Oh Wow: Terrywood by Terry Richardson

As celebrities descended upon Hollywood last weekend for Oscar night, famed photographer Terry Richardson celebrated his first solo exhibition in Los Angeles titled: TERRYWOOD at the OHWOW Gallery.

Paris Hilton, Terry Richardson and Nicky Hilton.

The exhibition opening proved to be a star-studded event, with red carpet appearances from many celebrities and notables such as Inez van Lamsweerde, Rachel Zoe, Johnny Knoxville, Sasha Grey, Erin Wasson, Linda Evangelista, Tom Ford, James Franco, Lindsay Lohan, Pamela Anderson, and Paris and Nicky Hilton, to name only a few. Born in New York and raised in Hollywood this homeboy knows how to host a party Hollywood style.

Terrywood meets Hollywood—Richardson presented over 25 pieces of work, photographs depicting the Hollywood landscape, local characters, and architectural images.  A must-see exhibition!

TERRYWOOD: February 24 – March 31, 2012

OHWOW Gallery, 937 North La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90069

Visit: OHWOW

Photo: Nicholas Hunt, Andreas Branch, Brian Lindensmith ©Patrick McMullan

FGILA Presents “Meet the Designer and the Muse”

Halston and Bianca Jagger. Givenchy and Audrey Hepburn. Marc Jacobs and Sofia Coppola. The designer-muse relationship has long been a driving creative force in the fashion industry.

In association with Concept Fashion Week, Fashion Group International of Los Angeles (FGILA) honors this special relationship with their “Meet The Designer and The Muse” cocktail party, taking place Thursday, March 8 at the ACE Gallery (5514 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036). LA’s top designers will walk the red carpet arm-in-arm with their celebrity or model muse dressed in their design to celebrate these unique artistic associations. The evening’s activities will also feature a special musical performance by Annie Trousseau.

In the past, fashion designers like LA-based Eduardo Lucero, Lloyd Klein and Project Runway’s Nick Verreos have displayed their wearable art on the bodies of many a muse, one of those being the gorgeous Natalie Cole.

Click here to find out more about this great event and how to purchase tickets. I will be there, will you?

See you on the red carpet!

Monarch Estates Entertains for Super Bowl

The gorgeous Whitewater View Estate in Malibu became a center of glitz, blitz, and excitement for the biggest and most decadent Super Bowl viewing party in town. The plush 3.5 acre Monarch Estates and Homes sanctuary welcomed guests into plasma-equipped oceanfront game rooms with a one-day only menu from the kitchen’s private chef.

The Supper Club founder, Tamsin Lonsdale welcomed Munawar Hosain of The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Angeleno’s Guy Brown, Kira Coplin of California Home and Design Magazine, Editor in Chief of GENLUX  Samia Arslane, BBC’s Guy Phillips, International restaurateur Adolfo Suaya, and All-Star American footballer Keith Mitchell savored spicy Tanteo Tequila End Zone margaritas and fine Solsticio Wines whilst the Patriots battled the Giants in an unforgettable match.

Complimentary Camacho Cigars gathered actor Rowly Dennis, film producer Tad Safran, Discovery Studios’ Gary Shapiro, actor Michael Teh, Sameer Gupta, director Scott Weintrob, Sayeed Hasnat, and Warren Noronha poolside for a spectacular smoke break alongside a Malibu sunset. Not a bad way to spend Super Bowl!

STYLE360 Fall 2012 Returns to New York Fashion Week

STYLE360 Fall 2012 rocked the runway for the ninth consecutive year, showcasing emerging and well known designers during New York Fashion Week. And this season’s presenting designers included Malan Breton, bebeBlack, Sachika, EMU Australia, Theia, and Monopoly by Junk Food Art House. The opening party featured the launch of Jonathan Cheban‘s Batte Collection, and closed with the Sports and Style Bash hosted by Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Jessica White with a special performance by The Voice contestant Raquel Castro.

A svelte-looking Snooki, Leigh Lezark from The Misshapes, and aspiring designer Angela Simmons all came dressed in head to toe bebe for the bebeBlack show, Malan Breton got support from ex-Real Housewives of NYC stars Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen, while the newest cast members from the RHONYC, Aviva Drescher and Heather Thomson, filmed the next season of their reality series while sitting on the first row of the Theia show.

