Audrey Gruss & Sharon Bush With Special Guest
Audrey and Martin Gruss hosted a fête for newlyweds Sharon Bush and Bob Murray, at Fairwind, the Grusses’ art-strewn estate in Southampton. When I arrived, I noticed two cars of Secret Serviceagents: Were they for Audrey’s friend Prince Charles? President Trump? Or a cabinet secretary? Upon entering the house, which holds a stellar art collection ranging from Damien Hirst to George Condo, I headed down a winding path, bordered by white hydrangeas. The breathtaking grounds, dotted with sculptures, flower gardens, an organic vegetable patch, a pond, and even an apple orchard, were designed by the master landscaper Edwina von Gal. At the end of the torchlit path was the party pavilion, perched next to the pool. Audrey had created a long table on the terrace with low bouquets of sunflowers. The guests all arrived dressed to thrill and wearing stylish masks. Among the twelve — seated 6 feet apart, naturellement — included the writer Hilary Geary Ross and her husband, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross (hence the Secret Service) — along with other guests too private to mention. Audrey’s French chef created a sublime dinner paired with vintage wines and Champagnes. Dessert was a blissful floating island that was trailed by chocolate truffles and cappuccino. The main dish was the conversation, but I’ve been sworn to secrecy. N’est-ce pas?
Hope Parfum
Over cappuccino, Audrey accepted kudos for her recent Hope for Depression Research Foundation’s (HDRF) Virtual Race of Hope in Southampton. The Grey’s Anatomy star Eric Dane was the race’s ambassador. In the Fall, Audrey will debut her new eaux de parfum, Night, at Bergdorf Goodman, with all proceeds going to HDRF. If that’s not enough for you, Audrey has just pledged $30 million to fund depression research. It’s the only way, really. hopefordepression.o
Eric Javits & Di Mondo
Designer Eric Javits — famed for his hats— gave a party for his friend Di Mondo’s birthday. The dress code was disco-cowboy, so bedazzled jeans and masks were de rigueur. The intimate party was held inthe courtyard of Andrea Karambelas’s château in Water Mill and was aglow with dozens of artfully strung colored globes. Guests included Gillian and Sylvester Miniter, Zoe and Janna Bullock, Kevin Richards, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Peter Davis, Nicole Salmasi, and a baker’s dozen of the couple’s nearest and dearest. The pièce de résistance of the soirée was when the magician beckoned Di Mondo to the stage, stretched him out on a glass table, and levitated him two feet into the air. Who else would tell you these things?