Paris After Dark Valentine Ball
Since its inception in 2017, Dances of Vice has been the go-to experience for a fetishistic nightlife phenomenon in New York that specializes in fantasy partying and highly styled themed entertainment. Their itinerant parties attract a debauched menagerie of creative mavericks who celebrate art, beauty, human desire, and the freeing powers of imagination and surrealism. Dances of Vice's originator, Shien Lee, has garnered international acclaim as an experienced architect and shrewd organizer of midnight celebrations. Her main goal was to foster the empowerment of artists and strengthen community relationships.
On February 15, illustrious guests flocked to the renowned Capitale for the Paris After Dark - St. Valentine Ball, a Dances of Vice production. Capitale served as the ideal venue for the gathering. The landmark building at 130 Bowery, once occupied by the Bowery Savings Bank, was erected in the late 19th century. The stunning Beaux-Arts building, Corinthian columns, and towering 19th-century skylight of Capitale NY set the stage for a magical evening. The team did an amazing job decorating the inside as well. Gorgeous paintings, crown molding, a winding wooden staircase, amazing lighting and candelabras, wood and marble everywhere, and exquisite rooms like the ballroon, reading room with a massive fireplace, and stage room created an atmosphere reminiscent of a movie set.
The dress code was Parisian decadence, high fashion hedonism, moulin rouge, crazy horse, carnevale, burlesque, fantasy, top hats, rococo, vintage or black tie attire. Everyone was dressed to the nines, those theming experts!
There was something going on all the time. In every room, all senses were being filled every second. In an outrageous combination of Baroque dance, live music, opera, circus, gender-bending burlesque, and realistic immersive theater, the concept of Parisian seduction came to life. The best part of the night was definitely the BDSM Boundior on the club’s second level for VIP guests. In this section were additional provocative, sado-sensual performances and things I can’t even mention here.
This was not a party, but an experience. An experience that everyone needs to try at least once.
New York Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion
From February th toFebruary 9th, 2020, Art Hearts Fashion hosted the New York Fashion Week at the Angel Orensanz Foundation, including a variety of outstanding designers and artists, as well as marvelous guests.
The 2020 New York Fashion Week powered by Art Hearts Fashion started on Friday 6, when the doors opened at 6pm for a fashion and art exhibition. The opening night and the following three days were filled with unique fashion runway shows and breaks to enjoy the art exhibitions and delicious cocktails.
The venue of this year's Art Hearts Fashion shows was the Angel Orensanz Foundation in Bowery, Manhattan, which contributed an exclusive atmosphere to the events. With the ambience of an old majestic church, the location framed the runway and art shows perfectly.
Participating designers included Glaudi, Raul Penaranda, Willet Designs, Grayling Pernell Merlin Castell, as well as Alexandra Popescu-York and Willfredo Gerardo.
The great variety of designers is another factor that devotes to the exceptional experience of the Art Hearts Fashion Week in New York.
After the shows, guests had the chance to meet the models and designers while taking pictures for a personal memory or asking questions about the newest collections.
Art Hearts Fashion is a platform for designers and artists, that gives them the possibility to showcase their collections in a contemporary fashion week surrounding. The national platform helds events from coast to coast in New York, Miami, Los Angeles and beyond.
Since it was founded in 2011, Art Hearts Fashion has established into a leading platform in the art & fashion community.
Studio Day with Phillip Lim - Introduction of the 2020 FW Collection
On Monday, February 10th from 1pm-8pm, Phillip Lim debuted his 2020 Fall and Winter collection for women and men at their flagship store in NoHo. Since the event was free and open to anybody, the diverse crowd made up for a broad range from Fashion Week experts to upcoming designers as well as spontaneous spectators and food fanatics.
The latter were particularly pleased by the small hors d’oeuvres that were generously provided by Fish Cheeks, NoHo’s acclaimed seafood-focused Thai restaurant. The collaboration was initiated by Phillip Lim who also hosted his brand launch at Fish Cheeks, the designer’s personal favorite. Just like the designer, guests were soon swayed by the selection of toasted cod over watermelon and a chicken pork ensemble over pineapple.
But the focus was neither on the described hors d’oeuvres nor the open bar which offered wine, beer or tequila, but obviously on the designer’s new collection. Just like the objective of the event the creation of an open space that welcomes everybody, the designs were also applicable to a wide range of taste and color preferences.
In Phillip Lim’s usual manner, the design pieces displayed the brand’s luxury and yet effortless style while successfully maintaining an air of extravaganza rooted in responsible modernity. The FW20 collection accordingly employed recycled cruelty-free wool serge as well as organic, toxic-free finished cotton to name only a few of the many sustainable elements.
The appreciation of all, including even largely unexplored, material, was further resembled in the collection’s style which suits people from all kinds of backgrounds and age brackets. Accordingly, youthfully tailored shells and skirts were in constant alternation with more streamlined and minimalist pieces which left no browsing eye dissatisfied.
All in all, the event was a huge success which was also demonstrated by the sheer and unexpected quantity of guests visiting the flagship store that day. And rightfully so. Especially in today’s times, collections like Phillip Lim’s take an important stand for nonconformity, tolerance and freedom and should be celebrated for that.
The Sound and The Future - Alex Schweder
As an artist, Alex Schweder formed the term “Performance Architecture”. The New Yorker developed a unique handwriting in his work, when transforming the understanding of architecture as an instructions providing but also identity (per-) forming element.
One of his artworks, The Sound and The Future is on display at the Design Gallery, Pratt Studio 200 at Pratt Institute from February 3 until February 9, 2020.
