What has 2009 brought us? KiptonART explored not only the business of emerging artists, but the entire creative market encompassing art, music, fashion, film and soirées. 2009 -- the year of change -- has prepared art mavens for the coming decade. Reflecting on the seasons past here are influential events that are sure to impact the coming year(s) ahead.  Let the countdown begin!

#10. Let us get the dreaded term out of the way: recession. The weed that spewed from our credit fertilizer haunted the globe thereby weakening an already challenged art arena. As third quarter trudged around the market gradually rallied amidst the buzz surrounding the early November Sotheby’s New York auction of an Andy Warhol painting, sold at $43.8 million.

However, morale was low due to a failed auction held at New York’s Christie’s the same week. This may have left a dark cloud brooding over art auctions had it not been for $48 million dollar sale of a drawing by the old master Raphael at Christie’s London in early December.

#9. Early December opened with Art Basel in Miami. The lack of sun and party funds left the majority of attendees interested in only one thing, the fairs which fared far better than last year. High sales made gallery representatives giddy, while on-lookers enjoyed works by international talents. Much on displayed felt familiar and sellers were fixated on those that they knew would bring in cash flow. In this economy, why not? Though events were at a minimum, KiptonART hosted an event with Whitewall Magazine and attended parties and events over the four day fair including a highlight of the Lanvin boutique opening.  In November, Art Dubai drew significant crowds and attention.

#8. Parties elsewhere seemed to have been doing just fine this year (though there was a definite lack of food trays circulating). KiptonART threw several with partners such as Longchamp and Saks Fifth Avenue and even debuted on MTV. The Coalition for the Homeless held their annual ArtWalk Benefit raising $650,000, their most successful event to date. Patrons attended all the major museum galas from the Metropolitan Costume Institute to the Frick Young Fellows. However, the Whitney Studio Party was said to have been the best of them all, where A-list New York supporters wore sponsored Versace gowns to the nines.

#7. Spring/Summer 2010 Fashion Week set the standards for a new era: digital prints, nude hues, and underwear-as-outwear. Chado Ralph Rucci gave the show of New York’s season with a flawless presentation.  Finally be rid of the dirty indie look and step into fantastic crab claw Alexander McQueen heels, as Mrs. Gaga did in her epic video “Bad Romance.”

#6. Undoubtedly, Lady Gaga is this year top musician, bringing glam rock gender bending aesthetic backs from the trendy 80’s grave of on stage Madonna masturbation and Freddy Mercury. Opposite, of Gaga is the baby-face Taylor Swift who swiftly swept up the awards at every ceremony she attended (and didn’t for that matter as she won several AMA’s while preparing for an upcoming tour in London). KiptonART continued to collaborate with emerging musicians Joyce DiDonato, Saeunn Thorsteinsdottir, Eldar and Orba Squara. Most heartbreaking was the loss of music legend and pop king Michael Jackson.

To Read The Top 5, please visit KiptonART Online Magazine

Photo 1: Kipton Cronkite attends the 2009 Whitney Museum Gala at The Whitney Museum of American Art on October 19, 2009 in New York City. (October 18, 2009- Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images North America)

Photo 2: Aqua Art Miami Basel entrance

Photo 3: Chado Ralph Rucci's incredible Spring/Summer 2010 collection

The City was a buzz again Thursday evening, as New Yorkers store-hopped to celebrate Fashion Night Out. For a moment, it seemed like the good old days, when shopping was a common past time, and only your significant other or parents would ridicule you in jest for being a shopaholic. Madison Avenue was light up by store fronts, as the Fall skies begin to darken earlier. For the past year, Mad Ave stores having been closing before 6pm and on Sundays. Therefore, I became giddy with the energy and life filtering in and out of stores. Ok, Champagne may have contributed to my delight!

We travelled from Gucci to Roger Vivier, Valentino- which was tranformed into the bistro Bagatelle, then to Versace where Ciara (in a gold lame fitted strapless number) made an appearance and posed for several pictures with Martini drinking fans.

Well, this was fun and all, going from store to store, sipping on drinks and sneaking in a dance or two to the featured DJ, but I couldn't help but feel a little confused. Was anyone actually shopping?

I don't believe I was alone in my thoughts. Gucci Manager, David, was also surprised at the turn out. He informed me that Gucci had purchased 250 9/11 FNO t-shirts for their 5th Avenue store and 100 for the Madison Ave. He figured that would have been more than enough, yet, the t-shirts were gone within 8 minutes! Although pleased with the crowd that wrapped along the building waiting to get in, David wished he had bought more shirts for shoppers and that other stores had done the same.

My cab driver seemed a little perplexed at the crowds as well. He couldn't understand why people would go to these stores if none of them were doing any special sales or promotions. Good point.

My good friend seemed enthusiastic at the idea of FNO, surmising, "We don't have to feel guilty for shopping anymore. It's ok! You know, we have to spend money to stimulate the economy. That's how we get out of a recession." Definitely true.

At least people were out and about again, and in good spirits. Maybe Bloomberg should declare FNO at tax-free night...

