While Venice is known for many a wonderous thing (Bellinis and Piazza San Marco), we’d argue that Venetian slippers are not given the recognition they deserve. But last night in the West Village, they were feted at a dinner hosted by Venetian slipper-maker Vibi Venezia and Markarian in honor of their collaboration—a collection of whimsical slippers and dresses adorned with floral patterns.
Guests, including Laufey, Tanner and Fletcher, Maxwell Osborne, Jason Rembert, and Clelia Montali sauntered in, immediately recognizable from outside the restaurant window by the Markarian looks they donned. Inside, they sipped on Prickly Pear Pink Margaritas and tossed back cold oysters before dinner alongside Alexandra O’Neill of Markarian and Vera Arrivabene of Vibi Venezia.
The restaurant felt more like a charming Venetian garden party than a hot spot in Manhattan, with ranunculus flowers dancing on tablecloths and tea lights burning a warm glow. The food was equally as decadent, with some highlights including the Octopus carpaccio and the viral Shrimp Parm. Breaking up the appetizer and entree course was an intermission of tequila shots—which has become a Markarian event signature—IYKYK. The party ensued soon after as guests shimmied off their heels in favor of slipping into the ultra-comfortable ViBi’s. SOS: Save Our Soles.
Before dinner, O’Neill noted of the collaboration, “For this partnership, I wanted to create a capsule of high summer pieces that can work in any wardrobe for any occasion from a summer Italian getaway to the streets of NYC. We pulled inspiration from our Pre-Fall collection creating pieces from special embroidered linens and metallic brocades. I have been wanting to work with Vibi Venezia for ages and it’s been such a thrill to finally get together and create this capsule.”
