So I managed to sit down and got ready to enjoy the show... when i saw her: Kelly! Kelly Bensimon,
that is, sitting straight across from me, on the other side of the
massive oval catwalk. This is how it all went down: We make eye
contact. I smile. She smiles and waves. I wave back and she keeps
waving, very excitedly. Then she stands up and starts walking toward
me... so I stand up and meet her in the middle of the catwalk where we
hug and the photographers go crazy and people are staring! After
chatting for a bit, we realized nobody was looking at us anymore, so we
hugged goodbye and went back to our seats and got ready for the show.
I attended the Adam by Adam Lippes show over the
weekend. I have been his strong supporter since the very beginning,
partially because he is terribly talented but mostly because he and I
have been friends forever, mildly at first, and incandescently after
the week we spent in Rio de Janeiro for New Years Eve several years
ago. When we hugged goodbye at JFK after our returning flight, I knew
that a deep gratitude for surviving the vacation, a new found
appreciation for the little things in life and secrets as dark as our
perfect tans were the pillars of a very long-lasting friendship. And in
fact, here we are, years later, still sensational looking, him, at the
head of a very successful clothing line named after him, and me, just
hanging out backstage….
Anyway, the show was great, and Anna Wintour
was there, who I had never seen at Adam's so... kudos man, you keep
getting better and better and I am proud of you! After the show, I
joined Jonathan Morr, Bob Collacello and Paul Beirne, all veterans of the Rio vacation, and went for lunch at Stand,
Jonathan's new very cool burger joint, and I realized that when you are
happy and with friends, food tastes so good. Or maybe Jonathan simply
knows what he is doing and Stand is a very good restaurant.
Later that night, I met Adam at the dinner for his new collection at BO BO, a very cool-looking restaurant, and shared a fun table with Cynthia Moureto, Fabiola Beracasa and the one and only Jenne Pipino, whom I love. Next stop was, of course, the Beatrice Inn
but... I don't know, maybe I am completely jaded by Los Angeles, where
kids go to a club to party, rather than to network, so I grabbed my
posse and left in a hurry. Destination: The Cubby Hole,
the lesbian bar around the corner. Yes, I have been there before, and I
went back there because one, it is fun, and two, that is where I met Josh Hartnett so, you know... I gave it another shot. He was not there, but we still managed to have a great time and dance like fools!
And right when you thought you got rid of me...
Hi guys, I am back! And I have a question: why are you reading this blog if you
think I am a douche bag? Come on, exit this page and make room for all those who
like me, because yes, they are many and many more.
Did I get rid of you?
Did I now?
Okay then, keep reading, but now the douchebag is you!!!
Anyway...
Let's talk about my endorsement campaign. I was asked to be the face, literally,
of a very cool skin care company, Dr. Alessi, which is based in Los Angeles and
whose promise is to make every client look like me. Pretty groovie, yeah? And,
as if that was not enough, Dr. Alessi is the founder of an amazing charity
foundation called face forward, so I am definitely proud and flattered they
asked me and I hope I will do I good job representing them.
Now, let's talk about my TV project. I was approached by Lifetime and asked to
participate in an episode of their show Top This Party. Basically, the show
follows you and your party planner's trials and tribulations during the
organization of what tries to be the best party EVER. Since I just got the
endorsement campaign, and my friend Brittny Gastineau wanted to throw me a party
for that, we just jumped at it and said YEEEESSSSS! and just like that I am back
on TV. Let me just say that after my extensive study of parties I kinda knew
that this party was going to be... well.... but as you know I never say no to an
party, so I cheerfully accepted the job, packed up and left for Vegas, where the
show was going to be filmed.
I was in Vegas for 6 days... have you ever tried anything like that? And I
thought LAST time I went it was brutal!!! (well.... they did take me to Celine
Dion's concert....) No, seriously, 6 days is just way to much, the air is just
poison there... I am so glad it's over, and I am done with Vegas for at least a few weeks!
The show was a lot of work, but it was fun to film. our party planner is named
Breakfast, because he throws parties that go on all night and in the morning
fixes a very good breakfast for everyone. I am serious, there really is a man
out there who actually takes pride in his ridiculous nick name. the party was at
prive, the club of the hotel, and it was absolutely vegas style, and special
guests were heatherettes travor and richie rich, out of the blue in Vegas as
well. I love them, so it was so random and so fun to see them there!
