My introduction to the world of Art Basel this week, will forever be etched in my encephalon. I learned not only about art in all forms and categories, but also about life and trusting one’s intuition. The experience started out rough, but worked itself out the moment I realised I had to take control of my own journey on this trip, to explore beyond my initial confinements. Needless to say, I took the initiative to turn my lemons into a large bottle filled with tasty juicy lemonade. This produced a groundbreaking experience that I’ll forever cherish. I was able to discover and connect with world renowned artists in various fields and categories of art mediums from around the world. The inspiration was abundant in the vast halls of the convention center in Miami. Many of which could be applied to not only art, but also fashion, education and numerous cultural elements of life, aspects affecting our daily existence.
My gratitude and respect to all the exhibiting artists. Thank you for inviting me into your space to explore your thought-provoking visuals and hardwork. And I’m particularly grateful to my dear friend Nick Woolley for helping to make this visit flawless.

Art Basel serves as a great source for aspiring artists and like minded collectors. The ambiance and euphoria gives an immense feeling of a playground for art aficionados, a safe place to let their imaginations run wild, and dare I say… their wallets as well. Art collectors get to dig deep into their pockets here without judgement, because they’re are right at home, among like minded collectors.

Various events surrounding the convention are certainly not to be missed. Several receptions and soirees help boost and promote the art exhibitions. This is after all akin to extensive networking opportunities. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, therefore it is essential to be vigilant and plan accordingly, be alert in and out of the convention halls.

Art Basel is definitely a bucketlister if you haven’t ventured in yet.

Click the images below to enlarge.

Video reel is posted on instagram.

The historical theater, Apollo in Harlem, graciously hosted one of the eagerly anticipated Root 100 honoree event tonight, with comedian Roy Wood Jr. as the master of ceremony. Trailblazing honorees in attendance included American Ballet Theater principal dancer Misty Copeland, the legendary weatherman Al Roker and his beautiful wife Debra Robertson, music genius Doug E. Fresh, just to name a few.

My dear friends and I were also in attendance, decked out in our fineries, eager to celebrate. All thanks to my dearest Harriette Cole for making sure I didn’t miss this golden opportunity. Attending an event at the world famous Apollo Theater is always an event in itself. It just never gets old, no matter the type of event being hosted.

it is officially the season of giving and receiving. The former part is actually the best of the exchange. Earlier this evening, I had the honor and privilege of hosting the 14th annual Toy Drive at one of my favorite designer’s flagship store in NYC, Alice and Olivia in the meatpacking district, in partnership with Good+Foundation. When I was asked to perform such an honorable role of hosting, I thought what a great way to not only give my time but to also help in spreading awareness of such a beautiful cause. Some of my closest friends did not disappoint. They showed up with toys in hand, and those who shopped were given a generous event discount off their purchases. I’m grateful to each and everyone who showed up to help make it a success.

It’s never to late to support the Toy Drive, an effort to help bring holiday cheers to children less fortunate. Please contact any of their regional stores near you worldwide for further details on how you can help.

The event video reel can be seen on Facebook.

The season of giving with unconditional love and kindness is upon us! CaringKind, is an organization dedicated to the appreciation and awareness of those who give unwavering selfless support to loved ones in declining health due to aging or otherwise. The organization seized the perfect opportunity yesterday in NYC, to host a sold out luncheon, showcasing a medley of fashion creations by Anne Fontaine and Cesar Galindo.

The multi hyphenated talent and philanthropists Consuelo Vanderbilt did the honors as mistress of ceremony, of which she did ever so flawlessly. She took the golden opportunity to acknowledge her beloved friend Montgomery Frazier, who couldn’t be in attendance due to his partner’s declining health and immobility. Bringing to mind the very purpose of the organization’s appreciation luncheon.

A portion of sales from the fashion presentation is in support of caregivers and the research to aid in the fight of the debilitating disease of Alzheimers. Visit www.caringkindnyc.orgwww.caringkindnyc.org for more details on supporting the cause.

The iconic Park Avenue Armory is home again to the highly anticipated annual celebration of art and design in New York City, ongoing until Nov 13. The Salon Art + Design, produced by Sanford Smith and Associates, includes some of the most unique and rare designs ranging from vintage, modern to contemporary works of art from around the world. Some new, some sourced from family estates of by gone era. The fall art season certainly doesn’t disappoint! There’s something for everyone! The opening night on Nov 8, saw record sales and high attendance. Art aficionados and luminaries traveled far and wide to take in the opening.

I’m particularly intrigued by the classic craftsmanship of Trunks Company’s mobile wet bars cleverly designed in steaming trunk style. Expertedly handcrafted in Jaipur, India, the emerging brand has been well received worldwide and now aims to draw in the much coveted American market. Judging by the attention the company received in the few minutes I was there on opening night, it’s definitely off to a good start.

Preview the images below, some of which are my favorite picks. A highlight video reel is available on instagram and Facebook. Salon Art + Design exhibition is running until Nov 13.

