Archive for the ‘Parties’ Category

Last Night A DJ Saved My Cultural Life

Wednesday, February 21st, 2007

Nightlife is not one of my major occupations. I have never been to Bungalow 8 or Marquee, and only La Esquina by accident. My only encounters with Meatpacking District places like Tenjune or P.M is as an unwilling attendee at fashion parties (though I did have a run-in with the celebrity publicist for PM when I was at Glamour, I had to go get crates of champagne so she could get buzzed to do a photo shoot for some real women fashion spread). So when I say I am not terribly aware of DJ culture in New York City I just want you to know what that means. Like I go to Soho House for french fries and business meetings! This turns out to be a sad lack of culture on my part and not just a silly desire to avoid massive hair gel consumption and Jersey girls. I have really been missing out.

On Monday night I attended the private party for the Lady DJ Series at Thom Bar. As a means of supporting women in music and raising funds for the local Girls Hope charity, Thom Bar has created the Lady DJ Series: four consecutive nights that feature a mix of female DJs, both established stars and the new generation of talent.

Lady DJ Schedule at Tom Bar

DJ Sky Nellor and Bonnie Thornton spun at the party hosted by Emma Snowdon-Jones and society decorator Antony Todd. Phil and I spent quite a bit of time grooving to the really fantastic music before we headed downstairs to Kittichai for some late night thai with a few of our friends. And for all the naysayers out there who I have heard whine that Lady DJs don’t need to be good, just look pretty (amen Princess Coldstare) let me tell you there was some serious talent in the house. Not only did Bonnie and Sky look hot but they sounded hot!

Bonnie ThorntonSky Nellor

But thankfully for the rest of the world that doesn’t get invites to fancy private events there are still two days left of DJing to be enjoyed plus a chance to support Girls Hope. The “Lady DJâ€? cocktail has been created specifically for this event by Thom Bar’s mixologists and Herb’s Aromatic Vodka, the sales of which will wholly benefit Girls Hope. As well, a percentage of the total bar sales each night will also be donated to the charity. Reservations are recommended (212/219-3200). Information about Girls Hope will be available every night of the series, as will donation forms.

Lady DJ Cocktails

And while I know this sounds a little silly I have to give a huge plug to Herb’s Vodka. At first I was a little skeptical but the Fennel Vodka used in the Lady DJ was delicious! Like curiously so. I am not a big drinker but I was just smitten by the vodka. Sadly they only have four varieties of Herb Vodka, Fennel, Dill, Rosemary, and Cilantro even though I personally feel that Basil vodka would be fantastic. I am sure somewhere in Brooklyn some little bar is cooking up ideas for Basil vodka as I type. Like the fact that I even think it would be cool means there is some hot spot that is serving it already.

Glamour Magazine’s “Fashion Gives Back” Party

Friday, February 2nd, 2007

It is odd having your past sneak up on you. It feels like a whole other lifetime since I was a slave at Glamour Magazine and even then that phase of my life lasted but a nanosecond. And yet today when the publicists at Glamour were so eager for my presence at the event I felt as if surely this was the most natural thing in the world that I should attend and promote their charity event. “Fashion Gives Back” is Glamour’s way of supporting both charity and young designers. The new garde of fashion designed tee-shirts to be sold to benefit a charity of their choice at Shopbop. And truly it is a wonderful charity event that supports both worthy causes and young designers.

GLAMOURtshirts1-2

And yet, even while I am all in favor of charity I felt so uncomfortable at this party I literally wanted to cry at the end of it all. Assistants that I never imagined recognizing seemed to glare at me all night. Now maybe it was my imagination, but I swore that a girl named Marina was eyeing me the entire night. Or maybe I was staring at her, wondering how I managed to come so far in a year. And even when I spotted another fellow “almost” outsider, Kate Mulleavy of Rodarte, I could barely get in a moment before some skinny girl swirled in and introduced Kate to her mother.

Glamour "Fashion Gives Back" Party

As one chubby fashionista that dreams of a better fashion tomorrow to another, it felt like Kate and I stuck out like sore thumbs at the party. Now I grant that is a little unfair, but with the prissy attitude of so many Glamour women floating about it seemed hard to concentrate on the charity at hand. Who would have expected Glamour women to seem intimidating?

