From Los Angeles to the Lower East Side, Simkhai Landed in Town for a NYFW Kick-Off With Moda Operandi

Since taking a break from NYFW in September, Los Angeles-based Jonathan Simkhai has been busy. After 13 years of womenswear, Simkhai officially forayed into menswear with a debut collectsion and new signature monogram late last year. The transition into men’s dropped just months after Simkhai rebranded his eponymous label. While there’s lots of newness to discover, the feminine tailoring and contemporary detailing, mixed with his superior color palettes, remain at the core of the cult-followed brand.

Dressed in his own understated double-breasted silk suit, Simkhai welcomed friends and fashion folk, including Daria Strokous, Simon Huck, Phil Riportella, Isabella Massenet, Eny Lee Parker, Jim Gold, Alisha Boe, and Liz Gillies, to an intimate dinner party. The celebrations took place in a mid-century modern-inspired private room at Dime Square’s most sought-after boutique hotel, Nine Orchard.

The candlelit dinner table was outfitted with wild bouquets and a sea of guests dressed in his spring 2024 collectsion. As attendees settled into their seats, Simkhai’s co-host, Moda Operandi’s chief merchandising officer, April Henning, rose to say a few kind words. “This is a full circle moment for me because I spent six years as the president of Jonathan’s brand,” Henning smiled. “And, lucky for me, Jonathan has had a best-selling brand at Moda for many years, and now I get to watch the continued success and growth of the brand from a whole new angle.”

Echoing Henning, Simkhai offered a toast to the table. “Thank you all for being here and celebrating fashion,” Simkhai began. “It’s always so heartwarming to see a room full of beautiful people getting dressed up, especially in your creations and designs, smiling and being happy and being together. That is what fashion is all about.”

The multi-course menu crafted by Chef Ignacio Mattos was complemented with a Komos Tequila pairing for each dish. The Añejo Cristalino, Reposado Rosa, and Añejo Reserva tastings offered an exciting way to enjoy the roasted beet salad, Wagyu NY strip steak, chicken roti, and a delicious cremé brulee for dessert. Off the menu, the Bridget shell clutch stole the show as the evening's must-have accessory. Charting as Moda Operandi's top-selling bag, the playful Simkhai purse was sported in a few different colorways and metals. Who doesn't love an extra-large oyster moment? Good news, Simkhai's fall 2024 collectsion is available now exclusively on Moda Operandi.

Of course, the evening ended with Komos Cristalino espresso martinis because everyone needs a little late-night caffeine to survive the fashion week marathon ahead.