[Andres Santo Domingo, Topper Mortimer, John Ylvisaker. Photos by David X Prutting for PMc]

Todd English's highly anticipated Libertine in the Gild Hall (Thompson Hotel) has been looking for its staff for weeks. And, although one may argue that this wouldn't be the best week to open your new bar (what with the whole "Crisis" on Wallstreet), Todd English did just that.  And, in doing so, he further proved hotelier Jason Pomeranc's stance that:

“There’s no right time or wrong time to open a place like this.  It is our duty as hoteliers and restaurateurs to provide the inns and watering holes where people can celebrate their victories and mourn their losses.” [The Observer]

Celebrate they did.  With hosts Jason Pomeranc, Danny Baker, Andres Santo Domingo, Topper Mortimer, John Ylvisaker, and Diego Garcia in the driver's seat, this party would have been a hit in the middle of a blackout, let alone a shaky market.

More story and photos below:

Other guests that made the trip downtown included Peter Davis, Tinsley Mortimer, Lauren Davis, Michael Marz, Serena Merriman, Melissa Bent, Hud Morgan, Devon Schuster, Allan Beever, Fabiola Beracasa, Eleanor Ylvisaker, Charlotte Ronson, Dani Stahl, Shoshanna Gruss, Ali Wise, Byrdie Bell, Simon Hammerstein, Bonnie Morrison, Lyle Maltz, Mick Rock, Elise Overland, Serena Nikkhah, and Hope Atherton.

[Todd English Talks Libertine, Eva Longoria, And What Food Turns Him On]

Todd English, Jason Pomeranc

Byrdie Bell, Ali Wise

Simon Hammerstein, Bonnie Morrison, Lyle Maltz

Dani Stahl, Shoshanna Gruss, Ali Wise

Diego Garcia, Topper Mortimer, John Ylvisaker, Jason Pomeranc, Andres Santo Domingo (Hosts)

Fabiola Beracasa


atmosphere

Eleanor Ylvisaker, Charlotte Ronson, Dani Stahl, Shoshanna Gruss

Topper Mortimer, Tinsley Mortimer

Diego Garcia, Lauren Davis, Andres Santo Domingo

Peter Davis


Burlesque Show

Jason Pomeranc, Fabiola Beracasa, Diego Garcia, Lauren Davis, Andres Santo Domingo

Michael Marz, Serena Merriman, Melissa Bent, Hud Morgan

Jason Pomeranc, Danny Baker, Andres Santo Domingo, Topper Mortimer, John Ylvisaker, Diego Garcia (Hosts)