On Thursday, November 19th, The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers hosted Project Morry's 13th Annual Autumn Elegance Gala to honor Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

Project Morry is an ongoing program dedicated to giving inner-city children enriching learning opportunities through a curriculum based on school meetings and an intensive summer camp program. This nonprofit organization focuses on giving children an opportunity to be challenged, understand their self-worth and personal responsibility, and grow together.

The event began with a cocktail hour. Guests enjoyed the stunning view of the Hudson while viewing the various tables of items displayed for the silent auction.

The alumni of the program - a group of adults who have known each other since nine years old - exemplified the organization's advantages. I chatted with a number of alumni, each filled with a contagious enthusiasm, respect, and gratitude for having been a part of Project Morry. Their loyalty to the cause and overall friendliness, made the elegant and formal event remain down-to-earth and unpretentious.

Toward the end of the hour, I spoke with Liza Gates, the charming daughter of Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and one of the Gala Vice-Chairs. Ms. Gates was modest, kind-hearted, and filled with passion about the project. I had a brief discussion with Mr. Gates, Jr., about his interest and desire for his daughter to attend Columbia.

As the guests sat down for dinner and the awards ceremony, I was struck by the humbleness and kindness of Mr. Gates, Jr., as well as, everyone else I had encountered with throughout the evening.

-article by Hannah Christ for Scene B Seen

*photos courtesy of Project Morry

Every girl wants and needs to feel like a jewel... So we deserve to treat ourselves to the very best. Lindsay Colbus jewelry is modern, bold, stylish, and unique... just like every woman. We are special and should always feel that way!

Being a jet-set girl myself, who absolutely loves accessories, has on several occasions almost missed a flight searching for the perfect piece of jewelry to make an outfit look just right. I am charmed by Ms. Colbus' pieces. Adding a few of her designs to my collection, I am certain to be running on schedule from now on. It seems some celebs have caught on as well; from Rihanna (who had 2 pieces custom designed especially for her) to Sophia Bush to Lauren Conrad.

The talented designer lives in New York City and is continually inspired by her surroundings, her world travels, music, nature, and all things vintage. Her designs would look just as much at home at special events in Monaco, Paris, NYC, as they would on a tropical island. Simply gorgeous.

They are just finishing touch you need... effortlessly comfortable, feminine, and modern, just like you.

Lindsay Colbus jewelry participates with many charities and causes including organizations geared to women and women’s health.

The ready-to-wear jewelry brand will be having a national monthly sale in October. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Lindsay Colbus jewelry will be having a sale via online offering 25 percent off of all jewelry and 15 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The online sale at www.lindsaycolbus.com starts October 1 and ends October 31, 2009. The promo code is BRSTCNCER2009.

-article by Georgina Chapman for SBS

On June 24th, New York City Opera and City Opera Thrift Shop held their 4th annual DIVAS Shop for Opera at City Opera’s Pop Up Shop on Madison Avenue.

Lydia Fenet, Gillian Miniter, Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion Fern Mallis, Alex McCord, Simon van Kempen, Amy Fine Collins, Dame Lori Sutherland, and Designer Austin Scarlett, were among the guests enjoying cocktails and music, while skimming the racks of a “diverse selection of alluring merchandise from today’s most fashion forward designers- at jaw-dropping discounts.”

Merchandise included designs by Alice + Olivia, Carmen Marc Valvo, Twinkle by Wenlan, Tamsen Z by Ann Ziff, Oscar de la Renta, Nanette Lepore, Rubin Singer, Chado Ralph Rucci, Tuleh, DKNY, Luca Luca, Roberta Freymann, and many more.

This fab event, co-chaired by Patricia Field, Isabel and Ruben Toledo, Faith Hope Consolo, Rebecca Taylor, Elsa Klensch, and Lorry Newhouse, helps fund the design and creation of new costumes for New York City Opera.

*Photo 1 courtesy of PMc by Jonathan Zeigler: Lauren Estigarribia and Rubin Singer

*Photo 2 courtesy of PMc by Jonathan Zeigler: Lorry Newhouse, Lauren Bridgeman, and Amy Fine Collins

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.

April 23rd was definitely an evening of fashion passion. My bestie, Jen Marden, accompanied me to the opening of the Nolcha Retail Space in Nolita, where she quickly fell in love with a fantastic crystal clutch by Joann, and ran into a couple past acquaintances. I was stoked to view the eclectic and talented ensemble of independent designers, Nolcha features in this gorgeous space.

238 Mulberry, is home to the hottie twin footwear design duo Shane&Shawn. For Nolcha to embrace its mission to bring business to the forefront of the independent fashion market by expanding its current resources that include Nolcha.com – an online portal delivering daily business articles, news, global event coverage and insider interviews pertaining to fashion, it seemed the natural next step was to team up and share the deco-fab space with Shane&Shawn.

