I have been all over lately.  I mean its been a while since I posted because I am, like most people, affected by the economy and the global shift in power from the “1st World Economies” to developing nations such as Venezuela, China, India and several African nations.  I’ve been confused by the increasing gap between the extreme wealth of some based mostly on an insider’s knowledge on how to beat the markets by gambling against the success of markets and the United States over all.  This is not propaganda and no I haven’t drank the cool aid.

The world is so much smaller and growth is occurring at a slower rate mostly because jobs, employment and unemployment, are making people nervous.  The desire to spend and have fun is palpable.  I find that people are still spending but a lot are just standing around and just looking.

New York

Fashion Week New York  style, was a diverse course of smaller parties and a draw down on the high profile.  The few things that stood out are the premier of the Coco Channel movie, The Cult’s performance at Rose Bar at the Gramercy Hotel and the Last Magazine party which moved from Thomas Hayo’s loft to the Submercer.  Yes the Boom Boom Room hosted some great parties but they weren’t the highlights.

The battle of the new spaces Abe & Arthur’s  and Simyone Lounge (SL) vs. Avenue wasn’t much of a to do.  Both venues hosted fashion events and people were pretty much just going through the motions attending with no major appearances of celebrities.  Actually, Rihanna, who’s the shizzle, was the biggest name out and about and the big night was Jay-Z’s party at 1Oak where she co-hosted the event.  Of course there is always the adventurous LL, Lindsay Lohan, making the rounds preparing for her big show with fashion label Ungaro in Paris.

Paris

Paris fashion week, Prete Porte, was fun, exciting and was just simply… Paris.  New York was well represented in the Parisian Night life.  I hosted my “Made In NYC” party at Sens with Cyril Peret, the owner of Sens and had DJ Sinatra and Paris’ DJ Magnum compete for the cheers of the packed house.  Model high lights included Giedre Dukauskaite, Eniko Mihalik,  Zuzana Gregorova, Laura Blokina, Ginta Lapina and Egle Tvirbutaite.  Richie Akiva came to support and I returned the favor the next evening at his 1Oak party at the VIP club with the owner Jean Roc as they celebrated a joint birthday. Sunday Regine was the party.  I co-hosted with Derick Blassberg, Tommy Sahleh, Paul Sevigny, the Misshapes and Steven Rojas called New York New York.  Everyone in fashion and its periphery was there.  Party went until 6am.

The Plaza Athenee, 25, Avenue Montaigne, was the party before the party on each nigh and regardless as to the featured party of the night the it crowd ended each night at BC, Black Calvados 40, avenue Pierre ler de Serbie Paris VIII, the sexiest lounge in Paris. The darling of Paris fashion week?  Rihanna!  She was the “it” in Paris and believe me i tried to get her to come out and support my events but She was doing shows during the day and working on completing her album at night.  Yep!  She’s was killing it in the studio.  Who knew Paris was the place to be to make hit records!

Changes

Well I opened Greenhouse for Jon B and Barry Mullineaux.  I can’t argue with the concept: Green is the new Black.  As the world latches on to the concept of being environmentally conscious why not a night club that reflects this initiative in its design.  It sounded gimmicky but I believe in the idea behind it.  The catch was to work on this project meant working with the king of 27th Street.  In New York City that means commercial crap lining the couches and bar.  Its not crap…  It’s just not my idea of a good crowd.

Greenhouse opened with tremendous fan fair and rightly so.  The timing, concept and team was perfect.  But that’s all that was right about Greenhouse.  The underlying theme in marketing management was a race to the bottom: let in the masses.  I’ve never been one to enjoy big spaces and too many people.  Call me a snob but having space and surrounding yourself with friendly familiar faces has always been more fun to me.  Don’t get me wrong.  Greenhouse is fun.  It’s just not for me.

Southside

The new club/lounge I’m involved with is Southside (great name no?)  It’s a speakeasy type basement club at  the crossroads of Soho and Nolita, just around the corner from La Esquina.  It’s a mix of Hipster, celebs, socialites and models with a heavy Aussie influence.  The music is noticeably not like every other club.  Dee Jays spin rock, mash up, oldies all within upbeat remixes that has the entire club singing and dancing with minimal hip hop.  It’s a refreshing change from the same sets you’ll hear in almost every club.    Reservations recommended  1 Cleveland Place  NYC (212) 680-5601

