Whitney Art Party 2016
Reeling from the post-election slump, NYC finally awoke this week as a series of late-night parties and galas popped up inside New York City’s most beloved institutions of art, like the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Guggenheim.
On Tuesday night, the Whitney Museum of American Art’s annual Art Party was the place to see and be seen. The Whitney has always been known to be thought provoking and promoting avant garde, and its guest list seems to reflect that. This party is one of the most high-profile, celeb-heavy gatherings with a collective of luminaries from across New York’s iconic creative industries such as fashion, art, and music.
Karlie Kloss, Common, Brandon Maxwell, Micaela Erlanger, and Michael Carl were co-chairs for the evening. Before the party kicked off, the co-chairs hosted a pre-party dinner for over a hundred artists, celebrities, and Whitney supporters including Victor Cruz, Brooke Neidich, Ian Cheng, and Rachel Rose. Following dinner, guests joined the rest of the Art Party downstairs.
Upon entering the Museum, guests were blinded by camera flashes due to the beautiful crowd turning up in their flashiest outfits. A long line led up to the red carpet, as everyone carefully strutted their intricate outfits. The normally modern furnished lobby of the Museum was transformed and adorned with Christmas lights hanging from the ceiling as if something straight out of Stranger Things. Wandering around the floors were two people covered in red paint doing some sort of performance art, with their bare butts exposed to the world as they plotted their way in dance-like form throughout the lobby level. People looked on nervously, as they were unsure whether to take photos because they themselves, would become pornographers.
Entertainment and music was in no short supply as music flowed steadily thanks to DJ Mia Moretti, Lion Babe, and Questlove. Guests also had the opportunity to check out the Whitney’s fall exhibitions including Dreamlands: Immersive Cinema and Art 1905-2016, RED IN VIEW, and Virginia Overton: Winter Garden. Celebrities and Whitney supporters alike made their way around the lobby up to the expansive 5th floor show, the “Dreamlands” video art exhibition. As if the exhibits were not instagrammable enough, Karrueche Tran was seen on the exhibition floor with her stylish Bermuda inspired outfit taking fun selfies with her friends.
Overall, the evening was a grand success, full of champagne glasses clinking and amazing works of art. One of the most amazing parts about the evening was seeing how many young people came out to support the Museum. With the hefty price tag of $500 at the door, these young men and women are probably in line with the millennial mindset of giving back early. With the recent presidential election nearly splitting the country into two sides, it’s good to see that art can always bring people together. Whether you were a Trump or Hillary supporter, you will always be an art supporter. All proceeds from tickets sales will go to support Whitney’s educational initiatives.
Photos courtesy of Neil Rasmus/BFA
Style, class, and fun at The Redbury New York
Deep in the heart of NoMad lies the newest addition to the city’s already impressive catalog of premiere hotels. The Redbury New York opened its doors on October 25th to excited guests staying in their gorgeous, simplistic suites, while simultaneously accommodating New York City’s nightlife with a deliciously posh opening night.
The Redbury New York is the latest resort under the SBE agency, and the third Rebury branded hotel for the agency after successful openings in Hollywood, Ca., and South Beach, Fl. The building in which The Redbury New York is now home was originally the Martha Washington Hotel, which opened in 1903. Keeping most of the external integrity of its predecessor, The Redbury New York was modernized to exude the themes of pop and rock music. These creative choices were spearheaded by well-known photographer and creative director, Matthew Rolston, who’s best recognized as a protégé of Andy Warhol and his impressive filmography as a music video director for some of the biggest artists over the last thirty years.
Rolston’s history of photography and music video direction shine through the use of décor and lighting. Stepping inside the glorious residence on its opening night, guests were warmly welcomed into a grand walkway up to the reservation desks. Decorated head to toe in brown and white bases and red ornamentation between the furniture and decor, the hotel is easily designed with the intent of simplicity and class. The moderately lit atmosphere placed guests into a mellow, relaxing environment. The first patrons of The Redbury New York slowly flooded in as opening night guests were treated to some of the finest service the city can offer.
The hotel’s “Marta” restaurant and bars were in full swing; proving itself to be amongst the establishment’s many pride and joys. Seafood samples were the hottest commodity on the first floor, while the beautiful open ovens provided rustic variations of pizza being carried all around the “Marta” dining floor. From classics like margherita to the unique-to-the-palate contemporary choices like bacon and potato, the “Marta” is intent on providing a fresh take on an American classic for those staying at The Redbury New York or the casual lounger or diner. Amidst exploring the rest of the first floor, guests discovered a stairway down to the basement kitchen, which was opened to guests for the night. Chefs treated curious partygoers to charcuterie and freshly made fried chicken and pork belly sandwiches.
Trekking to the second floor, guests were welcomed into a mirrored hallway, reminiscent to a high class club; this directs you to either the dining hall or the charming terrace. As if you were invited to one of the coolest, laidback rooftop parties, the 2nd floor terrace makes you feel like you’re in a pop video yourself: amongst zealous guests in the crisp, cold night air, surrounded by tall city buildings that we all know and love.
With the use of sights and smells that place us in a whole other world within the enigma that is this city, it is evident that The Redbury New York will work to continue to be one of the liveliest and artistically innovative resorts here.
Photos courtesy of BFA.
