Every night, it seems, a new ultra lounge opens up, from Teddy’s to Stone Rose Lounge to my all-time-favorite bar Winston’s, all of which manage to balance exclusivity with the laid-back vibe of a neighborhood bar.

Crimson, which opened last night next to Opera, is the latest bar to hop on board the ultra-lounge bandwagon, but its spectacular design puts it at the head of the pack. Say goodbye to chandeliers! The dance floor here is lit by a mesmerizing blown-glass installation. And that’s just the beginning. The walls are lined with python skin and soft chinchilla fur (both faux, of course!); the ceiling’s tiled with red glass; the mirrors are smoked; and the large, casual smoking patio is one of the best in town.  

For now, Crimson will be open the first half of the week, with David & David and Jean Paul manning the scene on Wednesday nights. Last night, they lured in the vintage-chic crowd; the girls were sexy in tattered dresses paired with headbands and oversize Marc Jacobs purses and the boys were all about their peg-leg jeans and fedoras, except for Danny Masterson who is still all about his beard. Promoter Jean Paul, of course, was sexy in a dress.

As for the music: That’s what really sealed the deal into making this best new spot in town. DJs Lady's Love and Temporary Spaces' Sean Patrick kept the crowd going with Blur, Depeche Mode and Prince; and they brilliantly ended the night with Tommy James and the Shondells’ “Crimson and Clover.”

Was there a full moon or something last night? For once, paparazzi-hater Avril Lavigne played nice for the cameras at Les Deux while Lauren "LC" Conrad and Audrina Partridge, who let MTV film their lives for "The Hills" avoided the paps like the plague.