DKNY’s Fall 2010 showed a mix of bauhuas grids, deco florals, equestrian plaids, and schoolgirl kilts. The color palate ranged from neutrals of black, charcoal, umber, and vicuna, to oxford brightened with accents of bluebird, sapphire, peach, and oyster. I loved the bursts of sequins sprinkled throughout the presentation. There was a wave to the 90’s with male-tailored jackets and coats and the Clueless chic skirts.
The cameras went crazy for celebs in attendance like the star of the popular television show True Jackson V.P. on Nickelodeon, Keke Palmer. Alison Brie, best known as Trudy Campbell from A&E’s Mad Men, was also in attendance along with electropop singer-song writer Little Boots and British socialite/ model Poppy Delevigne.
After the successful debut of DKNY’s Fall 2010 collection, guests were treated to hot chocolate upon exiting courtesy of DKNY.
Congratulations, DNKY on your fabulous Fall 2010 collection. 
Be sure to check out the slideshow here!
December is the time to celebrate not only the holidays, but everything that you have accomplished throughout the year. Many of you have already attended several holiday parties hosted by your friends and possibly your workplace and with this being the weekend before Christmas, I am sure there is more merriment in store. For some, these parties are a time to kick back and relax, but for others these parties are a time to kick back and laugh at the “Holiday Hot Mess.”
The Holiday Hot Mess is that one person at the party who just does not know how to act. Sure, they have been out before but judging by how they are acting you would think that they had never been out of the house. There are people who actually avoid going to holiday functions for fear they will be labeled the Holiday Hot Mess, but never fear! With my guide to holiday party P’s and Q’s you won’t have to worry about being a Holiday Hot Mess.
Now, you may be thinking that when I say Holiday Hot Mess that I am talking about someone being drunk, well we will get to that part soon enough but being a little too jolly is not always the problem. One can be completely sober and still be the hottest holiday mess. This can be achieved by bringing an attitude with you to the party.
Attitudes, like coats, should be checked at the door. In fact, think about putting your attitude in your coat when you hang it up or give it to coat check. Holiday parties provide a really great opportunity to network and you could miss out on an amazing opportunity because you are acting like the Grinch. I always say that you don’t have to like someone to be civil to them, so make sure that you greet everyone that you come in contact with. I think it is so rude when a person that you had a brief interaction with earlier in the year awkwardly stares at you and tries to avoid you like they have never met you. In fact, it’s ruder than just going up and saying “Hi, I believe we met earlier in the year, I hope you are doing well and it was so great to see you.” Not only does that make you look like a great person for acknowledging that they exist, but it makes everything feel just a little less tense and awkward for the whole party.
Let’s move on to drinks, shall we? Most parties are going to serve up cocktails. The general rule of thumb is to limit yourself to one drink and enjoy that throughout the whole party. I say that it is ok to have at least two if you are going to be there for longer than a couple of hours, but only two. Anything more than that and you could run the chance of feeling too relaxed and then becoming the Holiday Hot Mess. Now, the intoxicated Holiday Hot Mess can talk too loud, laugh way too loud, say inappropriate things, mingle with someone’s significant other, dance on tables, tell off the boss, lose clothing and so much more. My favorite is the hot mess that is not aware that they are the Holiday Hot Mess. They stumble around and knock stuff over and spill every five seconds. This may be fun to watch at first, but the next day or Monday at work or with your friends could be really bad. You should also keep in mind that these days you have to worry about more than just sad looks and snickers on Monday morning with Facebook, Twitpics, Tweets, blog posts and so much more that can instantly go up. Therefore, do not go to a party for drinking purposes. If you really need more than a couple of drinks then take it to a bar or after party. You will be so glad that you did!
I should have addressed clothing as the first thing but I wanted to leave it for last because I want you all to remember this: There is a fine line between holiday chic and Holiday Hot Mess. Unless it is stated that it is a tacky sweater party, leave them at home! This is an opportunity to wow everyone with how well you clean up. Men, a nice suit and tie will always take you places. Ladies, I know that it is fun to sparkle and shine, but you have to watch those sequins and heels. I know that the trend right now is “triple platform” shoes and sequins but there is a difference between working the room and WORKING the room. You don’t want people thinking that you were hired as “entertainment.”
