Crypto Mondays
On January 15th, 2018, crypto fanatics gathered at Bagatelle, New York City, for the first ever Crypto Mondays Meetup. The idea of the event is for people are interested in Bit and Alt coins to discuss the current state of crypto world and make a crypto connection.
More than 150 people filled the spacious Bagatelle venue and some heated debates ensued on what the next money making coins was going to be.
Cocktails and delicious side foods like cheese, bread and tadaki tuna were served to all the patrons.
The event will be held every Monday from 6:30pm-9:00pm at Bagatelle until February. These gatherings are also slated to head to other cities including Miami later this month with NYC being first. Whether you are new to the crypto game or just want to learn about it. This is the perfect opportunity.
For accurate information, search ‘Crypto Mondays NYC’ on Meetup or click here
Editor’s Note: As of the day after the event, the value of the crypto market had crashed more than 50% putting future events in doubt, however, in the past few days the crypto market is steadily coming back again with the market recovering more than 35% after the crash.
Photos courtesy of Crypto Monday
The Anime NYC Experience
On November 17th, 2017, NYC became host to a new convention: Anime NYC, which highlights Japanese culture, specifically the anime, manga, and games. There is hope that Anime NYC will become a real contender as a convention, “...we believe Anime NYC has the potential to become the largest anime convention on the East Coast,” says Greg Topalian, founder of LeftField Media. Contemporary anime has certainly become a nationwide sensation. The veteran anime streaming service, Crunchyroll has begun to step up their game, acquiring licenses for several popular anime and even simulcasting Japan’s seasonal anime. At the beginning of this year, Amazon announced their own anime streaming service, Anime Strike. Netflix has also commenced a curation of their own catalog of anime. A culmination of these factors brought us Anime NYC.
At a convention like this, there must be cosplayers. Every turn was met with done up faces, decorated costumes, and dedicated character performances. Check out our gallery for a taste. Those not dressed up showed their love for the medium by purchasing merchandise from their favorite anime series, attending panels, or participating in one of the several arcades in the Japanese Arcade section brought in by Tokyo Attack!
Attendees could also visit booths in which exhibitors displayed goods. As expected, much of the merchandise was intended for anime fans--figurines, wall scrolls, and clothes galore. Booths that were not necessarily anime related were present in a coexistent nature. Particularly, BentOn’s bento boxes providing a small palate of popular Japanese foods, or jplushy’s cute and cuddly plushies. The artist’s alley of Anime NYC took up a generous section in the fourth level of Javits. Talented artists were able to flex their art for show, and hopefully pick up a few fans or even sales.
The following outlines my experience with the panels at Anime NYC:
The day began with a guest panel titled, Anime 15 Years Ago. Doug Wilder, an anime industry expert and self-proclaimed anime geek, helmed the talk. He led the audience through the history of anime, from when it was only just a fledgling medium to its current explosion of popularity in the West. He told us that anime on television was a large factor in the West’s love for anime. Series that were dubbed in the West such as Lupin the Third provided the initial jump. He spoke of the late night timeslots on Adult Swim, on Cartoon Network, which were occupied by anime. There came a rise of mecha anime, a category of anime that created a niche fanbase for itself. Subject matter of anime have since become more varied across the years. Wilder brought up the fact that physical media was difficult to obtain, thus expensive. Two episodes of anime on DVD were equivalent to buying an entire completed series on Blu-ray now.
The industry panels I visited thereafter catered towards die-hard anime fans. Those who wished to hear of the announcements of future Blu-ray releases of their favorite anime were given what they wanted. Companies like VIZ Media and Aniplex gave their announcement of limited edition box sets of several anime, such as Pokemon, One Punch Man, and Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann. An anime’s popularity was apparent with each announcement with exuberant cheers. Funny story. During VIZ Media’s panel, they did “trivia” and gave away prizes, trivia in quotes because most answers were apparent. One cosplayer in a JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure costume was chosen to answer a question, a question based off the series his character is in. Who is the original author of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure? Silence. An actual fan quickly picked up the correct answer. During Aniplex’s panel a raffle ticket was given out to each attendee. 4493679. That was my lucky number. The second drawing happened to be mine. I received a Sword Art Online figurine.
I would like to briefly mention a few other panels I attended. Go! Go! Nihon’s How to Live and Study in Japan panel provided insight for those interested in, well, living and studying in Japan. How to Take a Selfie, a panel help cosplayers step up their selfie game or just to up one’s Tinder profile game, teaching lighting, posing, and editing.
Holiday House NYC Gala
John Stedilla & Tim Button-Winter Solstice-Photo Alan Barry
On Tuesday, November 15th, the highly distinguished Holiday House NYC returned to the Academy Mansion to celebrate it’s 10th anniversary with an extravagant Open House Gala, benefiting The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). Each year, more than 20 interior designers transform the four story mansion into fascinating and wondrous displays. This year was no different, with all the rooms exhibiting magnificently re-imagined spaces displaying luxurious modern décor trends. The highly anticipated event drew more than 400 design fanatics to the unveiling of the showhouse, which featured the first-ever kitchen and kids’ room designs to be included at the Academy Mansion showcase.
Magness Interiors-New Year's Eve- Photo credit Costas Picadas
Founded by breast cancer survivor Iris Dankner in 2008, Holiday House NYC has become one of the City’s leading interior design showhouses, and is the first one to raise crucial funds for the prevention and cure of breast cancer. In honor of the 10-year anniversary, Dankner captured the history of the showhouse’s designs in her new book, Holiday House: Ten Years of Decorating for a Cure, which chronicles 10 years of design by over 75 interior. Iris Dankner hosted the opening-night gala and conducted the ribbon cutting.
Charles Nafie Hall (vertical)
Proceeds from the evening, and from general admission ticket sales, will benefit BCRF. “We salute Iris and the design community for embracing our mission to be the end of cancer by advancing the world’s most promising research. The extraordinary talent on display in Holiday House and the design community’s commitment give us meaningful capacity to fuel progress,” says Myra Biblowit, President & CEO of BCRF.
