That spirit of understated elegance that extended to the event itself: guests including Kate Moss, Paris Jackson, Indya Moore, Saskia de Brauw, and Noomi Rapace all stepped into the cavernous space to sip Champagne and frozen vodka shots—an Ackermann favorite—as well as caviar passed around with spoons. Oh, and all wearing outfits (and often sunglasses, too—this was a fashion party after all) from Ackermann’s first collection from Tom Ford, which debuted to a rapturous reception at Paris Fashion Week in March of this year.
Soon, it was time to head upstairs to the piano nobile, where a table decked out in Murano glassware glittered under flickering of candlelight and enormous vases of black and purple blooms were set against the walls. There was an impromptu photo shoot by Greg Williams on the antique Venetian furniture—art directed by none other than Moss herself, who slipped on a pair of Tom Ford sunglasses to join the group and pose. And then, dinner was served—grilled seabass and tiramisu prepared by the chefs behind the Michelin-starred Alajmo family of restaurants that have become culinary institutions across the Veneto region—and Ackermann stood up to recite a heartfelt speech.
“I don’t like to talk, but I have with me my family and my friends, and this means the world to me,” he said. “It’s my first campaign for Tom Ford Beauty, and I feel blessed. Tilda has been a friend for more than 30 years, and to be able to do this together—to achieve something more than friendship—is an incredible blessing.” There was a brief pause to note he was holding back tears, before he continued: “Tilda has been faithful to me all my life, and I can’t express how much she inspires me, provokes me, disturbs me, and how much I love her.” (Unsurprisingly, given his reputation as one of the nicest guys in fashion, Ackermann also took a moment to go around the table and thank every guest for coming individually, lending the event the feel of a family gathering more than your typical fashion event.)
Speaking to Swinton, it’s clear the feeling is mutual. “Honestly, this really is quite an emotional moment for us,” she said. “Because Haider and I are very old friends, and for me to be a part of his launch for Black Orchid, I feel it’s like him running his colors up the flagpole and saying, ‘These are my values and this is what I stand for.’ And he’s all about loyalty and friendship—it’s all about an authentic connection, it’s not very wash and go, which is relatively rare in this day and age. And I think just to be a part of that is really beautiful.”
Finally, another round of vodka shots was brought out by the white-suited waiters, and guests began to get up and dance to disco music—it was approaching midnight, but for Ackermann’s gang, the night was still young. “We do like to celebrate,” Swinton added, with a laugh. “There are moments for celebration, and I think tonight is one of them. As Lionel Richie might have said, who we were listening to as we came here in the boat, we’ll be dancing all night long.”