Author

Tony Bowles

Tony Bowles is one of the youngest sought journalists in the media world. He focuses on lifestyle, travel, entertainment, food, and more! Based in New York City and The Hamptons.

EntertainmentEvents

On The Scene: Tribeca Film Festival Afterparties With Casamigos

by Tony Bowles
written by Tony Bowles

The Tribeca FIlm Festival is in full-swing with big time actors and actresses taking over New York City for exclusive screenings, but let’s be serious here, we’re all here for the after parties! Casamigos has been at the center for several exclusive parties, famously associated celebrity founder George Clooney, Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman.

Photo Credit: Santiago Felipe/Getty Images

On, Thursday June 8th at the Tribeca Film Festival, Casamigos helped celebrate the premiere of Lily Rabe’s directorial debut, Downtown Owl, which by the way was captivating, hilarious and it was great to see Rabe in something quirky and lighthearted. 

To celebrate, the cast of the star-studded film went over to The Chelsea Hotel and the cast including Vanessa Hudgens, David Harbour, Hamish Linklater (who co-directed the film with Rabe), and Finn Witrock all were in attendance looking relieved, relaxed and proud of their film.

Guests enjoyed light bites while sipping Casamigos cocktails throughout the evening. Casamigos served two delicious specialty cocktails curated for the event; Spicy Cucumber Jalapeńo Margaritas and Casa Palomas and we will be sure to try our best to replicate at our home bar. 

Photo Credit: Dominik Bindl

The following day, Friday June 9th Tonight, the Tribeca Film Festival continued and Casamigos kept the party going for the premiere of He Went That Way. The cast of the film was in attendance including Jacob Elordi (who had a flock of young ladies eyeing for his attention), Zachary Quinto and Patrick J Adams, all celebrating the work of the late director, Jeffrey Darling who passed away in March of this year. 

Guests enjoyed great music and mingling while sipping Casamigos cocktails throughout the evening downtown at the new hip downstairs club, Loosies at the Moxy Hotel. 

Imagery Courtesy of Jil Sander:

On, Sunday June 11th, Tracee Ellis Ross, American actress, wore a Jil Sander Pre-Fall 2023 floral shiny viscose dress, designed by Lucie and Luke Meier, while attending the “Cold Copy” premiere during the Tribeca Film Festival at SVA Theatre. The cast and guests then migrated over to the Electric Room at the Dream Downtown Hotel to celebrate and Casamigos kept the party going with delicious cocktails.

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Events

In The City: National Dance Institute’s 47th Annual Gala

by Tony Bowles
written by Tony Bowles

Earlier this week we were on the scene for the National Dance Institute’s 47th Annual Gala on April 17th raised $1.7 million in support of its award-winning arts education programs that reach over 6,000 children every week. The NDI Gala honored Academy Award-Winning actress, dancer, and singer Ariana DeBose, and philanthropists Carmen and Ray Debbane.

The event featured joyful performances by the children of NDI who hail from public schools throughout New York City. NDI has impacted the lives of more than two million children worldwide through its programming since legendary New York City Ballet principal dancer Jacques d’Amboise founded the organization in 1976.

Other Attendees Included: Leonardo Sandoval, NDI’s 2019-2022 Helen Stambler Neuberger Artist-in-Residence; Mai Lê HÔ and LayeRhythm – NDI’s 2022-2023 Helen Stambler Neuberger Artist-in-Residence; Adrian Danchig-Waring – New York City Ballet Principal dancer, Jennifer Jones – First African American dancer for the Rockettes, Marc Mellon – Sculptor, Kay Gayner – NDI Artistic Director, Jermaine Jones – NDI Executive Director; and Harry Santa-Olalla, auctioneer.

The Annual Gala is National Dance Institute’s largest fundraising event and raises over $1.5 million in support of its award-winning arts education programs that reach over 6,000 children every year. Two million children have been impacted by NDI’s programming since its founding in 1976.

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Events

In The City: Harry Lennix, Vincent F. Pitta, and Joshua Lamberg Honored at the 2023 HeartShare Spring Gala in NYC

by Tony Bowles
written by Tony Bowles

The 2023 HeartShare Spring Gala took place on Wednesday, March 29th at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. The gala honored the achievements of extraordinary individuals committed to helping people in the community live their best lives.

Dawn Saffayeh, President and Chief Executive Officer, HeartShare Human Services of New York, presided over the gala for the first time. HeartShare board chair Paul J. Torre hosted the gala.

Harry Lennix, star of the hit NBC series The Blacklist, was honored with the 2023 Heart of a Champion Award, which is given to a person whose commitment to family and community transforms the landscape for underserved and marginalized populations. Jeff Marchetti presented the award to Harry Lennix.