2nd Annual Serving up Smiles
On the evening of October 24th, CURRENT, Chelsea Piers welcomed the 2nd annual “Serving Up Smiles” Tasting Event hosted by the enCourage Kids Foundation. Sought-after restaurants and chefs of New York City prepared their famous recipes offering samples for guests to taste-test. More than 250 guests attended in support of the enCourage Kids Foundation whose dedication and passion has inspired children and families for 31 years. NFL Legend Tony Richardson, retired NY Giants player Christian Peter, Olympic Medalist Sasha Cohen, and Z100 Host Shelley Rome were among guests showing their support for the organization. Prizes from Broadway show tickets to a meet-and-greet with Eli Manning were auctioned throughout the night as a contribution to the cause.
EnCourage Kids aims to unify families with similar circumstances, easing the day-to-day difficulties with the encouragement of a community. The foundation brings smiles and excitement to children facing life-threatening illnesses with opportunities to enjoy family outings and programs. Every program is developed with the specific and individual needs of the children in consideration, to ensure a fun but safe environment.
While the night showcased the tremendous dedication of enCourage Kids, the spotlight was shared with the Amodeo Family whose dedication to their family is uniquely inspiring. Frank and Bendetta Amodeo are parent ambassadors who have been a part of the foundation’s bonded community for five years. One of their two sons, Nicholas, is blind, developmentally challenged, and often undergoes seizures, but above all, he is brave. Frank spoke to guests, highlighting the strength of the families within the organization and how much they truly appreciate the programs offered by the foundation. In our interview, Frank and Bendetta described that when their son is happy, there is no greater joy to them as parents, “when he laughs and smiles and is dancing, that’s all we want.” Their hope for the next five years of enCourage Kids is that it doubles in size. “It’s about growth, support,” Frank concludes.
Chef Chris Nirschel, otherwise known as “Culinary Bad Boy”, also prepared a speech, emphasizing the impact enCourage Kids has made in the lives of the families they benefit. He was honored to be a part of the evening and has been inspired by the organization’s efforts. Nirschel has been a partner of enCourage Kids for six years and explains that the tremendous turnout and generous donations are because people truly care about the organization. “When I see the parents and some of the kids that have been through surgeries, going to Jets’ Games, Giants’ Games, met by celebrity chefs, it’s touching,” Chris explained.
The evening raised $225,000, an inspiring total that will benefit children and their families directly. Executive Director, Michele Hall-Duncan said, “Our goal for tonight… is three-fold. We want everybody to have a fantastic time, enjoy all of the offerings of the chefs and specialty drinks. We want to raise their awareness about enCourage Kids and raise funds in support.” Michele was thrilled the night was an overall success. She explained how enCourage Kids supports families at a time that is overwhelming and challenging, “When you receive a diagnosis that your kid is sick, you’re plunged into this world of chaos and confusion.” EnCourage Kids, as Michele also explained, is not specific to a particular illness, something she believes sets them apart from other organizations.
The individuals who have given their time and opened their hearts to the organization have truly brought joy to so many families. Passion has always been at the core of the organization. EnCourage Kids is excited about the future, with plans to expand their reach to many more families faced with medical challenges.
We want to personally thank Frank and Bendetta Amodeo, Chris Nirschel, Tom Murro, and Michele Hall-Duncan for their time in speaking with us.
Photos courtesy of Elizabeth Veneskey
WatchTime New York
On October 15th, luxury watch enthusiasts attended the country’s largest event for the accessory, WatchTime New York. Hosted in Manhattan’s Gotham Hall, the two-day event kicked off with a sold-out cocktail for VIP attendees. Guests of the event experienced various panels and discussions from more than 20 luxury watch brands.
High-profile brands including Omega, Vacheron Constantin, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Seiko, and Carl F. Bucherer, share an inside look at their most recent collections. Some went a step further, introducing to guests their pieces from collections that have yet to be released to the United States. Omega participated, offering a never before seen look at their Seamaster Planet Ocean Deep Black collection. Vacheron Constantin also volunteered a look at 10 new pieces that will be added to their Harmony collection.
The line-up of panels and discussions offered insights to the construction, history, and latest developments within the luxury watch market. Philips presented a seminar on “Vintage Collecting” moderated by the Editor-at-Large of WatchTime magazine, Joe Thompson and featuring speakers Aurel Bacs and Paul Boutros. Experts discussed the mechanics of the industry with media personality, Bill McCuddy, to moderate the conversation. The Editor-in-Chief of WatchTime magazine, Roger Reugger, illustrated the developmental progress of dive watches in his presentation. Book signings were also available with authors Roberta Naas and Aaron Sigmond.
Over 800 guests were in attendance to celebrate the craftsmanship and style of this specialized part of the timepiece industry. Journalists, collectors, and influencers took part in the event, including luxury watch collector Gabriel Bender. “Fast and Furious” actor, Sung Kang welcomed guests to visit his booth, where he promoted his limited-edition timepiece, the Turbine Sung Kang.
WatchTime magazine is an award-winning media platform here in New York City concentrated on luxury watches. With seven Digital Magazine Award nominations, two FOLIO Fame Awards for event excellence and more, the platform maintains an audience of 800,000 readers monthly.
This was the second annual year WatchTime magazine partnered with SWISS Airlines, AFAR magazine, Philips auction house, and WatchAnish.com, a lifestyle media platform. The event has greatly expanded from the first year, with a longer list of exhibits and attracting more guests than the year before. WatchTime New York was alive with the energy of the collecting community, with guests excited to be in a place celebrating similar passions. Editor-in-Chief Ruegger sees extreme potential in the event becoming part of the launch process for brands in the future.
