DMA Forum Members Host Artist Richard Phillips

Members of the Dallas Museum of Art’s Forum were invited to an exclusive event to mingle with contemporary artist Richard Phillips. Guests gathered at The Power Station to hear Phillips speak, in addition to viewing a private screening of two of his short films featuring Lindsay Lohan and Sasha Grey.

Carrie Becker, Steve Becker, Alden Pinnell, Richard Phillips.

All Photography By Bruno.

Guests included Dr. Maxwell Anderson, Catherine and Doug MacMahon, Gail and Richard Sachson, John Runyon, and Tonya and Todd Ramsey who sipped cocktails and chatted with Phillips, this year’s TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art featured artist.

The art aficionados also listened to chairmen Carrie and Steven Becker discuss the life-changing relationships between people and art—started by Forum contributions for the Dallas Museum of Art. For more information about the DMA click to their website.

American Beauty by Claiborne Swanson Frank

After working at Vogue magazine under the tutelage of Anna Wintour, Claiborne Swanson Frank resembles exactly what you would imagine a Vogue Alumna to represent, beautiful, sophisticated, and well spoken, plus terribly connected, hence the mélange of a stylish New York social set that represents the featured women in her book American Beauty.

A self-taught photographer, Frank captures the beauty, truth and style of the modern day American woman—American Beauty was inspired by the release of her first body of work titled, Indigo Light, a collection of portraits that represented quintessential American women in her life.

Featuring over 100 portraits, this coterie of fashionistas, PR queens, fashion designers, socialites, models, media peeps, and entrepreneurs, such as, Lake Bell, Meredith Melling Burke, Cristina Cuomo, Erin Fetherston, Amanda Hearst, Cena Jackson, Celerie Kemble, Solange Knowles, Aerin Lauder, Lauren Bush Lauren, Jenna Lyons, Irene Neuwirth, Bettina Prentice, Lela Rose, Connie Wang, Elettra Wiedemann, and Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, all represent the epitome of Ms. Swanson’s American Beauty. “What I’ve become passionate about is American women today. They’re the most powerful women in the world, and they’re leaving a mark. I set out to take portraits that capture women in their greatest beauty and truth, whatever that may be, ” quotes Claiborne Swanson Frank.

To celebrate the launch of American Beauty, Neiman Marcus and Estée Lauder hosted an intimate dinner at The Mansion on Turtle Creek last night.  I happily accepted my invitation and chatted with Claiborne Swanson Frank and her contributing writer Genevieve Bahrenburg.  The book will officially launch this evening at Neiman Marcus Northpark Center, at a cocktail reception with Vogue Magazine’s Anne Vincent. Here, is our little chat!

MT: Define what American beauty means to you?

CSF: I would say that American beauty is raw and undone, I think more than anything it’s a way of being, not only on the outside but also the inside. What’s remarkable about American beauty is, that it cannot be defined, and it cannot be put into a box, it comes in so many shapes and sizes and colors, that it’s so diverse, and that’s what makes it so beautiful.

MT: Who would you like to shoot, that is not included in your book, and epitomizes your definition of American beauty?

CSF: I’ll tell you exactly—Lana Del Rey. I am crazy about her music right now, and she blew up right as I was turning in my book. She is so my kind of beauty, her sound is so fresh and the way she expresses American beauty is amazing. She has such a unique style, an extremely fascinating look, she’s a medley of European, American, with vibrant red hair—her personal style is intriguing, and her music is captivating. She would have been perfect in the book.

MT: Describe your experience at Vogue learning under Anna Wintour?

CSF: The greatest gift of my career was to work at Vogue and to work under Anna, I think that to see her vision of culture, fashion, and art translate into the pages of Vogue is a great gift, and to be able to be a sponge and absorb all that, impacts me and will forever. You get skills at Vogue and tools that you can never truly get anywhere else. It’s the foundation of my career. At Vogue, I met my mentor Ivan Shaw; he has been such a wildly important person in my life and journey into photography. So I cannot imagine where I would be without Vogue. I am endlessly grateful.

MT: What is your next project?

CSF: I turned in my book in October, and I’ve been shooting, mostly editorial now, so I am excited to go back to work and the process. I style my own shoots, and it’s a real collaboration with each woman, and the location, and styling them with their own clothes, creating this authentic vision of themselves. It’s the journey that really inspires me, I love the balance of shooting editorial with the mix of the project work, which is creating and telling stories about these women through portraits. So I really want to tell more stories, I definitely want to do another body of work on women and tell another story.

To purchase the hardcover book, $75, visit Neiman Marcus. If your in New York visit the Lu Magnus Art Laboratory + Salon, where Frank currently exhibits her first solo show—now until May 30^th.

