Euro summer is seemingly on everyone’s mind, so thankfully lifestyle brand La DoubleJ brought a taste of Milan right to the heart of New York City this week. To celebrate the opening of The Lighthouse, the brand’s first U.S. flagship, guests gathered at Casa Cruz uptown to say cin cin.
On Wednesday, the open-air rooftop terrace atop the historic six-story townhouse played backdrop for a quintessential June evening. Woven palm-leaf fans and rosé-hued drapery floated overhead, while an open façade framed cinematic views of the city. Two long tables ran the length of the space, laden with maximalist-leaning La DoubleJ décor. Playful pink-and-yellow linens, botanical-covered fringed cushions, and jewel-toned vases infused the room with joy.
Echoing the theme, guests—including actresses Lily Rabe and Elizabeth Gillies, models Carolyn Murphy and Anne V, and civil rights activist and astronaut Amanda Nguyen—debuted silk twill gowns, asymmetrical scarf tops, and feathered hemlines from the label. “It’s about tapping into that fun and playful heart and spirit,” Nguyen said, noting her floor-length dress with waterfall sleeves and a dramatic sash. Serving as the ultimate Italian accessory, nearly every attendee paraded around the room holding an Aperol Spritz. In between sips, the well-dressed crowd mingled as laughter roared throughout, some even stepping away to receive a quick tarot reading. “I hope people feel warm, soft, open, welcome, and harmonic tonight—all the things Italy does so well,” La DoubleJ founder J.J. Martin told Vogue.
That same goal permeates The Lighthouse. It was originally planned for Los Angeles, but last year’s tragic Palisades fires destroyed the building. Seeing it as a sign to plant seeds elsewhere, the former fashion journalist set her sights on an Upper East Side townhouse, turning the space into a multi-dimensional vessel of community, experience, and, yes, shopping. Custom gongs from Gongmatic and Grotta Sonora, a quartz crystal offered by Ixim Crystals, and even a suspended chandelier with over 110 hand-blown glass bulbs set the stage for the sound baths, meditations, and workshops she has planned for the near future.
Just as remarkable was the dinner menu back at Casa Cruz, including roasted beetroot salad, orecchiette al limone, and branzino served on porcelain plates with 18-karat gold detailing. As wine was poured into fishbowl-size glasses, attendees including Laura Brown and Jenna Lyons broke into song, snapped selfies, and swapped beauty secrets between courses. Martin even perched on the back of a banquette for a toast, kicking off her shoes and encouraging others to do the same.
The summer sky soon gave way to a warm night and eventually, decadent tiramisù served in silver cups signaled a gentle close to the evening. Lingering past 10:30 p.m., guests extended drawn-out goodbyes, each departing with a piece of La DoubleJ in hand. “My favorite part of tonight is being with these incredible women—some of whom I’ve known for 30-plus years,” Murphy told Vogue. “It’s that collective energy that’s really inspiring, and it makes me want to do more in life and never stop.”