Photos courtesy of Ana Martins Communications
20th Anniversary of The Hotline
On February 21, 1996, The National Domestic Violence Hotline took its first call and has continued on for 20 years helping people affected by domestic violence. Since that first call, The Hotline has answered over 3.5 million calls, chats, and text messages from victims of abuse. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is a non-profit organization as a part of the Violence Against Women Act created to provide resources for those in need of help. From its early days, it has since evolved into a nationwide network that is constantly advancing its technological services to reach out to as many people as possible. The goal of The National Domestic Violence Hotline is to end domestic violence, but to do this, domestic violence must be prevented and people need to be taught the signs of an unhealthy relationship and what a healthy relationship should be.
Celebrating in The Glasshouses in Chelsea, The Hotline sought to honor 20 years of empowering survivors of domestic abuse. To complement attendees, music was played by DJ Wong with an unlimited flow of cocktails and delicious hors d'oeuvres. Much of The Hotline’s funding comes from an annual grant from the U.S. Health and Human Service’s Family Violence Prevention Services Office. However, to further accomplish The Hotline’s vision of ending domestic violence, a silent auction was held at this event that included tickets to the Super Bowl in 2017, the US Open in 2017, Kendra Scott jewelry, and much more. As spectacular as the prizes, food, and cocktails were, what really made the event a success was the attendees’ willingness to support The Hotline’s cause: to join together to celebrate its success as well as understand the impact of domestic violence.
Domestic violence is about power and control. The abuser makes their partner feel like it is their fault. Abuse is not only physical, but can be emotional and financial as well. People are not always aware if their relationship is an abusive one and The Hotline provides information on how to make that distinction. The Hotline is not only for domestic violence, but also for questions or concerns surrounding your relationship or the relationship of someone you know. On top of providing resources to determine if a relationship is abusive or not, The Hotline provides information on what makes a healthy one. A relationship may not always be abusive, but it does not always mean it is a healthy relationship, so it is highly encouraged to reach out to The Hotline and seek help.
The Hotline staff is highly trained, having received over 60 hours of training while covering over 170 different languages and 4,200 service providers. Over 20,000 phone calls are made to reach domestic violence hotlines. Not all calls to The Hotline make it through because of limited resources. When asked what victims of domestic abuse should do if they are unable to get their call through to The Hotline, Chief Communications Officer Cameka Crawford would like them to know, “it’s not your fault, you deserve respect, you’re not alone, and we’re here for you 24/7.”
Even though The Hotline offices are located in Texas, 30% of The Hotline calls come from New York and with InvitedNYC focusing on the NYC population, we are glad to help spread awareness. If you or someone you know are a victim of domestic violence, do not hesitate to reach out to The Hotline because it is a completely free, and confidential service. Domestic violence can affect anyone; it is not gender neutral. 1 in 4 women experience domestic violence as well as 1 in 7 men. It is important to be patient with the ones experiencing it because they know what is best for their situation. Often times, people may not be ready to pick up the phone and reach out for professional help, but if someone reaches out to you, Cameka Crawford recommends “the first thing you can say to someone if that person reaches out to you for support first is ‘I believe you.’” As a closing note, be vigilant, be compassionate, and look out for one another in the fight to end domestic violence.
Photos courtesy of The Hotline
Food Film Festival NYC
The Food Film Festival does not do enough justice in describing what this is all about. It's an experience!
How many times have you watched a film (for me, it's almost anything on Food Network) and saw something that looked incredibly tasty and wished you could sample it? The idea of the Food Film Festival was born from that very craving.
The Food film Festival marked its 10th anniversary this weekend at AMC Empire 25. The festival offers a unique experience where guests get to actually taste the foods they see on the screen right in the comfort of their own seats. It was a dream come true for food and film lovers alike. Since 2007, the festival has been showcasing films that use food and beverages as thematic elements. What makes this event so special is the fact that guests are able to sample the items that they see on the screen.
The four-day festival which ran from Oct 20th to the 24th showcased independent films accompanied by different dishes featured in said films.
Opening night (Best of a Decade!) revisits the best films from the fest's ten years and offers treats from Amanda Cohen’s Dirt Candy, The Brooklyn Star, Max & Mina’s Ice Cream and more.
On the second night (Taste of Louisiana), the theme was celebrated Cajun cooking with Volcano Bread from Laugarvatn Fontana Spa, Pickles from Leibowitz Pickle Works, Pizza from Denino’s Pizza, BBQ Shrimp Boule by Chef Jude Tauzin, Spring Rolls by Jeannie Ongkeo, and Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream by Chef Jenny McCoy. The highlight of this night was definitely the alligator dish from City Pork Brassiere.
On the third night (Food Porn Party), the festival’s rousing Food Porn Party returns, with extreme eats from Meyers Bageri, Top Pot Donuts, Breads Bakery, Night Kitchen and many more, to accompany films that are essentially beautiful shots of food — aka food porn. The famous Chonut was a must try, and the night ended with a strip show – appropriately named food burlesque.
And closing night (Eat Japan!) was all about the Land of the Rising Sun with an amazing selections of food from Patisserie Tomoko, chef Karl Palma’s Takoyaki, Japanese iced coffee, mochi and last but not least, ramen.
In addition to drinks and the numerous courses served during the films, each night included an after party with even more food based on the night’s theme. One thing's for sure, this will be the tastiest film fest you've ever attended.
All Food Festival events benefit important non-profit organizations, such as the Food Bank For New York City, The Billion Oyster Project, The Good Food Project and GrowFood Carolina.
These unique kinds of events is what makes us so fortunate to be living in a place like New York. I thought it was such a fun experience and can't wait to see what they'll bring us next year!
Photos courtesy of The Food Film Festival.
