On Wednesday, June 17, 2009, The Whitney Contemporaries hosted the annual
Whitney Art Party and auction at Skylight. The benefit raised nearly $500,000 for the Whitney Museum’s Independent Study Program and Educational Initiatives of the Museum.

BCBGMAXAZRIA partnered with the Whitney for the third consecutive year, with co-chairs Adam D. Weinberg, Alice Pratt Brown- Director of the Whitney, and Lubov & Max Azria, along with Allison Aston, Camilla Belle, Joanne Leonhardt Cassullo, Mark Fox, Adam Lippes, Melissa Gellman Weiss, and the Whitney Contemporaries.

The evening also celebrated the 20th anniversary of the BCBGMAXAZRIA brand and Max Azria’s unique vision. “My husband and I are thrilled to be partnering again with the Whitney Contemporaries to raise funds for the Whitney’s Independent Study Program,” said Lubov Azria, Creative Director of BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP.  “Our biggest passion in life is creativity so it is a blessing to be able to support the art community and help give these inspiring individuals a voice."

The Whitney Museum of American Art is the leading advocate of 20th- and 21st-century American art. Founded in 1930, the Museum is regarded as the preeminent collection of American art. With its history of exhibiting the most promising and influential American artists and provoking intense critical and public debate, the Whitney's signature show, the Biennial, has become the most important survey of the state of contemporary art in America today.

Attendees included: Lubov & Max Azria, Bradley Cooper, Ali Larter, Camilla Belle, Lake Bell, Gretchen Mol, Gerard Butler, Amber Tamblyn, Maggie Grace, Alexis Bledel, Lindsay Price, Maggie Rizer, Melissa George, Brooklyn Decker, Sessilee Lopez, Selita Ebanks, Hilary Rhoda, Ivanka Trump, Scout Willis, Rumer Willis, Alana Zimmer, Lonneke Engel, Lisa Cant, Hana Soukupova, Sasha Pivovarova, Lydia Hearst, Dree Hemingway, Julie Henderson, Arlenis Sosa, Jason Wu, Alexandra Richards, David Cross, Rachel Alexander, Allison Aston, Narciso Rodriguez, Stacey Bendet, Byrdie Bell, Maggie Betts, Barbara Bush, Valerie Boster, Joanne Leonhardt Cassullo, Lauren Remington Platt,  Olivia Chantecaille, Esteban Cortazar, Francisco Costa, Lydia Fenet, Mark Fox, Eugenia Gonzalez, Rogan Gregory, Zani Gugelmann, Jessica Joffe, Calvin Klein, Jared Kushner, Margarita Levieva, Adam Lippes, Meredith Melling Burke, Gilles Mendel, Tinsley Mortimer, Jamie Ray Newman, Lela Rose, Ferebee Bishop Taube, Melissa Gellman Weiss, Roopal Patel, Alexis Bryan Morgan, Stephanie LaCava, Shoshanna Lonstein Gruss, Charlotte Ronson, et al.

Artist and Co-Chair, Mark Fox, contributed many key elements to the event including invitation materials, onsite video projection, and a collaboration with Lubov Azria to produce a one-of-a-kind umbrella as a parting gift for all partygoers. Additionally, Fox generously donated artwork for the silent auction.  His inspiration for this new work, which was created specifically for the event, came from a 1931 quote by the Museum’s founder, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, which is equally relevant today: “It is especially in times like these that we need to look to the spiritual. In art we find it.”

Following last year’s successful launch of an online auction component, the 2009 Whitney Art Party auction once again featured online and in-person bidding for works generously donated by more than 70 of today's leading contemporary artists including: John Baldessari, Matthew Brannon, E.V. Day, Isca Greenfield-Sanders, Corin Hewitt, Jim Hodges, Ryan Humphrey, Terence Koh, Andrew Kuo, Elad Lassry, Louise Lawler, Marilyn Minter, Tom Otterness, and James Welling. Emblematic of the Whitney’s past, present, and future, the participating artists included four current ISP students along with past and future Whitney exhibition subjects.

This year, online bidding was available both through individual bids and the “Buy Now” option, to purchase any work at a set reserve price. So attendees could sip their Belvedere Vodka or 10 Cane Rum while bidding at the soiree, or online bidders could snuggle in a cashmere throw and not miss a thing from home. Also as a first this year, the Whitney hosted an Auction Preview and Reception with artists an hour before the event to provide exclusive access to the artwork and gave guests one final chance to “Buy Now” at reserve prices.

Bronson van Wyck designed the space for the second consecutive year and worked with the Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney quote as inspiration for event décor, which included large-scale projections on either end of a long corridor playing circular loops of an original Mark Fox video, and a neon “PARTY” sign sequenced to flash between “ART” and “PARTY” inspired by artists who work in neon such as Tracy Emin.

It is important to note that in addition to all the amazing collaboration efforts that produced this wonderful event, The Whitney Contemporaries are the Whitney’s link to the future, carrying on the Museum’s critical mission of supporting American art. They keep the youthful energy of the Whitney flourishing, bolster the Museum’s commitment to risk and innovation, and involve young leaders and patrons in the fulfillment of the Whitney’s goals.

The Whitney's Independent Study Program (ISP) was founded in 1968 as an innovative, alternative approach to the education of artists, curators, art historians and critics. This benefit provides friends of the ISP an opportunity to support the program’s continuing contribution to the fields of art, architecture, criticism and curatorial practice. The Whitney’s Education Department was established in 1966 as a venue for exploring new approaches to education for all age groups and to developing interdisciplinary, multidimensional programs and materials. Educational programs and resources are designed to make the Whitney's world-renowned collection of American art and its comprehensive exhibition program accessible to multiple audiences.

