Nicola Bulgari hosted a party Wednesday night for Hilary Geary Ross and Harry Benson's new book, Palm Beach People, at Bulgari's flagship store on 57th Street. The book is the second collaboration between Ross and Benson, whose popular first tome, New York, New York, portrayed the city's notables at home and at ease. Palm Beach People was a natural next step.
"I love Palm Beach and I can't think of a better way to document it than through the eyes of the great photographer, Harry Benson," said Ross. "We wanted to provide a whole picture of the people in Palm Beach: young, old, athletes, writers, philanthropists, golfers. People will want to move down there after reading it - come on down! Harry and I had a wonderful time collaborating together again. We will be working on a Hamptons book together next year."
While the authors were signing books, there were plenty of distractions as guests admired the spectacular Bulgari jewelry. Ross wore a chic Bulgari snake necklace made entirely of diamonds, perfect against her white lace dress.
"All I want for Christmas is Hilary's necklace - and her book, of course," said Judy Cox admiringly.
Nicola Bulgari was happy to be hosting a party for Ross.
"We have been good friends for many years," said Bulgari. "The book is fun, refreshing and very entertaining. I used to go to Palm Beach thirty five years ago. It was a different world. I have great memories of the Breakers."
Harry Benson, Hilary Geary Ross, Copyright Patrick McMullan
"Hilary and Harry are sunshine, so it's totally appropriate that they would write a book on Palm Beach people," said Muffie Potter Aston. "It evokes fun memories of all our wonderful days in Palm Beach."
Designer Lisa Perry is relatively new to Palm Beach, and was especially honored to have been included with more established residents.
"I feel really at home there," said Perry. "It's a gorgeous place. I love our beach house, it feels so special."
Benson has been going to Palm Beach since the sixties. Some of the photographs in the book date back to 1968. Though the cast of characters has changed somewhat, his love for the place remains intact.
"Palm Beach is a fascinating place," said Benson. "It's like a Proust novel, you know? You get a look at people, it's colorful. There is no place like it in the world. It's so perfect. I've been going down there for a long time, beginning when the Kennedys were there in full force. It's a happy book. You couldn't do a negative book about it. That's what I like about it."