Kim Radovich Interiors - Christmas Dinner Dining Room-Photo by Alan Barry
Participating designers included: Robin Baron Design Inc. Björn Björnsson Interior Design LLC, BJS Assoc. Interior Design, Vanessa DeLeon Associates, Genevieve Gorder, Groves & Co., Rio Hamilton, Jacqueline Hosford Interior Design LLC, Young Huh Interior Design, Alyssa Kapito Interiors, Natalie Kraiem Interiors, Patrik Lönn Design, Lucinda Loya Interiors, Magness Design, Mannarino Design Inc., Charles J. Nafie Design, Kim Radovich Interiors, James Rixner, Cheryl Settino Mosher, Cynthia Spence Design, Stedila Design, Touijer Designs LLC, and Jaime Walters.
Jaime Walters -Throw Back Thursday Kids Room-Photo by Kalen Hollomon
While every room had their own uniqueness and personality, two rooms truly resonated with the guests. The remarkably named Throw Back Thursday (TBT), designed by renowned Brooklyn-based Interior Designer, Jaime Walters, in partnership with leading children’s design brands kinder MODERN and Oeuf created a playful, transitory atmosphere that celebrated the nostalgic memories of Throwback Thursday in the modern world.
Jaime Walters Nursery -Photo by Kalen Hollomon
The bedroom design is both playful and sophisticated, the soft neutrals punctuated with bright colors and plush toys. These elements combine to create a fun, fabulous room that has space for the ever-developing childhood imagination, while referencing youthful nostalgia, and wonder.
Lucinda Loya -Opposite Day Bedroom- Photo by Alan Barry
Another room that caught people’s attention was the “Opposite Day” room, designed by Lucinda Loya. A first time participant in the annual showhouse, Lucinda really showed her artistic edge and her signature playful use of color, pattern and texture. Featuring a timeless, high-contrast palette, her space is indisputably unique and invigorating to the senses. The Juxtaposition of black and white paid a homage to the Hotel Room in Steven Spielberg’s Hotel Room in the film – 2001: A Space Odyssey. The design concept made a striking and memorable impression on the visitors.
Rio Hamilton - 10 Years of Holiday House-Photo by Alan Barry
The designer showhouse will be open to the public through December 6 at the Academy Mansion (2 E. 63rd St.) To visit the showhouse and to support BCRF please purchase tickets here.
ABOUT HOLIDAY HOUSE
Founded by Iris Dankner and co-chaired by interior designer heavy-weights Alexa Hampton, Thom Filicia and honorary co-chair Christopher Hyland, Holiday House New York is an interior design exhibition which raises crucial funds for the prevention and cure of breast cancer. Proceeds from all ticket sales benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). For more information, visit http://www.holidayhousenyc.com
ABOUT THE BREAST CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) is dedicated to being the end of breast cancer by advancing the world's most promising research. Founded by Evelyn H. Lauder in 1993, BCRF-funded investigators have been deeply involved in every major breakthrough in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. This year, BCRF will award $59.5 million to support the work of more than 275 scientists at leading medical and academic institutions across 15 countries, making BCRF the largest private funder of breast cancer research worldwide. BCRF is the highest rated breast cancer organization in the U.S.—the only one with an "A+" from CharityWatch and Charity Navigator’s highest rating of four stars. Visit www.bcrf.org to learn more.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HOLIDAY HOUSE: http://holidayhousenyc.com/
Instagram: @HolidayHouseDesignShows
Twitter: @HolidayHouseNY
Special Thanks to Helen and Charlotte
Photos courtesy of Holiday House
Psychedelic 4D Music Experience 'Peroration 6'
On the evening of Thursday, October 26th, the 4D music experience “Peroration 6” was showcased at a VIP screening and opening at the Jump into the Light VR Cinema and Play Lab. “Peroration 6” is a mesmerizing music experience performed by Sam Shepherd and his Floating Points band that captivates all of the senses. This London-based electronic music group provides viewers with a unique simulation that takes place in the Utah desert.
With 3D glasses and headphones stimulating the feeling of wind and thunder, up to four viewers at a time were able to experience this creation at the VIP event. Every ten minutes, “Peroration 6” was screened for a new group. Virtual reality creative director Fabien Coupez and software/hardware engineer Yannick Leblanc, the installation designers, were both at the event providing guests with information regarding their creation. “Peroration 6” is a virtual reality immersive music experience that has been officially selected for the 2017 Raindance Film Festival as well as the 2017 Future of Storytelling.
The VIP screening and opening party included an open bar for guests to enjoy. Additionally, a number of virtual reality games and activities were set up throughout the party for people to test out while they were not experiencing “Peroration 6.” The venue of the party was fully decorated with technology-inspired decorations, projections, and lights. Overall, this VIP opening party provided guests with an entirely new way of experiencing music: one that envelops all sensations.
Photos courtesy of Light VR Cinema and Play Lab
Rosewood Theater's Private Preview Party
On the night of October 25th, Rosewood Theater hosted a private sneak preview party to showcase it’s all new “adult playground” before its official opening on October 26th. Rosewood Theater is a modern twist on classic gentleman’s clubs, offering guests various performances, great music, dancing, drinks, and more. Men and women alike can come to Rosewood Theater any given night and have an entirely unique and individualized experience.
At the sneak preview party, guests enjoyed specialty house cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. As people socialized and relaxed around the comfortable leather seating and furniture, two acts were performed. The first was an interactive burlesque tease by a woman dressed in full gentleman’s club attire, and the second was an interpretive dance by a man with shockingly impressive gymnastic abilities. Additionally, guests enjoyed battling one another in games of Prosecco pong over rhythmic music played by the DJ.