While Nolcha plans on rotating up and coming designers, the initial set is absolutely magnificent. Jewelry designers include: Ana Gutierrez, Marijoli, Anthracite, Castaway Design, and BettyLou Jewels. Bag designers spotlighted: Luis Steven, Gida Bavari, Paschal, and Accessories by Joann, as well as, hats designer, Ms. Bodangles, and clothing by Nuvula.

Lynn Furge, Nolcha Creative Director, states, "It is almost as if each designer has their own mini flagship store via the Nolcha Retail platform." This is so my kind of store. I imagine that is why Arthur Mandel, ESQ/ President, invited me to attend the opening.

Not only is Nolcha embarking on the retail journey, they are also thrilled to be the Backstage Production Sponsor for the St. Jude Design Cares Runway 2009, Thursday, April 30th at the Armory.

Conclusion: Nolcha Retail Space is a M-U-S-T. I swear they will have the next got to have a weeks before... and please check out: St. Jude Design Cares.

Were You Seen? Click here to see more photos from Nolcha Retail Opening

*photo 1 courtesy of Aracelis Batista (L-R: Kerry Bannigan, CEO Nolcha and Arthur Mandel, ESQ/President Nolcha)

*photo 2 courtesy of Aracelis Batista (L-R: Lynn Furge, Creative Director Nolcha, Jen Marden, and Britten Heft)

One of the Real Housewives needs to start acting real. 
This particular housewife boasts that she runs in a 
fabulous circle... Ummm... if your so fabulous, then 
why have I not seen you before this show? The real 
reason why I'm ranting about this unreal housewife is 
because she puts on this facade about being soooo 
involved in charity and non-profit work, yet a little 
birdy told me a very interesting story. Supposedly said 
housewife was recently asked to attend a charity event 
in NYC. Being the philanthropist that she is, she told 
my source that the only way she would attend this event 
was if she received an appearance fee!! I find this 
hysterical and quite disturbing. Hysterical in the fact 
that this housewife is not even a D-list celeb in my 
book but still had the chutzpah to insist on getting 
paid to appear at a charity event. Who does she think she is? 
It is disturbing  to hear stories like this and trust me she isn't the 
first person to ask for a fee, and I'm sure not the last.  The only time 
I would ever pay this woman to appear somewhere would be at a kid's 
birthday party dressed as a clown... 
So here's a little message for this tacky lady:
Either get real or shut the f*#k up!

*Photo by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images North America
(L-R: Kelly Killoren Bensimon, LuAnn de Lesseps, Jill Zarin, Bethenny Frankel, Ramona Singer, Alex McCord) 		

It was pouring rain Monday evening, but hearts were pouring out generosity (and bubbly) at The Plaza's Rose Club in anticipation of the 13th Annual Heart of the Hamptons Gala June, 20, 2009 at Hayground School, Bridgehampton, NY.

The dapper Stephen Adler, Chief Executive Officer of Charity Brands Consulting, his lovely daughter Alissa Adler, now heading up the Los Angeles branch of Charity Brands Consulting, and the effervescent Carter Cramer, Executive to the CEO of the New York office, hosted the Kick-Off event. The gathering generated meeting several of the Hamptons Heart Ball Committee and to gain awareness to the mission of the American Heart Association.

The beautiful young crowd dressed in Chanel, Helmut Lang, and Bruno Magli that filled the secluded bar, noshed on lobster cake sliders and popcorn while discussing this summer's anticipated events. Barbara Poliwoda, AHA Regional Director, and Mr. Adler enthusiastically worked the room, selling raffle tickets (with prizes worth up to $5000!) and hinting at the big surprises in store for the Hampton Gala- sorry, we have been sworn to secrecy for the time being...

Prior to the raffle drawing, two moving speeches were made. Mr. Adler, having been told he was going to die due to a heart murmur up until the age of 8, when a new doctor finally discovered that not only was nothing wrong with his heart, there never had been, motivated us to get involved and urged to become well-informed.

Jon Gruen, of Grueneyes and Gruen Foundation, shared his devastating personal experience about his son. In 1985, Mr. Gruen dropped his 15 1/2 year old son, Jason, at school. He watched him go through the front entrance, only to discover that was the last time he would see him. Jason collapsed, unexpectedly on the other side of the door, unaware that he had suffered from heart failure-related myopathy.

Had we had the knowledge, education and research that we do today, Jason would have just celebrated his 40th birthday.

Conclusion: A delightful and inspirational evening. Stay tuned for another gathering before the big bash and trust me- you won't want to miss it!

For more information on how to get involved or Sponsorship Opportunities, please visit:

American Heart Association

Charity Brands Consulting

For Gala and other exclusive Hamptons event coverage, please visit:

The Quest for "it"

CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS

*photos by Francisco Jaimes/courtesy of Guestofaguest.com