THURSDAY
July 22
Last Thursday, the King Collective ventured across town where founder Keri Ingvarsson spent the evening at the embodiment of established Upper East Side refinement, the venerable restaurant Swifty’s. Not only is Swifty’s a very cozy, comfortable space with a menu well-versed in classic American fare, but also one with the rarefied air of history and the unique neighborhood feel lacking in similarly superb but nouveau dining establishments. While the crowds at the latter are more trendy yet transient, Swifty’s is the type of locale where many of the patrons have kept a weekly appointment for years, and are constantly running into a former classmate from Collegiate or a neighbor from Park Avenue. Located on Lexington Ave and 72nd, in the former Mortimer’s space (as in Tinsley Mortimer’s family), just minutes away from classic fashion houses on Madison Ave such as Carolina Herrera, Prada, Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana, and in the old stomping grounds of the Morgans and Rockefellers, the restaurant is truly a special place with a unique, low-lit, intimate atmosphere.
Keri enjoyed dinner with well-regarded PR veterans Roger Webster and Jason Grant of the boutique agency Webster Light Grant Communication. Evening attire was representative of bridging the worlds between more laid-back, upstart Upper West Side and elegant, formal Upper East Side: while the gentlemen wore jacket and tie (according to Swifty’s old school dress code, natch), the lady wore a gold sequined Dagmar jacket and J Brand jeans. She met the restaurant’s founders, chef Stephen Attoe and owner Robert Caravaggi, whom are often spotted coming from back of house to check in on and converse with diners. Amongst those dining that night were American designer Stephen Sprouse, along with editor at large of Style.com and international bon vivant Derek Blasberg.
The King Collective is very excited to host the 7th Annual Fete de Swifty on September 29, 2010 in this fine dining establishment of dark wood and subtle luxury that harkens back to a gentler, more civilized era. For more information on the restaurant, please visit http://swiftysny.com/.
TUESDAY
July 27
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| Leslie Kalka dressed head to toe in Islaet |
This past Tuesday night, Erin stopped by part II of Stylecaster’s Summer Concert Series at live music venue and hotbed of fun Santos Party House. The atmosphere was exuberant and rebellious, lit up by glow in the dark lights (the bright, colorful Islaet dress worn by Erin’s friend Leslie was perfect for the occasion). Sponsorship by trend forecasting agency Stylecaster and tastemaker music magazine Death & Taxes attracted a mix of aspiring models, polished fashionistas, and gritty downtown hipsters. All, whether adorned in designer clothing or tattoos, felt the electric energy of music by bands Lemonade, along with an open bar courtesy of 42 Below Vodka. Ari Goldberg, co-founder of Stylecaster was probably pleased that despite the convergence of diverse tastes and fashion cliques, a good time was had by all; declaring his gratitude, he gave a shout-out, “Stylecaster would be nothing without the people.”
WEDNESDAY
July 28
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| Sylia |
Erin and Page enjoyed the musical stylings of Sylia at the Living Room in the Lower East Side, where the Norwegian performer has taken up residence until September. The sultry, self-assured singer had the audience in the palm of her hand, as she crooned seductive tunes while flitting about and flirting with the crowd. While the artist bills herself as “Duke Ellington meets Björk,” Erin described her as more “Dita von Teese meets Regina Spektor meets Edith Piaf,” as her act combines burlesque seduction with quirky, charming vocals. The highlight of the night was a cover of the popular Gwen Verdon song from “Damn Yankees,” reinterpreted as “Whatever Sylia Wants.” After a performance that oozed sex and confidence, we find it easy to believe that, as in the song, whatever Sylia wants, Sylia gets. http://www.silyamusic.com/
