Emporio Armani ambassadors Patrick Schwarzenegger and Barbara Palvin rang in the launch of the label’s spring 2024 collection on Wednesday night at SoHo’s secluded Socialista lounge.
Guests were ushered up a labyrinth of stairs to the Cipriani outpost, where dim lighting set the mood amongst Cuban-themed decor. Model Katya Tolstova, heiress Ivy Getty and members of the New York influencer crowd Eva Gutowski and Davis Burleson rubbed elbows on velvet settees.
Palvin and Schwarzenegger, who were announced as Emporio brand ambassadors in January, posed for photos in front of faux bougainvilleas before nibbling on hors d’oeuvres and sipping cocktails.
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Palvin’s relationship with Armani dates back to 2016 — the Hungarian model previously fronted campaigns for the fashion house’s beauty and Gioia fragrance lines.
“I always feel very honored to be part of Armani’s campaigns,” Palvin told WWD. “I think the brand is just effortlessly elegance at all times. It’s always very chic and kind of minimalistic.”
Palvin, who marks her first anniversary with husband Dylan Sprouse in July, plans to celebrate with him in South Korea. After dating for five years, Palvin admits not much changed in their relationship after tying the knot, though she did share advice for those looking to wed.
“Make sure you’re best friends first before getting to marriage,” Palvin said. “And make sure you really talk about your needs and wants out of a marriage.”
Schwarzenegger himself is recently engaged — he popped the question to his longtime girlfriend, model Abby Champion, late last year. He bonded with his fiancée over a love of college football: as an Alabaman, it’s in Champion’s blood.
Now, Schwarzenegger will take his passion for the sport to the small screen. He’s been cast as Tim Tebow in Ryan Murphy’s latest “American Horror Story” spin-off, “American Sports Story.” The anthology’s inaugural season spotlights the rise and fall of Aaron Hernandez, the late New England Patriots tight end who was convicted of murder in 2015.
“Tim Tebow is one of the most legendary collegiate football athletes we’ve ever had,” Schwarzenegger said. “[American Sports Story] is mostly focused on Aaron and their friendship, as well as Tebow’s relationship to faith and how he tries to use faith to save Aaron.”
“American Sports Story” isn’t Schwarzenegger’s only buzzy project in the works. He’s been cast in the highly anticipated third season of HBO’s “The White Lotus” alongside Parker Posey and Michelle Monaghan. Filming has already commenced in Thailand.
As a longtime fan of the series, Schwarzenegger said he’s enamored with creator Mike White.
“It’s been a life-changing experience to work with the cast and Mike,” Schwarzenegger said. “He touches every single aspect of the show from writing, producing, directing every episode, to the casting, he thinks of everything in a 360 way.”
Schwarzenegger sees the same star quality in Giorgio Armani, who he’s had the privilege of meeting in Milan.
“He’s someone that loves his craft, loves his work and loves his job,” Schwarzenegger said of the designer. “At 89, he’s still focused on building his dream and his mission. I just think it’s beautiful.”