After a long day of back-to-back shows across Paris, it was time for fashion’s finest to kick back on Wednesday evening. Chunks of cheese, crayons, doodles, and oodles of fries covered the tables at Le Relais d’Entrecôte as guests relaxed in style and said ‘Santé!’ over clinking glasses of Champagne to celebrate Alfie Paris’ arrival on Moda Operandi.
Founder and creative director Alice Fresnel was on co-hosting duty with Lauren Santo Domingo. While an ‘in’ or time to wait is usually essential to snag a coveted dinner table at the Boulevard de Montparnasse location of L’Entrecôte during PFW, Fresnel’s family connection to the famed bistros ensured that there was no pleading with the host necessary. In fact, the special celebration marked the first time that the private dining room hidden upstairs had played backdrop to a fashion event of any kind.
As guests trickled in, dressed in ’90s-inspired tailoring and cool separates from the emerging label, they sipped aperitifs and slipped into conversation about designer debuts and swapped gossip gleaned from seatmates earlier that day. Newly-minted contributing editor for the luxury e-tailer, Olympia of Greece, was among the chic crowd, showcasing a sleek backless navy denim top, as were Isabella Massenet, Ivy Getty, Fanny Bourdette Donon, and Amalie Gassmann.
The eatery’s signature paintbox-colored tablecloths were adorned with florals by Chauvin Paris and nostalgic disposable cameras, which were instantly put into action. Le Relais d’Entrecôte notably offers just three items: a green salad with walnuts and mustard dressing, finely-trimmed sirloin steak with its secret sauce, and homemade fries. But even still, Alexandra Ferrero of La Plumographe had beautifully hand-calligraphed menus for attendees. Inspired by her penmanship, the Crayola crayons came in handy as people sketched absentmindedly on paper surfaces throughout the meal.
Who said fashion people don’t eat? Much to everyone’s delight, waitresses in classic French uniforms appeared constantly with silver trays laden with fries, eventually paving the way for a selection of Profiteroles, Vacherins d’été, and Crème Brulée for dessert.
“We are so thrilled to welcome Alice and Alfie to our Moda family,” LSD told the room over the family-style feast. “We love to champion new designers—and, of course, to skip the line at Le Relais d’Entrecôte! We are so proud and honored to launch this brand on Moda.”
Meanwhile, Fresnel was feeling sentimental about the full-circle moment for her fledgling brand, which takes its inspiration from a ‘borrowed from the boys’ type vibe. “I’ve turned to Moda since I was 14, discovering emerging designers who sparked my own creative journey,” she said. “To now share my work with a community that’s been so supportive along the way is truly special. I’m beyond excited to take this next step surrounded by friends, family, and all the incredible people who’ve been there from the start.”
