A Birthday Celebration Shrouded in Mystery
On Monday, Jean Shafiroff, a prominent New York socialite, threw a glamorous cocktail party at her Park Avenue apartment to celebrate her birthday. However, true to her penchant for maintaining a veil of mystery, she refused to disclose her actual age or birthdate to her guests. When asked by Page Six, she quipped with a laugh, "It’s a security question," implying that her date of birth is a crucial piece of private information, often used to secure her personal data. This playful response only added to the intrigue and speculation surrounding her.
Ageless Beauty and Divine Speculation
As guests mingled and enjoyed the festivities, the question of Jean’s age became a topic of animated discussion. One guest confidently stated, "She looks amazing for 60," while another responded with even greater certainty, "She’s 71." When the latter realized the potential faux pas of her comment, she quickly added, "I don’t know! But Google has it. All you have to do is Google!" Indeed, Google corroborated the age of 71. Despite the guesses, Jean remains steadfast in her refusal to reveal her age, settling on the whimsical designation of being "perpetually 49." For a brief moment, she even considered being "perpetually 39," but 49 seemed to suit her better.
A Fashion Extravaganza
Jean’s birthday party was not just a social event but a fashion spectacle. Known for her dramatic and elegant outfits at various galas, Jean did not disappoint on this occasion. She changed her attire four times throughout the two-hour party, each ensemble more stunning than the last. When asked about the reason for her multiple wardrobe changes, she explained, "It’s my birthday! And it’s fashion week. I also had a bunch of fashion designers [at the party]." This perfectly encapsulates her passion for fashion and her ability to turn any celebration into a runway show.
The Birthday Cake Dress
Among her several outfit changes, Jean’s favorite was the first one: a white Wes Gordon "birthday cake dress." She had attended Gordon’s fashion show for Carolina Herrera earlier in the day and felt that the dress was a fitting opening look. "I thought it was a lot of fun, the dress, looks like a birthday dress, a layer cake," she described. The dress not only captured the essence of her special day but also highlighted her taste for unique and stylish fashion. Victor de Souza, known for his couture creations, brought over two gowns for her to wear, and "Project Runway" alum Malan Breton contributed the fourth dress, ensuring that every moment of her party was a visual feast.
Philanthropy at the Heart of the Celebration
While the party was a dazzling affair, Jean did not forget the importance of giving back. In lieu of gifts, she encouraged her guests to donate to the American Red Cross to assist victims of the California fires. "I hate fire… and a lot of people did not have insurance and many people were very poor, or struggled, like this is their only home, and they lost it, and I can’t imagine it," she shared, expressing her deep concern for those affected. Her decision to use her birthday as an opportunity to raise awareness and funds for a worthy cause underscores her commitment to philanthropy and her compassion for others.
A Star-Studded Guest List
The cocktail party was attended by a who’s who of New York’s social scene. Prominent figures such as Julia Haart, Sue Phillips, Ruth Miller, Candace Bushnell, Flo Anthony, and CD Greene were among the guests. Society flacks R. Couri Hay, Anna Rothschild, and Norah Lawlor also made an appearance, adding to the glamour and buzz of the event. The guest list reflected Jean’s influential status and her wide circle of friends and admirers, making her birthday celebration not just a personal milestone but a community event filled with joy and generosity.