Honoree Carlen Altman with her mother Suzy Friedman

It was an eclectic mix of (relative) youngsters at the James Hotel last night, where society fixture Kristian Laliberte hosted Refinery 29's party for its 30 Under 30 list.

Like the assortment of goodies from Dylan's Candy Bar available for noshing, this year's list was a macédoine of hipsters; ranging from Saturday Night Live's John Mulaney to Solange Knowles, ostensible socialite Olivia Palermo, and artist Nick Poe. (None of whom, unfortunately, attended the party.)

After accepting a Stoli Vodka Hot "Firefighter" cocktail (nothing like spicy vodka to beat the heat), we sidled up to Mr. Laliberte to find out what, exactly, the criteria for the list was. And, ahem, why no journalists made the cut.

"Honestly, we didn't want to run the same famous faces that make every list," Mr. Laliberte told The Observer after our obligatory cheek-kiss. "We wanted to introduce our audience to people who are creative across the board, who aren't just doing one thing."

"And we do have an editor on the list," he countered, referring to Teen Vogue's former accessories editor, Shiona Turini, who is currently working with Carine Roitfeld on her new magazine, CR Fashion Book.

Okay, we'll allow it: after all, Refinery 29 is ostensibly a fashion site, not Poynter.org. Besides, we had just spotted the lovely Carlen Altman--a multi-tasker in the arts if there ever was one--who had brought her mother as her date. In addition to her line of Jewish rosaries and her stand-up comedy, Ms. Altman's first feature film, Color Wheel, was chosen for BAMcinemafest's line-up.

"It's the year of Oberlin!" Ms. Altman toasted, referring to the success of college contemporaries Lena Dunham and Ry Russo Young. On cue, designer Yara Flinn, another alum from the Ohio liberal arts school, entered the premises. The beauty behind Nomia's fashion line looked stunning, though admitted she was tired after a long day at a trunk show.

"We'll buy any clothing you have left over!" we practically begged. Ms. Flinn graciously told us to stop by her studio for a private viewing. We've never been so proud to have gone to school in a sea of corn.

Other guests of the evening included a bevy of fashionistas and designers, including Yigal Azrouel, Erin Fetherston, SUNO's Max Osterweis, Harley Viera Newton, Bibhu Mohapatra, Lulu Frost's Lisa Salzer, Timo Weiland, Alejandro Ingelmo, Eleanor Ylvisaker, Bonnie Morrison, Claude Morais, Lorenzo Martone, Nary Manivong, Tracy Antonopoulos, Wes Gordon, Michelle Siwy, Kate Foley, Lyle Owerko, Karen Duffy, Fiona Byrne, Christian Cota, and Jamie Johnson.