A Change of Address Called for a Party—Step Inside the New Dior Flagship

It’s good to be local in September. “I just rolled out of bed—I didn’t even know it was Fashion Week until a few days ago,” laughed Brooklynite Sam Nivola. The White Lotus newcomer—one of Jonathan Anderson’s early recruits who notably starred in teaser videos for the designer’s menswear debut—was feeling chill in a blue half-zip showcasing the revived title-case logo. “I’m thrilled that I didn’t have to fly anywhere. I also chose the most comfortable and cool outfit I could see. And it’s paying off majorly,” he added.

Nivola wasn’t the only one singing Anderson’s praises at Wednesday’s grand unveiling of the House of Dior. At the ribbon-cutting soirée for the East 57th Street flagship—co-hosted by Peter Marino, the architect behind the 52,000-square-foot, four-story boutique—Anna Sawai beamed in a crisp white mini.

“It’s my first New York Fashion Week event ever,” the Shōgun star told Vogue. “I feel so stylish and I’m very excited to be in Jonathan Anderson’s designs. Thank you, Jonathan,” she added, blowing an imaginary air kiss to the Irishman.

On the second floor—where Sawai said she was concocting her dream wish list of bags and shoes—she caught up with fellow house ambassador Ashley Park. The duo even exchanged phone numbers and AirDropped each other the outfit pictures they’d taken.

As guests and clients made their way through the space—Swinging their Saddle bags and pivoting on their J’Adior slingbacks—they marveled at the vivid Colorama that anchors the staircase. Behind the glass lies a visual history of the maison’s most famous signatures from the past 75 years, bringing to mind the traveling Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams exhibition. “My girlfriend Iris [Apatow] would absolutely love everything—this staircase is pretty unbelievable,” remarked Nivola.

The pristine, expansive boutique sits just steps from the historic site where Monsieur Dior first established his U.S. presence in 1948. The city was beloved by the designer, who once wrote, “My two days in New York were spent in a continuous state of wonder.” Sure to inspire awe today, the serene Dior Spa—upstairs and first-of-its-kind in the country—was already drawing interest. On Wednesday, actress Alexandra Daddario took a breather from photographers, testing fragrances and inquiring about services. Knitwear-clad Priyanka Chopra Jonas also told Vogue she’ll be back as soon as her hectic fashion-month schedule eases up. “I’m ready to explore this spa. Extensively,” she laughed.

Like Nivola, the former Miss World jumped at the chance to attend a glamorous event in something comfortable and cozy. “I just love Jonathan and everything that he’s infusing into this iconic brand,” she said. With her mom in town—hosting a home-cooked Indian feast for the Chopra-Jonas family later that evening—the actress added that her look was perfect for sitting back and enjoying a meal, too. “See, I can even keep my pants button open after dinner and no one will know,” she joked, lifting the hem.

Energized after her inaugural NYFW fête, Sawai said she’d be instituting another new tradition: a Levain cookie on the way back to her hotel. Wherever guests were headed for their post-party bite, they were greeted en route by a glowing reminder of the night—the House of Dior logo splashed brightly across the sky-high Helmsley Building until 1 a.m. to mark the occasion.