66th Viennese Opera Ball
The 66th annual Viennese Opera Ball, the oldest and most prestigious outside of Vienna, was held at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City under the auspices of the US Austrian Chamber of Commerce. The music therapy program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center benefited from the gala, which was made possible by the Gabrielle's Angel Foundation for Cancer Research. Jean Shafiroff, a philanthropist, served as the evening's Gala chair. Sylvia Hemingway and Peter Thomas Roth served as vice chairs. A special thanks goes to Ernst Woller, President of the Vienna Provincial Parliament, and the City of Vienna for their ongoing support.
Some notable attendees included: President of the Viennese Opera Ball Silvia Frieser, event chair and philanthropist Jean Shafiroff, Artistic Director of the Viennese Opera Ball Daniel Serafin, President of the Vienna Provincial Parliament Ernst Woller, Peter Thomas Roth, Martin Shafiroff, Winemaker Leo Hillinger, owner of A.E. Köchert Jewelers Wolfgang Koechert, Iurii Samoilov, Carolina López Moreno, Emily Mohr, Cole Rumbough, Patricia Shiah, Mrs. Brookfield, Ana Stone, Scott Stone, Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin, Maria Fishel, Kenneth Fishel, Maribel Lieberman, Nicole Salmasi, Alice Lutz, Annabel Oreste.
The evening began with a delicious VIP cocktail hour, which was followed by the formal presentation. The celebration began with their Debutantes, just as it did in Europe. This year's ball had the theme "A Night of Love," with the goal of sending peace and love to their guests and the world, as well as celebrating the love and friendship of Austrian-American friends and connections. To emphasize the night's theme, Royal Flowers, in collaboration with Luz Flora, donated 20,000 red roses. To raise funds for Caritas Ukraine, a donation table was set up.
The Viennese Opera Ball welcomed a new Austrian wine sponsor, Leo Hillinger Wine, for the first time. Leo Hillinger, a winemaker, was also present at the ball. Another event sponsor was A.E. Köchert, and its owner, Mr. Wolfgang Koechert, who presented the magnificent diamond 'Sisi' star brooch at the live auction.
Carolina López Moreno, Iurii Samoilov, Johanna Will, Matthew White, and Donata D'Annunzio Lombardi were among the opera stars who performed at the 66th Viennese Opera Ball. Iurii Samoilov also sang a moving tribute to his homeland Ukraine, singing a folk song to remind guests of the terrible situation in Ukraine, the importance of remembering what is going on in that part of the world, and to help raise funds throughout the evening. Vinicius Kattah conducted the Viennese Opera Ball Orchestra.
Jean Shafiroff and Martin Shafiroff
Leo Hillinger, Silvia Frieser, Ernst Woeller, Wolfgang Koechert
8 West Point Cadets
The annual white-tie charity gala celebrates Austria and America's cultural and economic ties, bringing two continents, two cities, and two centuries together in one glamorous evening. It was founded 66 years ago as a tribute to both their former hometown Vienna and their host city, New York, by Austrian immigrants to the United States. The gala draws an international audience of diplomats and dignitaries, international corporations, and professionals.
Photos by Patrick McMullan
Tastemakers: The 18th Century French Luxury Market and the Global Art Trade
Last week, Villa Albertine Headquarters located at the French Embassy in New York, hosted an event to honor its recent exhibit called, “Tastemakers: The 18th Century French Luxury Market and the Global Art Trade.”
The exhibition showcased over thirty pieces from the collections of Galerie Kugel, one of France’s most prominent galleries. Some of the works date back to 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, and were previously owned by the likes of Marie Antoinette, Madame de Pompadour and Madame du Barry.
The marvelous collection of luxury items had previously belonged to “Marchands merciers,“ who were the tastemakers of the 18th century French luxury market. As described by Diderot in 1751 Encyclopédie as “makers of nothing, sellers of everything.“
The exhibition was part of series of events Villa Albertine hosted this year. The collection is expected to continue traveling around the world, meanwhile Villa Albertine is hoping to host more events in the upcoming few months. For more information on the Tastemakers exhibit, please visit Galerie Kugel.
Arcadia Earth HoloLens
This month, the Arcadia Earth Exhibit at 718 Broadway will introduce the first mixed reality environmental art exhibit with hololens technology. HoloLens is Microsoft's new augmented reality headset that enables users to introduce interactive holograms into their real world experience. Users use the headsets to activate the world around them by looking in the direction of the holograms they see, bringing them to life and unlocking hidden gems, environmental facts, and lifelike animations. The experience brings together the entertainment of a video game, the education of a museum, and the immersion of a VR experience together.
The HoloLens tour at Arcadia Earth was developed in partnership with Enklu and enhances the extended reality exhibit in New York City, which features captivating experiential art that showcases ecosystems such as forests and the open ocean and global issues such as single-use plastic waste and overfishing. Sharing in the Arcadia Earth mission to empower changemakers, Enklu is an impact-driven team of spatial creators that develop holographic experiences for the real world.
Using HoloLens’ Mixed-Reality to Journey Through Planet Earth | After putting on HoloLens, visitors are welcomed by a friendly orb who acts as their guide through the experience. The headset enhances Arcadia Earth's colorful and sculptural multisensory exhibit with a lit path, gaze-collectible gems and proximity-triggered audio and visuals.
Stepping into the first room, visitors learn about the plight of coral reefs as they view a life-size diorama animated by augmented reality. They are invited to collect holographic gems, each of which offers a new tidbit about coral reefs. Visitors learn, for example, that coral reefs are home to over a quarter of the oceans’ marine life, but that 70% of reefs are threatened by bleaching. Participants watch a holographic coral bleach white before their eyes.
