Tuesday, February 16th: Bebe - Kardashians - Fall 2010
Even on a snowy Tuesday morning in New York City, fashion must go on!

Yesterday morning at Stage 37 on W 37th Street, STYLE 360 presented the Bebe-Kardashian runway show as their kickoff to this year's fashion week season.  In attendance, of course, was the beautiful Kim Kardashian, there to host the event and, of course, smile for the cameras.

Once the show began, the anxious crowd sizzled to a hum, as the music pumped and the models came out one by one across the u-shaped runway.

The line consisted of a lot of staple colors—blacks, grays, and whites—but in the typical Kardashian fashion, certain pieces were mixed and matched with brightly lit hues—hot pinks, royal blues, etc—that screamed out loud from underneath the blacks and grays. Though usually paired with these fundamental colors, the hot pinks and blues sometimes stood out on their own, like in the eye catching pink romper with the belted waste. As the models strutted down the runway, I could just envision any one of the three Kardashian sisters strutting their stuff in each of the designs.

Jumpsuits and one-pieces played a big role in the show. The opening outfit was a classic black jumpsuit, with a three-quarter sleeve and a belted waist. I cannot even tell you how long I’ve been looking for a perfect onesie...  and my hunt moves on over to Bebe!

Another signature theme in the Bebe - Kardashians line was the use of a-symmetry. Many of the pieces flirted with the one-shoulder look, or the criss-cross straps with a twist.  One of my favorite designs was the one-shouldered gray dress that hugged the hips and flared at the arm with the stylish use of black leather.  Or the gray hooded cotton dress adorned with a black leather corset around the waist, that Kim Kardashian was actually wearing at this very show.

Accompanying the blacks, the hot pinks, and the a-symmetrical designs, was a lot mixing and matching of fabrics; such as cotton or spandex dresses and two-pieces, made with layers of leather and mesh.

At the Bebe Soho store launch party, Scene B Seen Editor in Chief, Britten Heft, spoke with Mary Hamilton, Senior Director of Corporate Communications for Bebe, about the Tri-Kardashian's partnership with Bebe. Hamilton divulged that when Kim first began going out and about in Hollywood, her stylist always dressed her in Bebe and became hooked on the brand. "So the collaboration came quite naturally out of Kim's love for Bebe."

The sisters began development almost exactly one year ago, working closely with Bebe's fabric designers and the Bebe design team, explained Hamilton remarking, " It was really lovely watching all three sisters working together."

Since Bebe has such a high selling rate, the Kardashians line will release FIVE collections per year. The line is also being sold at the Kardashians own two stores- DASH.

All in all, the collection spoke both to Bebe’s signature style and to the Kardashian’s - two styles I personally enjoy, and plan to do some dabbling in.

For more Runway Picts, please click HERE.

*all photos by Henry S. Dziekan III/Getty Images North America

Thursday evening, I attended the Cipriani Wall Street Fashion Series featuring designer Duncan Quinn. Alex Merkin, who relayed the designer’s regrets for not being able to present the collection personally, introduced the menswear collection. Mr. Quinn is currently in Miami in preparation for the opening of his forthcoming Limited Editions pop-up shop in Miami's design district… featuring its own indoor croquet pitch.

The London-born, New York based designer and “recovering lawyer” found inspiration for his featured designs in film and classic works of art; including all things Alfred Hitchcock, The Thomas Crown Affair, James Bond, Eastern Promises and the Mona Lisa.

I found the color palette for the line to be both regal and playful, with heavy plums, burgundy and charcoal tempered by lavender and rose accents in ties, handkerchiefs and dress shirts. There is an intellectual sharpness and meticulous attention to detail in the cufflinks, leather duffels, and umbrellas.

After the show, I caught up with Mr. Merkin, donning Duncan Quinn garb head to toe. The Director of the upcoming film Across the Hall, indulged my questions about the December 4th New York release. He told me that the film, featuring Danny Pino, Brittany Murphy and Mike Vogel, is a thriller about a standoff between a young man, his fiancée and his best friend, who occupy hotel rooms across the hall from one another. I gathered it’s a little dark and scandalous, a delicious combination.

Later into the night, I had a lively chat over drinks with Simon van Kempen and stylist Derek Warburton, who lamented over Editor Britten Heft’s absence. It seems they just missed each other at an earlier charity event. Designer Peyman Umay joined us for a spell, offering style expertise and exchanging opinions of the evening’s presentation.

I left Cipriani picturing how dapper and tailored my man would look in a “bespoke Duncan Quinn suit” while defending clients in the courtroom and for all our upcoming Holiday festivities… I think Christmas may have to come early this year.

Tuesday night, SBS joined guest of honor Alex McCord on the Upper East Side, for the grand opening of the consignment boutique, Second Time Around. Her husband Simon van Kempen, along with Bravo TV's The Real Housewives of New York City, Bethenny Frankel, Kelly Killoren Bensimon and Ramona Singer, were right by Alex’s side to celebrate.

