Olivia Palermo, Johannes HueblJason Crowley/BFA.com
Wednesday night’s Manhattan gridlock—stretching from Madison Square Garden to Madison Avenue—was no match for the power-dressed crowd that turned out for the cocktail celebration of Thom Sweeney’s new menswear atelier.
As the New York Knicks geared up for their historic win, the Savile Row-trained tailors’ fan-base—including Luke Evans, Walton Goggins, Olivia Palermo, Johannes Huebl, Armando Cabral, English footballer and manager Frank Lampard, and Kate Young—pressed their way through game-day traffic to attend the Upper East Side fete hosted by co-founders Thom Whiddett and Luke Sweeney.
Entering the new two-floor flagship at 761 Madison Avenue, guests were greeted by sharply-dressed staff offering Champagne, mini caviar-peppered lobster rolls, and crème tarts. Plush carpeting, gold displays, and large windows made for a picturesque backdrop against which to showcase the offerings of ready to wear. Clearly impressed, model and entrepreneur Cabral quipped: “The new shop reminds me of the olden boutique days that Thom and Luke started in London. It’s very English, but with a New York appeal.” Huebl agreed: “I’ve known the founders for 15 years now, and I’m really excited for this uptown endeavor. It reflects the quality of their craftsmanship and further cements their legacy.”
Moving through the packed crowd, guests found themselves immersed in the atelier’s offering of custom tailoring suites, a swanky art-gilded backroom designed for private made-to-measure fittings, and a comfy parlor flanked by velvet sectionals, glass tables, and a neatly tucked away in-house bar serving up gin Negronis and Macallan old-fashions.
Holding court next to the parlor was Palermo, who expressed her excitement for the brand: “Although Johannes and I are currently preparing for an upcoming trip to Europe, it was important for us to attend tonight’s opening and show support for Thom and Luke. They’ve always created the most fabulous suits for Johannes,” she praised.
Sharing their upscale address with the likes of Giorgio Armani and Chanel, the new space “feels like home,” said Whiddett. “Our customers have grown up with us, and our decision to move from SoHo to the Upper East is happening at the perfect moment right now.” Chiming in agreement, Sweeney stated: “Being on Madison has always been my dream, and the real work starts once we officially open to the public this week. Tonight’s celebration has been a long time in the making, for both of us.”
