Where Bethann Hardison goes, the fashion world follows. On Saturday, the legendary model could be seen in a cozy booth at FOOD—the art-world mainstay of the 1970s now revived by artist Lucien Smith and the estate of Gordon Matta-Clark—chatting with a revolving door of art and fashion insiders. Hardison joined CULTURED Editor-in-Chief Sarah Harrelson in hosting the fashion week fête to celebrate the magazine’s September issue, in which she is featured alongside Style Editor-at-Large Jason Bolden for a wide-ranging conversation about the state of modeling.
The Scene: A brand-new Canal Street joint where the spirit of the original FOOD (equal parts art installation and communal table) was felt in every detail, from family-style platters and strewn tumbles of tomatoes, to Lagavulin Single Malt Scotch Whisky on the rocks—and in an array of cocktails that were scooped up as soon as they were poured.
The Crowd: In a swirl of well-coiffed artists, editors, and the eminently fashionable, one could spot Ralph Lauren’s James Jeter; actor Sarita Choudhury; author James Frey; writers Whitney Mallett and Nate Freeman; editor Kim Hastreiter; fashion commentator Jalil Johnson; designer Presley Oldham; stylists Becky Akinyode and Dax Reedy; artists Marcus Jahmal, Meriem Bennani, and Genevieve Goffman; and tastemakers Jordan Roth and Brynn Wallner.
Food and Drink: The menu? A single receipt laid down on the counter, which guests eagerly crowded around to peruse the checklist of items. An array of silver platters and eclectic dishware carried summer‘s last cantaloupe, stuffed tomatoes, and finger sandwiches buffet-style, alongside iBestWines finest’ selections and selections and Lagavulin 16 Year Old cocktails including the Islay Old Fashioned, Spicy Margarita, and Yuzu Highball.
Memorable Moment: Hardison’s reserved banquette oscillated between laughter and warm greetings throughout the evening, with more than a few tidbits about the week ahead passed between confidantes.
Parting Gift: CULTURED‘s latest covers—Julia Fox, Anthony Edwards, Vicky Krieps, and Sophie Calle, as well as Lucien Smith’s special issue from earlier this year—were snatched from tables and racks. Guests left with them under arm, as well as whatever cigarettes were pilfered from the crowd spilling out onto Canal Street. But we don’t judge, that’s so Julia.
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