Pamella Roland SS18: Glamour takes the stage

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For another season, I attended Pamella Roland’s Spring/Summer 2018 Runway Show at Pier 59 Studios. I can’t get over how stunning the collection is! It’s inspired by the chic town of Monte Carlo and combines an array of fabrics such as pleated tulle, embroidered lace, crepe, and ombré mikado. The styles are glamourous, sophisticated, dramatic, and flawless. I love how Roland uses a range of vibrant colors such as blush, fuscia, aqua, gold, and lilac. The looks also have intricate detailing such as crystal and sequin motifs, metallic fringe, and feather plumes. They are exquisite fashionable masterpieces.

I had a tough time picking my favorites, but there are definitely a couple of key looks that I keep thinking about. I love the fuschia hand pleated and draped gown, the blush cocktail dress with a feather plumed hem, the gold embroidered metallic fringe cocktail, and the aqua and cobalt blue draped dress, and a white and blue ombré mikado gown. These dresses are attention-grabbing, vibrant, elegant, and perfect for an evening celebration. They are whimsical and alluring. The craftsmanship is impeccable and the styling is truly innovative. What a fascinating collection!

 

Perrine hosts Smash Bash: A stylish toast to Tennis

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Last Wednesday, I enjoyed stopping by Perrine at The Pierre Hotel for its Smash Bash, a vibrant celebration of the game of tennis. 2017 Wimbledon Champion Garbiñe Muguruza co-hosted the event. She’s ranked number 4 in the world by the WTA and has won 4 singles titles that include 2 majors: the 2016 French Open and the 2017 Wimbledon Championships. She turned professional in 2012 and of course continues to dominate the tennis scene.

The event was a classy outdoor festival on Perrine’s Rosé Terrace which overlooks Central Park. Guests enjoyed Whispering Angel Rosé and the Honey Deuce cocktail by Grey Goose, the official cocktail of the US Open. We also feasted on a great selection of scaled-up court-side fare including a Mediterranean spread, hot dogs, cheese fries, chicken lollipops, and sliders. At the dessert section,  Perrine’s signature Mignano Candy Bar and its fruit ice pops impressed me. The delicious cocktails and sumptuous food abundantly flowed at Perrine!

Guests participated in table tennis and enjoyed live music from jazz band Gotham Easy. DJ Rosé also spun a mix of lively beats. The night was filled with a great mix of sports, food, drinks and music. What a perfect evening!

 

Dîner en Blanc: An elegant soiree in the Big Apple

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This past Tuesday, I had the pleasure of attending Dîner en Blanc at Lincoln Center. Selavi Global produced the event impressively. Everyone was dressed beautifully in white and had the most creative table displays. The evening included special surprises such as performances by Opera singers Samantha Jeffreys and Andrea Chinedu Nwoke. Rockjazz musician ELEW and Brooklyn United Marching Band also impressed guests with their vibrant sound. Cover Girl provided a touch up station with free makeup giveaways as well as a photo booth to capture the moment. Chef Todd English prepared elegant picnic meals with dishes such as Southern Fried Chicken, Baby Back Ribs, and Vegan Corn Salad.

Additionally, Evian Badoit, Kenwood Vineyards, and Canard-Duchêne Champagne provided the beverages for the evening. The combination of elegant plates and refreshments balanced each other perfectly. The event’s DJ also superbly mixed a variety of tunes to add to the chicness of the affair.

I spoke with Gilles Amsallem, co-founder of Selavi Global, to get his take on the event:

LR: Tell me a bit about Selavi Global and how your relationship with Dîner en Blanc began. What motivates you to continue producing the event?

GA: I spent 15 years doing textiles, but then there was a big shift in the fashion industry. Business and social events started booming so our company became known for great events. Dîner en Blanc chose Selavi seven years ago to produce and launch the event in NY and other cities. People were recommending us. The event had been extremely popular in France for 20 years, so it was a beautiful image for our DNA. We used to be known for French Tuesdays, beautiful white parties in NY and LA. When we launched Dîner en Blanc for the first time, it was an obvious partnership. The event was spectacular so we kept doing it.

