Astoria, Queens: The New Fashion Party Destination

Loukoumi Taverna on Ditmars Boulevard in Astoria is an unlikely venue for a fashion party. And yet, last night Constance Jablonski, Inez and Vinoodh, Leandra Medina and Lindo Fargo Uber-ed their way to the heart of Queens to celebrate Sofia Sanchez de Betak’s collaboration with The Luxury Collection and Globe-Trotter suitcases. “I had to add tables at the last minute because I had no cancellations!” said de Betak, surprised that all her friends made the journey. She chose Little Athens, as the area is known, for her party because her luggage designs were inspired by a summer vacation through Mykonos, Costa Navarino, Athens, and Santorini. Inside the authentic, family-run restaurant, the tableclothes said “Hermes,” but it was no wink to the fashion set–this Hermes was of the Greek god variety. And in fact, the restaurant didn’t change a thing for its new-found clientele, sending out plate upon plate of grilled octopus, chicken kebobs, and fried cheese–they even sent guests home with doggie bags. There was one dead giveaway that this was no normal Monday night for Loukoumi Taverna though–around 11 p.m., a herd of black cars arrived to take everyone back to where they belonged.