He pulled it off!
Club King Richie Akiva — known for holding one of the Met Gala’s buzziest after parties — hit a last-minute snag a few days ago when potential hosts Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter decided to throw their own fête.
Akiva’s party location was also in flux, after he ditched his regular venue, Casa Cipriani.
But he somehow managed to put together easily the hottest party of the night, featuring a bone fide fashion legend, in just 24 hours.
Nightlife guru Ricgie Akiva’s party came together at the last second this year. BFA.com / BACKGRID
Things were looking like they may not happen on Saturday, just two days before fashion’s biggest night. But we hear it all came together in the 11th hour when the party vet managed to snag fashion icon Kate Moss as host, relocating the bash — dubbed “The Afters” — to downtown burlesque hotspot The Box.
Insiders say the entire soirée came together in just a day, with one source telling us Moss and Akiva are friends who had been casually chatting when the idea came up.
Akiva pal Kate Moss stepped up as host at the last minute. Getty Images
The party took place at downtown spot The Box. Matt Borkowski/BFA.com/Shutterstock
Moss, 52, didn’t just lend her name, she also brought daughter Lila, 23, along for the night, which didn’t really heat up until around 4 a.m.
“Next year I am definitely going to prepare in a much longer time and lock everything in officially way earlier,” Akiva told us. “And I am going to do something invitation only.”
Adding, “I was super grateful and happy. I love Kate.”
Elie Tahari stepped in as sponsor.
This is Akiva’s 12th Met Gala after party.
Diplo played for the crowd. BFA.com / BACKGRID
We hear there was some flirting between the famed DJ and the burlesque dancers. Matt Borkowski/BFA.com/Shutterstock
Teyana Taylor was also a host of the bash. She had been on board since the initial planning stages.
Despite being announced late, the party still drew a stacked crowd, including Blackpink’s Lisa and Jennie and editor Edward Enninful.
Diplo hit the decks for a packed room that included Ty Dolla $ign, Evan Ross, Selah Marley, and Stefon Diggs. At one point, we’re told barely clad burlesque dancers had to be moved aside so guests could actually see the famed DJ.
One insider tells us Diplo was “flirting” with the dancers, while another insists, “the burlesque girls were flirting with him.”
Busta Rhymes got on the mich for an impromptu performance. BFA.com / BACKGRID
Kaytranada also played. BFA.com / BACKGRID
DJ Kaytranada also spun, while Busta Rhymes grabbed the mic for an impromptu performance. Singer Leon Thomas performed as well.
“The party went amazing,” Akiva said.
As Page Six previously reported, Akiva had been in talks with Madonna and Carpenter to host. Both have attended his parties before, but this year, Madonna decided she “wanted to do something smaller,” Akiva told us.
Madonna’s rep told us, “She was never confirmed for any party.” Carpenter’s camp didn’t get back to us.
Akiva tells us he is going to plan much farther ahed next year. BFA.com / BACKGRID
Carpenter and Madonna, who just released the duet “Bring Your Love” from Madge’s upcoming “Confessions II” album, wound up hosting their own party at Zero Bond, which is owned by Akiva’s former Butter Group business partner Scott Sartiano.
In 2018, four years after he had sold his shares in the Butter Group, Sartiano sued Akiva for $15 million, alleging Akiva had lied to him — claiming 1OAK and Up & Down were money pits and convincing Sartiano to let Akiva buy him out with a series of low-ball payments. The suit was dismissed last January, Page Six reported.
The pair had a falling out and have not spoken in years we’re told.