The gloriously dramatic Faena New York was the perfect maximalist backdrop for renowned photographer Steven Klein to ring in his 60th birthday. On Thursday night, some 70 of Klein’s inner circle gathered at the West Chelsea hotel to help him usher in the new decade.
The blowout began in the Living Room, the property’s sultry 1970s-style, leopard print-filled lounge. Just outside the den hangs a Keith Haring mural—the largest work by the artist that’s not housed in a museum. “Alan [Faena] supports artists. He’s a great ambassador to the arts and has been very gracious to let me have my party here,” Klein told Vogue. “There’s no better place to celebrate than here.”
The fashion flock were in high spirits. Lifelong collaborators including Grace Coddington and former British Vogue editor Edward Enninful both greeted Klein with a hug. At the bar, Joan Smalls and Patti Wilson chatted with friends while guests caught-up over spicy margaritas—tequila and mezcal are Klein’s personal favorites—and mini cheese empanadas.
Kim Cattrall lounged on a corner banquette with her husband Russell Thomas and conversed with Klein’s sister Hope. “Steven is unapologetically himself,” Cattrall said. The actress was once photographed by Klein for an iconic 2002 “Got Milk?” ad, and again in 2023 for a Skims swim campaign. “The milk campaign was so wholesome, but he made it his own. When I look at his photographs they are beautifully savage, and I get a very strong reaction. I have one of his photographs that he gave me years ago for a birthday gift. It’s of a stag mounting a horse. I don’t know anybody else who would see that moment and capture it. In all of its passion and technical expertise, there’s also a very powerful and sexual energy that you can’t look away from. It’s an amazing photograph and perfectly illustrates Steven.”
Also in attendance was Helena Christensen, who has starred in numerous Klein-lensed editorials over the years. “Steven genuinely has a caring personality,” the Danish supermodel praised. “He’s always very honest. When I talk to him, he always holds my hand and is very personal. His talent is mind-blowing. He sees something and I want to go inside his mind to explore. He has a very eccentric world in head which shows in his art—and I love that.”
During the night, Klein was surprised with a three-layer red velvet and chocolate cake, designed by his partner Joshua Cummings. Moments before blowing out the candles, the photographer told Vogue that his birthday wish was not for himself—but rather for the fashion industry. “My wish is that creativity comes back to magazines, and for people to follow their dreams and find their sole purpose in the world.” As the crowd sang Happy Birthday, Klein blew out the candles with his 10-year-old son, Ace, and Cummings by his side.
Irina Shayk, a longtime friend, expressed a heartfelt birthday message too. “I wish Steven a healthy and a positive year with lots of love—because that’s the most important,” the Russian runway regular told Vogue, dressed in a scene-stealing Issey Miyake outfit. “Knowing Steven for so many years, he’s doing a really good job keeping amazing people close to him. To be here, and be a part of his birthday celebration, is a big honor because he’s one of the most legendary artists out there. I’m very proud to be photographed by him and to be a part of his vision.”
As the last slice of cake was served, guests moved next door to El Secreto, Faena’s seductive new nightclub space that’s anchored by a deconstructed disco ball. Madonna’s son David Banda was the first to hit the dance floor, with Shayk quickly joining. Later on, famed nightlife doyenne Susanne Bartsch stood atop the bar in order to serenade Klein with an exuberant rendition of Happy Birthday.
By midnight, the last bottle of Champagne was poured and the stylish crowd sauntered toward the exit. Turning 60 marks a major life moment, but Klein isn’t slowing down anytime soon—in fact, he’s tirelessly working toward some important new goals. “My dream is to make my first feature movie,” he revealed. “It’s about the dark side of New York. And I want to do more books, more exhibitions, more of everything. Every year is a milestone and every day, every minute—it’s all important and I’m very happy.”
