Rarely do fashion, aeronautics, and the Moon Walk converge—unless you happen to be Michael Jackson—but such was the case Monday night when a diverse crowd of guests converged at the American Museum of Natural History. The occasion? A soiree hosted by Louis Vuitton to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the lunar landing (actual date: July 20th) and the recent debut of its new Core Values campaign featuring NASA superstars Buzz Aldrin, Jim Lovell (both pictured), and Sally Ride. "The spirit of travel has always been with us as Louis Vuitton started as a travel company," said Louis Vuitton North America CEO Daniel Lalonde. "The ultimate journey is to conquer outer space."
The crowd of 700 guests included an eclectic mix that saw everyone from Karenna Gore Schiff and a very pregnant Adriana Lima rubbing shoulders with Vuitton-clad beauties Estelle, Cassie, and Miranda Kerr and even aspiring space cadet Lance Bass (who actually trained for a 2002 space mission). In lieu of a life-size spaceship, a fashionable vision of the final frontier was had by all: historic photographs, vintage space-themed toys, a star field of alternating LV monograms and what looked like a futuristic Fabergé egg—dubbed "Malle Mars" by Vuitton—on display, its doors open revealing compartments for a tea set, tool box and folding beach chair (all key items for space travel, natch).
While most were more than happy to admit they weren't even born when the history-making flight took place, others took their age in stride. "I was 13 when it happened; how awesome is that?" laughed a statuesque Patti Hansen, with daughter Alexandra Richards in tow. "I'm walking on the moon everyday. My life right now is pretty close to that feeling of euphoria."
Despite the of-the-moment celebrity buzz on hand, the real stars of the evening were Lovell and Aldrin, who star with Ride in the Annie Leibovitz-photographed Vuitton campaign and earlier in the day rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange. "Apollo 13 was my last flight," noted Lovell during his speech, as waiters passed out mini moon rock cakes. "Most of you are probably wondering where Tom Hanks is." Lalonde was in an equally jovial mood as he introduced his legendary co-hosts. "Buzz joined NASA in 1963," he stated, before quipping, "that's when I was born by the way."
As DJ Cassidy entertained guests throughout the evening, Estelle beamed upon hearing her song play in the museum's Rose Center for Earth and Space. Jumping up on her hot pink Alexander McQueen heels, she was, pun intended, over the moon. "I thought moonwalking on Mars would be cool," she giggled. "This is so much better than that!"
Photos by Patrick McMullan
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
-
Zendaya's Method Dressing Marathon Is Over
She found a new way to serve in custom Vera Wang.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Bitten Lips Took Center Stage at Dior Fall 2024 Show
Models at the Dior Fall 2024 show paired bitten lips with bare skin, a beauty trend that will take precedence this season.
By Deena Campbell Published
-
30 Spring Items That Solve My Expensive-Taste-on-a-Humble-Budget Dilemma
See every under-$300 spring item on my wish list.
By Natalie Gray Herder Published
-
Stylists on Why Leather Jackets Are a Great Investment
Fashion insiders weigh in on their favorite styles.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Grown-Ups Are Rediscovering the Charm of Peter Pan Collars
From bibbed button-downs to round-neck leather jackets, this year's takes feel more sophisticated than sweet.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Sabrina Carpenter Wears Vintage Victoria's Secret Lingerie to Tease Upcoming Coachella Performance
Her look was pulled from the brand's 1997 archives.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Chunky Sandals Prove Minimalism Is Out
Another footwear trend embracing maximalism in 2024.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Brands to Shop for the Best Swimsuits
From size-inclusive labels to sustainable and designer options, this list is all-encompassing.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Vacation-Worthy Beach Dresses
From barely-there to playful fringe.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Could a 'Shirt Sandwich' Pull You Out of a Fashion Rut?
The gourmet styling trick may help you fall back in love with your wardrobe.
By Emma Childs Published
-
The Best Spring Dresses Simplify Any Outfit Formula
Style this wardrobe staple for any occasion, from farmer's markets to formal affairs.
By Lauren Tappan Published