Art is life! Last night was a true testament to that! The Whitney Museum had a remarkable and extraordinary super grand opening night for world-renowned and celebrated artist, Amy Sherald. The very one that catapulted to extreme height of art fame after immortalizing First Lady Michelle Obama on canvas with her signature brush strokes in vivid but complementing color schemes. The art itself is prominently displayed as part of the exhibition, among many others that are equally as Important from her body of work. Amy’s riveting esthetics in brush strokes makes for an unmistakable collective trademark of her work. Many, if not all of her subjects are Africans and African descendants. Her technique of painting the brown to dark skin is impeccable with strong commanding presence, drawing the attention of its admirers. She uses art as a voice to tackle current political and domestic issues, particularly those affecting the Black and Brown communities and the LGBTQ+ lifestyles. Such tones of disparties, such as Breonna Taylor who was unjustly executed in her own personal domain few years ago, and several others affecting the world as we know it, can be seen echoed in her work at the Museum.

Scott Rothkopf, Alice Pratt Brown Director, and the Board of Trustees of the Whitney Museum of American Art spared no expense with a grand reception in her honor, celebrating her opening at the Whitney Museum. An institution renowned for unique and exceptional exhibitions of artists such as Amy Sherald, Christine Sun Kim: All Day All Night;
Collection View: Louise Nevelson; Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe and the Last
Gullah Islands; Mary Heilmann: Long Line; and Shifting Landscapes et.al. All are still
on view at the Museum. Amy Sherald’s exhibition will open from April 9 to Aug 10, 2025. It’s definitely worth checking out.

Click here to get a glimpse of the exhibition in the reel posted on instagram.

Artist Amy Sherald

Forget waiting for cherry blossoms to bloom, a traditional indicator of the start of spring season in New York City. Yesterday, The Netherlands delivered us from the antipation of colorful sightings by taking over the iconic Union Square with almost 200k Tulip bulbs in various shades known to man… all free of charge! Yes, you read that right. There’s actually something you can get in the city without paying a single penny for besides a subway ride to get to Union Square. Once there, you get to pick out your own Tulips! Yesterday would be the sophomore year of the initiative that started last year. The event commenced with the park officials and Dutch Consulate General Ahmed Dadou, and other dignitaries who all gave speeches with more insights on the purpose of the event. Let’s face it, it’s not everyday that you get free flowers in the city, and tulips for that matter! They don’t come cheap. The eagerly waiting crowd in the thousands were told the event was to promote Dutch trade and culture in Tulip bulbs in the US, which was proudly sponsored by the European Union. The organizers enlisted volunteers locally and from Europe to help in putting it all together, resulting in a remarkable success that will now become an annual fixture on Union Square, in what would be known as “Tulip Day”! Furthermore, the event ushered in the joyful spring season with vibrant blanket of colors at Union Square.The festivity opened with the blessing of a bouquet of Tulips with Moonshot drink poured over it. And with that, that gates opened to the public. The lucky guests who were able the secure a spot during the online reservation period few days ago, (which filled up in a fast NY minute), trickled into the allocated space to start picking their flowers. Few hours later, the bulbs were picked clean! Influencers of various ages (as young as few months old) and genders, and pets, wasted no time in pouring over the impeccably lined up landscape to get their social media contents. Just about every method of media gadgets and scripting were utilized. Spring has indeed sprung!

The Tulips were locally grown in the US with seeds from the Netherlands, further promoting the long lasting impact of Dutch tradition and culture in the US, spanning over 400 years.

I have fond memories of Holland from my visits few years ago, and can’t wait to return. For now, I’m grateful for a bit of it to NYC via the Tulip Day.

Click here to watch the event video posted on instagram.

With the Dutch Consulate General Ahmed Dadou and Park officials

Dutch Consulate General Ahmed Dadou

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. 🙏