Golden Hearts Awards 2016
On October 17th, Spring Studios welcomed guests and the stars involved with “God’s Love We Deliver” in celebration of the Golden Heart Awards. This year marked the 10th anniversary of the dinner, a decade of milestone achievements, honorable leaders, and dedicated volunteers. “God’s Love We Deliver” strives to serve the urban community of New York by providing meals and counseling to individuals distressed with the urgency of hunger and who also face crippling illness. The past 10 years have allowed “God’s Love We Deliver” to provide beyond their initial vision of servicing those confronted with HIV/AIDS. Today, the organization prepares and supplies meals that are diet-specific to over 200 different illnesses. Individuals and families receive home-cooked meals free of charge that are nutritional and sustaining to accommodate dietary restrictions from treatment.
The generous contributions donated to “God’s Love We Deliver” support a community of individuals faced with extraordinary challenges and encourage awareness for their circumstances. The Golden Heart Awards recognize the exceptional charitable work and influence of individuals from the year. Co-Chairs of the deciding board include members with their own outstanding achievements; including John D. Idol, Michael Kors, Blaine Trump, and Anna Wintour. Attending the event and red carpet were a long list of industry influencers such as Kate Hudson, Neil Patrick Harris, Priyanka Chopra, Chrissy Teigen, and Lily Aldridge. This year, the Michael Kors Award for Outstanding Community Service was presented by Kors to activist, model, and entrepreneur, Karlie Kloss. Danny Meyer was chosen to receive the Golden Heart Award for Lifetime Achievement and Wing Tat Leung received the Golden Heart Award for Outstanding Volunteerism. Neil Patrick Harris and Priyanka Chopra both prepared speeches for the dinner.
A notable member of the board, Michael Kors, began a partnership with the United Nations World Food Program in 2013 to further encourage the end of world hunger. The partnership, “Watch Hunger Stop”, has provided more than 13 million individuals with meals in the past 3 years. Kate Hudson has recently joined Kors in his collaboration as an ambassador, also seeking a world without hunger.
The 2016 Golden Heart Awards raised over 2 million dollars for God’s Love We Deliver. They will prepare and provide more than 1.5 million meals to 6,600 individuals within the next year. One night, along with the generosity and tremendous support of contributors, will enable “God’s Love We Deliver” to continue their volunteer work and service to those left vulnerable to hunger.
Photos courtesy of God Love We Deliver.
Brighter Children Benefit Gala 2016
On the evening of October 13th, Brighter Children held its annual benefit gala at the Astor Center here in New York City. Guests and friends gathered in celebration of the past year’s success to raise money and awareness for the many deserving students Brighter Children hopes to support. Specifically, the night was intended to raise enough funding for, at least, 250 children to be offered education by the end of the year. Partners and ambassadors of Brighter Children were honored throughout the night for their tremendous efforts and dedication to seeing the rise in educational opportunities for children in poor economies.
The benefit began with cocktails and friendly conversation, allowing guests to make their way to various tables of raffles giving away luxury prizes in exchange for their donation. Midway through the evening, a panel of representatives from their partner schools offered their individual experiences within the organization as well as the overall impact Brighter Children has made. They explained the impact the organization had on their students and the schools they attend.
Just this past summer, a team was able to visit a partnering school in Honduras and observe on-site the positive impact of Brighter Children. The children of Villa Soleada Bilingual School were all smiles and co-founder Suzy Peng was thrilled to see kids spending time in the library during recess.
Brighter Children is proud to allocate one hundred percent of all proceeds towards their cause and sponsoring children. Entrance ticket and raffle sales from the evening directly supported their goal of sending more than 250 students to school.
Brighter Children seeks to improve and prepare children for the future by partnering with schools to fund education for students. Kunal Doshi, Becca Wolin, and Suzy Peng founded the non-profit organization in 2013 in hopes to create a sponsorship that would transcend education limitations in impoverished areas. Since the founding of their organization, Brighter Children has touched the lives of over 225 students through their partner schools and teachers. Brighter Children has provided these children the chance to grow and develop intellectually, despite the financial restraints of the communities they live in.
The night was an overall success with lively spirits cherishing the hard work and dedication of Brighter Children’s team members as well as the inspiration they have been to their sponsored students. The team is especially thankful for the generosity of the foundation’s supporters and donors. Brighter Children will extend the proceeds from the benefit to offer more children educational opportunity, bright futures, and big smiles.
Photos courtesy of Brighter Children. Special Thanks to Kunal, William, Ben, and Kelly.
The Boxer Bowtie Club 2nd Annual "Cards for Camp"
Photo: Daniel Federowicz
On the first evening of October 2016, a new generation of philanthropists have emerged. Over 400 young professionals sailed off into the Hudson River on the Hornblower infinity for the second annual Boxer Bowtie Club gala.
Photo: Daniel Federowicz
The Boxer Bowtie Club was founded last year in Weston, Connecticut by a group of ambitious and successful young professionals. The goal of the organization is to be a philanthropic group that benefits specific charities in an united way. In the second annual “Cards for Camp” casino cruise, the club incredibly raised over $100,000. “We didn’t expect to reach our goal in just our second year,” says Luke Dudley, a club founding member.
Photo: Daniel Federowicz
All the proceeds from the event will go on to send 40 seriously ill kids to the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. The camp was founded by Paul Newman in 1988 with one premise in mind: Every child, no matter their illness, should be able to experience and celebrate the transformational spirit and friendships built at camp.
Photo: Daniel Federowicz
During the casino cruise, we had the chance to speak with club co-founder, Andy, and captured his vision for the organization. Andy said, “The Boxer Bowtie Club aims to inspire new groups of young folks that are focused on doing good things, such as volunteering their time, and making a difference. We want to be ambassadors for this new generation.” The night reflects the organization’s ultimate goal: To go above and beyond just charitable events, and to encourage the younger generation to give back to the community and to help the less fortunate.