Even the OC was represented at STYLE360—Gretchen Rossi and boyfriend Slade Smiley attended the opening party at Catch. Both Miss USA Alyssa Campanella and Miss Universe Leila Lopes walked the runway at Sachika. Breaking Dawn’s Chaske Spencer broke away from the wolf pack to enjoy the EMU Australia presentation (which he let me know was one of his favorites), and Nigel Barker eagerly anticipated the 18th season of America Next Top Model premiering on February 29th, while we spoke before the Monopoly by Junk Food Art House show. He even mentioned to me that he wouldn’t rule out a return to the runway for himself. Would you like to see Nigel walk the catwalk again?

See you on the red carpet!

Ellsworth Kelly Adds A Pop Of Color To LACMA

Last month the Los Angeles County Museum of Art unveiled Ellsworth Kelly: Prints and Paintings. An American born artist and a true legend in his field, Kelly is known as one of the most important purveyors of American abstraction.

A painter, sculptor, and ultimate master of his craft, Ellsworth Kelly is an iconic figure whose style has influenced all those who proceed him in the world of Modern Art.  He is best known for his minimalistic, multi-paneled and monochromatic canvases.  Focusing on his stylistic techniques, Kelly takes simple geometric shapes and swatches of color and creates a masterpiece with each work of art.

This is the 1st retrospective of Kelly’s print work since 1988, and thanks to the Jordan D. Schnitzer and Family Foundation, the LACMA showcases over 100 prints by the brilliant artist.   The exhibit is a retrospective examination laid out in thematic order.  Highlighting various prints and lithographs, Ellsworth Kelly’s work definitely adds a pop of color to the museum and is sure to brighten every museum goer’s experience. Exhibition ends April 22nd, for more details visit: LACMA.

Michelle Williams Models for Boy. by Band of Outsiders

Actress du jour Michelle Williams can add model to her list of skills. Williams, who received an Oscar nomination for her role in “My Week With Marilyn,” is the face of Boy. by Band of Outsiders new spring look book.

The photographer, Scott Sternberg, took pictures of Williams with a Polaroid camera at the Hollywood Forever cemetery in Los Angeles. Williams looks stunning in the images that show off the feminine pieces of the Boy. spring collection. For the complete spring look book head to the Boy. website.

The Lord of Shoes: Christian Louboutin + Galo

Last week, I made my way to Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills for what can only be described as the second coming of the Lord of shoes—Christian Louboutin in the flesh. Women stood in line for hours until the man arrived at the NM mother ship, to celebrate his 20th anniversary. Hoping to catch a glimpse of their savior, while purchasing his gorgeous designs and taking them to the altar of CL (a divine marble-topped desk) for him to, personally sign— it was quite a sight!

When Mr. Louboutin walked into the room, the room erupted in loud cheers and clapping. Women were practically frothing at the mouth, just to become one of the chosen few, showing off their newly signed heels and handbags for all to admire. And can you blame them? He is an unmistakable artist with endless talent. Who doesn’t love or want a pair of Loubs?

As I was about to leave the shoe feeding-frenzy, I glanced at the painted walls crafted by graffiti artist, Galo. All around, women (and some men) scrawled love letters, to the famed designer, stating thankful sentiments for his revered designs, and eye for style. Confession: I even wrote one myself. Oh, the power of a great pair of shoes!

See you on the red carpet!

St. Valentine’s Day Toasts for Every Girl

St. Valentine’s Day is a day to acknowledge and celebrate all that is love, and whether you’re canoodling with your dream date, gathering with your best friends, or hanging solo with your favorite romantic comedy, great cocktails should be a part of any menu.

Pisco Porton Pink Passion

For the ultimate love birds:

Pisco is Peru’s spirit of friendship, camaraderie and togetherness, key ingredients in any great relationship. Celebrate with a Pisco Porton Pink Passion: –

2 parts Pisco Portón

1 part pomegranate juice

1 part tangerine juice

Pomegranate seeds

Directions: Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice, and add sugar to taste.

Shake well and strain into a martini glass, then garnish with pomegranate seeds.

If your honey likes a little honey, have some with CAMUS Cognac to let your sweetie you know care. CAMUS Honey: -

2 oz. CAMUS VS Elegance

½ oz honey syrup*

1 oz grapefruit Juice

Directions: Shake with ice and strain into a short rocks glass. Add *honey syrup with a 3:1 ratio of honey and water.

Skinny Cranberry Cordial

For a girls night out:

Lighten up with a Skinny Cranberry Cordial, with just over 100 calories and it’s simply delicious.