Above Allen

Ranked fourth by Black Book’s best lounges in NYC.  Above Allen is located on the 7th floor of the Thompson Hotel LES. It has the most remarkable view of Manhattan.  The space is actually situated on a terrace that has a retractable roof that allows 90% of the space to be outdoors in the summer and cozy and warm in the winter months.  With really tasty specialty cocktails a small but fun food menu of sushi rolls, cheese burger spring rolls and salads among the menu items.  Cute and sexy Above Allen is another installment in the Thompson Hotel Group’s growing list of “Above” themed spaces both in NYC and LA.  Hotel Guests, reservations and guest list to gain access.  Bottle service, cocktails and appetizer menu.  109 Allen Street  (btn. Houston and Stanton)  212-460-5300

Movies

What you may not know about Gerard Butler‘s new film Law Abiding Citizen is that he almost single handedly rescued the movie.  If you remember back after NYE I wrote about Gerry’s gushing about his movie with Jamie Foxx.  Well his excitement was coupled with anxiety.  He explained that the film was terribly written and he took over the producer’s role and brought in a new team of writers (and money) to make this project work and right the ship.  It was funny because he told me the story about scene he’d shot with Jamie Foxx wherein Jamie was feigning punching him, Gerry, in the face.  He said they shot it so many times his neck was killing him and he needed a deep tissue massage. They must have shot it 60 times.  I wish him the best on this project.  I’m going to see it today.

I cant wait to see Where The Wild Thing Are.  Spike Jones has amazing vision and if anyone is familiar with the book by  Maurice Sendak you know you’ll be touched and blown away by this film.

I’m intentionally ignoring comment on Health Care and Afghanistan.  I’ll call ‘em as I see ‘em when we have laws and a strategy.   Why get ahead of myself.

Meat Packing

Its a Thursday. I’m trying to get off the couch because its already been a long week. Then the incentive to get motivated comes in the form of a text message. It’s Jessica White, Sport Illustrated models always get me motivated. She’s in town bored and wants to hangout. My response? I’m in!!! She’s staying at the Standard Hotel. I go to pick her up because I haven’t been there yet and I’m curious. The hotel lobby is small and there is a cute little bar that services the lobby. I’m sure there’s more to come. Mean while Ms. White has me waiting 20 minutes. Jeez… I love it! There’s a pre-opening for a new club Griffin (the old PM space). The room has been redesigned by Steve Lewis with sound proofing so that the new business isn’t plagued with complaints from it’s residential neighbors. The changes are wonderful but the space is basically the same. That said it is a dramatic improvement from its previous life. An elaborate chandelier is focal point and main feature. Its a good crowd but the air conditioning is inadequate and we’re sweating. Not so good. The back up plan is to head across the street to Bijoux. There’s a birthday party for one of the owners so I know it’ll be fun. We head over for what turns out to be a model packed party with DJ Sinatra doing his thing on the turn tables. Its an early night my guest has an early day with MTV so we call it a night around 2 a.m.

Derek Lam with Vogue's Anna Wintour

Fashion

Derek Lam

I recently had the pleasure of attending the Derek Lam store opening with Zuzana Gregorova, Giedre Dukauskaite, Edita Vilkeviciute (pictures below) definitely the part of the new batch of the new faces of fashion. We were accompanied by a handler. Model handlers take the girls to events that relate to their industry keeping them in front of the fashion world’s eye’s and lenses. The store is gorgeous as was the crowd.

Flip Cam Ultra HD

I brought my Flip Ultra HD video Camera for fun. I love this thing small and easy to use. The girls and everyone one else light up as soon as they realize this pint size instrument is a video camera and they are stars in my video masterpiece. The nights young and I suggest dinner. Derek Lam Store 10-12 Crosby Street NYC

Eats

Blue Ribbon

There so much going on in New York its hard to remember the staples that make the city wonderful. I recently re-discovered a Blue Ribbon restaurant 97 Sullivan Street (bet. Spring and Prince streets). Its eclectic menu of comfort food, fried chicken and mash potatoes, Rack of Lamb to Matzoh Ball Soup (who knew) mixes well with its raw bar and beef marrow Oxtail Marmalade and Raviloli plates are are mouth watering staples. Trust me!!! Owners, Bruce & Eric Bromberg still have arguably the best late night dinning experience. While we’re dining Ronnie Madra of 1Oak strolls over to the table to join us and shortly thereafter super DJ Eric Morillo. As gorgeous as I am I know its the girls that have drawn them over. Their table is ready after a few minutes of chatting. We’re leaving and stop by to say our farewells. Ronnie Seikly, former basketball player turned house music DJ, has joined them. He’s in town to play at Pink Elephant and he makes the you have to stop and introduce face. I’m showing off so of course I oblige. Blue Ribbon Open until 4 a.m. 212.274.0404 .