The Sound and The Future
On Monday invited Schweder, who is also a Professor of Design at Pratt Institute, students as well as art enthusiasts to an exclusive lecture, where the artist discussed his inflatable artworks, including The Sound and The Future.
Alex Schweder himself describes this work as “an air-powered architectural robot that reconfigures the spaces around it with hairy and metallic arms flopping and stiffening.” He once again proved in his lecture, which was open for the public, that he is not only an outstanding artist, but also succeeds in transferring his knowledge and enthusiasm to the audience.
The Sound and The Future
The artist gave a unique insight of his creative process and his individual approach to art. After the lecture Schweder himself showed his artwork The Sound and The Future and was open to questions and thoughts on his work.
The work of the performance architecture artist has been already exhibited internationally in the Museum of Modern Art, the Tate Britain, Perform 17, the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the 2014 Venice Architecture Biennale.
Alex Schweder is also a fellow of the American Academy in Rome.
Invisible Rules of Japan Exhibition
On Thursday, the Invisible rules of Japan exhibition celebrated its opening at the Noho M55 Gallery in Chelsea.
The founder of the Japanese Contemporary Artist Team, Arisa Itami, invited guests to take a glance at the exhibition, that turned out to be a real must-see, not only for fans of Japanese art, but also for everyone who is interested in exploring cultural differences.
The newest curated JCAT exhibition is on display in Chelsea from Jan. 28th to the 1st of February. But no reason to be too sad if you can’t make it, Itami plans to compile the pieces into an art book.
Itami curated a unique selection of pieces from artists that are members of the JCAT. After a warm welcome, the curator explained the process she went through selecting the artworks. The more than 200 Japanese Artists in the JCAT have the opportunity to contribute a piece to the exhibitions and the curator carefully chooses which artworks fit the best.
The Invisible rules of Japan curation is a matter that is very close to Arisa Itami’s heart, explained the curator, while showing us her one-of-a-kind exhibition. Each artwork illustrates one “invisible rule” of the Japanese culture and intends to explain these unspoken concepts that Japanese people consider as common sense.
Invisible Rule of no elbows on the table. (Artist: yaya hills)
The Japanese Kimonos are always wrapped left over right. If you don’t follow this rule, it will bring bad luck, said the curator Arisa Itami. She wants to introduce foreigners to the Japanese culture and make visitor’s stays in Japan as comfortable as possible. Due to the long isolation from the rest of the world, many of these rules are specific to the Japanese culture.
Every artwork is created on a B4 sketchbook paper and the pieces range from illustrations, pictures to pictures and other forms of art.
Itami furter emphases that all participating artists have their unique story, that is always displayed next to their artwork. This diversity is another factor that contributes to the greatness of the JACT exhibitions.
MAYU, one of the participating artists came to welcome visitors at the opening party all the way from Japan. MAYU shared not only her artwork, but also her culture and opened up that New York actually reminds her a lot of her hometown in Japan.
Based in New York City, the mission of the Japanese Contemporary Art Team is to represent talented Japanese artists from around the world and to assist these artists with their careers. JACT believes that every artist deserves to create a career from what they love to do.
The Invisible rules of Japan exhibition was a full success and we highly recommend checking JCAT’s website for their upcoming events.
Official Flyer designed by Artist MAYU.
TOP FEBRUARY NYC EVENTS
DJ, dancing, casino gaming, raffles, open bar and hors d’oeuvres
🍷 Domaine Christian Moreau Père et Fils
🍷 Olivier Leflaive Frères
🍷 Stéphane Aviron
🍷 Domaine Faiveley
🍷 Château Fuissé
The Friends of the Budapest Festival Orchestra Gala will be held on February 23, 2020 at Lincoln Center's David Geffen Hall. Maestro Iván Fischer will host the all-Dvořák program: Legend; Evening's blessing, from Four Choruses; Slavonic Dance; Violin Concerto, and Symphony No. 8.
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The Bronx Letters Foundation Food for Thought Benefit brings some of New York's best chefs together in one place for an incredibly delicious evening.Our foundation supports the UA Bronx Academy of Letters, a 6 to 12 public school located in the South Bronx, our country's poorest congressional district, which is a mere 3 miles from Manhattan's Upper East Side.By supporting our foundation, you are making a difference in the lives of our scholars. You are embracing the chance to help to break the cycle of poverty one kid at a time. Thanks to generous donors like you we are able to offer our 600 at-risk, high-needs students a challenging, inspiring, college preparatory, safe learning environment with life-changing enrichment opportunities.Join us and be a part of the solution!
6. The DREAM Project’s 8th Annual
What: The DREAM Project’s 8th Annual Benefit and Awards: Sueños 2020
When: Thursday, February 27th, 2020 | Red Carpet: 6:30 PM | Main Event: 7:30 -10:00 PM
Where: The Mezzanine, Wall Street (55 Broadway, New York, NY 10006)
Theme: Celebrating Dominican Independence and the Independent Dominican Woman
Why: To raise the funds used to operate programs, impacting 8,000 youth in more than 27 disadvantaged communities, closing the cycle of poverty in the Dominican Republic.
Co-Hosted by: Kathy Romero, Global Entrepreneur and Celebrity Event Planner, Tony Peralta, contemporary artist and community leader, and Michel Zaleski, DREAM Chair and Founder.
Invited Celebrities: Actor Taye Diggs from Rent, Chef Kelvin, Actress Dasha Polanco, Leslie Grace, Misty Copeland and Anthony Ramos
Available for Interviews: Board Members (Pre-Event) . Contact us for Celebrity availability at the event.
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/suenos-2020-tickets-86122973131
Website: www.dominicandream.org
@giselle Screening at Lincoln Center
On January 14, 2020 a screening of @giselle by Joshua Beamish/MOVETHECOMPANY was hosted at The Bruno Walter Auditorium in New York City’s Lincoln Center.
