New York, August 20, 2009 – J.C. Penney just opened its first Manhattan location and already the retailer has perked up the dull summer party scene with a celebration of its “I Heart Ronson” line by Charlotte Ronson.  And indeed there was much Ronson love at the bash: mom Ann Dexter-Jones and half-siblings Annabelle and Alexander Dexter-Jones were all in the house, and the designer’s musical siblings took care of the evening’s entertainment – Samantha Ronson manned the turntables and Mark Ronson presented a performance by UK band The Rumble Strips, whose record he just produced.  The entire family put up a united front in avoiding all talk about Samantha’s on again/off again relationship with Lindsay Lohan, who never showed up at the party.

However, Mischa Barton caused a paparazzi stampede when she showed up unannounced with her Beautiful Life costar Ashley Madekwe.  And as she danced and socialized, we overheard many people comment on how healthy Mischa looks, despite her recent stint in rehab.  Mischa’s ex, Cisco Adler was there, as was Hilary Duff, Sophia Bush, Eva Amurri and rock n’ roll spawn Sean Lennon and Zoe Kravitz. 

Samantha Ronson photo: Caroline Torem Craig