In honor of Met curator Andrew Bolton, both Susan Casden and Cameron Silver, members of the Los Angeles’ Friends of the Costume Institute, hosted their second annual dinner at Jose Andres’ Bazaar.

Many guests at the party attempted to get the tight-lipped Bolton to divulge the theme for next year’s exhibit but he wasn’t budging.

Some of the L.A. designers in attendance included Rodarte’s Laura and Kate Mulleavy, James Galanos, Juan Carlos Obando, Monique Lhuillier, and Liv Ballard.

Check the Haute Living events page for more scenes for this evening.

Before the Hilton sisters, Amanda Hearst, and Georgia Bloomberg the original high style heiress was Doris Duke. By any standards, she was a progressive trailblazer and philanthropist that would have given any of the current glamour girls a run for their money, and speaking of money, Duke had tons of it.

She was the heiress to the lucrative Duke fortune earned via tobacco and energy. Her father died in 1925 leaving his only child $100 million. Duke enjoyed all of the luxuries that wealth and youth could bring. She traveled the world, spoke several languages, and was an expert on orchids. She was one of the first women to take up competitive surfing, had multiple lovers, and was known for her parties and keen eye for art. Duke lived large and her private home in Hawaii was a true example of “haute living.”

Grounds of Shangri La Estate

Islamic Art Throughout Estate

Shangri La was built in the late 1930s set amongst five acres in one of Honolulu’s most desirable neighborhoods. With sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and iconic Diamond Head, Duke created her own slice of heaven. Considered one of Hawaii’s most architecturally significant homes, Shangri La truly reflects Duke’s extravagant lifestyle and extraordinary sense of style. The home is truly an aesthetic masterpiece, carved out of the rocky hills overlooking the water. Duke designed and directed all aspects of the construction. She fought to get a private harbor basted out of the coral and hand selected each piece of furniture. Throughout her world travels she commissioned items from across the globe specifically for Shangri La. The home contains some of the most pre-eminent examples of Islamic Art and architecture in the Americas. If you have an interest in art, horticulture, or architecture a visit to Shangri La is not to be missed.

Shangri La is owned by the Doris Duke Foundation of Islamic Art. Tours are only available through the Honolulu Academy of Arts. Exclusive groups of up to 12 adults meet at the Academy, and are then driven to the property. Tours last approximately two-and-a-half hours and are $25 per person. Children under 12 are not permitted. Reservations are strongly recommended; call 1.866.DUKE.TIX to inquire about a tour or email shangrilatickets@honoluluacademy.org

The ever charming bachelor, George Clooney, has been on the shores of Hawaii the past weeks working on his latest film The Descendants. The movie is based on the novel by Ms. Kauai Hart Hemmings, telling the story of a wealthy attorney and land baron, Matt King, who tries to re-connect with his two daughters after his wife suffers a boating accident. The film has been wrapping up production, filming on both the islands of Oahu and Kauai. In fact, Mr. Clooney spent his 49th birthday on Hawaii celebrating with cast mates, crew, and his Italian girlfriend Elisabetta Canalis.

Fashion Fun Fact: For Clooney’s character, the wardrobe department worked with Honolulu-based Aloha shirt company Reyn Spooner. As one of Honolulu’s original shirt labels for more than 50 years, Reyn Spooner men’s shirts are known for their quality details and unique “reverse print” fabric. Perhaps this could explain why Mr. Clooney was spotted around Honolulu wearing his character’s wardrobe off set.

Over the years, Joan Rivers’s name has become synonymous with fashion, gossip, and comedy but now she gives fans the opportunity to view a much more up close and personal side of life.

Her documentary, Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work premiered at the Angelika Film Center, where numerous celebrities arrived to catch a glimpse of the behind the scenes footage of Rivers fighting to maintain her relevance in the ever-evolving LA culture.

The evening also featured an after party where several guests arrived at the private residence of Elie Tahari. Partygoers enjoyed cocktails, laughs, and an exciting evening at the renowned designer’s chic pad.

Check the Haute Living events page for more scenes for this evening.

As Sex and The City 2 opens in cinemas today and London on full ‘Carrie mania’ after the star-studded opening in Leicester Square last night, it seems an appropriate time to kick off the weekend with some New York-inspired cocktails.

For the next month, The Doyle Collection is inviting Sex and the City devotees to celebrate the release of the hotly anticipated film with a “Cosmos & Manolos” package, available at each of their boutique London hotels and including The Kensington Hotel, The Marylebone Hotel, and The Bloomsbury Hotel.

With rates starting from £290 for two people, the Cosmos & Manolos package inspires guests to embrace the fashionable city lifestyle of Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha, and Miranda.

Welcoming guests with a gift of cupcakes, pink Champagne, and The Carrie Diaries—the prequel novel by Candace Bushnell—guests can click around the city in their Manolos, Jimmy Choos, and Louboutins to the designer shops of Bond Street and Knightsbridge. After a day spent maxing out their credit cards, guests can refresh in the hotel bar over Cosmopolitans and canapés. In addition to overnight accommodations, the package also includes a full English breakfast in the morning. Admittedly, the first meal of the day in London, may be very different from how the famous four from Manhattan start their day, but what’s more important is having an intense gossip around the table.

