Show me a best-dressed list and you’ll see that socialite and Vogue contributing editor Lauren Santo Domingo is always tops. In town for the 5th Annual BeLive Gala for which she’s the Gala Chair along with Sofia Vergara, Santo Domingo will also be spearheading BeLive’s Mochila project which takes hand-woven Mochilas made by Wayuu tribeswomen in Colombia and has them reworked by prominent fashion houses like Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Dior and Valentino. A small selection of bags will be sold Santo Domingo’s website Moda Operandi in a special trunk show starting on November 9th. The rest of these one-of-a-kind bags are then going to be sold at auction at the gala where all proceeds will go to benefit the indigenous communities in Colombia. She will also going to be co-hosting a book party for her dear friend Derek Blasberg for his new book Very Classy. Below, we rub elbows.
You always dress to thrill. Who are your muses? Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and Nan Kempner are two timeless American fashion icons that inspire me. Although they were very different, they both took risks and were never boring.
Walk us through your closet. Which designers are omnipresent? I have a very eclectic collection at home because I am always finding different pieces that I love or that inspire me. But there is always a lot of Proenza Schouler, Givenchy and Erdem. All are great designers and great friends.
You are Co-Founder of Modaoperandi.com. Describe it for those not-in-the-know: Moda Operandi is a website that offers its members unprecedented access to the world’s most special and unique fashion and jewelry collections. It’s the first online luxury retailer that allows members to pre-order from entire designer collections just days after a runway show. That’s an incredibly special opportunity because members are ensured they get their favorite pieces from their favorite designers regardless of geography or their size, and we are working with the world’s top designers like Marc Jacobs, Isabel Marant, Proenza Schouler, Vera Wang and Missoni. In addition to pre-orders, we do trunk shows of exceptional product like vintage Hermès handbags and exclusives with designers like Eddie Borgo and swimwear designers Lisa Marie Fernandez. In short, our members receive access to shopping opportunities on Moda Operandi they can’t find anywhere else.
When in Miami, where do you love to shop? I love the designer mix at The Webster and I find many treasures at vintage store C. Madeleine’s.
What is your favorite restaurant in the Magic City? My first stop in Miami is always Little Havana for a Cuban sandwich and a coffee.
You’re on a deserted island, what is your one luxury item? A Kindle. I wouldn’t even want to be rescued….
When in doubt, wear: The same thing again, again and again.
What one item in your wardrobe could you wear over and over again? A Proenza Schouler blazer – I can wear it with anything and I immediately look pulled together.
You have a baby son. Where do you love buying duds for him? Stella McCartney has adorable kids clothes! Who knew?
