• by Kelly Samardak , June 20, 2008

Morpheus and friends host cocktails, Gramercy Park Hotel, New York
June 18, 2008

I have walked by the Gramercy Park Hotel a million times. Back when I used to work at the IBM building on Madison Square Park, I'd alter my walk home to mix up the monotony. Now, when I'm heading home from Broadway, I'll poke by that way if it's really nice out. Every time I pass by I think, "who the heck gets in there?" because it looks like a secret hideaway where only the chicest of the chic are allowed through the doors. I guess I'm one of those people they'll let in.

Sometimes it really is all in a name. When I get a party invitation, I always glance down at the sender to see if it's a clever name. Squeakywheel, how cute. I was hoping it would be a relevant party for this column, not a jewel sale out of some soho loft. I was pleased to find out that yes indeedy, this party, on the rooftop of The Gramercy Park Hotel (well lah dee dahhhh) was being hosted by Morpheus (and their partners), New York Mag, and Halogen Guide to celebrate the Luxury Interactive Conference - which would have been fun to actually attend, too.

A rebellious incandescent light bulb went off in my head: "oh man! The goodie bags are going to be ridiculous!" Hey, I'm human - if I'm working well into the night (yes, parties are work, so there) I think goodie bags stuffed with Chanel frocks are in order!

I was instantly in love when I walked in. I was greeted by a 4'10 ½" spark-emitting gal with long, wavy red hair and a form fitting satin tank dress that could have been green, but the light was so low I couldn't even see my feet, who grabbed my sparkly sack and my hand and dragged me to the bar for some champagne. She talked a mile a minute about the guests, swished me over to meet the Morpheus crew, held my drink as I snapped pics, and talked a mile a minute the whole time. This action packed mighty mouse? Jackie Saril, Squeakywheel Promotions.

She swung me around and introduced me to Shenan Reed, managing director, founder, Morpheus Media, a suave, soothing, and raven haired gal who has created from tooth to nail a cool and crisp brand experience for Morpheus clients. Jock Agorastos, online account director, New York Mag, was the belle of the ball, popping into every picture I took. I think we were making the same path through the circles of guests tinkling martinis and oblong goblets of deep red wine.

As cute little mini burgers floated by I sipped my nose tickling champagne and jawed with a fun group of people who would be attending the Vice party the next night. I had a six degrees of separation moment with a new connection who also found a certain person at Vice offensively abrasive (there's another a-word, but I'll keep it clean... this time) "Yeah, well, at Vice, you gotta have someone like [Abrasive Jones] to counteract everyone else who's snorting coke and [naked activity] strippers." I wonder how the party went....

Even though I was surrounded by people from Gucci, Chanel, W hotels, Morpheus, Vivre, and HSBC(?), my $3.00 feather and fake bauble necklace from Forever21 garnered lots of compliments, which reaffirmed that I didn't need to run to that tiny boutique on 13^th and 3^rd to grab something unique and new for this party.

Launching your site? Relaunching a new interactive campaign? Throwing a fabulous fete? Get it covered in Just An Online Minute! Send invitations to kelly@mediapost.com!

Hang with the luxurious types - the pics are on Flickr!