(Long Island, N.Y.) On September 13th HauteDiary.com hosted a special press event for the Princess London Shoe Brand with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from 3:00 to 6:00 P.M. at the trendy Ruia Boutique in Soho.

The specialty boutique welcomed their fashion guests and press with a cozy ambiance of an elegantly decorated living room emulating a London flat or a Parisian country French decorated apartment. As guests sipped cocktails in the background a Project Runway episode was playing on the 55 inch flat screen TV on the 2nd floor of the shoe boutique. Everyone was enjoying the cookies and cream, delicious chocolate cookies, yogurt covered pretzels and the tastiest cocktails by Pharrell Williams. My crew and I were enthralled with the peach flavored cocktail as we appreciated the fabulous shoes that were showcased.

The exquisitely embellished shoe collection was displayed on silver platters decorated with pearls and multi colored jewels as well as precious stones. The collection looked as if it was inspired right out of the whimsical fairytale Cinderella.

I had a chance to chat with Priscilla Monteiro, the founder and creator of this unique shoe brand. “What made you decide to design shoes,” I inquired? “I have always had a foot fetish,” she admitted.

Princess London shoes started in 2010 as a customized women’s footwear company derived from the edgy streets of London and New York. The line features upscale evening wear for the women who seeks a statement shoe. Shoes are embellished with Swarovski crystals and have touches of flowers, spikes, and pearls as well as exotic stones. Princess London Shoes are the perfect shoe accessory for any occasion from the red carpet to weddings or a night out on the town. Unlike most footwear companies, shoes can be customized to each customer’s specific interest. The shoes are in high demand and sought after by the most famous celebrities. These glamorous shoes are currently available in limited quantities.

To promote the Princess London Shoes brand further, The Volstead Restaurant at 125 E. 54th Street hosted an after party and Grammy Award Winning Stylist Eric Santiago presented giveaways to twenty of the most stylish attendees.

Celebrities that attended to give their support included: Derrick J from Oxygen Network’s “Hair Battle”, Dr. Michelle from Fashion Manuscript, Clarence X. McGann from Condenast, Angela Helm from Uptown Magazine and Miss Dominican Republic.

For more information please visit www.princesslondonshoes.com.

Recently the latest Reality TV franchise to hit the airways is the new reality docusoap “Dirty Soap.”

Daytime talk show host Kelly Ripa from “Live With Regis and Kelly” and her husband Actor Mark Consuelos are producing a reality series that focuses on the soap opera lives of daytime TV stars.

Consuelos and Ripa, the new Lucy and Desi have previously produced several TLC series through their partnership, Milojo Productions. Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos started their careers in soaps after meeting and falling in love while they romantically acted together on one of the longest airing daytime soaps “All My Children.”

“Dirty Soap” will feature six daytime stars who are juggling their own “real-life drama” and how it has an impact on their acting careers.

While filming an episode in the Time Warner Building I had a chance to interview Soap Stars Farah Fath who plays Gigi Morasco and John-Paul Lavoisier who portrays Rex Balsom on ABC’s One Life to Live.

Actress Farah Fath was born in Lexington, Kentucky on May 1st, 1984. Farah started her career in show business at the age of five. Because of her attractive appearance she was voted Miss Kentucky Preteen in 1995. Later she appeared in print campaigns for Duncan Hines and in a national commercial for Pringles potato chips. Two weeks after relocating to California she landed a role on Days of our Lives portraying the character Mimi Lockhart from 1999 to 2007. She currently plays single-mother Gigi Morasco on ABC’s One Life to Live. In real life she is dating her romantic interest on the show and her co-star John Paul Lavoisier, who portrays Gigi’s baby daddy Rex on One Life to Live.

John Paul Lavoisier was born March 12th, 1980 in Phoenixville, PA. Since 2002, he has played Rex Balsom on One Life to Live where his character transformed from con artist to involved dad. Lavoisier has also appeared in the film Wolves Of Wall Street, in several off-Broadway plays and as himself on the talk show The View.

John Paul Lavoisier is a member of the advisory board of theatre production company Streetlight Productions, Inc, and has performed in various off-Broadway productions including Discordant Duets and Counterfeit Garden.

“Dirty Soap” premiered on the E! network on September 25th in hopes of keeping audiences interested in the Soap Opera genre.

During our interview Actress Faith Fath revealed, “If you can’t fight them, join them.”

For more information please visit eonline.com.

(Long Island, N.Y.) Fashion enthusiasts, models, stylists and designers gathered to enjoy this year’s Nolcha Fashion Week.

Nolcha is an award-winning promotional events and retail platform specializing in independent fashion designers. To emerging artists Nolcha offers a fashion week program in New York and London providing social e-commerce and creative innovative popup shops.

