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.

ADAM by Adam Lippes AW 09

Finally some color. ADAM is currently the best show I have seen this season, and with the Blondes not showing all bets are that this will be my top pick for AW09. Amazing range from sequins, to bright colors, to amazing cherry tree embroidery, to fanstastic coats – this show had everything you will need to keep you happy and warm next fall. The detailing on one of the coats almost looked like oysters laid out on the collar – not that you would need any help from aphrodisiacs if you were wearing anything from this collection. All of the color choices were very warm, including one amazing orange fur coat, a welcome break from the somber collections walking all over Bryant Park this week. It seems it is Adam Lippes’ time to shine. This grouping of great wearable pieces will warm your heart and your body.