Kurpis, Sophie Elgort, Fran Lebowitz, Sylvia Martins-Niarchos, Tanya Selvaratnam, Desmond Richardson, Adriane Lenox, T. Oliver Reid, Allysa Shorte, Oriol Elcacho, Davinia Pellegri, Julie Gilhart, Marija Abney, Taylor Negron and Salman Rushdie.