Photo: Daniel Federowicz
The motto, “Gather, Give, Grow,” described the night perfectly, as more than 145 millennials gathered together to give to those in need and strengthening the community while raising awareness. These young men and women had an incredible night of fun and also walked away with a new appreciation for what they do and the impact they are having on these less fortunate kids and their families.
Photo: Daniel Federowicz
The extravagantly stylish and altruistic night was made possible with great sponsors like David Fin Ties, who provided all the amazing custom bow ties for the club, and Trunk Club, who will also be hosting the club’s expansion event to Dallas Clubhouse in the Spring of 2017. We cannot wait to see what the Boxer Bowtie Club has in store for us next year. The younger generation should look at this great organization and be inspired to do something now. As the great Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s persistent and most urgent question is ‘What are you doing for others?’”
Photos courtesy of Boxer Bowtie Club
The Meadows
From Saturday, October 1st, to Sunday, October 2nd, the E and F parking lot outside Citi Field was home to the inaugural Meadows Music and Arts Festival, which boasted performances by J.Cole, Chance the Rapper, and Kanye West.
There were mixed reactions when New York’s Founders Entertainment, known for putting together New York’s Governor’s Ball, announced their plans to bring a fall festival to New York’s music scene, especially in the wake of confusion about location, news of a rainstorm, and headliner The Weeknd dropping out only a few days before the show.
These worries proved needless, however, as the launch of The Meadows Festival was hugely successful. It certainly wasn’t sunny, but cloudy skies turned out to be ideal for waiting in packs for the artists to appear, and J.Cole outdid himself, giving his all in his performance.
While not watching the performers, attendees could take pictures with any of the beautiful art pieces installed specifically for the event or hit up the food lineup. Vendors included Dough (my personal favorite), Korilla BBQ, Pizza Nova, and Tea and Milk. There were also vegan, vegetarian, and gluten - free options to accommodate almost any kind of diet.
As a huge Kanye fan, I had to be up close to see him, and so spent my second day waiting ten rows from the front of the Meadows Stage for Yeezus himself to appear. My eight hour long wait was both exhilarating and frightening. Multiple fans fainted, overcome by body pressure and fatigue, and when water became scarce, we all shared, thirsty enough to swap spit with countless strangers. Tensions ran high, but luckily, the desire to see Kanye perform up close was stronger than the urge to fight.
Nevertheless, there were some great moments while waiting. Those close enough to the stage were able to catch a glimpse of Chris Rock and Zac Efron in the VIP box, and everyone was able to see artists like The Temper Trap and Bryson Tiller perform. The situation turned dire, however, during Chance the Rapper’s set, when the crowd surged forward, crushing those in the front rows. Everything was halted while an employee urged everyone to have “human decency” and step back to let people breathe.
Finally, after a long, irritable day, Kanye West started performing a mere (for him) half an hour late. After delivering songs from his newest album, The Life of Pablo, Kanye performed hits from across all six of his critically acclaimed albums, including “Black Skinhead”, “Mercy”, and “Ni**gas in Paris.” Unfortunately, a minute into “Heartless,” Kanye had to leave due to a family emergency, but left behind a crowd both pumped and pleased.
Overall, the inaugural Meadows Festival was equally as enjoyable as it was a huge success. Although there were a few hiccups, it was a great intro to what will no doubt be another long running music festival for New Yorkers to enjoy.
Shin Godzilla: Review
Shin Godzilla? More like Shin Mortal-zilla. Directed by Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi, the Japanese reboot of the beloved giant monster movie does not live up to all the hype. When one thinks of Godzilla or giant monster movies, one assumes an intimidating Godzilla and frightening destruction driven by human emotion. What we get instead is a rather underwhelming Godzilla with too many subplots from the human side of the story.
The film follows the structure of “this event is impossible, but if it happened, this is what would occur.” From the get-go, even when seemingly natural catastrophes occur, everyone tries to rationally explain what is happening, ruling out the improbable -- or rather the “impossible” -- except for Japan’s Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Rando Yaguchi (played by Hiroki Hasegawa). He points out evidence of a possible giant monster, but everyone around him seems to be in denial before Godzilla actually appears and starts destroying the city. What ensues after are countless meetings between Japanese politicians, foreign officials, and military officers discussing the Godzilla crisis and how to resolve it.
Good films are driven by its characters and Shin Godzilla manages to partially capture the human aspect of the film. Tension and drama builds really well amongst characters and overall the actors perform very well. The main spotlight would definitely be on Hiroki Hasegawa’s character, Rando Yaguchi; he always has great chemistry with whichever actor he’s with in any scene showing great versatility. What came as a surprise while watching this film was the amount of humor. Through the chaotic meetings between government and military officials, Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi sneak in quirky, yet funny moments that seem to show that no matter how serious the situation, there’s always time to add in a joke.
The upside to the meetings is its humor, but they also include unwanted or unnecessary subplots that clutter the film’s plot. While I understand the purpose of Kayoko Ann Paterson (played by Satomi Ishihara), she never seems relevant or as important as she should’ve been. The key problem in this movie is Godzilla itself. Godzilla may have been destructive, but it sure wasn’t terrifying which it should be since it is a giant monster that towers over buildings. Its very first appearance is rather underwhelming because of how it looks and though I understand why it looks the way it does at the beginning and at the end of the movie, the damage it had on my impressions were too negative. Buildings got destroyed, people died, and everyone was in mass panic, but I never felt a real sense of danger or fright from Godzilla itself.
