The magic of music was perfectly in tune.
It’s been a great season of fundraising.
The Holland-America Line threw a party to celebrate 150 years since the cruise line first set sail on a historic journey from Rotterdam to the ports of New York City.
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.
On Tuesday, September 13th, Kevin Hall revealed his crisp, classic, hotel inspired line “Hotelito“ during NYFW. Hotelito‘s bold, resounding, backdrop, and sunset on the glassy ocean waves, of Todos Santos, Mexico were the motivating force, and pallet behind Hall’s 2023 Spring/Summer collection. From beaded lace fringe, to graphic-print, bright neons, reversible belts, you’ll witness gatherings, gowns , and getaways become iconic memories!The venue was an intimate all white space, with a non-traditional flow including two nooks for press. This also made the audience feel like they were apart of the show instead of onlookers. The bare runway allowed viewers to experience every color, texture, accessory and mood of each piece. Some audience favorites and runway highlights were; the pink high waisted cargo gown skirt, the white lace shirt dress, the lazer-cut confection dresses, and the multi beaded lace bodice crepe gown. The accessories were refined, subtle statement pieces and embellishments that complemented and highlighted each look. Every element of a timeless, elegant allure was observed in “Hotelito” . There were beaded sequined party looks, and flirty feminine summer cut outs. Plunging necklines, thigh high splits, and off the shoulder gowns serving just the right amount of skin. Greatness was in all aspects of this line especially in the thoughtful details!
Hall is so much more than an accomplished designer from Detroit. Kevin Hall is a mentor and teacher in his own right. His contributions to the fashion world extend beyond carefully curated, well sewn fabric. Providing the community with business, education, and mentorship opportunities for costume, and fashion designers. Kevin Hall is a fashion evolutionist! “Hotelito” is the perfect example of his passion, and gift to inspire and balance the bold, and dynamic, with hybrid fits draped in sexy, sophistication!
Follow Kevin Hall on Instagram @kevinhalldesign
View Kevin Hall’s Hotelito collection and past works click here.
Organizations founded and co-founded by Kevin Hall The Novus Forum and the Black Design Collective.
THE BLONDS latest collection is a tribute to the first summer they shared. Filled with escapism, glamour, and nightlife in New York City, all about excess style and memories of those hot nights where Phillipe and David bonded over their mutual love of dance music.
As THE BLONDS researched images for their first book, they recaptured the brand’s signature chain hardware treatment they have dressed everyone from JLo and Cardi B, to Sharon Stone, Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga in.
Guests at Spring Studios on the last day of New York Fashion Week saw THE BLONDS signature over-the-top looks with golden hardware and lots of Preciosa crystal, along with the second installment of a limited-edition collectible print collection based on an iconic archival piece that will be reimaged as ready-to-wear.
This collection leads up to the launch of their very first cocktail table book entitled “THE BLONDS: GLAMOUR FASHION FANTASY” published by Rizzoli. The Prints Collection, along with THE BLONDS new book are available to order on www.THEBLONDSNY.com and wherever fine books are sold.
Legent Bourbon, an award winning Kentucky straight bourbon blended with Japanese expertise, got it’s burger on for a BURGERLICIOUS moment in New York City.
We were in The Hamptons this weekend for the The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation’s second annual Hamptons Garden Gala on August 13th at Patricia and Roger Silverstein’s Water Mill home, which was an intimate benefit, actually more in the nature of a festive dinner party at home with friends and friends of friends.
The heart of the gala which was chaired and hosted by the Silversteins and Vice chaired by Marc Leder, Doug Donaldson, Jean Shafiroff, Susan Shin, Maria Fishel and Pamala Wright along with generous support from Balmain, Ameōn Skincare and Libbie Mugrabi, was Dr. Camillo Ricordi’s briefing on game-changing developments in the fight to cure diabetes as well ground-breaking stem cell research that has far reaching applications for reversing diabetes and fighting other disease aa well as anti-aging protocols.
WATER MILL, NEW YORK – AUGUST 13: (L-R) Patricia Silverstein, Christine Schott, Jean Shafiroff, George Ledes and Roger Silverstein attend the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation Hamptons Garden Gala on August 13, 2022 in Water Mill, New York. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
The gala also featured a touching and inspiring performance by the Chamber Dance Project, choreographed by award winning Diane Coburn Bruning to the vocals of John Lennon’s Imagine. Roger and Susan Shin were the live auctioneers and one item that was highly sought after were tickets to the Balmain fashion show in Paris! However, there was another package that trumped everything and that was a special package to spend the day with Dr. Ricordi at the DRI in Miami to learn about the work they do and after that dinner the lucky bidder will dine with the brilliant and charming doctor.
