(NEW YORK) Cosmopolitan dominated power lunch hautespot Michael’s yesterday for the second annual Cosmo 100. The decidedly estrogen-spiked luncheon came about last year, just a month or so after Joanna Coles became editor-in-chief, and by the looks of its sophomore iteration, it’s an empowering, network-y event destined to stick around for awhile.
What brought about Sarah Jessica Parker’s presence? “Joanna! Plain and simple,” Parker explained. “I was here last year and I met people I’ll know for the rest of my life.” As for JoCo and SJP’s first encounter, it was back at Marie Claire: “Joanna was lovely and smart and I just immediately liked her.” Given the event’s Cosmo 100 moniker, we wondered whether SJP is much of a list maker. The answer was an emphatic oui: “I’m a mother, so yes!”
This year’s crowd included Barbara Walters, Arianna Huffington, Christine Quinn, AnnaSophia Robb, Marchesa’s Georgina Chapman, Coco Rocha, Tamara Mellon, and Sky Ferreira. As for why trainer extraordinaire Tracy Anderson made the cut for Cosmo 100? “I have no idea!” Anderson exclaimed, wide-eyed. “The common denominator here is that the women in this room are authentic achievers.” How does Anderson fit the bill? “I spent 15 years creating the largest bank of fitness content ever. I’m not a fitness trend. There are young trainers out there trying to hook up with celebrities and pretend to have a method—I’m not one of them!”
As the crowd was politely roused from their schmoozing to take a seat, Coles took to the podium—first to sing, then to make a few welcoming remarks. Why the melodic intro? It was Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s birthday, so a room-wide round of “Happy Birthday” was in order. “There are many people in this room that were here last year, and no one looks any older—and you can’t look surprised at that, with all the Botox,” Coles said.
Then, the crowd tucked into their famous Michael’s Cobb salads, tricked out for the occasion thanks to hunks of fresh lobster in lieu of chicken. Coles took to the mic again to finish the welcomes, including a wry joke involving gynos and passionately championing women in politics. Also of note: the fact that such a stellar posse of (mostly) femmes turned out despite any awards to dole out. “We don’t need a medal for participation, we just need the promise of really good, intelligent, smart company,” Coles said.
Coles then introed a duo of senators to share a few words. “Nearly half of the chairs in senate are women—when you start to see things pass, it’s because of women,” said Senator Amy Klobuchar, before sharing the “major” item on her 2014 to-do list—taking down sex trafficking.
Another dose of senatorial inspiration arrived as a fleet of pink-shirted waiters made the rounds with the entrees—mushroom risotto and seared salmon with lentils and fennel salad. “My daughter is very impressed that I got to be here today, so thank you for that!” said Senator Jeanne Shaheen. “Amy and Senator Barbara Mikulski were the committee to build a new, expanded ladies room for the senate,” Shaheen shared, eliciting a round of applause. The reason for needing more loos? “We plan on electing a lot more women to the United States Senate.” Yes, s’il vous plait.
ALEXANDRA ILYASHOV