Another gem reveals that by simply changing the type of sunscreen you use, you can help protect these hubs of biodiversity. Clicking on a button sends this recommendation to the participant’s phone to review later. Throughout the journey, visitors have moments to step into a space where they can pause and add information to their carbon footprint calculation, with the goal of better understanding the practical steps they can take to help the planet.
Transforming the Future of Physical Exhibits| Introducing augmented reality wearable devices brings exciting possibilities to the world of Arcadia Earth with the potential to endlessly reimagine the experience. Unlike permanent physical installations, the holograms can be updated at any time to add new information, innovations or entirely new experiences for the visitor. The potential for refreshing exhibits becomes endless.
Tickets for general admission start at $27 off-peak for children, students, seniors 65+, veterans, and active military with valid ID. Other tickets are $39 peak and $33 off-peak, with the HoloLens tour being offered as an exclusive experience accessible by a special ticket price of $59. As part of Arcadia Earth’s mission to be carbon neutral, proceeds from tickets sold will go towards planting mangrove trees – chosen for their effectiveness in sequestering carbon from the atmosphere. Charitable supporters of Arcadia Earth include Oceanic Global and WWF.
Learn more about Arcadia Earth at arcadia.earth
Fifth Annual French Heritage Society Book Award
French Heritage Society's Fifth Annual Book Award, hosted by Villa Albertine, was held on Thursday, April 7, 2022. Notre-Dame: The Soul of France by Agnès Poirier was chosen unanimously for the award.
Benefactors received a complimentary copy of the winning book and an invitation to attend a special champagne pre-reception with the winning author prior to the moderated discussion. Proceeds from this event will support restoration grants selected for funding by French Heritage Society's New York Chapter.
Upsilon Gallery Presents: Kaleidoscope
Upsilon Gallery, a leading art gallery and fine print publisher specializing in International postwar and contemporary art, has opened their new flagship location on the Upper East Side (23 East 67th Street) with their inaugural exhibition “Kaleidoscope” by artist Osvaldo Mariscotti on February 25th.
The gallery, which was founded by Director Marcelo Zimmler in 2014, has chosen Kaleidoscope as their first exhibition at it focuses on Mariscotti’s study of the symbol, both individually and as a group in the development of language. The artist’s work also dives deeper and explores the concept of time and how it relates to human maturity and self-consciousness.
In addition to “Kaleidoscope,” Upsilon Gallery plans on featuring contemporary artists in its cozy atmosphere, which is surrounded by the fine art and design museums and galleries.
Upsilon Gallery is open to art connoisseurs between Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, and Saturdays by appointment. Kaleidoscope by Osvaldo Mariscotti is available to view from February 25-April 16.
The Continental Magazine Launches at The Chelsea Hotel
On Sunday, New York's iconic Chelsea Hotel - once a sanctuary for authors Mark Twain, Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams, Patti Smith, Jack Kerouac - was the setting for launching a new quarterly, The Continental Literary Magazine. Underground burlesque, including sword swallowers, flame throwers, and naked human pin-cushions dawned sequins, feathers, and not little else, parading around to sounds of typewriters, with letters, books, and pens as props.
The Continental brings together bylines by the finest writers of Central Europe (in translation) alongside the Americans best authors. The first issue of the magazine, themed Prejudice, features Roxane Gay (The Power of No: A Meditation on Boundaries and Black Womanhood), Noam Chomsky, Native American poet Lance Henson (Indians), Nigerian American Tope Folarin (Big Brother), and Judith Newman (I'm Here, I'm Disabled, Get Used To It). Copies of The Continental are on sale now at Barnes and Noble across the us! The second issue, entitled Crave, is due March 2022, and features an in depth interview with Marina Abramović (born in Serbia).
Editor in Chief, Sándor Jászberényi, flew in from Kiev where he’s been reporting on the Ukrainian conflict. He was joined by visiting editorial staff and contributing writers including Judith Newman, as well as guests Lauren Ezersky, the new Gossip Girl’s Emily Alyn Lind, Colette Lumiere, Steven M.L. Aronson, Michael Rips, George Wayne, Mark Clearview, Dean Dempsey, Elliott Brakebill, Kristina Allegra, and Anthony Hayden Guest. Entertainment by burlesque dancers Veronica Viper, Gin Minsky and Tansy, sideshow entertainers Anna Monoxide and Sage Sovereign, and atmospheric kink performers Haley Grace and Kim Kerotika.
PHOTOS by Sean Zanni/PMC
Join La Familia at Money Heist: The Experience
Join the heist at the new Money Heist: The Experience, by Netflix and Fever. Guests can now become a part of the iconic gang and test their skills at breaking, entering, and heisting in this immersive event, which debuted at Brooklyn’s landmarked skyscraper and bank hall, formerly the Williamsburg Savings Bank Clocktower, at One Hanson Place.
The experience combines the thrill of an escape room with the excitement of immersive theater. Based on the global hit show, it is held in a vast, cathedral-like space with 63-foot vaulted ceilings, 40-foot windows, elaborate mosaics and marble arches. At 512 feet, the Williamsburg Savings Bank Clocktower was constructed in a modernized Byzantine-Romanesque style and was once the tallest structure between Manhattan and Paris. Built in the 1920s, the outer-building is capped by a gold dome and boasts a four-sided clock face.
The original model of the Bank of Spain used in the hit TV Show, and a portrait of the character Berlin
Guests are recruited into the notorious gang by Lisbon herself—into a brand new story inspired by the hit series—and immersive experiential heist, having their nerves tested as they attempt to follow The Professor’s latest daring plan and break into the jaw-dropping landmark site. Ultimately, guests will find out if they have what it takes to infiltrate the vault and earn a spot in the gang. With elements of improvisation and spontaneity, every experience is different so you can come back again and again!
