Friends In Deed... Support the arts!

In sync with my earlier post today regarding 'Living with Art'... I have just received an invitation to attend the Friends In Deed Cocktails and Auction on Wednesday, June 1st. 6:30 p.m. at the Phillips du Pury & Company auction house here in New York.  Spearheaded by 1stDibs' Michael Bruno, Andy Cohen and Calvin Klein's Francisco Costa. 

It may be gauche to post the invite but it's for a worthy cause.  What can be better than supporting art and people in need?  Incredible photographers works will be presented.  Amongst them... Francesco Scavullo, Diane Arbus, Patrick Demarchelier, Todd Eberle, Ron Galella (famous for his many Jackie O images), Herb Ritts, Deborah Turbeville, Firooz Zahedi, Ellen Von Unwerth and Bruce Weber.  These are just a few mentions.  The list is extraordinary!  And those close to me already know I love photographers!  Come on! let's fill up those walls!

If you can attend and support the cause, please do.  Tickets are $100.00 USD for auction and cocktails.

Phillips du Pury & Company

450 Park Avenue (at 57th. Street)

New York, N.Y.  10022

Call 1 800 996 5433

mcohen@friendsindeed.org

Now that's a dress!!!

Now this is what you wear for a grand entrance an exit!  This is likely to be the most photographed dress of the day...

Giovanni Battaglia made all the guys (and girls) in the room go gaga when she wore this beautiful little  BIG stunner by Rudi Gernreich at the amFar Cinema Against Aids Event.

Photograph courtesy of Style.com

Living with...Art

One thing that gives me a great deal of pleasure is visiting aome of my old friends - books and magazines.  Thumbing through House & Garden, November 2007 I came across the residence of Estee LAuder's John Demsey and his wife Anouschka.  

Sure the residence located in the Museum of Modern Art Tower has a great view, is high above the city and surrounds it's occupants with incredible vintage and new furnishings.  But what I really love about it is ... the art!

One of my favorites is 'Smoke Rings' by Donald Sultan.

Come on! Who doesn't love a monkey wearing a mask?  This photo was taken by Albert Watson.  I would live a copy of this Mr.Watson!

 

If you are lucky enough to have lots of walls to accomodate it, and you love it... what can change a room faster than a revolving art collection?  Not much, the bigger the better!  Mix colorful with black and white, serious with whimsy.  Come on, a monkey wearing a mask?  Indeed yes!  So find yourself some kindergarten kids and finger paint with them and frame it in something special - and get it up on the wall!  - STAT!

Guaranteed, you'll have alot of fun doing it!

Ralph Lauren brings another gem to Soho

On one of the top ten beautiful days in New York, our fashion Royal Highness, Mr. Ralph Lauren has only moments ago opened another of his majestic gems here in Soho this morning.  I always have such a great time with his store openings.  Even after eight years with the company, I still herald in the glory of another opening.  It's always such fun to see the staff and employees who've worked so arduously on the store, decked out in the latest seasons garments.

I didn't have much time, so I just breezed through the first floor.  It houses all the lines and the shoe salon looked fresh, colorful and divine.  I will take more time next time, and provide more shots I promise!!!

I predict it will be another winner!

No wonder my Ralph stock is doing so well!  He keeps bringing it.  I love you Ralph!

Ralph Lauren

109 Spring Street

New York, New York

Royal Wedding sealed with a kiss... Double Happiness for the William and Kate!

Photo by Matt Dunham / Associated Press

Congratulations to the happy couple!  Admittedly, I woke up at 3:15 in the morning just to watch.  I am so happy I did. I toggled through the BBC, TLC, ABC, NBC and of course CNN.

HRH Kate was a poised stunner.  A modern Grace Kelly.  HRH William, the dashing gentleman his mother Lady Di would be so very proud of.  I loved the 'Double Happiness, Double Kiss.'  It appeared as though he said prior to the gesture "so shall we do it?".  I just love that.  These two lovelies are truly in love.  Only thing topping that off, was the car right with everyday balloons, as though they are just another couple - just married. 