Meanwhile... the annual porn convention was held that very week at the Venetian
hotel... like I was ever going to miss anything like that! since I had made
friends with some porn stars in the past, and let me just tell you that they are
fantastic fun sexy girls who party like rock stars and look sooooo good, I was
invited to the convention and I enjoyed my tour like a 6 years old in a candy
shop. My favorite things were the woman with the biggest boobs in the world -
they were enormous, and she was probably well into her fifties... a freak of
nature like I have only seen in manhattan's time square or in the jungle of
Ecuador - and the penis mold. yes, the penis mold. a plastic substance that you
pour on your hard penis to get a mold out of it and a device that you stick into
the mold to make a dildo out of it. it makes the perfect anniversary gift for
your loved one.
you can imagine that after surviving all this in Vegas, I really needed my
mommy, so I am now in Miami, where it has been raining constantly but I don't
care, I am actually quite scarred from the whole experience and was very much
looking forward to stay in and go to the movies a lot.
okay scratch that.
some friends flew down from NYC and we are going out like we were in jail for
thirty years! but that is a whole other blog entry, so until then, be nice to
one another! and remember that I love you!
Hello PAPER Readers! Sorry for the long silence... or should I say,
you are welcome for the long silence? Here is your favorite... how do
you say it again... Oh yes, Douche Bag, with more from Los Angeles, to
which I am fast becoming addicted. Now, I don't want to kill the
healthy competition between East Coasters and West Coasters, and sure,
the fashion, parties, power and money are greater in New York, but I am
sorry, you cannot compare the lifestyle. When in New York City, people
are struggling with the incoming cold weather, meetings, sirens and
crowds, while everything is so pretty out here in LA! People are
genuinely happier and I mean... why not? Everyone is good looking! And
on my part, today I had a killer meeting about a new show concept, ate
lunch outside, and came home to sit in my jacuzzi for 45 minutes and
now I am watching TV while trying to focus. Not bad right? Work AND
play! And did I mention everyone is good looking in LA?
So let's re-cap the last few weeks’ activities...
First
of all, happy belated Halloween! This year I had two parties, two
nights in a row, but I could not resist, and dressed as that asshole
from Filthy Rich Cattle Drive both times.
With great success, I might add. Everyone complimented my gear and a
few people genuinely told me that I looked like Fabian Basabe, to whom
I politely replied thank you, because YES, I did take it as a
compliment.
The eve of Halloween I went to a friend's house in Malibu, where I
found out that if there is a lesson to be learned from the movie Mean Girls
it is this: Halloween is the time of the year when girls have an excuse
to dress like sluts. I mean... the slutty bunny, the slutty Dorothy,
the slutty indian, the slutty pirate, the slutty punk vampire... and a
girl who just decided to cut the bull and just wear underwear and a
bra. At least she didn’t pretend, you you know what I mean? After a
couple of hundreds of drinks, our generous and mightily organized host
jammed all of us guests into minivans and shipped us to the Malibu Inn,
a shaggy bar on the ocean, where I spent many many nights during my
college years, along with my Pepperdine friends and the whole cast of Baywatch... It was the ‘90s, you know?
Anyway, things haven't changed and the place was packed with college kids who
really know how to party -- they just started, are new to it, fresh
and never tired, and have absolutely no intention to stop. It was GREAT!
The next night, I started off at the Chateau Marmont,
trying to be civil, a little tired from the night before, but then I
ran into a friend of mine who invited me to a party up on the Hills.
The directions came a password and... I will never be the man to turn
down a password party! The password was not Fidelio, to my
disappointment, but the party was equally awesome, and turned out it
was held in Houdini's house, and I mean, what better place to spend
Halloween but the most magical magician's own place. (Well, no offense
Harry Potter).
And when I thought that I could take a well deserved brake... the
PAPER People hit town, with a series of fortunate events that they have
already accurately reported on this website, but let me tell you one
more time... they were great!!! My personal favorite was the “Thriller”
dance class and contest, which is a party idea only PAPER could come up
with. And another thing... Mr. Mickey, you are the best!
But I did make my way to this one awards gala that I just have to
share it with you -- unpacked boxes be damned! First, let me preface it
by saying was so far beyond wretched that to tell you the whole truth
and nothing but the truth, I can't reveal the actual event. Otherwise I
will not be invited back, and I wouldn’t want to miss the chance to
pick up a few more horror stories next year. Anyway, here we go.