A member of the gang makes a hostage video with two guests
Co-produced by Netflix and Fever, the leading entertainment discovery platform, Money Heist: The Experience is a high-energy theatrical event featuring a unique storyline that is parallel to the show. Money Heist: The Experience made its debut in Paris in July and, this winter, will make its debut in the United States in Miami then New York City, followed by additional cities around the globe, including London and Mexico City.
Tickets are now on sale starting from $44 per person. To ensure participants’ safety at each event, ticket capacity will be limited with strict COVID-safety measures in place. Local COVID-guidelines and restrictions will also be strictly adhered to.
Food and cocktails available for purchase after the experience
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Celebrate the holiday season with some appreciation for art and culture by taking a trip to Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience in Battery Park. With the ‘GoghFESTIVE’ experience, people of all ages can enjoy this one-of-a-kind VR experience complete with galleries, a drawing study, and state-of-the-art video mapping technology all about Vincent Van Gogh’s life and works. The exhibit has also partnered with many local businesses to offer exclusive discounts and promotions to the exhibit’s attendees.
Listening to a live performance by the Freeport High School Select Chorale while in the exhilaratingly beautiful immersive room was truly a unique experience, while the VR experience allows you to step right into the mind of Van Gogh and see his world come to life before your eyes. You can also explore Van Gogh’s bedroom reconstructed from his ‘The Bedroom’ painting.
After it’s highly anticipated arrival in New York City on June 5th after selling out in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, the exhibit has been given an extension through the holidays and the New Year. Located on the former trading floor of the New York Mercantile Exchange, now known as Skylight at 300 Vesey Street in Battery Park, the completely immersive (yet still socially distanced!) experience provides visitors a unique look and intimate understanding into the life and work of Van Gogh. The one-of-a-kind event is made possible by Exhibition Hub, an international entertainment producer and Fever, a leading entertainment discovery platform who have collaborated with Running Subway, a New York-based entertainment production company, to serve as the local producer.
Find more information and book your tickets on the website here
Instagram: @vangogh.experience link
Facebook: Van Gogh Expo link
Holiday House NYC Fall Opening 2021
Myra Biblowit, Frederico Azevedo, Jean Shafiroff, Iris Dankner, Chris Cohen
Photo by Holiday House
Holiday House NYC hosted the opening of their Fall 2021 ‘Coming Together’ Tabletop event on Wednesday, December 8th at The Elizabeth Taylor Mansion, helping to raise critical funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).
Founder and breast cancer survivor, Iris Dankner, was joined at her exciting and festive live showcase by co-chairs Queer Eye For The Straight Guy’s Thom Filicia, Amy Lau and Jean Shafiroff. Over 200 guests walked throughout the stunning three-floor space, while enjoying bites from Elegant Affairs Caterers and sips from Tito’s, Danos and Wolffer Estate. The evening featured the talents of designers including Austin Gray Design Group, Badilla Painters x Rio Hamilton, Barbara Ostrom Associates, Beth Donner Design x Andrea Correale, Eric Haydel Design, Evan Mason Designs, Pembrooke & Ives, Kim Seybert, Leeann Lavin, Michele Safra, Mottahedeh, Purvi Padia Design, Sandi Berman x Deluxe NYC, Unlimited Earth Care by Frederico Azevedo, and Vanessa Deleon Associates. Each presented chic and cutting-edge holiday tabletop designs featuring the latest interior design trends.
Photo by Mark Sagliocco
Among those in attendance included Myra Biblowit, Patti Carpenter, Jay Dankner, Rebecca Hakimian and Sabrina Hakimian, Debra Halpert, Anne Keating, Brooke Morrow, Gary Mindlin and Amy Rosenblum.
The event sponsors included Jiun Ho x Cambria, 41 Madison x Waterford, Top Hat Home Services, The Melissa Cohn Group, FJ Hakimian, Sebastian Capital and Stark. Media Partners included Modern Luxury Manhattan and Hamptons Real Estate Showcase.
Tanya S. Lewis, Marjeth Cummings, Denise Gordon
Photo by Mark Sagliocco
Founded by interior designer and breast cancer survivor Iris Dankner in 2008, Holiday House is an interior design showhouse in which top interior designers and lifestyle brands can showcase their talent. All proceeds from Holiday House events benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. You can learn more about Holiday House by visiting their website at www.holidayhousenyc.com
Holiday House NYC’s Fall 2021 ‘Coming Together’ Tabletop event will be running through December 10th with general admission tickets priced at $50. Tickets can be purchased here.
MAD About Jewelry Opening Benefit
Jeannie Sui Wonders, Barbara Paris Gifford, Anna Sui, LaVon Kellner, Isabelle Sui
Museum of Arts and Design’s (MAD) recently appointed Nanette L. Laitman Director, Tim Rodgers, opened the twenty-first edition of MAD About Jewelry on Monday, December 6, 2021, saying, "Welcome back to the Museum and thank you for welcoming me to my first MAD About Jewelry. Thank you to our MAD About Jewelry Director Bryna Pomp for championing one of the Museum’s most beloved benefits, showcasing designs of more than 40 emerging and acclaimed US-based jewelry artists."
The week-long show and sale of one-of-a-kind contemporary jewelry opened with a benefit evening honoring esteemed educator and advocate for contemporary craft Helen Drutt English. MAD Board Chair Michele Cohen lauded Drutt as the Founder and Director of her eponymous gallery in Philadelphia, which was among the first galleries to make a commitment to the modern and contemporary craft movement. She has transformed our understanding and appreciation of craft. For the past 35 years, Helen has been an integral part of MAD’s history to showcase artists advancing jewelry as an art form. "
The annual MAD About Jewelry acquisition prize was presented to artists Amy Lemaire and Michael Nashef. MAD's Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs and William and Mildred Ladson Chief Curator Elissa Auther shared "Each year this award is presented to luminaries in the field of jewelry. The prize is in keeping with MAD's long-standing commitment of presenting jewelry as an art form. We are the only American museum with a gallery dedicated to the display of contemporary and modern studio jewelry with our own collection of more than nine hundred pieces. Pieces from Amy and Michael now join our collection."