LR: What do you enjoy most about the event?

GA:The response is great from so many sides. There are over 100 volunteers. People really want to be part of it. There are amazing people from our guests to our sponsors.

LR: How do you go about picking the location?

GA: Not that many venues can hold 5000 people. It’s all about being diverse and choosing venues that can accommodate and that can legally have that many people. The place has to be iconic, exciting, and have a wow factor. It takes 2 months to get permits for liquor, the fire marshal, etc. It’s a full-time job for a few people and volunteers. This year the event sold out in 4 days.

LR: How do you orchestrate the volunteer component?

GA: We have table and group leaders- there’s a high demand for volunteer spots. We give priority to people from last year that were very good with communication, friendly, and had lots of good comments from guests. We look for people with passion as this takes up a lot of hours to plan.

I also spoke to Chef Todd English on his involvement with Dîner en Blanc:

LR: What continues to draw you back to partnering with the event?

TE: I like the uniqueness of it. It’s a fun event, the excitement it draws the whole atmosphere of popping up in a cool place in the city. I like the spirit of it.

LR: What inspires you in creating the curated menus for the evening?

TE:This year I did a fried chicken and a barbecue dish. I did a vegetarian round as well. It has to be something that will be easy to eat in that setting. The food has to be somewhat picnic-like. You can’t grill so it either has to be room temperature or cold. And it should be fun and creative.

LR: What’s your favorite aspect of the event?

TE: Finding out where it is at the last minute is a fun part of it. I’m always marveled at how elegant it is when you have 5000 people all dressed in white. There are a lot of fun people and it’s a festive event. It’s the Kentucky Derby meets Mardi Gras meets Dîner en Blanc.

Lastly, I spoke to ELEW regarding his debut at Dîner en Blanc:

LR: What prompted you to partner with the event?

ELEW: Gilles and I became good buddies as part of my Los Angeles adventures. I’ve been doing a lot of screenwriting and directing. When I’m not doing that, I always stop by to jam with him at Jazz Eclectic Mondays [which he started]. I would just go there and light it up. He kept inviting me back. Then he told me he was going to be here at Dîner en Blanc and asked me to be a part of it. So it was very nice and natural.

LR: How do you go about picking what songs you would play?

ELEW: I try to do things that are going to cause people to really feel a part of what the mood is and what the look is. Some of the music that I play works great in this sort of panorama, in this type of space where it can really resound and resonate all over the place. It has a very elegant history and it’s nice to bring that elegance to all of the elegantly dress men and women that are flourishing in here and being fabulous.

LR: What’s most impressed you about being here?

ELEW: I like the community feeling. I love the large picnic feeling of it all. It’s lacking pretense oddly with all of the elegance, yet it’s very homey.

What an incredible evening with a beautiful crowd!

Photo by: Eric Vitale

Photo by: Eric Vitale

Photo by: Eric Vitale

Photo by: Eric Vitale

Brooklyn United Marching Band
Photo by: Hal Horowitz

Photo by: Light Feather Photo

Photo by: Light Feather Photo

With Chef Todd English

ELEW

Gilles Amsallem and ELEW

 

Eagle Bay Boot: Timberland’s new eco-friendly style

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I’m so excited to share that Timberland has launched a new shoe called the Eagle Bay Boot! It’s a modern, eco-conscious take on a popular favorite, the Earthkeepers, which is a rugged pair of stylish boots designed with a sustainable structure. The Eagle Bay Boot is attention-grabbing, sleek, modern, sporty, and just as eco-conscious as the Earthkeepers boot. It’s great for adventurous days with its premium leather, lightweight structure, and comfortableness. The Eagle Bay Boot comes with Timberland’s SensorFlex technology, a three-layer system that provides that level of comfort, stability and a smooth experience for any surface you walk on.

The Eagle Bay Boot has an unmatched craftsmanship. It comes with a resilient lining made from 50 percent recycled plastic bottles, plus 34 percent recycled rubber. The Eagle Bay Boot embraces durability, functionality, and flexibility. This boot mixes Timberland’s rich heritage with the modern look of a shoe. It pairs perfectly with jeans, chinos, and a variety of other pant styles. The style comes in a great range of color waves that include Olive Nubuck, Medium Brown Nubuck. and Black Nubuck. Check it out at Timberland.com and Timberland specialty retail stores. Kudos to Timberland on another stellar, innovative launch!

