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! 

Country Star Drake Milligan Checks Stagecoach 2023 Off His Bucket List

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This weekend rising country star and America's Got Talent finalist Drake Milligan made his debut on the Stagecoach Main stage for an enthusiastic crowd. Last year, Milligan performed on the marketplace stage and attended the festival for the first time. You can check out my interview with him from Stagecoach 2022 on YT here! This year he returned as a star after releasing his album Dallas/Ft. Worth and finishing America's Got Talent as a top 3 finalist. The music video for his hit single "Sounds like something I'd do" was also nominated at the CMT Awards this year for Male Breakthrough Video of the Year category. I caught up with him before his show to talk about what it was like coming back for the 15th anniversary festival, his plans for a new album, and more! 

Milligan told me that "Last year feels like a long time ago compared to this year and we've really turned a corner with the tour and playing so many live shows." He was looking forward to playing on the main stage at the festival and planned to hang out and enjoy the rest of the weekend as well. He told me "I hope to be able to see Chris Stapleton's show. He's an absolute legend and one of my hero's Paul Franklin will be playing in his band." Milligan said, "Stagecoach is just magical and there is nothing else like it anywhere in the world. Last year I played on the marketplace stage but I was looking over at the main stage thinking about what it would be like to be up there. It's definitely a check off the old bucket list for me to be playing at the 15th anniversary this year." 

The past 12 months has been full of bucket list achievements for Milligan as he had a full circle moment attending the CMT Awards after launching his career as Elvis on the CMT show Sun Records back in 2017. He also played in Europe for the first time at C2C festival in London. made his Ole Opry debut and got to play his own music at the legendary Billy Bob's Saloon in his hometown in Texas. Milligan recounted growing up in Texas and told me what it was like playing at Billy Bob's as a native Texan saying, "It never feels real to be there. Billy Bob's is a country music staple and so many of my hero's have played there like George Strait, Merle Haggard and more. I grew up 15 minutes from there and used to sneak in there in high school and get kicked out. They have really good security. It was nice to be kicked in instead of kicked out this time. It was pretty special. I love getting to see family and friends in the crowd." 

The 24 year old singer shared what it was like releasing his own album and what he hopes fans will get from his music. He said, "It feels really good. I've been working on the album since 2017 so it's just great to see people reacting to the songs and see people relating to the stories. Seeing things people do like playing the songs at a wedding or something and being able to uplift their life with country music is so rewarding. I've never been one to make grand statements but I want people to experience a story. I think that's what country music is all about. I want my fans to feel that they can relate to the songs and help people feel understood whether its a sad song about drinking a beer alone or amplifying the good times like drinking a beer with friends on a Friday night." 

As for what's next, Milligan said he is focusing on having fun on the road for now. He told me, "I am always writing and I've been in Nashville pretty consistently. I'm definitely thinking about the next record. We're about to start looking for outside writers so it's a really exciting time." 

NYC Society Welcomes the Start of Summer with Hamptons Happenings Preview to Fight Cancer at Versa

This Wednesday night celebs gathered to support the Waxman cancer research foundation and celebrate the beginning of the summer season in the Hamptons at the Hamptons Happening Preview event at VERSA NYC. Guests enjoyed food, a raffle, and more fun as they prepared for a summer of sun fun and fashion in the Hamptons all while raising awareness for the important work of the cancer research foundation. Celebrity guest Leesa Rowland, author and lifestyle influencer told me she was looking forward to attending the Hamptons Happening event later this summer and was so excited to be raising awareness for such a great cause at the event. Lucky raffle winners won a ticket to the Hamptons Happening event and Hamptons Happening 2023 Honorees were celebrated with a video. Honorees included Chef Ralph Scamardella, EVP & Chief Culinary Officer, TAO Group, Lori and Scott Levine, Co-Founders, Scott’s Protein Balls, Denise Albert, CEO and Co-Founder, My Cancer Family, Anna Zuckerman, Founder, Chief Designer Anna Zuckerman. 