Beamish created a new take on the beloved classic ballet Giselle, where dating apps and social media platforms reinterpret love, sex and relationships.
Joshua Beamish/MOVETHECOMPANY premiered @giselle at the Vancouver Playhouse in September 2019, commissioned by TO Live.
Performance of @giselle by David Cooper
@giselle stars American Ballet Theater’s Catherine Hurlin in the title role of Giselle and Betsy McBride as Bathilde, Pennsylvania Ballet’s Sterling Baca as Hilarion as well as National Ballet of Canada’s Harrison James as Albrecht.
What makes Beamish’s production so unique is the use of motion-captured digital projections and visual effects, that the director applied to reflect the digital world we live in.
"The ballet Giselle is one of the most profound constructions of the classical canon.” said Joshua Beamish, when introducing his show.
Catherine Hurlin and Joshua Beamish
He added: “I want the original work to exist within our production as its own ghost - a ghost from another time. Traditional romance is evaporating. The internet is threatening our ability to value individuals. @giselle shows the evolved hysteria born from unanswered texts, likes, and story views. In today's media saturated environment, is Giselle's descent into "madness" really so shocking? I hope audiences will relate to Giselle's journey and see themselves in the plights, struggles, and joys of the varying characters and their social interactions."
Performance of @giselle by David Cooper
After the screening of @giselle, the performing artists Hurlin, McBride and Baca joined Joshua Beamish on the stage to discuss and share the creative process of @giselle.
Baca emphasized Beamish’s ability to bring the old classic into the present time, by creating a version of Giselle we all know, yet never seen before.
Hurlin, McBride and Baca all agreed on the director’s distinctive characteristic of describing the detailed choreography with his broad vocabulary.
Joshua Beamish, Catherine Hurlin, Betsy McBride and Sterling Baca
The screening of the new interpretation of the ballet classic Giselle wasn’t only a unique chance to get a glimpse of the stunning production, but also to get an insight of the artistic process involved in the new must-see ballet and therefore made a special night for all guests.
Joanna and Brian Fisher underwrote the screening and served as hosts with Ben Rodriguez-Cubenas, Roger Kluge and Denise Roberts Hurlin.
Photos of the evening were taken by Sean Zanni PMC.
Bebe Neuwirth and Chris Calkins, Hank and Gerry Alpert and Jonah Boaker were some of the numerous guests that enjoyed the evening at the Lincoln Center.
@giselle honours the memory of every young life lost to Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS) complications.
Catherine Hurlin and Joshua Beamish
Brian and Joanna Fisher
PHOTOS BY SEAN ZANNI/PMC and DAVID COOPER
TOP JANUARY NYC EVENTS
The 10th annual Beer Bourbon & BBQ Festival is going to be EPIC! ……It’s a Southern Fried Good Time! Thank You Manhattan for a decade of outrageous fun – we are now going to spread our wings a bit and head across the river to Brooklyn. It’s time for one hellacious day of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, cigar smokin’, and barbeque eatin’. Your admission buys you a sampling glass so you can enjoy an ALL-YOU-CARE-TO-TASTE sampling of beer and bourbon.
Each Guest Receives a Souvenir Glass and the first 300 VIP get a Souvenir Bag.
BEAST CAGE: The Beast Cage is Back and Serving Up EXOTIC SMOKED MEATS all day: Alligator, Lamb, Bison, Longhorn Rounds, and much more.
The SHRINE OF SWINE is back! Enjoy whole hogs during each session. Pork worship at its finest!
Enjoy seminars in the Tasting Theater with Master Distillers, Brewmasters, and Pit Masters from the deep South.
Dance Or Rock Out to the DJs playing all your favorite tunes.
Browse brewerania, hot sauces, and BBQ accessories.
Bacon Eating Contest
Aquarius specialty cocktails and water are complementary to all ticket holders. Full meals will be available for purchase. Tickets begin at $95 and can be purchased by visiting: https://www.aquariusnyc.com Guests will also be invited to help save the ocean and the planet by donating $10 to Oceanic Global, AQUARIUS 2020’s official ocean conservation charity and sustainability partner.
The Winter Show is the leading art, antiques, and design fair in America, featuring 70 of the world’s top experts in the fine and decorative arts from ancient times to the present day. The Winter Show is an annual benefit for East Side House Settlement, a community-based organization serving the Bronx and Northern Manhattan. The Winter Show maintains the highest standards of quality in the art market, and each object is vetted for authenticity, date, and condition by a committee of 150 experts from the United States and Europe.
Tickets
Art Party Ticket
$250 ($200 for Whitney Contemporaries members), admits one
Artist Sponsor Ticket
$500 ($450 for Whitney Contemporaries members), admits one
The purchase of an Artist Sponsor ticket allows the Whitney to extend a complimentary ticket to an artist of its choosing.
Art Party proceeds benefit the Independent Study Program and other education initiatives of the Whitney.
The Largest Travel Trade and Consumer Show in North AmericaThe New York Times Travel Show attracts more than 35,000 attendees with over 700 exhibitors from more than 175 countries, making it the largest travel trade and consumer show in North America. Join us for the 2020 show on January 24 – 26 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.GET MORE INFORMATION
Sotheby’s Wine is hosting the annual Union Des Grands Crus De Bordeaux—and we’d like to invite you as our guest! This premier event brings together Bordeaux’s leading producers in celebration of the 2017 vintage, for a lively evening of tastings at Cipriani 42nd Street.
11th Annual Latke Festival
On Monday the 16th of December the 11th Annual Latke Festival took place at the Brooklyn Museum.