Chairs for the evening were LaVon Kellner, Deidre Quinn, and Kay Unger. Advisory Committee members attending included MAD Board Members Michele Cohen, Marsy Mittlemann and Barbara Waldman, as well as Susan Ach and Ted Taylor. Guests included MAD Board Member Marian Burke, MAD Chairman Emeritus Barbara Tober, MAD Luminaries Co-Chairs Alexander Hankin and Christina Senia, Kathy Chazen, Chrissy Crawford, MAD Associate Curator Barbara Paris Gifford, Levi Higgs, Mary McFadden accompanied by her daughter Justine Harari, Anna Sui with her nieces Jeanni Sui Wonders and Isabelle Sui, and Shining Sung.
PHOTOS by Darian DiCianno for BFA
Alexa in a Pear Tree Holiday Window
The holiday spirit is back in NYC and there's a new must-visit holiday window in town-the world's first smart holiday window, "Alexa in a Pear Tree."
Come see the interactive display with your friends, family-and pet! Located at 63 Spring Street (corner of Lafayette Street) in SoHo, the window will be open to the public starting December 3-12 (12-9pm daily) and is a free experience, where you can ask Alexa to turn on festive holiday smart lights, play Amazon Music holiday originals, and more.
You can also recreate the magic of the window at home by using the following commands:
Ask Alexa to Play Holiday Music: Using your Echo device or Alexa app, say, “Alexa, play holiday music” to start up seasonal hits, including new exclusive Amazon Originals from Leon Bridges, Day + Shay, Camila Cabello, and more.
Bring the Holiday Cheer with Smart Lights: As you’re decorating, add Smart Bulbs or Smart Lightstrips to control lights and change them to festive hues like red, green, and blue by voice with your Amazon Echo device.
Smarten Up Decor: Use an Amazon Smart Plug to add voice control to your electronic holiday décor, lamps and so much more. Just plug in, use the Alexa app to get started, and then activate your holiday décor by voice (“Alexa, turn on the tree.”).
Get Help with Gift Lists: Last-minute shopping? Find out the latest device deals by asking “Alexa, what are my deals?”
Try Alexa Skills:
Families can say, "Alexa, open Call Santa Claus," and Alexa will connect them to Old St. Nick and all his friends at the North Pole!
If you say “Alexa, where is Santa?” kids can track Old St. Nick before and during Christmas.
If you say, “Alexa, open Holiday Yule Log” the Yule Log will pop up, specifically optimized for the Echo Show and Fire TV.
Create a Routine: Routines are shortcuts for Alexa, saving you time by grouping together actions so you don’t have to ask individually. For example, you can enable a Routine that is triggered when you say, “Alexa, make it festive” to create a fun, festive house feel by having Alexa turn on smart light effects and play cozy holiday music.
Photo Credit: Tory Stopler for Alexa in a Pear Tree
Curtain Call at Amali
On Monday, November 8th, stars gathered to toast Jessica Vosk, a Broadway performer who sold out her Carnegie Hall show. Glasses filled with drinks from a seasonal cocktail list, organic wine menu and Mediterranean beer array clinked in celebration of the joyous occasion at Mediterranean restaurant Amali’s 10th Anniversary Party.
The Mediterranean way of life that the restaurant Amali, which opened in 2011 is modeled after, is present in the atmosphere. The owners, James Mallios, Kylie Monagan, Tanya Saxena, and Michael Van Camp ensured this execution from design, to food and drink. The executive chef of this Midtown East neighborhood restaurant, Alex Tubero, emphasizes vegetables, olive oil, cheese, grains and fish in his masterminded menu. Growing up in South Florida, constant exposure to seafood and fresh produce has allowed Alex’s love for cooking to develop into a distinguished culinary background.
From the cauliflower garnished in a harmonious blend of colatura, golden raisins and mint to dishes like the Maine lobster ravioli, Filet Mignon, and Spanish Octopus, the food at Amali evokes the highest sensory experience. The restaurant’s menu, which fuses historical traditions of the Mediterranean with modern-day New York City, has been enjoyed by many popular celebrities including Zac Posen, David Burtka, Pentatonix singer Scott Hoying, Dear Evan Hansen concertmaster Justin Smith, and American Idol star Melinda Doolittle.
The highly acclaimed restaurant is a humble welcome for greatness. They boast a commitment not just to their guests but to the world at large. Their dedication to sustainability has garnered Amali recognition from the Obamas, Slow Food Society, and the New York Times. They even promote musical talent, hosting The New Power Trio on Sundays with Dear Evan Hansen Concertmaster Justin Smith and fellow Broadway alums along with Jazz Trio performances on Monday.
Open from Monday-Sunday, dining, celebrating or grabbing a drink at Amali is an experience you will relive for weeks on end.
Havana Film Festival 2021
The Havana Film Festival NY (www.HFFNY.com), a project of The American Friends of the Ludwig Foundation of Cuba, returned to theaters from November 5 through November 11th to present an exceptional program of 32 films celebrating the diversity of voices and cultural expressions of Ibero =America and its diaspora. All screenings, panels, and specials took place in-person at the Village East Cinema in New York City.
The festival’s opening night saw the NY premiere of multi-award winning Colombian film El Ovido Que Seremos, Memories of my Father by renowned writer Hector Abad Faciolince.