Even though the door woman giving out the box was super snotty to me when I requested a Rodarte tee-shirt (those are only for special guests) I took it anyway. I want to support the outsiders like Rodate and their charities. And really people who give you publicity probably are special guests. Sadly the box fell apart as I walked home, leaving a sad little tee-shirt on the pavement.

Glamour "Fashion Gives Back" Party
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New Faces Spring 2007 at Thom Bar

Friday, January 12th, 2007

Thom Bar New Faces Modeling Challenge

If any Coutorture bloggers or dedicated Almost Girl readers are keen on going please email me and I will help you RSVP!

Catherine Malandrino’s Concept SoHo Boutique Opening Party

Wednesday, December 6th, 2006

It has been an exceptionally busy few weeks for store openings in Soho. I feel like every few days I am doing another mention of a party for a new super shiny Soho concept store for another retailer. In fact, Curbed seem to be under that impression as well. Last night I attended the opening night party for Catherine Malandrino’s soho boutique on 468 Broome St. NYC and was yet again wowed by another impressive space. Competition must certainly be getting fierce to outdo fellow designers these days for chicest Soho digs. And from what I saw Catherine Malandrino would almost certainly be in the top listings.

Catherine Maladrino Soho Store Opening Party

Even though it was freezing last night, plenty of interested parties turned out for the Harrison and Shriftman organized party. Even though I believe the store has been open for some time as I certainly have memories of passing by the store often. As I surveyed the party I found myself at the bar contemplating a P.I.N.K Vodka special (a new caffeine infused vodka that will hopefully kill all the nasty Red Bull and vodka mixes that ruin nightlife) with one of the Catherine Malandrino businesswomen. Our shared initial confusion over the drink led us into a conversation about the inspiration behind the heavily metallic influences that dominate the space. The metal spikes that cut through the center of the store were a concept that Catherine had contemplated using in Paris apparently but were somehow so much more appropriate for a harsher city like New York.

Catherine Malandrino Soho Store Opening Party

I agree with this sentiment. The metal pikes that held the the clothing racks were really quite arresting. Even with my vodka caffeine induced energy I felt the need to slow down and really appreciate the clothing. And while the metal kept with Catherine’s theme of using glass and other reflective surfaces in her stores it felt quite different. The only other store I can compare it to is the Longchamp flagship in Soho that has the undulating wood surfaces with a similar showcasing appeal.

Catherine Malandrino Soho Store Opening Party

And while Catherine’s current collection certainly matches the aesthetic of the store I will be interested to see how that changes with the seasons. At this point in the season I feel like a veritable connoisseur of expensive retail spaces in my neighborhood. And that will only continue as tonight is the Ugg Australian opening party on Mercer Street.

Walls of Cashmere Sweaters and Throngs of Kids Just Like Me

Friday, November 10th, 2006

Uniqlo spared no expense for its American flagship store’s opening night party. With a line stretching around the block I skipped over the throngs of people and instead pestered the haggard Paul Wilmot door team about the press entrance. Some very pushy people from something that sounded like BizMatch.com or some such nonsense were also demanding press entrance which slowed things down a bit as the yammered at the girls in black. The very bitchy gay man with his Faran Krentcil look-a-like escort treated the door girls none too kindly. But nevertheless we made it in without a hitch and were promptly greeted by bowing door staff. Bowing!

The store itself is a three level paradise of bright lights and Mongolian cashmere. While I had been impressed by the Mercer Street Uniqlo’s wall of socks, it simply did not compare to the floor to ceiling walls of cashmere sweaters in every conceivable color and cut.

Uniqlo Soho American Flagship Store Opening Party

There was also ample evidence of the many fantastic shift dresses and little cotton frocks that I have so favored in the last few weeks over tights. Really the entire stock of basics makes me wonder how The Gap plans to fight this Japanese menace because it felt like the entire flock of hip kids had been invited to the party, everyone from my girls at Mob (Sixteen tells me Tab was in the ad campaign) to the Misshapes (who were DJing the party). I expected to be annoyed by the explosion of downtown PYT but I just found myself happily enjoying the company of about a million and one kids who looked, acted, and dressed just like Phil and I. God knows how a regular fashionista PR firm like Paul Wilmot managed to put together the guest list for this party when half the kids there would never be on their radar. Bravo guys really! You proved your public relations professionalism last night a million times over. As Phil and I mingled among the darling Uniqlo corporate officers and the precious design team it felt like a perfect blend of fashion business and fashion culture.