Nolcha collaborates consumer brands with publicized landmark events. The sponsorship packages offered to client’s project profitable response rates, increased brand awareness as well the ability to interact directly with a highly desired niche demographic of affluent trendsetters. High profile brands that contribute support include: Coca-Cola, Paul Mitchell, Vitamin Water, Escada Fragrance and Land Rover.

The firm has a strong brand image as a key component of the global independent fashion market and receives affirmative recognition from world-renowned media outlets including: Cosmopolitan, Lucky, Glamour, CBS, Forbes, NBC, ABC, Fox and BBC.

Nolcha Fashion week was created by Kerry Bannigan. British born Kerry Bannigan began her career in Public Relations and Marketing while completing her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Communications at Sheffield Hallam University. After establishing a background in marketing and brand management, Kerry created Nolcha in 2006.

Each year Nolcha continues to develop cost-effective brand strategies for the independent fashion market. Kerry has created fashion events in Manhattan, Philadelphia, Chicago, and London. She is most seen featured in the media discussing the independent fashion market including NBC, CBS, BBC, Smart Money TV and Wall Street Journal.

Ms. Bannigan serves on the Board of New York Entrepreneur Week helping to facilitate Nolcha Fashion Events as well as manage media placement including Fox News, NBC and New York 1.

This year I attended several of their fashion shows. My top pick was Carlos Luna and Kareen Borgella – KBorgella Brand.

The element of refinement and fine tailoring are two characteristics of the Carlos Luna brand. His enthusiastic passion for fashion has already catapulted Carlos into the fashion world of “Who’s Who.”

His curiosity with fashion began as a little boy growing up in Colombia watching his mom create small scale designs with her sewing machine. He continued to aspire to become a designer and after graduating from high school in Columbia he came to New York and enrolled at Parsons The New School for Design in Manhattan.

With the assistance of his sister, Carlos created the CARLOS LUNA label in 2011 in New York City. His mission is to provide high quality designer pieces for the discerning elegant woman with exquisite taste. Carlos Luna vision is creating pieces well tailored incorporating delicate draping.

For more information please visit www.CarlosLuna.co.

The K. Borgella Collection represents fashionable women making a bold statement in the garments they wear. The K. Borgella brand caters to ladies who love color, great fabrics and texture. Their brand’s mission is to make beautiful clothes for women who just want to look and feel great in what they are wearing.

The K. Borgella collection consists of edgy but contemporary pieces that will turn heads left and right. Styles comprise of everything from evening to cocktail dresses to flowy tops and relaxed trousers.

Despite the sophistication of her pieces, Kareen believes that simplicity is the key – contrary concepts that translate into exquisite designs. Experience for yourself as the K. Borgella Collection will be available online at www.KBorgella.com and at local NYC and LA boutiques in the near future.

For more information please visit http://nolcha.com.

During Nolcha Fashion Week I took a break and attended a press book signing for Sexy Author Jackie Collin’s new publication “Goddess of Vengeance ” at a fabulous reception at the Library Bar in the Hudson Hotel in midtown Manhattan.

Members of the press were treated to French Champagne, pink Cocktails, delicious expensive hors d’oeuvres and a Q&A with Jackie herself.

Before things got underway, Jackie and I chatted together in the elegant glamorous Library Bar of the Hudson Hotel about her love of writing, her history as a bestselling author and the reason why she brought back the character Lucky Santangelo in “Goddess of Vengeance.”

Author, Jackie Collins’ fierce and wildly beautiful heroine Lucky Santangelo is back with a vengeance in a new exciting novel full of power, passion, revenge and the raging family dynamics of the Santangelo clan.

Power hungry Lucky Santangeo runs a high profile casino and hotel complex, The Keys in Vegas.

Lennie, her movie star husband, is still writing and directing successful independent movies, while Max, her stubborn and gorgeous teenage daughter is on the brink of celebrating her 18th birthday. Lucky’s son, Bobby, owns a string of hot trendy clubs. Lucky has everything, wealth, family, love, what could possibly go wrong?

Is it billionaire businessman Armand Jordan who is determined to take over her empire one way or the other?

The book highlights the exquisite characters Jackie is famous for creating and the riveting sex scenes in unusual places that her fans love to read about.

Jackie Collins has been titled “raunchy moralist” by the late director Louis Malle and “Hollywood’s own Marcel Proust” by Vanity Fair magazine. Jackie has sold over 400 million copies of her books in more than 40 countries worldwide. To her credit, she has twenty-seven New York Times bestselling novels. Ms. Collins is one of the world’s top-selling novelists. She is known for enthralling her readers with unrivaled insiders knowledge of Hollywood and the glamorous lives and loves of the rich and infamous. “I write about real people in disguise,” she reveals. “If anything, my characters are toned down – the truth is much more bizarre.”

