Friday Sept 10

Lunch with Karl Lagerfeld

My first fashion week event was the amazing Karl Lagerfeld fashion council lunch. I went with Lizzie Tisch and I wore Valentino Red. Our table included Andrew Bolton from the Met, Nancy Lane, Hilary Tisch, Robert Verdi, Brooke Travis, Kim Kassel, and Natalie Gershel Kaplan. I ran into Rachel Zoe and Rodger Berman looking glamorous as always.

Other attendees included Caroline Sieber (the Chanel muse), Lauren Santo Domingo, Christine Schwarzman, Ulla Parker, Martha Stewart, Rebekah McCabe from Chanel, Daphne Guinness, Anna Wintour, Andre Leon Talley, Nadja Swarovski, and Diane Kruger. And Coralie Charriol won a Chanel watch. How funny is that?

Fashion’s Night Out

Vogue sent us a Fashion’s Night Out taxi to take us around for the night. Lizzie Tisch was our team captain, and she loves that title! Hilary Tisch, Emily Ford, and Kim Kassel met us at the Regency, of course. I mean where else would we start our evening?

Then we were off to Carolina Herrera, where they had this great photo booth set up, then to Dolce & Gabbana for Naomi Campbell and Anna Wintour where we ran into Matthew Settle “Rufus Humphrey” from Gossip Girl.

We stopped by David Webb, and then Roger Vivier (where two of my favorite stylish girls, Coco Brandolini and Lauren Santo Domingo were holding court with Leighton Meester and Caroline Sieber.) We also stopped by Pucci, and of course, my two spots Jack Vartanian (love his jewelry), and Valentino’s poker night party. Lizzie, Hilary, and I arrived along with Nicky Hilton, Anita Ko, Jenny Cohen, and Inga Rubenstein just in time to rock the part. The entire night was amazing!

Don Hills & Larry Gagosian Dinner

After all of our fashion adventures, it was time to go to Larry Gagosian’s dinner that he and Shala Monroque hosted at Balthazar for the artist Dan Colen. The food is always great there. Inga Rubenstein, Monica Mitro, Alberto Mugrabi, Stavros Niarchos, David and Lesley Schulhof and others were there to join us. Then we were off to Don Hill’s for a party for Iggy Pop thrown by Dasha Zhukova where we saw Mary-Kate Olsen, Gwen Stefani, Eddie Winston Churchill, and Charlotte Dellal. What a great Fashion’s Night Out!

Saturday Sept 11 at Fashion Week

On Saturday, Lizzie Grubman and I hit two shows during the day: ADAM and Vivienne Tam. That night, Hilary Tisch, Brent Bolthouse, Josh Groban and I headed back to Lincoln Center for the Charlotte Ronson show. We stopped at the Lion for dinner, and then head to the Alexander Wang party. They had a bouncy castle, a merry-go-round, and bumper cars. Talk about a fun night in New York!

Sunday Sept 12

DVF Party

Even when it rains in NYC, the craziness still goes on. On Sunday, Coralie Charriol, Nicky Hilton and I headed to the Diane von Furstenberg show. Nicky was bombarded by paparazzi when we entered so we found shelter at Kate Hudson’s awesome Mercedes-Benz suite in Lincoln Center. The show was amazing — great clothes and great crowd which included Rachel Zoe, Nina Garcia, Molly Sims, Rachel Bilson, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Anna Wintour—such great people watching.

Which leads me to the Diane von Furstenberg dinner, which is always the best affair. We were joined by Vikram Chatwal, Elisabeth Kieselstein Cord, Derek Blasberg, and Barry Diller, among other guests.

Tuesday, Sept 14

Stacey Bendet Presentation

Tuesday was the Dennis Basso show. I was wearing Dennis Basso of course, with Brian Atwood shoes, Jack Vartanian earrings, and an Anita Ko necklace. The show was great! I love the dresses he has for next season. And everyone comes out to see his show. I saw Elie Tahari, Anna Wintour, André Leon Talley, Somers Farkas, and of course Dennis’ boyfriend Michael Cominotto.

Tuesday night, Stacey Bendet, the owner and designer of Alice + Olivia, put on the most amazing presentation. Models dressed in Alice + Olivia were on one side of the room and a rock band performed on the other. Nina Garcia, Eric Eisner (Stacey’s husband), Dylan Lauren, and Maria Buccellati all stopped by to support Stacey. On Wednesday, Ali Kay had her first fashion show for her line Keep Me.

