Who else would dare pull off a charity luncheon within a month and have a sold out venue? Only Frederick Anderson! With his million dollar mega watt smile, cheerful and bubbly personality, who could say no to him when he called out to his friends! It took me only seconds to secure my ticket! This is what happens when you surround yourself with genuine and caring people. As the saying goes in my home country Nigeria, you put out genuine love, you get back genuine love. The Luncheon was in celebration of Caregiver Appreciation Day, which benefitted CaringKind in honor of his mother who is living with Alzheimers. Frederick Anderson’s sister Mrs. Thomas, the current and sole caregiver flew into the big apple to join the festivities. Frederick gave a moving speech to thank his sister’s unconditional dedication to the care of their mother, all while holding back tears. Models showcased some looks from his current and upcoming collection, with a potion of the proceeds benefitting the research organization. Visit www.caringkindnyc.org for more details on supporting the cause.

Next time you’re inside the Metropolitan Opera house in New York City, be sure to play close attention to the vast ceiling above you. I know it might be hard for you to look up from your cell phones these days, but I beseech you to look up! The over 4000 crystals of shining grandeur of Illumination designed by Hans Harald Rath, was dedicated to the philanthropist, business trailblazer, innovator, Donald Tober (who passed away on Jan 15, 2021) by his beloved wife and dearest friend of mine, Barbara Tober. I keep telling my own husband if our bond is weaker by even the slightest…I’d move his behind to the slowest suburbia one can find in America. I’ve looked up to these two for quite some time now. Their deep love and decades old marital bliss is admirable. Barbara keeps the memory of her dearly departed husband alive every blessed day! Donald’s name is being immortalized on plaques, and other generous donations around the country. I’m very fortunate to have known him before his passing. He’s one of the most kind and gentle natured being I’ve ever met in this town. The love and support, the turn out of his nearest and dearest friends at the Met Opera house today (despite the threatening storm), goes to show the kind of man he was. As the saying goes, when you put out good karma, you get the same back. Donald and Barbara continue to be excellent role models for all those around them.

Another notable art to observe while there is the conceptual work by Rashid Johnson, the first African American artist ever to have work displayed in the historical building. Advantageously placed at the staircase landing of the Grand Tier, the very center of the vast hall, essentially. I cleverly positioned myself for a few memorable shots of course. Images are further down below.

The following images are courtesy of Patrick McMullan photo agency:

The following are images of me with artwork by the renowed Rashid Johnson

The party started at the Grammys earlier this month, and it’s finally reached the East coast! Video Music Box and the Universal Hip Hop Museum, partnered with the Mayor’s Office of the City of New York in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop culture in New York City today. The event appropriately titled “The Drip: 50 Years of Hip Hop Fashion,” at Hard Rock Hotel Times Square did not disappoint. Attendants had no shortage of hip hop bold names past and present from Vin Rock of Naughty by Nature to Fat Joe. The Mayor of NY Eric Adams, an aficionado of hip hop himself, was present. The event started off with hip hop legend April Walker being honored, followed by runway shows celebrating hip hop designer Icons Karl Kani, Dapper Dan, Fubu that had legends like DJ Red Alert modeling a few looks to a standing ovation.

Revelers showed up and showed out in their fineries, in true hip hop style. Many relived their youth dancing to a live performance by 80s hip hop legend Special Ed who had the house rapping along with him.

It certainly was a night to remember, where artists and their respective fans came together to celebrate a groundbreaking culture that has changed the music landscape.

Below is a video footage from the event, and pictures.

A definite MUST SEE! The legendary late Monsieur Thierry Mugler left us all an ever lasting wealth of inspiration through his body of work that spans decades in fashion and art. He departed this world few months ago in 2022, but through his work he’s certain to never be forgotten for generations to come. I’m not so sure we’ll ever see another quite like this again, perhaps not in our lifetime. On that note, be sure not to miss taking in the collection in person while you still can. I had the pleasure of visiting the exhibition with my brother Ty-Ron Mayes, pictured below after we both missed attending the opening night gala due to work commitments. 🙈We left the exhibition feeling exhilarated nonetheless. The collection is currently on temporary loan on full display at the Brooklyn Museum until May 2023. Go see it, run, don’t walk!

Can’t make it out there? Be sure to watch the full coverage at the video footage below.

Poseidon, God of the sea and water definitely heard the cries of New Yorkers on Halloween night. The rain threatened to dampen the festivities but it didn’t get beyond a few sprinkles. Alas! New Yorkers held on, true to their toughness…the show did go on. You could literally feel the energy in the spectators and parade marchers. Compared to last year, the sidewalks were packed to capacity of spectators, at least 10 bodies deep. All hoping to get a glimpse of the marchers costumes. As usual, New Yorkers never disappoint, they delivered in style. Happy Halloween! 🎃

Preview the images taken using my phone (unfiltered) & video footage below. Until next year, be safe out there.