I hope that these rules have helped you out as you continue to attend holiday parties. I could go on and on about faux pas but I have parties to go to and Holiday Hot Messes to help… or laugh at.
Above: The perfect example of the ultimate Holiday Hot Mess!
According to supermodel and Project Runway host Heidi Klum, “in fashion, one day you’re in, and the next day you’re out!” Luckily for Models of the Runway contestant Kalyn Hemphill, the designer that she was teamed up with for Project Runway, Irina Shabayeva, was “in.” This made Hemphill the very first winner of Lifetime’s Models of the Runway.
Above: Kalyn Hemphill with Heidi Klum after winning Models of the Runway
Models of the Runway was the reality show that showed what the models involved in the reality competition Project Runway went though during the duration of the show. For winning Models of the Runway, Kalyn Hemphill received 25,000 thousand dollars and a fashion spread in Marie Claire Magazine that she just shot on December 1st.
I recently had the chance to speak with Kalyn via telephone to ask her all about her win, Models of the Runway, and what’s next.
Jonathan Valdez: Have you had a chance to breathe since wining Models of the Runway?
Kalyn Hemphill: Honestly, it’s been so crazy ever since the finale aired. I like staying busy though. It’s a good busy.
Jonathan: You just did the Marie Claire shoot on December 1st, have you ever done a magazine spread before? How did it go?
Kalyn: I have never done an actual magazine spread. Spreads are the coveted thing in the modeling world. I was very excited and it was so much fun! I got to hang out with Irena and do the shoot with her.
Jonathan: Did Nina Garcia show up?
Kalyn: Nina was in Paris. She called us and said hi over speaker phone. It was great hearing from her.
Jonathan: What can we expect in the spread?
Kalyn: The spread was based on Irena’s workspace and studio with sketchbooks and clothing in the shots. It focuses on the creative process.
Jonathan: You are the face of Irina’s Spring 2010 line. I saw the video with the butterflies all over you. How was that?
Kalyn: It was so cool! Irina’s 2010 line is so inspired. Her runway show was dark and I think she surprised everyone with the colors she chose like red and blue. The butterflies were so fun to work with. They came in individual envelopes and they had to heat the envelopes so they would fly out.
Above: Kalyn Hemphill in a creation by designer Irina Shabayeva on Project Runway
Jonathan: Let’s talk about the show. Is Heidi Klum amazing in person?
Kalyn: Heidi is a great model and a great mom. I am really inspired by her, especially with her business sense. She is just as beautiful in person as she is on T.V..
Jonathan: Did Tim Gunn ever give you advice on how to work the clothes on the runway?
Kalyn: Tim doesn’t advise the models but he has so much knowledge about fashion. He is so down to earth and nice. It was great to be able to spend time with him backstage.
Jonathan: What celeb judge was your favorite to meet?
Kalyn: Milla Jovovich was my favorite. She is so passionate about was she does and she is also a model and a mom.
Jonathan: Did they tell you who was coming before the show?
Kalyn: No they didn’t let us know on the show until the runway show.
Above: Kalyn walks the runway during the Final Round for Project Runway at Mercedes Benz Fashion week in Bryant Park
Jonathan: You are from small town Texas and I love that you have kept your southern charm and sweetness. Do you find it hard to maintain that working in the fashion industry?
Kalyn: I grew up in a really great family and I have always had lots of support. I have supportive friends that keep me grounded. No matter what happens, I know who I am.
Jonathan: You originally came to NYC to be an actress correct?
Kalyn: Yes, I got involved with modeling through singing, acting, and dancing. I did a lot of theatre in Houston and got recruited by an agency. I love theatre and want to do T.V. work as well. Acting is my passion but I am enjoying the journey that I am on.
