The International Fine Print Dealers Association (IFPDA) Print Fair rolled out the symbolic red carpet yesterday at the Nine Orchard Hotel in New York City with a celebratory cocktail fête that had several esteemed members from gallery owners, dealers, and publishers of the art world from far and wide gathered in high antipation of the week long art print fair. The IFPDA organizes annually, a world class art exhibition for prints and edition, one of the biggest and longest running in the world. The grand opening night of the exhibition fair tonight kicked off with a remarkable riveting start! The line of guests vying to access the iconic Park Avenue Armory hosting the exhibition wrapped around the block before the doors even opened. Guests filled just about every inch of the vast space showcasing various works ranging from prints, drawings to limited edition pieces in various sizes from around the world. The exhibition is ongoing until Sunday, March 30 in New York City.

Click here to watch the event reel posted on instagram.

At the cocktail fête that kicked off the fair

I must have walked into a twilight zone around 11pm on March 15, the second I set foot in LA COMPAGNIE restaurant on 24th street Flatiron in NYC. I got hit hard by their door on the way in. Walked in holding my head in a daze about to pass out. I was instantly body blocked by a waitress named Rachel who kept saying, “we don’t have anything here!” I explained to her that I was meeting my husband who was seated at the back waiting for me. She cut me off and said, “I said we have no one here!” By now my head had a big visible bump. I just walked past her, barely getting through because she was still determined to prevent me from getting in. I joined my equally shocked husband at the back at the bar. I asked the bartender for some ice for my head. I sat there for at least at hour holding ice bag on my head and none of the staff members bothered to come by to see how I was doing and not even an apology from Rachel, none! I was dressed to the nines having just arrived from an event. It’s not like i was being mistaken for a homeless person breaking in. Even if so, no compassion was given! The bartender never asked how I was doing either nor offered any comforting words while serving my (white) husband his food and wine throughout the night. I’ve never seen a place full of cold hearted individuals in a line of hospitality work. I’ve never felt so humiliated and unseen in my life. And to think it would be my very first time there! I would hate to see how they would treat a choking customer and God forbid you’re a black one at that. Good luck!
Hubby did confront the culprit but that didn’t move the needle.
I’ve made a note on yelp and google as well. #knowledgeispower

It was a grand day of festivities for our furry little friends on Monday in honor of Rescue Dogs Rocks NYC, a charitable endeavor for abused dogs who need rescuing, produced by Chance TV. I dared to come out of modeling retirement for a great cause for the second time. Devoted friends and fellow supporters came from far and wide to offer their time, funds, and services to help further this great cause. Yours truly, me, dressed up in one of the most vibrant gowns fresh off the incomparable Cesar Galindo’s recent NYFW show, sashayed down the runway, gold hand fan in hand, accompanied by my dear friend Fahria’s dog Cheech, the cutest 4 legged date ever! The fête had a wide array of selections of dogs from the tiniest to the biggest. Other notables on hand to support the cause were model Alex Lundqvist and his beautiful wife Keytt, former Dutch model, actress, television personality Frederique Van Der Wal, and her family, Lindsay Lohan’s mother Dina Lohan and her sister Aliana, Lara Eurdolian and her dog Charlie Wink, and so many other bold name staples of New York City social life.

Nine year old Ezra spotting a remarkable and impressive mohawk was the youngest model. My then 6 year old daughter Noa had the honor last year summer to walk the show.
The robot dog almost stole the show, captivating the audience with automated remote control. It navigated its way about like a professional fashion model, following prompt commands and reactions. The opportunity offered a glimpse into the future of fashion runway models. Forget about AI taking over the digital age, automated robots have been reported in Asia as the new labor force at cashiers, waitressing in restaurants, gas stations, et.al. And what about human runway models? I’m clutching my invisible pearls!

The event was proudly sponsored by Petco who not only supported but also gifted ample supplies of dog treats to the guests for their dogs. Curious Elixirs offered delectable libations, while Ideal Glass Studios generously offered their vast prime location in the West Village in New York City for the occasion. Other sponsors were Paws.At.Peace, Get Joy Food & Marcy’s Pet Kitchen, and Mr. Pickles Gin, who equally devotes time to rescuing animals.

Click here to watch the event video posted on instagram.

I couldn’t have found myself at a better place than to hear the legendary and iconic trailblazer Byron Lars in conversation with the iconic fashion journalist Constance White herself about his journey in the business of fashion and his barrier breaking moment as one of the most memorable and a living legend to ever design some of the best capsule of Barbie dolls in the history of Barbie at Mattel! As an avid collector myself, especially his designs of Barbie (yes, those are my dolls on the stage and those being signed by Mr Lars, as seen featured below and in the reel posted on instagram), I was at the right place at the right time at the Museum of Arts and Design in NYC where Mr. Lars dropped some valuable gems that would be relevant and help in shaping future generation’s career paths in any field or vocation. I didn’t hesitate for a second to ask during the Q&A session about if given the chance, a call from Mattel to reprise his historical role that once produced 15 jaw dropping 12 inch beauties some years ago, and still heavily influencing fashion as we know it today… It was a resounding YES!