26-plus participants competed against each other for top latke honors in six different categories, including two new ones: Best Vegetarian and Best New Participant Latke.
A “civilian” (home cooked) competitor was also new this year, the winner of a latke recipe contest conducted by the Jewish Food Society. The winning recipe was made by Great Performances, New York City’s premier catering and events company that presents the Latke Festival every year as a benefit for The Sylvia Center, a nonprofit dedicated to nutrition and healthy cooking education for children in underserved neighborhoods.
The category Best New Participant was contributed to the larger number of new competitors, including Ha Noi House, Manhattan’s Graffiti Earth and Brooklyn’s Baoburg and more.
They had to compete against yearly returning participants like Veselka, Dizzy’s Club, Mama O’s and The Norm.
Jewsish Food Society's Russian Latkes
Besides the jury of influencers and food experts, such as Kate Krader, Bloomberg food editor and chef Rozanne Gold, the visitors also had the chance to vote for their favorite Latke and therefore determined the winner for the category People’s Choice Best Latke.
The winner in the category Best Overall was the first-time participant Hanoi House with a sweet potato and shrimp fritter latke.
Veselka and The Bankers Club at 120 Broadway shared the first place in the category People’s Choice.
A huge variety of Latke’s, from classic to decadent, were presented to the visitors and ready for them to try. With one being even more tasty than the other, it was very hard to come up with a personal decision.
Besides the numerous Latke options there were also other food offerings, including Pearl River Caviar, a pickle buffet from Jacob’s Pickles and a jelly donut and bread spread by Orrwasher’s.
Baoburg's Latke
Drinks were provided by Grey Goose Vodka, Angel’s Envy Bourbon specialty cocktails, Schmaltz Beer, City Winery Wines, GuS’s Soda and Brooklyn Roasting Company’s coffee.
The 11th Annual Latke Festival was a great night with delicious food, tasty drinks, good music and a unique atmosphere at the Brooklyn Museum that made a great start of the Holiday Season.
Photos by Great Performances
Echelon Fitness Experience
The winter season and the approach of New Year may bring with them the paradox of wanting to stay cozy inside yet the urge to get fit to face the year ahead. Echelon fitness offers a compromise, with a variety of home fitness technology to get into shape.
With a studio in Chattanooga, Echelon brought their fitness experience to New York with a pop-up displaying their range of fitness products including trainers running classes to showcase the workouts. Notable attendees at the display included famed trainer Billy Blanks, WWE Star Danielle Moinet, David Barton and fashion designer Marc Bouwer.
I participated in the class held on the Echelon Smart Connect Bike. The motivational combination of an enthusiastic trainer, up-beat music, and the easy to use settings on the bike proved a challenging workout, despite encountering a couple of technical difficulties with live streaming my results to the screen of the bike.
The Reflect Mirrors were also showcased, immersive fitness screens that can bring a virtual personal trainer right into your home with a variety of workouts on demand. The bikes and mirrors are both connected to the Echelon app to keep track of progress and be a part of a fitness community.
Naughty or Nice at The Skinny
First there was Jingle Hells, then it was Helliday Inn and now The Skinny on the Lower East Side transformed into its newest anti-holiday pop-up Naughty or Nice. Naughty and nice guests attended a preview that debuted the floor-to-ceiling over-the-top gaudy Christmas decor, unique cocktails like Milk n’ Cookies, The Horny Stag and Grinding up Against the Gingerbread Man and food menu offerings including Reindeer Balls (deep fried sausage stuffing and gravy), a Turducken Burger and Elf Weenies n’ Blankets.
A boozed up angry Santa greeted revelers as they walked in and seductive burlesque performer Velvetina Taylor had the crowd going wild. Guests also enjoyed games like a Wheel of Misfortune and the Holiday Claw Machine, which offered a chance to win absurd prizes.
As the holiday approaches NYC, it becomes difficult to choose the right bar to go to, but the holiday pop-up at The Skinny definitely merit a trip. The ambiance is extraordinary and the cocktails and staff are truly exquisite. You will be treated like royalty upon arrival and every aspect of your experience will be amazing.
Naughty or Nice will welcome visitors now through through December 31st. For more information, visit: https://www.theskinny-nyc.com
Photos by The Skinny NYC
A Night in Mexico Gala
On Saturday, December 7th, Pildora hosted an A Night in Mexico, a fundraiser supporting the Vida Digna Foundation of Chihuahua, Mexico. For almost 25 years, Vida Digna has sustained the Rarámuri communities of Chihuahua, Mexico. The heart of the foundation is to help these communities gain their basic necessities, such as healthcare, education, and clean drinking water.
The event was created and organized by none other than Pildora’s CEO and founder, Christina Almeida. Growing up in Chihuahua, Christina experienced the Rarámuri people firsthand and was always intrigued by their lifestyle and their love and respect for the planet. Bringing them to light in the New York City community was a dream come true. Not only did she want to raise funds for them, but she wanted guests to have the opportunity to learn from their communities’ respectful and sustainable culture.
The Rarámuri people’s appreciation for nature, love for our earth, and absolute respect for human life are basic fundamentals of the Rarámuri culture. The Rarámuri have been around for centuries and have endured disease and famine, but their ideologies have not changed. Today’s modern world must learn from the Rarámuri if we are to prosper together.
Hosted by Eglantina Zingg and Christina Almeida, the sustainable event began with a cocktail hour, where guests were transported to the streets of Mexico City to the beat of a live band in a space reminiscent of Frida Kahlo’s back yard, filled with plants, candles, and rich blues, yellows, and hints of pink. Greenery wrapped in twinkle lights cascaded from the ceiling and bright floral arrangements filled the corners of the room and adorned each table. A traditional Mexican gourmet meal was served while guests enjoyed an opening performance by Aztec calpulli dancers, dressed in beautifully colored dresses and Mariachi hats, performing a traditional Aztec dance.
