Project Lipstick Product Drive

Washington Style Reporter's Bob Bland and Style Magnate's Ian Bone help support the Project Lipstick Product Drive at the Lia Schorr Day Spa. The event is the first big push from the new and exciting charity lead by Breanna Marie Sage. We expect to see many exciting things from this young do-gooder as she reaches out to help women gain the confidence and self esteem to restart their lives - conducting makeup and career clinics in womens shelters in and around NYC.

Find out more about Project Lipstick at http://www.projectlipstick.org/

Outside In

"Glass Platform" by Marina Berio

In her curatorial debut Mary Daly Pattee has a smashing success with Outside In at the la viola bank gallery.

Showing 6 artists, Daphne Arthur, Marina Berio, Diane Carr, Mira O'Brien, Leighton Pierce, and Christopher Saunders; the standout pieces were glass platform by Mira O'Brien a mixed media installation of images of a leafless canopied blue sky covered in glass that looked as though it had been trampled by the stilettos of fashion weeks models (if they were a bit heavier). Christopher Saunders' entire series of oil paintings were amazing in their ability to simultaneously express a flat one-dimensionality with the expansiveness of unending atmospheric space while playing with perspective.

Additionally, The video installation by Leighton Pierce downstairs was comprised of three simultaneously running projections of what appeared to be the same bench and its interactions with a mysterious woman set in the woods. The video was dizzyingly out of focus and frenetic in it's movements but in whole it drew you into the piece and the abstract beauty of the colors of nature rather than being distracting.

Works by Christopher Saunders

ADAM - Spring 2010

Casual and soft, these slouchy loungey clothes are perfect for a sunny day in any locale, not just Lamu – a small island in the Indian Ocean off the Kenyan coast which inspired the Spring 2010 collection. The prints of flowers and butterflies scattered throughout were fun and girly without being overbearing. Ostrich feathers glammed up the runway a bit making appearances with metallic detailing as skirts and a dress. I loved the color palate of pale blues, lavenders, and a punch of turquoise all complimenting a buttery cream base. The super soft tissue-weight jerseys are not unexpected from a clothier who always has the finest fabric selections. The pieces adorned with metallic beads brought in some sparkle in an earthy organic way – although occasionally a bit heavy-handed. The palliate skirt is bound to grab everyone’s attention as it walk down the street. My favorite piece was a silver metallic dress that is ethereal and gauzy in contrast to some of the chunkier metallic beading work. Welcome back from vacation Adam and thanks for bringing New York this breath of fresh air.

Poleci - Spring 2010

Drastic improvements from last season at Poleci. From construction to aesthetics this season was many steps in the right direction. The color palate was a little bleak - washed out purples, deep river blues, and dull camo greens. There were some interesting textures created by layering sheer fabrics and gathering. The two standout pieces involved a fun blue sequin fabric which was a sparkling relief amidst the drab matte silks that permeated the collection. The shoes were as clunky as the color choices. There are a lot of interesting and wearable pieces but as a whole there is still some room for improvement at Poleci.

Christian Siriano - Spring 2010

This kid really needs to give up on these hats – oversized even for the Ascot opening day scene from My Fair Lady… Beyond that the clothes were stylish, well tailored, and elegant. Warm silvers and rosy beiges paraded up and down the runway. Ranging from snug and sleek dresses and suits to billowy and soft blouses and skirts, everything seemed to take a minimalist and monochromatic tone. A detailing of blue piping finally accenting the sea of beige hinted at the color splash to come. Then finally, midway through the show, an abstract print of a variegated blue and grey appeared. The print is bold and interesting but can be somewhat aggressive as an 80’s style propelled ruffle or – pushing it even further - a skin tight jumpsuit. I pause. Was Mystique just on the runway? The deep aqua chiffon that grounds the print is calm and serene. Suddenly the palette warmed up with a red top standing out from the rest and we got hotter golds and a red print cocktail dress with petal pleats - apparently Christian is watching reality TV? Super aggressive ball gowns in reds and rose shut down the show, although my favorite was the blue evening gown which he showed before the color shift. Very typical of Siriano’s reputation as a showman to end by hitting you over the head with a bunch of big statement pieces; maybe if I wore one of those ridiculous hats I would be a bit more protected. Nonetheless this was generally a very solid collection you will definitely see around Manhattan this spring and the shoes were to die for!

ADAM Loves Dogs

What is better than a room full of puppies, sliders, and Bloody Marys on a Sunday afternoon. The setting of the ADAM store only topped it off. This event to benefit the Humane Society of New York included on site adoption of both dogs and amazing fashion. Adam Lippes' incredible design aesthetic is obvious at his runway shows, but the in store event allowed guests to touch the pieces and feel his attention to the beautiful tactile aspect of his garments. 10% of proceeds went to the humane society.

Amanda Dolan “Heart Attack” Opening at Ward-Nasse Gallery

It is always great to see an artist progress, and Amanda has made leaps and bounds since her show last year at the Ward-Nasse Gallery. I got a chance to talk to Amanda about the series, and she explained her sensitivity to the negative market conditions with her usual upbeat candor. There were a variety of sizes allowing the price-points, which in turn make the more accessible for consumers. And consumers were buzzing for it. One of my favorite pieces ‘Ice Queen’ had already sold by the time I arrived, and another one was purchased as I was walking through the space and taking it all in. I think that the frenetic mélange of the previous series has been streamlined and you can see a clear influence of Basquiat and Warhol with a bit of Barbie and Cindy Lauper for fun. There was continuity to the series both between the works and referencing back to other pieces from the “Call Me Crazy” series. The pieces in “Heart Attack” carry much more gravitas, as the title of the show would suggest. It is amazing at times how Amanda can use glitter and hot pink paint to create deeply moving and reflective art. The cupcakes, a perennial favorite, were supplied by Sugar Sweet Sunshine – probably the best cupcake bakery in New York City. I will definitely be taking a trip back to the gallery to look at them again, and recommend anyone else in need of a pick-me-up look into Amanda Dolan’s work as well.

