Luisa Diaz Hosts Kindness Gala at the Plaza Hotel

 This past week Luisa Diaz founder of the MAG Gala decided to bring her "Making kindness cool" movement to NYC in style. There were several important red carpet guests in attendance including Peter Roth founder of Peter Roth Skincare who sponsored the event, Jean Shafiroff philanthropist, and many other celebs. Luisa Diaz spoke to me about her movement which was supporting domestic violence survivors for the night. She talked about how fashion can help women feel empowered as well as shared details of her amazing dress. Check out the video below to see her full interview.

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Guests enjoyed musical performances, dancing, and more. The gala also honored several domestic abuse survivors with the runway of hope where survivors were honored in custom created outfits to symbolize empowerment. The Gala was a huge success and everyone was excited to raise money for a great cause as well as spread kindness in style. 

Fashion, Diplomacy, and Dancing Come Together for Charity at the 67th Viennese Opera Ball

On Friday night the annual 67th Viennese Opera Ball returned to NYC where socialites and tastemakers from the NYC fashion scene as well as the Austrian community in NYC and some special musical guests came together to celebrate the 67th year of this special tradition as well as raise money for Gabriel's Angels Foundation a cancer charity founded by Denise Rich. The Austrian Ambassador to the US Dr. Scheenbauer also attended as well as several other members from the Austrian delegation including Peter Hanke the Executive City Councillor for Vienna. Other notable guests included Nicole Miller NYC fashion designer, Sasha Prendas pop singer, and Jean Shafiroff who co-chaired the gala with Denise Rich.

 The night also featured a special treat for guests with performances from Met Opera stars Stephen Costello, Joyce El-Khoury, and Nathalie Pena Comas. Stephen Costello performed his solo from La Boheme which he stars in at the Met Opera and then the trio performed an amazing song together.

 Afterwards guests enjoyed a live auction to raise money for Gabriel's Angels and and then ballroom dancing started.

A beautiful choreography to the Carmen Quadrille by Eduard Strauss was designed for the opening performance of the debutantes and escorts by Vienna Dance School Svabek, headed by Sandra Stockmayer and Roman Svabek. Later guests participated in a group lesson of the midnight Quadrille and then the live orchestra played waltz music “A Night inspired by ‘Carmen’”, from the opera Carmen by Bizet led under the artistic direction of Daniel Serafin with Austrian conductor, Maestro Vinicius Kattah until the afterparty where guests enjoyed traditional Austrian treats and more dancing! 

The event brought together fashion and diplomacy to highlight the strong ties between the two cities of NYC and Vienna and guests got to experience much cultural exchange during the galmourous affair. Everyone came dressed in their most fashionable formal eveningwear as the dress code was white tie. Many guests opted for fun accessories such as elbow length gloves, capes, and even tiaras. Sequins, and princess dress cuts were definitely trending. Both Austrian and New York design influences and tastemakers came together on the red carpet Friday night when designer Nicole Miller wore a dress she designed herself and Austrian fashion designer Carolin Sinemus also attended in a fabulous outfit inspired by Austrian design influences. 

The night ended with a great DJ and afterparty as well as a champagne toast to another successful Viennese Opera Ball. 

Cocktails for Canines: Celebs Come Out to Raise Money for Rescue Dogs Rock NYC

On Tuesday night NYC celebs and style icons came out to raise money for Rescue Dogs Rock NYC charity that rescues abandoned dogs and provides them with housing and medical care. The charity is currently planning to open a new shelter in Long Island that will allow them to care for even more furry friends. Guests came out to support the cause and enjoyed drinks, bites, and a raffle at Versa Lounge in the garment district. Some NYC style scene regulars attended including Jean Shafiroff, Olga Ferrera, Georgina Bloomberg, Leesa Rowland and more.

 Everyone stepped out in their best looks to support the cause. Local businesses also donated prizes to the raffle and donated proceeds from their sales to Rescue Dogs Rock. Brooklyn based LolaHemp founded by Joey DiFrancesco was giving out free samples to guests who had pets at home and donated proceeds the the charity. 

The event brough together style and dog lovers for a night of fun and raised awareness for a great cause. The charities co-founders Jackie O'Sullivan and Stacy Silverstein spoke to the audience about their journey founding the charity and the idea for the rescue center. Their inspiring speech was full of anecdotes about the adopted dogs they have been able to rescue. 

They thanked the audience for their support before introducing the youth co chair Marin Gellar was also honored and gave a speech to talk about volunteering and the importance of involving youth in community initiatives. 

The night was definitely a success and raised over $150,000 to open their new center. Check out my reel to see all the best styles of the night on Instagram here!