The notoriously sensual film Eyes Wide Shut….almost couldn’t hold a candle to the exotically fueled Fleur du Mal 10th anniversary masked soiree, a perfect way to kick off Halloween weekend. Ronnie Madra hosted the glittery event last night at the Paradise Club, atop the world renowned Edition hotel in Times Square. Esteemed guests were all appropriately dressed for the occasion, mask and other scantily clad beauties in tow. No matter how prude you might have been prior to setting foot in the premises, you’re bound to let loose within a second once you set your sight on the erotic entertainment on stage and about the room. It was contagious! Ronnie is no rookie to the night life. He’s the brains behind the Earos ear device that helps filter off excessive sound that could cause hearing loss. A dilemma many concert goers, car racers, construction workers and such suffer from. It’s definitely a product worth checking out considering Ronnie himself suffers from hearing loss and has made it his business to help others from going through the same.

There’s certainly nothing like Halloween season in NY. Who doesn’t love pretending to be someone else, even if for a day? I know I do. Prior to this event, I dipped into another at Fotografiska, and I’ve got a few more to go before cruising through the iconic Halloween Parade on Monday! Pray for me! It’s going to be a long weekend! CLICK HERE to see the video footage at the Paradise club.

In a fast NY minute, ComicCon fanatic New Yorkers and tourists alike filled up the gigantic space of the Javits Center decked out in costumes. We got a taste of what might be on offer at the Halloween parade coming up later this month. ComicCon fans roamed the halls happily while browsing the shops on offer. Speaking of shops, Funko Pop was king Supreme! I’d never seen the collectible toys stacked up so high like the Great Wall of China! Shoppers needed prior online reservation to access what I call the “Funko Pop Castle”, which by the way is not for the faint at heart. Come prepared with a folding chair to survive the dragon tail length lines!

And if you happen to be a rare comic book collector, get your life savings coins ready! I saw a comic book begging to be taken home for a mere $12k!

Below is a video footage from my visit of the first day of ComicCon today! Enjoy!

(Click on pictures for enlarged version.)

Diner en Blanc NYC chapter finally resumed today! Revelers had almost no time to plan the extravagant affair unlike previous years where it took months in preparation, this year barely gave way to 2 months of notice! Obviously, the city permit which allows the event to take place in open public spaces must have cleared at the last minute. The rain threatened to dampen the affair like it did in 2019, when without warning we were drenched completely in a flash flooded lawn in Battery Park City. We did return to the scene of the crime but this time on the paved section of Battery Park City behind the Winter Garden. The rain was determined to have a repeat but Calandra, the goddess of rain must have heard the cries of the people today! It actually held up just before we all departed for the venue. Once everyone settled in, the rain was a thing of the past. The party was well underway with the traditional napkin wave signaling the official start of the night’s affair. I made some really cool friends as I always do at these events. A fab night was had by all…at least to my knowledge. 😉We hope to do it all over again next year! God willing. 🙏

Below is a video high lighting the night and images below, all captured using my mobile phone.

Alas! The wait of 3 excruciating years finally passed today! Covid be damned! Not a single mask insight at the long awaited West Indies festivities in Brooklyn on Labor day. After 3 year haitus, thanks to Ms. Rona…revelers came out and showed out! What normally takes a year in costume preparation took 3 long years this time around. It turned out to be my best one yet. It felt more organized and well paced. Despite starting an hour late, it didn’t deter the mood at all. The usual dignitaries and luminaries of the big apple made their way first as per protocol. Spectators who lined the wide shoulders of Easter Parkway were greeted warmly by AL Sharpton, Mayor Eric Adams, and a few others. There was no shortage of armed police officers scattered about considering the rise in crime in the city since the pandemic. Nevertheless, they were extremely friendly and eager to assist anyone in need of help. Shortly after the officials passed the judges tables seated by the Brooklyn Museum, the main party started. Elaborate colorful costumes filled the stretch of the parkway coupled with high decibels of Caribbean music from just about every genre. Brooklyn felt very much alive! I haven’t danced this hard since college! I’m sore all over! 🙈

Check out the video footage and images below. Until next year, please be safe out there!

Click on the images to enlarge.

It’s back!!! Rainbow filled beloved city of New York hosted the iconic Pride March in style after 2 year haitus due to the corona virus pandemic. It picked up effortlessly right where it left off…as if nothing had halted the annual highly anticipated festivities. Celebrants, allies, young and old joined to together to make it a smashing success as usual. Big corporations, universities and major brands took to the floats to show their unwavering solidarity with gay rights. Of course, the current political strife in the land was visible at the parade. Participants voiced their political views and concerns on hand held plagues. I’ll let these images captured on my android provide the “receipts” as it were. Click on the images to enlarge it. Happy Pride! 🌈 🏳️‍🌈 🥳💃🏽😃