There was an after party inside the Silverstein’s home at their private “night club” a la St. Tropez, with Roger himself DJ’ing … real estate mogul by day, DJ by night!
WATER MILL, NEW YORK – AUGUST 13: (L-R) Libbie Mugrabi, Susan Shin, Patricia Silverstein, Natalie Lefevre and Suzanne Amini attend the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation Hamptons Garden Gala on August 13, 2022 in Water Mill, New York. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
Libbie Mugrabi, flew in from London for this gala, on the heels of her Fashion in Motion opening at the V&A museum, turned DRIF into a verb, writing JustDrif in Glitter on her iconic trucker hats which were gifted to everyone in the gift bags!
Last night we were on the scene with over 200 guests to celebrate the launch of Woodbridge Wine Soda, the brand’s latest innovation – a first-of-its-kind RTD experience that combines crisp white wine with the refreshing flavor, sweetness, and pop of everyone’s favorite classic sodas.
Attendees sampled the newly launched Wine Sodas, while enjoying performances by electric violinist and DJ, Kat V, and exploring rooms decked out in the bright colors of the Wine Soda cans.
The lively event celebrated the launch of Woodbridge Wine Soda to introduce the drink designed to make wine more accessible and less intimidating, blending sophistication with fun for a beverage that consumers can drink whenever, wherever and however they want.
The new RTD comes in variety six-packs containing three flavors: Grapefruit, Lemon Lime, and Orange – a perfect blend of quality white wine and natural flavors, at 7% ABV per serving.
Last night on a perfect summer night in a very downtown New York City, ST~GERMAIN Elderflower Liqueur in collaboration with multi-hyphenate artist Jameel Mohammed of KHIRY and Paper Designer Zoe Bradley launched the 2nd Annual Fleuriste ST~GERMAIN — a veritable paper “fleuriste” or flower shop en français in response to the global flower shortage.
The multi-sensory paper flower shop sought to reimagine the joie de vivre of fresh florals by bringing their eternal joy to life with paper mediums, and spark collaboration and creativity through inspired conversations, exclusive jazz performances, one-of-a-kind bouquets, and whimsical cocktails.
“It’s been an honor to collaborate with Jameel on Fleuriste ST~GERMAIN,” said Zoe Bradley of Zoe Bradley Design. “Working alongside an artistic peer allowed me to endlessly leverage my imagination and create emotive installations that reintroduced the elation of fresh flowers. I hope guests delight in the pleasure and fantasy of our creations.”
The paper flower shop-cum-craft cocktail bar pop-up in the heart of SoHo buzzed, as an illustrious mix of cultural tastemakers, celebrities, musicians and industry innovators mingled and toasted with artfully crafted St~Germain cocktails inspired by Jameel and Zoe —the ‘Songbird’, ‘Fleur Savage’ and ‘Above the Clouds’.
The intimate soiree previewed the second iteration of the limited-run Fleuriste St~Germain pop-up space, which will be open to New Yorkers from Friday, August 12 (2-8 pm) through Saturday, August 13 (12-8 pm), where they can enjoy exclusive performances by Jameel, spirited dialogues, and paper flower workshops by Zoe along with specialty craft cocktails.
We spotted Actress AnnaSophia Robb, who is set to tie the knot next month, arrived wearing in a stunning yellow Carolina Herrera dress and Mark Cross bag. She chatted with Jameel Mohammed on how her very first cocktail was one whipped up by her mom using a bottle of her favorite elderflower liqueur, St~Germain. Southern Charm star, Venita Aspen, made a surprise appearance, sipping on a ‘Fleur Savage’ St-Germain cocktail as she told fellow guests about her recent move from Charleston to New York just in time for the summer.
Multi-hyphenate artist and Fleuriste St-Germain Creator Jameel Mohammed of KHIRY entranced the crowd with his singing, performing two Ella Fitzgerald songs; ‘Blue Skies’ and ‘I Didn’t Know What Time it Was’.
The evening wrapped with AnnaSophia in the back of house snacking on the leftover hors d’oeuvres, including the miniature tempura rutabagas, and joking that this might be better than the post-event sushi date she had planned with Carrie Diaries alum Stefania LaVie Owen.