Marni for H&M: Our West Coast Bureau Chief Reports From Friday's Starry Extravaganza

6:30 PM, February 19 2012

By Marlien Rentmeester

The simple invitation to last Friday’s Marni for H&M party in LA called for a "private dinner hosted by Sofia Coppola, Marni designer Consuelo Castiglioni and H&M’s creative director Margareta van den Bosch." But there was barely a plate of protein to be had, and the affair was far from intimate.

With over 300 revelers, most of them very famous, the all-out rager was staged in the storied John Sowden House, a distinctive Mayan-style mansion built in 1926 by Lloyd Wright, the eldest son of Frank Lloyd Wright.

Singer Bryan Ferry set up a stage in the central courtyard and belted out half a dozen songs, while Drew Barrymore, Freida Pinto, Winona Ryder, Elisa Sednaoui, Milla Jovovich, Lou Doillon, Jessica Chastain and Rashida Jones bopped along, all sporting their Marni-for-H&M-best. (See a gallery of their looks here.) Also on hand was the highly anticipated capsule collection, itself, displayed in a room-size walk-in closet. Standouts include African print dresses and blouses, silk pajama-like shorts, a matching metallic print sweater and cropped pants, and patent leather trimmed jackets and tops. The bold shell-like necklaces and collar chokers are also beyond. Start sharpening your elbows now. The collection hits stores March 8.