Jackie began writing as a teenager, creating steamy stories her schoolmates paid to devour. Her first book, “The World is Full of Married Men,” became a sensational bestseller because of its open steamy sexuality. After that came “The Stud,” “Sinners,” “The Love Killers,” “The World is Full of Divorced Women,” “The Bitch,” “Lovers And Gamblers,” “Chances,” and then the international sensation, “Hollywood Wives.” My favorite of all her books which was also on the New York Times bestseller list which was produced into one of ABC’s highest-rated miniseries starring Stephanie Powers, Suzanne Somers, Anthony Hopkins and Candice Bergen.

Ms. Collins resides in Los Angeles, California. When she isn’t writing she fills her time with soul music, taking photographs and driving to exotic locations so that she can write about them later.

During our interview she revealed she is also writing a play entitled “Hollywood Lies.”

For more information on Author Jackie Collins please visit http://jackiecollins.com.

(Long Island, N.Y.) Not only is fashion week famous for the fashion shows at Lincoln Center but it is also famous for Fashion Night Out and the famous lounges that are frequented by celebrities, stylists, designers, models and fashionistas. The vibe around Lincoln Center was already at full buzz on Fashion Night Out.

Fashion’s Night Out started in Manhattan and was invented by Vogue Editor Anna Wintour during the recession as a way to get customers into stores shopping. This year I attended Henri Bendel’s on Fifth Avenue and interviewed hat designer Ellen Christine, general manager Robert Murtagh of China Grill Restaurant, assistant manager Emmanuel Hamoy of Blanc de Chine Boutique, retail manager Cherylann Robinson of Blanc de Chine Boutique and KPR Publicist Jessica Rae Someck. The highlight of the evening was a Neil Concert at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Later in the week I stopped by the Empire Hotel to see the Porsche Design Fashion Lounge. Though the Porsche Design brand may be predominantly known for selling high-end accoutrements like lighters, sunglasses, leather goods and even a fragrance line, the luxury name is now expanding their recently launched fashion collection. For the first time Porsche Design is proud to present a collection for women in Spring/Summer 2011. Following the initial success of the men’s line, the women’s collection features similarly designed leather jackets that showcase hand-made production and a sporty aesthetic which establishes the brand as classic.

To learn more about Porsche Design Group please visit www.porsche-design.com.

Another fabulous lounge at the Empire Hotel was the glamorous GBK Lounge.

GBK, the luxury lifestyle gift lounge and special events company honored Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week with their first GBK New York Fashion Week Style Lounge which took place at the Empire Hotel on the Second Floor, just steps away from the tents at Lincoln Center. The lounge was visited by celebrities, stylists, models, buyers and industry VIP’s. GBK, the recipient of BizBash’s Award for “Best Gift Bag,” offered its attendees an electrifying environment featuring new trends for Spring/Summer 2012, luxury gifts, spa services, refreshments and a charitable focus.

I had a chance to interview CEO Gavin B. Keilly who enlightened me on the benefits of hiring GBK productions.

Both of GBK’s presenting sponsors launched new products to the “whos who”. RevitaLash was onsite offering their newly formulated RevitaLash Advanced eyelash conditioner that lengthens and thickens ones eye lashes twice as fast as their prior formula. Green Smoke, the leading electronic cigarette manufacturer also provided the most authentic smoking experience without smoke, ash, butts or any of the odors with their electronic cigarette kits.

Guests received the following to help create their fashion wardrobe: Beyond The Rack, North America’s premier members-only shopping club that features brands such as Jimmy Choo, Marc Jacobs and Miu Miu, gifted $100 gift cards towards anything on their site, as well as designer sunglasses and fragrances; Demand shoes will be stepping into Fashion Week with their super trendy line of shoes styled with unique heels.

For more information please visit GBKproductions.com.

Hundreds of thousands of fashion industry professionals, insiders and VIP’s descended upon New York City for eight days of shows and presentations by some of the world’s leading fashion designers.

“This season’s diverse lineup of designers is a testament to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and Lincoln Center’s ability to create a world stage for the fashion industry to showcase everyone from the well established brands to the future stars,” revealed Lisa Holladay, manager of Brand Experience Marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA. “The scope and support of the event continues to evolve and with it comes new opportunities and benefits for those involved.”

