A few weeks ago, I was trying my luck at a blind date. I figured if someone wants to get to know me, why not accompany me to an event? I'm not sure if it was the brightest idea having someone meet me at Hearst Tower for an Esquire Magazine celebration, as if 1st dates aren't overwhelming enough. I was thankful to cut the tension when I bumped into Justine McCarthy from Simply Chic PR. When my date inquired, "So, who are all these people and how did they get invited?" Justine promptly introduced us to Robin Ross of YOUAREONTHELIST.com.

SBS Readers- Here is the WWW.:

Scene B Seen: Robin, you are the founder of YOUAREONTHELIST.com, when and why did you start this site to provide insider access to some of the most exclusive events in NYC and LA?

Robin Ross: Because why shouldn’t everyone experience the best events that are out there?! I am spoiled and have been to all the best events from Sundance to the Academy Awards to backstage at Fashion Week etc., as well as, shopping with designers at their showrooms and getting insider pricing at hotels and spas... So, I wanted to bring that to those who want it and can afford it, but do not know how to do it!

SBS: So, how does it work?

RR: Well we have an annual membership for the Invitation Only list for $500. Then we send out invites and after you RSVP, we get you on the list.

SBS: What’s the difference between being on The List and Invitation Only List?

RR: The List is a complimentary service, where you receive invites to open events, our e-list newsletter and clipboard photos. The more exclusive or sought after events are only available to our Invitation Only List members. The Invitation Only List membership is $500 a year for access to all the exclusive events in NYC and beyond. Plus insider pricing on spas, hotels, fashion etc. You receive save the dates about upcoming events and on-site assistance at all the events to guarantee entry. Also for Fashion Week, only Invitation Only List members have access to the events- unless you buy one of our Fashion Week Packages. Privileges are listed on www.youareonthelist.com/invite_only

SBS: Speaking of... Have any hot parties lined up for Fashion Week?

RR: Yes of course! Check out the entire fashion calendar- we have access to it all. We are offering our YOUAREONTHELIST.com Fashion Week Insider Pass, which get you access to some shows at Bryant Park and other venues, after parties, a membership to YOUAREONTHELIST.com, as well as, amazing gift bags. We also have other surprises with a portion going to charity for the arts. We are only offering 15 of these and we are not taking new memberships during fashion week. The only way to be a member and attend the shows is to purchase the package. You can visit www.youareonthelist.com/dates or email us at events@youareonthelist.com for details.

SBS: That sounds like a stellar deal! I'm so curious what the parties are going to be like considering this is the So Long Bryant Park Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Do you think the NYC Scene has changed in the past few years?

RR: OMG! Yes and NO!

SBS: Ha! How?

RR: I grew up in NYC on the Upper East Side, where going out at night to clubs bars like Odeon, Studio 54, Xenon, and Dorian’s, was just like going to the movies or the mall. We always got in and we always knew where to go. They weren’t websites that told you every night what was going on- you were only in the know or you weren’t. Nowadays, the really exclusive events are few and far between. So we try to have access to those and the more publicized events. What's funny is that some of the same venues are still popular like Dorian’s. Every Tuesday, it's mobbed with young hip professional for their karaoke night.

SBS: Seriously? I suppose Karaoke is a healthy and cheaper alternative... With the economic state of affairs this past year, there’s been an influx of independent promoters trying to fill clubs via email lists and Facebook, should guests be wary of such things?

RR: Yes, you should... but not all promoters are bad or shady. I see a lot of the reputable promoters on Facebook as it has become the new marketplace to advertise and promote your business, and nightlife is no different. YOUAREONTHELIST.com is all things social media! Facebook page and twitter...

SBS: So, what separates YOUAREONTHELIST.com from those types of promoters?

RR: I am not a promoter, not that’s there is anything wrong with that, but we are a service that provides access to events and experiences in NYC and beyond. We do not work for the venues, clubs, or restaurants. We work for our members, to provide them with experiences they would never know about or are too busy to find out about and get them access. YOUAREONTHELIST.com is like a best friend who knows everyone and takes you with them.

SBS: Love it! What’s in the future for YOUAREONTHELIST.com?

RR: We are rolling out to other markets YOUAREONTHELIST.com Boston, Chicago, Miami, SF... We are excited to be launching YOUAREONTHELIST.com KIDS. So that kids can be on the list too!!