All in all, I couldn’t have asked for a better week in New York. I loved that the shows were at Lincoln Center this year; they really did a great job. And I already can’t wait until Fashion Week comes back to New York in February.

The great pleasure that comes with autumn is the opportunity to wear nicer, heavier fabrics. Though we’re not quite ready for the super heavy flannels, we can move away from the everyday four season fabrics to the seasonably appropriate textiles.

Yet autumn doesn’t have to be synonymous with the classic (read: dull), darker colors. There is an array of colorful suit selections we can play with during this time. After all, it’s the foliage that makes this season so charming, so why not bring that element into your wardrobe?

Prince of Wales

If you want to make a statement, the Prince of Wales pattern is the perfect business suit for the fall with its strong red checks and light shades of gray. And for kicks (and more moxie), I would pair it with matching socks. The alternative option, a darker gray pattern, is for people who prefer a more conservative look but without compromising on originality.

Windowpanes

Windowpanes are definitely back; I always loved them much more than stripes as I think they constitute a bolder and stronger statement. The soft blue windowpane is timeless and always appropriate for daytime wear and even a nice night out.

The alternative bigger, dapper gray is more for people who want to be noticed. The light flannel look and feeling make it the ideal alternative suit for the crispy weather.

Fun Fabric

Now, let’s play. Winter cotton by definition is a fun fabric to wear, and complements well with pants, jackets, and even suits, i.e., the Friday suit or the ensemble you want to wear when you choose to be less formal than “classic business attire” but still need the suit look. So what are your options? Try a mustard color, natural hue or even blue of all different shades. You’re going to get a look that’s fun but still give you the edge of a confident power suit.

Corduroy

Another heavy-but-not-too-heavy fabric for the fall is corduroy. This textile has been a classic for ages and now a new revitalized material makes it even nicer to wear. Cascho, the new Ermenegildo Zegna corduroy, blends cotton with cashmere, creating a warm texture that is rich, elegant, and charismatically funky.

M@X

Duca Sartoria
6 East 45 St.
Between Fifth and Madison Avenues
Suite 1502
212.582.3225

Pleasures abound for those fortunate enough to take full advantage of all that the luxury lifestyle has to offer. Whether it be fueling up the private jet for a jaunt over to Vegas, taking time off to take in the pleasures afforded on a plush megayacht, delighting in the delectable treats offered at one of the city’s many top-rated restaurants, or relishing in some retail therapy at some of our favorite shopping venues, the benefits of affluence cannot be denied. With this in mind, we present  our “Hautels” section of Haute Living, showcasing some of New York’s most opulent hotels and resorts. With amenities for both jetsetters and local residents, these four hospitality centers are ready to tend to your every whim. From a stay at the only Forbes five-star hotel in NYC to an afternoon in the sun in the middle of the bustling city, there is no limit to the flights of fancy that await when visiting one of these luxury hotels in the Big Apple.

The Surrey

Only a few blocks from the Metropolitan Museum of Art stands the quaint, yet luxurious Surrey hotel. And though it’s mere minutes from one of the largest and most famous art institutions in the world, The Surrey boasts a unique art collection of its own —an eclectic display of paintings, photographs, textiles, and even video installations by both acclaimed and lesser-known artists. Interior designer and architect Lauren Rottet carefully selected each piece of artwork and furniture, creating a diverse compilation that complements the limestone walls and marble archways of this New York City gem.

Displayed in the lobby are Jenny Holzer prints of Xenon projections (those that stem from bright light projectors) that feature obscure, thought-provoking phrases such as, “You are my own.” There are also several pieces of furniture with words and sayings beautifully hand-painted in a graffiti-like manner by UK-based design duo Jimmie Martin. Yet surprisingly, the focal point of the lobby is a perplexing portrait of Kate Moss, created by famed celebrity artist Chuck Close. It’s a tapestry that’s “almost drawing guests down the hall,” says Rottet. Likewise in the bar you’ll find hand-painted wallpaper by de Gournay and prints by Donald Sultan that feature black and white smoke rings, which according to Rottet, “play on the 1920s bar scene… people sitting in the bar, smoking long cigarettes, and sipping cocktails.” These items are just a sampling of the modern art pieces found throughout the hotel as part of The Surrey’s extensive collection.