1 oz Camarena Silver Tequila

1/4 oz Crème de Cassis

1 oz Apple Juice

1/2 oz Light Cranberry Juice

1/2 oz Lemon Juice

Lemon Wheel Garnish

Directions: Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice, shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled martini glass, then garnish with a lemon wheel.

Because every girl loves chocolate, Champagne and strawberries, why not have all three in one fabulous cocktail. Dessert Fizz, created by The Cocktail Guru, Jonathan Pogash: -

1 1/2 oz. Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate

1 large strawberry

Handful of chopped mint leaves

1 tsp. agave nectar

1/4 oz. fresh lemon juice

3 oz. sparkling wine or Champagne

Directions: Muddle the strawberry and mint leaves with agave and lemon.  Add Van Gogh Dutch
Chocolate and strain into a chilled Champagne flute.  Top with the sparkling
wine or Champagne, then garnish with a strawberry slice on the rim.

Just for you: as you truly are the most important.

You’re a Peach: -

1oz Lucid Absinthe

½ oz peach schnapps

4 oz ginger ale

1 peach wedge

Directions: In a cocktail shaker, add ice and Lucid Absinthe, peach schnapps and ginger ale.  Shake and pour into a rocks glass, and add garnish with a peach wedge.

Rent the Runway to Open Pop-Up Shop

Any girl can feel like Cinderella with Rent the Runway. Their dress selection is to die for and their rent, wear and return policy is even better. Soon the online company will  open its first ever pop-up shop at the Andaz West Hollywood hotel so style conscious ladies can try on their dresses before they rent.

The pop-up shop will be open from February 11 to the 13 and will include dresses from designers like Nicole Miller, Milly, Trina Turk and Badgley Mischka. The pop-up shop’s timely opening makes it the perfect spot to snag a Valentine’s Day date dress. Tickets to the shop are $10 and can be bought through Gilt City.

Sundance Style 2012

My job takes me many places, and the Sundance Film Festival is one of them. And this year, the stars were out in full force promoting their films, sampling swag, and dressing in their Sundance chic-est. Here are some of my observations from Sundance 2012.

Mary J Blige and her husband were having a blast over at Commonwealth Proper where they were talking about getting some custom suits and shirts while at the Kari Feinstein 2012 Sundance Lounge. Mary picked up Koolaburra boots there as well. Also, Golden Globe and SAG Award winner, Octavia Spencer could barely get by the lounge without people congratulating her and fawning over her amazing performance in The Help! Well-deserved for sure. And stylista Emma Roberts fell in love with her Rachel Roy bracelet and picked up a Flying Lizard Mother of Pearl Buddha Necklace for herself and a Rudy Necklace for her Aunt Julia. Over at the Talent Resources Suite, Carrie Preston sipped on Hint water and William H. Macy called his wife Felicity Huffman to ask what shoe size she is (FYI-a size eight) for Matt Bernson shoes. Love the gray ankle booties with a low heel! Ross Matthews tried on Sean John jackets to stay warm while Laura Prepon said that low cal Refine Mixers and Voli Light Vodka are going to make her summer.

And Paul Frank goodies and Sorel boots were both hot ticket items this Sundance. At the Kari Feinstein Style Lounge, Wilmer Valderrama grabbed a Paul Frank snowboard and commented that he would be hitting the slopes with it in Park City all week long.  Also, 90210 hottie AnnaLynne McCord picked up some Paul Frank earmuffs, beanies and a scarf for her boyfriend—Dominic Purcell’s child. She mentioned that she would be the best “Daddy’s new girlfriend” around! Over at the VEVO PowerStation & SOREL Suite featuring the Fresh Lounge, Sorel boots donned the feet of Nia Vardalos, The Bachelor Ben Flajnik, Common, Isla Fisher and LMFAO. Because one must have a pair of Sorels at Sundance!

The Moroccanoil Supper Suite wasn’t without its fair share of star power. Gorgeous gals Liv Tyler and Rebecca Hall enjoyed the Morrocanoil hair products (they leave my hair so silky!) and the beautiful Roberto Coin jewels. After all, diamonds are a girl’s best friend! Will Forte, who also dined at the MSS, loved chef Marcel Vigneron’s molecular gastronomy creations and sipped some tasty vino from Johndrow Vineyards. The wine was so delish! I highly recommend! And, at the world premiere of The Words after-party at the Montage Deer Valley, Dennis Quaid sipped Russian Standard Vodka tonics after a day of skiing at the 5-star resort. BTW, I was first to break the PDA scoop between two Hollywood hotties from this party too. Get all of the details here.

See you on the red carpet!