On an especially auspicious March 17—St. Patrick’s Day—a cohort of New York City’s brides-to-be and wedding industry insiders gathered at the Manolo Blahnik store on Madison Avenue for the fifth annual Over The Moon x Manolo Blahnik shopping soirée.
The cocktail party doubled as a pre–New York Bridal Fashion Week fete and as a celebratory way to usher in the start of wedding season. Guests also previewed the exclusive new Lein for Over The Moon capsule and fine jewelry by LaPietra. The recently-launched line from former Vogue editors Jessica Sailer Van Lith and Christina Caldwell has already made its mark on the fine jewelry industry with its cultured, old mine–cut diamonds. And, of course, no look would be complete without accessorizing from tip to toe: everyone tried on Manolo heels, sandals, and flats, as well as styles from the brand’s newest wedding collection for a finishing touch.
Lein for Over The Moon exclusives were also available to try on and purchase; a welcome chance to secure these limited-edition, made-to-order pieces. Designed by Meredith Stoecklein, the collaboration features six looks. OTM founder and Vogue editor Alexandra Macon opted to wear her personal favorite from the collection, the Beau Crystal Lattice Dress.
In the spirit of the event, a “Something Blue Bar” doubled as a gifting suite, stocked with delights from Jo Malone, Dear Sundays, Smythson, 111Skin, Chord by Mary Orton, Mrs. Box, and Monogram Mary. Ahead of the evening, renowned celebrity hairstylist Valery Joseph, alongside Meg Workman, oversaw the models’ glam, with a particular nod to 111Skin as a complexion-elevating essential.
Meanwhile, the boutique’s bar sparkled with cocktails by Wilde Irish Gin, serving up playful signatures like the OTM Moonlit Gimlet and the Blahnik & Tonic. Guests also enjoyed organic wines from Avaline Wine, the female-founded brand that is redefining sustainable sipping.
For those unable to resist a new pair of Manolos, there was a shoe customization station by P.S. Calligraphy that pressed gold foil monograms and personalized messages onto the soles. New York-based wedding planner Norma Cohen’s daughter Lydia ordered a pair, playfully inscribing “Don’t” on one sole and “Trip” on the other.
While the gathering officially kicked off Bridal Fashion Week, brides weren’t the only ones celebrating. Many guests marked personal milestones with a little self-indulgence: planner Veronica Joy treated herself to brown suede Manolos for her birthday, while Over The Moon’s own Savannah Rockwin secured her first pair—a rite of passage for any Sex and the City devotee. On that note, the party even welcomed an appearance by the show’s author, Candace Bushnell.
Brides-to-be Hope LaVine and Madelyn Wysner drew inspiration for their wedding wardrobe. Recent bride Zaye de Givenchy and content creators Ashley Avignone, Aly Klima, Janny Kim, and Samantha Varvel also reveled in the inspiration all evening long. But perhaps one of the most special guests of the entire night was designer Jennifer Behr’s cavapoo Alice, who was offered water from a Manolo Blahnik dog bowl.
Even after the store closed, the party—and shopping—continued. After all, the Over The Moon x Manolo Blahnik NYBFW event only comes around once a year.