Rottet says her use of prints, portraits, and antique furniture with a modern twist all contribute to a “blending of old world and contemporary touches.” And whether you’re an art aficionado, or can’t tell the difference between a Monet and a Manet, you will certainly be amazed by the abundance of artwork that glimmers throughout The Surrey.

20 East 76th St.
212.288.3700
www.thesurrey.com

The watch has become a calling card of sorts, whispering secrets about its wearer with every movement of the second hand. A particular watch can speak to status or even reveal personal lifestyle characteristics so unique that it’s almost dangerously telling. But for those who can indulge in the finest of these timepieces, the gratification on one’s wrist is unmatched.

With a prized collection of some of the most prestige watch brands under its umbrella, the Swatch Group for decades has been providing the world its biggest luxury—time, or at least the finest pieces to track it. Purveyors of such top names as Breguet, Blancpain, Jaquet Droz, and Omega,  the Swatch Group is held in highest esteem by those who understand the significance of horological superiority and have made collecting timepieces a way of life. The Swatch Group team greatly values the emotion that comes with owning a fine watch, so they developed a boutique concept named Tourbillon, which promised to be thoroughly in touch with that dedication to excellence. “The Tourbillon Boutiques bring together the most prestigious brands of the Swatch Group—all under one roof,” says Caroline Faivet, Swatch Group U.S. president. “Their collections feature scores of models fitted with a tourbillon regulator; and many other complications such as a carrousel and minute repeater.”

In 1795, when Abraham-Louis Breguet developed the tourbillon regulator to be an addition to the delicate mechanics of a watch escapement, his objective was to improve accuracy caused by the effect of gravity, particularly in pocket watches. Today, the aptly named Tourbillon Boutiques continue in this tradition of virtuosity in the world of watches. And the Tourbillon Boutiques actually only carry prestige brands of the Swatch Group.“They are the brands we believe in and have every reason to want to house in the best environment, [one that’s] conducive to housing timepieces of this caliber,” explains Faivet. Said environment is defined by more than the boutiques’ contemporary interiors and elegant surroundings; there’s something to be said about the outstanding customer service provided by a staff comprised of experts in the field. Faivet explains that the expertise is derived from training on a regular basis. “Our sales associates are truly professionals. Some of them worked in other boutiques while others were watchmakers before devoting their time and effort to assisting customers.”

Understanding the complexities of the majestic pieces they carry adds to the shopping experience for their loyal customers, some of which travel to New York just to visit the team at the Tourbillon, Wall Street location, which was the second of its kind to open in the United States, following South Coast Plaza. (There are currently four Tourbillon Boutiques in the US). “They’re very, very professional,” say Lou Ebling, a regular at the boutique although he hails from Chicago. But because Ebling is an avid collector, he entrusts his experience to those he knows will take the best care of him. “They are most willing to show you anything, to explain anything, to look things up—no question is too minor.”

Denise Rich’s blood runs blue; in the music industry rank, she reigns supreme among song-writing royalties. Her body of work has been recorded by the very best, including Celine Dion, Marc Anthony, Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, Patti LaBelle, and Natalie Cole. She is on the board of The Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music, and through her New York City-based publishing company, Denise Rich Songs, she continues to produce music that transcends across boundaries—in four languages and in several genres.

Rich is also heralded as a pillar of support for the many paths she’s crossed. In fact, she’s laced the company with a management division that currently acts as a platform for young, talented writers across the country. “I write with them, and they also write a lot among each other,” she explains, in a slightly different intonation—one that illustrates her excitement for the future of their success.

And while Rich supports essential charity efforts of all kinds and sits on such boards as LIFEbeat (the music industry fights HIV/AIDs), the Interfaith Center of New York, among many others, her personal roots are dug deep in the charity she started in her daughter’s honor.

“Unfortunately, my middle daughter Gabrielle passed away at the age of 27 after a long struggle with leukemia,” Rich reveals. Her daughter had Hodgkin’s lymphoma and was cured for three years before she was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia, a cancer that forms in the bone marrow.

The bout with AML lasted only a few brief months, but Rich vividly recalls the doctors, the hospitals (including Sloan-Kettering and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center), and the trial-and-error treatments. But more importantly, she remembers all of Gabrielle’s idiosyncrasies in the hospital—endless hours on the computer researching statistics of causes of leukemia in young people, rocking out with headphones on, and skipping along to the music while she was still mobile. Even afterwards, Gabrielle visited the Hutch children’s ward in her wheelchair to spread hope to the young patients.