Music

Katie Perry

I really like Katie Perry. She’s amazingly normal and cool. She came to GreenHouse after one of her shows and MC’d for a good 10 minutes. She hung out with the crowd and made the night fun. So when her manager Chris said People Magazine was hosting a party for her at Mr. West of course I was going and I dragged my guests with me. Katie didn’t disappoint. She immediately waves me over and in classic Katie Perry form asks “So, do you think I’m cross eyed?” as she’s posing for a picture. I simply say “ah, no darling. I think you’re beautiful.” Its pouring rain outside and the place is packed but its time to head to GreenHouse and continue the fun. I Love My Life!

Asher Roth is a great new artist that reminds me of Eminem when he first hit- they also look alike. He’s my pick of the week for new artist. But the song I cant get enough of is Black Eyed Peas Boom Boom Pow

Asher Roth Ft. Cee-lo Be By Myself

Politics- The Republican Challenge

I watched the Sunday talk shows, CNN, NBC, ABC…, the commentary revolved around the President’s speech on Swine Flu. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) predicts that by the president making a public statement about Swine Flu ,saying that Americans should be mindful to simply wash your hands, has reduced the potential outbreak from tens of thousands to a few thousand.

Rush Limbaugh & Glen Beck

The commentary wasn’t to praise the President. It was about the response from the Republican Party surrogates, specifically Rush Limbaugh and Glen Beck. These two geniuses took issue with the best advice anyone could

give. They took issue with the President doing his part to be a leader, our leader, and help calm fears and give the single best advice as recommended by the CDC. They took issue with President Obama telling Americans what to do. They found it to be a breach of their civil liberties. What has happened to the Republican Party? They used to be the Party of Lincoln and Eisenhower ? That’s the last time we saw the true Republican Party. Heck even Reagan understood the Party’s core principle of fiscal responsibility. He raised taxes and stayed away the religious zealots in his party.

I used to look at at the fiscal conservative principles of the Republicans as being the cornerstone to America’s future. It was the counter balance to the Democratic Party’s over emphasis on entitlements. Those principles helped balance taking care of the American people while ensuring fiscal responsibility. Once they agreed to raid the entitlement funds like Social Security and the government pension fund, abandoning a pay as you go legislation, gutting the EPA’s oversight and enforcement, the environment, and deregulating of the finance industry leading to our current crisis in both areas, we lost that balance of ideology that makes America America.

I recently asked someone, a young person, why they a republican and the basic answer was that her parents were and so… Its unhealthy and potentially dangerous when we don’t have intelligent debate from the officials elected to serve the public interest. Just common sense without the over introduction of religious zeal, evolution vs. intelligent design, or selling the farm to special interest, something both parties are guilty of, so that we can focus on the challenges ahead of us. The Republican Party is facing a take over, if it has not already happened, by fanatics and extremists. Part of the problem s is that not all republicans believe in these principles but the extremists are the only voice. They aren’t being challenged. With no alternatives the faithful will follow blindly. Hell even Joe the plumber bailed out of the Party.

Its a new world and America needs a new approach. I hope the Republican Party meets the challenges we all face with the practical sense that it once represented. Democrats need their perspective and America deserves better than just disagreeing with the President. I hope the silent majority within the Republican Party steps up to the challenge. The cost of doing nothing may be too great for the country or the world to endure. Yes, things are that dire.

Movies Star Trek!

Spock, you dirty dog. Yes, Its that entertaining.

Greenhouse

Model Talk

Okay. It’s true. Greenhouse, my latest haunt in Soho, opened with a lot of fanfare but was probably opened a little late in the season missing out on Diddy’s Election Day/ Birthday Party and not nearly enough time to really get our grove before the holidays. But let me say Greenhouse is now “the” NYC Hot Spot.

It hasn’t been easy. I wont get into the various inner sanctum minutia that drives me, and most that have integrity in this business, crazy but I have other club owners call with threats about competing on “their” nights and “stealing promoters”. Crap like that from people with egos that are bigger than they should be. A sizable ego is a must for success in any industry but please… the bullshit from some in this business, as if any of us are the originators of the industry, is just showing your hand and highlights insecurities that wouldn’t otherwise be obvious. Well, not that obvious.

