“I spot Alex Paul of the Chainsmokers and Donald Trump Jr. heading into Campo de Fiori.”
No snow, no problem. Despite only a day of fresh powder, the social scene stormed Aspen reports ALEXANDER HANKIN.
I’m in town for the Aspen Art Museum’s huge bash “Slopeside Soirée” – the hottest event of the season. I arrive and ski in the morning, but shopping is my sport of choice. The cult Western store Kemo Sabe looks like a nightclub with a snaking line to get in. But as a VIP, I waltz right in and am escorted upstairs to a secret speakeasy. I sip a margarita to get lubricated to spend some cash. I waltz away in a cowboy hat and buy monogrammed cowboy boots for my nephew. Then I hit Chrome Hearts, the second hardest store to get into. I score the sought-after Drake x Chrome Hearts coat. Think camo on crack. I get stopped, no joke, 15 times by people with jacket-envy. I spot Alex Paul of the Chainsmokers and Donald Trump Jr. heading into Campo de Fiori. I opt for the Aspen Art Museum to check out the exhibitions by Jacqueline Humphries and Glenn Ligon.
Don’t ever step foot in Aspen without dinner reservations. I am an insane planner and have a serious schedule. I try the fusion fare at Yuki by Nobu, and to my dismay, it falls flat with average service and lackluster fried food. But Chef Nobu’s Matsuhisa delivers – the salmon and tuna tacos are a huge winner. At Madam Ushi, I am devastated they’re out of their famous Chrome Hearts chopsticks which would pair perfectly with my Drake x Chrome Hearts jacket. Marea, another NYC pop-up at the Snow Lodge serves caviar burrata toast that rocks my world. Catch Steak Aspen buzzes, just like the Meatpacking location. Order the Pretzel Bread and baked king crab hand rolls. I’ve been a member at Caribou Club for years, and I mingle with Isabelle Marino, Kevin Ramnaraine and Mauricio Umansky.
“It’s a free-for-all at Sant Ambroeus to find a table. In 20 years of coming to Aspen, I’ve never seen anything like this.”
The next day, Ajax Tavern is bustling; people clamor for champagne and truffle fries. At Silvers, the cue for caviar bagels stretches for eons. Mt. Rubirosa, a transplant from Nolita is packed too and it’s a free-for-all at Sant Ambroeus to find a table. In 20 years of coming to Aspen, I’ve never seen anything like this.
On the mountain, Veuve Clicquot opens the Oasis Sun Club. Jaclyn Carr and I sip champagne, slurp oysters and watch synchronized skiers. Après ski at the Snow Lodge is a must. In the Jade Room, I meet “Slopeside Soirée” co-chairs Lauren Allday, Elizabeth Chung, Kelcee Corwin, Makenzie Moon Phelan, and Ernie Poma. Snow Lodge teamed up with Caviar Kaspia and we eat caviar potatoes, pure decadence. “I only work with brands I admire,” Snow Lodge’s Jayma Cardoso tells me. “You can’t fake or force it.” I spot Rocky Barnes, Kitty Cash, art star Alex Israel and model Lucas Castellani dancing to beats by the DJ Pawsa. “You can’t top this,” Quinn Martinelli says. “We truly live the best lives.”
“You can’t top this. We truly live the best lives.”
The Aspen Art Museum’s “Slopeside Soirée” is the real reason I am in town. More than 300 are on the museum rooftop on Valentine’s Day to show love for the museum’s exhibitions and educational programming. Veuve Clicquot and Lalo cocktails flow with Meredith Marks Caviar and desserts by Rayo Events. The boudoir backdrop makes everyone feel glamorous and cozy. “A beautiful reminder of how culture and community come together,” Ernie Poma says. “Celebrating one of the strongest cultural institutions in the nation on a day all about love.”
Brooke Marks and his sister Chloe, Ramiro Garcia and Katherine Levy are dressed perfectly sultry for the evening. Chromeo’s 80s-tinged electrofunk has everyone on their feet. “AAM throws the best parties and fills the room with such intelligent, interesting and kind people,” says Lauren Allday. Best “Slopeside Soirée” yet.”
Co-chairing the “Slopeside Soirée” takes a lot of work. None of us live in Aspen so the stakes are higher. Sponsorship is a challenge. It comes down to conveying the museum’s message and getting others to believe and commit. I bring in my friends at Kemo Sabe and Velour Medical. The event directly benefits the museum’s curatorial initiatives and free public programs. Getting everyone to rally and keep the Aspen Art Museum free and open to the public, makes me incredibly proud.
Aspen Art Museum PHOTOGRAPHS by BFA