Among the stylists, shoppers, socialites, and camera crews, I quickly recognized several other A-list names in the room. The store was resplendent with like-new and new designer apparel, shoes and accessories by Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Ralph Lauren, Moschino, Kate Spade, Escada, St. John, and Oscar de la Renta, to name a few. I am still kind of obsessing about a certain fuchsia Nanette Lepore shift dress…

However, I fared relatively well in the face of a trifecta of temptation. I resisted attractively priced designer duds (up to 75% off retail) and tiny but delectable treats from Cupcakes by Melissa (my trainer would be proud). Yet, I did indulge in a little sparkling wine by Voga...

I was also treated to a chat with Alex about her involvement with Second Time Around (aka: STA). She informed me that attendees and shoppers had the chance to feel twice as nice last night. Through joint efforts with STA, a portion of the proceeds from the evening’s sales would be donated to Bottomless Closet. Founded in 1991, Bottomless Closet is the first workforce development nonprofit organization of its kind to address the need for services that would increase the potential for low-income women or those on assistance to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Many of Bottomless Closet's clients are single women, forced to choose between providing necessities such as food and shelter for their children, or having the right clothes to wear for a job interview.

As Alex was giving me the scoop on the cause, we were joined by fellow supporter, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, who joked that it was her “second time around” joining Alex for a Second Time Around grand opening. (The Soho store at 262 Mott St. opened in June.)

Shortly after, Ramona made her grand, wide-eyed, entrance, with wrapped gift in hand. No, it was not a congratulatory gift for Alex. Ramona promptly handed the ribbon-adorned box to Bethenny. All smiles, Bethenny opened it to find a cute white and green onesie for her recently announced baby on board. Aww…

I was also delighted to meet Simon, who graciously introduced our own Scene B Seen Editor, Britten Heft, and I to Sophie Newman, Manager of the STA Soho store. Sophie gave us some insight on how the consignment process at STA works. Generally, prospective clients make an appointment to bring in garments and/or accessories for consignment. STA then carefully reviews all items, as the donor is asked to enjoy the neighborhood shops for a half an hour, to ensure they are in exceptional condition, in season, and in line with current trends.

Consigned merchandise remains on sale for ninety days (proceeds are split 60/40). Clients are able to track the status of their items through their STA online account. Any unsold items, are returned to the consignor. FYI: Unsold or ineligible items can also be donated by STA on behalf of the client  to various charities.

After another quick survey of the shop, and maneuvering my way through the cameras, the cameramen, and their conjoining cords, I made my way towards the exit. Just as I hit a bottleneck at the door, a tall woman called out, “Where are my interns?”… Enough said.

*all photos  courtesy of PMc by Ben Gabe

*photo 1: Alex McCord and Anisha Lakhani

*photo 2: Bethenny Frankel, Jennifer Gilbert, Jeff Casler, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, and Alex McCord

*photo 3: Michel Witmer, Edward Garou, and Simon van Kempen

The last thing on my mind as I headed to the Empire Hotel Rooftop for an “Evening of Fashion, Adventure and Jazz”, sponsored by Patrizia Pepe, Cadillac, Adventurati, and Carsten Institute, was a yachting excursion through the sunny British Virgin Islands. It was October in New York, and the weather didn't exactly lend itself to an evening at sea. Still, we have David Aidekman, founder of event sponsor Adventurati, to thank for bringing visions of sunny skies to a cold New Yorker's mind. Adventurati is described as “a community for people who want to live life by participating in extraordinary activities around the world with like-minded fellow explorers.”

As for me, I privately assessed the likelihood of rooftop space heaters and cozy fires. Surely, like the Super in my apartment building, the powers that be at Empire would magically sense when to turn on the heat.

On arrival, I met with Editor Britten Heft, who shared my climate control concerns. Our worry turned out to be for naught as we discovered plenty of enclosed warmth atop the Empire. Our contented warmth on the rooftop, of course, does not compare with the splendor of sunbathing atop one of a fleet of yachts afloat in the Caribbean.

David smirked when I asked him what he did prior to planning luxury yachting trips for the young elite. He divulged that while he is a trained captain, he didn’t always spend his time organizing yachting and ski trips for the jet-set.

David, a Harvard graduate, spent seven years working for the U.S. government and still consults as a defense and security strategist. Adventurati grew organically from vacations he planned with his friends, vacations with friends of those friends, and so forth. Everyone would query, "Hey Dave, when’s the next trip?" We know now that the next trip is on New Year's Eve to the BVI, long known for its raging NYE celebration.

Groups of friends, singles, and couples alike are encouraged to book Adventurati’s available yachts (sleeping cabins and showers included). Adventurati provides captains to skipper through the islands while participants enjoy water sports, explore beaches, local shops, and restaurants, and snorkel in destinations renowned for beautiful caves and coral.

David noted that Adventurati will typically provide concierge type services to guests on the yachts: recommending various restaurants, making reservations, coordinating with favored nightlife venues for the group, and, in some instances, flying in famous guest DJ’s from Paris and London to rock the beats at the group’s nightlife destinations. On New Year’s Eve, for example, the Adventurati yachts hopping along the British Virgin Islands will anchor in the Great Harbour of Jost van Dyke Island, joining thousands of other revelers for a two-day New Year’s Eve beach party at Foxy’s Bar.