The first red flag was the perhaps the dress code, "Black Tie
Optional.” Amused, I decided to wear a pair of jeans and a jacket. I
figured I might be a little under-dressed, but people would forgive me.
Thank god I didn't wear a tux! Everyone there wore a rented old school
tuxedo or -- taking the "optional" to heart -- very, very wide legged
jeans with experimental, unknown sneakers and shirts that even the boys
from 'NSYNC would have ditched. The women looked like they were either
going to the prom in Arkansas or to Sunday mass.
Hello my dear readers. What follows is an interview with Paul
Anderson, a mega-agent who managed to launch and bring success to many
TV and radio personalities -- we are talking about godly skills here.
Unfortunately for me, I was way beyond salvation even for him, but at
least -- probably out of pity -- he granted me this interview, which I
share with you.
Paul’s job is mainly focused on helping the talents he is working
with to focus on their own skills and build what is called in the
business, a “personality brand.”
See, apparently, each one of us has certain characteristics and traits
that define us and make us more appealing to a certain audience than to
another. Once you understand who your audience is, and you are able to
win it, you establish followers. Your stakes go from commodity to
brand, you stop being a disposable face that can be replaced by the
next hot thing, and basically win the hearts of Americans and are in
the business to stay, baby!
OK, the interview is not at all extravagant, but I am completely
intimidated by him and could not bring myself to ask him any of the
hundreds of silly questions that so easily pop in my mind daily. By the
short and focused responses you might get what I mean… he is business
and he is not afraid to show it.
On my part, I am going to go back to plotting my next blog.
Fabian Basabe: How is a manager different from an agent? What do you consider yourself?
Paul Anderson: A typical manager is involved in all
aspects of a talent’s career, including long term strategic goal
setting. An agent is more focused and targets specific deals the
manager and/or talent are pursuing. The best agents are involved in all
aspects of a talent's career.
FB: Describe your typical day.
PA: There is no such thing as a typical day. That’s
one of the great things about being an agent, you never have the same
day twice.
FB: What personality traits does a great agent have?
PA: A great agent needs to be a good listener; be able
to “read the room,” and have excellent communication and follow-through
skills.
FB: What's the biggest perk of doing what you do?
PA: Meeting and working with a terrific range of personalities and characters.
FB: Biggest downside?
PA: Lots of travel that takes me away from my family.
FB: What would you tell a 21-year-old who wants to be you in 10 years?
PA: Identify your passions, educate yourself about those passions, and do everything you do with integrity.
FB: How do you convince an A-lister that you're the best manager/agent for him or her?
PA: You don’t. You don’t earn trust at this level by
being a salesman. You build relationships by openly discussing mutual
interests and work styles. Not everyone is a good fit for each other.
An A-list talent and an A-list agent should be able to figure out if
they will work well together.
FB: What advice would you offer someone new to the industry?
PA: Develop a personality branding plan, including a
set of visualized outcomes you want for yourself over the next five
years. Be specific and deliberate about how you will achieve these
visualized outcomes.
FB: How important is networking?
PA: Networking is always important in any business based on relationships. The entertainment business is chief among them.
FB: In the age of Gawker, TMZ, etc., how has your job changed?
PA: Whenever information, correct or not, is available
instantly, you need to be available and on your toes to help the client
articulate their point of view.
FB: Is there such a thing as bad publicity?
PA: Yes.
FB: Say you're Britney Spears’ manager/agent -- what would you do to rehabilitate her career?
PA: I would have her focus on getting her personal life together. Without that there is no point.
FB: Among your clients, past or present, who would you say had the fastest career jump start and why?
PA: Ryan Seacrest. He doesn’t claim to be the most
talented guy in the room but he is wickedly smart, completely focused,
and has a work ethic second to none.
FB: Are you where you want to be in business?
PA: Yes.
Rule #1: Be original -- don't be a whore! Sleep with people because you like
them... not because you think it will help you. You will just get passed
around.
We are all familiar with stories of shady agents who want you to meet them at
their homes at night in order to make a move, or tell you, “that is how the
industry is...” NO! This is a terrible misrepresentation and a sad story
unfortunately told over and over again. This is business! You are talent and
they are agents. The agent makes money when you make money. If you are talented
you will work, period! If you are young and inexperienced and a bit naïve, you
will most likely become a pet to an agent that finds you hot... but pay
attention, this is a very expensive city and every day will cost you. Do not be
intimidated, just be aware... you are after a profession and you should be
professional. There are hundreds like you and you are not the first to use sex
as an "in.”
