At The Commerce Inn, It Was Thom Browne’s World — and Everyone Was Living in It

Kristen Tauer
·3 min read

Thom Browne may have shown his latest collection during couture this summer, but the designer wasn’t sitting this NYFW out entirely. On Monday night, Browne invited an intimate crowd to don his designs for a very Thom Browne dinner in the West Village, cohosted by “Oh Mary” star Cole Escola.

“Because I did my show during couture, as the chairman [of the CFDA] I thought it was important for me to do something this week — because I think it’s important that we all engage with New York Fashion Week and make sure that we all do something that’s happening around the town,” Browne said.

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The designer took over The Commerce Inn restaurant, putting his mark on the venue for one night: The brand logo was installed above the entrance along with the signature red, white and blue stripe. Inside the dining room, chalkboards with the outline of a Dachshund hung above each candle-lit table.

“Andrew [Bolton, Browne’s partner] and I went to the Olympics this summer, and I just came back so inspired, we both did,” Browne said. “I came back to my team and said, you know what, we all have to just strive for excellence,” he added. “So that is what I have brought from that trip, and this evening represents that. Everyone here really represents excellence in what they do.”

Escola, who accompanied Browne to the Met Gala earlier this year, wrote and stars in “Oh Mary” as Mary Todd Lincoln. “It’s inspired by a first lady whose husband was assassinated,” Escola said of their red Thom Browne look for the evening, which they accessorized with a bonnet. “I’m just kidding. I didn’t make it, so I don’t know who it’s inspired by. But that’s what I was drawn to about it.”

Christine Baranski, Thom Browne and Chase Sui Wonders
Christine Baranski, Thom Browne and Chase Sui Wonders.

Before transferring to Broadway, Escola’s play got its start at the Lucille Lortel Theatre, not far from the restaurant.

“I saw it a few blocks away from here, actually. I just loved that play. It made me laugh so hard,” said Fred Hechinger, who stars in several of fall’s blockbuster films, including “Gladiator 2” and “Kraven the Hunter.” “There’s a couple things we’ve worked on for a while that get to come out in the next few months, so I’m really excited for that. I feel very grateful for what’s around the corner,” he said.

The Thom Browne dinner cast was arriving one-by-one, posing for photos against the white brick exterior before making their way inside. “You’re so popular,” someone called out as Patti LuPone obliged another round of photos in the restaurant’s front doorway. “Because I look so cute,” LuPone responded.

Other guests — all dressed in Thom Browne — included Teyana Taylor, Chase Sui Wonders, Justin Theroux, Danai Gurira, Leon Bridges, Juliana Canfield, Christine Baranski, King Princess, Jordan Roth and husband Richie Jackson, Issa Rae and Evan Mock. Ella Emhoff, who wore Thom Browne during the Democratic Convention last month, arrived at dinner donning the brand’s signature dog-shaped Hector bag along with a rarer accessory: secret service. (Hope they’ve been enjoying fashion week.)

Chris Black, of the podcast “How Long Gone,” had already left a note in a guest book in the restaurant foyer ahead of dinner: “I am very hungry this dinner is late for me.” He wasn’t alone.

“Let’s sit down and drink some Dom Pérignon,” said Martha Stewart, heading back toward the dining room just shy of 8 p.m.

Ella Emhoff
Ella Emhoff

Launch Gallery: Addison Rae, Martha Stewart, Ella Emhoff and More Attend the Thom Browne Dinner

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