There are moments in fashion that feel less like an outfit and more like a memory—a snapshot of artistry, legacy, and personal style all woven together. For me, one of those unforgettable evenings unfolded at The Carlyle, a place already brimming with history and quiet glamour. On this night, I had the joy of joining designers Gilles and Chloe Mendel for dinner during bridal week, a celebration of their newest collaboration: a stunning shoe collection with Casadei.
What made the evening so special wasn’t just the setting or the occasion, but the way it brought together two remarkable family-run fashion houses. The Mendels and the Casadeis both carry forward legacies rooted in craft, creativity, and the intimate bond of father and daughter. To witness that energy—tradition reinterpreted for today—was deeply inspiring. Fashion at its best isn’t only about aesthetics; it’s about heritage, values, and the relationships that give designs their soul.
For the evening, I wore a gown that could not have been more fitting: an iconic House of Gilles couture sequin dress. The design was everything I love in fashion—a simple silhouette elevated by extraordinary detailing. Its structure was effortless, unfussy, but every movement brought the sequins to life, catching the light in ways that made the room shimmer. It was the perfect balance between restraint and extravagance, the kind of piece that commands attention without ever needing to try too hard.
I’ve always gravitated to pieces that feel like an extension of my personality, and this gown felt undeniably “me.” The sleek cut echoed my love of clean lines, while the dramatic sparkle spoke to my affection for fashion that dares to shine. It was a reminder that simplicity doesn’t have to mean minimalism; it can mean clarity, leaving room for one striking detail to take center stage.
Dinner itself was more than just a meal—it was a celebration. Sitting across from Gilles and Chloe, listening to their stories of design and family, I was reminded of the heart that fuels the industry. In an era when so much of fashion can feel fast and impersonal, their work stands as a testament to craft passed down through generations. Pairing their artistry with Casadei’s iconic shoemaking felt like a natural meeting of minds—both houses share a reverence for heritage while constantly pushing toward modern expression.
And of course, being at The Carlyle only amplified the magic. The hotel has a way of making everything feel cinematic, from the glow of its chandeliers to the understated elegance of its dining rooms. It was the kind of evening that reminded me why I fell in love with fashion in the first place—not just for the clothes themselves, but for the way they create experiences that linger in memory long after the night ends.
As I slipped out of The Carlyle later that evening, sequins still twinkling in the city lights, I carried with me more than just the thrill of wearing couture. I carried the gratitude of having been part of something intimate and meaningful, a celebration of artistry that spanned generations and continents.
Fashion, at its essence, is storytelling. This gown told mine: a story of simplicity, sparkle, and a love for the details that make life extraordinary. And paired with the vision of two father–daughter duos—each honoring legacy while creating something entirely new—the night became more than an event. It became a reminder that fashion’s greatest gift is its ability to connect us: to our past, to each other, and to the moments that shimmer long after the lights dim.
Thank you to La Maison Gilles for crafting a dress that felt like pure magic, and to the Mendel and Casadei families for reminding me why fashion is not only about beauty, but about belonging.
