New York, NY — September 7, 2025 — On Saturday, September 6, James E. Demmert and Pauline A. Argenson welcomed 100 guests into their Manhattan townhouse for a Back to School celebration — a playful nod to the return from summer holidays and the start of the fall season in New York’s social calendar.


In true New York fashion, a real yellow school bus was parked in front of the house, becoming the most photographed backdrop of the night. Inside, guests mingled over food, cocktails, and music curated by iconic DJ Claire Jones, while Alena Kostromina captured the evening behind the lens. The event was generously supported by La Maison du Chocolat, delighting guests with Parisian confections.

A yellow school bus with the STOP sign on its side parked on a city street.
A strip of small black and white photos showing people sitting in a car's backseat at different moments.

The hosts — who are known for their love of Thom Browne (and leaned into the “school uniform” theme for the evening) — brought their signature mix of style and philanthropy to the occasion. They are also co-founders of The Academy of Finance, a prestigious school dedicated to shaping the next generation of Wall Street leaders.

A sequence of photos showing a chalkboard sign being drawn with white chalk spelling out 'BACK TO SCHOOL' letter by letter.
Elegant banquet table with crystal chandeliers overhead and ornate decor in a mint green dining room with gilded details.
Several rows of small chocolate bar segments displayed in a diagonal pattern on a light colored surface.
Elegant living room with crystal chandelier features two people posing on white sofa with decorative pillows.
Elegant charcuterie board spread with cheeses, meats, fruits and nuts illuminated by glowing candles at an upscale event.
People dressed in school uniform style outfits dance and celebrate at a party with columns and chandeliers visible.
Five consecutive blurry nighttime photos show people stepping out of and walking away from yellow school buses.
Two women posing together in trendy outfits with knee socks and boots against an ornate wall with vintage furniture.
Polka dot dress and black suit outfits with dress shoes shown in outdoor setting with string lights and decorative urns.
Sequence of photos showing a person in white working at a standing desk against a minimalist white background.
Indoor party scene with chandelier lighting and patterned carpet showing guests mingling in casual attire.
Nighttime scenes of people entering and exiting a yellow school bus in low light conditions.

The guest list reflected the couple’s influential New York circle: stylist Soneca Guadara, John Nubian of YRB Magazine, Dr. Glenicia Nosworthy, MD, stylist and artist Ilona Anoli Velez, prosecutor and Deputy Director of Criminal Justice for New York State Greg Camp, Harvard-educated anthropologist Abigail Posner, philanthropist Nina Christine Yacavino, Studio 54 photographer and author Dustin Pittman, fashion influencers Jean and Valerie of The Idiosyncratic Fashionistas, professor and founder Anthony Carradona (NYIT, School of Architecture and Design), former ballerina Jennifer Farrell, entrepreneur and gallerist Ian Shapolsky, venture capitalist Angelina Hu, fashion producer Barbara King, travel concierge CEO Tiffany Lane, top models Ulboss Tassan and Darya Abdulova, Lithuanian Permanent Representative to the UN Rytis Paulauskas, casting director Adrian Wells, and CFO Johs Worsoe of a leading investment bank.