Photo Credit: Mark Sagliocco / Shutterstock

Guests could also sign up for the Step Up To Turn Cancer Off fundraiser. It is a virtual fundraising event where participants keep track of their physical activities in order to reach their daily “step” goal.  An easy-to-use online tool will convert nearly any activity such as walking, running swimming, dancing, yoga, gardening etc. into steps. Participants can register individually or as a team and then share progress with peers and family to garner donations. The week-long challenge runs from June 19th through 26th, 2023. For more information, to register, or to sponsor a participant or team, visit www.waxmancancer.org/events/stepup/. 

The event brought together style, food, and charity to raise awareness for a great cause! 

Taking BarbieCore to the Next Level: World of Barbie is Coming to LA This Spring

 

Kilburn Live

BarbieCore is one style trend that is still going full force especially as the new Barbie movie premiere date gets closer. This spring BarbieCore fans will get a special treat when the World of Barbie experience opens in Santa Monica. 

This one-of-a-kind immersive experience is produced by leading global toy maker Mattel, live entertainment company Kilburn Live, and global sports, fashion and events giant IMG. The 20,000 square-foot attraction will allow fans of all generations the unique opportunity to step directly into an inspiring world where they can explore a life-size Barbie Dreamhouse, try out several Barbie careers displayed in various interactive rooms, and even sit behind the wheel of a full-size Barbie Camper Van.

The executives working on the project shared their thoughts on what the Los Angeles stop will look like for fans. 

“We are thrilled to bring this attraction to Los Angeles after a wildly successful, extended run in Toronto,” said Julie Freeland, Senior Director of Global Location Based Entertainment, Mattel. “As the number one doll property worldwide and the most diverse doll line on the market, Barbie is a global phenomenon. At World of Barbie we are excited to offer guests of all ages a larger than life, inspiring experience that reminds fans why they fell in love with Barbie and that they can do anything and be anything.”

 

“From day one this was much more than your typical experience. This is a world, a world built specifically for Barbie fans so they can experience what it is like to walk into a life-sized Barbie playset.” said Mark Manuel, CEO of Kilburn Live.

The immersive experience is a dream come true for Barbie fans but it will be even more interesting to see the different BarbieCore fashions that emerge since guests are encouraged to wear pink to special events such as Pink Carpet night and Sunset cocktail hour. LA is a unique location that will most likely influence the experience and have guests thinking about iconic Malibu Barbie or Surfer Barbie looks from the 90s and 2000s. The combination of the Barbie movie, new Barbie product lines, and iconic California inspired Barbie looks from the past is something fashionistas everywhere wont want to miss! 

According to the website:

World of Barbie will feature many interactive installations including: 

• Barbie Dreamhouse: Visitors will be able to explore the exquisitely designed rooms of the life-size Barbie Dreamhouse, complete with a patio and pool, a DJ kit for guests to mix music, and walk-in closets filled with garments from decades of iconic Barbie fashion history
• Barbie Camper Van: Fans can take the driver’s seat in this full-size camper van, built by leading car customization shop, West Coast Customs, or simply relax in a hammock
• Fashion Studio: Guests will have an opportunity to walk the pink carpet and pose inside of one of the six Barbie boxes
• TV Studio: Visitors can step onto the set and become a news anchor delivering headlines in front of various TV studio backdrops, interviewing their guests or giving the weather report
• Space Center: Visitors will be able to board a Barbie space shuttle to interact with mission control and travel to several interstellar destinations
• Salon: In partnership with Professional Beauty Brand, Paul Mitchell®, World of Barbie will feature a salon where guests can interact with Paul Mitchell products
• Movie Theater: Guests can also step into the neighborhood movie theater where classic Barbie content will be played.
• And so much more!

I can't wait to see this event! 

NYFW The Talks: Fluidity in Fashion with Tresemme

This season at NYFW Afterpay presented a great panel featuring  Jonathan Simkhai (Founder & Creative Director), Parris Goebel (Creative Director, Choreographer, Dancer & Muse), Lacy Redway (Tresemmé Stylist & Celebrity Hair Artist) and Moderator Jenna Rosenstein (Beauty Director, Harper’s Bazaar). 

