Indeed, nods to Ms. Bradshaw abounded: acrylic magazine clutches, nameplate necklaces, vintage Fendi baguettes, tulle skirts, and trusty Manolos. Among the most notable tributes? Parker herself, in a Vivienne Westwood frock she’d been saving for the occasion, and Candace Bushnell, the real-life Carrie, dazzling in sequinned Markarian.

Sarita Choudhury (aka Seema Patel, the show’s resident femme fatale) exuded elegance in floor-length black Magda Butrym and a matching silk headscarf. “We wanted an outfit full of drama—just like she brings to the show,” said her stylist Caitlin Burke.

Armin Amiri, who plays her on-again-off-again flame Ravi Gordy, arrived with a dramatic update: a moustache. “I’m heading to Canada to shoot a horror film—hence the ‘tache,” he laughed. “It’s my first time as a lead.”

Elsewhere, Evan Ross Katz caught up with a feather-trimmed Cynthia Nixon, while comedian Murray Hill made a beeline to greet King. Nicole Ari Parker, never one to be upstaged, lit up the dancefloor in a glittering Stella McCartney mini that rivaled anything worn by her on-screen alter ego, LTW.

The buzz only built from there. With season three set to premiere on May 29, the DJ spun a nostalgic set of franchise-defining tracks—’90s gems, early aughts anthems, and songs tied to key scenes—while guests spotted familiar faces from seasons past: Bitsy von Muffling! Brady Hobbes!

As a surprise, Mario Cantone took the stage for a show tune medley, sending a kiss to Sebastiano Pigazzi (his on-screen boyfriend Giuseppe), before being carried off—naturally—by a chorus line of Hot Fellas.

And instead of a gift shop, there was a bookshop. In homage to season three’s plotline (Carrie writes her first novel), a corner of the restaurant had been transformed into a stylish little bibliothèque of ombré-hued hardcovers. Guests were invited to take one home—an idea one might safely credit to the book-loving SJP.

Another party favor? Blank And Just Like That postcards, a clever wink to Aidan’s handwritten letter from Virginia. “I always tie things up in a bow,” King told Vogue. Consider that a hint: the new season promises more Easter eggs, more fashion, and more heart.