SBS: A kids list? That rocks. How fun is that?!

RR: Plus in NYC we will be creating YOUAREONTHELIST.com pop-up lounges at marquee events in NYC and this summer in the Hamptons. So- SBS Readers will have to see where we will pop-up next!

Photo 1: Robin Ross and Tracy Stern
Photo 2: Ryan Nicklaus of Ryan Darius Salon and good friend TJ enjoyed Front Row at Russell Simmons courtesy of YOUAREONTHELIST.com
Photo 3: 901 SILVER TEQUILA LAUNCH PARTY, NYC June 13, 2009: Actor and promoter Danny A with the beautiful people

Mochino Cheap & Chic, John Galliano, Dior, Cavalli and Diane von Furstenberg: Elisa Palomino has influenced some of the biggest names in fashion and on February 17, 2010 she will debut her beautiful, eponymous line with a runway show during New York Fashion Week.

Growing up in Cuenca, Spain, a humble 15th century town, with a mother who was an acclaimed restorer of fine arts and a grandmother who was a habitué of Haute Couture, it's no wonder Elisa's dramatic aesthetic developed at an early age. Her passion for textiles progressed quite naturally, combining both extravagant prints along with heavily embellished exteriors.

Ms. Palomino received a masters degree in Fashion Design from St. Martins College of Art.  Her classmates were made up of Antonio Berardi, Hussein Chalayn, and my favorite designer of all time, Alexander McQueen- or as I like to call him, Alexander The Greatest!

In 1995 Elisa's career started as the designer behind Moschino's Cheap & Chic collection. It was here where she cultivated the eccentric style of their 2nd line. Five years after designing for Moschino, powerhouse John Galliano recruited her to work for his own label, as well as, a collaboration with Dior. She was quickly chosen to be the head of the studio, and over the next eight years, her creativity helped the fashion house prosper.

Post Galliano, Elisa worked at Roberto Cavalli as Studio Director, before moving to The Big Apple to become the VP of Design at none other than, Diane von Furstenberg, a position she continues to embrace.

Fall 2010 will mark the season for Elisa's own label, Elisa Palomino... I can't wait to see what she has up her sleeve.

On a cold winter's eve, we all gathered at Stephanie and Jesse Newhouse's Soho loft to celebrate the birth of Scene B Seen's own glam beauty: Sam Jones. Sure, it may be Christmas time and there are plenty of holiday office parties to attend, but we prefer to kick it amongst our fashionable friends.

In addition to Ms. Jones, a.k.a The Leather Queen, being the Creative Director for Libra Leather working with some of today's top designers (yes, their leather graces the runways at NYFW), Sam has another MO, Moda Operandi that is. She pens the weekly column here on SBS, which features an insider look on the hottest emerging designers, the latest trends, and how you can own the look.

Needless to say, the guests were dressed with purpose and not a dull conversation to be had. Par for the course, of course, at a Newhouse soiree. My fave hosts were all smiles, happy to throw a stellar party for their good friend Sam. Yet, the fête was just the icing on the cake to their bliss... a little Newhouse is on the way. It's official: Jesse and Steph are expecting their first child.

So, raise a glass of champers to toast three cheers:

To Samantha- You're the most fantavulous friend and we love you.

To Stephanie and Jesse: Congrats and we love you too.

To the Newhouse Dynasty: One of the last great American family names lives on and we love you for bringing us Vogue.

To view more part picts by Richard Brill: please click HERE

*photo 1: Samantha Jones and Jesse Newhouse

*photo 2: Ian Meadow, Mike Albanese, Kelly Stanek, and Amanda Vlastas

Onerock Moving Pictures documentary DRESSED premiered at the Big Apple Film Festival on November 3rd at the Tribeca Cinemas to a sold out theater and a star-studded event.

DRESSED was selected from 700 films that were submitted from the New York City independent film community, as well as, additional selections from across the country and around the world to be screened at the Big Apple Film Festival.

DRESSED is the much buzzed about documentary that tells the touching and inspirational story of Laotian-American fashion designer, Nary Manivong, who defies the odds of a broken childhood and homelessness to follow his dream of showing his collection at New York’s Fashion Week and launching his brand. The documentary was fluid, had a great soundtrack by Chris Orazi and Sink to See,  brought tears to your eyes, and made you laugh with Manivong's infectious smile.

