Last Night’s Parties: Jessica Simpson Stomps, Kate Spade Twirls

Before and after Fashion’s Night Out: The Show, I made my way to the night’s two biggest events: The launch of Jessica Simpson’s denim collection and the Kate Spade/Elizabeth Arden-hosted dinner to celebrate the launch of the brand’s new fragrance, Twirl.

Simpson’s soiree was a lively party in her apparel label’s showroom, DJed by brother-in-law Pete Wentz and featuring Simpson and friends show off the jeans, as well as some Spring 2011 offerings. The snacks were good–mini everything, from grilled cheese to hamburgers to BLTs–and the atmosphere was bright and buzzy. Simpson’s friends, including CaCee Cobb (who we’re particularly fond of because she’s married to Donald Faison, aka Murray from Clueless) scooted around the room in their new clothes. In reality, there were few actually examining at the wares–most onlookers seemed to want to get a good view of Simpson’s bod rather than her jeans. But I’ll say that there were some lovely shoes in the mix–particularly a pair of brown heeled hiking boots. Simpson’s shoe collection–when she’s not knocking off other labels–is really great. There–I’m admitting it!

I soon moved on to FNO: The Show, which you can read about here. Then it was time to head down to Tribeca, where the Kate Spade gals were clinking champagne at the Smyth Hotel’s Plein Sud in honor of Twirl, a new fragrance produced in conjunction with Elizabeth Arden. The tables were lined with tiny vintage vases, filled with red roses, pink peonies, and other lovely blooms. The room was set up to mimic the scene in the campaign, which Britt got to see the making of last spring. There were plenty of bright young things around to toast, including the gorgeous Jessica Szohr, Lonneke Engel, and Alexis Bledel. It was an evening filled with beautiful vintage-inspired jewelry, 1950s and ’60s-style party frocks, and a very, very good steak au poivre.

Along the way I fell in love with the dress worn by the lead singer of Lapis Luna, the jazz band that entertained us over the course of the evening. It turns out it’s the dress that Lonneke Engel is wearing in the campaign, and they produced it specifically in honor of the new fragrance–there will only be a few available. With a pleated gold lame skirt and gold sequin top, it’s the perfect holiday frock.

As much as I was enjoying my time with the Twirl crowd, it was time to head home. Must rest up for what’s to come!