I have to go back and thank a few people. I celebrated my birthday in December and unfortunately i was remiss in blogging. Thank you to my friends that hosted and attended my Birthday. Bridget Hall, Amy Wesson, Andre Harrell, Damon Dash, Alec Wek, Alex Von Furstenburg, Angela Lindvall, Doutzen Kroes, Egle Tvirbuaite, Josie Morans, O’Neal McKnight, Elise Crombez, Giedre Dukauskaite, Leonardo DiCaprio, a special thank you to Petery Tuney for the specialty art work gift and Jim Jones for performing and making it crazy and Alex Smith for sharing the day with me by celebrating his birthday the same evening. We are both born on December 16th.

This past week I was partying with Gerry Butler, Katie Perry, Estelle, and where Jay Z, Nas, Rick Ross, Timberland, Akon and LA Reid celebrated a friends birthday…

Katy Perry & Estelle

Night Life Guru cum interior designer, Steven Lewis, was host and honoree of BlackBook Magazine on Wednesday. kickass party culminating with a performance by Kid Cudi- insanely fun night!

Kid Cudi

Plays

Jim Jones- Hip Hop Monologues/Off Broadway Play/Musical

I was invited to the season opening of Jim Jones’ Hip Hop Monologues. Wow! This guy has got the goods. The production is a musical based on the time-line to his success with a message of hope with an eye to the struggles of achieving success with the obstacles inherent in growing up Black and impoverished. Don’t get me wrong. This play/musical is fun and funny and has a message of success not just hope. It was thoughtful and well produced. No, its no Miss Saigon but it is a triumph in what is obviously a personal journey in this talented young man’s life with with scenes and images that are relevant to anyone and everyone.

Movies

X-Men Origins-Wolverine

This movie is flat out good. Its not Iron Man but it has a great story line and is well acted. I can’t wait for the future development of this story line if this is the direction its going. Marvel is finally getting it a right…

Politics

Barack Obama- Its Just Leadership

-The man with his “Football” is as cool as the other side of the willow.

Americans are like drug addicts detoxing the hard way. Going cold turkey from drugs. We have been so programmed by the Bush administration’s politics and approach, scare tactics, lies, abuse of power, and the overall approach to dumbing down of america that we are confused by the intelligent, thoughtful, educational, charasmatic approach of President Obama and his administration.

How long will it take before we reeducate ourselves to be think before we speak. Listen so that we can formulate an appropriate response and review all of our options so that we have the best response. The example of leadership and problem solving President Obama has displayed in his first two months has exemplary. We want a winner but are stuck in the mentality of “consumption, criticism, and living only in the immediate gratification of the now” with a media full of commentator and fewer and fewer journalists.

Our political leaders, Democrat and Republican, had better catch up with where America is and not the failed representation of the past nine years. Lack of will is only part of the problem. Its the lack of leadership that is glaringly appalling! It’s not that Obama is doing anything super human. It’s that someone is finally doing something. It’s what we should expect from the people we elect to represent us.

Music

Jamie Foxx- Blame It

If you haven’t heard it yet I’m putting it up here because it’s the universal answer and it makes me smile.

Green Star

The best thing that happened during NY Fashion Week was that I was able to put two friends together on a green initiative.  Charles Roberts  has an amazing concept market forces driving a companies to become more environmentally friendly.  The idea is to rate a companies carbon footprint and allow consumers to choose amongst the competing brands.  Each brand is rated with a green star which represents how environmentally friendly they are, five stars being the best and no stars meaning they are basically egregous polluters.  

Charles gave me the presentation and I fell in love with the concept.  Its a game changer.  Meaning its concept is so simple and user friendly that it can have an immediate effect on the global warming front.  Charles thought Leonardo DiCaprio, an actor and environmental activist, would be the an asset giving the project a face and a voice.  I had the two meet over brunch.  Leo brought his mother, Irmalin, who is the president of his foundation.  

The meeting went beyond everyone’s expectations and Leo added more than just his name but I believe if that if everyone can stay focused and commit the time to the agenda laid out at that meeting Green Star will soon be a omni present as google…

Paris Fashion Week

Yes I’m in Paris for Fashion Week.  I set up a production called “NYC vs.” (Paris).  I invited the several of NYC premier night life venues, Bijoux, Tenjune, Mr.West, and Pink Elephant, to host individual nights at L’Eclaireur- 10 rue Boissy D’anglais, a lovely venue in Place Concorde, Paris.  Rocco Ancorolla (Pink Elephant), Unik Ernest and Dimitri Hyacinthe (Bijoux) and DJ Jus Ske (Mr.West) all pitched in there efforts in support of the first time event.