The Big Apple Film Festival screening was an absolute smash hit with ticket goers. New York’s finest with fashionable attendees including; socialite Ally Hilfiger, Project Runway’s favorite fashion designer Malan Breton, and the ever so glamorous fashion designer Loris Diran (whose designs have been featured in A Devil Wear’s Prada). Top industry experts, who happen to be part of the cast, also attended; industry consultant George Furlan, Janet Mock of People.com, and Mickey Boardman of Paper Magazine, along with other castmates; director David Swajeski, executive producer Maryanne Grisz, and fashion designer Nary Manivong.

FYI: The cast of DRESSED includes industry experts from Fern Mallis, Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion; Ohio designer Nanette Lepore; Author Mary Gehlhar “Fashion Designer’s Survival Guide”; Simon Collins, Dean of Fashion for Parsons, The New School for Design; Simon Doonan, Creative Director of Barneys New York, author of four books and columnist for The New York Observer; Stylist Robert Verdi; Anastasia Griffith from the NBC show Trauma; Jason Napier of the band Sink to See; President of The Fashion Group International, Margaret Hayes and fashion writer Lynn Yaeger.

*photos courtesy of PMc by JP Pullos

*photo 1: Ally Hilfiger and Nary Manivong

*photo 2: Mickey Boardman and Loris Diran

*photo 3: Malan Breton

If you’re anything like me, without question, I despise spending half of my paycheck on a handbag that everyone ends up sporting on their arm. I don’t do monograms, I don’t do ordinary, and I surely wouldn’t invest in a handbag made from anything less than the finest of leathers (Duh). There are, however, a handful of designers who’s arm candy resides in my closest season after season; Alexander McQueen, Michelle Vale, Kara Ross, and Be & D (to name my top four go- to’s).

If I’m looking to throw on a simple understated chill outfit (i.e. Genetic Denim Shane Jeans, Blue Life U- neck, Loeffler Randall oversized blazer paired with my Pour La Vic’s Angelique platts) I’m going to reach for a bag that’s vibrant, chic, playful and classy… I’m going with one of my Be & D bags.

Known for starting their incredible handbag line on a kitchen table in Brooklyn, New York, Be Inthavong and Steve Dumain are the dynamic duo who’s contending artistic individuality allow them to create their lavish, innovative, bold handbag collection; Be & D.

Since purchasing the Turquoise and Cognac Gold Studded Garbo Bag back in '04, I’ve been a loyal contributor to the economics of Be & D. I’m not the only one involved in a fervid love affair with these bags. Charlize Theron, Jessica Biel, Penelope Cruz, Liv Tyler, Blake Lively, Eva Longoria and dare I say it, Katy Perry, have all been spotted numerous times carrying these stunning pieces.

Although studs may be all the rage this season, Steve and Be were the first to set the bar with bold studding almost six years ago. All throughout Be & D’s color pallet, you can find vivacious fuchsias, scintillating greens, jewel-toned blues, radiant metallics, along with your staples- black, taupes and creamy whites. Each bag is handcrafted using ONLY the finest buttery leathers and elaborate, opulent exotics... even the hardware looks and feels swanky.

Their prices range from the high 5’s to about $1500 and worth every cent! These bags are made to withstand years, even decades, of wear. They are the bags that women keep in pristine condition, then subsequently pass down to their daughters. Any one of Be & D’s pieces will look just as incredible “vintage”, as they do brand new.

You’ll see me rocking my Cossette satchel in green python for years to come.

You can view the entire collection at Be & D, where you can purchase them directly on their site or at Shop Bop, Nordstom, and Saks.

Industry Background*:

Designers Be Inthavong and Steve Dumain started Be & D in 2004, at the kitchen table of a Greenpoint, Brooklyn loft. It was here that the duo created their very first design, the Garbo, modeled after a vintage bag found on holiday in a Beirut market. The bag quickly became an international phenomenon, catapulting Be & D onto the scene as a new force in the luxury market. Inthavong and Dumain believe strongly in the hands-on tradition of storied European luxury houses and have re-created this same practice in their Garment District design studio.