*All photos by Timberland

Dîner en Blanc: A unique and elegant gathering is coming

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Dîner en Blanc, a culinary experience, is returning once again to New York for it’s 7th consecutive year. I’m super excited!  On August 22, over 5000 guests dressed in white will gather at a beautiful secret location in the city. They’ll set up tables with white décor, fine china, and silverware for an elegant soiree.  Once again, Selavi Global is partnering with DEB to create this pop-up culinary phenomenon, and Chef Todd English will be curating special menus for attendees who order in advance online. Other partners include wine from Kenwood Vineyards , champagne from Canard-Duchêne Champagne, and water from Evian Badoit. Also, COVERGIRL is going to have a touch-up beauty bar station along with a photo booth.

Guests will dine and dance the night away outdoors in style. This year, over 120,000 people in 79 cities in 28 countries will be attending Dîner En Blanc events worldwide. 25 of those cities are in the US. All of the events sell out, and most of them have waitlists. It’s an impressive event to attend where everyone dons their best white attire and brings delicious food to the culinary event of the year. You feel the passion, excitement, and love for fashion and food when you’re on the scene. Check out a video of last year’s NY event here.  For more information and to register for the waitlist, visit https://newyork.dinerenblanc.com/. It’s an incredible night you’ll always remember!

Photo by: Eric Vitale Photography

Photo by: Jane Kratochvil

Photo by: Eric Vitale Photography

Photo by: Eric Vitale Photography

Santa Margherita’s She Shed soiree: Savoring the outdoors with wine

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Santa Margherita is the perfect wine brand for outdoor entertaining. I went to the brand’s She Shed event a few weeks ago at Brooklyn Grange, and it was a spectacular experience! The She Shed (the female version of a man cave) campaign is all about sharing Santa Margherita’s love for creating premium, eco-sustainable wines. It’s also about toasting to the summer’s outdoor entertaining season. The She Shed structure is designed with reclaimed wood as well as recycled materials, and integrates repurposed décor. The evening started with cooking demos by Richard Blais that featured unique molecular cooking. He created beautiful dishes using Santa Margherita wines. We all enjoyed glasses of the brand’s new Sparkling Rosé, Prosecco Superiore, Pinot Grigio, and Chianti Classico Riserva.

After these demos, I experienced a number of DIY activities on the venue’s impressive rooftop. I got to create a wine painting- artwork with wine glasses and corks, experience tasting a variety of honeys, and get customized metal jewelry from Vintage Stamp Jewels. Guests could also get napkin portraits by Napkin Killa. We all enjoyed listening to live music by The Cool Rulers. We also tried delicious signature wine cocktails and hors d’oeuvres by Richard Blais. I loved doing all of these activities while being surrounded by a sustainable farm setting and killer views. All of the brand’s wine varietals are elegant, crisp, and flavorful. Be sure to have Santa Margherita wines at your next outdoor gathering!

Photo by: Stephanie Meiling

Photo by: Stephanie Meiling

The Children Matter benefit: A festive event for a worthy cause

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Last weekend, I attended the Bridgehampton Benefit’s ‘The Children Matter’ event, a charity affair at Southampton Art Center. It aided global nonprofits MATTER & The Starkey Hearing Foundation. Gene Simmons, who started the Children Matter initiative with the two non-profits, was the key speaker at the event. The initiative is committed to saving children’s lives and to eliciting healthier futures for our children globally. Simmons’ dedication and generosity to the endeavor is incredible. Other guests included: Shannon Tweed-Simmons, Sophie Simmons, The Janes, Sal Valentinetti, Rohan Marley, Kim Finestra and Helen Mastes.