Uniqlo Soho American Flagship Store Opening Party

As much as I have been to a lot of great parties since I moved to New York this is the first party I have been too where I felt really at home. Everything about it just felt right. Even meeting the Misshapes kids felt sort of sweet. They weren’t affected and frustrating as I had imagined them to be but mostly just darling and at ease. They were simply a trio of kids who had accidentally ridden an inevitable cultural wave and found themselves at the crest of popularity without having really considered its consequences. That nonchalance felt downright charming in person. Princess Coldstare certainly isn’t intimidatingly pretty in person like her photo suggests, in fact she is quite plain when not caught in the glare of the camera. I can’t tell if this is immensely validating or disappointing yet truth be told.

Uniqlo Soho American Flagship Store Opening Party

But unaffected downtown things aside the Uniqlo corporate team did not do this party up cheap at all. The pounds of freshly flown in fatty tuna prepared by Iron Chef Morimoto himself was simply divine. While other tasty treats like white truffle munchies and sea bass abounded it was the many varying preparations of fatty tuna that put me over the moon. I probably packed back well over a hundred dollars of Morimoto’s creations.

Uniqlo Soho American Flagship Store Opening PartyUniqlo Soho American Flagship Store Opening Party

At the end of the night as I floated home on a sea of pomegranate juice, ginseng tea, and one too many pieces of sashimi with a gift bag in hand I wished more multinational flagships stores opened in Soho on a regular basis! Check out the little video I shot in which I am unduly sarcastic about The Misshapes and in which I watch in rapt fascination as The Iron Chef does his thing.

I am Filled With Fatty Tuna

Friday, November 10th, 2006

I just got back from the Uniqlo Flagshop Soho Opening Party and I am filled with fatty tuna. I have to say that when big international conglomerates throw a party they do it up right. It is the best party I have been to since the Prada Waist Down Party. The Misshpes DJ’d (they were really nice in person and Princess Coldstare isn’t that pretty, it made me sad) Chef Morimoto had dinner covered with giant plates of freshly flown in fatty tuna, and there was drinks in the form of gingsing, sake, and pomegranate juice (I had the juice). Right now I am so full of fatty tuna sushi I feel almost ill. Check out the walls and walls of cashmere sweaters surrounding The Iron Chef!

Uniqlo Soho American Flagship Store Opening Party

Halloween Party at Frederick’s!

Thursday, October 26th, 2006

Invite for Halloween Party at Frederick's

Viva The Revolution! Bastille Day at Frederick’s

Saturday, July 15th, 2006

Libertaré! Egalité! Fraternité! As a proud member of the fashionista race which knows no color, creed, sex, or religion but that of style I feel a deep affinity for France. Yes, they piss me off with their occasional attitude and their inability to understand creative ownership is frustrating but in the end Paris is home to much wonderful fashion and so when Bastille Day arrived I felt compelled to celebrate.

Fortunately, Laura Rubin of LLR Consulting, host of many a fine party, had an event at the exceptionally swank Frederick’s. Now because I am a “downtown kid” whose presence is mostly for atmosphere (well and you know Coutorture doesn’t hurt either) I don’t usually get too dressy for anything. But since this was a theme party and I was ostensibly invited to judge a Moulin Rouge costume contest along with editors from Fashion Week Daily and Nylon I felt I had to at least make a little effort. Thus while I wore no red, white, or blue for my own nation’s independence day I bought a red tee-shirt and blue scarf from American Apparel for Bastille Day. Combined with my Marc Jacob’s flip flops I felt I had a pretty festive downtown kid outfit. I guess hip downtowners are moving uptown to Frederick’s anyway so it shouldn’t have been too much of a shock for the doorman. Though I do admit he seemed slightly confused by the fact that Phil and I were on the guest list.