Rosewood Theater’s two-floor area, stage, and bar provides guests with a great deal of space to get lost in time. The old-school style chandeliers, dim lighting, and decor of the venue create an atmosphere that is unlike many others that exist today. The enjoyment that guests got out of the preview party was a clear sign of the future success of Rosewood Theater as an adult playground unlike any other.
Photos courtesy of Oleg March
Nura Launch Party
On the evening of Thursday, October 19th, nura, a new cutting-edge Australian headphone company, unveiled its remarkable technology at its launch party at Liberty Hall in the Ace Hotel. The nuraphone is an over-the-ear pair of headphones that is self-learning and adaptable. These headphones adjust to each user’s unique ears, providing a personalized, clear sound.
For the nura launch party, the spacious Liberty Hall was transformed into a modern, technological venue with fluorescent lights, a projected video of a woman enjoying her nuraphones on the wall, and upbeat music. Guests were provided with comfortable seating, an open bar with a specialty drink menu, and savory hors-d’oerves to enjoy while the CEO of nura spoke about the headphones, explaining the brand history and details behind the innovative technology. He outlined key characteristics that differentiate the nuraphone from other headphone models. These include sonic moulding (adaptability), dual layer isolation, wireless connectivity, inova, and deep immersion. Additionally, guests enjoyed a live audiovisual performance at the event by music code designer Felix Faire. Felix played music on his computer system while a graphic screen behind him matched his crafted rhythms and tunes.
After the speeches and performance at the launch party, guests were taken in small groups to a downstairs level in order to experience the nuraphone through personal demos. During this portion of the evening, guests sat around a long table and were provided with headphones synced to iPhones. As the nuraphone adjusted to each user, users were able to experiment with different sounds and select music to listen to via Spotify.
Overall, the nura launch party was an informative and captivating look into what the future of headphones holds.
Photos courtesy of Nura
RealEats - Dinner in 6 Minutes
New York, NY (October 2017)- RealEats, a newly-launched subscription service that delivers healthy and delicious prepared meals, is now available to order on the East Coast. Made by some of America’s top chefs using all fresh, never-processed ingredients, RealEats aims to make real food simple.
RealEats is the concept of working single dad, CEO and Founder Dan Wise. Set out to find a fast and healthy solution for his family dinners, Wise created RealEats for the busy, yet mindful consumer. “RealEats solves the common dilemma of trading off good health and taste for a quick fix,” says Wise. “We're able to give our customers back 60 minutes a day by providing them with meals that are ready in minutes, with no compromises. There’s no prep, no cleaning up, no junk –just real food, made simple.”
Each meal is made by one of America’s top chefs in collaboration with RealEats’ Culinary Director Katy Sparks, including Dale Talde, Bill Telepan, Kat Turner, Lien Lin, and Silvia Baldini, delivering healthy, at-home versions of restaurant quality dishes straight to consumers’ homes. Unlike other subscription meal services, RealEats is all in the bag - literally. Each meal is prepared in the RealEats kitchen, then vacuum-sealed inside food-safe, recyclable pouches locking in the freshness, flavor, and nutrients of real food ingredients. Meals stay fresh in the fridge for seven days from delivery. To heat, the pouches are simply placed in a pot of boiling water and are ready in 6 minutes. No microwaving or nuking required.
RealEats is headquartered in Geneva, NY, in the heart of the Fingerlakes agricultural region of New York, one of the richest food sheds in the northeast. There, RealEats is committed to only using responsibly-sourced ingredients to provide a true farm-to-table experience for customers. Ingredients are non-GMO, never processed, and free from added hormones, antibiotics, preservatives or junk of any kind.
As RealEats continues to grow, it is also evolving by giving more options to its customers. Beginning this October, customers are now able to choose from an expanded menu selection, inclusive of a rotation of three new signature chef dishes each week. Additionally, meal plans can be ordered in plates of 4, 6, 8 and 12.
RealEats is determined to make real food simple for the consumer and advocates the simple belief that we are what we eat. At its core, the company is all about the importance of eating real and RealEats is a proud supporter of Teen Cancer America, working with the organization, founded by The Who’s Roger Daltrey and Pete Townsend, to help educate teen cancer patients, survivors and their family about the importance of real food.
RealEats is available for order in select states, with plans to expand in the future. To order RealEats or for more information, visit www.RealEats.com.
Photos courtesy of RealEats
FoST Festival 2017
During the first weekend of October, The Future of StoryTelling (FoST) Festival gave New Yorkers the chance to engage with some of most cutting-edge trends in storytelling technology. Situated in Snug Harbor on Staten Island, the festival was hosted by the Future of StoryTelling University, an age-old institution that teaches and promotes the art of storytelling.
The storytelling tradition has ancient roots, but the FoST festival was the definition of modern. Guests wandered through an idyllic campus of gardens and greenery and explored exhibits, participated in activities, and watched performances featuring the latest in virtual reality technologies, artificial intelligence, interactive media and more.
Among the hundreds of exhibits featured during the festival were demos like “Free the Night,” a virtual reality experience that uses the latest Acer headset to allow users to release stars into the night sky (presented by Microsoft and Jaunt), and “The Last Goodbye,” a VR experience where users are taken along to Holocaust survivor Pinchas Gutter’s final visit to Majdanek Concentration Camp (presented by Gabo Arora and Ari Palitz in association with USC Shoah Foundation, MPC & Here Be Dragons).
The festival highlighted how the modern age of technology is bringing people from all walks of life into contact and broadening perspectives on what life is like in other corners of the world. VR technologies give users more authentic encounters with the lives of others and foster a greater sense of understanding and empathy.
Guests at the festival were able to take in the experiences of people like Ramadevi, a survivor of child trafficking, whose story, “Notes to my Father,” is told using a mix of verbatim theater and documentary storytelling techniques in the world’s first live-capture VR experience about sex trafficking (presented by Jayisha Patel).