A silent auction followed, featuring donated pieces from artists from the United States and Mexico, including purses from the Canna Project, a custom jacket from AndAgain, and paintings from Chrystal Rae, JD Miller, and Mateo Nava. A raffle was also held and one lucky guest took home a commissioned piece by artist Chrystal Rae.
Pildora presented its first-ever Positive Impact Award. This award was created to recognize those who have spent multiple years devoting their lives to sustainability, welfare, and the betterment of the world, something Pildora strives to do every day.
Christina presented the award to Victor Almeida and Alfredo Harp Helu for establishing the Vida Digna Foundation and for their devotion to the welfare of humanity and support for the Rarámuri over the last 20 years. The award and awardees represent Pildora’s values as a company and organization. Sustainable communities are at the forefront of everything we do, and so is our appreciation for them.
The night concluded with another performance by the Calpulli dancers in the Mexican Jalisco tradition. Guests were absolutely enchanted and so moved by the beauty and passion of the dancers that many jumped on stage after the performance and danced in absolute joy and celebration of Mexican culture and the Rarámuri.
If you would like to help Vida Digna Foundation, you can donate HERE.
BELLA Cover Launch Party
Vanessa Coppes, the Editor-in-Chief of BELLA Magazine, celebrated the Gratitude Issue Cover Launch Party on Wednesday, December 11th, 2019 at The Gregory Hotel in Midtown New York City. The party was hosted by Sara Gore, Host of NBC’s New York Live.
Vanessa Coppes and Sara Gore
The Gratitude Issue is a special issue of the BELLA Magazine, as was emphasized by Editor-in-Chief Vanessa Coppes and special guest Sara Gore, who is featured in this issue.
In the spirit of gratitude, the profits of BELLA Magazine’s event benefited the Staten Island University Hospital Gruposso Family Women’s + Newborn Center. This feeling of gratitude accompanied the whole night.
Aaron Paul
Guests like Diane Turton, Dr. Tabasum Mir, Andy Peek and Aaran Paul found themselves in a christmas themed venue with a cozy, holiday atmosphere at The Gregory Hotel.
Andy Peek and Dr. Tabasum Mir
The Gregory Hotel is also the location where the shoot of Sara Gore for the gratitude issue took place, which made it an even more special place to celebrate its release.
The pictures of the night were shot by Vital Agialow.
NBC’s New York Live Host Sara Gore
Guests came together to celebrate the BELLA Magazine Cover Launch with delicious food from Culinary Classics Catering and exceptional drinks varying from Prosecco DOC, Vide Vodka, Elouan Wines, Ron Barcelo Rum, Moonshine Tea to 1907water.
This special event was a great closure for BELLA Magazine’s last issue of the year 2019 and creates excitement about what the new year will bring!
TOP DECEMBER NYC EVENTS
WINTER WONDERLAND BALL 2019
Friday, December 13, 2019
8 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. | #WinterBallNYBG
The Best Holiday Gala in New York!
Black Tie
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/11th-annual-latke-festival-tickets-55945999992
11th Annual Latke Festival
About The Event
One of New York City's most unique and delicious holiday tasting events, the Latke Festival is a charity event benefiting The Sylvia Center and organized by Great Performances Catering. This one-night affair celebrates the best and most creative potato pancakes in our city.
For its fourth year in a row, the 11th Annual Latke Festival will be held at the stunning Brooklyn Museum and is already on track to be our biggest celebration of latkes yet.
Join us and our panel of celebrity judges on December 16th to ring in the holidays, enjoy amazing food and drink, dance to our live DJ and vote for the Best Latke of all!
www.latkefestival.com | #LatkeFest | #TheSylviaCenter | @GPFood | @SylviaCenter
3. Big Band Holidays
What To Expect
Soulful, big band versions of holiday classics
Holiday cheer for all ages
Brand-new songs added to the JLCO’s holiday repertoire
It’s the most wonderful time of year in the House of Swing! The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and music director Marcus Printup continue a beloved New York tradition with Big Band Holidays. Featuring soulful, big band versions of classics like “Jingle Bells,” “Joy to the World,” and “Brazilian Sleigh Ride,” Big Band Holidays is an uplifting holiday program that plays to sold-out audiences every December.
Big Band Holidays is renowned for showcasing some of the most exciting and charismatic vocalists on the scene, with recent editions including Cécile McLorin Salvant, Gregory Porter, René Marie, Vuyo Sotashe, Veronica Swift, and Catherine Russell. This year we welcome back an old favorite, the smooth-as-silk baritone vocalist Denzal Sinclaire. We’re also thrilled to present a Big Band Holidays first-timer: local teenage phenomenon Alexis Morrast, first-place winner of the nationally broadcast Showtime at the Apollo.
4. LuminoCity Festival
LuminoCity Inc. is a multimedia entertainment company that transforms captivating stories into multidimensional experiences. By exploring the intersection of art forms, LuminoCity seeks to blur the lines between virtuality and reality when curating unforgettable experiences for all audiences. In the inaugural year of 2019, LuminoCity proudly presents its signature event LuminoCity Festival, a month-long holiday event with an exhibition of spectacular light art displays, live performances, and a celebration of cultures.
