The CFDA Celebrated Springtime in Los Angeles

Jasmin Larian Hekmat, Aurora James, Sophie BuhaiMarc Patrick/BFA.com

If the preferred type of gathering these days is a low-key house party, then the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s cocktail evening at The Oliver House in Silver Lake was perhaps the dream gathering.

On Wednesday, golden hour rays poured through the large windows of the modernist R.M Schindler-designed house, which is nestled near the neighborhood’s beloved reservoir. “It’s a light prism,” agreed owner Gina Correll Aglietti, who also happens to be the CEO of Yola Mezcal.

In the backyard, where most of the mingling took place, the light maintained its magic by bouncing off the small pool, wine glasses, and the quartz earrings worn and designed by co-host Sophie Buhai. CFDA vice chair Aurora James of Brother Vellies, also a co-host, had adorned her ears with Buhai’s designs too.

The California-based talent that helps shape American style convened on the grass and patio, with guests including Danielle Frankel Hirsch, Bethann Hardison, Jasmin Larian Hekmat of Cult Gaia, Zoe Latta, Google Fashion exec Stephanie Horton, Spencer Phipps, and Steven Kolb enjoying a farmers’ market-inspired grazing table with large loaves of Barbari bread.

James, dressed in Bode, noted the fact that the evening marked the CFDA’s first West Coast gathering since the pandemic. “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,” she said. “I love to have pizza parties in my own garden, so you all are welcome to come over anytime.”

Speaking to guests, wrapped in a Fortuny kimono over a vintage Calvin Klein top, Buhai reflected on her experience with the organization: “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 be able to relate with them, come together, and share what’s going on.”

Indeed, camaraderie was evident through the laughter and relaxed banter which stretched late into the night—though blooming jasmine and jacaradas certainly helped, as did the specialty cocktail; a lime leaf-garnished Yola Mezcal Coco Fresca.

Jewelry designer Marvin Douglas Linares was happy to make it. He’s rarely at home these days, given that he is touring the world as Bad Bunny’s stylist. To complete his Jacquemus ensemble, he teamed it with the football-shaped diamond stud the singer had debuted during his Super Bowl halftime set.

Dressed in tip-to-toe Thom Browne, Kolb was admiring the colorful spread and crowd while taking it all in. Acknowledging Donny, the four-legged resident of the house, he remarked: “Anytime there’s a dog, I know we’re in a really good place.”