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party chat
October 19, 2012

Photos: Bergdorf Goodman’s 111th Black-Tie Birthday Gala

By Jenni Avins

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Photo: Patrick McMullan

Fashion people are so youth obsessed, we were surprised that guests at Bergdorf Goodman’s 111th birthday party last night embraced the idea of aging. It wasn’t that late when the Cut arrived at the Plaza, but lots of models and designers were already making their way home, like old people, because they thought the party was hot and crowded. Inside, we found a lilac-tinged paradise filled with petit fours, puffy clouds, massive stuffed mammals, and a white-suited band playing Cyndi Lauper songs, as well as some committed partiers and actual old people — Iris Apfel and the director Albert Maysles, who is making a documentary about her. “I’ve been here four times,” said Maysles, sitting on an ottoman while his date hunted down Linda Fargo to say good-bye. “The Rolling Stones, the Beatles, Truman Capote — the famous Black and White Ball. I was here.” How did this party compare? “Oh well, [it’s] nothing to compare with that. All those famous people that were friends with Capote.” To be fair, there were famous fashion people there, many of whom shared their thoughts on turning 111. Click ahead to learn who is looking forward to that.

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Coco Rocha It’s an 111th birthday party. Would you want to live to be 111? Who wouldn’t just want to continue living? There’s so many things... Coco Rocha It’s an 111th birthday party. Would you want to live to be 111? Who wouldn’t just want to continue living? There’s so many things you could learn to do. It would be nice to be perfect at 111. I’m a religious girl, so I believe that one day we will be able to live forever.  Photo: Patrick McMullan
Stacey Bendet  Photo: Patrick McMullan
Joseph Altuzarra  Photo: Patrick McMullan
Olivier Zahm Any insight into your own psyche? If you don’t read, you’re dead, in this period of amnesia. Because we all become totally amne... Olivier Zahm Any insight into your own psyche? If you don’t read, you’re dead, in this period of amnesia. Because we all become totally amnesic with the Internet. Everyday new information kills information. So you need to read. I mean, you do an interview everyday, so you don’t need to read. So you read the people you interview.  Photo: Patrick McMullan
Stefano Tonchi Would you want to live to be 111? Yeah, absolutely! As long as I can afford a lot of clothing, a lot of plastic surgery, a lo... Stefano Tonchi Would you want to live to be 111? Yeah, absolutely! As long as I can afford a lot of clothing, a lot of plastic surgery, a lot of service, a lot of help. I think it’s all about having the right environment. You know, as long as I can shop at Bergdorf — on my legs. Photo: Patrick McMullan
Hilary Rhoda  Photo: Patrick McMullan
Michelle Harper  Photo: Patrick McMullan
Albert Maysles and Iris Apfel Albert, would you want to have an 111th birthday? It’s still possible. I’m getting close to it. I’m 85. A... Albert Maysles and Iris Apfel Albert, would you want to have an 111th birthday? It’s still possible. I’m getting close to it. I’m 85. And you look great! Is it hard keeping up with Iris? It's nice. [Iris responds]: As soon as my back is turned, he picks up all the pretty young ones. Photo: Patrick McMullan
Wes Gordon (right) What would your 111th birthday party look like? Probably be a very quiet affair. What would your look be? Fat a... Wes Gordon (right) What would your 111th birthday party look like? Probably be a very quiet affair. What would your look be? Fat and happy and finally sitting down watching TV. Photo: Patrick McMullan
Carolyn Murphy  Photo: Patrick McMullan
Zac Posen (left) What do you think your look would be [at 111]? If I lose all my hair, I’ll wear wigs. If I go blind, I’ll wear really good ... Zac Posen (left) What do you think your look would be [at 111]? If I lose all my hair, I’ll wear wigs. If I go blind, I’ll wear really good gloves and glasses. Life is sensory. I’m not afraid of aging. I love age. I think age is beautiful. Photo: Patrick McMullan
Karolina Kurkova  Photo: Patrick McMullan
Linda Fargo Would you want to live to be 111? Under certain conditions: that I felt like I was 35, that I looked like I was 38 — that was a ... Linda Fargo Would you want to live to be 111? Under certain conditions: that I felt like I was 35, that I looked like I was 38 — that was a good year for me — and, let’s see, that I never had to think about money. Ever. That was really low on the worry thing. Those three conditions would be really good. Photo: Patrick McMullan
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