The technologies highlighted by the FoST festival are reshaping the way we take in pop culture, and even reshaping the culture itself. “On Stage: Major Lazer” is a virtual reality music docuseries from Hulu and Live Nation that transports users into the creative process of Major Lazer. “The Johnny Cash Project” is “a crowdsourced homage to the Man in Black”, where people from around the world draw individual frames from the “Ain’t No Grave” music video to create a cohesive work of totally unique artistic styles (presented by Chris Milk and Aaron Koblin).
Artificial intelligence technologies are being put to good use with new creations like “Project Blossom,” a robotic social companion for kids on the autism spectrum. This “smart companion” can help children learn about social engagement by exhibiting realistic empathetic responses to videos (presented by Miguel de Andres with Google and Guy Hoffman with Cornell).
The technologies exhibited at the FoST Festival were innovative, often surprising, and very promising. For both people immersed in VR and tech culture and people simply interested in checking out what the modern world has to offer, the Future of StoryTelling is an excellent resource. For more information about the festival and the FoST community, click here.
Photos courtesy of Edelman and FoST
Harper's Bazaar Icons party 2017
@AmiableJason
The Plaza Hotel, one of the most prestigious land marks in New York City, was filled with the most glamorous people on Friday night. The star power was at an all-time high at the 2017 Harper's Bazaar Icons party. The bash hosted by the American magazine is one of the most highly anticipated events -- outside of the shows -- at New York Fashion Week. The last three years have seen performances by Kanye West, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga
Each year, Bazaar's global fashion director Carine Roitfeld gathers some of the world's most famous faces for her highly anticipated Icons shoot. This year was no different. This year’s September issue includes an 18-page portfolio of “Icons” in music and entertainment which included: Courtney Love, Dionne Warwick, Grimes, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Miranda Lambert, Travis Scott, Adriana Lima, Natasha Poly, Joan Smalls, Kelly Rohrbach, Irina Shayk, Candice Swanepoel and Karlie Kloss.
“From rock to hip-hop, classic to country, and electric to soul, this unique group of Icons is about diversity, that is what I love,” Roitfeld said. “Celebrating a universal language of music and fashion is important to the world today.” To celebrate this occasion, Bazaar held the star-studded event in New York City presented by Infor, Laura Mercier, Stella Artois, Fujifilm and Swarovski on September 8.
Partygoers arrived through a marbled room filled with Moet vending machines. The guests proceeded up a grand staircase to a soaring ballroom, where there was a bar serving nothing but mini bottles of champagne.
The star of the evening is undoubtedly The Weeknd. The 27-year old Canadian singer-songwriter, born Abel Tesfaye, is one of the hottest singer right now. In a prolonged and highly energetic set, The Weeknd sang tracks including ‘Starboy,’’ ‘Party Monster,’ ‘I Feel It Coming’ and ‘Can’t Feel My Face.’ The mesmerized crowd included Selena Gomez, who received a special shout out from her boyfriend. While it was a big night for The Weeknd, the lavish bash also marked the couple's second red carpet appearance together since the Met Gala.
There are New York fashion week parties and then there's the New York fashion week party: BAZAAR Icons. The evening was a chance for both bold names and no names (myself) to low-key roll into the party.
The DL 5th Anniversary Party
On the evening of Wednesday, August 16th, The DL celebrated its 5th Anniversary. An already world famous venue, known for having both a nightclub and a lounge, the DL also boasts a spacious rooftop deck overlooking the Lower East Side. The event made sure it's guests did not go hungry by serving some of the venue's famous finger foods, including coconut shrimp and grilled vegetable skewers.
For the 5th anniversary, the DL served up the four different cocktails and the patrons gladly tasted them on repeat. Felicidad (left), a tequila made up with mescal and raspberry, was a hit of at the event.
DJ Chris Willard's music got many of the guests onto the dance floor, while others lined up for the photo booth. For this year’s event, DL brought Incubate's Future Booth to the rooftop. After filming videos or pictures of themselves, guests were able to add their numbers, and send the photo/video to their mobile on a later date, as if they were receiving a message from the past.
In addition to the amazing rooftop, the DL has two more levels. The first floor, which is filled with beautiful chandeliers dripping in crystals, offers a luxurious atmosphere which also serves as a dinning area. The second floor is a lounge named Red Room. This appropriately named room gives off a intimate and sultry vibe with its red lighting. Charitable events and art parties are regularly held here as well. Nevertheless, the rooftop, with its magnificent views of the Williamsburg Bridge and the plant-filled garden, is still definitely the best part of The DL.
Their cocktail menu is seasonal and also includes extensive bottle service offerings.
The DL is located at 95 Delancey St, New York, NY 10002
Photos courtesy of DL
Secret Summer Festival 2017
On August 6th, dozens of selected guests were invited to be part of the Secret Summer Festival 2017!
This festival was held at The Foundry; a venue filled with greenery and located in Queens, which was a much needed break from the busy Manhattan. The beautiful summer weather was even more appreciated out in the gardens -- the sun was shining, and summer flowers were seen all over.
Upon entering the beautiful garden, guests who dressed up to their most festival fancy were able to complete their look more perfect. The first step was to Gold Foil Tattoos station. Guests were given the opportunity to have a gold lettering tattoo on their body. Also, Mehdni By Monika was showing off their face painting skills and people’s faces were lighting up the room even at the dark places.
Secret Summer Festival 2017 was full of things to enjoy and play. Haiku Guys & Gals listened to each person’s story and wrote them a personal haiku, while Anthony Kieren Water Colors painted portraits of visiting guests. SPIN also presented a petit playground called ‘PRO PING-PONG GARDEN,’ and We Love Photobooths and ESP Cameras provided photo lovers the chance to spend the whole day in booths. DJ’s playing and performing arts gave patrons the chance to dance away the summer night.
