Christine Chiu, and 85 of her closest friends, celebrated her breathtaking baby shower hosted by Armani at the Soho House Malibu. Guest enjoyed customized cocktails, a seated coursed lunch, a selection of delectable desserts, and a personalized cake designed by celebrity chef Chris Ford. The beautiful mother-to-be wore a custom blue Armani gown, matching the retro airplane theme seamlessly. Chiu sat down with Haute Living to discuss her favorite moments of the elegant event and Armani’s involvement in planning the baby shower.
Tell us where your gorgeous baby shower was and who came.
Approximately 85 of my closest friends, hosted by Armani, and co-hosted by friends: Sarah Siegel Magness, Hope Smith and Priscilla Vilchis. Armani bought out the entire Soho House Malibu to host the event. The shower started with customized cocktails on the outdoor terrace of Soho Beach house and then moved into the main dining room with a seated coursed lunch. A stage was set on the second floor for the entertainment, followed by cake, champagne, and desserts on the second-floor terrace. All the ladies are the who’s who of LA society.
When you planned your baby shower, what were some of the most important elements that you wanted to have?
I did not want a “fru fru” baby shower that was cheesy. I wanted something elegant, authentic, and timeless. The baby nursery is Hermès blue with retro airplanes and custom furnishings. I wanted that to be carried throughout the shower, from the hand-delivered invitations to décor to cake and entertainment. Armani had designed these beautiful letter pressed save the dates in the custom blue and airplane/cloud motif. The actual invitations were hand delivered to each guest – designed by celeb Executive Pastry Chef Chris Ford from the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. They were custom airplane, and hashtag #BabyChiu cookies floating inside a beautifully sprayed box of different sized marshmallows-like clouds and tied with customized ribbon. The place cards were custom airplane chocolates also designed by Chef Chris. The place settings were also custom ordered velvet and linen in shades of blue, and plates and silverware were designed to resemble the clouds and sky. The florals were by Jeff Leatham, and the vision was airplanes floating in the clouds – as was the photo wall with custom sign. The cake was one of my favorite parts – of course designed and made by Chris Ford. A retro airplane duplicate of the actual one from the nursery was made into a chandelier. The cake was red velvet and surrounded by five cakes of clouds. Malibu-based The Negotiators (Kelly Wearstler’s sons) were our entertainment – they were sooooo cute! Each of the guests received a personalized passport and luggage tag – which kept with the theme of airplanes, flying, travelling. Armani also gifted each guest with a special box of Armani chocolates.
Please describe Armani’s involvement in the shower.
Armani was incredible and planned everything from start to finish. They presented everything from specialty cocktails, specialized menus, to florals, décor, guest gifts, invitations to even dressing the band in Armani Junior. My dress was even a custom Armani gown, made especially for the occasion. (I am an Armani Privé/haute couture client. The Prive team had sent a couple of sketches they had worked on for my shower).
What were some standout gifts you received?
The entire registry was with Baby Armani. Armani set up a dedicated pop-up Baby Armani Boutique in Beverly Hills just for baby Gabe! Baby Gabriel III literally has every Armani suit, outfits, shoes, jeans, etc. in every age group, from 1 month to 1 year!
Are there any notable guests that are close to you that you’d like to mention?
My co-hosts are all boss babes and happened to all be on magazine covers that same month for their respective talents/trades/businesses/hobbies.
What made this baby shower so special for you?
Aside from it being everything I’ve ever dreamt of, executed to perfection, and in my happy place – Malibu. It was particularly special to have the women I love and look up to genuinely celebrating with me and welcoming me into the club of mommyhood. The love was indescribable, unforgettable and forever cherished. Baby Gabe was so loved even before he was born.
What are your favourite Armani pieces you received for baby?
The head-to-toe formal suiting, which I now have for Baby Gabe from age 1 month to 1 year. Also, I have 10 Armani diaper bags – different but all so chic!
Photos courtesy of Stefanie Keenan