Given Mattel’s lack of black designers in their design team, I’m consulting every Voodoo dolls and plastic gawds possible to manifest this life long dream of many collectors. I believe I can speak on behalf of just about every collector worldwide of his impeccable and unmatched body of work. We need Byron Lars in that doll design lab at Mattel! And if any major clothing brand is looking for a fresh take on collaboration, why not with the legend who started the trend of deconstructive shirts and mixed media creations! Sigh, I digress…🙏🙏

Click here to see the event video posted on instagram and be sure to watch some parts of the interview towards the end.

Friday night, earlier tonight was like no other. What a profound way to conclude Black History Month! The Unsung Symphony led by Artist Director Tyrone Clinton Jr. with the full support of the iconic New York Philharmonic, took us to church today! I had the honor and privilege of accompanying one of my dearest friends, Avalon Bellos, who was there on behalf of AmNY publication. The multi tiered ensemble of choirs and classical music instruments delivered a deep soul searching rendition of “Lift every voice & sing” by Roland Carter. That had everyone on their feet in full respect, considering how poignant it is at a time we currently live in.
The evening progressed with grand dame opera mezzo soprano J’Nai Bridges raising the roof with powerful operatic vocals that filled the landmark and historical Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem. It was hard to keep a dry eye by the time Britannia Renee and Philip Bullock rolled out on the Requiem, with images of historical figures of civil rights movements and activists in heavy rotation high up on a projector as a backdrop. Which also lent itself, to an easy transition to a celebratory Women’s History Month, right on the heel of the Black History Month conclusion. The Symphony orchestra got a prolonged thunderous applause and a standing ovation upon completion.
Prior to our arrival at the historical church, the festivities commenced with a sumptuous meal at one of Harlem’s finest restaurants, the Red Rooster, one of the proud sponsors. We certainly made a fabulous night of it. It began and ended on a memorable high note, it was definitely one to remember.

Click here to watch the video from the event posted on instagram.

J’Nai Bridges

Britannia Renee

Philip Bullock

Avalon Bellos and I with Artist Director Tyrone Clinton Jr.

Alas! I finally set foot in the world renowned, forward thinking Whitney Museum! I don’t know what took me this long considering how much I love any art form!

A few days ago, for the highly anticipated Art Party, the Whitney transformed into Studio 59… I mean 99! That was the prefered number in the press release. The art filled disco themed night soiree gathered together some of the best well-dressed denizens of New York City, in celebration of art and culture. The dynamic duo DJ The Muses kept the energy in the room up with vibrant, energetic disco themed playlist, appropriate for the festivities. Endless variaties of libations and passed hors d’oeuvres was in heavy rotation.

The Art Party is essentially a fundraising event, hosted by the Whitney Contemporaries, in honor of young patrons, emerging artists, and art enthusiasts. This year, it was co-chaired by Steven Beltrani, Micaela Erlanger, Christine Sun Kim, Tabboo, and my dear friend, philantropist and art afficionado Alexander Hankin.

I’ve heard so much about this event, and had never been! Thanks to my dear friend Avalon Bellos for ensuring I didn’t miss it. The Whitney Museum is currently showing the world renowned Alvin Ailey’s “Edges of Ailey”, which in itself is a must-see.

Embrace the vibrant spirit of the ’70s as you dance the night away and explore our captivating exhibitions, including the landmark Edges of Ailey. Enjoy cocktails, passed bites, and music while celebrating art and culture in true disco fashion.

For the occasion, the optical illusion of the bare female form came in handy. I got back in the Jean Paul Gaultier naked dress that had all the cab drivers running away from me a few years ago, thinking I was in the buff. Thank goodness for an Uber account now, I escaped that “walk of shame”. The female form is a work of art, appropriately so for a museum event!

Click here on instagram to watch the vibrance of event video posted.

We’ve been preconditioned for years to think that the turn out at the annual Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration is in millions. Yes, on TV screens and livestreams, but in person celebration to watch the ball drop, lately? Nah, think more like a desert rave with low ticket sales.

I worked up enough courage to do what I hadn’t done in years…. to visit the Times Square ball drop festivities in NYC. The moment I stepped off the subway platform in Times Square, forced to navigate my way through the heavily patrolled police guarded stops, it felt more like a funeral of some sort seeing so many long drawn disappointed faces along the way.