The highlights of the day were the 8 kinds of farm-to-bar cocktails! SPRING 44 Farm-to-Tonic BAR was one of the most crowded bar among bar sections. They coated the glass with agave syrup and decorated it with cornflower petals from Farm One. Made of Spring 44 vodka, Polar tonic water and red syrup, the creation looked gorgeous.
2/ Figgedaboudit
Zacapa Rum served a honeyful cocktail. Their rum tasted deeply sweet, and went well with coconut water from Harmless Harvest. The bee pollen around the cup added a nice finish.
3/ Stone in Love
Herradura brought nectarines and serrano peppers from Thorpe’s Farm into their cocktails, but balanced the explosion of flavor with a light, creamy egg foam.
4/ Resting Birch Face
Woodford Reserve used their own dropper: ’WOODFORD RESERVE SPICED CHERRY BITTERS’. Various mints from Farm.One gave a refreshing taste.
Even nondrinkers had various options to choose from. Illy served up affogato, while La COLOMBE COFFEE came with 6 varieties of draft latte. Kevita and Harmless Harvest were loved by the health-conscious. They brought probiotic drinks and coconut water which everyone grabbed endlessly.
Most of all, the best part of this festival was the the amazing people who came out and showed out. Below the cloud-lighting, sitting around the outdoor table or on the rooftop garden, people could stay, drink and chat away their summer stories.
Photos courtesy of Secret Summer
Oscar Wilde NYC
In his house in the London neighborhood of Chelsea, famed Irish playwright Oscar Wilde wrote in a study containing “a colossal bust of Apollo, a number of bronzes, a Chinese lantern, a Persian carpet as well as a sheepskin rug, and several easy chairs.” There’s no doubt, then, that the witty writer would feel much at home at the soon to be opened Oscar Wilde NYC, named in his honor.
The bar, boasting smooth bronze figurines and cool marble statues, dozens of high backed, leather covered chairs, and a painted glass window that creates the illusion of everlasting sunlight, is a true homage to the writer’s gilded, ornate style. Even the bathrooms, a flight below the main bar area, are adorned with extravagance, with portraits of Victorian era figures and dark mahogany molding.
Perhaps even more breathtaking than the decor, however, are the elaborate, handcrafted cocktails thought up especially for the bar by mixologist Johnny Swet. Patrons can enjoy Wilde inspired drinks such as “Fifty Shades of Dorian Gray,” “Oscar Wilde’s Potent Elixir,” and a chilly, era esque absinthe drip. There’s the standard bar fare as well, but, in true Victorian fashion, it comes with an opulent twist -- displayed behind the the marble topped bar, which, at nearly one hundred and nineteen feet, is the longest in New York City, there are 300 types of whiskey and 32 beers on tap.
But Oscar Wilde NYC isn’t a slave to gilded memories of the past. In a move that departs from its grandiose Victorian theme, the bar will also provide modern dining options using fresh, farm-to-table ingredients. Dishes will include cured salmon with fried capers, crème fraiche, jalapeno, and salted cabbage slaw; ‘buffalo wings styled’ cauliflower, buttered in rice flour and tossed with a Sriracha butter sauce; and a personal, heartier favorite -- tender, pull apart oxtail with a side of pureed potatoes.
In putting this bar together, owners Tommy Burke and Frank McCole have outdone themselves with their dedication and attention to the work and lifestyle of Oscar Wilde. This isn’t a bar likely to end up jumbled up on your list of pre-game drinking spots, mixed in with your old college hang out and the place your bartender friend works at. Like the man himself, Oscar Wilde NYC is the main event, meant to be enjoyed in the singular, and -- most importantly -- in earnest.
OSCAR WILDE NYC opens on August 16th, 2017, and is located at 45 West 27th Street.
Photo courtesy of Oscar Wilde
Silver Towers Presents Art Meets Mixology
On the evening of Wednesday, June 21, the “Silver Towers Presents Art Meets Mixology” event offered guests a number of things to celebrate, from art, to real estate, to the evolution of the Hell’s Kitchen area, to mixology. Silver Towers, a breathtaking 60-story Silverstein Property located in Hell’s Kitchen, hosted the party on its gorgeous 7th-floor rooftop level. The party, which celebrated the prosperous Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood and Larry Silverstein’s vision for it, presented mixed media artist Miguel Ovalle’s 3D, eight-foot sculpture entitled “Hell’s Kitchen Rising,” portraying the past, present, and future of the area. The stunning sculpture was showcased with music, and fluorescent lights as guests entered a room before ascending the stairs to the outdoor party.
As guests entered the spacious rooftop level, they were immediately stunned by the breathtaking views. Silver Towers offers a seemingly endless look down 42nd street, with the flashing lights of Times Square clearly visible in the distance. The other side of 42nd offers a gorgeous and serene view of the waterfront.
The rooftop provided guests with a multitude of comfortable couches and tables to sit at and mingle. All of the tables at the party, from the tall drink tables to the bar itself, were lit up by LED lights in various colors. This modern twist on the party was paired with hip hop music as well as a “selfie cam,” which was a hit amongst guests.
In addition to artist Miguel Ovalle, a star of the evening was celebrity mixologist Rob Floyd, who demonstrated his very own “Cocktail Theatre” performance in front of the guests. Floyd interacted with his audience while creating a visual masterpiece through the use of liquid nitrogen. In minutes, he created the perfect “slushy” cocktail with hints of jalapeno and tequila, which he shared with each of the guests.
The bar refreshments were sponsored by 1893 and included Moscow mules and spicy margaritas. Furthermore, guests enjoyed delicious food from some of Hell’s Kitchen very own chefs from 5 Napkin Burger and Le Vela.
Overall, this party was magnificent and undoubtedly delivered the message that Hell’s Kitchen is the place to be in New York City.