The 18th Annual Celebrity Waiter Gala Kick-Off Party

Guests were greeted with champagne, wine and a cocktail buffet at the 18^th annual Celebrity Waiter Gala kick-off event at the Uptown law offices of Patton Boggs. Event chairs Ann and Joel Hurley welcomed committee members, sponsors and celebrity waiters, who include:  Melissa Rycroft TV Reality Star, Melissa Poe from Big Rich Texas, Gretchen Darby former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, Samantha Davies NBC5 Meterologist, and Matt Nordgren from Most Eligible Dallas, John Tesar The Commissary Chef, and James Yarbrough former NFL payer.

Tiffani Davis, Matt Nordgren.

All Photography By Lisa Stewart.

Child Abuse Prevention Center Executive Director Jessica Trudeau announced that this year’s event woudl celebrate the 20^th year the agency has served the Dallas community. To celebrate their 20 years of success the agency will honor over 20 volunteers and supporters whose work has been instrumental to the CAP center.

The Celebrity Waiter Gala will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at the Omni Dallas Hotel. All proceeds benefit the Child Abuse Prevention Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect. For more information visit CAP’s website.

Slim Down with a New Service From the Spa at Equinox

It’s just now April but temperatures in Dallas are already soaring to 85 degrees. I guess this means swimsuit season is coming early? For most women, those are exclamation marks of “oh no…” instead “oh yay!” but luckily The Spa at Equinox has arrived with a solution just in time.

The newly introduced Detoxifying Mud Wrap works to eliminate toxins from the body; leaving a relaxed, refreshed, and slimmer you. Who doesn’t like the sound of that? This 80-minute treatment features a deep cleansing body polish, followed by a warm mud wrap and mask from the Dead Sea. Even better, you’ll leave with vibrant and healthy skin along with a slender new shape.

The service is available at the Equinox Highland Park location, and will cost $155. Appointments can be made by calling 214.443.9009 or by booking online at: The Spa @ Equinox.

The Power of Yellow

I arrived on a yellow carpet amidst yellow roses, mimosas and ladies adorned in multifarious shades of yellow—I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many yellow dresses in one room!  The power of a color can truly be captivating, and bright yellow is synonymous with LIVESTONG and surviving cancer.

Abi Ferrin – Live Auction Gown.

Presented by Park Place Motorcars, the Dress 4 Yellow Fashion Show & Luncheon at The Adolphus Hotel, produced by the multi-talented Brett McKinney showcased “yellow inspired” fashions featuring local designers Abi Ferrin, Shirin Askari, Prashe, Geoffrey Henning, and Nha Khanh. A parade of yellow gowns and outfits also glided down the runway from some of my fave designers such as Ruffian, Thakoon, Sachin + Babi, Rachel Roy and Chadwick Bell.

Featured Designer: Abi Ferrin.

The event benefited LIVESTRONG and the Cook Children’s Medical Center, and event co-chairs Jennifer Applbaum and Lee Nagel along with the advisory committee, were all in attendance: Lance Armstrong, Sandra Brown, Gina Ginsburg, Linda Armstrong Kelly, Meredith Land, Lisa Lankes, Pat Smith, Amy Vanderoef and Tre Wilcox.

Dress 4 Yellow Fashion Show Finale.

Cole Haan stylishly accessorized each seat with a wristlet, and live auction items included a pair of Justin Boots embossed with the yellow rose of Texas, and yellow dresses by Carmen Marc Valvo, Abi Ferrin and Tibi.

The Tribute Wall.

Yellow-hued guests included Gene Jones, Bobbie Marshall, Roni Proter, Courtney Kerr, Matt Nordgren, Heidi Dillon, and the hilarious Steve Kemble wearing a yellow and black zebra print shirt. A great turn out for a debut event, but with Dallas-born Lance Armstrong in attendance, among survivors, caregivers and supporters of cancer, undoubtedly this event would be a huge success.

Visit: The 4 Yellow Foundation

These 3D Shoes Are Made for Walking

The movie Avatar grossed $2,782,275,172, worldwide. That’s probably why we can pretty much thank Mr. Cameron for making us wear 3-D glasses in every other movie this year. But the 3-D craze isn’t just for movies and TV specials. Now there is a new phenomenon, 3-D printed shoes!

Melissa Shoes 3-D.

These shoes aren’t just a cute toy or model these boots and shoes are made for walking! 3D Systems Corp owns the company Cubify behind the consumer-targeted desktop printer, Cube. Cube allows you to “print” these platform shoes! Sure, Manolo’s designs are safe now, but this Judy Jetson approach to shoemaking is pretty cool.