Héctor Abad Faciolince, born in Medellin in 1958, is a Colombian novelist, essayist, journalist, and editor. He is considered one of the most talented writers in Latin American literature, and is famous for his novelized autobiography about his father, El olvido que seremos / Oblivion: A Memoir which was an international best-seller, and its cinematic adaptation by Fernando Trueba, which won the Goya for Best Ibero American Film in 2021, securing the first ever Goya Award for Colombia!
The event began with the press call, where interviews for press were given by the film stars. It then went on with the red carpet before the opening ceremony began. Hosted by Colombian actress Kika Child and NY-based content creator Martin Nuñez-Bonilla, the opening ceremony was filled with interesting people happy to celebrate the artists.
After the opening ceremony, the film began. The story was about a Colombian writer's father. His father was a University MD professor who promoted tolerance and human rights in his country. Throughout the movie, the writer relays his feelings related to his lovely father as he describes his family story and all drama related to the killing of his father. The movie portrays the violence that has haunted Colombia life during the last three decades. What was captivating about this film was the fact that it tackled different societal subjects that many people go through: culture, education, traditions, oppression, social inequality, etc, and was able to address them in an ironic, dramatic and romantic way.
The film was set in two timelines, one in Turin,1983, where the main character Héctor is summoned to a ceremony honoring his father, and another timeline in the writer’s childhood in 1970s Medellín, where much of the film takes place.
It is obvious from the beginning that we are seeing everything from the point of view of Héctor, who is later nicknamed Quiquín, and beautifully played by Nicolás Reyes. Quiquín is portrayed as a troublesome young boy who’s indulged by his doctor father on a regular basis.
Half way through the popcorn, we realize that the movie has its uneven moments, aspects of plot that feel rather a diversion from any central narrative. However, the key element is the closeness of this father-son bond that is very touching, as is our sense of the growing cruelty of a society that goes after those who are most concerned to improve it.
Overall, the film is not lacking in sentimentality, but the inspiring example of the hero, a man who put his beliefs above his own life, is genuinely moving.
The event concluded with a small party where everyone was celebrating the outstanding movie and culture. The film festival is still going on through November 11th, and will end on its closing night with the film MAIXABEL from director Icíar Bollaín. Both movies will remain in the theater after the festival if you’re interested in watching them, and you can also purchase the book “Memories of My Father” online or in stores currently.
Delivering Good Welcomes Back NYC
400 guests joined Delivering Good at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in NYC
On November 4, 2021 in New York, NY, Delivering Goods held its annual gala honoring the Ralph Lauren Corporation with the Lifetime Achievement Award, SAP Inaugural Innovation Award, and Tanger Outlets Impact Award.
“An Evening of Delivering Good” raised over $1.3 Million Dollars for children, adults, and families facing poverty and hardship. During the evening, three of the organization’s partners were honored for their contributions to communities in need.
Ken Downing, Board Member, created an interactive evening designed to bring the fun back to fundraising as New York City finally returned to in-person events. The event exceeded its fundraising goal while welcoming 400 attendees to support its cause and continues to receive donations online.
Photo above (L to R): Delivering Good Board Chair Andrea Weiss, President & CEO LisaGurwitch and Board Member Ken Downing discuss Delivering Good’s impact during the last year
“The greatest impact Delivering Good can make is by assisting families in need through our local partners. The positive force of families, whether born or chosen, can lay a solid foundation for a person to achieve their dreams,” stated Downing. The importance of family and working together to help improve people’s lives were common threads linking everyone at the event, especially the honorees.
(L to R) The DG Gala Livestream Host Nicole Ryan of Sirius XM and Gala Host Ken Downing work the room during a fundraising appeal.
“Our years-long relationship with Delivering Good is rooted in common values – values like family, optimism and hope, and the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential,” said David Lauren, Chief Branding and Innovation Officer & Vice Chairman of the Board at Ralph Lauren. As David accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of the company for its decades of philanthropic leadership, he thanked Delivering Good for the recognition while noting that the spotlight should be on the organization. “We really feel like we should be recognizing you for allowing us to do good work. And thanking you for the opportunity that you’ve given us and our employees to reach out and help people who are in need.”
Accepting Delivering Good’s Impact Award was Stephen J. Yalof, CEO of Tanger Factory Outlet Centers.
Photo above L to R: DG Board Member Allan Ellinger, Honoree and Tanger Outlets CEO & President Stephen Yalof, Coach CEO and Brand President Todd Kahn
The great news is the event continues beyond the gala. The silent auction will remain live until November 12th. The items and bidding can be found at https://www.charitybuzz.com/support/deliveringgood.
Delivering Good has supported millions of children, families and individuals in need, both nationally and internationally; over 2.5 million people are helped each year. Since the inception of Delivering Good in 1985, over $2 billion of donated products have been distributed through its network of community partners, serving the poor and disadvantaged.
Social Media Influencers Sai DeSilva and Jessica Wang attend dinner
Melanie Charles Quartet opened the evening program and entertained guests during dinner
About Delivering Good, Inc.
Delivering Good, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and the charity of choice for new product donations made by hundreds of companies in the fashion, home and children’s industries. Donating new merchandise provides these companies with a simple and effective way to help millions of kids, adults and families facing poverty and disaster each year. Since 1985, over $2 billion of donated product has been distributed through our network of community partners. Learn more at www.Delivering-Good.org.
ARTECHOUSE Presents: Machine Hallucination: NYC
On Monday night, ARTECHOUSE presented its new light installation called, “Machine Hallucination: NYC." The light installation is a recent rendition of a digital media art, which celebrates living artists and their creations.