The panel focused on how fluidity can help the creative process in art, fashion and beauty industries and panelists had an engaging conversation that offers an inside look at how fluidity is represented and impacts each partner's professional work and personal expression. The audience got a treat listening to Parris Goebel discuss her latest work as Rihanna's Superbowl choreographer. Fluidity played a bug role in her work on this project and she stated that Rihanna wanted the whole performance to feel seamless so fluidity was key in her choreography planning. The dancer and choreographer has also worked with many other celebrities'and was most recently tapped by Tresemme to create their new marketing campaign video featuring dancers in the water. The project was a very interesting artistic challenge according to Parris who had to come up with dance moves that would highlight hair movement in and out of the water. Hearing from the artist only a few days after the career-making Superbowl halftime performance that had immediately gone viral was very revealing about how much work goes into creating a performance like that. Parris shared that fashion week was her first opportunity to get dressed up in over 10 months as she had been working hard on practicing the SuperBowl performance for so long. 

All the artists shared similar perspectives on keeping fluidity in the artistic and creative processes. Parris said that working with Rihanna was a fun challenge because she was often spontaneous and could change her mind at any moment about music, and the performance. Jonathan Simkhai also agreed that in the design process he aimed to incorporate fluidity by embracing mistakes and getting inspired at every stage of design. Lacey Redway agreed referencing that working with clients and on sets under tight deadlines requires a lot of fluidity and creativity. 

This was a very important panel because creative industries can often be misunderstand and with the advent of technology the creative process can sometimes be expected to be very predictable or rigid. But this panel reminds us that the best artists agree that the spontaneity and fluidity lead to the best work. 

The Green Carpet Fashion Awards Announce New Date During Oscars Week

This year, the green carpet fashion awards will take place during Oscars Week on March 9th at Neuehouse Los Angeles. The GCFA (Green Carpet Fashion Awards), co-chaired by Cate Blanchett, Quannah Chasinghorse, Viola Davis, Tom Ford, Simu Liu, and Simone Ashley will take place on March 9th at NeueHouse, uniting the power of fashion and entertainment for positive transformation.

Today the GCFA announces that this year’s honors will include 6 societal archetypes – The Visionary, The Messenger, The Rebel, The Healer, The Sage, and The Futurist alongside two special entertainment honors, for personalities who have distinguished themselves for their work on social and environmental justice.

Mr. Tom Ford will receive The Visionary Honor for launching the TOM FORD Plastic Innovation Prize in partnership with Lonely Whale, the only global competition focused on creating scalable and biologically degradable alternatives to thin-film plastic.

The Green Carpet Fashion Awards are a highly anticipated event bringing together the entertainment industry, fashion industry, and sustainability. Sustainability is receiving more attention from young consumers and events like the Green Carpet Awards are an exciting new development for conscious consumers especially Gen Z and younger consumers. Stay tuned for more coverage from this exciting event! 

Grammy's Style RoundUp

 

Image credit: Amy Sussman/Getty Images

This weekend the Grammy's red carpet shined in Los Angeles while major stars like Beyonce and Taylor Swift came out to show off their latest looks at the music awards. There were several trends from the red carpet but my favorite was the two piece sets I saw celebs sporting for the big night. The trend is youthful and can be adapted for different body types and occasions. It has definitely made a come back for this season. 

Taylor Swift wore a midnight blue two piece set by Roberto Cavalli which looked stunning. The long sleeve top and fitted skirt lengthened the silhouette and the sparkly material added a touch of glamour for the red carpet. 

Camila Cabello also sported the trend in this black and white number by Pat BO called the hand beaded rosette gown. The embroidered bodice was a statement piece that was hand made with over 40 hours of work. The designers constructed it like a piece of jewelry and was crafted by Brazilian artisans who learned their art at Patricia Bonaldi's tuition free sewing school for women's empowerment. The high slit added drama to the look and it was the perfect outfit for Cabello. 

The night was definitely a success and there was so much great style inspo from the red carpet. 