Champagne Brunch to benefit The Soldiers', Sailors', Marines', Coast Guard and Airmen's Club

Minnette Boesel, Ian Bone, Lauren Driscoll, Alexander Korallus-Shapiro, Anne Moody, Brooke Stoddard, Asha Talwar, and Sofia Vassilakis hosted a Champagne Brunch in the Olympic Suites of the New York Athletic Club to benefit The Soldiers', Sailors', Marines', Coast Guard and Airmen's Club. Erin and her Cello performed during a VIP reception and Kim Cameron and Side FX performed during the main brunch. Prince Rudolf Knaise-Melikoff met up with new friends Rachel Kirwin, Asha Talwar, and Eamon Wood whom he met at the Frick Ball days before. Axel Ditlev-Simonsen and host Sofia Vassilakis, both from European shipping families, introduced many guests to the group of Young Shipping Professionals in attendance. Recent debutantes making their way across the social scene after coming out at the Crillon Ball, International Debutante Ball, and Viennese Opera Ball (among others) included Anne Moody, Elizabeth Brown, and Alex Kolasinski. Admiral Craig Bone, father of host Ian Bone, added some top brass to the military-focused charity event. Guests also enjoyed Nat Sherman cigars – some taking their gift bags early and enjoying a mid-brunch smoking break with a view from one of the NYAC balconies. The brunch ended with the attendees donning sunglasses from their gift bags to brave the all-too-bright 3:00 sunlight after several hours of Champagne and Bloody Marys.

Ronnie Kroell Album Launch at Paris Commune

Ronnie Kroell hosted a gathering of friends including Tyson Beckford at West Village staple Paris Commune recently to celebrate the launch of his new album “Chemical Addictions”. Guests were treated to specialty “Taste of Her Sin”-tinis in the uber-chic, subterranean, Rouge Wine Bar. In addition DJ Drew G playing tracks from the album and his own remixes of Ronnie's debut singles, "Miserable Attraction" and "Taste of Her Sin," guests got a live performance by Ronnie and fellow Make Me A Supermodel contestants Perry Ullmann and Casey Skinner. The guys had formed a mock boy band in Times Square during the filming of the show; putting out an alleged record 50 hits in under 4 minutes. The performance of one such hit was followed by a reenactment of Ronnie deciding to go solo. The lighthearted atmosphere was a great compliment to the fun dance tracks on the album.

The 52nd Annual Bal Polonaise

The 52nd Annual Bal Polonaise benefiting the Polish Assistance was held in the ballroom of the Plaza Hotel again this year. The dancing ticket for this event is usually a favorite of the younger crowd coming off of either the Viennese Opera Ball or the Quadrille Ball. However, this year was significantly scaled back – one of the first major events to be noticeably affected by the current economic environment. Given the lower attendance and shorter hours, the event was still in many ways a great success. Those who did attend found themselves treated to an open bar (last year the dancing ticket featured a cash bar) and a dance floor with room to show off some moves. Elizabeth Brown and I even had the whole floor toward the end of the evening for an exhibition of our Viennese Waltz. Many debutantes from the International Debutante Ball re-convened for this evening with Elizabeth Brown, Anne Moody, Patricia Poekel, Abigail Tufts (all 2008) and Breanna Sage (2006) in attendance. The evening continued onwards as many of us piled into an impromptu limo ride over to PJ Clarkes and then on to Nikki Beach Midtown for the after-parties. An upcoming Champagne Brunch at the New York Athletic Club was the talk of the evening, with many guests planning to attend. Look for coverage of that event coming soon.

Luca Luca AW 09

Simple classic and well tailored, these clothes are traditional Luca Luca. Hosting the show in the Plaza Hotel’s Palm Court, with an audience who looked like regulars, only seemed too fitting. The models looked as though they could have sat down at any of the tables and taken tea. A beautiful and restrained use of fur throughout the collection, I particularly loved the fox vest-dress. Colors were generally dark and deeply saturated – two of my favorite color choices were the deep teal and eggplant. Additionally, there was a nice subtle use of print with the iridescent multicolor fabric. Accessories were distractingly large and off-putting. Elegant, well made, and wearable without being breathtaking; these clothes will definitely sell - which is what you need in a recession... I guess.

Poleci AW 09

Guests were greeted by several of the best pieces at this in-store presentation. Two long Grecian column dresses with asymmetrical seaming were interesting but unfinished. The mannequin in the window had on the most stunning piece - a blue metallic fringe skirt with a black Grace Jones inspired jersey hoodie. The burnt gold overdress of tulle rosettes was intriguing but bulky. From there in the pieces became more un-wearable and unfinished. Some of the metal accents embroidered into the dresses weighed down the lightweight ground fabrics. This was most evident when the models would change pedestals. I found myself wondering if the presentation format was beneficial in not showing the hindrance of movement or if it was a mistake to allow guests to see the unfinished hems, buckling seams, and general sloppy finishing up close. Three standout pieces included a textured metallic silk skirt in silver, the same fabric top in gold, and a fur smock that was precariously held in the back by a large safety pin. As for accessories, a gorgeous indigo necklace looked almost like coral forming, or some moss from a magical forest. However, the other accessory pieces looked like last a bad grab bag from last season. The shoes were interesting although clearly uncomfortable. In all the show was almost as unbalanced as the hastily made asymmetrical garments.