This year Mercedes-Benz Fashion presented the following designers: Nicholas K, Porter Grey, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Richard Chai, Supima, Candela, Tadashi Shoji, EMERSON, Project Runway, Luca Luca, General Idea, Rebecca Taylor, Mara Hoffman, Tommy Hilfiger Men’s, Nicole Miller, Joy Cioci, Concept Korea, Cynthia Rowley, Academy of Art University, Falguni Peacock, Ruffian, Lacoste, Pink Tartan, Jill Stuart, Son Jung Wan, ADAM, Vivienne Tam, Farah Angsana, Honor, Charlotte Ronson, Monique Lhuillier, Rafael Cennamo, Venexiana, Katya Leonovich, Lela Rose, Derek Lam, DKNY, Tracy Reese, L.A.M.B., Diane von Furstenberg, Jen Kao, Y-3, Odd Molly, Custo Barcelona, Tommy Hilfiger, Timo Weiland, Jenny Packham, Callula Lillibelle, Carolina Herrera, Carlos Miele, Rebecca Minkoff, Donna Karan New York, VLOV, Yeohlee, Norman Ambrose, Betsey Johnson, GUiSHEM, Perry Ellis, J.Crew, Badgley Mischka, Vera Wang, Diesel Black Gold, Bibhu Mohapatra, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Argentine Designers, Zang Toi, Pamella Roland, Tibi, Narciso Rodriguez, Malan Breton, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, J. Mendel, Chado Ralph Rucci, Milly by Michelle Smith, Anna Sui, Elie Tahari, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein Collection, MADE IN AFRICA: by ARISE MAGAZINE, Elene Cassis and Naeem Khan.

I could not possibly attend all the shows so I chose eight favorites that were influential in my fashion coverage during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Helen Yarmak Spring 2012

Fashion Designer Helen Yarmak, famous for her luxury over-the-top colorful furs showcased simple slender cotton and spandex T-shirt dresses in soft pale hues. Cotton and Spandex were combined to manufacture chic frocks in soft and bold tropical colors to coordinate with the fur collection. This range included elongated tees, sleeveless sheaths and one shoulder silhouettes with insertions of nude netting. Stylists, fashionistas and guests were amused and delighted with the huge innovative whimsical plastic industrial zippers on the bright yellow mink poncho and the fuchsia lamb vest.

The Helen Yarmak Jewelry Collection is just as glamorous as the rest of her signature collection. The jewelry featured included Sapphire and Diamond Butterfly Earrings, Button-sized Emerald Earrings, bold rings, a gorgeous ruby red tulip neck piece that reminded me of art and a dazzling Diamond Zipper.

Carlos Miele Spring 2012

Inspiration for this season shared his vision of the tropical “Bird of Paradise.” A strong tropical aquatic element was evident from day into evening. The dramatic caftan that opened the show was draped over a sleek white one-piece swimsuit. Botticelli-style inspired, the collection closed with the finale gown of a fan detailing on the bodice that made the model look as if she was emerging from a clam. The hues were bold, vibrant and vivid. Luxury fabrics were soft, drapey and slinky. One look featured a piece emulating a deflated disco ball just ready to take a spin. Calmer pieces were scattered throughout such as a long draped skirt that swooped up the center to reveal a hint of leg. For those who enjoy the tropics or evenings poolside in the Hamptons there will be plenty to choose from.

Vlov Spring 2012

Mr. Richard Wu, VLOV’s CEO and Chief Designer, revealed, “We are very excited to be presenting our Spring/Summer 2012 collection and want to thank the China Fashion Designer’s Association for their recommendation to have VLOV participate in New York Fashion Week. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase our designs at such an esteemed venue and to be featured among many highly regarded global brands.”

To present during New York Fashion Week, VLOV went through an extensive review process, which included American and European fashion week representatives visiting VLOV’s offices as well as multiple store locations. Mr. Wu is highly respected and is considered one of China’s top fashion designers and has been named China Fashion Week’s Top Ten Fashion Designer for the past two years.

His men’s collection boasts edgy cuts, V-shapes and asymmetric zipper detail.

Edgy and eye-catching, the collection amused spectators for Wu’s New York Fashion Week debut. As one of China Fashion Week’s top 10 fashion designers for the past two years, Americans will surely be seeing more of collections.

Malan Breton Spring 2012

The inspiration for the Spring 2012 Collection was created from the artwork of wildlife photographer John Aiden, and the Chinese ceremony of the New Moon. Malan Breton’s vision creates his spring 2012 collection Fantôme. The collection collaborates the unique movement of ethereal beings. While still maintaining Breton’s signature Saville row tailoring he uses his signature fabrics, silks in weaves of organza, chiffon, gazaar, and his signature Chinoise metal weave.

This season, the runway featured wildlife photography of John Aiden, brought to life courtesy of Spoonflower. The show included Breton’s favorite personal styling elements. Accessories included beautifully crafted Swiss timepieces by Rado, shoes by United Nude and hats designed by Ellen Christine Millinery.

A supporter of the arts, Breton knows the importance of incorporating all of Lincoln Centers artistic elements. The show opened to a theatrical performance of “Le Cygne” by Camille Saint-Saens performed by musicians from Breton’s alma matter the Julliard School, and ballerina Brittney Franklin.

Zang Toi Spring 2012

Actress Kirstie Alley closed the Zang Toi Spring 2012 show as predicted by Coco Perez.

In my interview with Actress Kirstie Alley she admitted that he is her favorite designer and he has created numerous beautiful designs for her since 1993. Kirstie revealed, “I did the cover of Redbook and I wanted something really beautiful … he just has the most beautiful clothes, period.”