5. New Years Eve Gala at The Metropolitan Opera
New Year’s Eve Gala
STARRING
Anna Netrebko
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2019
In an unprecedented program to celebrate the new year, Anna Netrebko pulls out all the Puccini stops, starring as Mimì, Tosca, and Turandot in one gala evening. The star soprano will sing Act I of La Bohème, opposite tenor Matthew Polenzani, and Act I of Tosca and Act II of Turandot, opposite tenor Yusif Eyvazov. Conducted by Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and featuring an outstanding cast that also includes baritones Quinn Kelsey and Davide Luciano, and bass-baritones Evgeny Nikitin and Christian Van Horn, this will be an evening not to be missed. Each of the acts will be fully staged and costumed in the respective (and spectacular) Zeffirelli and McVicar productions.
6. New Year's Eve Fireworks in Prospect Park
Join Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams and Prospect Park Alliance for Brooklyn's most spectacular New Year’s Eve Fireworks Celebration at Prospect Park's iconic Grand Army Plaza. This free event includes live entertainment followed by fireworks at the stroke of midnight. This family-friendly fireworks display, now in its 40th year, attracts tens of thousands of revelers to Prospect Park, making it one of the city's most popular celebrations.
This event is free and open to the public, and will take place rain or shine!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-fireworks-in-prospect-park-tickets-71550955835
Holly Jolly at the Ho Ho Holiday Lounge
The Springs, located in Brooklyn, NY, opened their Ho Ho Holiday Lounge on December 5th. This chic bar transformed itself into a Christmas wonderland, leaving every guest with an immediate euphoria. This pop-up lounge managed to incorporate everything one could think of to feel like Christmas has arrived. Greg’s Tree’s Christmas Market occupied both the patio and the side of The Springs. The Christmas trees embrace you with a pine scent, transporting you to a world of relaxation. Comfort was found amongst the trees, the towering reindeer decoration, Santa’s sleigh, and millions of other Christmas trinkets that were either for sale or amplifying the ambiance.
Every aspect of The Springs makes you feel like you are at home: the unmatched generous hospitality, the specially named seasonal cocktails, and Fornino’s pizza which brings warmth and contentment to your body with every bite. They offer a mouth-watering spiked hot chocolate(called “The Springs” on their menu), along with other drinks that will bring you as much fun as their names indicate such as: “Elf’d Up”, “Nog Yourself Out”, “Comet so Bitter”, and many more. Complimenting the drinks was a vast array of pizzas leaving an option for everyone. One was comprised of mushrooms and truffle oil, another was classic Margherita, and lastly there was one with butternut squash and a spicy honey. While these pizzas all had different toppings, what they all had in common, was a savory flavor.
The ceiling was lined with garland and Christmas lights, allowing a sense of magic to resonate through every corner of the room. Some parts of the entrance are garnished with rainbow lights. The back wall and ceiling are adorned with candy cane stripes, bringing about a pepperminty excitement. Scattered throughout are endearing videos of fire places displayed on TVs.
The Springs has an energetic sense of life that flows through every part of the establishment. The Ho Ho Holiday Lounge is open from December 5th- January 1st, and is the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit.
Hello Panda – Sneak Peak to North America’s Largest Lantern Installation
On Thursday, December 5th, selected press representatives and affiliates were invited to the opening of the first-ever Hello Panda Festival in New York City. The installation covers almost the entire New York Citi Field which makes it the largest lantern arts event in North America.
Photo Credit: CPAA North America
Photo Credit: CPAA North America
Over 120 lantern displays handcrafted by more than 60 world-renowned lantern artisans have been arranged to stunning settings across Citi Field. The little islands of lantern-based Christmas trees, princess castles and magic forests completely transformed the usually plain parking lot into a Winter Wonderland. Credit for this extraordinary transformation can be given to the Chinese Performing Arts of America Association (CPAA) which has co-produced various events at the Lincoln and Kennedy Center since 2013.
Photo Credit: CPAA North America
Winston Wang, General Manager of CPAA North America, traces the current popularity of lantern festivals back to the growing “role of social media in today’s world”. Accordingly, many guests were excited by the numerous ‘instagrammable’ settings that qualified for some great Social Media posts. Unfortunately, the weather situation didn’t allow for too many photo sessions.
Photo Credit: CPAA North America
But spectators weren’t left in the cold. Prepared for the freezing temperatures, the considerable event management team set up igloo-like tents where attendees were invited to warm up while enjoying the complimentary open bar. The selection of beer, wine and cocktails was complemented by authentic dishes from around the world such as miniature burgers or waffle crepes.
Photo Credit: CPAA North America
The main tent also hosted one of the main events, an elaborate DJ Pult with supporting live violin players. Here, guests could dance the cold away to soothing beats and lively Christmas classics or simply sit down and relax while soaking in the stunning exterior.
Photo Credit: CPAA North America
All in all, the Hello Panda Festival truly makes up for an extraordinary experience that can be visited and revisited anytime from now until January 26, 2020.
Photo Credit: CPAA North America
For more information or ticket sales, visit http://www.hellopandafest.com.
The French Heritage Society Black and White Ball
Caroline Bassett and Charlie Scheips
The French Heritage Society (FHS), is devoted to protecting French architecture in France and the United States through preservation and education. FHS held their Black & White Ball, in honor of interior designer Geoffrey Bradfield and philanthropists Margaret and Gregory Hedberg, on November 21st at a private club in New York City.
Gregory and Margaret Hedberg
Guy Robinson and Elizabeth Stribling
Board Chairman Elizabeth Stribling opened the night with a heart warming comment,"No couple in New York could be as popular and as adorable as the Hedberg’s," she continued, "They are so nice, so philanthropic, and so Francophile. Margaret's aunt created something called The International Debutante Ball; my mother was on the committee of this ball in 1960. We go back a long, long time. Her husband Gregory is a noted scholar and curator, and the author of the scholarly text Degas' Little Dancer, Aged Fourteen".