In 2010, Adventurati is also planning a six-week yachting escapade through Croatia, Greece and Ibiza, with guests welcome to sign up for their destination(s) of choice. Not to be forgotten: ski bums and bunnies, as well as general adventure seekers, are invited to participate in an online survey for potential ski-trip destinations.

We also caught up with April Lynn Martin, who helped organize the fashion flavor of the evening: Patrizia Pepe gift bags were handed out to the first 50 lucky ladies. Among the included goodies were cocktail vouchers and a free haircut from the Carsten Institute. Bonus: Dr. Matthew White, MD (Cosmetic and Reconstuctive Facial Plastic Surgery) was on site offering complimentary consultations.
Though the live Jazz Trio gave the crowd a comfortable jazzy hug, I have to say I left the event with more tropical notes in my head. Who cares if Halloween and Winter are creeping up on me faster than those two ill-advised shots of Patron? Contemplating Adventurati’s laid-back a-la-carte yacht jaunts has precipitated an untimely case of beach fever and its companion complication: bikini anxiety.

S.O.S.

-Article by Carolina Gonzalez for Scene B Seen

*photo 1 courtesy of Adventurati
*photo 2: Carolina Gonzalez, Clarissa Silva (Executive Director of SMART, April Lynn Martin, and guest

Our dear friend and birthday girl: Britten Heft, what isn’t there to say? She is thoughtful, loving, selfless, super sweet and is always there when you need anything.... She’s the new girl in town as Editor of Scene B Seen, covering who’s hot, what’s not, and where’s where in NYC and the Hamptons. Obviously, this society gal knows how to throw a party.

Last night it was time to truly be scene and be seen at the utterly jaw dropping Hudson Terrace Rooftop Lounge, for one of the best birthday parties to date. Guests included everyone from the most charming Heft family members to fabulous friends Stephanie and Jesse Newhouse, Jen Marden, designer extraordinaire Allison Parris, host and promoter Malik so Chic, Karen Biehl with cutie patutie Eli the Chihuahua- accompanied by magician Matt Wayne, and publicist queen Hillary Schupf, artist Jenny Belin… to name drop a few.

Whoever said you couldn’t have your cake and eat it too, should have made it to the beautiful bash! Cameras caught the many who stopped by- hugging, laughing, dancing and taking a bite of their very own little slice of delicious life, eh hem, I mean cake. Hey, we are New Yorkers; we know how to do that.

I finally stopped dancing to ask Britten why this Birthday was particularly special, she responded, "I left the east coast when I was 18 and spent the next dozen years moving around the west. I was trying to figure out how I fit in this world. I suppose I was searching, learning, and questioning so much, I forgot to just be. Now, I finally feel like I'm living- triumphs and tribulations." ...and may I add... Back in New York City- exactly where she belongs!

We need more big hearted “Britten’s” in this city, especially in times like these where some of our best organizations are getting hit hard by the lack of donations due to rising unemployment. Prior to the festivities the sensational guest of honor requested as her birthday wish, for those who were able, to donate a small amount to help out a great organization here in our beautiful city of New York: City Harvest.

It’s a small organization with a big feat. Day in and day out, City Harvest helps feed hungry men, women and children all around our city. They collect and deliver excess food to over 600 community food programs every week. Britten knows it is no tiny task to reach over 260,000 hungry New Yorkers find their next meal.

With Britten's many generous and kind friends- such as Walt Freese, Chief Euphoria Officer of Ben & Jerry’s, and two donors she had never met before she made her wish, City Harvest is now able to help a few more people. Britten raised $555 in just two days via Causes on Facebook.

A huge thank you to Britten and all the unbelievably wonderful donors! Happy Birthday, Britten, we adore you!!!!

To see more party picts, click HERE and please visit: Guest of a Guest, Alan Barry Photography, and Marc Stamas Photography

*Photo 1 courtesy of Guest of a Guest by Ben Hider: Stephanie Newhouse, Britten Heft, and Jen Marden

*Photo 2 courtesy of Marc Stamas: Beau Thebault, Hillary Schupf, and Britten Heft

*Photo 3 courtesy of Marc Stamas: Britten Heft

Wednesday July 22nd, the fun and fabulous will gather for a Birthday Celebration for Scene B Seen Editor, Britten Heft!

The festivities will be held at the Hudson Terrace private Rooftop Garden Lounge. The venue that was once "a neglected turn-of-the-century horse stable [has] transformed into one of New York's most elite and desirable event destinations."

Hosted by Stephanie Newhouse, Jen Marden, Victor Medina-San Andres, and sponsored by Absolut, will feature live music brought to you by Fun Music Agency.

So, come join the beautiful people in raising a glass to Britten's birthday fantavulousness!!!! Dance, drink, and be sexy.

To RSVP: click HERE

*Photo by Rosie Hardy: A Play Within a Play