Scarlett Johansson and David Yurman Hosted a Shopping Soiree Benefiting the Lower Eastside Girls Club

While some of us may make idle promises to shop a bit less, last night’s festivities at David Yurman were not the time to enact self-control. Scarlett Johansson and the Yurman family hosted a cocktail party and shopping soiree at the David Yurman flagship store on 57th Street and Madison Avenue. The private event was held in support of the Lower East Side Girls Club, an organization close to the hearts of Johansson and the Yurman family. Recently, the native New York actor curated designs with the iconic jewelers, with proceeds benefiting the independent community-based non-profit.

“I’m from Manhattan, and growing up, (David) Yurman always felt so iconic in New York. In my late teens to early twenties, I remember seeing all these gorgeous women in Yurman campaigns… these black and white images, like the Peter Lindberg iconic Yurman campaign. So the idea of one day working with the brand was genuinely aspirational for me,” Scarlett Johansson told Vogue. 

Aiming to inject life into and support New York post-lockdown, Johansson and the Yurman family partnered with an organization at the city’s core. Having friends who have worked with the Lower East Side girls club for years, Johansson thought it might be the perfect fit. “They’re actively affecting change in the lives of so many young New Yorkers from the fundamental grassroots level,” said Scarlett Johansson. As fate would have it, Evan Yurman’s wife, Ku-Ling Siegel, had also worked with the non-profit since 2013.

Guests were greeted at the glass doors of the flagship store with a selection of Champagne and an array of specialty cocktails. Inside, the happy shoppers mingled with one another, sampled caviar, nibbled on passed light bites, and gladly turned out their pockets in support of the noble organization. Amidst the glistening jewels and blooming red florals, a DJ played upbeat music to set the tone. Meanwhile, Johansson stunned in David Yurman jewelry and a black corseted Alexander McQueen jumpsuit.

The evening’s affiliation with the Lower East Side Girls Club led to more significant conversations about women affecting change in the lives of one another. After all, the organization’s mission is to open doors and empower women and gender-expansive youth while building community.

“You have to write your own story,” said Johansson. “I’ve been very fortunate to work with many incredible female directors, producers, and writers, even from a very young age.” Reflecting on her first film, Manny and Lo, written and directed by Lisa Krueger, the actor shared the positive impact it left on her. At just 10 years old, Johansson was exposed to the concept of women writing stories for the younger women who follow their path. “It’s such a gem of a film about sisterhood and women lifting each other up out of strife. It really was my start,” Johansson told Vogue.

“When you talk to other women, you can find shared experiences with them. They’ve all dealt with the naysayers at some point in their life or been underestimated. The more you speak with other women, the more you realize how similar our condition can be. Now that many of us are having daughters,” the actor continued, “we are the ones that will affect the change for them and the younger generation.”

For more information on how to show support for the Lower East Side Girls Club, visit www.girlsclub.org to donate or learn about mentorship and volunteering opportunities.