Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1519563
At a party several years ago, I happened upon one of those coastal birds of a feather during their recent influx. I complimented her headband, and she reached out a well-ringed finger and said, "I'm Lele." Yes, it was Lele (Lisa to some) Sadoughi. The coast she'd migrated from was the eastern one — think New England liberal arts colleges with girls in cozy cashmere twinsets, often accessorized with a headband. Miz Sadoughi, who had designed accessories for preppy powerhouse J. Crew, recognized that said headwear could be updated from its standard tartan plaid with vibrant colors and jeweled embellishments. Voilà! A brand was birthed and now has five brick-and-mortar locations across the U.S. I received an invite for an intimate dinner she recently hosted to celebrate her partnership with Shopbop, the global online retail destination, where her headbands, jewelry and other embellishments now reside. Previously over cocktails, she'd shared that she was decorating her home she'd purchased when moving back to the Dallas with her husband and young children (yes, she actually grew up in our fair hamlet). I responded to the invite with a resounding "Yes!" as her NYC designer was the exuberant Sasha Bikoff, so I knew it would be a feast for the eyes and entertainment ready. Which led me to ponder: How does Lele Sadoughi entertain? Top three ingredients to a fabulous dinner? Lele Sadoughi: Good conversation, something sparkly, and something sweet. [We presume one of her darling accessories provides the sparkle. - BF] Soundtrack to the evening? LS: A bossa nova playlist through the entire night, that includes Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 songs — "Mas Que Nada" and "Magalenha." The Entertaining Lele Sadoughi at Home, and Sugar Plum Fairies Cocktailing at Mirador Two gatherings that were as much about the design as the guest list By Billy Fong. Photography Cassidy Brown. The lush tablescape for Lele Sadoughi's dinner for Shopbop 42