Jonathan: So, what’s next for Kalyn Hemphill?
Kalyn: The Marie Claire spread comes out in March 2010 and I am writing a pitch for my own show. It would go behind the scenes of fashion events and parties to show how everything is put together. I don’t think many people know how much work goes into all of these events. I think the viewers would be interested in what goes on.
No matter what Kalyn decides to do, I am more than positive that she will be successful. Her kindness to others and strong work ethic make her someone that people want to have around. Thank you so much Kalyn for taking the time to speak with me. Stay fierce and friendly!
A few members of Encore’s staff had the opportunity to attend the celebration for the debut of handbag designers Schander, Chako, and Jess Rizzuti at SARAR on Madison Avenue. The store was buzzing about the launch of the new handbag line as partygoers sipped on drinks by Riazul Premium Tequila. Guests were shopping around the store for 50% off men’s suits, shirts, ties, etc. and women’s items for 40% off. Men were buying suits left and right and women were making up excuses to buy party dresses.
When the night ended the attendees were handed gift bags that included a bar of soap from Lux Naturals, a dress and dine certificate for a tasty treat at Pera Restaurant, a beautiful SARAR pocket square, Encore Magazine (what’s a good gift bag without Encore Mag inside?), and a few other goodies.
Cheers to SARAR and handbag designers Schander, Chako, and Jess Rizzuti on a fabulous event. May the two of you continue to make New York and the World unstoppably fashion forward!
Director/Writer/Illustrator/Artist, Tim Burton has a way of making even the darkest things seem magical. From making a man with scissor hands to recreating a wonderland for Alice, Burton has bestowed upon us 27 years of awe-inspiring magic and art.
Starting on November 22nd, you can see Tim Burton’s magic and art as MoMA presents Tim Burton, a major retrospective exploring the full scale of Tim Burton’s career, both as a director and concept artist for live-action and animated films, and as an artist, illustrator, photographer, and writer. The exhibition will be at MoMA until April 26, 2010 and will bring together over 700 examples of sketchbooks, concept art, drawings, paintings, photographs, and a selection of his amateur films. Tim Burton is the Museum’s most comprehensive monographic exhibition devoted to a filmmaker. Not only does MoMA’s exhibit have never-before-exhibited drawings, paintings, and film props, it also contains virtually unseen films including Burton’s 1983 live-action, Asian-cast adaptation of Hansel and Gretel, and early student films. An original animation of MoMA’s logo conceived by Burton and produced by Mackinnon & Saunders, is on view in the Ronald S. and Jo Carole Lauder Lobby. If you cannot make it to the exhibit or NYC, don’t worry, you can view Burton’s original animation of MoMA’s logo here.
The film retrospective Tim Burton presents Burton’s entire cinematic oeuvre of 14 feature films,eleven of which are in MoMA’s film collection. These 14 feature films—Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985), Beetlejuice (1988), Batman (1989), Edward Scissorhands (1990), Batman Returns (1992), Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), Ed Wood (1994), Mars Attacks! (1996), Sleepy Hollow (1999), Planet of the Apes (2001), Big Fish (2003), Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride (2005), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)—will be screened over the course of the five-month exhibition in the Museum’s Roy and Niuta Titus Theaters, along with his early short films Vincent (1982) and Frankenweenie (1984).
This is the perfect exhibit for any art, film, and/or Tim Burton fan. Burton has visually stunned audiences for years and now the audience has a chance to literally dive into his world.
For more information on MoMA’s Tim Burton, please visit MoMa’s website.
New York City started November off with a bang this past Sunday as over 40,000 people participated in the New York City Marathon. Over two million onlookers lined up to watch the marathon take place and witness what the human body and spirit can do. Out of the thousands of runners, we are especially proud of our Marketing Manager, Natasha Huang, who not only ran the race but finished it as well!