Johnsonie Casimyr, Allison Ecung, and Jung Moon
Judy McLaren
In accepting their award, Margaret Hedberg commented, "Look at all of you, you look so beautiful. I think it's the chicest crowd in New York. I will just say one thing...merci mille fois!" Her husband continued, "When we're with French Heritage Society, we're in French heaven". "FHS continues to inspire us all,'' agreed Geoffrey Bradfield. "Marcel Proust wrote, 'If we are to make reality endurable, we must all nourish a fantasy or two.' Tonight, receiving this splendid honor, is a moment in my life that I will always cherish." Board member and special event chairman CeCe Black presented Geoffrey with his award, a Lalique trophy.
FHS President Denis de Kergorlay, traveled from Paris, specifically for the evening. He announced that Elizabeth Stribling will receive the Commandeur de la Légion d'Honneur from the French Minister of Forgein Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian, on Monday at the Quai d'Orsay (the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) in Paris. Already a member of the Légion d'Honneur, this "upgrade" is an honor rarely bestowed on an American.
Jennifer Herlein, the FHS Executive Director, explained their Student Exchange Program, "It is my great pleasure to talk about one of the pillars of French Heritage Society. Each year we send French and American students, around 35 in all, to cross the Atlantic to participate in internships at well known institutions. They establish friendships and understandings that last a lifetime”. Kathleen Guzman of Heritage Auctions led spirited bidding in support of the Program.
Jean Shafiroff
Lucia Hwong Gordon
Guests all dressed in their most formal black or white attire; the ladies in floor length gowns and many of the men, including the New York Chapter Co-Chair, Guy Robinson, in white tie and decorations. Board Member Jean Shafiroff wore a striped gown with a train and a matching masque by designer Victor de Souza, who accompanied her. Odile de Schiétère-Longchampt, New York Chapter Co-Chair and the evening’s Design Consultant, created stunning (nearly) black and white flower arrangements.
Dancing continued till midnight in celebration of the honorable awards given.
The Gala Chairmen were CeCe Black, Jean Doyen de Montaillou and Michael A. Kovner, Jay R. Paul, Jean Shafiroff, and Ann Van Ness. The Co-Chairmen were Barbara and Donald Tober. Dinner Chairmen were Stark D. Kirby, Jr., Helena Lehane, Martin Shafiroff, and Bill Van Ness.
George P. Sape served as the Wine Consultant.
Guests included Board Members Yann Coatanlem, Christian Draz, Ronald Lee Fleming, Judy McLaren, Ann and Bill Van Ness, as well as Debbie Bancroft, Véronique Bich, Lady Liliana Cavendish, Victor de Souza, Mr. and Mrs. William J. Diamond, Mr. and Mrs. John French III, Mark Gilbertson, Sharon Handler, Eric Javits, Jr., Yue-Sai Kan, Margo Langenberg, George Ledes, Sharon Handler Loeb and John Loeb, William Ivey Long, Patricia and Harry Macklowe, Aimée and William Maroney, Mary McFadden, Lucretia Obolensky, Diana and Charles Revson, Tara Rockefeller, Barbara and John Schumacher, Charlie Scheips, Dame Donna and Richard Soloway, and Victoria Wyman.
Upcoming FHS events include the annual Thanksgiving Day celebration in Paris as well as the annual Palm Beach Gala Dinner, February 2020 (https://frenchheritagesociety.org/event/palm-beach-gala-2020/)
Image credit: Annie Watt and Patrick McMullan
Kick Off Celebration For The 65th Viennese Opera Ball
Credit: John Sanderson/Annie Watt Agency
The Viennese Opera Ball announced their upcoming gala at the Upper East Side residence of Sabine Riglos, a board member. “The Viennese Opera Ball is one of the highlights of the annual charity season for Austrian Americans, with performances by extraordinary opera singers and musicians” explained artistic director Daniel Serafin as he introduced mezzo soprano Nicole Piccolomini, who sing “L'amour est un oiseau rebelle” from Carmen. " Juilliard violinist Anastasia Mazurok also performed a solo by Bach. All providing a taste of what's to come at the 65th Viennese Opera Ball. Silvia Frieser, president and executive director said, "With it's long-standing tradition of 65 consecutive years, the Viennese Opera Ball demonstrates that the ballroom and the dance floor is the best platform for cultural exchange between distinguished guests and nations."
Credit: John Sanderson/Annie Watt Agency
Credit: John Sanderson/Annie Watt Agency
Each year, the Ball supports charitable projects connected to New York and Vienna. This year proceeds will benefit the musical therapy program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center through Gabrielle's Angel Foundation for Cancer Research. Their CEO, Jen Raniri, and Associate Director of Development, Michele Keene, also shared a few words about the importance of the program.
Among the guests were Nathan Lee Graham, who will emcee the upcoming Ball, Chair Jean Shafiroff (who will be joined at the Ball by Chairs Denise Rich and Elisabeth Muhr), Host Committee members Janna Bullock, Joanna Fisher, Ana Saucedo, and Marisa Rose van Bokhorst, Junior Chairs Colgate Rumbough and Emily Mohr, and Board Member Stefan Oehner as well as Audra Asencio, Leszek Barwinski-Brown (CEO, Lang Lang International Music Foundation), Maestro Alvise Casellati, Adrian Danchig-Waring (principal dancer, NYC Ballet), Michael Friedl, Franz Gerhardter, Eric Huebscher, and Catherine Leung.
