NEW YORK — The stories of things that took place in the iconic St. Regis Hotel are as rich and magnetic as the guests who stayed there. Legendary editor Diana Vreeland got her start in the fashion world there; Salvador Dalí once tied up Andy Warhol to a spinning board and splattered paint all over him there; and Wallis Simpson walked around its halls on the arm of her husband, the abdicated Duke of Windsor.

Fashion writer, editor, and man-about-town Derek Blasberg added another chapter to the history of the St. Regis yesterday with a whimsical tea party to celebrate his Opening Ceremony stationery collaboration, the Handwritten Letter Helper. “The whole line of thought that the handwritten thank you note is a forgotten cultural pastime,” Blasberg told ARTINFO. “I think the tea party is too.”

Blasberg’s stylish friends — including model and television personality Alexa Chung, fashion designer Cynthia Rowley, model Hilary Rhoda, and Valentino’s partner, Giancarlo Giammetti — ventured to the Louis Room on the hotel’s second floor, where they were greeted by the sounds of grand piano being played and a fanciful spread of finger sandwiches, champagne punch, tarts, scones with jam and clotted cream, and, of course, tea.

At the back, elegant desks were equipped with all the accoutrements for writing and snail mailing Blasberg’s delightful fill-in-the-blank letters. Even though most of the guests are accustomed to typing and texting, many, including Rowley, Chung, and Rhoda, took the time to pen a note.

“It’s so cute,” said fashion designer Chrissie Miller of the stationery.

“It’s effortless,” agreed photo agent Jen Brill.

For 16-year-old Harry Brant, the son of model Stephanie Seymour and publishing magnate and art patron Peter Brant, handwritten notes were a bit of a foreign concept. But Blasberg’s influence may change that. “It’s going to become a big staple, I can assure you,” Harry told ARTINFO. “And most of my messages will probably be sent to Derek as thank you notes.”

Blasberg showed us the colorful notes, which he created for every occasion, from holidays to birthdays to thank yous. “I had the sort of parents that insisted I write thank you notes before I opened any of my presents and before I used any of my toys,” said Blasberg. “So the importance of the handwritten note has been embedded into my head for ages and I think in a digital world it’s nice to see it come back.”

Click on the slideshow to see guests at the Derek Blasberg X Opening Ceremony Handwritten Letter Helper afternoon tea.

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