The event had a number of sensational activities. It included silent and live auction items such as Gene Simmons’ guitar, a painting of Gene Simmons by Hulbert Waldroup, sports memorabilia, getaway packages, and much more. There was also a live fashion show with resort wear and active wear. The musical performances by The Janes, Helen Mastes, Sal Valentinetti, and Sophie Simmons were outstanding. Sophie Simmons captivated the audience with her beautiful voice and got everyone dancing. DJ Aiden Jude kept the party going with a mix of old tunes and current hits. The following day, VIP ticket holders had access to a pool party in a private Southampton home. The charitable event certainly brought together a good mix of entertainment, music , and meaningful moments!

20th Annual Super Saturday: Charity and fashion shine

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Recently, I attended OCRFA’s 20th Annual Super Saturday that took place at Nova’s Ark Project in Watermill. Molly Sims, Rachel Zoe, Donna Karan, Kelly Ripa, and Gabby Karan de Felice hosted the event. Additional guests included Fern Mallis, Brooke Shields, June Ambrose, Tinsley Mortimer, and Nicole Miller. The event is an annual charity shopping event, in partnership with QVC, that donates funds to the OCRFA (Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance). OCRFA is committed to advancing ovarian cancer research while supporting women and their families. Theory, Brooks Brothers, DKNY, Urban Zen, and Carolina Herrera New York, are just some of the brands that were available at 30-50% off retail at the event.

There were so many fun activities such as a Conair styling booth, a floral crown-making station by B Floral, and a manicure station by Kendra Scott. Additionally, there was a carnival component. I rode the ferris wheel and got a great overhead view of the entire event. I also enjoyed desserts from Sant Ambroeus. Though it was a windy day, everyone was in a great mood, content to be shopping for a good cause. Guests also had the opportunity to bid on great auction items such as vacation packages, photography services, jewelry, and more. The event raised over $3 million. What a great mix of fashion, entertainment, and charitable endeavors!

27th Annual Chefs and Champagne: Highlighting culinary masters

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This past weekend, the James Beard Foundation invited me to its 27th annual Chefs and Champagne fundraiser. The beautiful gathering of top chefs took place at the Wölffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack, New York. The event honored Marcus Samuelsson, an award–winning chef, author and restaurateur for his talent and involvement in the community. He is such a positive-spirited, innovative, and generous person. The event also recognized this year’s James Beard Foundation scholarship recipients. The benefit’s silent auction raised over $100,000 to support the JBF’s mission, scholarship, education and JBF Impact Programs. It offered items such as restaurant, cookware, memorabilia packages, and more.

The Chefs and Champagne benefit truly delighted everyone’s palate. Over 35 chefs, mostly from the East End and NYC prepared seafood, meat, soup, vegan dishes, pastries, and more for guests to enjoy. Attendees also enjoyed Champagne Baron de Rothschild and wines and ciders from Wölffer Estate Vineyard. Additional sponsors included: Neuman’s Kitchen, Alfredo Prodotti, Audi, Big Green Egg, Brewery Ommegang, FreshDirect + FoodKick, and Gokokuya. Furthermore, other sponsors included: Hamptons.com, Hamptons Magazine, KAMUT®, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach, Royal Cup Coffee and Tea, Saratoga Spring Water, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Windstar Cruises, and WVVH. The food and champagne definitely flowed through the event, all for a wonderful mission. That mission is to continue providing culinary education initiatives and nurture impressive culinary talent. What an honor to part of this incredible evening!

National Watermelon Day: Innovative inspiration

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Happy August! I’m excited about this month being packed with exciting celebrations such as National Watermelon Day on August 3. Watermelons are great by themselves as they’re rich with healthy nutrients, but they’re also great to use in recipes! Here are some great reasons to get your watermelon fix on:

1. Beyoncé has her own ‘Watermelon Water’: She partnered with WTRMLN WTR, and launched her own LMN-ade flavor timed to the Lemonade album. The LMN-ade flavor is WTRMLN WTR’s Vitamin C Superstar and is packed with watermelon flesh, watermelon rind and Vitamin C, which supports health and happiness. *Since Beyoncé’s investment into the company, WTRMLN WTR has accomplished to be in over 15,000 stores nationwide and in all 50 states – giving Americans a healthier choice.

2. Watermelons are 92 percent water, making them the perfect refreshers for those hot summer months and they’re ideal hydration solutions.