Vincent F. Pitta, Esq., Chairman and Managing Member of Pitta Bishop & Del Giorno LLC, was honored with the 2023 HeartShare Visionary Award, which is presented to a person whose work honors our past, shapes our present, and transforms our future by building a foundation for success for HeartShare and the community it supports. HeartShare board member Kenneth P. Nolan, Esq. presented the award to Vincent F. Pitta, Esq.

Joshua Lamberg, Founder and CEO, Lamb Insurance Services, was presented with the 2023 Catherine White Achievement Award, which is presented to a person whose career achievements benefit at-risk populations, particularly those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, children, and youth. Dawn Saffayeh presented the award to Joshua Lamberg.

HeartShare board members attending the gala included: Arleen Baez, Joseph R. Benfante, Esq., Reverend Patrick S. Flanagan, Matthew Lipsky, Joseph Malone, Frank J. Maresca, Kenneth P. Nolan, Esq., Peter E. Pisapia, Esq., Renee V. McClure, Christine E. Strehle, and Paul J. Torre.

More VIPS attending the gala included: Jeff & Nicole Marchetti, Anya Banerjee, Clayton McInerney, Hisham Tawfiq, Djena Graves Lennix, Aida Turturro, Jimmy Biberi, Maysoon Zayid, and Kathrine Narducci.

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EventsFashion & Beauty

The Blonds Close Out NYFW With Diamonds & Glamour

by Tony Bowles
written by Tony Bowles

New York Fashion Week always brings the most creative and talented designers, but there is something uniquely special about the talented duo of The Blonds. It was a perfect ending of a wonderful season with many of the shows taking place at Spring Studios in TriBeca.

We were in awe as models strutted dramtically down the runway with the glowing jewels, larger than life hair and big diamonds on certain pieces. However, all eyes were on one of the Blonds’ designer, Philippe Blond as he came down the runway in a very tight jumpsuit.  The designer also sported a large heart-shaped jewel around his neck while carrying a faux fur floor-length coat designed by independent designer Adrienne Landau.

The inspiration came from  movies such as “Valley of the Dolls,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “Butterfield 8” played a part in the larger vision for the line. The night ended at a packed afterparty at The Palace

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ArtEvents

In The City: The Famed Knickerbocker Hotel Celebrates Diversity With IcoKnick Series Celebrating Artists From Local Boroughs

by Tony Bowles
written by Tony Bowles

Last month, we were on the scene for the cocktail celebration at The Knickerbocker Hotel to see firsthand their commitment to diversity and the celebration of Black artists. This series was in honor of Black History Month, Brooklyn’s Bishop Gallery has curated the hotel’s inaugural exhibition, Young, Gifted, and IcoKnick.

During the evening we got an exclusive first look at the gallery, enjoyed light bites, beverages and the chance to talk to the artists – including accomplished multi-disciplinary artist Quiana Parks; mixed media artist Ronald Draper; masterful portrait painter Sophia Victor; and visionary Afro-Surrealist Tramel Blunt.
“Our gallery continues to support emerging and established artists while, making their work more accessible to the community. Partnering with The Knickerbocker for the Young, Gifted, and IcoKnick exhibition allows us to holistically fulfill our mission,” says Stevenson Dunn Jr., Co-Owner of The Bishop Gallery. “Excited innovative artists need exciting innovative places to exhibit their artwork and partners willing promote their art. The Bishop Gallery and The Knickerbocker’s collaboration provide both these needed resources to four diverse artists from New York City during Black History Month.”
The IcoKnick Series exhibition is located in The Club Room on the hotel’s iconic St. Cloud Rooftop and will be open to the public daily, with the exception of during private events, now through April 2023.
Additional partnerships are to follow throughout the year as The Knickerbocker Hotel continues to bring diverse and dynamic artists to the forefront in The IcoKnick Series.
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EntertainmentEventsEventsKoncertsMusic

CÎROC & Mass Appeal Celebrate Hip-Hop 50th with Bia, Jozzy and Rapsody at Private Dinner in LA

by Tony Bowles
written by Tony Bowles

This weekend we were on the scene for Rolling Loud, the largest Hip-Hop festival in the world, CÎROC and Mass Appeal kicked off the official Hip-Hop 50th festivities with an exclusive dinner bringing the influential voices in Hip-Hop together to toast to the past, present, and future.

Hosted by up and coming rapper Bia and Hip-Hop legend Rapsody, the dinner paid homage to the women of Hip-Hop who forged their way through the industry backstage and front and center. Amongst other industry notables was Award-Winning songwriter and artist, Jozzy who raised a glass of CÎROC to the change-makers and innovators, like herself. Guests enjoyed a four-course dinner, tasty CÎROC cocktails, and celebrated the women and artists in Hip-Hop culture.