Above: Natasha Huang moments after completing the 40th NYC Marathon
“The hardest part of the race was mile 18 when I contemplated giving up because of the physical pain and exhaustion. But knowing I would be giving up would be the biggest failure ever, “said Huang who has participated in other marathons including the Nike Woman’s Marathon in San Francisco. I asked Natasha what it felt like to cross the finish line, and here is what she had to say:
“Crossing over the finish line is an indescribable feeling. About a mile away you can see the finish line and hear people screaming your name. That is the best part in feeling the support of hundreds of people who don’t know you. All of a sudden your legs just pick up and hurry and you don’t feel pain anymore.”
She also noted that all she thought about was the burger with bacon and cheese that she was going to scarf down after crossing over the finish. A burger well deserved, I’d say!
Once again, CONGRATULATIONS to Natasha and all of the people who traveled near and far to participate in the NYC Marathon. Your hard work and dedication is an inspiration to many.
By Jonathan Valdez, Marketing Coodinator/Blogger
For the third year in a row the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin,TX held it’s Dismember the Alamo Zombie Film Festival. The three night festival included screenings zombie films, their annual zombie shorts competition, and a zombie lurch to the Texas State Capitol.
Above: Zombies Lurch to the Texas State Capitol in Austin, TX
The People Zombies were marching lurching to the capitol in support of equal rights for the undead! Apparently Zombies have been discriminated against for too long and they felt it was time to speak out. Lurchers were encouraged to make creative signs and had a zombie happy hour after their work was done. Oh Austin! No wonder your motto is “Keep Austin Weird.” Maybe it should be ”Beware of Zombies.”
Above: Zombies protest for equal Zombie rights at the Texas State Capitol
Below: Zombies head back to wherever Zombies go.
Be Sure to Have a safe and Happy Halloween from all of us at Encore Magazine!
Photo Credits: Callie Osborne: Austin,TX
Hello everyone! My name is Jonathan Valdez, and I am the Marketing Coordinator and official Blogger for Encore Magazine. Hopefully you have enjoyed what you have read so far. When I read a blog, I often times want to know more about the writer. I realized that some people may feel the same way so I decided to write a post to let people know a bit about me.
I am a native Texan and a 2009 graduate of Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. (Eat ‘em up Cats!) While at Texas State I majored in Communication Studies and minored in Psychology and Theatre. I also started my own morning radio show called Orange Juice and Biscuits “Morning Talk Worth Waking For!” OJ&B provided me with some of the most amazing moments of my life. We were nominated for Best Regularly Scheduled Program in 2007 and 2009, as well as for Best Radio DJ 2009 by Collegiate Broadcasters Inc. I actually find out if I win the 2009 awards this Friday! I was also Press at South By Southwest Film in Austin, Texas in 2008 and 2009. One of my favorite moments from SXSW was doing interviews from the red carpet for the Paul Rudd movie, I Love You, Man. I was right next to E! News and they were so excited to be next to me… at least that is how I tell the story. Some of my favorite interviews that I have done include Rosario Dawson, David Arquette, Paul Rudd, Jaime Pressly, Rashida Jones, Jason Segel, Margaret Cho, En Vogue, and Zooey Deschanel. While doing OJ&B I had an entertainment news segment on the television show Studio B called The Squeeze with Orange Juice and Biscuits. After graduation, I turned Orange Juice and Biscuits into a blog and it seems to really be taking off. I have an affinity for entertainment slash celebrity news and just really enjoy making people laugh with my point of view and spin on life. I have also been a contributing blog writer for the fashion designers Doucette Duvall and now I am lucky enough to blog for Encore Magazine! So there you have it, me in a nutshell so to speak. If you have any suggestions or ideas for the blog please do not hesitate to email me. Also feel free to email if you have comments about any of the posts. I hope to hear from you soon!
In a city that seems to always have a reason to celebrate, October is the month to get gussied up and go to a gala. Hundreds of New Yorkers look forward to attending these events every October, but with the month overflowing with events, attending them can be a bit daunting—especially if you are new to the scene. There are also those who may have never attended a gala or have even felt the desire to do so. Even still they might wonder, “What exactly is the point of having a Gala?”