Indeed, Gabrielle’s spirit during those bleak days was an unbroken one. “She was an Oxford graduate, very smart, and at the same time, a real sportswoman—a skier and rock climber. She said when she got out [of the hospital] she was going to climb the building, stand at the top, and shout. She was that kind of spirit.”

And it’s that strength—that unwavering hope—Rich has promised to keep alive.

Halloween to most means 50 cent candy, kids clad in costumes, pumpkins and naughtiness after dark. The hauter way to do All Hallow’s Eve involves upscale hotels, hot eats and many more treats than tricks.

“Room with a Boo” overnight package at the Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago

Starting at $499 per night,  guests will receive a delicious s’mores treat welcome amenity created by Executive Pastry Chef Sarah Kosikowki. Two specialty Dra-Kahula cocktails and one Tempura Halloween maki roll from Rebar will be delivered in the evening for guests to savor while relaxing during their overnight stay in a Deluxe Guestroom, which features a fully equipped kitchen, spacious living area and stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. The next morning, a continental breakfast in Sixteen, the hotel’s modern American restaurant, will complete the Trump experience.
Reservations can be made by calling 312.588.8000 or by visiting www.trumpchicagohotel.com.

Spooktacular Brunch at the Four Seasons

No tricks, just treats for all ages at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago’s Spooktacular Sunday Brunch on Halloween, Sunday, October. 31. Indulge in Halloween-inspired brunch items as well as devilish desserts like Blood Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Mousse, Swamp Crème Brulee (pistachio Brulee); Witches Spices Caramel Lava Cake, Carved Pumpkin Flan, a Haunted Cup Cake Display and more. The Spooktacular Brunch is a perfect family outing for fueling up before an afternoon of trick or treating. 
Children (12 and under) who come in their Halloween costumes will dine free and will also delight in making arts and crafts inside a haunted castle.

Seatings begin at 10:30 a.m. with the last seating beginning at 1:30 p.m. $72 per person.  For reservations, please call Seasons restaurant at 312-649-2349.

Dim Sum in the Dark at Sunda

Have a feeling you might be too old to go trick-or-treating? Want a break from the usual Halloween mayhem? Be sure to check out “Dim Sum After Dark,” a two-night event hosted by Sunda in River North. Dim sum plates cost $8.88 each (the numeral 8 is one of the luckiest numbers in Chinese culture, as the shape of the number is similar to that of infinity and the pronunciation of the word “eight” in Chinese sounds like the word that means “prosper”). The restaurant’s list of signature and classic sushi rolls will also take the spotlight, ranging from The Ultimate Handroll to its sashimi selection. Sunda’s Halloween celebration lasts until 1 a.m. each night, allowing diners to escape the costumed chaos that is sure to surround the restaurant during the last weekend in October.

If you’re looking for a theatrical way to celebrate the year’s spookiest holiday, we’re happy to inform you that Scorpius Dance Theatre’s “A Vampire Tale” (previously scheduled to run Oct. 13-23) has added one final performance to its run for tomorrow evening, Oct. 29.

Experience this popular, dark and sexy tale of lost love and the mysterious creatures of the underworld, then party with the cast and crew at the final show’s after-event.

Complete with elaborate costumes, new characters, live music, a special guest appearance by renowned belly dancer Ava Fleming and visually stunning aerial feats, the Valley’s “Nutcracker of Halloween” has been thrilling crowds this month. The production tells the story of a young and innocent woman who discovers her lost love has joined forces with a crowd of vampires and then struggles to fight her own fascination with the beings and their reckless world.

The display of dark debauchery is performed by 26 talented individuals and choreographed by Lisa Starry. New this year are the costumes designed by Alicia “AK” Klovenas of Culture Revolution Clothing, accompaniment by musician Adam Smith, and an original score by local composer Kristopher Hill. In an exciting twist on traditional dance theater, the audience will even have the ability to choose an alternate ending to the production.

Tickets for the performance and after-party combo are $35 per person and can be purchased by calling the box office. The performance begins at 8 p.m., then join the cast and crew afterward to enjoy hors d’oeuvres, dessert, a cash bar and music.

