The BP at the W Hotel: Boston Designer Event

Nicole Bhow, HGTV's Taniya Nayak & Collin

Sullivan

The BP were out in force for the W Boston Residences designer event (BP meaning Beautiful People -- not a certain other BP we’ve all been hearing about lately!). The June party was hosted by Boston Common Magazine to celebrate the launch of its Home issue by showcasing seven stylish, brand new rooms at the recently opened W Hotel & Residences on downtown Stuart Street. The evening debuted seven apartments each decorated by a unique New England designer, including Newport’s own designer to the stars, Ally Coulter. Coulter was the only non-Boston-based designer asked to participate, and she ‘did Newport (and the whole Ocean State!) proud’ with her chic and modern display.

It was estimated that 200-300 of Boston’s social elite were in attendance, a large percentage of whom were young and extremely fashionable, sporting

stileeto shoes, one-shoulder dresses, and, for the gentlemen, an ascot or two. Guests included Boston Common publisher Glen Kelley, Adrienne Reynolds, Carol and Hana Parks with Keith Leighton, Kevin Ahearn, Marketing Director for the W, couturier Michael de Paulo and photographer Alexander Coster Scott.

Painter Lynette Shaw & Pauline Seraser

Many of the local design contingent, including Taniya Nayak, of HGTV"S "Designed to Sell', Darwin Cordoba of Ralph Lauren Home, and Eric Rosoff popped in to see the rooms, theirs and othersk as well. Most residences included a special Grey Goose martini station, each with a different featured martini: some fruity & flavored, as well as the classic “dirty.” Hors d’oeuvres included both traditional (beef Wellington, bacon-wrapped asparagus) as well as more exotic (ahi tuna, middle eastern plates with hummus, figs, nuts, and tabouli), some served and some tabled. One room even boasted a raw bar, complete with oyster shooters, jumbo shrimp, and other oceanic delights.

"Shaken, not stirred."

Partygoers traveled from room to room through cozy, purple-lit hallways providing ample opportunity to mingle and toast the advent of summer. The sky-high view of Boston from the 18th floor was stunning as the sun began to set. A highlight of the evening for Newport Seen’s party came when designer and cabinetmaker Will Sofrin, Ally Coulter’s talented design partner in ACD Studio, went up to what appeared to be a normal (albeit lovely) highly lacquered wooden coffee table, pushed a button, and somehow ‘magically’ transformed it into a full-size dining or conference table! Watching the low table rise up from the floor on its own via in the black, elegant room felt like being in a James Bond movie (gas hydraulics may have been involved as well!). Sofrin then folded out and connected several leaves to create a nearly seamless table large enough to accommodate eight. Bravo to Will, who both designed and built the piece - perfect for the city-dweller in an limited-space studio who long to entertain in a variety of ways.

Ally Coulter, designer Eric Rosoff & Michael

Latchford

The floor featured cutting edge design with views of Boston from every apartment. Then partygoers repaired to the trendy downstairs bar in the sliver-shaped W Hotel.

- Amanda M. Grosvenor