Shin Godzilla is a sci-fi monster film featuring the legendary Godzilla. Even though this film has a strong lead, surprising humor, and good acting all around, this new incarnation does not quite live up to the legend because it completely misses the mark on the Godzilla side of the film. With a personal rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars, I’d wish I didn’t get invited to see Shin Godzilla.
Photos courtesy of Rogers & Cowan for Funimation Films
The Culture of Comic Con
Comic conventions, or “comic cons” for short, have begun to grow in popularity over the years, and while some still wonder what exactly makes comic cons such a popular attraction, passionate fans have always clamored to make it to these conventions. New York Comic Con in particular, which started in 2006, has a history of long lines and sold out tickets. In fact, their very first convention was filled to overflowing, so that the following year they had to double the size of their space.
Now, 10 years later, New York Comic Con may soon surpass San Diego Comic Con’s attendance numbers and become the largest comic con in North America. Last year, nearly 170,000 people attended New York Comic Con, which is more than ten times as many people as attended the original New York Comic Con.
Even with all this hype, some people still don’t get what all the excitement is about, but as you may have noticed over the past few years, you can hardly enter a movie theater without hearing about the next superhero movie. What used to be considered “nerdy” or “dorky” is now widely accepted and even embraced. Besides, who doesn’t want the chance to meet their favorite artist, actor, or writer?
Thanks in part to these comic cons, people have learned not to care what other people think, whether they just wear a Batman t-shirt or go full-blown Galactus with their cosplay. Comic Cons provide attendees with a safe place where they can embrace their passions without ridicule.
Thousands will trek from far and wide for this year’s New York Comic Con in order to meet their favorite celebrities, buy comic books and merchandise, and go to panels to see new trailers and hear what their favorite celebrities have to say. If you can’t go this year, check back with us in the next few days and we’ll tell you all about it!
Making Music For a Cause
For many parents, dropping their kids off on the first day of school is a life changing and worrisome moment. This feeling was no different for parents, Robert and Carmit as they dropped off their autistic son, Danny, at Springbrook’s Golisano Center for Autism. The worrisome feeling was quickly subsided when, a week into the program, Robert and Carmit received photos from Springbrook showing their son Danny swimming, laughing, and just being a normal kid.
For Danny, finding the Goliasano Center really was love at first sight. Before enrolling Danny in Springbrook, Robert and Carmit visited, and inquired about many schools -none of which Danny liked. However, the moment Danny laid eyes on Springbrook, “he was all smiles, it was as if Springbrook found Danny” said Robert, Danny’s father. They knew right away that he had found a home away from home.
Jamey Novich Photography
Inspired by their son’s extraordinary experience living at Springbrook, Carmit Zori and Robert Rinehart hosted a touching evening of chamber music on September 28th at the Morgan Library and Museum. “After witnessing the outstanding care Springbrook provides to our son, Danny, Carmit and I were inspired to organize an event to give back to the agency, while raising awareness about its impactful programs and services for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities,” Rinehart explains. The chamber group made up of Robert and Carmit, and their colleagues Nancy Allen, and Edward Aaron, have donated all the proceeds made from the exclusive event to the Golisano Center for Autism as a thank you to Springbrook for its support of people with autism and other developmental disabilities. The Golisano program is a residential school program for children, whose primary diagnosis is an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Before the show, we had the privilege of speaking with Danny’s mother, Carmit. She shed light on how Springbrook changed her family’s life and how comforting it was to find a safe place for her son to stay. “If I passed away today, I would be happy, because I know my son will be in good hands” she said jokingly. Carmit’s face lit up as she spoke about the wonderful facility and the outstanding “angels,” as she described the people at Springbrook who care for her son like their own. It was moving to listen to her incredible experience.
During the night, Chief Executive Officer of Springbrook, Patricia Kennedy, reiterated that all of Springbrook’s programs have at their core a commitment to community integration and a lifetime of support. With offices in Oneonta, Norwich, and Binghamton, Springbrook serves over 850 individuals and families all over the New York State, with many students and residents coming from the New York metro area. Springbrook provides residential, educational, therapeutic, and community support for people with developmental disabilities. The organization’s services touch the lives of many different people with a variety of needs across an entire lifetime. One quality that helps make Springbrook so special is that it grows with the evolving needs of the people they support.
After speaking and meeting just a few of Springbrook’s many employees, you can tell that the people who work there are so passionate and knowledgeable. They understand fully that they are making a huge impact on the lives of those they are caring for. It is truly the support system that our community needs.
World-renowned musicians, Carmit Zori, Robert Rinehart, Edward Aaron, and Nancy Allen performed an outstanding show. Sitting in the stunning Morgan Library and listening to spectacular musical selections of Camille Saint-Saëns, Gabriel Fauré, and Ludwig van Beethoven was unforgettable. It was a beautiful way to raise awareness for autism and to bring support for Springbrook.
The evening was full of beautiful music, inspiring stories, and engaging conversation. We were so lucky to be part of such a wonderful event. With 1 in 68 children in the U.S. affected by autism, it’s truly wonderful to know that there are good people like those at Springbrook dedicating their lives to such an amazing cause.
The more events we have that raise awareness and funds for organizations like Springbrook, the better. As Carmit Zori said, “We can, and we should.”