Fashion Designer Zang Toi created the dramatic, royal blue, long-sleeve show stopper gown exclusively for Ms. Alley.

Zang Toi is famous for designing dramatic evening clothes for discerning women such as Sharon Stone, Patti LaBelle and Ivana Trump.

This year the collection was inspired by North Africa, Toi’s theatrical spring collection was orchestrated by the music of Sting’s “Desert Rose,” during which models strolled out in vibrant jewel-encrusted coats, silk and cashmere sweaters with sapphire beading, and gold-bordered “goddess” coats trailing sweeping dramatic trains.

Sherri Hill Spring 2012

“Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” Kendall Jenner strolled on the runway modeling the Sherri Hill Spring 2012 Collection. The Sherri HIll fashion show for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week was presented at the Trump Tower Grand Corridor on September 14th.

Sisters Kourtney Kardashian, Kim Kardashian, and Khloe Kardashian sat front row and proudly cheered as their sibling 15-year-old Kendall Jenner as she did the catwalk in ease.

Kendall modeled a glamorous maroon strapless gown with a slit up the side, a silver strapless gown with short fringed skirts, a frothy white confection with marabu skirt as well as a black frock with a long black scarf. Kendall will be sweet 16 this coming November.

Also modeling on the runway was Cassidy Gifford, daughter to Kathy Lee and Frank Gifford.

Signature pieces in Sherri Hill’s Spring 2012 collection included the strapless orange gown with the full skirt, the turquoise embroidered gown and a fabulous gown with red leaf detail on the bodice.

Icon Fashion Model Carmen who has been modeling for 65 years closed the show.

Guli Spring 2012

The Guli Spring 2012 show of Gulnara Karimova, the daughter of Uzbekistan’s authoritarian ruler did not take place at Lincoln Center as originally planned amid protests alleging forced child labor in the cotton fields of her home country.

Karimova was not among the 300 people who did attend. Many were New York-based expatriates from Russia, Georgia and other former Soviet republics. Organizers of the event revealed Karimova was not in New York at the time her fashion show took place.

The show was relocated and held privately at Cipriani’s near Grand Central Terminal on East 42nd Street.

Models strutted on the runway wearing long, flowing dresses in pale colors. the men’s collection included ethnic flourishes such as blanket-like shawls flung over the shoulder. The clothes were credited to a group of a half-dozen designers who took a bow but declined interview requests.

While the fashion show was taking place twenty protesters held signs, chanting slogans like “Child labor is a crime, hey Gulnara, it’s about time.” Protestors also handed out flyers with pictures revealing children picking cotton. Activists also staged a small protest at the Lincoln Center tents where other Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week fashion shows ended on the last day of the spring previews.

Elene Cassis Spring 2012

Ellen Cassis was the last show at Lincoln Center in the tents.

Elene Cassis Spring 2012 is inspired by the Greek fret or Greek key. Meanders symbolize infinity and unity and appear significantly in bands in Greek art. This motif enhanced the clean sophisticated silhouettes that Elene Cassis’s ready-to-wear is famous for.

Ladylike soft colors made a spectacular entrance on the runway reminiscent of the early 1960’s combined with a yellow key inspired print. Also prevalent was a red and white geometric pattern which opposed the yellow for a dramatic influence. Hues consisting of aqua sea foam and salmon in soft tones as well as a flat matte pink silk defined the elegant side of the Ellen Cassis Spring 2012. Cassis’s signature black and white will also make a memorable impression in a geometric print followed by a silk blend beige tweed combined with gold specs blending a rich and classic texture to the full fashion presentation.

For more information on Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week please visit www.mbfashionweek.com.

(Long Island, N.Y.) Guests and art enthusiasts joined Scott & Diane Hewett, Yvette & Bill Mammes at Rugosa Restaurant for a special reception showcasing Artist Scott Hewett’s latest art work entitled “Scott Hewett Fine Art Presents Realism with a Pop” on Thursday, September 1st at Rugosa Restaurant in East Hampton.

Artist Scott Hewett now 46 creates his own vision with his paintbrush in one hand and his easel in the other painting bold pieces of art at his Noyac studio.

Originally from Bradford, Massachusetts, Scott decided to relocate to Sag Harbor to embark on his artistic career in 1988. After his studies and education in fine art he received a BFA with honors from Massachusetts College of Art and has been honored with many awards including the Tom O’Hara Award for Illustration.

Mr. Hewett’s fascination with the east end of Long Island offers a rich variety of scenes and subject matter to paint. His paintings are inspired from the farms, wooded areas, the shore, the lifestyle and especially the unique Long Island “light” which renders his subjects into vividly colorful paintings. A local landscape, a rusted old truck or a still life painting of everyday objects like a peeled orange or crayon box transports the ordinary into art and jumps off the canvas. Most incredible is the large-scale size depictions of his subjects.