The industry gets a bad rap as it is... be original, actually keep your
clothes on, strengthen your skills by taking classes and getting real work
experience, be on time, and stay away from the bullshit.
I recently interviewed a talent agent at a top talent agency who prefers to
remain anonymous. Like most powerful agents, she prefers to let her work
represent her.
How is a manager different from an agent? What do you consider
yourself?
I'm an agent.
Describe your typical day.
There is no typical day for
an agent. It is truly different every single day.
What personality traits does a great agent need to have?
They must be aggressive, personable, patient, a good talker and a
good listener.
What's the biggest perk of doing what you do?
Watching
people succeed.
Biggest downside?
The job is never done... ironically,
that is an upside as well.
What would you tell a 21-year-old who wants to be you in 10 years?
Nothing is handed to you. Be ready to work for it. Overtime is part
of the job.
What advice would you offer someone new to the industry?
Acting is a profession that doesn't want or need you. Be prepared
for that. Wake up every morning and know you are going to be successful.
How important is networking?
Very important; in this
world, it's always who you know.
What education or training do you recommend?
Be an
assistant and a waitress.
In the age of Gawker, TMZ, etc., how has your job changed?
It hasn't. Just another distraction during the day.
Fashion
Week is long gone, and while I was initially approached to guest blog for
the week, the fine PAPER people have asked me to continue blogging... so here
goes!
I'll start with a little about me and what I am up to this fall...
So I recently signed with a talent agency in New York, Don Buchwald
and Associates. I had to put together a reel and a press book, and
while I’ve had people to organize me in the past, at the end of the day if you
want to get something done you must ultimately do it yourself. So I began... I
went online and skimmed through articles and press mentions about me.... WOW! I
do some really stupid shit! And I thought no one was looking -- ha!
You learn a lot about yourself when you actually pay attention! Well, it is
not all bad... there are some nice features from very respectable (and fair)
writers, front-page stories, magazine covers and, well, a whole lot of fan
messages. But then there is the stuff that stays.
Yesterday I was pictured alongside Paris Hilton,
Brandon Davis and Lindsay Lohan in the
Post and compared to a "perpetually coked-out, poker playing party boy
who is mad, bad and dangerous to know" character on that new ABC show Dirty
Sexy Money. WTF! I mean, okay I get it... I have a bad rap, and that's
the stuff that sells. Do people really want to hear about me laying out on my
terrace all day or watching movies? I certainly wouldn't. But a Thanksgiving
DUI? People love to hate and for those who only know me from what they read, I
can't say I don’t understand the reaction.
I have been quoted saying ridiculous things like "if you don't have to work
why would you?" and "hot people have sex, that's what we do," and thank you, but
I do not need a reminder of all the other things I have said. Umm, it's called a
sense of humor?
But the truth is... I want to work. I got a call the other day from
Howard Stern's people, to do a pre-interview while they
consider having me on the show. The man asked me a series of ludicrous questions
about my life, relationships and my past, which I delivered in truth. Then he
asked me why would I want to be on the show, what did I have to promote... I had
no answer. But then I thought about it... ME! I have to promote me! It is not
that I do not want to work, it is that I can't get a job! People think I don't
need it or I would not take it seriously. That simply is not true! For the last
year I have been working hard to clean up my act. I paid a high profile PR man
$10,000 per month to keep me out of the press, unless it was positive. I got an
agent to market me and I have some projects in the works. But I have a windstorm
of negative press and misrepresentations that make it difficult to get things
going. Even if I call in favors or throw money at the problem.
So while I love New York, I have been and am planning to spend a lot more
time in L.A. taking media training classes, going on go-sees, and taking
meetings. I am determined to get a gig. While I have contemplated joining the
Church of Scientology and sleeping with Tom
Cruise to launch a fast track career, I have decided to pay my dues. I
think people underestimate how difficult it is to actually launch a career in
television. There are no shortcuts -- believe me, the old me would have taken
them. Now, I have buckled down and dedicating my time to people that care about
me, good people who will work with me and getting a job on air.
I will keep you posted on this journey, along with interesting characters I
meet between NY and L.A., and all the trials I am yet to experience. And, for
fun, maybe a list of dos and don’ts to guide those considering the entertainment
industry.