3. Watermelon is what your skin is craving: Watermelon is packed with antioxidants and free radical–fighting lycopene, meaning the delicious fruit is really good for your skin, too. It also is rich in beta carotene which will give the body protection from UV light this summer!

4. 6 Billion Pounds of Watermelon are Considered ‘Ugly’: Billions of pounds of watermelons go to waste each year in the U.S. simply because they are they are blemished, dented or discolored. Brands like WTRMLN WTR are using these cosmetically challenged watermelons and turning them into health fuel. In 2017 alone, WTRMLN WTR is predicted to save over 50 million melons that would otherwise be discarded.

5. Whole Foods Market wants you to get your Watermelon fix: Whole Foods Market is kicking off a four-day sale on WTRMLN WTR beverages. From August 3 through 6, customers can pick up two bottles of any flavor for $5, and select stores nationwide will be hosting sampling events.

You can also get ready for the big celebration with these amazing recipes provided by WTRMLN Water!

Thai Ginger Coconut Soup
2 Bottles WTRMLN WTR
4 oz Crab or Lobster Meat
10 Cherry Tomatoes
1 Stalk of Lemon Grass
2 Chopped Shallots
1 Tablespoon Chopped Ginger
1 Tablespoon Chopped Garlic
1 Hot Red Thai Chile
2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil
3 Tablespoons Shredded Coconut
1 Tablespoon Lime Juice
Salt to Taste
Seafood Salad Garnish
8 oz Crab or Lobster Meat
2 oz Chopped Cilantro or Thai Basil
1 oz Chopped Chives
1 Tablespoon Aromatic Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper

Preparation
For the Soup, heat pan with olive oil, and cook ginger, lemongrass, garlic, and shallots until clear. Add tomatoes and Thai Chile, then cook for 35 more minutes on medium heat. Add crab, Lime Juice, Coconut, WTRMLN WTR. Blend thoroughly after removing Lemongrass from the soup. Season to taste with salt.
Strain and garnish with salad, a drizzle of olive oil, and cracked pepper.

Popsicle
2 cups of WTRMLN WTR
1/4 cup of tequila
1/4 cup margarita mix
1 tbsp Tajin
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
Directions:
Combine the watermelon juice, tequila, margarita mix and fresh lime juice together into a carafe ( for easy pouring ) and then sprinkled in a bit of Tajin into the bottom of each mold. Note that the Tajin will spread once you start pouring the liquid in the mold so pour oh so slowly!
Freeze overnight for 24 hours and then you’re ready to party. Olé!

WTRMLN Strawberry Chia Smoothie
1 bottle WTRMLN WTR
1 cup frozen strawberries
½ frozen banana
½ cup almond milk
1 TBSP chia seeds

WTRMLN Chai Melon
1 oz brewed chai tea and chilled
2 oz Rye Whiskey
Serve over ice
Top with WTRMLN WTR
Garnish with a dash of bitters
Melonita
1/2 Lime
Several Basil Leaves
1 tsp Coconut Sugar
0.25 oz St. Germain
0.25 oz Cointreau
1.5 oz Blanco Tequila
WTRMLN WTR to top
Salt Mix (2 parts Black Salt, 1 part Lime Zest, 2parts Tajin Spice, 1 part Coconut Sugar)

Preparation
Muddle and strain Lime, Basil, & Coconut Sugar. Salt the rim of a margarita glass, then strain cocktail over ice and garnish with Basil & Lime.

WTRMLN WTR Mule
1 bottle WTRMLN WTR
1.5 fl oz. Vodka
½ fl oz. lime juice
½ cup ginger beer
1 watermelon wedge for garnish
ice cubes

Directions:
Pour WTRMLN WTR, vodka, and lime juice into a mug
Add ice cubes and ginger beer
Stir to combine
Drop a watermelon wedge into the mug for garnish

Photo by: WTRMLN WTR

Photo by: WTRMLN WTR

Photo by: WTRMLN WTR

Photo by: WTRMLN WTR

Photo by: WTRMLN WTR

Photo by: WTRMLN WTR

 

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