PHOTOS: Click HERE

"That's what it is about. Tonight is about the children." Timothy Bayly, Northeast Senior Regional Director stated, while pointing to the dissolving video images on the large format screen. These could not have been better opening words to an unforgettable event.

The 3rd annual Design Cares, presented by Saks Fifth Avenue, was held at the Armory Thursday evening, April 30th, 2009. The fashion and style industries came together to give back by utilizing their experiences and supporting St. Jude Research Hospital.

36 designers, including: John Galliano, Vera Wang, Alberta Ferretti, Nicole Miller, Neil Bieff, J. Mendel, Christian Cota, Reem Acra, Jonvaldi Couture, Diane von Furstenberg, Maggie Norris Couture, Versace, Edwin D'Angelo, Domenico Vacca, Catherine Malandrino, Angel Sanchez, Gucci, Matthew Williamson, Marc Jacobs Collection, Luca Luca, Yigal Azrouel, Carolina Herrera, Zuhair Murad, Michael Kors, Chado Ralph Rucci, Valentino, Badgley Mischka, Adrienne Landau, B Michael, Carlos Alberto, David Meister, J. Gerard, Narcisco Rodriguez, and Karl Largerfeld, donated their time and evening gowns to present an unforgettable runway show. All gowns were available for auction and including extraordinary designs by Micah and Courtney, two children of St. Jude, interpreted for the runway by Christian Siriano and Tian Justman respectively.

Hosts: Phillip Bloch, Chanel Iman, and Veronica Webb led the glorious evening by introducing co-chairs Dawn Gallagher and Reynaldo Davis Carter, as guests enjoyed tastings from 25 different restaurants, and perused the silent auction items.

I thought it would be a great idea to get the inside scoop on how this all comes to fruition. I turned to Kerry Bannigan, CEO Nolcha and Backstage Director for Design Cares 2009.

SBS: Nolcha is an all inclusive fashion business, what is your main objective?

KB: To provide business opportunities – sales, marketing and networking – to the emerging fashion designer and retailer.

SBS: How/why did you get involved in Design Cares?

KB: Arthur (Mandel, ESQ/President Nolcha) and I are active committee members and with our current job roles we naturally feel into the Design Cares Runway Show initiative.

SBS: Why St. Jude, what does it mean to you?

KB: St. Jude stands for so much more than research. Due to the research it has allowed so many members a successful and continuous survival rate that it is awe inspiring. Seeing Vivian (a patient) walk down the runway without her crutches at the runway show made it all worth while. Her confidence, her enthusiasm and most of all her belief was incredible. In addition working with reputable brands such as, MAC and Warren Tricomi, plus designers such as Versace, Valentino and Lagerfeld, made the connection for fashion giving back even stronger.

SBS: Yes. Incredible, really. What was the process like being the Backstage Sponsor/Director and have you done anything like that before?

KB: Due to running Nolcha Fashion Week, every season we are very equipped to fully produce runway shows. As active committee members, this is what Nolcha provided to St Jude Design Cares.

SBS: What does it mean to you and Nolcha to be a part of such a fab event?

KB: It is not about the event that is fabulous to Nolcha, although unfortunately for some it is a wonderful way to boost your resume, it is about the fundraising, the childrens hopes and dreams plus working with an amazing team that dedicate their lives to theses children on a daily basis.

SBS: Absolutely. For me, the fact that a group of individuals came together for those hopes and dreams and those of the future, is truly amazing. What did you personally take away from the evening?

KB: As I stated before, it was the patients on the runway that made my night. Vivian has the dream to be a co-host for red carpet stars and FOX! made that happen. It made me feel alive and step outside of the superficial fashion bubble we tend to live in.

SBS: What was your favorite part and, not to be superficial, yet I must ask- your favorite dress?

KB: I am being biased, but I loved the runway show. The gowns were gorgeous. My favorite was Karl Lagerfeld, with his dress closing the show.

SBS: I loved that one too. Those lines were so striking. What's next for Nolcha?

KB: Stay tuned as we prepare for Nolcha Fashion Week: NYC. Runway and Accessory opportunities available at info@nolchafashionweek.com Plus many private shopping parties coming at Nolcha Retail Space retail@nolcha.com.

This remarkable extravaganza showcased dreams, contributions, gratitude, beauty, elegance, inspiration, the power of donation, and all the possibilities that can be achieved when individuals come together for the greater good.

100% of every auction purchase benefits St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and could not have been done without the attendees, supporters, donors, and the Fashion Show producers: Reynaldo Davis Carter, Dawn Gallagher, Brad Parsons- of Yes Productions, launchmedia:group, and Nolcha.

For more photos: click here

*photo 1 by Aracelis Batista courtesy of Nolcha:Gown by Carlos Alberto

*photo 2 by Aracelis Batista courtesy of Nolcha: Veronica Webb, Phillip Bloch, and Chanel Iman

*photo 3 by Aracelis Batista courtesy of Nolcha: Courtney, Vivian Laws, and Tian Justman

*photo 4 by Aracelis Batista courtesy of Nolcha: Kerry Bannigan- CEO Nolcha