Inside the Whitney Museum’s Annual Studio After-Party

Two years after moving from the Upper East Side to the Meatpacking District, the Whitney Museum continues its record of hosting parties that draw out some of the finest in entertainment, fashion, and of course, art. Katie Holmes, Jeff Koons, Hilary Rhoda, and Alek Wek were among attendees at the museum’s Gala and Studio Party last night, which raised over $5M dollars for the museum. Unlike last year, the ceremony and dinner took place on the museum’s first floor, whereas the after party shifted to the eighth floor, a mixed indoor/outdoor space with views of lower Manhattan. DJs Sam French and Kitty Cash were on deck for tunes, and there was no shortage of photo booth action thanks to this year’s sponsors Audi and Michael Kors.

We found Milly designer Michelle Smith in the crowd with her pal singer Drue. “I love art in general and coming to the Whitney. I’m a designer who makes her clothes in New York City, so I really find an affinity with the Whitney,” the designer told The Daily on what draws her to the shindig each year. Also spotted? Hearst darlings Joanna Coles and Nina Garcia, who wore Michael Kors. “I’m taping season 16 of Project Runway this summer—until July!” Garcia told us about her summer plans. “I feel like it’s good [that we’re not involved in the casting process] because we’re impartial in a way. We have no idea who the designers are until they arrive!”

The event also saw Gabriel-Kane Day-Lewis, Will Cotton, Reed Krakoff, Soo Joo Park, Pom Klementieff,  Wes Gordon, Lauren Bush Lauren, Cipriana Quann and TK Quann, Tracy Anderson, Brett Heyman, Samantha Angelo (in Rubin Singer), and more. Some guests hopped between the museum and Valentino’s resort show after-party at the Top of the Standard just across the street.