2nd Annual New York Bag Ladies Luncheon

There was once a time when the term “bag lady” implied something less than luxurious. But in recent years, with the rise of the “It bag,” if you’re walking down the streets of Madison Avenue, chances are that being called a bag lady could be one of the ultimate style compliments.

The S.L.E. Lupus Foundation has fully embraced this new moniker for fashion mavens and has announced the details for its 2nd annual New York Bag Ladies Luncheon and Celebrity Handbag Auction.

Meredith Vieira, Lauren Groff, Andrea Jung, and Jessye Norman will host the affair for the affluent, where Tony Award-winner Joanna Gleason of “I Hate My Purse”—a scene from the hit Off Broadway play Love, Loss, and What I Wore by Nora and Delia Ephron—will perform for the ladies who lunch.

Rest assured that there will be more going on during this afternoon fete that just noshing on gourmet bites. The epic names in the fashion industry like Chanel, Gucci, and Valentino, will be supporting the cause by donating pieces from their latest collections for the silent auction, which will also include haute handbags donated by stars from Desperate Housewives, How I Met Your Mother, and The Good Wife.

Here are the details for your datebooks:

• WHEN: Tuesday, May 4. Bag viewing and silent auction at 11a.m.; lunch from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
• WHERE: 583 Park Ave. at 63rd Street, NYC
• WHO: More than 300 well-heeled “New York Bag Ladies” are expected to attend
• TICKETS: Individual tickets start at $250; tables of eight at $5,000, $10,000 and $15,000. Tickets can be purchased online at LupusNY.org or by phone at 212-685-4118.

Proceeds from the Luncheon will support lupus research, awareness, and support services through the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation. Marking its 40th anniversary year, the Foundation is a lifeline for people with lupus—an under-publicized yet widespread, and potentially life-threatening autoimmune disease. Lupus primarily targets women between the ages of 15 and 44, among whom it is a leading cause of premature heart disease, kidney disease and stroke.