Oh and check out my web page www.fabianbasabe.com. I may as well come
out with it before Gawker and Jossip have their way with me! And since I am
including LA... let’s not forget our dear Perez.
Stay tuned! -FABIAN BASABE
Fabian Basabe: Having lived in New York, have you ever attended Fashion Week in New York?
Ann Coulter: No, though I'd like to just be at a cocktail party where I could talk to people eye to eye.
FB: We have both had our troubles with The New York Observer. They called you "the Republican Michael Moore", and "Rush Limbaugh in a miniskirt.” Don't you think your legs are much better than Rush or Moore's?
AC: Don't knock Rush Limbaugh's legs -- they're better than Hillary's.
FB: Time magazine took an unflattering cover shot of you with a fish eye lens. Which fashion photographer would you most like to shoot your next Time cover and in what setting?
AC: SHONNA VALESKA! She shot the cover photo on my next book. (If Democrats Had any Brains, They'd Be Republicans -- in bookstores Oct 2.) Shonna also shot the best photo ever taken of me for… Time magazine. Time didn't use that photo, instead choosing one of me mid-blink. (The photo editors are either blind or there's some sort of ideological agenda at work. I can't decide.) It is now available in poster size from Young America's Foundation.
FB: You frequently appear in short skirts. Whose skirts do you like this season?
AC: Hmmm, I'm not sure. What's John Edwards wearing? We seem to wear the same panties.
FB: A video of John Edwards fixing his hair appeared on Youtube. Who takes longer to do their hair -- you or John? Who has a better colorist?
AC: Speak of the devil! I do. It must be difficult to concentrate when you have to worry about being sued by the client.
FB: Sexual harassment is a big issue in certain industries such as politics and the modeling business. Do you think people who trade sexual favors really get ahead?
AC: It seems to have worked for Hillary.
FB: You are a brilliant self made and accomplished woman. Would you ever date a model?
AC: Is the model a Republican?
FB: Which is the Bigger Disaster... a) Britney Spears at the VMAs... b) The New York Times.
AC: At least there's hope for Britney.
FB: I once heard from a model that Bush ruined the modeling industry. How would you respond to him? By the way, this was from a male model who did a big ad campaign two years in a row and has been out of work for some time now and rumored to be selling his body in Brooklyn.
AC: That Karl Rove is something, isn't he?
FB: And last but not least... do you love that there is an Ann Coulter Barbie doll?
AC: YES! And her skirt is "actual size."
So I landed at JFK early from the red eye, went home for a power nap, had a late lunch at Cipriani's (the one in Grand Central Station) and headed over to the New York Yacht Club for Chris Benz's fashion presentation.
Now, as I have tried to convey in this blog, Fashion Week is a lot
of fun, but then, amidst the multitude of events, you stumble into the
one that is really very cool! The Yacht Club is, in my opinion, one of
the best building in NYC, and Chris's presentation was in its best
room... you know, the one with the miniature boats and the wooden walls
and the mosaic glass mirrors on the ceiling? That one. Now, pack it up
with slick socials, cool fashion people and gorgeous models, add a
soundtrack straight from the 1920s, stud it with girls wearing Benz's
colorful and elegant creations and top it off with Chris, the cherry on
top, in a panama hat and a bow tie. It was fun and original and true to
Chris' inspiration -- a modern take on a bygone era.
The next stop was the Vogue event at the rooftop of the Gramercy Park Hotel
where we were greeted by an army of models and cute PR girls, whisked
into the elevators and immersed in the perfectly crowded roof top
space. I said hello to Holly Doran, Meredith Melling Burke, Zani Gugelman, some of my favorite party photographers and some new faces. Many were hyped to head over to Marc Jacobs, John Varvatos and Marc Bouwer,
but we decided to have a quieter evening, despite the chug-a-lot
competition of Mosquito, a lethal drink of vodka, passion fruit, mint,
sugar and a not-really-identified liquor.
OK, I said quieter not quiet. After Vogue, we headed to dinner at the ever fabulous home of Ann Dexter-Jones.