Bastille Day at Fredrick's on 58th

While somehow the costume contest never materialized Desta, the beautiful man in charge of marketing and PR for Frederick’s, had organized cancan dancers which sufficed nicely as entertainment!

Bastille Day at Fredrick's on 58th

And thus Phil and I lounged away the evening in a “secret room” with a little fringe and enjoyed the presence of Laura’s fantastic friends, lovely stylist Rosemary Ponzo and had the privilege of meeting Frederick Lesort (of Frederick’s) himself. And let me just say he was so very dapper and runs a great club. In fact, I might even be coaxed uptown to his restaurant Opia after last night!

When The Gift Bags Are Better Than The Party: Or This Brand Isn't Being Positioned At Me

Friday, July 14th, 2006

A lovely reader/PR girl invited me to the launch party of a new hair care line by Unilever called Sunsilk and since I do love an evening of beauty and free drinks I figured it was worth a shot. Besides the party was hosted by Mario Cantone and I think he is just dandy!

Sunsilk Launch at Plum

Once I made my way in I was just a tad confused by the crowd. Everything felt slightly out of place as if someone had planned out a perfect little party and then got all of the details wrong. Everything felt oddly LA even down to the perfect colorful gift bags.

Sunsilk Launch at Plum

As I sipped a very watery Sex on The Beach (it was the drink special, don’t judge me) and flipped through the press release it hit me: this brand isn’t being being positioned for me at all! With party guests like Lauren from The Hills (I didn’t recognize her) and the littler Duff sister and brand rhetoric like “For curls wilder than you were on spring break” and “Tame your weekend behavior once your curls are tamed, Instead of getting trashed pick up a trashy romance novel” this was probably a product not aimed at sophisticated Manhattan consumers. And then I looked at the average price point and saw $3.59

Three cute gay stylists (and three step hair care) keeping their party hardy girlfriends together? Yes, this is a brand for women who want a glamorous lifestyle with all of that Diva frustration that they learned from watching Sex and The City. The launch party was merely to get that image out into the popular ethos so those women who crave the lifestyle that they believe to be the provence of glamourous New York women will feel they are purchasing just a little bit of that. And at $3.59 that’s a bargain! Or get a free sample here

Please don’t make me say it again but like I have been saying for weeks: reality is the new luxury.

UPDATE So this morning I used my new Sunsilk Anti-Flat and actually I am pretty impressed. I used all three steps and my hair has some decent volume. It isn’t the best I have ever used (Nioxin is hands down the best but it does leave a little crunch) but it does the job, is reasonably priced, and left my hair free of the crunchies. It only feels a tad dry but I will take it.

SunSilk

Also digging that they have two specific lines for Hispanic women
The Anti-Caida and the Anti-Sponja. Sunsilk is clearly aiming to take over all of the markets. Market segmention shouldn’t be surprising but as it is often done in a very clumsy way I am pleased to find a brand that is doing the gridding right. Still leaves up-market girls like me out but I did like my Anti-Flat.

Is The Bubble Back? Or Why Coutorture is a Fashion Media Company

Friday, June 30th, 2006

So last night I took a little time off from being in the fashion industry and instead of going to a pre-screening of the Devil Wears Prada I went to a Silicon Alley Luau at Shopwiki. Since I work in that strange and hazy land where fashion, tech, and media intersect I figure that I shouldn’t discriminate between industries. Thus I found myself face to face with a whole roast big, lots of very scary nerds, and disturbing product demos!

Downtown Kids-You Know, For Atmosphere

Wednesday, June 28th, 2006

Proving that everyday my life gets a little less relatable let me talk about a party I attended on Monday to you and then we can grapple with the idea of me being “almost” anymore. Or perhaps my “almost girl” nature is more eclecticism now that I seem to be transforming into every frustrating downtown kid.

So let me see if I can give you the sequence of convoluted events that led to me being at this party. I sat front row at Gen-Art and got introduced to the Girlshop girls who then came to my launch party which then turned into email conversations and drinks at the Soho House which involved mink balls and cannonballs by fat chicks with champagne glasses. This in turn led to me being just a tad confused by the Soho house experience and the inexplicable nature of people leaping into pools with their clothing on. Trendy spot what?