Hewett’s style transcends simple photorealism by his use of almost hyper-real hues and strong contrast creating his paintings to pop with unusual sensibility. Scott collaborates dark and light shades and he often plays with complementary colors. “They fight each other,” he reveals of the contrasting hues “and that gives it more pop.”

Scott incorporates different media and alternating techniques playing with the level of detail in his images. Some areas of his art are layered and rich with detail, while others are left looser conveying more gesture. “It’s all experimentation,” he reveals “I’m very spontaneous with my work.”

He has been successful selling his artwork individually and privately leading him to do business outside of the traditional gallery and has found a home displaying his art at Rugosa restaurant in East Hampton soon.

His work is in many private collections and he is a member of the Artists Alliance of East Hampton.

For more information please visit www.hewettart.com.

Later that evening East Hamptonites enjoyed a screening of “Bombay Beach” at the Guild Theater in East Hampton hosted by Actor Alec Baldwin. I had a chance to interview the Director Alma Harel before the screening. Afterwards Director Alma Har’el joined Actor Alec Baldwin for a Q&A on the production of the film.

The synopsis of the film, ‘Bombay Beach’ is the rusting relic of a failed 1960’s development boom. The Salton Sea is a barren Californian landscape often seen as a symbol of the failure of the American Dream. First-time director Alma Har’el revisits this poetically fruitful terrain in her distinctive documentary ‘Bombay Beach.’ She captures a motley cast including a bipolar seven-year-old, a lovelorn high school football star and an octogenarian poet-prophet. Together they establish a triptych of American manhood in its decisive moments, populating the Salton Sea’s land of thwarted opportunity. True to her roots as a photographer, video artist, and music video director, Har’el brilliantly crafts an adamantly atypical and artistically innovative film. A dreamlike poem that sets the personal stories of these distinctive yet familiar characters to a stylized amalgam of observational documentary and choreographed dance. The score of the film was created by Beirut and Bob Dylan.

Director Alma Har’el was born and raised in Israel. She started her career as a photographer and a video artist.

While working in New York City and London her live video-art performances with musicians led her to directing music videos. Alma’s frequent collaborations with singer Zach Condon of the band Beirut brought her several nominations in film and music video festivals throughout the globe. The video for Beirut’s “Elephant Gun” was chosen as one of the best videos of the decade in 2010 by several publications.

She is most recognized for her ability to create images with a striking balance of emotions heavy hearted as much as they are joyful and playful. Director Alma Har’el currently resides in Los Angeles, California. ‘Bombay Beach’ is her first film.

For more information about the film ‘Bombay Beach’ please visit www.bombaybeachfilm.com.

Hamptonites gussied up with their designer duds fascinators and outrageous hats to attend the 36th Annual Hampton Classic.

The Hampton Classic is one of the largest outdoor horse shows in the United States and a premier destination for horse enthusiasts and equestrians. The Classic is a much-anticipated stop on the summer tour and closes the Hampton season as the social event of the summer. Now well into its third successful decade, The Hampton Classic Horse Show is in a class all its own both in the minds of spectators and horse people alike.

In 2009 the Hampton Classic became only the second horse show ever to receive the status of Heritage Competition by the United States Equestrian Federation. This prestigious status is reserved for competitions that have been in existence for at least 25 years and have provided for their communities as well as the horse community as a whole in an unprecedented fashion.

The Hampton Classic is proud to play host to the year-end finals of the very popular Young Jumper Championships. Horses ranging in age from 5 to 8 years old compete in their respective divisions after qualifying in a year-long, very competitive points race for their top prize of the season.

As the first U.S. stop in the East Coast World Cup League, the quest for those coveted spots on the World Cup Finals squad kicks off at the Classic. Guests and spectators saw some of the top jumper riders from around the world competing for some of the richest prize money offered in this country.

I had a chance to chat with President Dennis A. Suskiind who informed me that there was an exciting new addition to the schedule this year which is the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. Likened to a “grand prix for show hunters,” the new competition showcased the magnificent beauty and athleticism of the High Performance Hunter.

On Sunday The VIP tent was filled to capacity with A-listers and VIP’s dressed to be seen and the gorgeous grand prix field continued to be one of the best show jumping arenas anywhere, while former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and current Mayor Michael Bloomberg arrived to delight photographers as always. McLain Ward won the $250,000 FTI grand prix for the third consecutive year and a record sixth time since 1998.

“This is the best show in our country,” revealed Ward, “I always bring my best horse because I believe that the event that is put on here is worthy of that. It means a lot to win here, it means as much for me to win this grand prix as any.”

For more information please visit www.hamptonclassic.com.

(Long Island, N.Y.) On Friday, August 26th before an impending Hurricane art enthusiasts gathered at the opening of Galleria Della Lupa in Sag Harbor to enjoy an evening of wine, conversation and fine art.

