Lady LUX

New York is always a party, and the new book by Jamee Gregory, “New York Parties: Private Views,” brought these parties to print.

To celebrate its publication, more than 200 of Gregory’s closest friends feted the Manhattan social maven with a party on Oct. 13 at Bergdorf Goodman on 57th Street in Manhattan.

Manhattan’s elite turned up in their finery to raise a glass of champagne in Gregory’s honor at the legendary department store off Fifth Avenue.

Originally from Chicago, Gregory moved to Manhattan years ago and has been a force on the social circuit ever since. She and her affable husband, Peter, are the couple about town, well traveled in the best social circles of the city. The author is highly recognized as a hostess herself and brings both skills to light in her books. This is the second book she has penned, both put out by the publishing house Rizzoli.

“My book was fun! I’m a party animal – always love a good party – so I wanted to immortalize some of the best,” Gregory said enthusiastically. “It was a pleasure to do this.”

Gregory smiled as she signed books in bright red magic marker for the never-ending queue behind a velvet rope on the Fourth Floor. Her trademark smile – as bright as her jeweled, deep-red Oscar de la Renta dress—showed she does not shy away from the social swirl.

A book about parties needs to be visual, so naturally she acquired the talent of an expert photographer. Eric Striffler, one of New York’s best, was a natural choice for Gregory, and the two developed a fluid work relationship that resulted in the coffee-table tome.

Striffler revealed that shooting the parties was quite challenging because, unlike what many may think, none of the shoots were staged but were, in fact, candid shots of New York soirees.

“What made them so unique was that each and every party was an actual event, not a staged gathering for the sole purpose of photography,” the photographer said. “This book absolutely stands out for that. Each and every party was a real party! I don’t think anyone realizes this.”

And what was Jamee like to work with? Striffler reports that her reputation precedes her.

“Jamee is great. She is very detail oriented and fanatic about capturing and showcasing all aspects of a party, right down to the smallest details,” Striffler said. “I enjoyed having a game plan and a predetermined shot list so we were able to get tons of images.”

Striffler’s father, Alan, was there too to celebrate with his son. The father of five was quick to acknowledge his son’s artistic talent.

“He is constantly working at what he does,” he said. “I am very proud of him!”

Jennifer Miller, a social gal whose jewelry designs are a favorite of many, is a doting Gregory fan.

“Jamee has been a loyal Jennifer Miller shopper for many years, in both Southampton and Palm Beach,” Miller said. “I’ve always been very fond of her style, and her sweetness and kindness. She’s a doll.”

Many in attendance were those whose residences – and parties – are found in the book. There was the very social Hilary Geary Ross and her husband Wilbur, one of the hostesses whose Upper East Side penthouse is the stuff of fantasy; James and Whitney Fairchild, of Fairchild publishing fame, whose lawn party on their lovely Bridgehampton estate served as the final chapter in the book; and revered designer Michael Kors, whose Greenwich Village terrace apartment is also revealed in the pages.

Other tastemakers, such as fashion designer Douglas Hannant and boyfriend Frederick Anderson, came to sip and chat; Estee Lauder’s John Demsey hobnobbed with the lively crowd; and social fixtures Rachel Hovnanian, Gillian and Sylvester Miniter, Cece Cord and Muffie Potter Aston added to the elegance of the evening.

Besides loyal friends, readers and contributors to the book, Peter Gregory, the author’s husband, was present to show his support and excitement for his wife’s literary success.

“It’s difficult, but very exciting,” Peter Gregory said about putting the book together. “It’s great, really great. I am very proud of what Jamee has done.”

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