An international clientele including models, the fashion crowd, Paris Societe, owners and promoters from Paris and South of  France came by to party and play.  The talk is all about doing it again next season.  

I love Paris!  The city is visually beautiful.  The architecture, the food, the lights of the Eiffel Tower- a beautiful rich royal blue, the women of fashion week and the absolute fun.  Its the way business should be. By the way there is a lot sex going on here.  There is a serious don’t ask don’t tell policy.  Its crazy!!! you can hear the energy crackling if you listen closely.

Cipriani

After miracuosly turning around Cipriani upstairs and putting it back on the map Giuseppe Cipriani and I have parted ways.  I don’t know what that means for Cipriani Halloween.  I’ll have an update on the new venue for Halloween and two future projects that I have upon returning to New York.

Ryan Leslie

If you haven’t yet heard of Ryan Leslie by name I’m sure you have heard his music he has produced for some of music’s biggest star’s such as  Beyoncé, Britney Spears, User and Diddy. Now Leslie has decided to step from behind the scenes and into the spotlight. Leslie is scheduled to release his self entitled album this fall, his first effort with Universal was shelved due to the singles performing poorly in the US, however it was released in Europe on November 1, 2005.

Leslie grew up all over the western United States moving frequently as his parents were ministers in The Salvation Army. While attending public school in Stockton, California at age 14 he found out his parents were moving once again. Rather than having to attend a fifth school, he decided to finish his junior year and then enroll in college. Leslie attended Harvard University in the fall of 1994 at 15 years old and graduated at the age of 19 with a degree in Government and Economics.

Leslie now has his own marketing and media company called Next Selection his first artist is

Cassie

 Cassie who has a joint venture with NextSelection/Bad Boy/Atlantic Records. Leslie also produced the hit single for Cassie “Me & You” Be sure to check out his website Ryan Leslie

Here are Leslie’s two new singles..

Diamond Girl co-starring supermodel Irina Sheik

The making of “Addiction” this video is incredible by the way..

Addiction Remix featuring Fabolous & Cassie

Fashion Week started out as a tropical depression and soon escalated into a category 4 hurricane.  A deluge of shows, events and parties poured down on this city, its inhabitants and visitors drowning some of us while others fled to the safety of their favorite haunts or low keys hideouts secretly wanting to challenge the onslaught of the storm that is Fashion Week and ride it out doing as much as they can.  

I for one opted for the challenge and fought on through.  Only to pay the price of a two day hangover and a lose of 8% body mass.  The lack of sleep and juggling of work, fashion and fun caught up to me late Friday night (actually early Saturday morning).  After an amazing dinner and party at Cipriani we ran over to Rose Bar then to 1OAK (Richie’s week early Bday party) and finally to a friends loft in Soho and then back to my place with friends- OUCH!!!

Note:  I am intentionally omitting names from this posting to protect the innocent as well as try and retain some dignity for myself.  Instead I opt for a list of names and days with pictures.  The details are just inappropriate to share.  Until I recover my senses I’d rather refrain from the inside stuff. *end note*

After two straight weeks of chasing, drinking, fashion shows, parties, more chasing, drinking and smoking, late nights conversations that tended to last too long, work, dinner, work, dinner, and parenting I hit the wall.  Yo ye who haveth no control over thy vices. 

Okay.  Thats my confession.  I promise I’ll fill in some of the blanks over the next few days.  I have more than a few comments to make regarding the state of the economy, politics, sexism, race relations, models, Paris Fashion Week plans, Hallowen and the need for a synonym for the word “change”.  Stay tuned…

Leo Dicaprio

Thursday night’s Fall re-opening was amazing!  I had a hot little crew with me Dovile Virsilaite her best friend Kirsten and Russian model Guzel.  Dovile and Kirsten joined me Upstairs after dinner and we got crazy.  My associate “Slim” rolled in with Nima Yamini and the took over a swath of the room with eight or nine models.  I honestly couldn’t tell you who else was there.  But a thank you to all that came to help celebrate- including Damon Dash, who holds meetings outside of Cipriani on an almost daily bases, hyped about his new #1 single.  