Inside a school bus, someone appears to perform an energetic dance sequence showing increasing movement across the photo series.
People walking past illuminated storefronts with slow zone warning signs on a dark evening street.
Three stylishly dressed people pose in front of a yellow school bus at night with tree branches visible overhead.
Glass champagne flutes arranged in front of black branded backdrop with institutional logos and elegant lighting.
A sequence of photos showing someone in a dark suit falling backwards off an office chair in dramatic lighting.
Couple poses in front of yellow school bus at night, creating a stylish retro-inspired photoshoot scene.
A person in black business attire poses pensively in different positions inside a vehicle with tan leather seats.
Person in casual attire stands in the doorway of a yellow school bus during an evening photoshoot.
Someone interacts with a scrolling wall panel in a sequence of photos showing shifting positions and perspectives.
A sequence of photos showing someone writing with chalk on a dark wall.
Close-up shots of white chalk writing appearing on a black chalkboard surface.
A group wearing black and white outfits pose together at a social gathering in an indoor setting.
Two students in school uniforms pose together at a party with portrait artwork and a crystal chandelier in the background.
Two people posing together at a party, one wearing a white blazer with tie and another in a graphic t-shirt.
Interior party scene with people in formal attire gathering at a social event.
Friends lounging and laughing together on a white couch during a casual indoor gathering.
Yellow school bus at night with people entering and exiting.
A person with an umbrella stands beside a slow school zone sign at night.
People walking at night near a school zone sign holding umbrellas.
A couple poses in the doorway of a yellow school bus at night on a city street.
People gathering in a room with black chalkboard walls covered in writing.
Two people stand in the doorway of a yellow school bus at night in an urban setting.
Yellow school bus door opens at night as passengers exit after an event.
Group of party-goers having fun around a yellow school bus at night.
A sequence of nighttime photos showing someone playfully exiting a yellow school bus in different poses.
Athletic figure performs acrobatic moves inside what appears to be a vehicle or bus.
Interior shots of a dimly lit bus with people climbing and posing inside.
Person poses with an umbrella at night next to a slow sign and branded wall banner.
Yellow school bus illuminated at night with passengers entering and exiting.
People posing and climbing around a yellow school bus at night.
Person writing mathematical equations on a black chalkboard wall.
Dark nighttime photos of people entering and exiting a yellow school bus.
Nighttime party scenes around a yellow school bus with dramatic lighting.
Sequential shots of a yellow diesel bus at night with people climbing aboard.
People climbing into a yellow school bus at night under tree branches.
Group gathering in an elegant white room with chandeliers during a party.
Group gathered indoors wearing mix of formal and casual attire on dark hardwood floors.
Group of people in formal attire and costumes posing together in a white hallway.
Group of people sitting inside a bus interior with blue seats during a nighttime gathering.
Party guests celebrating in formal attire inside a crowded party bus.
People entering and exiting a yellow school bus during a nighttime event.
A series of photos showing nighttime interactions with a yellow bus door at various angles and lighting conditions.
Several people board a yellow school bus in darkness.
Group poses by classic yellow school bus at night.
Student standing in the doorway of a vintage yellow school bus wearing a white shirt and gray skirt uniform with socks.
People in vintage-style outfits enter and exit a bright yellow school bus at night.
Friends posing and dancing in a room with chalkboard walls and decorative lighting.
A group of people pose and laugh together during a nighttime gathering against a dark wall with elegant lighting.
Person in floral dress poses against outdoor patio setting with lanterns at night.
Group of friends sitting on the floor at a casual indoor gathering with candles and drinks.
An elegant indoor gathering with people seated on armchairs around a coffee table with candles and decorative items.
A sequence of candid party photos showing people dancing and celebrating in a dimly lit indoor setting.
Party guests in plaid skirts and formal wear dancing in an elegant room with chandeliers.
Two friends share a joyful moment together in an elegant room decorated with vintage portraits and a crystal chandelier.
Two people having a business conversation while sitting on wicker furniture in a modern office space.
Blurred artistic photos of a bar counter with wine glasses and bottles in warm lighting.
Several people stand near open door of yellow school bus in dark setting.
People entering and exiting bright yellow school bus during nighttime.
Figure poses near school zone and slow traffic signs at night.
People gathering around parked yellow school bus in evening light.
Party guests dancing and celebrating under crystal chandeliers in formal attire.
Partygoers dressed in elegant outfits socializing under a crystal chandelier in a luxurious white room.
Blurred motion shots of people dancing at an elegant indoor party with chandeliers.

Gianfranco Pedretti,Wiktoria Baran, Soneca Guadara, Inga Khurieva, Nina Christine Yacavino , Ilona Anoli Velez


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