Evenings at her home are always like Christmas -- you see friends that
you love, you meet people that become friends that you love, the house
is welcoming and Ann... well Ann is just Ann: the best. We spent some
time with Greg Calejo, Scott Currie, Vannessa von Bismarck, Mike and Marcy Warren, and many other cool New Yorkers. It was the perfect way to recover from the ever-traumatizing experience of last weekend in L.A. I am pulling the plug now, and going to sleep. Tomorrow I am heading to Princess Pants... I mean Stacey Bendet's for the Alice+Olivia presentation. See you there! - FABIAN BASABE
Let me start off by saying, what the f*$k! I am called away from
Fashion Week, take a flight that was delayed three hours, sequestered
from civilization, held up in a Marriot in Burbank while my friends are
flying to Vegas for the VMAs literally across the street (yes my hotel was in front of an airport) and for what????
So let me begin. After reading over a ginourmous stack of paper -- my contract -- clearing it with my agent at Don Buchwald,
disturbing my attorney and family friend on a weekend to sign off, I
accept an invitation to be a contestant on a game show called Do You Trust Me on CBS hosted by Tucker Carlson.
I sat patiently all day at the cement pond they called a pool waiting
for my call time today, did a long phone interview and basically was a
good sport and did not complain about anything.
I was finally given a call time
and a driver picked me up to drive me to Studio City. I was greeted and
asked to wait in a tiny room overlooking a dumpster with stained sofas
and no flat screen TV! Hours later I was sent to hair and makeup,
briefed, did a wardrobe check and put back in my room to learn they
went over budget and time and were being kicked off set at 10 p.m...
Yes I was still there at 10 p.m.!!!
A producer had the audacity to offer 500 dollars for my time!
OK, I am done venting... but I guess this is show biz! Something I
have to get used to once I move to LA. Basically, it’s a lot of hurry
up and wait! And sometimes with no result! Oh well, at least it is
sunny!
Greetings from the Valley!
So I was put up at a hotel in Burbank! People in
the Valley are just different -- take for example the genius who
designed the layout of this hotel and put the pool on the wrong side of
the building, so basically I sat on a plastic lounge chair and looked
at a wall with zero sun! This lasted about thirty seconds! LA is all
about the fresh burn... so I made a decision that I could not suffer
anymore and headed to the Beverly Hills Hotel and met Dori Cooperman for lunch with some friends and sat by the poolside in a civilized setting.
I mean honestly, who goes to LA and stays in Burbank!?
Back to Fashion Week... a great
event that I hope you all were aware of was the DHL sponsored rooftop
party at in Bryant Park hosted by Zac Posen to benefit TeachersCount,
a national non-profit that supports the teaching profession. The
centerpiece of the exclusive global partnership is the "Tote for
Teachers" campaign.
I think we can all agree that good teachers are invaluable to our
society and should get way more recognition, respect and funding. If
you can find the time, go online to www.toteforteachers.org and buy a bag, 100% of the proceeds will go to TeachersCount.
While I was still recovering from the previous night, It was good to see Annie Churchill, Maggie Betts and Allison Aston... always gracious and eager to support a cause. - FABIAN BASABE
Dear readers... I owe you a write up on the DHL-sponsored Zac Posen event which had a great turnout and benefits a great cause, Teacher's Count... bear with me as I am currently at the Admirals Club at
JFK waiting to board a flight to L.A. Oh yeah... I forgot to mention...
I am competing to win a million dollars on a game show this weekend! In
the spirit of the generous charitable efforts this Fashion Week, I hope
I win so I can put it to good use helping people. Will keep you posted!
Wish me luck!
[one hour later]
I am still in the Admiral's Club as my flight was cancelled due to a
mechanical problem... which I just learned is code for "we had too many
empty seats and need to combine flights." I am so mad!!!! Like CBS
couldn't send a plane for me!!!!
Anyway, I am hanging with Diana Ross in the lounge
who is also on my flight so that's pretty cool! I almost did not
recognize her but she looks amazing! And so nice... she is talking to
everyone.... we have at least two more hours, so why not!
Okay I won't keep you just because I am bored out of my mind!!! - FABIAN BASABE
Let me start off by saying I was nursing an epic hangover all day!! EPIC.
So, after the ADAM show yesterday I went to the art-rageous party hosted by Vanity Fair at Bloomingdales. it was an amazing set-up and for a fantastic cause. If I were as talented and artist as some of those whose works were being auctioned, I would paint you a picture, but I just cannot. Think fun, bright lights, beautiful models in balloon fashions, art installations and pretty people. So that's all I needed, but I loved seeing Chris Benz (more on him next week), VF's Darryl Brantley and Bob Collacello.
