LIQUID ASSETS
It was a picture-perfect party scene that could have come straight from the pages of Vogue, Italian Vogue to be exact. What else would you expect when famed fashion guru Roberto Cavalli is behind the bash? Cavalli’s A-list pals turned out in force to help the noted designer celebrate the most spirited addition to his empire-Roberto Cavalli Vodka.
The flower-filled grounds of a palatial Mediterranean villa in Holmby Hills were transformed into a virtual Cavalli-ville with sleek modular sofas, illuminated Plexiglas boxes and bold zebra, leopard and tiger prints embellished with three pounds of imported Swarovski crystals.
At the pool, half a dozen leggy models posed in everything from sexy chiffon evening gowns to silk shorts and transparent trench coats (beauties in bikinis stuck close to the roaring outdoor fire).
Euro DJ Max Chipchase began the evening light with a pleasant Italian canzone. “It’s not going to stay that way,” he assured me. “I’m just getting started.” The mixologists meantime manned a trio of ice bars carved with the Cavalli logo and imbedded with the Italian tri-colore. They kept the clear stuff flowing as Cavalli chums like Cindy Crawford, Rande Gerber, Lisa Rinna, Cuba Gooding and Mischa Barton made the scene.
Cindy arrived in a buttery rust colored jacket and jeans while Lisa went wild with a large giraffe print… all Cavalli, of course!
With red carpet darlings like Beyonce, Victoria Beckham and J-Lo among his many fans, Roberto has a proven flair for fashion. But could spirits be a stretch?
To find out why Cavalli is more coveted than Kettle or has an edge over Absolute, I went straight to the source. “It’s so pure with a special taste,” the designer turned distiller told Malibu Seen. “We are talking about the most fantastic grain from Pedemonte. It’s a taste that makes you say, ‘Oh my god, now this is something.'” There’s also that slender frosted bottle with the designer’s signature serpent surrounding it. “This bottle is so beautiful, you want to keep it for decoration,” he added. And there’s the undeniable attraction of the Cavalli name. “It’s the allure,” he says. “It’s chic, its glamour.”
While Roberto proceeded to get cozy with his celeb pals, Max was turning up the volume on his European house mix. Servers made the rounds with curried rock shrimp and steak tartare as well as goat cheese ice cream, which tastes just like it sounds.
By 10 p.m., the place was packed with scenesters sporting everything from Pucci prints to gold lame blazers. As the divine drinks roared on, you began to think maybe there is a correlation between spirits and style.
RC reminded me on the way out. “My vodka, it’s sexy,” he said. “Just like the women who inspire me.” Cheers!