Scene B Seen

DRESSED Documentary Premiere at Big Apple Film Festival

Britten — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:35:49 -0500

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

DRESSED Documentary Sneak Peek at Soho House

Britten — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:10:10 -0400

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

DRESSED Documentary Sneak Preview at Soho House

Britten — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:23:26 -0400

DRESSED Director David Swajeski and Executive Producer Maryanne Grisz are offering an exclusive sneak peak of their documentary to selected New York’s tastemakers and press during New York Fashion Week.

DRESSED is the much talked about documentary about the inspiring 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 film offers an insider’s look behind-the-scenes of the glamorous, chaotic world of fashion as well as insightful commentary from industry experts such as; 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.

The DRESSED private invite-only special sneak peak screening will take place on Thursday, September 10, 2009 at the Soho House members’ club and hotel in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District in New York City. There will be two screenings taking place at 9pm and 10pm and a Q & A after each screening with Director David Swajeski, Executive Producer Maryanne Grisz, Fashion Designer Nary Manivong and selected members of the cast.

10/10 with JP Whitney: Peter Davis

JPWhitney — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 16:37:49 -0400

I recently had the great privilege to sit down with my friend, Peter Davis, Editor of Paper Magazine and one of New York City's most stylish men, to ask him 10 questions about all things style. Here is what he had to say:

JP Whitney: What things influence your style?

Peter Davis: People and places: Fred Hughes, Mark Ronson, Tokyo, London, Big Sur, Bob Marley, Amy Winehouse, and of course- New York. The  Mods are a huge influence.

JPW: What do you prefer: everyday street style or party primped?

PD: Street Style. NYC's best looks start and shine on the  street and not in the front row of a fashion show or on a red carpet.

JPW: How does your City Style differ from your Hamptons Style?

PD: I only wear board shorts in the country. Whereas in NYC, I never wear board shorts.

JPW: What is your prized possession in your closet and what is your must have du jour?

PD: My tux that my tailor in London, Timothy Everest, made. Always looks good. A pair of black Loakes shoes which were a huge pain to order from London, but my favorite shoe.

JPW: Who are some of your favorite designers or labels?

PD: Martin Margiela, Rolex, Fred Perry, John Lobb, Thom Browne shirts, Vans slip-ons (have owned over 400 pairs), Michael Bastian blazers and tux jackets, vintage Helmut Lang, Bess NYC, and my tailor  Timothy Everest is my style guru.

JPW: How did you get started in the magazine business?

PD: I was an intern at Paper in High school. I had blue hair.  I never wanted to be a writer or an editor. I studied painting in  college. I just loved Paper's whole vibe.

JPW: How do you take/react to negative press?

PD: Not well. I'm not a celebrity, so I'm always surprised that Page Six or Gawker makes up silly stories about me or slams me.

JPW: Is the Peter Davis we see on red carpets and at parties the  same Peter Davis that hangs out with family and friends?

PD: Red carpets scare me!! I don't have a good photo face down,  so I'm never red carpet ready. I need to have Mark Ronson give me some  lessons in looking cool!

JPW: What is on your wish list for the coming fashion season?

PD: Getting an editorial discount at Gucci, so I can load up on  mod style clothing.

JPW: Peter, it's been a pleasure chatting with you.  Before we wrap it up, tell me something most people don't  know about Peter Davis.

PD: I'm scared of sharks. I went scuba diving with Jaws-like  sharks in Fiji, and it still haunts me.

*Photo 1 by Thomas Whiteside: Peter Davis at Chateau Marmont

*Photo 2 by PMc: Peter Davis and Amanda Hearst at Surf Lodge

*Photo 3 by PMc: Peter Davis at LEVIEV Party for "GLAMOUR GIRLS" in LA

Paper Magazine's Beautiful People@Hiro Ballroom

Britten — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:31:48 -0400

Thursday night, H&M threw a party at Hiro Ballroom in the Maritime Hotel for the Paper Magazine Annual Beautiful People Issue... and it was hot.

ANTM Jaslene Gonzalez, Francesco Clark, Katy Perry, Lady Sovereign, designer Richie Rich, Tina Parol, and my fave bi-gossip glamster- Justin Tranter, to name a few amongst the yummy crowd.

This is what I would like to know... who did you see doing what??

We were all taught to share and not to talk behind anyone's back, so make someone proud.

DISH and POST YOUR TALES IN A COMMENT BELOW----

*(L-R) Katy Perry, Justin Tranter, and Richie Rich