The new exhibit features a mix of various digital patterns, photos, and landscapes of New York, filled with cryptic messages and hypnotizing scenes. The exhibit was created by Refik Anadol, a Turkish-American media artist and designer, who is known for his digital work featuring mesmerizing patterns, textures and colors.
Machine Hallucination: NYC is a tribute to the city and its everchanging landscape. The exhibit dives into machine’s perception of New York City and its architectural accomplishments. Besides, Machine Hallucination presents its visitors with the opportunity to own pieces of the exhibit by purchasing experiential NFTs featuring some of the scenes showcased during the show.
Machine Hallucination: NYC is currently open to the public and will run until January 2, 2022.
EXXXOTICA 2021
Pre-show, all signs were pointing to the 2021 edition of EXXXOTICA New Jersey (https://exxxoticaexpo.com) lined up to be big, but how big was anyone's guess. After 726 days since the adult convention's doors last opened at the New Jersey Expo Center in Edison, attendees, exhibitors and stars alike were thirsty for the return of the nation's largest event dedicated to love and sex. As the massive banner that decorated the entry way and the hashtags on social media said, "It's About F***ing Time," and it seems the thousands of men, women and couples from the New Jersey/New York metro area emphatically agreed.
Three Expo Events, the producers of EXXXOTICA New Jersey, presented by MyFreeCams (http://myfreecams.com), had their gut-feelings this was going to be a big show, with advance ticket sales trending over the 12 previous years the expo had been in the Garden State, including the 10th anniversary show in 2017 that saw record numbers, and that feeling proved to be right on the money.
Every day of EXXXOTICA surpassed all previous shows of any of the previous 44 events held across the country since the show's inception 16 years ago. When all was said and done, EXXXOTICA New Jersey cemented its reputation as the largest adult event in the United States.
"We always look forward to EXXXOTICA New Jersey, so it was hard postponing 2020's show along with our other cities," said J. Handy of Three Expo Events, and Director of EXXXOTICA. "We didn't know when we would be back or how the shows would go. When we got the "all clear" to start up again in 2021, and with the success of our Chicago and Miami shows, we knew our Jersey show would crush it. And man, did it. We want to thank everyone that made this such an incredible show, especially our sponsors, exhibitors, stars, stage performers, seminar speakers, staff, and most importantly everyone who came out and had a crusher of an event!"
When EXXXOTICA opened its doors for "Ladies Free Friday," and throughout the weekend until the doors closed Sunday night, thousands of men, women and couples flowed through the doors to meet their favorite stars, visit over 100 exhibitors, take in stage shows, seminars, explore their fantasies at CouplesX, or the interactive Dungeon Experience, and pack the various after parties around the area.
The Chaturbate Entertainment Stage (https://chaturbate.com), featured a non-stop schedule featuring the hottest performers, including aerialists, burlesque shows, contests and more by such legendary acts such as RubberDoll, Tiny Texie, BJ McNaughty and more. Winners were crowned in the EXXXOTICA Pole Championships and of course, Ms. EXXXOTICA.
EXXXOTICA's Seminar Series was packed with 20-plus hours of sexy, adult education, curated by EXXXOTICA's Resident Sexpert, Tyomi Morgan, and presented by some of the biggest and most respected names in the industry. The men, women and couples had their questions answered and interests piqued by a broad range of topics ranging from the mild to the wild and all points in between.
Spotlight, sponsored by leading fantasy toy makers, Bad Dragon (https://bad-dragon.com) was arguably the busiest destination on the show floor. Fans had the opportunity to meet their favorite adult film stars, including legends and the hottest names including, Stormy Daniels, Jesse Jane, Violet Myers, Katie Morgan, Reya Sunshine, Kenzie Reeves, Brooklyn Chase, Joanna Angel, Britney Amber, Vicki Chase, Alex Coal, Jessie Lee, Kenzie Taylor, Vina Sky, Lacy Lennon, Lilly Bell, Jessie Saint, Evan Stone, Bridgette B., Keisha Grey, Nicollete Shea, April O'Neil, Jillian Janson and many more.
Other top stars such as Candace Von, Ember Snow, Misty Stone, RubberDoll, Kiki Klout, Tiny Texie, Casey Carter, Platinum Puzzy, Coralyn Jewel, Keli Richards, Lissa Aires, Kendra Kox and Girls Gone Wireless, Alana Luv, Kimmie Kaboom, Aria Carson, Nicole Auclair, the girls of Elite Talent Direct, Gigi Dior, Gina Starr, Rita Daniels, Ashley Fox, Seka Black, Thee Black Asian, and tons more stars and content creators appeared at the show, along with countless of the world's top cam models at MyFreeCams and Chaturbate.
EXXXOTICA's LGBTQ+ initiative, SW!TCH, also sponsored by Bad Dragon, made sure to promote the message of inclusion as LGBTQ+-friendly companies and talent to the many who came out to support and show their queer pride.
The show's Dungeon Experience hosted many who were there to learn more, play or just people watch. And, the show's new and improved lifestyle area, CouplesX, sponsored by Kasidie (https://kasidie.com), featured swinger-friendly seminars, meet and greets at the show and after hours, and more.
Speaking of after hours, EXXXOTICA kept the fun going with the show's official after parties. Thanks to VIP sponsors Sapphire 60 (https://nysapphire.com), attendees enjoyed the hottest parties with the stars of EXXXOTICA at hot spots such as the Sapphire clubs in New York, Blush Gentlemen's Club in North Jersey, and the show's host hotel with live music by Big Bang Baby, DJ Chelli and Joe Trivia.
EXXXOTICA's "Safe & Sexy" program sponsored by Chaturbate, provided masks for those who wanted as well as other protocols put into place which follow all recommendations from health and safety officials. Also, City Testing Services (https://ctestingservices.org/) was on hand to provide attendees with free rapid and PCR tests to help keep everyone safe.
