NEW YORK CITY, January 23, 2024 — On a frigid evening, dipping below 20 degrees, Sézane founder Morgane Sézalory hosted an exclusive dinner in New York City, marking the eighth anniversary of DEMAIN, the brand’s social impact fund. The intimate gathering, held at the brand’s Elizabeth Street store, drew a crowd of actors, editors, and cultural figures eager to celebrate the initiative and connect with Sézalory outside of her usual base in Paris. Sézane’s DEMAIN fund expands access to education, culture, and literacy for vulnerable communities through ongoing collaborations like the one with Libraries Without Borders.
A Bookstore Takes Shape in Nolita
The evening wasn’t a typical industry event. Sézane’s flagship store underwent a remarkable transformation, becoming ‘La Bibliothèque’ for the night. The store’s signature sweater wall and clothing racks vanished, replaced by thousands of books artfully arranged and stacked, creating a cozy, literary atmosphere. White draping added a romantic touch, subtly concealing the sheer volume of literature.
Guests, all dressed in Sézane designs, mingled amongst the bookshelves, sipping French 75s and enjoying a soft jazz soundtrack while exchanging book recommendations. Actress Lily Rabe shared her enthusiasm for Lily King’s Heart the Lover, while Nicole Ari Parker brought a copy of The True Cost of Happiness. Molly Gordon, with a smile, described Miranda July’s All Fours as “the most delicious representation of desire I’ve ever seen.”
What is DEMAIN? It’s Sézane’s social impact fund dedicated to expanding access to education, culture, and literacy for vulnerable communities, primarily through partnerships with organizations like Libraries Without Borders.
Intimate Dinner and Shared Conversation
After an hour, the draping was drawn back, signaling a shift towards a more intimate setting. Guests were seated at two candlelit tables nestled among the book-lined shelves. Sézalory intentionally opted for a minimalist tablescape, featuring tall candles and understated floral arrangements. “I like simplicity at home, and this is our New York home,” she explained. “I want everyone to eat well and feel really chill because of how simple it is.”
The atmosphere was decidedly relaxed. The dimly lit room, the aroma of warm leeks and beef cheek, and the constant flow of wine created a feeling more akin to a spontaneous dinner party in Sézalory’s Paris apartment than a formal industry event. When Sézalory proposed a toast, attendees—including Leslie Bibb, Nicole Brydon Bloom, Busy Philipps, Laura Brown, and Pat Cleveland—responded with enthusiastic agreement. “It’s always inspiring to see how Sézane brings people together,” praised Sarita Choudhury.
Friends of the brand, such as Leandra Medine Cohen, Indré Rockefeller, Selby Drummond, and TyLynn Nguyen, spent the evening reminiscing about past travels and indulging in the mousse au chocolat and cheese selection. A surprise guest, a King Charles spaniel, charmed attendees as dinner plates were cleared. Around 10 p.m., guests departed with burgundy gift bags from 254 Elizabeth Street, each containing a copy of the photobook James Barnor: The Roadmaker as a memento of the evening. They stepped back out onto the Nolita streets, carrying with them the warmth and literary spirit of the event.