My hats off and may they be forever blessed.  I'm banking there will be the a 'heir' in the oven by years end.

I am officially starting the baby bump watch... right now!  Who else is in?

Will and Kate...

Photograph by Mario Testino

Simply put, my hats off to both of you and I wish you all the best life has to offer!    Isn't love grand!!!

India

India, is one of those truly magical places that holds a special place in my heart, though I haven't been lucky enough to travel there yet.  I only 'think' I know what India is about.  I am increasingly captivated by its beauty, architecture, food, textiles  and of course its people.  The Taj Mahal is truly one of the worlds greatest wonders.

Food from the country, certainly has left me satiated many, many times over.  I am a curry devotee.  The crave the scent of curry leaves, Aloo Gobi (potatoes and cauliflower) with tumeric, cumin and coriander are a staple at my dinner table, as is glossy 'Butter Chicken' a tomatoey rich sauce infused with ghee.  Paratha becomes the vessel that gets it all to my lips, all followed with a delicious moan full of delight.   Or my second favorite, 'Chicken Korma', with its garlicy ginger paste, saffron, coconut and garam masala and chile  powders.  are you hungry yet?

Many years ago, I purchased my first sari for a friends wedding.  Some years later another.  Besides being so comfortable, I notice I stand taller when wearing them.  I cannot help feeling like Indian royalty, with its fine silk and spun silver threads.  OF course, I also put on as many bracelets as will fit on my arms.   I recently learned a Mendhi trick, that the key to keeping it longer if hovering your hands over cloves roasting in a skillet.  Have to try that next time.

Another funny thing about me is... I love Bollywood movies! I adore the dancing and cannot remain still during the elaborate dance moves.  They are just too much fun!I definitely would love to dance, in a place like this one...

 

These images and this article are from a travel magazine whose cover was ripped off.  I will however seek more information on this piece and credit it.  I know it's from this year.  So please keep posted.  I would love for you to read it for yourself!

Rain, rain is falling down... falling down all over me...

Anyone who has stumbled upon my blog knows what a photography fan I am.  Well mother nature has been preparing for some awfully amazing May flowers in these parts.  It has been raining quite a bit.  Instead of 'showering' misery on its presence, I sought to find beauty in it.

What follows are several photos I took of the beautiful raindrops at varying speeds.  Looks like I need new raincoat, as there surely more to come!

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Photography by Joy Moyler for Hautezone

Harry Winston - Live the moment with Patrick Demarchelier

Harry Winston's new campaign 'Live The Moment' was photographed by the great fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier.  It's a truly heart felt campaign.  It's about celebrating the lovely and meaningful moments in life.  Even the small sometimes simple ones, that are on the cusp of going unnoticed.

The lovely Freja Beha, is the model 'subject' of choice in three campaigns.  She is approachable, beautiful and real.

Here are the behind the scenes images....  Enjoy!

Cookie monster... Crystal Horton, Raking in the dough!

Crystal Horton infuses the sweet flavor of hauteness straight from the oven.  What started out as a career in visual merchandising, gave rise to new found creativity in the form of cookies.   Tasty Morsels Bakery combines fashion, art and humor in her designs.  All of which are actually so pretty, I wouldn't want to eat them.

One of her favorites 'The Birth Control Cookie' was custom designed for Planned Parenthood.  How appropriate is that?   Looks like the real thing.  I recommend a bite of one of these 'babies' everyday.

Crystal is tasting the sweetness of success.  Orders are available online.  Tasty Morsels is also open to 'custom' designed cookies.  

I'm happy with the Birkin!

info@tastymorselsbakery.com

Elizabeth Taylor - Passing of a legend... 3.23.11

Word has just come, of the passing of another of Hollywood great acting legends.  A true icon... Dame Elizabeth Taylor.

Loved my many over the world.  Adored, admired, lusted for by men.  What she did for the lingerie business,with that handsewn full slip - in 'Cat of A Hot Tin Roof' was the talk of the fashion indusrty for months.  She made a one piece full slip sexy!

