Argent, whose pieces are designed and mostly manufactured in New York City, is known for dressing powerful cultural and political figures including former Vice President Kamala Harris and Gloria Steinem. The brand has also had an ongoing relationship with Secretary Clinton—who graciously greeted every guest who wished to shake her hand during cocktail hour—since 2017, when Christeson met her during her first public appearance following her election loss. Abedin, Clinton’s longtime aide, initially introduced the former U.S. secretary of state to Christeson’s work, impressed by the tasteful suits and real-life-inspired designs (i.e., the fan-favorite pockets!). “Every woman who wears Argent is a woman of substance, a woman with purpose, a woman who wants to look beautiful—but also practical, functional, and wants to be able to live her life,” Abedin said.
Argent’s additional ambassadors range from editors and founders to athletes and scientists, all of whom are hand-picked by Christeson to join the acclaimed coterie. The group’s camaraderie was palpable throughout the room, with unanimous agreement that Christeson’s own enthusiasm, warmth, and generosity set the tone for all the relationships. “I think everyone in this room thinks they’re Sali’s best friend,” Couric told Vogue. “She has an ability to make everyone feel really special.”
Following cocktails and remarks from Christeson and J.P. Morgan Global Head of Alternative Investments Kristin Kallergis Rowland, who helped underwrite the evening (the partnership “was the quickest approval I’ve ever gotten in twenty years” at the bank, Rowland joked), the group descended into the restaurant. On the way downstairs, each person was given a wax-sealed envelope containing a personal thank-you note, handwritten by Christeson for every single guest.
Despite the evening’s high-powered guest list, the atmosphere was relaxed and playful, as women made new friends in the bathroom and laughed about hot flashes between courses. In a sea of guests clad in Argent’s most recent collection of suits, blouses, and dresses, it was remarkable how no two appeared dressed the same—a testament to the wearers’ sense of personal distinction.