When all was said and done, this was truly a show to remember and set the bar high for not only future EXXXOTICA's around the country.
FIAF's Bastille Day Celebration 2021
Wednesday July 14 at 6:15 PM, celebrate Bastille Day at SummerStage in Central Park, with live music, dancing and a movie screening, hosted by the Consulate General of France in New York, the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF), and the Committee of French Speaking Societies (CAFUSA). The event is FREE, with all chair and lawn seats being first come first serve.
Doors open at 5PM, then the evening will commence with an opening address at 6:15, then at 6:35 with a jazz quintet performing French classics, headlined by French Grammy-nominated singer Kavita Shah.
At 7:15, Joachim Garraud, an important member of the French Touch (or French House) music scene, who has collaborated with David Guetta, will host a lively dance party.
French film My Donkey, My Lover & I will screen at 8:10: “Directed by Caroline Vignal, this warm comedy features stunning landscapes, a gentle touch, a few slapstick flourishes, and a tour-de-force star turn from Laure Calamy (Call My Agent!). On an impulse, Paris school teacher Antoinette (Calamy) decides to follow her married lover Vladimir and his family on a hiking holiday. Yet she soon realizes this impromptu vacation is more than she bargained for, as she finds herself trekking across the Cévennes mountains with only a recalcitrant donkey named Patrick to keep her company.”
You can also enter the Prize Draw online, a popular FIAF Bastille Day tradition with dozens of prizes up for grabs, including the grand prize of a luxurious two-night stay in a Terrace Suite, complete with a bottle of Champagne and skyline views, at Sofitel New York.
Bastille Day is a French National Holiday, commemorating the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, and the birth of the modern French nation. Come join the celebrations at SummerStage Central Park!
Visit the FIAF website here for more details.
Costume Designer, Writer and Producer Alexandra Engelson
After a conversation with Long Island-based costume designer, writer and producer Alexandra Engelson, whose work could be seen premiering at Tribeca film festival this year, I received fascinating insight into how a career can be forged in the mysterious and elusive world of entertainment, and how one can use their success and creativity to uplift others breaking into the industry.
Everything happens for a reason. So, it did for Alexandra Engelson who came from a theatre background, performing in shows, costume designing, and becoming a theatre major in college. But at Hofstra, Engelson wanted the opportunity to be a college student, join a sorority, start a nonprofit, so changed course to Public Relations, putting costume design in the past. Engelson started working for a lawyer, learning everything about contracts, then in non-scripted television as a travel coordinator, then in PR and event planning. But wanting to really follow her heart, she persistently reached out to mentors for learning experiences in the entertainment industry, eventually leading to a dream job as a Costume PA for Quantico, which was celebrated with a happy dance in her mother’s kitchen (despite the surprise of her family remembering her famous last words of never going back into costume design).
From there, Engelson became a Union Costume designer, and worked various other jobs on sets across departments, such as Clearance Coordinating, from which her past knowledge of law and contracts came in handy. Another one of her mentors, now an Executive Producer, suggested that the way to become a writer was to just start writing, have that shelf of ideas: pick up a pen and write. Engelson found she already had such a strong grasp of storytelling, as costume design requires an understanding of the psychology of a character similarly to how writing does.
THE COSTUME DESIGN PROCESS AND LEYLAK
After reading the script about three times, Engelson breaks down the script in terms of logistics such as how many costumes there are, what's happening in the scene, then moving more into the psychology of the character which includes not just what they might be wearing but how they would wear it. After meeting with the producers and writers honing in on the tone and color themes for the overall show, she will create mood boards. These mood boards include color palettes and the character arc throughout the script, thinking how journey can be reflected in costume. Engelson references the most prominent example to her in recent history of costume design reflecting a character arc with the character of Sansa in Game of Thrones (SPOILER ALERT FOR GOT AHEAD): Sansa goes from dressed in lilac flowy outfits of satin and silk, but by the middle after being abused and losing her family, the color scheme of her costumes becomes darker and tighter around her body until by the end when she becomes Queen of the North, her clothes are reminiscent of armour. For Engelson, including this arc in the mood boards is a prime way to get a clear vision of how the character’s overall journey is envisioned by the directors and writers.
Engelson was a Costume Designer for two projects at Tribeca Film Festival for this year, Discovery+ Shock Docs: The Devil Made Me Do It and Leylak, part of the New York Shorts program. Of utmost importance for Leylak was the opportunity to reflect not just on the pandemic, but the immigrant status of a Turkish family, so Engelson made sure she would be giving back to the community and representing them properly, as she does for all her work. Many of the costume pieces were sourced from Turkish designers by thorough research. Delving into the character psychology of Yusuf’s bereavement and his daughter Renk’s situation as a teen with a double identity of cultural background while trying to integrate into American culture was reflected in the costume design. The switch from a brighter colored dress when Renk is in the dark about her mother’s passing, from when she is told the truth now wearing a deeper solid blue reflects the character arc being explored through costume design. At one point, Engelson decided not to steam a wrinkled shirt for the actor playing Yusuf, explaining the detail of how his character has been in so much pain, the last thing on his mind would be how his shirt looks. After shooting the scene, the actor acknowledged how having the shirt wrinkled helped with his acting, revealing how costume design not only influences the visuals for viewers, but can also aid the actor’s performance.
