Last Night's Restoration Hardware Launch Party Was Shut Down

Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.

Bostonians were aflutter yesterday in anticipation of last night's heralded Restoration Hardware launch party—but it wasn't long before the festivities screeched to a halt. An entry line and shoulder-to-shoulder crowds inside the 40,000 square foot store warranted a strong police and fire department presence, and soon enough, guests heard the dreaded phrase "over capacity." The Boston Herald reports an estimated 2,400 people attended, which signaled the imminent need for a fire hazard shutdown.

The glimpse we caught of the space was spectacular, though we couldn't see much beyond the centerpiece custom glass elevator, regal mirrors, and a couple side rooms with mindblowing light fixtures. We did get to hover beside the stage as British crooner Edei performed, though sadly none of the delectable Cipriani bellinis were in reach. Guests who made it up to the third floor were treated to the sight of a 20-foot Eiffel Tower replica and an indoor garden inspired by Parisian jardins. We think @BostonMo said it most simply...

The official opening of the rebranded RH Gallery is today, leaving a luxury home emporium waiting for anyone willing to brave the snow and sleet. [UPDATE: The opening was scheduled for today, but we are told that it has been postponed. Stay tuned for more details.] The building is laid out very differently than it was when it housed Louis (though it also has a restaurant-meets-wine bar), and is worth a visit even for those who aren't in the market for chairs that look straight out of Versailles.
· Cops Shut Down Store's Overcrowded Debut Party [Boston Herald]
· All Restoration Hardware news [Racked Boston]