Dennis Basso loves the ladies.
Six of the fashion designer’s favorite women recently headlined a “swellegant” dinner on April 13.
Rena Abboud, Aerin Lauder, Karin Luter, Alexia Hamm Ryan, Danielle Ganek, and Sara Handreke hosted a bevy of beauties (and a couple of fellows too) at Club Colette for friends and clients of the New York couturier.
Basso popped into Palm Beach for a trunk show, an annual tradition since 1993. This year it was held at Aerin Lauder’s eponymous shop at Via Mizner, off Worth Avenue.
The dinner that followed was a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Two long tables accommodated the group, each set with blue-and-white linens and ceramic candlesticks from Basso’s “Hotel du Cobb” collection for QVC, part of his 30-year relationship with the televised retailer.
Yes, the same designer of fabulously formal evening gowns also sells shrugs and sequined sweaters to regular folks.
Whether hausfrau or hedge funder, Basso designs for all with equal care.
The women who shopped the trunk show at AERIN enjoyed the fuss and fawning by Basso.
“He’s the family designer,” laughs Stephanie Booth Shafran. The hostess and author counts three family generations who are Basso clients. “I love the quality and style of his dresses,” says Shafran. “Everyone is excited to have him here.” Shafran highlights Basso’s chiffon dresses as a favorite of the Palm Beach set.
“All these women are my friends,” declares Basso, in his signature growl. “They’re friends first and clients second.” Many of these friendships span decades.
“This is fun; this isn’t work,” Basso says as he adjusts a sable-trimmed cashmere wrap over Shafran’s shoulders.
These are women for whom life is a sorority of seasons. Palm Beach. London. Southampton. Sun Valley. St. Tropez. These are the women that Dennis Basso dresses.
Women like Alexia Hamm Ryan, whose mother, Candy Hamm, is also a longtime client.
“Dennis knows how to make women feel so good about themselves,” says Ryan. “From the way he designs gowns and furs, he understands exactly the perfect dress or coat for every woman.”
Crafted in a 40,000-square-foot Long Island City factory, Basso’s collections are tweaked and adjusted to suit the taste and figure of the customer. Hems shortened, waists nipped, belts added (or removed).
“He makes you feel great about yourself,” explains Ryan. “He makes you feel glamorous; he makes you feel beautiful. And he is one of the most loyal friends you could have. He cares so much about his friends, and he cares so much about his clients.”
This sentiment is oft repeated by Basso’s legion of admirers. Because Dennis Basso not only loves the women he dresses; he respects the women he dresses.
“I want my clothes to go to a good home,” says Basso. “What gives me pleasure is my creativity being respected and enjoyed by people I care about. I love to be able to design something for everyone.”
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Swans flock to Dennis Basso
Reporting by Krystian von Speidel, Notables Editor / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
