‘I Only Wear CHANEL No. 5’

A private preview of “Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon” at the Academy Museum with CHANEL.

CHANEL No. 5 Eau de Cologne

As a martinent for rules, I usually get the dress code right—but I may have pulled a Bhavitha-Mandava-at-the-Met last night (unintentionally, unfortunately). I should’ve known better than to show up for a CHANEL event in regular cotton denim—nothing like Mandava’s artisanal silk trompe l’oeil trousers—and in hindsight, would’ve fared better in my usual all-black uniform. Perhaps I should have even gone home to change. But I’d already checked in, and the Internet would be a proponent of exposure therapy. Up the elevator and to the rooftop I went, seemingly the only attendee who arrived solo—and in something that wasn’t sheer, sparkly, or silhouetted for drama. How did I naively assume that this evening would just be about the upcoming Marilyn Monroe exhibit, and not include a gorgeous cocktail? This was CHANEL,  after all. At least I had on shoes from Blazy’s first collection, a vintage flap as a nod to an icon, and a mist of CHANEL 1957 to finish.

Spotted: CHANEL Spring/Summer 2026 spotted calf hair and teal-toed mules on another guest!

Attending any function alone is for the brave. It’s a considerable feat for the shy introvert (yours truly), particularly at an affair amongst some of the most visible and accomplished women in the industry. And yet I wouldn’t change my standard RSVP for the world. Make no mistake; I was definitely texting friends about feeling out of place, and answered emails to appear intentionally preoccupied rather than seem lonely. But feeling awkward is an entirely self-imposed state of mind—and one fueled by ego. No one cares but you. Everyone else is there doing something: meeting friends, networking with colleagues, creating content, waiting for their drink at the bar, even. As incongruous as my outfit seemed (though to my relief, two other women later arrived in denim), and however much of an imposter I felt in the same space as the Alessandra Codinhas, Chrystie Tylers, and Patti Dubroffs of Los Angeles—a guest list of women I’ve followed and admired for years—going solo is ideal for observing. I could people-watch to my heart’s content.

In fact, last night was a writer’s dream.

.   .   .

xx