LEYLAK
LEYLAK
DOMINO WRITING CHALLENGE
Reflecting on the difficulties that so many women and non-binary people face trying to break into the industry as writers, and wanting to increase her own writing experience, Engelson started the Domino Writing Challenge in 2019. Turning the stereotype of the lone writer genius on its head, Engelson believes that collaboration is the only way of creating television and film. One of her sayings goes “I don’t have the golden ticket, but the people I bring on and the people I trust with my words or my costumes, together we can get the golden ticket and create the golden ticket.” The Domino writing challenge is a safe space for writing collaboration. For each challenge, the first person will get two days to write at least four pages of a script (flexibility to accommodate everyone’s schedules of course), then the next writer will take over to write the next four pages, passing the script along until it is completed. No editing is allowed until the first draft is complete, leading to a script made by 16 collaborators but still sounding almost seamless, refined through multiple drafts. The most recent challenge produced a terrifying Christmas Horror movie, showing the brilliance that can come out of collaboration from people of various levels of writing experience, from award-winners to newbies. Engelson has created a judge-free, no experience zone for any women and non-binary individuals to prove that anyone can be a writer.
COLLABORATION IN JOINT VENTURE PILOT
Engelson is currently working on Joint Venture with six other writers, a half hour comedy about family, business and sampling the merchandise revolving around two adult twins who are in their 40’s who return home to discover their mom has turned their hardware store into a weed operation. Engelson is the co-creator, co-writer and coordinating producer for this concept which began by being workshopped with Marta Kauffmam (creator of Friends and Grace and Frankie). Engelson explained how the writing process is quite different from most Hollywood writer’s rooms, as her plus the six other writers sit every week on zoom and literally write every single word together. For the first four weeks, they took a page out of Dan Levy’s book (creator of Schitt’s Creek) by not starting any writing until they knew their characters completely. It then took about twelve weeks with two hours per week of work to write a first draft, an impressive feat of collaboration that Engelson considers a great process for producing the best version of the script possible, as every single word, action and scene is discussed as a team of creatives.
PILOT IN DEVELOPMENT: TRAVELLING SALESWOMAN
One day when sitting in her costume stock, a dress started moving and caught Engelson’s eye. Of course, it was just the wind, but it was a beautiful 1940’s beige dress with floral accent that seemed to be looking at her, and all of a sudden the whole life story of the woman who would have worn this came to her. Louise Margaret Lewis is a woman living in a man’s world in the 1940’s, a recent widow who discovered her husband has been murdered, so goes on an adventure with her friend who is a deaf artist. A neo-noir thriller all about female friendship and overcoming obstacles that has many parallels to today, The Travelling Saleswoman proof of concept is currently in development with Engelson at the helm as the writer, producer and designer. They are currently in the process of casting their lead actress and bringing onto the team someone who is deaf to script supervise the sign language.
Continuing to excel in her multi-hyphenate creative work, Engelson notes that no matter if you think you are a writer or not, there is always some kind of storyteller in you!
ARTECHOUSE NYC: Geometric Properties
Next door to Chelsea Market and at the crossroads of art and technology is the latest immersive exhibit to hit the town: Artechouse NYC.
Founded in 2015 by arts advocates Sandro and Tati, Artechouse is a nationwide innovative art experience dedicated to showcasing new forms of creative expression. The NYC exhibit, titled “Geometric Properties,” is no exception. Exclusively showing the work of Julius Horsthuis, a Dutch visual and fractal artist who combines math, visual effects, and computer graphics, the new Artechouse NYC is an impossibly stimulating, cinematic show unlike any other.
The first thing you’ll notice when entering the exhibit is how dark it is. Where most traditional art exhibits tend to indulge in blank white walls, Artechouse NYC has used thousands of screens to display a spellbinding “new world” that includes everything from gothic-esque forests to psychedelic deserts. Adding to the experience is the Artechouse House app, which allows visitors to view kaleidoscopic, “hidden aspects” of certain works through their very own camera lens. The result? An all-enveloping, completely immersive experience. Lying on the ground, being lulled by the ambient music, it is too easy to feel as if you’ve been transported to an entirely new dimension.
Still, all good things can’t last forever. After taking in all the exhibit has to offer, visitors are able to exit through a gift shop that leads right into Chelsea Market, where they are free to finish up their day with a meal at one of the market’s famous eateries.
So if you’re an art/science/math/tech fan who’s looking to lose yourself for a few hours, this exhibit is the one for you. Bring your phone, bring your friends, keep an open mind, and you’re sure to have an unforgettable, IG-worthy experience that’ll keep you wondering for weeks to come.
The “Geometric Properties'' exhibit at Artechouse NYC will run until September 6th, 2021. Follow @artechouse or visit their website https://www.artechouse.com/location/nyc/ to learn more about the exhibit.
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Art fans, this one’s for you. Located at 300 Vesey St. in Downtown Manhattan, right near the battery park and a short walk from the One World Trade is the art world’s latest tribute to a one-of-a-kind artist: Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience.
The exhibit starts with a chronological history of Van Gogh’s life that leads into a showcase of his art that is projected onto all the walls surrounding the space. The lighting and the reverberation are superb. Once you have a seat, you get to explore the many different paintings of Van Gogh; and they each come with a musical score that enhances the experience even more. Each image appears slightly and begins drawing right in front of your eyes. The effects and the way the paintings would flood into each other gave a unique effect.
I was completely in awe and really impressed by the amount of work put into the show. It is super inventive, and the music was immaculate. The whole experience was very serene and soothing. After a year of isolation and boredom, this event was like much needed therapy.
Of course, while the experience is not like seeing Van Gogh's actual work in Paris, Amsterdam or even the MOMA, it was amazing to see the depth and complexity of his work captured in such detail and most importantly, to learn the history of the tortured genius. I definitely recommend coming into this exhibit with an open mind and to view it more than once because it is totally unique depending on where you are sitting or standing in the room. There are so many elements and so much going on that it is easy to miss small details -- and trust me you won’t want to miss anything. After all, this is a completely new and engaging way of experiencing art. And pro tip: splurge for the VR - it is worth it.