A-listers such as Cate Blanchett, Daniel Craig, Penelope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson, Jude Law, Madonna, Demi Moore, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Naomi Watts, bring smaller, specialized projects to the Cinema Society. Likewise, films that draw excess attention, such as "The Twilight Saga," may use the privacy of a smaller Cinema Society gathering to screen a film with a select group in a setting that doesn't require Biblical-scale crowd control.
Piaget sponsored "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" on Monday, June 28, with the thought of connecting to an affluent youth audience. "Please keep details of the evening completely confidential beforehand," mentioned the Luxist invite. The secret location: The boutique Crosby Street Hotel in SoHo, which boasts a well-appointed but discreet screening room at basement level.
On the red carpet, Kristen Stewart wore RM by Roland Mouret, a short dress with swirls of large paillettes and spiky, 4-inch Louboutins. Her hair was newly colored brunette for her role in "On the Road" by Jack Kerouac. It was tied back loosely with braids to achieve a "ready for the gala but fell asleep" look. On the carpet, a tiny Stewart lost the Louboutins to chat with press.
During the screening, Luxist was seated next to Abigail Breslin and her mother. Other notables included Sofia Vergara of Modern Family, Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20, fashionista Rachel Zoe, and supermodels Dree Hemingway and Maggie Rizer.
That said, Luxist gives high marks to the food at the Crosby Street Hotel afterfete: beef sliders, chicken curry, crab cakes, squash, and goat cheese risotto. "Eclipse" fete food: Two thumbs way up.