A historic storm brewed over Paris, and few had umbrellas—yet the night pulsed with optimism, buoyed by a celebration no deluge could drown.
At Hotel d’Evreux, just off the Place Vendôme, Highsnobiety and Ray-Ban Meta welcomed the crème de la crème of Paris to an unforgettable evening—one that marked the launch of the HS Collaborations book and 20 years of Highsnobiety shaping and reflecting global culture. From the ornate salons, attendees stepped onto balconies to take in the dramatic view of the Colonne Vendôme, illuminated by flashes of lightning and the electric sounds of DJ Lovefoxy.
It was one famous Parisian who said, “Let them eat cake”—so why not a neon orange one? Sliced in celebration of two decades of tastemaking, it was as much a feast for the eyes as for the occasion. The bubbly flowed freely, toasts were raised, and laughter echoed through the historic halls. And while the weather outside was 100% frightful, inside, the mood was unshakably joyous, with formidable fashion power players like Veneda Carter, Evan Mock, and Alton Mason all in attendance.
Ray-Ban Meta brought us into the present (and arguably the future), with hundreds of guests documenting the night through their AI glasses. The theme of seeing culture through a new lens was embodied in every capture, click, and share.
David Fischer, founder of Highsnobiety, stood amid it all, reflecting on the milestone. “It feels great—on one hand, I feel like the old person in the room, and on the other, it feels like we’re just getting started. Highsnobiety has always and will always be about what’s next in culture, and that never gets old.” Looking out over the crowd, he added, “It feels very special and is a humbling experience. At the end of the day, it’s always about touching people’s lives, and when we achieve that, we are always very proud.”
Headlining the night was Mariah the Scientist, whose soulful performance featuring major hits like “Spread Thin” rose above the storm’s rumble and lit up the historic venue. I caught up with her after the show, still glowing from the stage. “Of course, I love Paris!” she said without hesitation. As for how she stayed radiant despite the storm-charged heat, she shared, “If you wear a little less makeup, when you start to sweat, it looks like you’re shining! It looks amazing. And the blush—make sure you keep blush. It looks lovely.” When asked for a favorite French phrase of the night, she grinned: “Être dans les nuages—it just feels right tonight.”
As the skies above Paris cleared, guests bid adieu and slipped out onto Place Vendôme. It’s always good to see the people who care for you most on special occasions, and this evening felt like a reminder of exactly that — a room full of friends, collaborators, and supporters who make it all matter. In the words of Fischer, the magic comes from “meeting so many amazing and creative people, hearing their stories, and helping them tell their stories.”