SoHo House With Girlshop

But of course after cocktails a girl like me has other parties to be at right? So after I parted ways with the Girlshop girls I headed out to other parties involving Agatha Ruiz de la Prada. Then thanks to knowing cool people inside the empire that have become awesome gruppy friends I am hooked up with the Yoox peeps which translated into me being at the Seize Sur Vingt party at which the the Girlshop girls were relating the cannonball and minkball story that had occurred earlier that night at the exact same time as I was relating just that story but to different people. You still following me? So that person being related the cannonball and mink ball story was the beautiful Laura Rubin. PHEW! She was in charge of the FANTASTIC party I was at on Monday. Did everyone get that? Now mind you the CFDA was having Le Book party on Monday but Laura is way cooler than the CFDA so you can guess what party I was at!

Sieze Vingt Party

Anyway, Laura’s party was for the debut of an art installation called “40 Days” by Gonzalo Papantonakis at Thom Bar. The press release says (and I am not kidding):

“In coming up with a concept for the space, we thought of the Thom Bar lounge as a 21st century rock n’ roll fantasy; the place where Eloise hangs out when she grows up, moves downtown and dates a rock star,� says Wayne Nathan, Interior Designer. “Music and passion are essential elements of Gonzalo’s work and we wanted that energy embodied in the design.�

zAtmosphere12_062606
Downtown fantasyland huh? That totally explains why I was there right? Me and my white skinny jeans were there to add atmosphere. I am supposed to be as the press release says “refined yet rebellious” Like totally! I am so like into Baudrillard but I party too and I run my own company!

Julie Fredrickson Sports The White Skinny Jeans
But lest you think I am poking fun at the whole thing I was just thrilled with the entire party and my own part in the “play” of rebellion, rock and roll, and refined downtownness. Laura really knows how to mediate the experience such that all parties involved enjoy themselves, get introduced to the right people, and generally have a perfect time of it.

Which is cool because last time I was at 60 Thompson I tried to create an experience there involving bankers (nice boys actually), “genuine” theorists, and the perfect New York tryst that didn’t go so well. Proving that my “genuine” experience at Thom Bar in my regular party going life was a better experience than the one I tried to create myself. This either proves my thesis that reality is the new luxury and you can’t craft experiences on your own. It just has to happen.

And it really did happen. The second I walked in I was greeted with a perfect martini, the sea bass nummies were delish, and the company was delightful! Reporters from the Daily and beautiful blonde older French women included.

The Newest Trend? Mink Balls!

Friday, June 23rd, 2006

One of the oddest takeaways from Fur Fashion Week wasn’t the dialogue, the comments, or even the quarter million dollar furs. Actually it was an accessory. Mark my words when I say it will become an accidental trend. Meet The Carmen Marc Valvo Mink Ball!

Phil and I were initially quite confused by the delightful little fluffy balls that came in the gift bags from Carmen Marc Valvo. In fact we certainly weren’t the only ones who didn’t know what to do with the little critters. Marilyn Kirschner of Lookonline didn’t know what they were either!

By the way, one nice ‘bonus’ was the thoughtful little gift bag each guest received upon leaving. It contained a small folding silk brocade jewelry bag (perfect for travel) and best of all a pair of fluffy mink shoe clips – just what every gal needs. (Of course, I won’t admit that I initially mistook them for a pair of earrings!)

Thus the first rule of accessories (and I am just making this up on the spot) is if something doesn’t have a designated function then use it anyway you can! Thus I present you with the many uses of mink balls!

Sieze Vingt Party
Add a little eye candy to dull bag straps like Laura from Girlshop!
Sieze Vingt Party
Or make a dress shirt a little more friendly like Mehra from Yoox.
Sieze Vingt Party
Marilyn was riht! They make great hair clips too. Laura Rubin of LLR Consulting sports the look.

Sieze Vingt Party
For the sartorial man in your life they are a great alternative to handkerchiefs!