Male Celebs Kick Off Fashion Week at the Blue Jacket Fashion Show

 

The 7th annual blue jacket fashion show for prostate cancer awareness returned to NYC in Moonlight studios on Wednesday. Male celebs including Mario Cantone, Andy Karl, Alex Lundqvist, Bill Nye, Carlos Greer, Clinton Lord, Dominic Fumusa, Don Lemon, Don Hood, Dr. Bradley Schaeffer, Dr. Evan Goldfischer, Dr. Ash Tewari, Eric West, Frank DiLella, James Aguiar, James Andrew, Kris Bennett, Les Trent, London Brown, Louis Finley, Marcus Samuelsson, Mike Woods, Musa Jackson, Nigel Barker, Omar Hernandez, Richard Thomas, Souleymane Sy Savane, Ty-Ron Mayes, Tyrone Brewer and Young Paris modeled the reimagined traditional “blue jacket” down the runway by designers including Arjona Collection, Ben Sherman, Bruno Magli Collezione, Cad & The Dandy, Gustavo Moscoso, Levi’s, Maxjenny, Men’s Wearhouse, Michael Kors, Nicholas Graham, Son Jung Wan, Stephen F, Thom Browne, and Tommy Hilfiger. The event was held in partnership with Janssen pharmaceuticals and Zero: The End of Prostate Cancer. Fashion Group International also partnered up with their rising star designer Frederick Anderson in support of the event. 

The night kicked off with a blue carpet full of creative takes on the dress code of blue jackets. Celebs came out to support the cause and raise awareness and the theme of the night was that helping even one person made the event worth it. This year, for the first time as part of this event, community members, event participants, and guests were able to be screened for prostate cancer with a quick and easy prostate-specific antigen test sponsored by Carver Federal Savings Bank and provided by Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Morning screenings were held outside of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and then again at Moonlight Studios ahead of the show.

The participants really made the runway their own wearing outfits that showed their personality and walking to a song of their choice that definitely reflected everyone's personal style. From party rock anthem to throwback swing and jazz hits everybody rocked the runway in their own way. Crowd favorite Bill Nye returned wearing a custom made jacket and periodic table bowtie. Mario Cantone of Sex and the City wore a jacket with his name embroidered inside. No detail was left out of these stylish looks. 

Other VIPs who were seated in the front row included Carol Alt, Maria Borges, Fern Mallis, Chiké Okonkwo, Orfeh, Davis Burleson, Shomari Love, Menegor Galicia, Mica Hughes, Tashiana Washington, Samuel Mancini, and Britne Oldford.

After the show guests enjoyed a blue themed drink at the afterparty in honor of raising awareness for prostate cancer which is very common but treatable if caught early. All in all the night was a success. 

The Blue Jacket Fashion Show Hosted by Frederick Anderson

 

This coming Wednesday designer Frederick Anderson will be hosting the Blue Jacket Fashion Show with Janssen Oncology & Benefitting Zero – The End of Prostate Cancer. The designer gave me an exclusive preview for the evening and you can find my red carpet coverage of the event here on Wednesday evening to see it all happen!

Anderson founded the event with Laura Miller and together they have grown the event to a successful staple on the New York City social calendar that raises awareness for Prostate cancer and screening. 

Frederick shared his excitement for the event as well as the inspiring story of how he came up with the idea in an exclusive interview with me before the big day. He also gave me a sneak peak at what he will be wearing and his plans for the upcoming NYFW! He is celebrating his 5th year with his namesake collection and will be showing his Renaissance collection on February 15th. 

1. What inspired you to found this In my forties and getting the speech from my doctor about prostate and colon cancer and getting my first colonoscopy and PSA.  I had no idea. I had never had a conversation about any of it.  Frightening and concerning… as I am part of the fashion industry and we promote the fashion fights breast cancer I wondered “what about the men”? Well I took it upon myself to start the conversation and based on the reaction its a conversation that was needed.

 

2. Do you know what you'll be wearing to the big night? 

I'll be wearing a couture velvet suit by Sartoria Studio which is opening in NYC on Feb 6th with a Blue jacket fundraiser.

3. How do you think fashion and designers can have an impact on important causes? 

We have a platform and are respected.  I think its my responsibility to use that power for change and awareness. 

4. How has being one of FGI's rising stars affected you? 

Its really amazing to be honored by your peers. The boost is amazing.

6. Any plans for Fashion week in February you can share? The collection is called renaissance.  I feel is fitting for my life and where I am at 5years of my own signature collection.