They personally train their sewers, teaching them the intricacies that define Be & D and work alongside them to ensure that every piece is created with the strictest attention to detail and quality.

In 2007, Be & D debuted its first shoe collection. The designers acknowledged that Italy was still the best place to make small quantities of expertly crafted shoes, and traveled to Tuscany to work side-by-side with skilled artisans to help realize their vision, continuing the same approach they use in their New York factory. With its signature gold soles and variety of heel heights, the line was created to compliment and merchandise with each main season’s core offerings.

In addition to their seasonal collections, Be & D has collaborated with ready-to-wear designers, including Ruffian and most recently Doo.Ri (A/W 09), in developing accessories for their New York Fashion Week runway presentations. In the pipeline for 2009 are additional strategic partnership opportunities with like-minded luxury companies both within and outside of the fashion industry.

Be & D Co-Founders/Designers:

Be Inthavong is a native of Laos, where his family has owned a silk mill for over 200 years. After immigrating to the United States at age eight, Be began sketching, and the influence of his legacy was apparent from the first drawing. After graduating from Texas Christian University with a degree in Biology, Be was drawn back into the world of fashion. With no formal training, Be spent the next 10 years honing his innate skills in accessories design and production as co-designer and owner of a hair accessories company. Longing to further explore and experiment with textiles, his first love, Be channeled his parents entrepreneurial spirit and set out on his own. A chance meeting with fellow creative force Steve Dumain would ignite the spark that led to the establishment of Be & D.

Steve Dumain was raised on a horse farm in upstate New York. Growing up, his unique sense of style was born out of his obsession with rummaging through local thrift stores, where he also accumulated a collection of antique luggage. After graduating from the University of Vermont, with a degree in International Business, Spanish and Art, Steve lived and traveled in Europe and South America. It was there he explored his fascination with fine art and sculpture - and the idea that an artist’s hands could create infinite possibilities. He returned to New York and became established in the film industry as a gifted writer, producer and talent manager. After meeting Be, he realized his lifelong passions were too great to ignore.

* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Be&D

-Article by Sam Jones for Scene B Seen

Onerock Moving Pictures screened an intimate sneak peek of their documentary DRESSED to New York’s tastemakers and press at Soho House members’ club and hotel in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District on September 10th.

DRESSED is a heartfelt documentary that takes a look at Laotian-American fashion designer, Nary Manivong, who defies the odds of a broken childhood and homelessness to follow his dream of showing his collection at New York’s Fashion Week and launching his brand.

The film also features a cast of top fashion experts: Fern Mallis, Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion; Ohio designer Nanette Lepore; Mickey Boardman of Paper Magazine; Author Mary Gehlhar “Fashion Designer’s Survival Guide”; Simon Collins, Dean of Fashion for Parsons, The New School for Design; Industry Consultant George Furlan; Simon Doonan, Creative Director of Barneys New York, author of four books and columnist for The New York Observer; Stylist Robert Verdi; President of The Fashion Group International, Margaret Hayes; and fashion writer Lynn Yaeger.

Following the 15 minute sneak peek (which had a killer soundtrack, btw), Director David Swajeski, Executive Producer Maryanne Grisz, Nary Manivong, and a few of the cast members, gathered for a Q&A.

The decorous Mr. Manivong, who had his New York Fashion Week runway show earlier that evening, was all smiles and definitely ready to relax for the rest of Fashion Week. Mr. Manivong appeared grounded and was completely receptive to audience inquiries.

I spoke with Ms. Grisz about the moving documentary. I wondered how the direction of the film from the onset moved throughout the year of filming. "We always saw the central story/theme being about the strength of the human spirit. Working with Nary was very inspiring as he just kept moving forward in pursuit of his dream in spite of the tremendous odds against him."

I believe the essence of Mr. Manivong spoke beautifully within DRESSED to produce an absolutely inspiring documentary. I can't wait to see the full-length feature.

For additional information, visit www.dressed-themovie.com and www.narymanivong.com.

*photo 1: Still from DRESSED (model and Nary Manivong)

*photo 2: Still from DRESSED (Nary Manivong)

*photo 3: Nary Manivong at DRESSED Sneak Peek

*photo 4: Executive Producer Maryanne Grisz

*photo 5: Director David Swajeski and Nary Manivong at DRESSED Sneak Peek