Social Life Magazine Editor-in-Chief Devorah Rose and #1 New York Times bestselling author Leigh Bardugo co-hosted a landmark evening celebrating Leigh’s decade of genre-defining storytelling—and made fashion history while doing it.

Set at a private estate on the East End, the evening marked the first-ever all-black dress code party in the Hamptons—a bold, visually striking departure from the region’s usual fare of white parties and breezy pastels. Guests arrived dressed in their own interpretations of “all black everything,” setting a chic, mysterious tone for a night that blended performance, reflection, and storytelling under the stars.

The evening featured a live performance by acclaimed mentalist Kevin Nicholas, followed by an intimate conversation with Bardugo on fantasy, world-building, and the artistic process. During a moving speech, Leigh described her path to success as long, grueling—and ultimately transformative. Comparing the creative journey to that of an Olympian, she underscored the sacrifice, rigor, and discipline that shape every breakthrough.

Notable attendees included Alexandra Daddario, Kathryn Gallagher, Zibby Owens, Elena Matei, and Alexander Hankin, joining hosts Devorah and Leigh for the candlelit celebration.

Each guest departed with two novels from Bardugo’s catalog, a symbolic parting gift honoring the enduring power of storytelling.

Image credit: Kevin Czopek/BFA