Credit: John Sanderson/Annie Watt Agency
Credit: John Sanderson/Annie Watt Agency
The 65th Viennese Opera Ball will take place on February 7, 2020. There is nothing like this in America with traditions that could only come from the oldest Royal houses in Austria and Europe. Just like in Europe, the celebration with both music and dance, with a Midnight Quadrille that enlivens the dance floor until 4am. The Viennese Opera Ball is inspired by the famous Vienna Opera Ball in Austria, but it is an American 501 (c)(3) not for profit association.
Pascal Jolivet Wine Dinner
On October 21st, 2019, guests were invited to a very distinctive evening- a celebration and tasting of Pascal Jolivet’s latest 2018 vintage bottlings. The affair was hosted by Pascal himself, who shared intimate stories about wine and food and his favorite types of wine. Pascal Jolivet is one of the most vibrant representatives of wine in the world. The Frenchman has impeccable grape DNA. Both his great-grandfather Louis and grandfather Lucien were winemakers.
The house of Pascal Jolivet was founded in 1987 and is one of the most dynamic domaines in France’s Loire Valley. Based in Sancerre, the domaine now boasts over 120 acres of prime vineyards spread across the appellations of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. Sancerre wines originate from three soil types: clay, limestone and flint. Sancerre wines are more floral and elegant than wines of the same varietal type in other regions.
Pascal Jolivet is a firm believer in natural winemaking and practices environmentally friendly techniques in both the vineyard and the cellar. The philosophy of the estate is to let nature take its course as much as possible. The juices are fermented with wild yeasts in stainless steel tanks with thermoregulation. Valentina Buoso is Pascal Jolivet’s newest winemaker, and she continues to fulfill Pascal Jolivet’s philosophy and practices.
The event took place at the Estiatorio Milos, inside new hotspot Hudson Yards, which afforded gorgeous views of The Vessel and Hudson River. The reception started with all the guests receiving a glass of Attitude Sauvignon Blanc. Since 2001, Pascal Jolivet has engaged in a profound reflection on Attitude. The idea was to create a high-quality Loire collection not especially from Sancerre area but from the Loire Valley, the best terroir in the world for the Sauvignon Blanc grape variety.
This reception was then followed by a very elaborate dinner served in an intimate setting within the hotel’s restaurant. While the highlight of the night was clearly engaged by the various courses of delectable wines that were paired with each dinner course, the food didn’t fail to impress either.
The first course was Sashimi quality Mediterranean Octopus, Santorini yellow split pea fava // Paired with Sancerre, Blanc-Fumé & Metis Sauvignon Blanc. Second, was the Madagascar Shrimp & Endive Salad // Paired with Sancerre “Le Chêne Marchand”, Pouilly Fumé “Les Terres Blanches” & Sancerre Rosé. The main course was the Grilled Mediterranean Sea bream with steamed crown broccoli // Paired with Sancerre “Sauvage” & Pouilly Fumé “Indigène”.
A wonderful night with one of the most knowledgeable and amazing hosts.
For more information on Pascal Jolivet, visit pascaljolivet.com.
NYFW-Inspired Looks For Work
Image credit: Wonderland Magazine
Get ready, sartorialists. New York Fashion Week is upon us once again, which means it’s time to scout the runways for your new fashion forecast.
Each NYFW runway is an event on its own, a spectacle of beautiful clothes and stunning design. One critique that always pops up during this time, however, is the practicality of the garments. NYFW skeptics always retort with this question — when will you even wear such clothes?
The answer isn't as far-off as you might think. If you’re looking to spice up your work uniform, here are some NYFW-inspired ideas that are tried and tested:
The emergence of the short suit
Image credit: Fashionista
Rather than relying on jeans for casual Fridays, why not wear a casual suit? A short-suit combination is this season’s newest trend, especially since you can still wear shorts without feeling like your legs are going to freeze off. Fashionista’s coverage of NYFW street style notes that this ensemble was a particular crowd favorite as people jetted off from one show to another.
Matching your bag and your outfit
Image credit: Vogue
Gone are the days of the multipurpose tote, as NYFW designers are pairing their ensembles with a matching bag. While we all have our favorite tote that takes us practically everywhere, you may want to take a cue from Proenza Schouler and match your black and white suit with a black and white bag. This is the move that will give you serious style points.
All neon everything
Image credit: Editorialist
Sometimes, the best way to experiment with color is to just go for it. Helmut Lang’s highlighter hues show how powerful monochrome dressing can be if you want to stand out. If you’re not ready to go head-to-toe neon just yet, you may want to break up your outfit with a neutral piece. Woman Within’s crisp button downs provide the perfect canvas for a shocking red or pink blazer. They make a sophisticated companion with their collared detail yet still maintains a laid-back vibe. All in all, neutral colors pair best with neon options, as it provides an interesting visual contrast.
Boxier blazers
Image credit: Teen Vogue
Speaking of blazers, boxier styles are now in. Barragan’s show is a case in point, with models sashaying down the runway with heavily padded power shoulders. Boxy blazers are enough to turn heads in any room you walk into, even if you keep your color palette neutral. Shopbop’s plaid blazers are significantly less boxy than Barragan’s, but are nevertheless sophisticated.
Pleats are still in
Image credit: New York Post
Nothing beats the feminine allure of pleated dresses and skirts. Pyer Moss’s pink gown is a modern take on the princess dress of everyone’s dreams, proving that pleats will never go out of style. Carolina Herrera’s red skirt is the perfect power piece for days when you need a little bit of a boost. You can easily pair this with modern loafers for the work day and then swap them out with a kitten heel for a night out.
The beauty of NYFW is that fashion inspiration is brimming everywhere, whether on the runway or on the streets. In fact, there are so many tricks and trends to incorporate that picking just one might be the real challenge.