 

Elizabeth Taylor was a leader in the AIDS fight before, many got on board.  She fought for the rights of others, and took it to heart.  She was a crusader.

She too, taught a valuable lesson to many ladies in the dating and married worlds... if you don't have the love you need, MOVE ON.  Married more than seven times, on occasiion to the same man more than once.  She was a woman who KNEW her value.  If she was not receiving the love and attention she needed - she sought it elsewhere with strength.

And I shall never forget a favorite line from her 'Diamond' fragrance add "Diamonds always brought me luck"!

May she live in our hearts and memories forever. 

Photographs courtesy of Google images

Architectural Digest at the Pier - D.Bryant Archie Textiles and MaleneB Rugs

Shown above, Malene Barnett, Principal of MaleneB handmade rugs.  Produced in both Nepal and China.  Vibrant, creative designs pay homage to life in other regions.   Viewing the rugs of her ever-expanding collection, you can feel the spirits of regions visited for inspiration.   Soft to the hand and extremely durable.  They could very well be wall hangings, as the graphics are so strong.

 Papunya, inspired by the indigenous Australian Aboriginal 'Dot Art'

Malene Barnett

362 Halsey Street, Studio One

Brooklyn, New York  11216

Tel 203 855 9338

malene@maleneb.com

www.maleneb.com

The talented, D. Bryant Archie, in front of her incredible textiles.  Her latest collection incorporates Lurex from Africa alongside the wovens.  We had a lengthy conversation, wondering when Africa began using Lurex in their textiles.  If anyone knows, please share.

The woolens are so soft to the touch, you could swear they were cashmere.  D. Bryant said "people always think I weave with cashmere.  I use the finest wool, so it naturally feels like that".  

Believe me, it shows!  

D. Bryant Archie Textiles

28 West 27th. Street, Suite 400

New York, N.Y.  10001

Tel. 646 593 7902   info@dbryantarchie.com

www.dbryantarchie.com

Photographs by Joy Moyler for Hautezone

Architectural Digest at the Pier - Tabletop heaven!

This past Thursday market the beginning of the Architectural Digest Home Design Exhibition. It's located on Pier 94, in NEw York City.  Sunday, March 20th. is the last day. 

Amongst the exhibits is the DIFFA's Dining By Design NY, tabletop presentation.  It is a collective of interior designers, and manufacturers who exhibit tablescapes using various vendors works.  Some have quite the lavish display and use of florals.   The venue smells like the arrival of Spring!  I am only showing a portion of the exhibits here.

On the eve of the opening, there is a lavish party.  This year marked a special celebration for Margaret Russell as she begins her tenure as Editor in Chief of the magazine.  

Admittedly, I've misplaced my cheat-sheet for some of the designers tables.  Hence, I've indicated where my memory serves me correctly.  My apologies to those who I have not credited.  Please, Please... forgive my head, not my heart.

With all these gorgeous place settings, I wsso tempted to pull the bag of pretzels from my bag and can of Fresca and enjoy an afternoon snack.  But, the goal was not to get arrested!

Enjoy... and get out and see it for yourself if you can!

Donna Karan Home

 Bobby Burke Home

 Scandia Down

Ralph Lauren Home

DVF

All photos by Joy Moyler for Hautezone

Put some Spring in your step!

Was this the worlds lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnngest winter or what?  Spring flings, sandals,  cherry blossoms, eyelet dresses, windblown hair, cafe dining, impromptu picnics, plain ole getting outdoors and walking with faces usp to meet the sun, late lunches and people smiling again!  Hooray!

Spring is in the air - alas!  Well it is March, so perhaps we ought not put away the rubber boots quite yet.  But what promise, what visions of love and lust are oozing to come to light?   Isn't wonderful?

Have yourself a merry weekend, slough off old man winter.  Better yet, send that old beast packing- and get an upgrade on your mobile calling plan.  You're bound to be up late nights on the phone  spewing  'sweet nothings' to a new friend.  Better yet, it's Spring... they are bound to be right beside you.  

For love is in the air!  Enjoy and drink it up responsibly!

Image courtesy Google images. Photographer unknown