Phoenix Little Theatre at 100 E. McDowell Rd. in Phoenix 602.254.2151 web

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On Monday, October 25, 2010, God’s Love We Deliver held its Fourth Annual Golden Heart Awards. God’s Love We Deliver revealed that noble endeavors certainly don’t go unnoticed as the night celebrated significant contributions of three long-time supporters. This year’s honorees included Joan Rivers — Lifetime Achievement, Philippe Dauman — Outstanding Service to the Community; and Evan Schwartz — Outstanding Volunteer. Among notable New Yorkers who supported the generous organization included Matthew Modine, Gregory Generet, Tamara Tunie, Blaine Trump, John Demsey, Margaret Al. Russell, Marjorie Gubelmann, Ryan Nickulas, Judy McGrath, John Bartlett, Vicente Wolf, Paul Wilmot, Jayne Harkness, Amy Eagle, Jerrold Nadler and Miss USA, Rima Fakih. Guests socialized at the IAC Building in Manhattan with appetizers, and then continued the celebration with a delightful dinner.

God’s Love We Deliver is a non-sectarian, not-for-profit organization that is devoted to providing essential food and nutrition services to men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and other life-altering illnesses in the Metropolitan area. Since its founding, the agency has delivered over 10 million meals and improved the health and well-being of many people. For more information visit www.godslovewedeliver.org.

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MPD no longer just stands for the Meatpacking District. To Daniel and Derek Koch it more importantly has a double meaning, one as the name for their new restaurant Mon Petit Dejeuner and the location of their new establishment.

The Koch brothers are notorious for raising the bar on contemporary brunch at Merkato 55 and for their signature Day and Night concept. The brothers are now venturing into their first incursion to the fine dining scene with MPD, a restaurant removing itself from everything they’ve done in the past — meaning more emphasis on the food and less focus on the Champagne. Well, that is with the exception of a few sparklers and confetti falling on your table during dinner.

The restaurant publicly opened on October 4, 2010 serving a French-American inspired menu at 73 Gansevoort, on the corner of Washington Street. Liv Tyler, Lance Bass, Jesus Luz, Akon, Charlie Walk, Randy Jackson, Caroline Manzo, Mark Hoppus, Natasha Bedingeld and Charlotte Ronson were seen dining at the new restaurant. MPD is also backed by the Ginza Group and is open nightly serving dinner from 5:30 p.m. until midnight, when the menu changes to its late-night setup — keeping the kitchen open until 3 a.m. There are future plans for the restaurant to serve breakfast, lunch and brunch.

Daniel and Derek Koch have certainly not compromised their great level of service, ambiance and vigor they are identified with during their Saturday champagne spraying brunches. Walking into MPD, you will find a modern, yet naturally chic setting. You can meander into the front bar area ringed by tall metallic tables while you wait for your table and check out the intimate dining room resembling some of the most luxurious cafes and bistros in Paris. MPD has an array of French inspired signature dishes by Executive Chef Geoff Rudaw (Royalton Hotel and Soho Grand) that should satisfy everyone’s taste buds for dinner. Some menu items comprise of delicacies such as Seared Diver Sea Scallops, Aged Goat Cheese Ravioli and Bordeaux Braised Short Ribs. The menu also features gourmet breakfast items and amazing truffle oil tater tots. The cocktail menu was fashioned by well-known mixologist Jeremy Strawn highlighting cocktails such as The Blackberry Press and the Monsieur Ginger. Around twelve o’clock one can hear a little extra buzz from the speakers as the room comes to life for a wild late-night scene.

Just remember to take note that even if you have reservations you’ll probably have to wait at least 20 minutes before eating. But we all know that the longer the wait the sweeter the experience.

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Infamous for his own extensive art collection, it is only natural that we would ask Steve Wynn to be on the cover for our 2010 Art Basel issue. Click here to read this month’s feature article, “Wynning Odds.” Learn about the casino resort/real-estate mogul’s road to success, his recently opened resort in China, and what his plans are for the future.

You can also find our exclusive, in-depth guide to this December’s highly-anticipated Art Basel Miami, which includes spotlights on the best satellite shows, events, and special features.

Feeling fashionable? You can view this month’s new fashion spread, “Across the Universe” or our new Trend Reports, which give you the latest in the worlds of men’s and women’s fashion, jewelry, beauty, and interior design, providing a journey through the most relevant trends across all boundaries.

Also in this issue:

• Exclusive interviews with Miami Art Museum’s Director, Thom Collins and the Arsht Center’s new chairman, Mike Eidson.
• One-on-ones with Sandy Hequin of Morays Jewelers and local art dealer, Gary Nader
• A special guide to The Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA)
• The Hermès of Real Estate Premier Estate Properties
• And more! Click here to view this month’s entire Miami issue online!

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