The package, which is valid until June 30, is available at the three luxurious London hotels, each in exclusive districts of the capital.

The Kensington Hotel, located in fashionable South Kensington, is nearby to Knightsbridge’s designer shops as well as the wonderful open spaces of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. The Marylebone Hotel, chic and sophisticated, is just a stone’s throw from trendy Marylebone village and the bustling shops of Oxford Street. With its imposing neo-Georgian listed building, The Bloomsbury Hotel is a beacon of calm in the heart of London, steps away from theatre-land with Covent Garden and Oxford Circus nearby.

For more information call 0207 969 3860 or see www.doylecollection.com/packages

On Thursday, June 10 Haute Living will partner with Luca Luca in Bal Harbour for an event to welcome our new Fashion and Luxury Editor Meredith Mulligan. Join hostesses Alison Zhuk, Cristina Rice, Jamie Jo Harris, and Malinka Max at this private reception and style event at the luxurious Bal Harbour boutique. The event starts at 7 p.m. and lasts until 9 p.m. We invite you to join us, where a portion of proceeds from sales during the event will benefit Jewish Adoption and Foster Care Options (JAFCO).

BECCA beach Kahala is a quintessential beach boutique showcasing the latest fashions and best all around beach attire. Opened December 2009, the boutique is located within the exclusive Kahala Hotel and Resort (formerly the Mandarin Oriental Hotel).

Owner Joanna Stark Beall moved to Hawaii more than 10 years ago from New York. With a discriminating eye, honed from years of working in the fashion industry for labels like Ralph Lauren, Agnes B, and DKNY, her quality selections are fresh and fun.

Joanna carries an eclectic assortment of designers such as Halsea, Roberta Roller Rabbit, Seaton, Havaianas sandals, and Salt sunglasses. BECCA beach also has a great collection of purses and beach bags from Meleana Bags. Fashioned by Honolulu born designer Meleana Blaich, she incorporates her love for color and unique, vibrant fabrics into each of her creations. BECCA beach is also one of the few boutiques where you can find Mini Eel, the toddler and young girl’s version of Honolulu based label Fighting Eel.

Hawaii is known for casual outdoor living and Joanna has done a great job selecting pieces that work well for the island’s lifestyle as well as for a day on a yacht. Whether you are packing for a day at the beach in Hawaii or resort wear for Saint Barts, BECCA beach Kahala has something for you.

BECCA beach Kahala is located within the Kahala Hotel and Resort at 5000 Kahala Avenue, Suite 2, Honolulu, Hawaii 96816. For more details call 808.739.8862 or email the owner at joanna@beccabeach.com

Memorial Day weekend commences at 6p today, or for those of you with “summer” Friday’s your holiday may start a few hours earlier. Either way we couldn’t be more excited to break out of the office and break in some of our favorite new looks from the Spring collections. We have already showcased the hautest items for your weekend getaway—sky-high stilettos, beach chic towels, luxe sunnies, and of course a sexy swimsuit. But what of the much-needed cover-up?

Ladies, we saved the best for last. Zimmermann, who has been suiting up chic Aussies for years, has really made a impression stateside over the last few years. This playful Chelsea Scallop jumpsuit is the perfect combo of flirty sex appeal and bright Spring colors. Throw it on over your swimsuit, or strap on a pair of those Cesare Paciotti sandals we showed you Monday for a night on the town.

For those of you in New York, hit up the Zimmermann store at 112 Greene Street. Priced at just $299 this is definitely a must-have piece.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

The 2010 Caron Treatment Center’s New York City Gala was held at Cipriani 42nd St. and brought together names like Dr. Oz, Art Garfunkel, Patti LaBelle, and Paul Hokemeyer, the evening raised awareness for alcohol and drug addiction, as well as honored those who give time and resources to aiding others in need.

Patti LaBelle and Art Garfunkel treated guests to exclusive performances, while emotions ran high as stories of addiction, struggle, and perseverance were told. The Caron Treatment Center is non-profit organization focused on providing treatment to those struggling with severe addiction to drugs and alcohol through primary, relapse, and extended residential treatments.

Check the Haute Living events page for more scenes for this evening.

In honor of their 25th Anniversary, AOL celebrated their “Project on Creativity” event with special guest and iconic American Artist, Chuck Close. New Museum swarmed with a crowd of over 600 guests, a blend of pioneers in the worlds of art, media, and technology. Among those premier names were Andy Spade, Kate Spade, Bettina Zilkha, Lisa Anastos, Genevieve Jones, Nejima Beard, Francesca Bodini, Simon Hammerstein, Jennifer Missoni, Luca Bonetti, Jean-Philippe Delhomme, and many more.

Attendees strolled throughout the museum admiring photographs taken by Close; they included images of world leaders like the Dalai Lama, Gus Van Sant, Claire Danes, Kara Walker, and others. These particular works embodied the artistic pieces Close will be creating as part of “Project on Creativity.”

Following the museum event, AOL executives joined guests at the Bowery Hotel, where they enjoyed an intimate performance by award-winning artist John Legend. The evening also unveiled the company’s 2nd Collection, an assortment of artists from varying disciplines hand selected to create original work for the AOL Brand.

Check the Haute Living events page for more scenes for this evening.