Half a century already?! Congrats Village Halloween on strutting up 6th Ave for the 50th time! The gawds of rain and thunder certainly heard the cries and prayers of the people. The rain held up, allowing celebrants from far and near, young and old, to celebrate New York City’s beloved Halloween Parade without any glitches! For the first time, since the covid haitus, I truly enjoyed myself! With 2 of my dearest friends in tow, dressed in full blown costumes, there was no room to slack! We made the most of it by staying in character as we danced our way up the parade route. My friends Ty-Ron Mayes wooed the crowd in professionally kitted Blacular (which he did himself), and Philip Bloch turned up as the adorable “cautionary boyfriend”, and yours truly decked out in blonde afro wig, vampire fangs and skeletal printed puffer… Alas! The unusually 3 musketeers sashayed through the parade gleefully!

Videos can be seen on my Facebook and instagram pages.

Just for one day, I proudly became a German today in honor of my children’s heritage, being part German themselves. I eagerly pulled out the only well tailored dirndl I acquired from a top notch boutique during my visit to Salzburg, Austria few years ago. Alas! I finally found the opportunity to wear it!

My little 5 year old princess, looked ever so adorable in her first dirndl. Together we set off to experience our very first Steuben!

We started off by partaking in the annual parade march on 5th Ave, and tapered off to the after party at the Central Park Summer Stage, where the beer and pretzels was abundant. The event did not disappoint at all. I was reminded of my first Oktoberfest celebration in Munich, Germany few years ago. It was nice to see similar effect here stateside, with everyone dressed the part in various styles and color schemes of dirndls and lederhosen, well fashioned on all ages and genders. I could see the pride and passion on reveler’s faces.

Until next year perhaps, prost! 🍺🍻

New York City Mayor Eric Adams proudly took part in the festivities.

My daughter & I with Mayor Eric Adams

The after party on Central Park

Another spin around the sun, and voila… It’s time for the all white out block party… Diner en Blanc time again! After attending and volunteering as a table leader for several years now, I decided to make my carryon a little less cumbersome. Literally, everything was hand carried, having no need to handy carts. This made the navigation through the required subway ride so much easier, a breeze! I kept the dishes and meals to a bare minimum, sushi deluxe neatly transfered to my plate, not needing to schlepp coolers for warm dishes, chopsticks on the ready, opted for sparkling water in order to be fully aware of the event with no alcohol effect. No handbags to worry about. My identifications and credit cards were nicely tucked in my back pocket. As a result, it ended up being the most relaxed and enjoyable experience for me! I had more freedom to move about and network, engage with my fellow revelers like never before. New York City Mayor Eric Adams was definitely on hand for the party of the season. He stopped by in bright white African damask garb to show the boys how it’s done! Bit of course, the screaming ladies barely let the poor man dance or see the floor. He was the star of the night, and they let him know it.

Naturally, wherever the mayor goes, you can expect throves of protesters. Freedom of soeech is still a fiber of our nation afterall. The protesters were nearby chanting to remind the Mayor of political matters at hand. Heavy police guards were quite noticeable, a first at Diner en Blanc. Needless to say, fun was had by all, nothing deflected the festive mood.

And a special thank you to our darling group leader John Sass, who made the best of what would have been a terrible situation by steering the ship in the right direction after we lost our original leader. After all of that, only to have his meal stolen by a wandering homeless man after we were seated! The organizers were kind enough to gift him a bottle of their best champagne! And the goodie bags John himself gifted us… priceless!

Until next year darlings, cheers!🥂🥳🎊

Click on images to enlarge.

Full video coverage is posted on instagram

Mayor Eric Adams

John Sass and me proudly holding my goodie bag.❤️🙏😃🥂🥳

Harlem Fashion Week 12 season took place at the newly opened swanky Rennaisance Hotel, right next door to the iconic Apollo theater yesterday. The organization presented 3 different shows with each comprising of 5 to 6 emerging designers. A winner in each case was selected by panel of judges to be mentored in the business of fashion by the organization.

I had the immense pleasure of being one of the judges! Prior to the show, a day before, a Business of Fashion Symposium took place where I was one of the esteemed panelists. Emmy Award Winning stylist to Beyonce’s Black is King phenomenon, Zerina Akers was the Keynote Speaker. We were all able to share our knowledge and expertise in the fields of fashion, styling and modeling with the audience.

The ultimate goal of the annual event is to help nuture emerging talents in various fields of fashion. Some notable Hip Hop legends, still riding on the success of the ongoing Hip-Hop at 50 celebration, blessed the affair with their presence. Celebrants included Ice T, DJ Hollywood, Doug E. Fresh, and Ralph McDaniels, who was honored as a cultural Icon. With such an event in iconic location as Harlem, it was inevitable for everyone to turn up and show out.

Click the images to enlarge.

SohoMuse, a member only social network for the creative professionals… delivered a riveting fashion event at the iconic Guggenheim Museum yesterday!

Billed as “Latin Ignition”, it really lived up to its name! The event showcased a coterie of designers curated by Consuelo Vanderbilt, and co-hosted by the legendary Emilio Estefan, a pairing not many expected. Emilio Estefan in a fashion space? Yes indeed! The collaboration was in honor of uplifting the Latin community and designers, which included a very diverse bevy of models who showcased collections from a few designers from the SoHo Muse. The after party at the Rotonda was spectacular! Not one person in the building stood idle, everyone was on their feet dancing! A motion Emilio Estefan’s grammy winning spouse Gloria Estefan would approve of!

Watch the video on instagram to see highlights from the runway.