Friday I was hurting with dehydration and laryngitis. We had a good night but I wasn’t up for a big night so i was home by 2 a.m.  Saturday was another stunner.  Models from IMG, Click, Women, NY Models and One Model Management.  It was the last night before the castings got serious on Monday and it was evident in the way everyone was getting their party on.  I asked DJ Sinatra to play, I might make him DJ for the night, I was literally hanging from the rafters.  No, I was. Really.  It was a very sexy evening.

Sunday Karaoke

Dylan McDermott

I’m only human so I had no voice, my normal DJ was still out of town, I got yelled at by Sabrina (Huls) and i knew the night would be busy but short on the extremely beautiful women I’m used to.  The night was saved by another one of my associates Adis Gutic.  He walks in what would become hotness after a few cocktails and joined by more fun young ladies later.  

After the drinks settled into me, and me in the room on a whole, the night’s energy just elevated like Michael (Jordan) in his prime.  Dylan McDermott sat comfortable enjoying the less than amateur stylings of anyone daring enough to grab a microphone for better than half the night only to be replaced by Leo (DiCaprio) who showed up with Danny A and Isaac Gindi just back from helping Noah Tepperberg launch Lavo in Las Vegas.  I was expecting producer/singer/song writer Ryan Leslie but he sent a late message putting off  getting together.

I’m predicting a big week.

Politics

I’m not certain what makes a candidate qualified to be Vice President of the United States of America outside of the constitutional requirements.  The Republican Presidential ticket just made America seem just a little more crazy to more than two thirds of America, mom’s and dad’s, students and academia, politicians and pundit’s, Wall Street to mean street.  I literally overheard some homeboys what seemed to be construction workers smoking outside at Houston and Lafayette (NYC) say “Have you seen the VP chick with McCain? She’s hot as hell with the glasses and body”.  They all laugh then the same guy posses the question “she’s hot but to get my vote their bringing out hot chicks?” He was talking about Sarah Palin.

Sarah Palin

I don’t take issue with the seemingly sexist stuff, I speak macho.  It was the the lead in to something that has shocked everyone including McCain supporters and makes us all feel a little more uncertain because we don’t know her.  Please.  Please.  I understand the maverick in McCain.  I get the fact that there is a real McCain and this is a judgement call and is more of a look into his mind set on decision making.  She’s an outsider, a staunch conservative, pro-lifer, “corruption fighting” hockey mom.  She’s outside the box and is full of personality and very charming.  Joe Biden needs to be very careful with Palin.  She is wily and sophisticated in this campaign of low expectations.  

On the flip side she is a small town, small community, local politics, “our oil” as an alternative energy policy, creationismist, who lacks a working knowledge in areas that seriously need help in the economy or internationally now.  She is a hail marry choice that may excite the evangelicals and hopefully steer some independent voters and steal the spot light away from Obama and the Democrats after four nights of laser attacks on the McCain and the Republicans.  

Palin gets and may bring home the regular Americans.  The working class may tune into the candor of her vinacular, “Alaska’s first dude,” referring to her husband and her suggestion that Obama should have picked Hilary Clinton.  McCain is trying to make up for the out of touch “I don’t know how many houses I have” by choosing a seemingly everyday Blue Collar American Governor and oh yeah, she’s a woman. 

There will be some holes in the choice.  That’s just what happens.  She’ll have to get her campaign legs and they Palin and McCain have to get to know each other- they’ve only met once before she was chosen.  There will be a news blackout about the choice.  Lets make sure we stay dialed in on what we need as a counrty and where we’re going.  

The Republicans may get a pass if, and only if, the convention is literally drowned out by the potential of a major hurricane in the Gulf Coast (Hurricane Gustav).  OK, that’s out of my system.

Rising star (noun): a person or thing that is growing quickly in popularity or importance in a particular field.

Occasionally I will be blogging about up and coming people in fashion, music, modeling, art and etc.

For my first entry I’ll be introducing you to Lucile Puton hopefully this won’t be the last you hear about her..

Lucile Puton

After studying fashion in Paris, Lucile Puton entered in the  famous school of La Cambre in Brussels in 2004. She is now in her last year and preparing her final show before getting into the fashion industry. Since the beginning of her studies , Lucile show a special interest in men’s wear. Here is how she describes her own creations:

“My man needed something else, little part of fantasy in his ordinary life, little part of dream that could turn his every day’s landscape into a game of shapes, graphics, lines, perspectives…”

Meanwhile, she also learn a lot from her experiences working for designers such as Kris Van Asche (now Artistic Director of Dior Homme) and Alexander McQueen.

