Samuel L. Jackson at a Motherfugging Y-3 ShowThematically, the Y-3 show was all about the downpour: Fake thunder rolled, minions turned a hose on the runway to create puddles, and simulated rain poured outside and down the walls of the artsy Chelsea space. Unfortunately, this cleansing drizzle didn’t reach the ratty head of actor Vincent Gallo, who sat front row in his personal grease puddle. At first Gallo just stared menacingly into middle distance, scratching his matted beard, seemingly in the midst of plotting the best way to rip off someone’s extremities with his teeth. But then Gallo turned cheerful, and we soon saw why: A wee Lord & Taylor bag — clearly swag from another show — dangled from his claws. Obviously, the sweet fumes of a department-store gift card were lifting his dour mood. We’re sure he was positively dizzy with the prospect of going necktie shopping.
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Adrian Grenier Learned Nothing From Meryl Streep
In a world already filled with unaffordable, covetous objects, it makes perfect sense that Mercedes-Benz sponsors Fashion Week. As last night’s kickoff party at the Box the latest in Serge Becker’s Chrystie Street nightlife empire showed, we can expect many an outsize sports car to be blocking our sidewalks and crushing our self-esteem these next seven days.
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Party Preview: The Week’s Best BashesForget about the clothes, it’s the parties! There are too many to fêtes to mention all of them, but here are five you don’t want to miss. Don’t have an invite? New York’s Jada Yuan and the Fug Girls will be there to report back on the glamour and the gaffes. Check our continuing party coverage throughout the week for all the photos and gossip.
What: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week kickoff
Where: The Box, 189 Chrystie St., nr. Stanton St.
When: February 1, 9 p.m.
Who: Mena Suvari, Nick Cannon, Michael C. Hall, and L.A. band Shiny Toy Guns.
Why to go: Patrick Bateman may not be there, but Jessica Stam can still cozy up to Dexter.
What: Vionnet launch
Where: Barneys New York, 660 Madison Ave., at 61st St.
When: February 2, 6 p.m.–8 p.m.
Who: Everyone. Victoria Bartlett, Gilles Bensimon, Valerie Steele, Phillip Lim, Olivia Chantecaille, Meredith Melling Burke, Padma Lakshmi, Sally Singer, and, of course, Sophia Kokosalaki.
Why to go: To get a first glimpse of the resurrected French label.
What: Rock & Republic after-party
Where: Hiro Ballroom, the Maritime Hotel, 371 W. 16th St., at Ninth Ave.
When: February 2, 10 p.m.
Who: Mark Ronson, designer Mark Ball, and a gaggle of catwalkers. Lady Sovereign will perform at midnight.
Why to go: Promises to be the best concert of the week.
What: Marc Jacobs after-party
Where: The MJ bash is the most sought-after invite. Details are on the deep DL.
When: February 5
Who: The Olsens, the Roitfelds, Jessica Stam and every model worth looking at.
Why to go: If you have to ask, that’s why you’re not there.
What:Heatherette after-party
Where: Roseland Ballroom, 239 W. 52nd St., nr. Broadway
When: February 6, 10:30 p.m.
Who: Lydia Hearst, Tinsley Mortimer, Amanda Lepore, and Paris Hilton.
Why to go: Best place to fly your freak flag.
Heatherette: A Cracked-Out Homage to Aaron SpellingPicture your high-school production of South Pacific, subtract half the clothes, add some cynical drag queens, and then do three shots of whiskey. Voilà: You have Heatherette’s Tuesday-night show.