Sophie Theallet Debuts the Little Red Dress for Gramercy Park's Waitstaff

Sophie Theallet seemed silent at first. But as friend after friend arrived at a dinner in her honor at the Gramercy Park Hotel, she came to life. Kisses were planted, hugs were given and compliments were exchanged. As these guests, including Vogue's Meredith Melling Burke, Paper Magazine's Mickey Boardman and socialite Hannah Bronfman found their seats, the cumulative effect was clear: Theallet's mood was lifted.

According to the evening's hostess, Samantha Rosen, Theallet's new dress -- designed exclusively for waitresses at the Rose Bar and Gramercy Terrace -- has the same effect on the hotel itself.

"As a psychiatrist," declared Rosen to guests, "I can say that the dresses she's designed are visual Prozac."

No term could better describe Theallet's creation: a bright, bold and beautiful, Little Red Dress. The piece, which slid seductively over the bodies of Rose Bar's flawless, young waitstaff, is a masterclass in subtlety. At second glance, this seemingly simple sheath, proves to be an intricately designed wrap dress. Crafted from stain-proof, stretchable, silk crepe, the draping crescendos in an intricate knot which can be tied in the front or back. That versatile detail, plus the rich hue make this uniform worth a second job at the Rose Bar.

But according to Theallet, that may not be necessary. A version of the piece could very well show up on the runways at her next showing during New York Fashion Week.