'Dolicious Summer'

Models sport Dolita Paris at launch party

Checking the clock on my cell phone as I wiped another bead of sweat run down my cheek, I wondered, "How anyone could possibly look fabulous in this balmy weather?"

I could feel my Marc Jacobs flats (soon to be replaced by my Stella McCartney heels) sticking to my soles and my white chiffon Sachin & Babi top cling to my skin as I hurried down Lexington Avenue, pressed for time.

With temperatures in New York City rising well over 100 degrees, how did the pigeons manage not to pass out from heat exhaustion? They were holding up surprisingly well, I thought.

But at the Roger Smith Hotel RS Pop Shop, 501Lexington Ave., the Dolita Paris launch party kept its cool.

Ignoring the heat wave, attendees crowded the entrance of the storefront and ate hors-d’oeuvres as others milled in the store and took a look at designer Dolita’s collection. The current collection of Pucci-inspired print maxi dresses, lacy frocks and ‘Princess’ dresses with luxe detailing will be on sale at the shop until the end of the month.

The collection owes much of its color, sensuality and stretch (a majority of the pieces are made of Lycra) from its Parisian-raised designer. Dolita started at age 16, working for designer Jacques Esterel and eventually designer her own collection of lingerie and swimwear. Her handcrafted dresses – both boudoir and resort-influenced – are sold rarely outside of select trunk shows held throughout the year.

Models Shanel and Stephanie Miles were at the party too, donning Dolita Paris creations throughout the Thursday evening. The event also included performances from a young singer named Stephanie Marie Hanvey, who belted several of her own songs in a Dolita ensemble while dancers Dionna and Taylor performed in the background.

The event was organized by Melissa Gonzalez, a newly-made acquaintance thanks to a jewelry designer friend of mine. As co-founder of RS Pop Shop, Gonzalez maintains the storefront as a place for emerging designers to sell their wares to the public.

Not that generating sales was the focus amid the uncorking of wine and mingling, but after attending such a Dolicious summer party I have every confidence that it will.

*For more pics from the night, visit Dolita Gallery.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of shawnpunch.com for the examiner.com