OK, let’s take a second and talk about this New York City taxi strike!!! I paid
40 dollars to go ten blocks!! Something about crossing zones... what is this, DC? When I was there last for the Presidential Inauguration, I learned the hard way that you can literally take a 30 minute cab ride for six dollars if you stay in one zone, but if you take a cab two blocks and happen to cross a zone it will cost you 27 dollars!!
I miss my Hummer... cabs are bullsh*#t!
So I went home to take a cold shower because I am so over this humidity... got dressed and ready to make the rounds...
My first stop was at the MoMA for the Tommy Hilfiger event in support of UNICEF. I love that so many designers are pairing with charitable and relief organizations this year. While the craze and hype is not as insane as other years, I find there is more quality this fall. I ran into friends Peter Toumbekis and Cuba Gooding Jr. who invited me to the rooftop of the Gramercy for the In Style party. I dragged Amanda Hearst and her friend Dalia who is visiting from L.A. to join us.
The party was amazing... nothing crazy, just a good room and good people. And then she walked in. I am such a fan and I totally dorked out and told my friends about it. GWEN STEFANI -- there, I said it! Also in attendance were supermodels Karolina Kourkova and Natalie Lion. Then it got crazy... Cuba wanted to go to Room Service, so we piled in the cars and drove two blocks! I honestly had no idea it was so close. Cuba was a huge hit and then Kanye West joined us... you have no idea the mob scene that surrounded our private room.
And yes, there is more... after finishing a magnum bottle of Grey Goose and a bottle of Patrón Silver (my drink of choice), we wanted more fun!
Next stop, Tenjune, which I think it is the most exciting club in New York right now! The room is perfect and the owners Mark and Eugene are such a great team. The place is drama free, the music is rock and eighties and the crowd is young, sexy and promiscuous. We joined the owners' table with Lance Bass, Andy Roddick and I cannot even remember how many other celebs and models were there... at some point we were jumping all over the furniture and doing shots, and before I got in too much trouble... I went home.
It took me all day to write these few lines because my memory and senses are just coming back to me... I never thought I would say these words, but I am not going out tonight!
Anyway, before I say goodnight, I thought I’d invent a new game:
MY REACTION: I walked away. -FABIAN BASABE
Welcome to the evening before Fashion Week
officially begins. However, you would think that it was in full swing
if you had been with me last night. This evening's activities combined
one of the grand, established names of baubles and one of newest most
talented fashion house. Let us begin with a pair of names that we all
know: Van Cleef & Arpels.
I arrived at what was appropriately called “Une Journée à Paris” at the Hammerstein Ballroom
to throngs of people outside desperate to get inside for a peek at
VC&A's latest creations. After navigating my way past the press on
the red carpet I entered into what could only be described as hysteria.
Aside from the crowds there were statuesque models modeling selected
pieces (occasionally with poodles who were sporting their own jewels)
on the runway, which was followed by a show straight out of La Cage aux Folles, except that these really were women. And stunning ones at that!!
I ran into several of New York's more delightful and fabulous young damsels including Tinsley Mortimer and her sister Dabney and the elegant newlywed Minnie Gaghan (née Mortimer),
among others. After several other brief hellos I decided to briefly
abandon hope of making it up the elaborate stairs to the upper levels
and had a quick drink at the bar. Once I had reinvigorated myself, I
braved it up the back stairs to the top where I reconnected with the
previously mentioned group as well as one of my favorite New York
couples: Dennis and Corralie Charriol Paul as well as the always radiant CeCe Cord.
I left the VC&A party just before the fire marshal shut down the door and headed over to Trovata's fashion presentation, which luckily was running late. I arrived just in time to find the ever classic and gorgeous Lauren Bush who has been very busy with her non-profit foundation, FEED, which she founded and is the director of.
Here is its mission statement: (http://www.feedprojects.org)
The FEED project was started by Lauren Bush, Honorary Spokesperson, to
benefit the United Nations World Food Programme. The proceeds from FEED
products go to feed hungry children in school around the world through
WFP's school feeding program. WFP fed 21.7 million children in over 74
countries in 2005. Yet around 400 million kids in the world still go to
bed hungry every night. Hunger and malnutrition kill more people than
AIDS, malaria, and TB combined. In fact, every five seconds a child
dies because he or she is hungry. The FEED project will raise awareness
about child hunger as well as give an education, a full belly, and a
brighter future to one hungry kid at a time!
so take a moment from your hectic schedules and get involved! -FABIAN BASABE