And, for just $1,300 you can make as many shoes and in the color, you want, all in the luxury of your own home! If you still think it’s kind of a waste of time and technology, you’re not thinking out the box. This personal 3-D printer allows you to print logos, toys, and even a functional prosthetic leg! Now can your $1,300 Jimmy Choos do that?

Cubify’s 3-D Shoes.

Cubify isn’t the only company creating 3-D shoes. There’s the Brazilian footwear company, Melissa Shoes who printed a 3-D shoe made out of a plastic known as Melflex. But Melissa has taken it one step even further—her shoes smell like bubblegum! And, then there’s a Swedish designer who claims to have created the first 3-D couture shoe called, Melonia shoe.

If you think the is a fashionable step in the right direction, you’ll be happy to know the Cubify printer will actually be available later this year for consumers.

The Vimeo video is from Naim Josefi. For more details visit: Cubify.

Five and Ten Hosts Launch Party With Puppies and Ice Cream

Five and Ten is the boutique version of legendary Dallas store, Forty Five Ten. It’s stuffed with everything from PS1 handbags to adorable Lanvin apparel for kids. It makes perfect sense for the store’s grand opening to appeal to all ages, just like the goodies inside.

Katie O’Neil

Meghan Looney, Howard and Cindy Rachofsky

The party theme Puppies and Ice Cream did not disappoint. Mr. Softee provided the sweet treats while party-goers brought their pups to enjoy the afternoon’s sunny weather. Guests including Bridget Brown, Tricia Besing and Amy Havins shopped while DJ Lucy Wrubel provided the music.

Krystal Schlegel

All photos by Bo Joplin.

Five and Ten is located at 60 Highland Park Village in Dallas.

HBDesigns Offers Stationery With A Twist

At HBDesigns, the words “fabritation” and “fabrinery” are part of the everyday lingo. Instead of the typical paper stationery, HBDesigns creates stationery while incorporating fabric. Get it? Fabric + invitations = fabritation, and stationary + fabric = fabrinery.

Whether you choose fabritations or fabrinery, your design won’t get lost among piles of papers. These handmade goods are designed by Southern Methodist University alum, and Plano inhabitant, Heather Centurioni—and the fabrinery options are endless.

From note cards to wine tags, each product is covered in cotton or silk fabric and can be customized any way you’d like.  If you’re in need of fabritations you won’t be disappointed, with over 200 in-stock fabric options you’re guaranteed to find one that fits your event.

This innovative concept is definitely something to write home about. The best part? The fabric enhanced paper products require no extra postage, so even though your notes are sure to stand out, they won’t break the bank.

For more information head to their website.

Cupcakes and Cocktails with FGI Dallas and OCJ Apparel

Join Fashion Group International of Dallas for cupcakes, cocktails and denim—an inexplicably intoxicating collaboration, masterfully mixed by OCJ Apparel at HD’s Clothing Company. If you like to support emerging designers and specifically those from Dallas, then check out OCJ Apparel, and the launch of their “Slate” Premium Denim collection.

Shop, munch and mingle with fellow fashionistas this Wednesday, April 4^th at HD’s Clothing Company—10% of all sales from the “Slate” line will be donated to FGI of Dallas.  The denim collection is available exclusively at HD’s Clothing Company and online at: OCJ Apparel.

WHO: OCJ Apparel & FGI Dallas

WHEN: Wednesday, April 4^th - 5:30pm

WHERE: HD’s Clothing Company: 3014 Greenville Avenue, Dallas.

WHY: Benefits Fashion Group International of Dallas.

RSVP: The Y Group.

BareMinerals Takes Flight With Upper Class Red Lipstick

Have you ever flown Virgin Atlantic and thought…hmmm, I want to have lips as red as the plane and stewardess’ uniforms? Well, thanks to Richard Branson and bareMinerals, now you can!

Branson, the Virgin Atlantic owner has teamed up with bareMinerals to create Upper Class Red lipstick. The makeup’s debut coincides with the redesigned upper class cabins. The lipstick will be sold exclusively at the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse Spa at Heathrow, Gatwick, and JFK airports. But don’t worry; it will also be available later this year at some bareMinerals counters. Plus, you can pre-order it on board any flight through the airline’s inflight shopping guide Retail Therapy.

If you’re thinking about buying a tube to wear on the flight, you won’t be alone. The flight attendants will also wear the shade on the inaugural flight in honor of the new cabins. Also, some passengers lucky enough to have that particular golden ticket will receive a sample of Upper Class Red lipstick.