#silvertowers #artmeetsmixology #eatliveplayhk
Photos courtesy of Getty Images for Silver Towers
Matii Salon Day of Beauty
On Monday, June 26th, Matii Salon held Beauty Day; a media invite only event, where writers/editors were welcomed to check out the salon and experience their offered treatments first hand. Matii Salon specializes in men and women’s hairstyles and specifically the health of the hair and scalp. Their goal is to help the customer discover their style, whether it be simple, sophisticated, or glam. I was blown away by the treatment I received, but after learning more about the owner & European Master Stylist, Bernhards Ziverts and European Master Stylist, Nigel Mullahy, it is no surprise that everyone who came to the salon walked out looking nothing short of fabulous.
The owner of Matii Salon, Bernhards Ziverts originates from a long lineage of hair professionals and has over thirty years of salon experience, making him a true authority in the world of hair. His training began when he was at a young age, where his mother would bring him onto movie sets where she worked as a hair and makeup artist. This gave Ziverts an inside look at how things worked within the fashion and beauty industry. Ziverts studied at The Hairstyling Academy in Riga, where he trained to go on to not only participate but win in hair competitions worldwide in countries such as Paris, Prague, and Moscow, including the prestigious “Grand Prix Wedding Updo” competition. He also trained in London before making his way to New York City and completing the Toni and Guy certificate program. With Bernhard Ziverts, perfection is not expected, but inevitable.
Master Stylist Nigel Mullahy also has over thirty years of salon experience and tons of world-renowned training under his belt. In his homeland of Ireland, Mullahy trained in cutting, coloring, and correcting from the early age of sixteen years old before moving to London and working more on his skills with some of the world-class master stylists from the institutes of Vidal Sassoon and Toni and Guy. He then moved to New York where he has worked not only inside the city but also outside of the city in Rockland. Nigel has appeared in numerous magazines, most recently he was credited as one of the top five celebrity colorists in US Magazine. Getting your hair done by Nigel Mullahy means feeling ready for your Red Carpet debut.
I had the pleasure of getting my hair done by Nigel, and from start to finish he made me feel comfortable with putting my hair in his hands. After getting a conditioning treatment placed in my hair, I was offered a glass of wine or champagne while I waited under the hair dryer. Guests were also welcomed to light bites by Celebrity Chef Chris Nirschel, as if everyone was not being pampered enough already. Many New York Stylists tend to give off snob-like vibes and make you feel pressured to go in a direction with your hair that you do not want to go, but not at Matii Salon. I felt entirely at ease and everyone there was so incredibly friendly. Once my hair dried, Nigel brought me to sit in front of the mirror and discussed his ideas with me on what to do with my hair. He made sure I understood exactly what he had in mind and that I was one-hundred percent okay with it. I trusted his judgment and I am so glad that I did because I am in love with my new haircut. My hair feels so soft and lightweight even after a couple of washes, and I have been getting compliments left and right. Afterwards, I had the opportunity to talk to the owner Bernhards, who gave me some expert tips on hair care and some styling ideas for me to use in the future. I left with not only a stunning new haircut, but also a generous gift bag full of products that focus on bettering the health of your hair by brands such as Goldwell and Oribe.
Although I was invited this time by Salon Matii, there is no doubt that I Intend on booking my own appointment the next time I want to feel and look like a celebrity. I strongly suggest anyone who wants to feel the same books an appointment today at matiisalon.com.
Special thanks to MJ Pedone from Indra Public Relations. Photography by Daniel Scott Morris.
Taste of Home 2017
On the evening of Wednesday, June 14th, Housing Works hosted “Taste of Home,” its annual culinary benefit that fully supports those living with HIV/AIDS in the New York City area. Taste of Home took place at Housing Works’ own Bookstore Cafe, a cozy destination that is a downtown staple for tourists and locals alike. However, for the event, the charming bookstore transformed into a hospitable and upscale dining venue, where guests enjoyed tasting the craft of some of NYC’s supreme chefs.
Upon arrival, guests checked in and were greeted by amiable hosts with a menu of tasting options for the night. Throughout the bookstore were numerous tables adorned with a wide array of cuisines. VIP hour, which was accessible to those who purchased VIP admission tickets, consisted of a reception with hors d'oeuvres from Comparti New York and an intimate “meet and greet” with the chefs and co-host Alex Guarnaschelli, a highly acclaimed chef who has made appearances on both Chopped and Iron Chef.
General admission, which began at 7:00 p.m., provided guests with foods from Shopsin’s Tamara Shopsin, Mission Chinese Food’s Angela Dimayuga, Bread & Salt’s Rick Easton, Superiority Burger’s Brooks Headley, and Comparti New York’s Felipe Donnelly. Dessert was presented by Butter’s Kevin O’Brien. Each of the various foods, from ceviche to cheddar cheese pancakes, were served and described by the chefs at their own decorative tables dispersed throughout the bookstore. Additionally, Greenport Harbor Brewing Company beer and Nomikai Fizzy Rosé were served as refreshments.
Overall, hosts Alex Guarnaschelli, Sam Sifton, Geoff Bartakovics, and Francis Lam, in addition to honorary chairs Ruth Reichl, Mo Rocca, and Jessica Seinfeld were remarkable in organizing this delightful evening celebrating the art of food, as well as Housing Works’ mission of providing services and displaying political advocacy for those living with HIV/AIDS. Housing Works, which accounts for not only Housing Works Bookstore Cafe, but also Housing Works Thrift Shops and The Works Catering, is based on the three pillars of advocacy, service, and entrepreneurial businesses, all of which center around fighting both AIDS and homelessness in New York City. 100% of the proceeds raised through “Taste of Home” went towards ending HIV/AIDS.
Photos courtesy of Astrid Stawiarz for Getty Images
For more information or donate to Housing Works visit: http://www.housingworks.org/
RAND's British Luxury Brunch
Select guests were invited for a private brunch on Saturday, June 10 in Greenwich, CT to showcase the latest models from Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, and McLaren along with exclusive luxury brands.
