Libertine’s Johnson Hartig Given Key To SF At Neiman Marcus Event

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Although the ladies who lunch in SF can tend to dress on the prim and proper side, when the occasion calls for bling, these women bring it. Such was the case on Monday night when Neiman Marcus hosted an exclusive invite-only cocktail party with Libertine. From the venue to the food, everything about the event was fantastically over the top. The party took place onstage at the Curran Theatre. Rolling racks filled with Johnson Hartig’s sequined and embellished coats, dresses, and tops were set up in the middle of the stage. A bar, with an assortment of beer and wine, was easily accessible to guests at the back of the stage. On both sides of the stage, where the wings would normally be, was a delicious sushi bar with an assortment of hand rolls and sashimi. Models, wearing Libertine’s sumptuous clothing, walked among the crowd.

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

The LA-based designer was at the party mingling with guests and snapping photos with his friends and fans. The highlight was when the Honorable Willie Brown presented Hartig with the key to the city. “In conversation with the current mayor, who has to authorize these things—what I told him is what you do and the genius that you display in all aspects of design and clothing,” Brown said holding a package. “[I told him] how many San Franciscans are sure that they have been enhanced completely by wearing something you’ve designed or something that you’ve selected. What you have done in this city is enhance the quality of life to those who get tons of compliments by wearing what you design. You will find contained there in: it’s your day in the city. We say congratulations.” Brown presented Hartig with the official government proclamation while the guests cheered the flattered designer.

A post shared by L I B E R T I N E (@officiallibertine) on Nov 13, 2017 at 9:07pm PST

“I’m so humbled and honored. As a kid that didn’t have parents, well I did have parents, that didn’t know how to support this crazy creative kid that they had. It’s feels so good to be acknowledged and recognized by you all,” Hartig said tears glistening in his eyes. “Thank you so much! I can’t wait to give this back to other kids who need the inspiration that I didn’t get when I was young. I’m really blown away. Thank you San Francisco.” It was a touching moment in honor of a grand designer. Next Hartig broke out into an impromptu vocal performance singing the Frank Sinatra classic Come Fly With Me. Apparently when he first met Vogue’s Anna Wintour, years ago as a young designer, he sang the song to her.

Emily Wheeler, Miles Danielson, Caroline Rooney Serrano and Eduardo Serrano

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Then the party quickly got back into full swing. Farah Makras mingled with gal pals Mary Beth Shimmon and Sobia Shaikh, while Sonya Molodetskaya browsed the flashy clothing. Other notable attendees included Dr. Carolyn Chang, the Curran’s owner Carole Shorenstein, stylish man-about-town Aubrey Brewster, and jewelry designer Emily Wheeler. The best dressed? Carl Pascarella who was wearing a custom Libertine jacket decked out in sequined Warriors paraphernalia. As I walked down the long hallway that lead from backstage to the theater’s back door, I couldn’t help but wonder: who knew the San Francisco social set was so into sequins?