Mert Alas is one of the most prolific and influential photographers in fashion. In a career that spans three decades, he has lensed the world’s top stars and built strong bonds with his subjects. On Monday evening, he corralled his pals Madonna, Irina Shayk, Adriana Lima, and many A-listers for a late-night, starry bash at the Clemente Bar to celebrate Saint Valentine during New York Fashion Week.
“I like getting people together,” Alas told Vogue about why he was personally hosting an early Valentine’s Day party. “In a world where there are crazy things happening, a little escapism every now and then with like-minded people is good. I travel a lot and every time I go to a city, the first thing I want to do is get my friends together in that city. Sometimes, you don’t get to see them often, so this is a good excuse to dress up and say hello.”
Shayk, who has worked with Alas numerous times, was among the first notable guests to arrive. She spent the majority of the get-together with Alas lounging on a sofa. The two shared laughs, and at one point, Alas conducted a mini photo shoot. He snapped photos of Shayk and her female friend using an iPhone. “Mert is a very special person to me. He brings a lot of love and happiness, and has an amazing sense of humor,” Shayk said while on her way out of the party. “He really knows how to bring all people together.”
About 150 well-dressed and glamorous revelers, including Joan Smalls, Oscar nominee Colman Domingo, Jessica Stam, and Amelia Gray, came out and packed the bar. Just before the clock struck midnight, Madonna strolled in with some friends. Dressed in a sheer, high mock-neck black top and short skirt that revealed knee-high lace stockings, the Queen of Pop greeted Alas, and they nestled in a corner banquette. She was in a great mood and excited to reunite with him. They were deep in conversation and she would talk directly into his ear. Soon, nightlife personality Ladyfag joined their chat.
Later on, Madonna left her seat to watch musician-model Soo Joo Park take the stage to sing an emotional set from her upcoming debut album. Her hypnotic voice conjured up scenes reminiscent of Isabella Rossellini’s entrancing lounge singer performance from the David Lynch film Blue Velvet. Once she finished her mini-concert, Madonna applauded enthusiastically.
Guests noshed on plant-based hors d’oeuvres in between sips of Seventy One and special crafted cocktails by multi-award-winning mixologist Monica Berg, who flew in from London to provide drinks for the gathering, and to work alongside the Clemente Bar’s expert bartenders. With the drinks flowing and the good vibes, Alas knows how to host a crowd-pleasing soirée.
“Every time I’m at a Mert party, I throw out all the stops, and I look as sexy as possible because that’s when I’m in his presence. He makes me feel the best when I’m like a sexy confident woman,” said Gray, who wore a revealing red bra under a silk, feather top paired with white lace tights. “I have yet to shoot with him, but to look at his images, he inspires me so much.”