Art Party proceeds benefit the Independent Study Program and other educational initiatives of the Whitney Museum. Information on membership can be found at Whitney Museum.

*photos courtesy of Patrick McMullan: Camilla Belle and Max Azria, Ali Larter, Bradley Cooper.

*Additional information provided by: L.E. for Paul Wilmont Communications

Having just returned from a relaxing vacay on the Island, Long that is, I was more than up for benefit at Le Poisson Rouge hosted by the debonair Justin Parks, CEO of Scottparks Organization. As an advocate for Donna Karan's Urban Zen Foundation and a pension for throwing stellar parties, Parks put together a soiree featuring a screening of the rockumentary on Mick Rock and Iggy Pop “Raw Power Redux”, directed and produced by Dean Holtermann, followed by a concert featuring rock punk fashioneur- Michael H. with members of Alice Cooper and Spacehog.

Translation: An epic eve of punk, debauchery, rock, friends, and rollin' into a speakeasy.

Mick Rock is a photographer best known for his iconic shots of 1970s glam rock icons such as Queen, David Bowie, Mick Ronson, Lou Reed, Kevin Ayers, Iggy Pop and The Stooges, The Sex Pistols, The Ramones and Blondie. One of his most (in)famous photos from this era is his shot of a naked Iggy Pop.

About two years ago Holtermann began filming Rock and Iggy, as he found there was nothing like the connection the two of them had. Off-stage, they interacted like average bros- James Newell Osterberg, Jr. and Mick, but on-stage, James became Iggy and no one could capture that magnetic essence better than Rock. The result: "Raw Power Redux".

After a brief introduction by Urban Zen Executive Director Joanne Heyman, Holtermann, and Parks, the screening of the rockumentary, the stage was set for an astral set by Michael H. and crew, paying homage to Iggy and The Stooges. When I asked Michael, founder/designer of De Hoghton, about his involvement with the event, he replied, "...I've known Mick and Dean for years and love them both, so doing this event was a no brainer. I've been a singer for years and love rock classics like Iggy, Stooges, etc., now I design clothes... 'rock punk couture'."  Well, I'm intrigued, how about you?

As if I didn't think it was possible for this night to surpass itself, Parks got up on stage to announce the raffle winners for prizes such as; Turks and Caicos / 3 day 3 night Private Island Resort Vacation Package - valued at over $5,000 compliments of DPS Sports Club Development Company, 7 course dinner for two at Agua Dulce, free 1 year membership to ZipCar, Mick Rock autographed original Iggy Pop print, dinner for two at L'Artusi in the West Village, and an evening of free libations at a private downtown speakeasy. Sweet. But let's get to that bit about the speakeasy...

After closing out tabs, taking some final picts, and making some Facebook "friends" a reality (yay Susan), we all headed over to a secret joint- complete with knock and password. Right on.

It was dimly lit, crowded, had a distinct scent of mold and yesterday's garbage, yet we were all stoked to be there and round out the eve amongst friends, old and new. Sorry, I cannot disclose its' location.

To learn more about Urban Zen, please click here.

*photo 1 courtesy of Susan Anton: Dean Holtermann

*photo 2 courtesy of Susan Anton: L-R: Dennis Dunaway, Michael H., Jonny Cragg, and Jimi Bones

*photo 3 courtesy of Susan Anton: Mick Rock and Michael H.

"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

Thursday night, April 23rd, was the all inspiring Young Survival Coalition's Annual Benefit: In Living Pink at the Edison Ballroom. The Tenth Anniversary honored David J. West, President and CEO of The Hershey Company and celebrates YSC's mission to provide the highest quality education and support to young women affected by breast cancer.

Various silent auction items, such as: vacations, sports memorabilia, spa packages, and jewels, lined the recently renovated Edison Ballroom... as well as some pretty tasty treats. The age diverse crowd circumnavigated the room and then all convened on the main floor to listen to various speakers including-Patricia Velasquez, Kristen Martinez, and David J. West.

I have to admit, with all the glitz and glamour, I was not at all prepared to hear the heart wrenching and warming stories, experiences, struggles, and triumphs. I bit into a raspberry milk chocolate meltaway from the tier above the gathering, to fight back tears I was not ready to shed. It was not that it was a bummer, it was the overwhelming energy of courage and affirmation that permeated the room. Amazing.

Just that struck me, the fantavulous and my personal fave fashion designer, Betsey Johnson, passed by me and my girls. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to ask her a few questions about her and her daughter, Lulu. As she spoke candidly to me, honesty, love, and seemingly- life, poured out of her crystalline eyes. In the few moments we spoke, I learned two extremely important things:

1) Mind over matter is so very crucial.

2) The bond between Mother and Daughter is the most significant, beautiful, and strongest thing above all else.

Thank you Betsey.

Today, I have adapted how imperative a support system is, whether it be family, friends, or an organization such as Young Survival Coalition. I also feel absolutely honored to have been in the presence of such a large group of people all gathered to advocate a tremendous cause.

Thank you Stacy Morgenstern Igel- Creative Director of Boy Meets Girl® for inviting me to In Living Pink and all those that made the event happen.

*photo 1: courtesy of Jonah Anand/startraksphoto.com (Kristine Tanno- YSC Benefit Co-Chair, Betsey Johnson, Stacy Morgenstern Igel- Creative Director Boy Meets Girl)

*photo 2: courtesy of Jonah Anand/startraksphoto.com(Patricia Velasquez)