RAND Luxury hosted the event in association with Miller Motorcars and Greenwich magazine at a private estate worth 9.75 million dollars. RAND Luxury, based in Manhattan, is known for its “evening of luxury” events during which they support the launches of the newest cars in the industry, complemented by features from upscale brands. Within the last year alone, RAND collaborated with Rolls-Royce, Tesla, Lamborghini, and Aston Martin. They have been highlighted in media to the likes of the New York Times, New York Magazine, and CNBC’s show High Net Worth. Everything RAND does is in style, and the brunch held at one of the finest properties in Greenwich was no exception.
Upon entry, guests were welcomed into the spacious 7 bedroom, 10 bathroom home. The property is 14,000 square feet on 16.7 acres of land, featuring a fitness center and multiple lounging areas. After the option of a tour, patrons could exit into the grassy outdoor wonderland of luxury items--champagne, macarons, and barbecue galore.
Over 250 affluent guests attended, including Bradford Rand, President and CEO of RAND Luxury; Trish Kirsch, Publisher of Greenwich Magazine; Jonathan Moffly, President of Moffly Media; Avril Graham, Executive Fashion & Beauty Editor of Harpers Bazaar; Tony Mazzulli, Executive Director of KW Commercial; Diana Ji, Founder & Managing Director of Smiles Delivered; Jourdan Sloane, Creative Director of The Limit Does Not Exist; Michelle Ressler, Creative Director of Cremedmichelle; Cassandra Dimico, Content Creator for Dress for Dreams; Natalia Kralia, Manager of FP&A; Rob Love, Founder of Launchpad Worldwide; Owen C. Biglin, Vice President of Corp. FX Product Sales Bank of America Merrill Lynch; Katie Fong, Creative Director & CEO of Katie Fong LLC; and Jennifer D' Antoni, President of NYC Elite Boutique.
RAND Luxury has spent over 12 years working with the world’s most luxurious brands. This brunch featured sponsors from Acker Merrall & Condit, Alec Bradley Cigars, Artis Brush, Betteridge, Bucco Couture, Glenfiddich Scotch, Grandstand Sports and Memorabilia, Honda Aircraft Company, Immotor, In Villas Veritas, J Mendel, Jet Aviation Holdings, Macaron Bites, Miller Motorcars, New York Prime Beef, Parsons Xtreme Golf, Patron, and Stone Farm.
Each brand had a unique exhibit for guests to experience. Besides the open bar that used exclusively high-end liquors, Brandon Everett, creator of Cocktail Drops, provided hand-crafted Patron cocktails that were formed into solid spheres and served in cones. The drops had a smooth, custard-like consistency of which melted in your mouth immediately. Between enjoying those signature cocktails and indulging in fine cuisine, guests were able to take leisure in cleansing their palate with premium cigars. It was truly an experience that could not be matched within the hustle of New York City.
The entire afternoon exuded extravagance, but it wouldn’t have been complete without a fundraiser. The day came to a close with a silent auction. A night with the Giant legend Eli Manning, an in home dinner for 10 by the Chef of Rao’s, and a Villa Lusso getaway to Peruga were just a few of the high-class experiences of up for grabs. All proceeds went to benefit Greenwich Hospital and RAND Luxury’s next big summer soiree, Under the Stars, featuring Gavin DeGraw.
The estate is available for acquisition by The Stevens Kencel Group. Private tours are available through Jim Hoffman at 203-517-8105 or JHoffman@SBPCT.com
Photo Credit Marilyn Roos of Greenwich Magazine
RIOULT Dance NY - Fire in the Sky and Te Deum
Fire in the Sky
The opening night of RIOULT Dance NY took place at the Joyce Theater on Wednesday, May 31st. RIOULT Dance NY was founded in 1994 and has become a well-known name in modern dance for presenting the sensual, articulate, and exquisitely musical works of Pascal Rioult. Mr. Rioult came to the United States on a fellowship from the French Ministry of Culture to study modern dance in 1981. After performing with multiple companies and featuring in two television specials, he started RIOULT Dance NY and developed his own choreographing style and nurtured a robust ensemble of dancers. The New York City-based dance company has an annual New York season, tours internationally, and offers dance classes, workshops, and intensives to the public. At this particular performance, RIOULT displayed two innovative dances, the very first performance of Fire in the Sky and the classic Te Deum.
Fire in the Sky
Fire in the Sky
Fire in the Sky was Rioult’s first rock and roll piece, set to the music of Deep Purple. The performance was electrifying and fun, people in the audience nodded their heads to the beat of the music. Rioult says the dance was inspired by the music he danced to in the 70s at clubs during his journey to becoming a dancer, choreographer, and artistic director, and that was portrayed in the phenomenal performance. With songs such as “Smoke on the Water” and “Highway Star,” it was easy to feel like you were being transported back in time. The costumes on display in the performances were designed by the Emmy Award-winning, and Oscar-nominated designer Patricia Field and NYC designer David Dalrymple.
Te Deum
Te Deum
Te Deum
Te Deum premiered in 1996 and had always been performed by Rioult himself. Now, for the first time, Te Deum was conducted by another dancer other than himself. Set to Arvo Pärt’s score of the same name with costumes by Mondo, Marymount Manhattan College’s Costume Coordinator, the dance was beautiful and spiritually charged by the inspiration from Rioult’s home city Caen.
Afterparty
Artistic Director Pascal Rioult and Kathleen Turner
Audience members were in awe watching the dancers gracefully move across the stage, telling an emotional story with their bodies. Artists are always their biggest critic, and Pascal Rioult claims this is a piece he believes he will be working on forever, but this piece was magnificent.
Pascal Rioult, Joyce Herring, composer Michael Tork
RIOULT Dance NY dancers
The performance was followed by the opening party at the Italian restaurant Il Bastardo, where attendees were greeted to hors d'oeuvres and an open bar. Guests had the chance to mingle with the dancers, choreographers, and designers. It was a beautiful night of artistic inspiration and celebration.
