At Sant Ambroeus, just down the street from The Elder Statesman’s new home on Crosby Street, an opening party set the tone for the brand’s colorful, plush arrival to New York.
“I’ve only eaten at Sant Ambroeus this week. They even sent us dessert last night in the West Village,” founder Greg Chait shared with a laugh before the party at the cashmere line’s new home on 101 Crosby Street. The store is tailored to deliver a home-centric atmosphere. Expect an open floor plan featuring wooden wall paneling, custom quilts, and warm lighting, as well as artful tiling under the interior design banner of Isaac Brest, with furniture sourced by Michael Bargo.
For the kickoff event, friend and mentor Diane von Furstenberg held court alongside Emma and Jens Grede, combining brand staples—a custom quilt hung over the restaurant’s front wall – with Chait’s love of the iconic spot. The establishment’s venerable status and prime location ensure that no matter where someone is coming from, the new store is always easy to find: just steps away from the neighborhood landmark.
Before walking over, Von Furstenberg, a longtime friend of Chait’s and the brand, reclined on a couch in the back of the store and reflected on the opening: “I met Greg through the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. This is like watching your children grow up,” she explained, gesturing to the space.
The Gredes chatted with Von Furstenberg and Chait as the first photographs of the store were taken, amidst racks bursting with the brand’s trademark persuasion of richly-colored garments in coats, cardigans, and slacks. Not a group to slow down, the next store will open in Aspen in just under ten days, with Chait’s wedding occurring shortly after.
In attendance at the party were peer founders in style and culture, from Aurora James of Brother Vellies, Tanya Taylor of her titular brand, as well as Emily Weiss of Glossier, and of course Von Furstenberg and her granddaughter taking in dinner amidst the festive scene. Actor and longtime fan Morgan Spector came out to support, as did industry heavyweights including Derek Blasburg, Elizabeth Saltzman, and Danielle Goldberg.
To seal the night, a sky-high Principessa cake illuminated with sparklers made the rounds, as revelers congratulated the brand’s team and soaked in the festive atmosphere. For a watchful eye, it was also possible (at just the right angle) to see the golden glow of the store’s windows across the way, twinkling a cashmere-cozy hello into the night.