She is now working in New-York for few months discovering American fashion at Thom Browne and Obedient Sons and Daughters. Feel free to contact Lucile at lucileputon@hotmail.fr

Take a look at some of her designs in the gallery…

Week In Review

My apologies for the lack of entries over the last 2 weeks.  But, I’m back.  The summer has flown bye. I have had plenty of opportunity to go away but the timing has been all wrong. So I’ve roamed the city and headed out to the Hamptons a few times.  So what’s been going on?  Well a little bit of everything.  Where do I start?

AJ Calloway

Fashion Week is fast approaching and everyone’s starting to come back so we’re opening Upstairs at Cipriani early.  The date is this Thursday, August 28th, play throughout the weekend with Karaoke this Sunday and get crazy all of next week.  I’ve been going to everyone else’s places but they seem to just be a stop on the way home.  I don’t know why but its true.  BIASED BUT TRUE… 

Anyway, I was with AJ Calloway, current Entertainment Tonight reporter and former BET & Entertainment Tonight host, he said he’s going to run the marathon for Charity.  I told him that that would be impressive.  Same night I run into Noah Tepperberg and he invited me to LAVO restaurant/bathhouse/nightclub on the September 13th, crew from TAO, will be launching at the Palazzo in Las Vegas. Happy Birthday to Suzie Sugerman Code Model Management and Kara Searle. That’s the gossip.  

Noah Tepperberg

Olympics

The USA Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams won the gold medal and I couldn’t be prouder or happier.  The Olympics is such a fantastic time and it evokes such a range of emotions.  I felt the anxiety before each race or dive or exercise.  Women’s Beach Volleyball and Volleyball, in case you missed it, was a thriller!!!  And the with all of these wins I threw my hands in the air as if I’d won.  Michael Phelps, aka Superman, and his spectacular super human feats under the spot lights of the world stage and repeatedly stunned the world with not only victories but new world records.  The men’s and women’s gymnastic teams, both struggled, but incredible individual performances.  The Olympics was the best reality show ever.  It had drama, humor, displayed talent and got personal with the athletes.  

The joy and the heartbreak of the USA track team was pure prime time.  The USA needs to revisit and rededicate itself to perfection if not competitiveness.  It was a showing but not the one of dominance that we are used to.  I was in shock.  But I couldn’t be more impressed  with the Jamaican team.  With grace and ease they coasted to victory in the 100 and 200 meter sprints and all I could say, mouth agape, was wow!!!  And that pretty much sums up the Beijing Summer Olympics: WOW!!!

USA Track Team 400M sweep

Halloween 

I fully focused on Fashion Week, both here and in Paris, but Halloween is coming…  Last year was great! This year will be amazing!  I’m only in town now because I’m working on Halloween.  If you were at Cipriani 42nd Street last year for Halloween you know I don’t have to tell you.  But I can say be prepared for even better.  You’ve been warned.  

Model Talk

Fashion Week is coming. That means everyone will be looking their best and some their weirdest.  The girls are already starting to stream back into town.  Happy days!!!  It seems like there is a whole new batch of women who are poised to take the lead as the new faces of Fashion lets hope it will be interesting.  I only hope that this coming Fashion Week is more exciting then last season.  I’m geared up to see NYC alive with the energy that the shows bring. Liza Golden

Politics

Joe Biden

The announcements of the Vice Presidential candidates is coming this week and early next week. I’ve decided on who I’m voting for and I don’t think I need anymore media input to decide. It is more of a presidential ticket these days.  It was all about the commander and chief.  He called the shots and had a supporting cast.  Today, with the help of a weak President and a strong Vice President, I think it is more of a partnership.  There are real duties and responsibilities for the VP and rightly so.  There are a lot a difficulties that we face and, as it is with raising children, “it takes a village”. Meaning it takes everyone, a team, to succeed.  

I wont get into how much the election has turned to the dark-side from one candidate.  I will get more into it as the date comes closer.  Lets see what the Conventions, the Democratic and soon after the Republican, hold for us and reserve judgements.  Hello and welcome Joe Biden.

Michelle Obama gave a moving speech in her address to the Democratic Convention.  I mean she had attendees in tears and me close to it.  It was an uplifting speech that was probably a little to close to home for some.  She spoke about the reality of everything about us in America not just the 2 coasts and the unreality and fantasy that we sometimes immerse ourselves in.  

