VOGUE: Jonathan Simkhai and Saks Celebrated the Launch of his Footwear Line with a Nutcracker Themed Dinner

VOGUE: Jonathan Simkhai and Saks Celebrated the Launch of his Footwear Line with a Nutcracker Themed Dinner

Following several collaborations with Manolo Blahnik, designer Jonathan Simkhai officially launched his first footwear collection in Hollywood last week with a Nutcracker-themed dinner hosted by Saks. L.A. Friends of the designer, including Sydney Sweeney, Alexandra Shipp, Alessandra Ambrosio, Tori Kelly, Stella Banderas Griffith, Grace Johnson, and Tomi Adeyemi, gathered to toast the launch of the collection - all designed and produced under the Jonathan Simkhai label.

 

“After I won the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund in 2016, I was talking to Anna Wintour, Stephen Kolb, and Diane von Furstenberg about what I was going to do with the prize money,” said Simkhai. “They suggested footwear, but I wasn’t ready as I was so focused on ready-to-wear. Now, nearly six years later, I’ve done it.” Presented in a palette of soft, dreamlike colors, stand-out styles include a thong sandal, a square-toed mule, and a two-tone ankle boot - all of which feature a signature square heel that took 18 months to perfect. “My design philosophy is all about juxtaposition,” said Simkhai. “The colors are soft and feminine, but the silhouettes are architectural and linear.”

 

The event was held at an unfinished loft—all raw concrete and floor-to-ceiling windows affording a view of the twinkling Hollywood Hills, made all the more magical with dozens of candles illuminating the space. Upon arrival, guests were treated to cocktails followed by a multi-course dinner which took place at a long, also candlelit, table topped with floral “clouds” designed by longtime Simkhai collaborator The Empty Vase. In a nod to the impending holiday, the evening ended with a surprise performance over by the American Contemporary Ballet to the delight of the crowd. “The company was performing The Nutcracker was in the same building so I asked if they would do something for us,” said Simkhai. Wearing the designer’s Cleo balloon dresses, the dancers brought some winter magic to the event, sprinkling ‘snow’ over the table en pointe to the sounds of the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. The performance finished with the ballerinas swapping out their slippers for Simkhai heels, at which point they collectively swooned. A reaction Simkhai’s devotees will surely have too. \

Read the original article on Vogue.com | by Racbel Marlowe | Photo credit: 

Linnea Stephan/BFA.com

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A Florist in Santa Monica That Redefines Beauty and Intent

Santa Monica has always been a place where light, movement, and ease blend together. The waves. The breeze. The unmistakable sense of California luxury. At The Empty Vase, we see flowers through the same lens. We believe arrangements should feel effortless but intentional—like they belong exactly where they are, even if only for a moment.

For over 35 years, The Empty Vase has become a destination for those who appreciate more than just petals and stems. Our clients come to us because they want something beautiful and lasting, even if the bloom itself is fleeting. And while our West Hollywood flagship serves as our creative home, our reach—and reputation—extends strongly into Santa Monica.

Floral Design That Moves with the City

Santa Monica is full of contrasts: seaside calm meets high-end style, earthy tones meet polished lines. That balance is something we reflect in our floral work. Whether it’s a small arrangement heading to a Pacific Palisades apartment, or a full installation for a wedding at Shutters on the Beach, we approach each piece with precision, creativity, and emotional depth.

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Being a florist in Santa Monica means understanding how the space will hold the flowers. A beachside home flooded with light calls for something airy and architectural. A private dinner party in the hills may need something low, romantic, and rich in color. A corporate event downtown could require a striking piece with movement and structure.

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Though our flagship boutique is in West Hollywood, The Empty Vase is deeply connected to the spirit of Santa Monica. We’ve been trusted by coastal clients for everything from intimate floral gestures to large-scale design moments. Our presence in the area is shaped by years of collaboration with local planners, stylists, and homeowners who know that details matter.

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Weddings and Events Near the Coast

Santa Monica’s event venues offer some of the most breathtaking backdrops in California. And The Empty Vase has worked with nearly all of them. Whether it’s a luxury wedding overlooking the cliffs or a corporate celebration steps from the sand, our team provides full floral styling—from concept to installation to final touch.

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Florals That Live Beyond the Moment

We know flowers don’t last forever. But the impression they make can. That’s why every arrangement from The Empty Vase is designed to do more than decorate. It’s meant to shift the room. To say something specific. To celebrate, soothe, honor, or surprise.

In Santa Monica, where every corner carries a certain elegance, we believe flowers should rise to meet that standard—and push it even further.

Why Santa Monica Continues to Inspire Our Floral Design

If you’re looking for a florist in Santa Monica that values beauty, balance, and meaning in every arrangement, The Empty Vase is ready to bring something unforgettable to your space. From the first stem to the final placement, we treat every creation like a signature. Because that’s what it is.