Giancarlo Impiglia creations of fine art incorporate historical references in his lively compositions. The distinguished artist has been painting as far back as the 1970’s and his collection stands on the shoulders of the Italian futurists, recalls the flourishes of Art Nouveau, celebrates the curving geometry of Art Deco and integrates the concept of Cubism.

Cognac Wellerlane interviews Giancarlo Impiglia at the opening of his gallery in Sag Harbor Galleria Della Lupa.

Giancarlo’s stylized figures inhabit a unique world of his own art creations. Impiglia’s animation permeates his work. His collection is a series of movement and social commentary; it is rich in observation. There is an absolute wit in his expression of art in how individuals move and dress and interrelate in our society today in the modern world.

Giancarlo is a true maximalist and his work “speaks” to art enthusiasts who love his bold interpretations. His art is exciting, vibrant, bold, international, cosmopolitan and very sexy.

His fabulous new gallery located at 150 Main Street in Sag Harbor showcases his elegant art work. The gallery has quietly opened its doors. Owner/Director Nina Frand was always fascinated with Italian culture and spent several years living in the eternal city of Rome.

Under the influence of the imposing Roman structures and the history of the Italian capital, Nina has timelessly been immersed in the artistic traditions of Italy and ancient Rome. She therefore carefully named the gallery Galleria Della Lupa, or “Gallery of the Wolf,” inspired by the legend that tells the story of twin princes, Romulus and Remus, who were cast into the Tiber River when their grandfather was overthrown by their usurping great uncle. Rescued by a she-wolf known as “La Lupa,” the brothers were raised as her own until a herdsman named Faustulus found them.

The two siblings became the founders of ancient Rome, Romulus ruling as the first king after killing his brother Remus. Since then, La Lupa suckling Romulus and Remus has established the iconic symbol of the city of Rome and the founding of the Roman Empire. It has combined the true image of imperial power and the tenacity of the Roman spirit.

During the upcoming season, Galleria Della Lupa will showcase paintings and sculptures by Nina Frand’s husband, the well known Italian artist Giancarlo Impiglia, who has been part of the East End community of artists since the early 80’s but was born and raised in the beautiful eternal city of Rome not far from the Vatican. The many faceted aspects of Giancarlo Impiglia’s creativity are present in the Galleria’s first show.

The gallery’s mission is to expose the unknown side of the artist; this new exhibition includes sculptures, paintings, drawings and graphics from different periods of his prolific career. The exhibit features the evolution of his style which continues to unfold into new visions.

For more information please visit www.galleriadellalupa.com.

Cognac Wellerlane interviews Celebrity Plastic Surgeon Dr. Joseph Pober at the World Trump Bar.

I recently interviewed Celebrity Plastic Surgeon Dr. Joseph Pober at the World Trump Bar located at 845 United Nations Plaza.

Dr. Pober is a summa cum laude graduate of Columbia University and Harvard Medical School. At Harvard University Dr. Pober was specifically chosen to simultaneously attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Graduate School. He studied both general surgery and plastic surgery at The New York Hospital Cornell Medical Center. After serving as Chief Resident in Plastic Surgery at the New York Hospital Cornell Center, he completed two Fellowships. He later specialized in cosmetic surgery with Dr. Thomas Rees at Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital of The NYU Institute of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Joseph Pober now specializes in facial sculpting Craniomaxillofacial Surgery.

In addition to his private aesthetic practice on Park Avenue, he also instructs at the faculty in Plastic Surgery at the State University of New York-Downstate Medical Center. He is a member of the attending staff of Columbia University’s teaching hospitals, St.Luke’s Hospital and Roosevelt Hospital. Dr. Joseph Pober is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Pober has performed numerous surgeries including Eyelid Lift, Lower Lid Blepharoplasty, Upper Lid Blepharoplasty, Rhinoplasty, Liposuction/Liposculpture, Breast Augmentation, Tummy Tuck and many other cosmetic enhancements.

During our interview he discussed the benefits of facial injectables, one of them being Restylane.

Restylane is the trade name for a range of injectable fillers with a specific formulation of non-animal sourced hyaluronic acid. Restylane was the first stabilized hyaluronic acid filler on the market and reportedly has been used in over 11 million treatments worldwide in 2010.

In the United States, Restylane was the first hyaluronic acid filler to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for cosmetic injection into sub dermal facial tissues.

Juvederm is a smooth gel filler that is used to instantly smooth away wrinkles around your mouth and nose. With just one treatment, patients will get a smooth and natural look. Results last up to a year.

Radiesse is a form of Collagen that provides volume, flexibility and strength to healthy, young skin. As a part of the aging process, an individual’s natural collagen breaks down, diminishing facial volume and elasticity. This loss of elasticity and volume results in wrinkles, facial lines and skin laxity all of which steal the skin’s youthful, fresh appearance.