Concertgoers also saw Lil Wayne and rappers 2 Chainz & Nicki Minaj during his set, though Nicki’s appearance has been criticized online for apparent issues with her sound/DJ. Don Toliver brought out Justin Bieber, James Blake, and Kali Uchis. Saweetie performed with Too $hort and the crowd was completely in awe from an eventful weekend.

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EventsFashion & Beauty

In The City: Inside Veronica Beard’s NYFW Fall/Winter 2023 Runway Show

by Tony Bowles
written by Tony Bowles

Earlier this week we were downtown in NYC at the old Barneys where Casamigos joined Veronica Beard in celebrating the launch of their fall runway show for NYFW. Guests including Suki Waterhouse Suki Waterhouse, the English model, actor, and singer, who descended from the spiral staircase singing her song “Neon Signs,” which not only set the stage for the Veronicas’ fall 2023 collection but was also a cheeky nod to the launch of their new logo, which was illuminated from behind against the back wall of the ground floor of the space.

Jenna Bush Hager, Nicole Ari Parker, Tinx, Camila Coelho, Alyah Chanelle Scott, Sai De Silva, Remi Bader and many more were also in attendance and checked out the new collection while sipping Casamigos.

Casamigos, which was the exclusive Tequila of the event, was flowing throughout the evening as well as the style, as everyone came and showed out as we were in the old Barneys afterall.

“This was probably the most luxe, important fall we’ve ever done,” said the pair backstage after the show. “We are launching our new logo, and a crest version for this collection.” That’s because fall was all about “campus-core.”

Veronica Beard’s Fall 2023 collection was inspired by traditional codes of collegiate prep and accented by brown and plum smokey eyes. The makeup created by Bobbi Brown MUA Romy Soleimani let the focus be all about the eyes, accenting the smudged-out look with touches of glossy highlighter and nude lips.

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EventsFashion & Beauty

In The City: Kicking Off NYFW with KitchenAid Hibiscus 2023 Color of The Year With Marta Del Rio and Guest Designers

by Tony Bowles
written by Tony Bowles

It is officially New York Fashion Week and you know what that means…parties, fashion and more parties! Last night we were on the scene with KitchenAid as the brand hosted a fashion presentation to kick off New York’s fashion celebration.

This was a major collab with global creative director and designer Marta Del Rio, the event will debut a capsule collection of seven one-of-a-kind, avant-garde designs inspired by the Artisan Stand Mixer and K400 Blender. In addition, Del Rio has invited a selection of New York’s emerging and vanguard design talent to each create a full look inspired by Hibiscus and KitchenAid brand’s design heritage.

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“KitchenAid is a brand with an instantly recognizable design language, which made celebrating the new Hibiscus color a natural fit as we toast vanguard talent at New York’s fashion celebration. I’ve designed a capsule collection that merges industrial and organic references, with nods to the iconic lines and curves of the appliances that everyone knows coupled with classical fashion silhouettes,” said Marta Del Rio. “It was a pleasure to be able to invite five New York-based fashion labels to expand this core collection; each of their custom editions for this project showcases their design hallmarks and celebrates the KitchenAid Color of the Year, Hibiscus.”

Del Rio has been responsible for building the unique and incomparable identities of artists around the world. She has worked hand in hand with some of the leading icons in pop culture, including Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Dove Cameron, and Paris Hilton, as well as hallmark consumer brands that include Apple, Fendi, Vogue and Estee Lauder.

The roster of guest designers includes Jackson Wiederhoeft, Tara Babylon, Tia Adeola, Bach Mai, and Man Made Skins. The event will also feature music by international sound designer Alex Chapman.

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Today, KitchenAid announced its fifth annual Color of The Year: Hibiscus. A vivid fuchsia with a matte finish, the Color of the Year is inspired by the captivating beauty of the Hibiscus flower in a verdant garden, attracting us to new experiences in and out of the kitchen. With the annual KitchenAid Color of the Year, the brand aims to spark inspiration. Each year, it provides an opportunity to use the power of color to comment on global trends and culture, while inspiring those in the kitchen and beyond.

The 2023 KitchenAid Color of the Year attracts everyday makers around the world to step into the kitchen and try something new and we thrilled to be part of the celebration and also spotted Amber Wang, Catherine Li, Grace Duah, Indi Star, Kat Nova, Sophie Sumner enjoying the presentation, taking selfies and drinks.