Photos courtesy of Eric Bandiero and Sophia Negron.
Cool Culture UnGala
On May 25th, the architectural wonder known as the IAC building was buzzed with the energy of hundreds of people. The Cool Culture UnGala 2017, an annual event helped raise funds for Cool Cultures numerous arts affordability programs.
Cool Culture partners with 90 NYC premiere museums and over 400 preschools to ensure that over 50,000 of New York's most diverse families with preschool-aged children have free and unlimited access to arts and culture as a way to increase literacy and learning, family engagement, and strengthen communities. The annual event helps families and students afford arts education that might previously have been unreachable.
To the tunes of performers Lion Babe, pianist Harold O’ Neal and the sounds of DJ Rich Medina, guests were able to sway and talk on important arts and social justice issues. Every so often, there comes along an event in where guests achieve the perfect balance of serious conversation and light hearted dancing, the UnGala proved to be one of those rare few. Attendees could be seen sipping drinks, smiling and talking about how they could push for the development of more NYC arts programs. The family and community engagement topic was on everyone’s mind as the night focused around the true, charitable meaning of what Cool Culture is about. The rest of the evening included a sit down dinner, silent auction, awards presentations, and open bar.
In addition to serious conversations, there was also a live and silent auction aspect of the event. As attendees danced, these ongoing auctions helped raise additional funds while offering perks like art and personal masterpieces.
The diverse mix of cultures and ideas helped mark the event as an open and accepting space for all. People from across the spectrum helped pull together to make the Cool Culture annual UnGala a wonderful success.
Photos Credit: Jonathan Grassi
Hublot's Timepiece For 10th Anniversary Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic
Earlier this week, luxury Swiss watchmaker Hublot unveiled its latest timepiece during an intimate cocktail event at the Fifth Avenue Boutique. The special edition Classic Fusion Veuve Clicquot, created in collaboration with the French champagne house, is retailing at $17,700. It features a sapphire dial, sapphire glass, and sixty jewels.
Friends of both brands and selected media were invited to partake in the evening. Notable guests include Jean-François Sberro, Managing Director of Hublot of America; Vanessa Kay, Senior Vice President of Vueve Clicquot; and Captain of the Veuve Clicquot Polo Team, Ignacio “Nacho” Figueras. Figuera’s wife, Delfina Blaquier, was in attendance as well. Upon arrival, guests were greeted with champagne and passed hors d’oeuvres such as mini summer rolls.
Sberro presented the watch alongside Nacho Figueras and commented, “Veuve Clicquot defines their brand by being ‘modern and audacious,’ while living up to their motto of being the finest in quality. This philosophy resonated with us at Hublot as we strive to be a trailblazer in the watch industry; always evolving to be at the forefront of new concepts and technology. Our shared attributes, along with Hublot’s love for the sport, made this partnership feel like a natural connection.”
Hublot means “a different way to progress.” Every moment moves forward at a breathtaking speed to create the future. Hublot’s Chairman Jean-Claude Biver and CEO Ricardo Guadalupe have turned the Hublot brand into a success story since taking control in 2004. Hublot has long supported polo across the world, and the Classic Fusion Veuve Clicquot encapsulates its spirit of sport and style.
On June 3rd, the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a day of polo, picnicking, and champagne hosted by Neil Patrick Harris. It will be held at Liberty State Park, where VIP guests will experience the Vueve Clicquot Rosé Garden including beautiful open lounge seating and a prime view of the game. The event will end with a special performance by 15-time Grammy® Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Alicia Keys.
The Classic Fusion Veuve Clicquot is available at the Hublot Fifth Avenue Boutique in New York City (743 Fifth Avenue at E. 58th Street) in a limited run of ten pieces.
Photos courtesy of Paulwilmot
Billion Oyster Party
The Billion Oyster Party, a four hour event which took place at Pioneer Works in Red Hook, Brooklyn, on Thursday, May 18th, was a delightfully entertaining and lively way to kick off the summer. NY Waterway provided a complementary and convenient ferry ride from Pier 11 to Red Hook for guests to arrive at the party in style.
Upon arrival, guests found a plethora of foods, including over fifty oyster farmers from all over the country, and from twenty of New York City’s premier restaurants. The food extended far beyond oysters alone, and included fish, clams, crab cakes, biscuits, key lime pies, and much more. All of the cooks, chefs, and farmers at their food stations were passionate about their craft and offered an abundance of knowledge on oysters, seafood, and marine health. Additionally, guests were able to listen to a live bluegrass performance while savoring the good company, delectable food, and refreshing bar drinks. Outside of the large open venue, the Billion Oyster Party All-Star Shucking Championship took place, offering a lighthearted and fun element of competition to the event.
The Billion Oyster Party’s mission was to promote the restoration of NY Harbor and the general oceanic environment as a whole. Students from the NY Harbor School attended the party and were able to offer guests information on the Billion Oyster Project, which is a New York Harbor Foundation ecosystem restoration and education initiative. A central goal of the BOP is to restore one billion live oysters in the local New York harbor. Proceeds from both the tickets and the silent auction went towards the cornerstones of the BOP, which are Shell Collection, Reef Construction and Monitoring, Oyster Production, and Public Engagement, and BOP Schools. Also, the BOP honored Arthur Imperatore with the Harbor Stewardship Award for his work in establishing New York Waterway. The BOP granted another honor, The Sea Change Award, to those involved in the production of the documentary film Saving Jamaica Bay.
All in all, this year’s party, which was the largest one to date, was both an unforgettable experience and a highly educational event. After experiencing all that the Billion Oyster Party had to offer, guests absolutely left feeling upbeat, pleasantly full from incredible food, and informed on an incredible mission.
Photos courtesy of Taylor Lear