Michelle Obama

The truth is we need to really take stock of ourselves as a country.  I don’t want to get corny or cheesy or preachy but things are going to be tough and I want a pragmatist and a realist to tell us things are going to get better and show me a plan to get to better days.  We can’t take more of business as usual.  The whole world can’t.  Every country is waking up to the new realities of the world we have to as well.  

Investment in infrastructure of our country, a new energy policy, focus on how to be more competitive as a nation in industries that help Americans, investment in innovation and more than a look at preventive health-care and get some kind of oversight into critical industries so we prevent the crisis like we currently going through in banking and finance, housing, energy and health care.  Don’t even let me get into our social crisis… 

I live a fantasy and I enjoy it.  I work hard and as I grow older I am increasingly concerned about the state of our union and our position and image in the world.  I actually expect my government to care and handle these things and actually work for me.  Who would have thought government, the deficit and energy prices would all grow exponentially under the Republican’s watch?

I have to start with politics. I woke up a couple days ago and repeated my same routine turn on the computer then the TV.  Tune to the news head to the kitchen to fill the tea pot pausing to decide between tea and coffee (coffee) then back to the computer.  What the hell do I read on Yahoo?  Russia invades Georgia???  It was like reading something from the Cold War Era.  

I squinted, frowned and thought maybe the heading had something to do with the Olympics.  How is it possible that after seeing the grievous errors in approach, mentality and miscalculation of world opinion, that the Bush administration made, in the lead up and prosecution of the “Iraq War” could the Russian government attack and invade Georgia?  

This cold war mentality of hegemony within spheres of influence and colonialism is what is ultimately the down fall of all great nations- China is not exempt with its religious persecution.  Is this about nationalism or men needing to show might?  It seems that the last two great nations feel as if they need to promote war to maintain relevance.  It’s pathetic…
Russia’s Cold War Metality

Cipriani Upstairs

First, in case no one told you, Cipriani Upstairs is re-opening Thursday August 28th.  If we weren’t closed for August we would have had the after party Rodrigo Santoro‘s new film Che with Benicio del Toro.  Rodrigo is friends with Gerry Butler.  I met up with them at Bijou on Friday night after dinner at Cipriani Downtown with friends and headed to make the rounds since we are closed upstairs.   

Rodrigo Santoro

At Bijou we run into a few NY Models outside on the sidewalk I stop to say hello to one of them, Janaina Reis (brazilian), and head inside.  Its a pretty night the place is really cute.  We sit with one of the owners, Unik, and settle in.  He’s sitting next to Next model Carime Lobo, also Brazilian and gorgeous.  

Gerry introduces me to Rodrigo who is out with the speech coach for Che and describes him as amazing.  Rodrigo is big on karaoke and we both are just a little eager to show off the vocals.  We chill at bijou for a little longer then head to 1Oak.  It seems like the crowd has followed and the place is already pretty good.  

Well apparently somewhere along the line caught a buzz and was happy to be at Ronnie Madra’s table because it gave us a place to chill and have friends, existing and new, to come and play.  Being there reminded me that DJ Jus Ske had informed me that he was no longer with Mark Ronson’s label and was now with DJ AM‘s management.  Jus is talented.  He worked the Cipriani Halloween party for me last year and he was incredible.  I never knew he had a Euro House set.  

The Olympics

NBC has actually made the Olympics interesting.  The competition is great… Can you say Michael Phelps!  Women’s beach Volley Ball, all of the swimming events, men’s and women’s gymnastics…  I swear I’ve been riveted!  Men’s Basket Ball again Tuesday???  I’ve got chills just thinking about it.  

The coverage is balanced and shows the competitive nature of the games and they discuss the weaknesses of the American teams.  The honesty of the commentators shows the commitment and drive of each athlete and have added to the drama.  I found myself cheering with Michael Phelps and his teammates as the won the 4×100 Freestyle and the incredible finish by Jason Lezak in the last leg.  I jumped up and flexed and screamed with the boys. Teammate’s Fingertip Touch Gives Phelps’s Bid a Big Hand

Garrett Weber-Gal & Michael Phelps

Gymnastics was beyond phenomenal.  Impressive team effort with nothing to lose and everything to gain on arguably the great stage.  yes we just missed the silver with a few faults on the  pummel horse but we weren’t even expected to place.  I forget how young and proud the Olympics makes you feel.  And proud, yes proud, to be an American. 

To the credit of the Chinese they have put on a fantastic opening ceremony and have been fantastic hosts and competitors.  Their men’s gymnastic team owned the competition.  They were in a class above all and made it look easy.  

The commercials haven’t been to bad either.