The Brilliance Behind Beauty: BELLA's Influencer Issue Cover Party
In adolescence, Gossip Girl was my absolute favorite TV show. From watching the show I gained a sense that all high society events must be riddled with pettiness and egregious displays of superficiality. Bella’s New York Influencer Issue Cover Party proved that glamorous, affluent events can exist without being shallow.
Christie Brinkley on the cover of Bella Magazine
Bella magazine is a luxury lifestyle publication that celebrates the best of beauty, fashion, and cuisine. Bella’s Influencer Issue Cover Party was a direct reflection of the tasteful elegance captured in their magazines. New York's elite ventured to Bagatelle, a French Bistro in the Meatpacking District, to attend this private affair hosted by supermodel Christie Brinkley.
Pagie DeSorbo on the red carpet
Upon entering the party I immediately noticed the decor. The opulent old-world furnishings juxtaposed with contemporary graffiti art provided a sophisticated yet hip backdrop to this art-chic event.
Donald Paul
Laura Kia Chen
The party was buzzing with stylists, photographers, brand ambassadors, and Instagram influencers. As I circulated the room, admiring outfits and making conversation, I began to develop an understanding of what it means to be an influencer. In the broadest sense, an influencer may be defined as a person with the capacity to effect change. Bella Magazine’s interpretation of an influencer is much more nuanced. The guests of Bella Magazine demonstrated a deep social consciousness and recognized their responsibility to use their platform to make a positive impact. The beauty and fashion industries have a long-standing reputation of being frigid and vapid. This could not be further from the truth at Bella Magazine. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming; everyone had a drink in hand and a smile on their face.
Jenna Guarneri, Paula and Mindy Shapiro, Alexandra Anastasio, and Courtenay Hall
In between photo shoots on the red carpet, guests indulged in Plush Vodka or Chinola Liqueur cocktails mixed by resident robot bartender, Barsys. Opposite the bar was a beauty station which featured skincare products by Herla. Herla’s products are of the highest caliber, embracing social responsibility and sustainable development. Her products are made for women by women. Herla has adopted a holistic approach to skincare through developing a harmonious relationship between beauty, self-acceptance, health, and femininity.
Courtenay Hall and Daniel Hall with Christie Brinkley
Every aspect of the party was a demonstration of extraordinary style. All in all, a wonderful night of beauty, fashion, and fun!
Photos Provided by BELLA New York, Teresa Pyskaty and Steve White
BELLA’s Fall Fashion Week Cover Party
On the night of Wednesday, September 6th, BELLA New York Magazine kicked off the 2017 New York Fashion Week with a sensational party at Attic Rooftop and Lounge. BELLA New York, a sophisticated and modern lifestyle publication, combines elements of beauty, celebrity, cuisine, fashion, health, arts, culture, philanthropy, entertainment news, and beyond. The party was hosted by Dorit Kemsley, a cast member on Bravo TV’s The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills who was featured on the magazine’s latest cover.
Joining Kemsley was the rest of the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. These stars included Lisa Vanderpump, TeddiJo Mellencamp, Erika Girardi, Kyle Richards, Lisa Rinna, and Camille Grammer. While these ladies are undoubtedly “California girls,” they took over New York by storm, looking glamorous and enjoying the start of fashion week in pure BELLA Magazine style. Additionally, editor-in-chief of Bella New York Courtenay Hall and chief brand strategist Daniel Hall was present to make the party even more enchanting. Other stars who made appearances included Real Housewives of Dallas’ Stephanie Hollman, WWE’s Total Divas’ Ariane Andrew, Netflix’s Orange is the New Black’s Francesca Curran, and Fox Empire’s Jeremy Carver.
Guests arrived at the venue to a breathtaking, custom made flower wall created by Marzan Flowers. Upon arriving to the upper level, visitors were able to explore various stations offering a variety of products throughout the event. These included Tallia-designed fashion suits, hair extensions and beauty products from José Eber and Hidden Crown Hair, Grande Cosmetics, Hanes, Brussel Airlines, 1907water, and LIC Frozen Cocktails. The LIC Frozen Cocktails in particular were a huge hit at the party, as guests kept asking for more of the delicious, refreshing treats. Guests also tasted exceptional hors-d'oeuvres and drank Prosecco provided by Prosecco DOC as they surveyed the rooftop.
Overall, the buzz surrounding BELLA New York’s most recent edition, the filming of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills at the party, as well as the start of Fashion Week made for an unforgettable party with endless entertainment for all.
Special thanks to Jenna
Photos provided by Steve White and Antoine Debrill