Furthermore you don’t have to restrict their use to just fashion! They do double duty as a drink place holders too! A super secret editor from deep inside the Conde Nast empire shows you how!
Sieze Vingt Party

Married To The Mob Bikini Launch Party and Leah McSweeney Video

Tuesday, June 20th, 2006

Last night I had the good fortune to attend the launch of Married to The Mob’s 3Hands2 Bikiniat Andre Balazs’ budget QT Hotel. The bikini was a collaboration between Married to The Mob and Kaws. As the website says the collection has “KAWS Companion character in curious places.”

I have a video with the world’s worst lighting in which Leah McSweeney gives us a brief on the collection! She is of course the most official bitch.

I was actually pretty impressed by QT. Even with its frustrating off Times Square location it managed to be a pretty cool venue. Plus I am a sucker for anything with an indoor pool. Congrats Leah!
QTHotelPoolParty

CoolSideBoobShotMarried To The Mob Bikini Launch Party at QT Hotel

Habana Outpost Urban Eco-Eatery Opening Night Party and Fashion Show

Sunday, May 28th, 2006

What better way to spend Memorial Day than at a block party? While plenty of New Yorkers fleed the city for the long weekend Elke and I merely left the island for a little fun in the quaint borough of Brooklyn for the opening of Habana Outpost Eco-Eatery

Habana Outpost Party and Fashion Show

As a Soho/Nolita resident I adore Cafe Habana and their exceptional roast corn! Mmmmmm. And after raving about Etu Lopeti, H.O.R.R.S or Habana Outpost Recycled Rejects Shop, at Brooklyn Fashionweekend I knew I had to show up for the opening party and fashion show. Plus I got an invite from Sophia Santana who works with Lopeti! With ith all of the eco friendly fun going on and Jill of Fiftyrx3 celebrating a birthday, it was shaping up to be a good evening.

Well let me just say that all of the diversity that I knew to be in Brooklyn but couldn’t find at Brooklyn Fashion Week(end) I found at Habana Outpost’s party.

Habana Outpost Party and Fashion Show

And the fashion in the crowds, wow! I was stunned at all of the good looking independent creative creatures milling about. Delightful summery fashionistas with bold sunglasses, the A.P.C madras dress that I adored in the shop but didn’t quite fit, sneaker freaks, darling hipster children, and beautiful young fashionable couples were all happy together! It’s a small Fort Green world after all!

Habana Outpost Party and Fashion ShowHabana Outpost Party and Fashion ShowHabana Outpost Party and Fashion ShowHabana Outpost Party and Fashion ShowHabana Outpost Party and Fashion Show

One party goer I was particular impressed with was this gentleman. Somehow he manages to take that frustrating hipster scarf trend and rework it with a simple piece of plaid and a white tee-shirt. It is uber trendy, like Misshapes trendy and yet so fresh. It helps that he is beautiful but lord it is lovely to remember that you can take a hipster trend and make it interesting.

Habana Outpost Party and Fashion Show

I wish I had something useful to say about the fashion show but as community fashion events are chaotic and disorganized it was hard to say I got a chance to appreciate any of the designers or the work. I could barely shoot any photos because none of the girls would pose and they had to wander about the crowds. Sigh….there wasn’t even one place for me to sit and take photographs. Thus I got some pretty shocking photographs completely by accident I worked the zoom in and zoom out button like a frantic maniac!

Habana Outpost Party and Fashion Show

The proud owner of this exposed nipple is the roomate of a lovely girl who also modeled in the show that rode the subway back home with me afterwards. I gave her my card so we shall see if she drops a comment here.

Since no one really announced what lines were what I can’t give directions to what these pieces are. But the pieces shown ranged from DIY missteps to rather lovely tailored work.

Habana Outpost Party and Fashion ShowHabana Outpost Party and Fashion Show

More Coutorture Party Photos!

Wednesday, May 24th, 2006

Here are a few more photos thanks to Jill of Fiftyrx3

Check this one out! Here we have Susan of Counterfeit Chic, Lesley of Fashiontribes an almost hidden Elke of Beauty News Report and Danielle of Final Fashion and Cate Corcoran the tech editor of WWD Now if this isn’t the most perfect representation of the melding of tech and fashion I can’t think of anything better!

Coutorture party!

Here is a lovely photo of Piers Fawkes of PSFK with his fiance and sister.

Coutorture party!