Exclusive Gathering Unites Art and Fashion in Historic Harlem Townhouse

In early May, New York became a magnet for fashion and art enthusiasts worldwide, coinciding with major events such as the Met Gala, Frieze New York, and the European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF), alongside various smaller fairs like the New Art Dealers Alliance (NADA). Seizing the opportunity while many friends were in town, Lily Atherton Hanbury, 45, co-founder and creative director of the footwear brand Le Monde Béryl, decided to host a celebration. Known for its refined velvet slippers and Mary Janes, the brand’s founder organized an evening of drinks, dinner, and dancing at the Harlem residence of her sister, artist Hope Atherton, and brother-in-law, art dealer Gavin Brown. The couple’s 19th-century brick townhouse, with its open kitchen, lush balcony, and impressive art collection, provided the perfect setting for a lively gathering.

Gavin Brown, seated on a distinctive C-shaped foam and suede couch acquired from the estate of R&B legend Luther Vandross, remarked on their experience hosting numerous art-related events at the home. Among these was a vibrant party celebrating Joan Jonas’s MoMA exhibition last March. Anticipating over 100 guests for this occasion, the hosts prepared additional glassware, silverware, and serving platters. Despite the large crowd, Brown expressed surprise at how relaxed the household remained. Their daughter, Feroline, 11, eagerly embraced the occasion, showcasing her vintage Le Monde Béryl lace-up block heels—a cherished gift from her aunt dating back to the brand’s early days in 2016.

The guest list blended a mix of longtime acquaintances and new faces, including visitors from afar and local New Yorkers. Stylist Kate Young made an early appearance, wearing black mesh Le Monde Béryl heeled mules, having opted out of Met Gala client preparations this year to enjoy a quiet day upstate. In contrast, stylist and creative consultant Becky Akinyode was still active after attending four Met Gala after-parties. Other notable attendees included designer and producer Alexandre de Betak, photographer and filmmaker Joshua Woods, and artist Tunji Adeniyi-Jones. The gathering also featured prominent figures from the art world, such as Frieze London director Eva Langret, art adviser Sarah Levine, and curators, directors, and gallerists like Alexandra Cunningham-Cameron (Cooper Hewitt), Legacy Russell (the Kitchen), Gladys and Ollivier Chenel (Galerie Chenel), Monica Fernandez-Taranco (Modern Art), Sarah Rustin (Thaddaeus Ropac), and Emma Scully (Emma Scully Gallery).