“Versailles” series makes elegant U.S. arrival
Cast of "Versailles" with show creators, SImon Mirren and David Wolstencroft
Glitz, glamour, and the charm of 1700’s France was the essence that steered the U.S. premiere of “Versailles”. The period drama aired its first episode on October 1st on the independent cable network Ovation TV. It follows the ever-extravagant King Louis XIV, historically known for his messiah-like sense of self, his many affairs, and -- most notably -- ruling all of France while living at the breathtaking palace of Versailles. George Blagden’s performance as the illustrious, yet paranoid “Sun King” sets the show’s dark, engaging tone, all the while juxtaposed with Alexander Vlahos, who executes a strong performance as Louis’ ambitious yet secretive brother, Philippe.
Guests are seated and prepare for dinner at Bagatele
Ovation TV went all out for the highly-anticipated premiere. The first night was set at Bagatelle in the Meatpacking district. Guests were greeted and served by the talented staff, dressed in period-appropriate garment, wigs and lovely French accents. The theme of the night was to “Dine like King Louis,” as guests were immersed in style, from the beautiful chandeliers and candelabras that lit the restaurant, to the assortment of fruit on every table.
Simon Mirren (left) and David Wolstencroft announce a preview from the show
The show’s creators, Simon Mirren and David Wolstencroft welcomed guests to the festivities and introduced the crowd to a handful of the featured cast, including Blagden and Vlahos. A preview of an upcoming episode was shown to the already-invested crowd right before dinner was served. Renowned French chef, Nicolas R. Frezal, served a stunning three-course meal, reminiscent of King Louis’ regular evening meals. The dining portion of the night concluded with dessert and a tasting of aged brandy, provided by Grand Marnier.
Lisa Zane serenades guests as they dine.
From food, to atmosphere and music, the evening came together in the most exquisite way possible. The night was concluded by a performance by actress and singer, Lisa Zane. Zane gave a breathtaking three-song set, completely in French, continuing the atmospheric feel that Paris had landed in New York City. Ovation TV rose to the bar that “Versailles” originally set. As the most expensive television program produced in France, the network saw that it was only fitting to give the premiere the 5-star treatment.
Special thanks to Killian and Nicole.
Photos courtesy of Patrick McMullan
Rosie's Theater Kids 13th Annual Gala
On September 28th, guests gathered at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square in support of Rosie’s Theater Kids, an organization dedicated to providing a nurturing environment for kids from underserved communities who love the performing arts.
Since its founding in 2003 by Rosie O’Donnell and Lori Klinger, RTKids has served and enriched the lives of students who otherwise would not have the opportunity to participate in and experience theater. This particular event gives the teens a chance to show off all they’ve learned in the program and perform in front of hundreds of people.
Besides offering personalized training in the arts, RTKids also invests in the students’ academic future by providing academic tutoring and college application guidance among other things.
In addition to giving these kids an amazing opportunity to show off their skills, this year’s gala also honored philanthropist John Catsimatidis and his wife, Margo, as well as seven-time Grammy award winner Gloria Estefan. Other celebrities in attendance included Tony award winning actor BD Wong, On Your Feet! actress Ana Villafañe, business mogul Randi Zuckerberg, and many more.
Even if you didn’t have a chance to go to the gala, you can still help raise money to support Rosie’s Theater Kids by bidding on items from their online auction. Experiences you can bid on include two orchestra tickets to Hamilton and a chance to meet Javier Muñoz after the show, two tickets to School of Rock and a backstage tour from bass guitarist Evie Dolan, and the opportunity to see On Your Feet! with Gloria Estefan and meet the cast backstage after the show.
Photos courtesy of Rosalie O’Connor.
Coterie x Pryma
To kick off their fashion trade show, which featured some of the best brands in the fashion industry, Coterie hosted a creative event at the tail end of New York Fashion Week. The event was sponsored by Pryma, which provided awesome music that enhanced the evening.
For this event, Coterie created a preview of brands which were then shown at the Coterie trade show a few days later. At press time, 10 pieces were displayed from 60 designers, all of the pieces were hand-selected by the Coterie fashion team.
Some of the brands sampled at the event include Pas de Calais, Milly, Alexis Bittar, Jill Stuart, Markus Lupfer, Koral Antiq Batik, M.i.h., Dodo Bar Or, and Zadig & Voltaire.
The event was held at the World of McIntosh Townhouse in SoHo, formerly owned by Heidi Klum and Seal, and this stunning building only added to the beauty and complexity of each selection of clothes.
Rather than showcasing the brands individually, as is typical of a preview, Coterie instead pulled specific pieces from each designer and grouped them with other pieces, forming multi-brand vignettes. Each vignette had a theme and was placed on a different floor of the townhouse accordingly.
There were beach-themed vignettes of bikinis and sunglasses by the pool. On the main floor, accompanied by upbeat music, there were structured dresses, floral accessories, and sparkling shoes. Lastly there was the upper floor and rooftop terrace, which featured androgynous outfits and edgy music.
No matter the floor or designer, the designs were amazing to see and it was absolutely wonderful that the press got such an intriguing preview of the Coterie trade show.
Photos courtesy of Seventh House PR.
Nolcha Shows Spring/Summer 2017
The Nolcha Shows are a hub for independent fashion designers to showcase their collections to a global audience of press, retailers, stylists, and industry influencers during New York Fashion Week. This year, the event was held at ArtBeam in Chelsea, Manhattan, a district known for its creative galleries, photo studios, and individuals. InvitedNYC's fashion editor is going to give you an exclusive look inside the event with coverage on 7 amazing collections and what trends to expect for Spring/Summer 2017.