Recently, I spoke with the Co-chairwoman of the Steering Committee for the Young Patrons of Lincoln Center, Jessie Betts, about all things gala. The Young Patrons of Lincoln Center (YPLC) is a membership group for professional New Yorkers in their twenties through early forties dedicated to celebrating, supporting, and promoting the world’s largest performing arts center. Betts says that the purpose for having a gala for YPLC is twofold. “It’s our fundraising event of the year and we can’t exist without it.” Betts says that the YPLC gala also serves as a gathering of the patrons to meet with other people who are in the organization, have a good time, and to build a sense of community which,” Is the spirit of Lincoln Center.” And for those who may not know how to carry themselves in a situation that has such a fancy name like “gala”, Betts explains that titles can make people feel they have to act a certain way—but having fun is key. “It’s a party,” says Betts. “Go the way you always are and just be yourself.”
Now that you hopefully feel at ease about just being yourself and having fun, it is time to think about what to wear. I always say go big or go home, but of course, to each his own. I personally feel that everyone should wear something that makes them feel fun, elegant, and above all, confident. “Make sure you can sit in it, that’s key!” Betts suggests that is the one thing you must remember when picking out an ensemble. She also suggests that you should wear your shoes around your apartment to make sure you are comfortable for the night, although she did note that some people she knows go through a lot of pain for special nights like galas. I guess there are some people who will always live by the old adage that “Beauty is Pain.” I agree with Jessie in making sure that you can actually sit in your outfit. That way if your shoes hurt at least you can sit and still be the hottest person there. Let’s face it, if you can’t sit down and it hurts to stand, you are going to look like a hot mess anyway randomly making that “Oh my geeze, kill me now but it is worth it” face.
In the end it is ultimately about having a good time and helping out others. Part of what YPLC does with the money that it raises is to provide under-privileged children the opportunity to see programming at Lincoln Center. As a person who was influenced by the arts at a young age, I know the importance of letting children discover that world. What better way to raise awareness for a cause of any organization than to just have fun! Like Betts says, “It’s autumn in New York and it’s a good time for a party!” Well said!
For more information about The Young Patrons of Lincoln Center simply click here.
The Ice Theatre of New York will be hosting their annual Benefit Gala and Performance at the Chelsea Piers Sky Rink on Monday, October 26th. The festivities will launch the company’s 2009-2010 anniversary season, as well as celebrate ITNY fortieth year of bringing the beauty of ice dancing to New York City. In its forty years, ITNY has enjoyed success both big and small, including becoming the first ice dancing company to be funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. The annual Benefit Gala and Performance at the Chelsea Piers Sky Rink, hosted by Olympic skating champion Rosalyn Sumners, will also honor choreographer Lar Lubovitch and Olympic Silver Medalist and ice dancer Paul Wylie who performed at the opening of the Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers. Wylie will be in good company as past honorees of ITNY include Nancy Kerrigan, Vera Wang, Scott Hamilton, two-time World champion Aja Zanova Steindler, and two-time Olympic gold medalist Dick Button. Lubovitch, is being applauded for his contributions to ice dancing choreography. He is an Emmy, Tony, and Grammy award nominee as well as an accomplished choreographer. Lubovitch’s work, Tilt-a-Whirl, is set to be featured at the Performance.
Proceeds from the ticket sales will go to the Ice Theatre’s New Works and Young Artists, an outreach program for public school children in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens, as well as Ice Theatre’s 2009-2010 performance season.
Above: Performers from ITNY gracefully dance on ice.
I have always felt that ice skating/dancing is one of the most beautiful forms of art that has been given to us. I have tried in vain to attempt to skate casually and I always end up slipping, sliding, and ultimately falling while eight year old future Olympians do toe loops and triple axles around me. I have a great respect for the athletes who perform gracefully on the ice and make it look so effortless. Congratulations ITNY for forty years of performance! May your future be as solid as the ice you skate on.
For ticket and further information, please call Ice Theatre 212.929.5811, or visit http://www.icetheatre.org