Night Porter: High jewelry at Haute Couture

The setting, Hotel du Grand Veneur – an (almost) secret gem of Parisian architecture in the heart of the Marais – could scarcely have been more appropriate for an event to celebrate the debut of NET-A-PORTER’s most exclusive capsule to date: a collection of high fine jewelry pieces brought together for the first time at Haute Couture Week in Paris, like an immersive mini-museum of exquisite artistry and craftsmanship and some very dazzling stones. NET-A-PORTER president and host for the evening Alison Loehnis welcomed guests including actor Mandy Moore (in town with her husband Taylor Goldsmith), designer Andrew Gn and influencers Xenia Adonts and Leonie Hanne into a specially commissioned installation: a spiral of intricately mirrored panels that felt like stepping into an actual jewelry box. Guests marveled over a dragon’s head necklace by Bina Goenka (with a movable fire opal for a tongue), showstopping Piaget emeralds, and pearl and ruby chandelier earrings from Nadia Morgenthaler that would have made Elizabeth Taylor swoon.

Outside, as the sky turned pink over the terrace, the impeccably chic DJ Mademoiselle Yulia (dressed in a crisp white shirt, black feather boa and huge hoop earrings) played Debbie Harry hits to the crowd, who sipped on elderflower sours and Deutz Brut champagne. “What I love most about wearing jewelry is that it elevates everything,” said Mandy Moore. “It’s all about confidence and allowing something to be a part of your essential style.” Jeweler Ana Khouri agreed: “There’s a magic to it. When you put it on, it’s that special connection with yourself. It empowers women. It’s a celebration!”

As guests melted away into the still-warm Parisian evening, those who stepped through the small secret garden, the Square Saint-Gilles Veneur, might have noticed the tribute to the famous feminist Pauline Roland, who raised Aline Chazal (the daughter of a deceased friend), who went on to become mother to the artist Paul Gauguin. A night of bold beauty and incredible women indeed.