Paola Hernandez - Fall 2011

Paola Hernandez presented her Fall 11 collection, titled “A Look Within,” at the W New York on Sunday. There is nothing I love more than art and fashion with a few cocktails mixed in. The presentation consisted of a mix between models and actual artists from the New York Academy of Art in looks ranging from layered corset dresses to long wool layered coats.

The authenticity of the artists highlighted the concept behind the collection which was based on the idea of balance. The pieces were primarily simple colors, black and grey; paired with a silver lining, suggesting light and revealing the power for creation within. While sipping on Perrier and Whiskey Sours provided by Auchentoshan (admittedly more Auchentoshan than Perrier), we were able to actually observe the artists creating, whether it was painting, sculpting, drawing, or writing.

Commonwealth Propper Opens PA Showroom

In 1861, the US was split in two by ideological differences and war erupted. Philadelphia, home of Commonwealth Propper, became the center of the Union effort to clothe its soldiers with the proper garments to endure harsh winters on the battlefield. As the war raged on, the great Union generals - Lincoln, Grant, Sherman and Porter - met in clandestine locations to discuss and philosophize about the fate of the States. It is these secret back room meeting places that, 150 years later, have inspired the design of the Commonwealth Proper showroom at 1732 Spruce Street. Moreover, all CMMP suits, shirts, shoes and ties are proudly made here in the United States of America.

56th Annual Viennese Opera Ball

The Viennese Opera Ball was an international affair yet again. Participants flew in from all over the country as well as locations ranging from the more expected European countries (like England, Austria, and Germany), to Argentina. Leading up to the ball there were events at the Austrian Consulate, drink gatherings at the Pierre Hotel's 2E Lounge and UES watering hole Haven, and practice sessions at the Waldorf Astoria. The evening was capped off by a spectacular performance of ballet (dancers delivered to the ballroom floor in a horse drawn carriage) and opera, with some of the cadet escorts getting in on the act as ''admiring fans'' of the primadonna. After the Tanz Bar the debs, escorts, and junior committee jetted down to the after-after party at a Greenwich Village apartment. Notable Debutantes and Escorts included Eiseley Tauginas, Hermione Sharp, Frederick Havemeyer, Stephanie Nass, Klaus Pecnik, Dani Wandersee, Carlisle Williams, Pierce Cravens, Katherine White, and Miguel Angel Ferreyra. Proceeds from the evening supported Lauren Bush's charity the FEED Foundation.

South American Summer and It's time to (SPRAY) Tan

Friend and Spray Tan specialist Celina Fowler of LA Bronze has let us know about her participation in BA Bliss... If you feel like you need a pickup on your tan and don't want to risk the UV rays definitely go and check this out on Saturday:

AF148-AF147 Now Boarding...

AF148-AF147 is a custom jewelry collection that is the combination of four very creative designers. Named after the flight from Paris to Delhi where the four first met, each season AF 148-AF147 combines elements of French romanticism and playfulness with direct references to journeys around the world. Whether it is the light and ephemeral pieces of the Phases of Love collection (above) or the layered pieces of the Wild West Show collection (below) that mix modern and ancient, AF148-AF147 has the jewelry for any girl. The painted and nickel plated flowery pieces of the Phases of Love collection is perfect for the girly Upper East Sider in you. Meanwhile the chunky amalgamations in Wild West Show are reminiscent of the Outlaws, Cowboys, and Native Americans of tall tales. And the pieces are almost as unbelievable - they are filled with thematic pieces and charms ranging from metallic bandanas to cactuses, revolvers, cowboy hats, and feathers.

Project Lipstick Bubbly Benefit

Project Lipstick hosted a Bubbly Benefit at the Black Label Salon this past week. The event was an incredible success thanks to sponsors like Piper-Heidsiec Champagne, New Beauty Magazine, Pouschine-Cook, Organized Chaos, and of course Black Label Salon 25. Guests of all ages enjoyed champagne and makeovers while supporting this excellent cause. The guest list included our fabulous friends Kellen DeOliviera, Kathy Pfeiffer, Carolyn Gamberoni, Susan Schneider, Katherine White, Erika Billick, Rachel Kirwin, and of course, the hostess Breanna Marie Sage.
After such a successful first benefit, we cannot wait to see what next year's will bring.

To find out more about Project Lipstick check out www.ProjectLipstick.com

15th Annual Military Ball

Fall is in full swing and one of the best ways to start off the benefit season is with the Military Ball. The event benefits the Soldiers', Sailors', Marines', Coast Guard, and Airmen's Club located at 283 Lexington Ave. The club, more affectionately called the SSMAC, is a New York institution which has been around since 1919, helping to serve those who serve our country. Notable guests at this year's ball included SSMAC chairman Prince Ivan Obolensky, Tony Sirico, Dr. Robert and Kate Wickham, Margo Catsimitidis, Marvin Scott, Allison Chase, Bob and Susan Frederick, Minnette Boesel, Mary Elizabeth Dooner, Tiana Idoni-Matthews, Rachel Kirwin, Gregory T Angelo, Camille Fesche, and Love Brigade's Devan Markiewicz.

SSMAC Junior Committee Derby Day Brunch

The Junior Committee of the Soldiers', Sailors, Marines', Coast Guard, and Airmen's Club hosted their first Kentucky Derby Champagne Brunch this year at Harry's Cafe and Steak in Lower Manhattan. The millenry was the fashion focus of the day with girls donning their racing day best for the event. The event was populated with perrenial SSMAC supporters Sherry and Bruce Laue, Tiana Idoni-Matthews, Erika and Benoit Meister, Allison Ecung, Dana Markiewicz, and Mary Elizabeth Dooner. The event included speaches from SSMAC Junior Committee chairpersons Rachel Kirwin and John Vricella. With such a spirited, and champagne filled afternoon behind us, I for one hope this will become an annual Derby Day tradition.

50th Annual Quadrille Ball

After several years of renovations, the Plaza is up and running again, and the Quadrille has retured to its previous home. It seems only fitting that this would coincide with the 50th Anniversary of the Quadrille Ball, thrown by the Germanistic Society of America. The event drew alumni of the ball from many different years and countries across the globe. The Debs, Escorts, and guests danced the night away, including the traditional (and quite spirited) midnight quadrille. Following the ball all of the guests were invited to the Kuka Club afterparty, followed by a slightly less official after-after party. It is amazing how after all of this revelry the Debs and Escorts still manage to show up to a brunch at the Liederkranz Club the following day...

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/