Lorenzo Martone and the Men's Grand

What inspired you to get into the bike business and launch Martone Cycling Company? I had the idea in April 2011 when I moved to the West Village and had to store my bike in the living room for everyone to see. I noticed there was something wrong, something about the aesthetic. I felt there was no fashion filter to the bike I was riding. Basically, I had a design epiphany! I’ve worked in public relations for over 10 years and love it, but everyone in New York is multitasking, getting involved in new things. And I had the design itch so I went for it!

Who is your customer? Anyone who appreciates design. We make bikes for men and women and in different sizes, so basically anyone can become a Martone Cycling Company rider. There is one thing: my customer is someone who likes compliments. I’ve noticed that the people who ride our bikes get a lot of attention from others on the street. Also good for flirting!

When did your love affair with bikes start? I got my first bike for Christmas when I was a kid, and if you see the pictures of that night you would think I had won the lottery. I’ve loved biking ever since. It’s such an awesome way to connect with your environment. You can explore the city on it and see it at its best. Now, since I started making them, I fell in love with so many other layers of the project. I love the sustainability aspect: it’s a noise, gas, electricity-free object that takes you from A to B very efficiently. I also love how nostalgic and romantic they are. There is a reason why bikes have been around since the 1800s—they are perfect.

Do you have a favorite bike in the collection? It would be like asking who my favorite child is. So no, I do not have a favorite. Personally, I have been riding the gold bike and it’s quite fun. When the sun reflects on it, it’s as if the bike has its own aura. So many people in the street ask me about it. The white is also a favorite, especially among chic editors.

Where do you go for a leisurely bike ride in the city? I never get tired of the trail along the West Side Highway. I ride it both for leisure and to get around. I can go from my place in the West Village to uptown in 20 minutes, all while enjoying the beautiful views of the river.

What direction do you see your business going? I definitely hope to open our own Martone Cycling Company shop in N.Y. and other key bike cities. We are gearing towards “active wear” as well. I’ve already designed locks, helmets and am working on bike-inspired apparel. I will try a pop up this summer and we’ll hopefully have our own permanent store next year.

martonecycling.com 

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.

Mr. Martone (left), with Mr. Jacobs.

Which of Marc Jacobs’s exes is Lorenzo Martone? The most recent one? Four exes ago? Not an ex at all? We can barely keep up. But we’ll have the chance to interrogate the hirsute gent at a private dinner MAC is throwing to celebrate a collaboration with fashion house Ruffian, with guests including Ruffian designers Brian Wolke and Claude Morais, as well as mega-stylist Mary Alice Stevenson. The after-dinner dancing will be done by guest DJ The Kids. Oh, Mary Alice, we’re a long way from the Upper East Side!

NoHo, invitation only.