How to host the perfect cocktail right before one of the most glamourous events on New York’s social calendar? Just ask Lauren Levison. On Friday evening, the Friend of the CFDA and the Peninsula New York co-hosted a very special cocktail before the Save Venice gala, celebrating with her friends including Gilles Mendel, Kate Mara, Isaac Boots, Dr. Macrene Alexiades, Ryan Star, Gigi Burris O’Hara, Bach Mai, Andrew Kwon, Kate Barton, Andrew Curwen, Chloe Mendel Corgan and Billy Corgan.

The vibe had a literary bent – think “Women Who Run with the Wolves” meets “The Alchemist” meets the beautiful people who inspire Levison. It was pure magic. So was her beautiful look by House of Gilles.

The ball’s theme was “Celestial Serenissima.” “Gigi [Burris O’Hara] and I created a solar system of zodiacs for the two tables,” Levison said. “Every one was either their favorite mythological god or goddess or their horoscope. I was Hecate, the goddess of the crossroads.

“It was an honor and I feel so blessed  to have been in the orbit of the most talented and beautiful people,” she added.

The chic crowd then made its way from the Pensinsula to the Plaza – bringing a sense of ultra-glamour to the streets of New York.