THE GOOD SON Vachon

"Across all developmental lines, Dana has just exceeded our expectations," gushed Vachon's mother, Jean, at the downtown Manhattan book party for Mergers and Acquisitions, her son's highly touted (and avidly hated on) farce of Manhattan high society. In creme slacks and a knit sweater, Jean more than ably played the role of transplanted Chappaqua party hostess as she made introductions, shook hands, and fielded congratulatory wishes on behalf of her son. "Almost everything Dana has done has resulted in one of two things: him making us laugh, or him making us proud." Awwwww.

Ms. Vachon certainly wasn't the only pride-filled figure in the room. Popular Eurotrash hangout Felix was crowded with journalists, book publishing types, and bankers, all of whom seemed very pleased with themselves to be there, and many of whom, in pressed suits and shirts, were indistinguishable. (Well, maybe not the reporters—they were wearing jeans.) At one point, the scrum included four members of Team Gawker, two New York magazine staffers, three HuffPost-ers, a reporter from the Observer, and a smattering of Condé Nasties. (And, okay, at least half the edit staff of Radar, which published an excerpt from the book in our latest issue.)

And all this just to honor Jean Vachon's little pisher! "As his mother, I'm just beside myself," she sighed. Moments later, a squat guy with slick hair and a yellow power tie came over to kiss her on the cheek. Ever the pro, Ms. Vachon engaged Squat Guy in a bit of witty repartee, bid him adieu, and then refocused her attention on her son. "As I was saying. His smarts and work ethic just make me kvell. And I'm not even Jewish!"

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Photo: Duke magazine