It’s not uncommon for a buzzy fashion brand to nab a reservation — or, as is more often the case, rent out the entire restaurant — at one of the city’s equally buzzy hot spots du jour. But Maiyet and Warby Parker did one better, renting out a sure-to-be crowded downtown haunt that’s hasn’t even opened yet for an intimate dinner on Thursday night.
The brands joined forces to toast their new eyewear collaboration at Le Turtle. Never heard of it? Don’t worry – no one has. In fact, plug in the name into Google, and you’ll be directed to the turtle center at Le Meridien Bora Bora. Searching its address – 177 Chrystie Street – will only yield the since-closed Italian restaurant, Antonioni’s, that previously occupied the space.
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Upon arriving, guests, including Bettina Prentice, Lily Kwong, Misha Nonoo and Annabelle Dexter-Jones, were greeted with a glass of red wine and a familiar face: Carlos Quirate, a co-owner and manager of many popular downtown spots, including The Jane Ballroom, The Smile, and, until recently, Westway.
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With that mystery solved, all turned their attention to Maiyet designers Kristy Caylor and Paul van Zyl, who beamed proudly from their seats at the center of the table. “The Warby guys are old friends, and both of our brands have a strong social philosophy,” said Caylor. “When we contemplated who to do sunglasses with, they were number one, far and away.”
Van Zyl agreed — though it seemed he had perused Dictionary.com before making his remarks. “I was thinking about what one would say at a moment as a luxury fashion brand when you venture into a foray that encompasses eyewear. I thought the word that most encapsulates this evening would be scopophilia. Scopophilia, as we all know, is the pleasure you derive from looking at things of beauty.”
A new word and a new restaurant — who says fashion can’t be educational?