I hardly saw anyone smiling in what would have been a celebratory mood of New Year’s Eve. Instead the cops and the crowds, vying to get through the barricades, all felt and looked stressed! It made me wonder if it was worth the effort in coming out at all. Most of the crowds present had been there for at least 5 to 7 hours prior, all aiming for prime views of the ball drop. The whole experience was dampened by continuous rain showers 3 to 4 hours before the auspicious time of midnight.

There were hardly any of the said ‘millions of people” at Times Square. By my guess, I’d say 50k tops! Times Square saw heavy security and barricades than I’d ever seen since the immediate effect of 9/11. People were forbidden from getting in, unless they had a preauthorized confirmed ticket for their allocated area.

Ryan Seacrest, host of the annual televised Rockin Eve could be seen showered with rain, along with co-host Rita Ora, desperately trying to “amp” up the crowd with excitement whenever the TV crew came by for a televised segment. It was depressing to watch. Gone are the organic days of pure joy and genuine excitement. Everything is manufactured and orchestrated now. Sigh….🙄🙈

There seemed to be something off with the atmosphere overall. The whole experience felt forced and orchestrated. This prompted me to ditch my plan to see the ball drop at midnight and headed straight downtown where the festivities was more organic, and genuine with warm meals, free flowing cocktails, mulled wine and bubblies.✌️

As if the night wasn’t dyre enough, I got hit by a vehicle at a traffic light! The culprit was a cab driver making an illegal U turn where he shouldn’t have. This had me flying across the street and flat on my face with all the content of my bag scattered all over the street! Luckily, I wasn’t hurt. Few people around came over to assist me in getting up and gathering my belongings, while scolding the remorseful driver. They insisted on calling the cops, but to what end? I wasn’t hurt and it was the end of the year… about an hour left into the New Year. There was no need to carry bad karma along with it. So, I let it slide and carried on. I’m grateful to be alive! Whew! What a way to end the year. Definitely one for the books, never to be forgotten. 🙏

“Gold Rush” just took a whole new meaning at the Brooklyn museum with The Blonds leading the charge of the Solid Gold exhibition with astonishing number of dazzling gold theme creations, currently on display at the 200 year old iconic institution. No, you don’t need a bucket to dig up dirt in search of golden nuggets, but simply to gaze mouth agape at some of the riveting masterpiece by various designers from Dior, Patrick Kelly, Versace, to name a few. The collection by The Blonds is impressingly noticeable in the vast halls of exhibition at the Museum.

The Blonds designers, Philipe and David Blond took part in a discussion session with fashion luminaries as audience last week detailing some of the stories from behind the scenes, inspirations that brought about some of the creations on display, and the muses & artists/talents who brought them to life on stage. It was particularly interesting hearing Celebrity Stylist Ty-Ron Mayes chronicles of him dressing Supermodel Tyra Banks during the America’s Next Top Model days for magazine covers in some of The Blonds iconic wearable art. We also got a little hint of a documentary in the works and a few other tidbits that’s got my heart racing fast with excitement, especially after I asked about a possible 3rd Barbie doll drop. The first 2 dolls were instant success amongst doll collectors worldwide. One can only hope. So, I’m keeping my dollie fingers crossed for that. In the interim, we’ll live through the human size dolls on the runway during fashion week. 😎

Be sure to watch the video posted on instagram to get a glimpse of the event at the Brooklyn Museum. And listen here in this discussion video to what The Blonds Philip and David had to say about Barbie, models and…

It’s not everyday you get to hang out and talk fashion & Barbie with a legend. As a doll and fashion collector, and a great admirer of Mr. Bob Mackie’s decades long talent and work ethics in creating some of the most iconic and dazzling wearable art fashion in our lifetime and beyond, I was exactly where I needed to be, at the right time. I had the pleasure of seeing him at the Barbie Convention earlier this year in Palm Springs where he screened his entire documentary, “Naked Illusion”, a special treat and exclusive first dip for us Barbie collectors, but nothing compared to our fun one on one encounter yesterday at brunch. I’m telling my kids he’s their long lost Uncle! 😎🙌🏽

Abundance of gratitudes to Museum of Arts and Design for hosting such a wonderful gathering, hosted by none other than Anna Sui, Kay Unger, and Machine Dazzle, under the auspices of Michelle Cohen, the museum director. Mr. Mackie shared many stories about his start in fashion, working with legendary talents such Cher, Carol Burnett, etc… including his ongoing collaborations with his tiniest client, Barbie! Part of which you can hear him talk about towards the end of this reel posted here on instagram. Be sure to watch and listen.

If you’re familiar with my hobby as a doll collector… yes, you guessed it, I made sure to bring along 2 of his Barbie designs from my personal collection. Some of his designs are part of the current Barbie exhibition at Museum of Arts and Design at Columbus Circle in NYC, which is a must see! And grab his a copy of his book, “The Art of Bob Mackie”!

Watch the event video posted here on instagram.