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ArtEventsEvents

In The City: 2022 MAD Ball Honors Jeffrey Gibson and Cristina Grajales

by Tony Bowles
written by Tony Bowles

On Monday, November 14th we were on the scene in Columbus Circle for The Museum of Arts and Design’s most anticipated event of the year: MAD Ball. The gala honored Jeffrey Gibson and Cristina Grajales with a special tribute to Jerome A. Chazen (in memoriam).

Tim Rodgers, MAD’s Nanette L. Laitman Director, welcomed guests before a conversation between Christian Larsen, MAD Windgate Research Curator,  and Cristina Grajales in The Theater at MAD. Cocktails were held in the Luminaries Lounge, specially designed with items from the Shantell Martin x HOEK limited-edition collaboration and featuring music by DJ Timo Weiland.

Guests were invited to browse open exhibitions including Queer Maximalism x Machine Dazzle, Chris Schanck: Off-World, and Jewelry Stories, and participate in art-making activities such as fabricating masks with Lexy Ho-Tai, creating brooches with Aimee Petkus, and making jewelry charms with Ashley Khirea Wahba and Ada Chen, in partnership with NYC Jewelry Week.

This event is renowned for the attendees’ eclectic sartorial attire, and the evening did not disappoint. Bold and expressive colors were the night’s theme as creative guests showcased their prodigious ability to be eccentric.

New York comedian, beloved cabaret performer, and actor Murray Hill, hosted the benefit ceremony at the museum’s ninth floor restaurant, Robert, overlooking Central Park.

“When I was growing up in Pereira, a small city in the coffee region of Colombia, I never expected that I would be standing in front of all of you at the Museum of Arts and Design,” said Cristina Grajales, upon receiving her award from celebrated art collector and philanthropist, Beth Rudin DeWoody. After being introduced by art business advisor Colleen Keegan, Jeffrey Gibson shared, “Being honored by MAD for my work and practice is incredibly meaningful for me. The Museum has shown me support for more than a decade and was the first to show the very first punching bag sculpture in Changing Hands 3 in 2012. I am grateful to have shared this night with my husband, many supporters, and collectors of my work.”

Led by MAD Board Chair Michele Cohen, the evening included a special memorial tribute to Jerome A. Chazen, MAD Chairman Emeritus, who passed away on February 6. In attendance were Chazen’s wife, Simona Chazen, and their children, Louise Chazen Banon, Kathy, and David Chazen. MAD Chairman Emeritus Lewis Kruger, joined by his wife, Laura Kruger, was celebrated with a cake for his birthday.

Funds raised at MAD Ball, including the proceeds from this auction, help support the Museum’s exhibitions and educational programs.

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ArtLifestyleThe Latest

In The City: Park Hyatt New York Presents Latest Art Collection Created by Jeffrey Okyere-Agyei

by Tony Bowles
written by Tony Bowles

At the very beginning of October, we were invited to the Park Hyatt New York hotel for the latest art collection featuring Jeffrey Okyere-Agyeii, a contemporary abstract artist and bellman at the hotel. “TeRa-NiSeR ToTeMs” is inspired by Okyere-Agyei’s upbringing in Ghana, where totems are a large part of the physical symbology passed down through generations. Ghana is one of many cultures across the world that have totems embedded in their history through artifacts and storytelling. These totems possess spirits of animals, plants, and various other entities associated with their ancestors.

Marking Okyere-Agyei’s third exhibit at the iconic Park Hyatt New York, the collection titled “TeRa-NiSeR ToTeMs,” is inspired by the artist’s upbringing in Ghana, where totems were a large part of the physical symbology he experienced, as passed down through the generations. Ghana’s culture, artifacts, and storytelling, like many across the world, honor totems as important fixtures embedded in their history, and typically possess spirits of animals, plants, and various other entities associated with their ancestors.

“I have always been intrigued by ancient mythical artifacts and have found their relevance to the human story fascinating,” said Okyere-Agyei. “TeRa-NiSeR ToTeMs has become my creative interpretation of one aspect of our human history, modern art, and its spiritual symbology as a way to connect the past to the present. With the use of resin and vibrant color pigments, each piece has a unique mystical reverence about it.”

Last fall, the hotel presented Okyere-Agyei’s “EDIFICE,” an abstract interpretation of New York City’s incredible cityscapes and famous skyline. Prior to that in September 2019, Okyere-Agyei displayed his first Park Hyatt New York exhibit, “Future Art for the Present,” which reflected his love of movement in nature, space, and geometry.

The artist’s current installation began on September 14 and will be commemorated with a launch event in the hotel’s restaurant, The Living Room, on October 6. “TeRa-NiSeR ToTeMs” will be on display at Park Hyatt New York’s ground-level Avenue Gallery and in The Living Room through the end of December 2022.

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