Curtain Calls
In July seemingly all of Milan paid its respects to the late Gianni Versace on the 10th anniversary of his death. Traffic outside La Scala came to a halt as Santo Versace, Carla Fendi, the Missonis and Mariacarla Boscono made their way inside for a performance of Grazie Gianni, Con Amore, a ballet tribute to the designer, choreographed by Maurice Béjart and costumed with new and vintage Versace gowns. Donatella Versace, who arrived with her children, Allegra and Daniel Beck, stuck like glue to them and to Karl Lagerfeld throughout the evening. “Her brother would have been very proud of what she did,” Lagerfeld said, admiring the grand affair.
After the performance, the fashion house hosted a dinner at Palazzo Reale. Everyone was feeling sentimental, especially Naomi Campbell, who admitted she “totally broke down” earlier during an interview on Italian television.
Back in Southampton, the mood at the Parrish Art Museum’s annual Midsummer Party was, naturally, much more festive—though it wasn’t without its bittersweet moments. Beth Rudin DeWoody, Patricia Duff and other Hamptons fixtures were honoring the museum’s director of 26 years, Trudy Kramer, who will retire this year. Only one person seemed quite pleased. “She’s mine now,” said her husband, Harry. “You can’t have her.”
Art was also the focal point at Robert Wilson’s annual Watermill Center gala, where a nearly naked Dita Von Teese sat on a swing and people dressed like frogs and roosters paraded about. “I can’t really tell the difference between the performers and the guests,” said Debbie Bancroft.
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