Lauren Santo Domingo: The Last Swan Standing
Ah, behold the legendary swans of Fifth Avenue, gracefully navigating the bustling concrete jungle with an aura of unattainable elegance and effortless poise. Those were the days. While Truman Capote's coined term "swan" still reverberates, there's been a resurgence in pop culture's fascination with these iconic figures, propelled by recent portrayals in Hulu's "Feud" series and TikTok accounts like @ladiesofmadisonave (or similar handles), alongside the proliferation of “Old Money” aesthetics on Pinterest boards. These women, evoking the spirits of Cleopatra, Marie Antoinette, Jackie Kennedy, Empress Wu Zetian, the Countess Casati, Queen of Sheba, Diana Vreeland, and even the fictional Miranda Priestly or Blair Waldorf, epitomize power and hedonism concealed beneath a captivating ‘ice queen’ facade.
In recent years, significant strides have been made in women's empowerment—fights for equal pay, securing of board seats, declarations of independence through divorce, ventures into egg freezing, and navigating the intricate landscape of cancel culture. Yet, amidst these democratic shifts, the fascination with the lives of the "rich and famous" persists, often gratified through reality TV and Instagram's intimate parasocial relationships with our beloved celebrities. However, this inundation of access leaves little room for imagination. While we may genuinely crave Kim Kardashian's struggles with juggling her kids, studying for DIY law school, and working out to fit into that dress, it also erodes the mystery and allure of an otherworldly lifestyle.
In a narrative echoing Darwin's own quill, a solitary swan stands amidst Central Park’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir of filler faced ducklings, each ensnared in their fashion rituals on the bustling streets of New York City. Enter Lauren Santo Domingo, the sole surviving Swan of Fifth Avenue—ironically ensconced in the tranquil embrace of Gramercy Park.
Given her moniker "LSD," it's natural to anticipate a venture into a surreal realm—though in her case, the intoxicating allure is one of opulence and extravagance, rather than a psychedelic journey in a dusty tent in Black Rock City. Lauren Santo Domingo emerges as a powerful gem amid the vibrant hustle and bustle of New York City, radiating an unmistakable brilliance that we can’t turn away from. We are drawn to her ice queen persona, perhaps masochistically, refreshed by her unattainability. It's akin to that moment in Mean Girls when Regina George punches you in the face – it's awe-inspiring. I experienced a similar sensation when I crossed paths with Anna Wintour, feeling completely seen and yet entirely insignificant, almost breathless like I had seen a ghost in close proximity.
Lauren Santo Domingo’s notoriety can be mistakenly attributed to her privilege (born into, of course), yet a deeper examination reveals that it's her deliberate absence from casual social media, paired with her original sharp wit, punctuated alongside immaculate editorial images, that truly sustain her enigmatic aura and leave her devotees wanting for more. Of course, adding fuel to the fire are the whispers of hushed stories and personal anecdotes that are divulged in the tight corners of gilded bathrooms at fashion parties and on reddit snark pages. But these are often shared amongst fellow LSD admirers, all with a fascination for the swan in an undertone of insatiable curiosity.
Naturally, her esteemed lineage only adds to her mystique. Born into the upper echelons of society as Lauren Davis, dubbed the ‘Sparkling Water Princess,’ is the daughter of the former CEO of the Perrier Group of America. Raised amidst the manicured lawns of Greenwich, Connecticut, and educated at the esteemed Kent School, her upbringing reads like a page from a Jane Austen novel – a tale of preppy privilege. Not one for predictability however, Santo Domingo's journey took a rebellious turn when she enrolled at USC (not an Ivy League institution) during the height of the MTV/VH1 era. Here, the East Coast debutante swapped pleated skirts for low-slung True Religion jeans, and trust fund jocks for boy bands. Amidst this whirlwind of mischief, she thrived, shielded from the relentless gaze of digital scrutiny that defines today's era.
One can't help but imagine that Santo Domingo holds these memories dear, albeit privately – reminiscent of CZ Guest's intimate display of Diego Rivera's naked portraits in her Palm Beach abode. It's the seamless juxtaposition of these personas – the rebel with a penchant for indulgence and the polished blue-blooded socialite with the discipline of a Russian ballerina – that render Lauren Santo Domingo the enigmatic figure we are compelled to unravel.
And compelled we are - the gems Santo Domingo shares are usually found in her quoted editorial stories and devoured by the young and old. I still remember the ITG article when she mentioned that red lipstick on a Starbucks cup looks “vulgar”. Out went all of my red lipstick and to this day I refuse to wear a lip before having my morning coffee. Or when she educated the general population on her Alexandrite engagement ring, which was a rare stone from the Urals, and a nod to her “rebellion against the more widely accepted practice of wearing a diamond ring.” I immediately hid my Pinterest board of diamond engagement rings. A similar effect happened when I started arranging flowers in vintage champagne buckets and letting everyone know that my favorite flower is the poisonous Lily of the valley. I guess you can say I’ve been #influenced, but Santo Domingo’s influence feels so much more refined than receiving a box of mouth tape that was pushed by a podcast. Taking on a small piece of LSD’s life, whether it's through her “Lauren’s Closet” edit on Moda or via a hidden tip laced throughout an interview, gives me a rush of adrenaline like I’m doing something I’m not supposed to do, but really want to do: The LSD effect.
Let's not dwell solely on the fluff, shall we? Behind the polished facade lies an opportunistic businesswoman who co-founded Moda Operandi, a platform that revolutionized the way we shop for luxury fashion. Well, maybe "we" is an exaggeration, as not many of us are familiar with ordering off of designer runway trunk shows with $4000 deposits. In March 2023, she was announced as the Artistic Director of Tiffany and Co. Home, yet another jewel to her crown. These professional accomplishments sit alongside her lengthy philanthropic work supporting the various arts institutions and our personal favorite, New Yorkers for Children. And of course, how could we leave out that Ivanka Trump tweet that catapulted the habitually private socialite into mass political discourse. We’ll say it again, when LSD speaks, we listen.
As we’ve seen, Santo Domingo's empire knows no bounds. Her keen eye for style and impeccable taste have made her a trusted arbiter of fashion, with designers clamoring for her seal of approval and women lining up to buy what she suggests. But perhaps what sets Santo Domingo apart most of all, is her ability to maintain an aura of mystery and intrigue in an age of oversharing and constant exposure. She remains enigmatic, a modern-day muse whose allure is as irresistible as she is unattainable. Her greatest achievement yet is creating mystery in a world that no longer has it. And if that’s the case, this writer will be happy saving her for the fairy tales.
Editors Note: I feel compelled to share that during the creation of this story, we reached out to various editors, stylists, and prominent social media accounts for their perspectives on LSD. However, the majority declined to comment, citing an unspoken but palpable barrier of fear and respect. In the mysterious realm of Lauren Santo Domingo, discretion often proves more prudent than risking recognition without her endorsement. Of course, LSD herself could not be reached for comment. All photos were sourced independently. Please reach out to RH@recreationalhabits.com if you would like to be credited or your image removed.