Trend Report
1) Lu Yang by Yang Lu
This season designers like Alice & Olivia, Rebecca Minkoff, and Libertine sent 60s inspired designs down the runway. Lu Yang by Yang Lu also showcased this era with an updated 60s collection featuring mod style dresses, bright primary colors, and neat geometric patterns. Other highlights included cateye sunglasses, and the return of white Go Go Boots in the form of hightop sneakers instead of a platform. So Retro! Looks like dresses and cool kicks will be sticking around until next season!
2) ACID NYC
ACID NYC showcased an array of vibrant colors and underwater themed prints like jellyfish and seaweed. Their collection featured swim cover ups as well as day-to-night wear including fun accent pieces like fish shaped purses and unique sea foam green harem pants. Some of their looks seemed to be inspired by the Disney classic "The Little Mermaid" with looks resembling Arielle, Prince Eric, and even Ursula! Check it out below!
3) Samantha Leibowitz
Her entire collection seemed to be inspired by athleisure wear from topknot to toe. Which is great news for those who live for pieces that are comfy yet functional enough to wear all day or all night. The color palette didn’t stray from solid black, white, and red, but she also featured a brush stroke print was fluent throughout the collection. If you are looking for leggings with detailed side panels, or great staple pieces to update your casual wear, then check out this stunning collection.
4) Rohitava Baneriee
Embroidery was a huge highlight from last seasons Fall/Winter season inspired by Chinoiserie patterns showcased from the runways of Gucci, Alexander McQueen, and Erdem. This collection took this era to a whole new level with very formal, intricate detailing, and prominent structured panels added to the shoulders and waist. Every look was designed in rich tones of navy, red, gold, and silver. Rohitava Baneriee took formal wear to the next level! There were so many dimensions of drama in each look, check out some of my favorites from this collection below!
5) Nikistavia
Once upon a time there was a collection fit for an Upper East Side princess. It was polished, frilly, and magically crafted with pastels mixed with vibrant colors. The runway was graced with dresses with flowy, draped detailing, and elegant prints straight out of a fairytale. Some pieces were chiffon and silky, while others were crafted out of tweeds giving the designs more structure. To top if all off, some models donned golden jeweled crowns that complimented their loosely tussled hairstyle.
6) Syu Syu Han
For those of you who are huge fans of the 90s grunge revival, then you’ll obsess over how this collection updates the era. Syu Syu Han only used a black and white palette to create her dynamic designs equipped with leather straps and grommet details. Structural elements were mixed with flowy pieces that made ascetic functional with an urban street-style twist. I am a huge fan of her blouses with bold sleeves and simple tees paired with dynamic skirts.
7) Cashmere Song
Totally the most cohesive yet eclectic collection of the day, Cashmere Song created a cozy winter wonderland on the runway. Her designs were more geared towards Fall/Winter 2016 with a variety of white knits in the form of sweaters, skirts, and dresses. Fur accents and cashmere pieces complimented the comfy, wearable pieces. I do love a good winter white, and her collection has some great options for the colder months. Most models wore knit hats with flower details with long braided pigtails cascading down their shoulders. Another kooky touch from the inquisitive designer was sending all of her models down the runway in thick ankle length socks, another snuggly touch to an already comfortable collection.
Photos by: Paul Newland (Fashionstock.com)
A special thanks to Megan from the Nolcha Shows for the invite!
Veronica Beard NYFW After Party
Underneath their Madison Avenue store, Veronica Beard hosted an after party to celebrate the presentation of their Spring/Summer 2017 collection at New York Fashion Week. Walking into the seemingly innocuous store, the only thing that betrayed the fun going on downstairs was the thump of the bass.
Guests were immediately immersed in the party’s “Stars & Stripes” theme as they descended down a red, white, and blue staircase and saw one of many items on display, the Freedom Biker Jacket with Eagle Embroidery. There were also tasty drinks served in mason jars, deviled eggs, and one of the most American foods there is: Domino’s Pizza.
Besides the leather jacket there were also nearly two dozen other items on display for our viewing pleasure such as the Picnic Bow Mini Skirt, the Mia Ruffle Blouse, and the Sierra Ruched Mini Dress.
As classic and patriotic as the party was, it was also modern and funky with cheetah print walls and neon pink lights floating overhead, not to mention the groovy upbeat music that kept partygoers dancing all night long.
Iconic women that embody the American spirit inspired Veronica Beard’s Spring/Summer 2017 Collection and just as the party mixed cheetah print with red, white, and blue, the collection creates the perfect combination of vintage and modern. Between the floral dresses, preppy trousers, and classic jackets, the strong, vibrant American woman can dress for any occasion in these clothes.
The party was nothing but carefree fun, a great way to keep the excitement going as NYFW, and the summer, were ending.
Special Thanks to Emily from Veronica Beard and photos courtesy BFA
Michelle Helene Spring/Summer 2017
On September 7th, the Spring/Summer 2017 collection of Michelle Helene debuted at New York Fashion Week. Stark white walls and brightly colored platforms were the perfect backdrop for the models wearing the funky, chic new collection.
As a brand that focuses on the satisfaction and accessibility to people of all kinds it is no surprise that this collection and the models wearing it were incredibly diverse. The collection was full of bright colors and fun silhouettes and it is easy to picture any one of the models walking around the streets of NYC in these clothes.
Between afros and head wraps, denim and maxi dresses this collection calls back to 70s style fashion and the easy, flirty style of the era. Designer Michelle Helene explains, “My inspiration for the Spring/Summer 2017 collection is rooted in both the clothing and political messaging from the 1970s. This is my interpretation on anti-conformist casual chic fashion for the modern day woman.”
As my first NYFW event this show really got me excited for the rest of the week and just makes me want to look at more of Michelle Helene’s amazing work.
Photos courtesy of EB Consults