For more information about Dr. Joseph Pober please visit www.drjosephpober.com.

(Long Island, N.Y.) Beauty bloggers and members of the press spent a day of beauty in the Hamptons at the Ciroc Cabana Club to experience the intoxicating new fragrance EMPRESS by Sean John, an exciting new perfume for women.

Recording Artist and now ambassador for the fragrance Kelly Rowland made a special appearance to promote the perfume.

A New York City bus transported beauty editors and bloggers from New York City to the glamorous Ciroc Cabana Club located in Sag Harbor. Guests sipped Ciroc Cocktails, enjoyed a delicious BBQ lunch, and took in sunbathing poolside to receive manicures, pedicures and massages while previewing the exciting new sexy fragrance EMPRESS by Sean John.

EMPRESS by Sean John Fragrance Launch in Sag Harbor, Southampton Summer Gala and Dining at the Southampton Social Club.

“I created Empress for the woman who is powerful beyond all others,” revealed Sean John Combs, “With its crisp, fruity, floral notes; this perfume will make you feel regal indeed!”

The fragrance will be sold exclusively at Macy’s stores in August and will cost between $50-$74.

The Hamptons social class and media gathered together to celebrate the 53rd Annual Summer Gala for the Southampton Hospital on August 6th, 2011 under the Tents at Wickapogue Road in Southampton.

This year’s theme was a Tropical Paradise. The event took place on Saturday, August 6th, 2011. Attendees and supporters danced the evening away to the magical and memorable music of The Alex Donner Orchestra in a tropical getaway created by renowned interior designer Tony Urrutia. The annual gala was an elegant and tasteful affair, catered by Robbins Wolfe Eventeurs.

Guests enjoyed a silent auction with numerous enticing items, among them a Baccarat Decanter and four U.S. Open Final Tickets. The 53rd Annual Southampton Hospital summer gala supports the Hospital’s Jenny and John Paulson Emergency Department, which serves more than 25,000 residents and visitors annually on Long Island’s South Fork. The Emergency Department is titled after the Paulsons, in recognition of their generous support for the Hospital. Jean Shafiroff was the Benefit Chair for the second consecutive year in a row. Tiffany & Co. is the Honorary Jewelry Chair, Barclay’s Wealth is the Honorary Corporate Chair, Cushman and Wakefield is the Honorary Commercial Real Estate Chair, Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate is the Honorary Residential Real Estate Chair.

Southampton Hospital treats more than 25,000 people annually in the Jenny and John Paulson Emergency Department. In fact, in the months of July and August it receives more emergency visits than some New York City hospitals. Its board-certified Emergency Medicine physicians and specialty-trained staff are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to treat a full spectrum of patient accidents and illnesses from minor cuts to heart complications. Southampton Hospital is the ambulance destination when a heart attack or stroke is suspected because it has the most sophisticated, non-invasive cardiac diagnostic and monitoring technology available. Southampton Hospital is a New York State-designated Stroke Center and was awarded the HealthGrades Patient Safety Award in 2008 and 2010. Southampton Hospital is an affiliate of the Stony Brook University Medical Center, a member of the East End Health Alliance.

Cognac Wellerlane interviews Benefit Chairman Jean Shafiroff, President CEO of Southampton Hospital Robert S. Chaloner and Realty TV Star Sonja Morgan who is a big supporter of the Hospital.

The Southampton Hospital Foundation is the fundraising and communications arm of Southampton Hospital. The Foundation’s mission is to seek to heighten awareness, promote goodwill and maximize private philanthropy to advance and strengthen the vision of Southampton Hospital.

The Board of Trustees of the Foundation and The Board of Directors of the Hospital are dedicated community volunteers and leaders who donate generously their time, talent and financial resources.

Contributions of all amounts are valued and appreciated by their entire hospital family. Staff members, volunteers and physicians are committed to providing compassionate, high quality care to residents and visitors of the East End of Long Island.

Nearly all members of their medical staff are board-certified in their specialties. The Southampton Hospital and its satellite facilities are equipped with some of the most advanced diagnostic and treatment technology available today. Their laboratory is accredited by the College of American Pathologists and is part of an exclusive group of 6,000 plus facilities worldwide that meet CAP’s stringent requirements. CAP requirements are considered the ‘gold’ standard in healthcare and laboratories accredited by CAP not only meet but exceed Federal requirements.

For more information please visit www.southamptonhospital.org.

Newly opened Southampton Social Club restaurant is the new kid on the block. The restaurant opened its doors this past Memorial Day Weekend.

Located in the former Madame Tong’s near the railway stop, this Southampton eatery is creating a buzz in the Hamptons. The elegant grand entrance and the exterior courtyard with double doors is perfect for weddings and formal parties.

EMPRESS by Sean John Fragrance Launch in Sag Harbor, Southampton Summer Gala and Dining at the Southampton Social Club.

Diners can expect a classic American menu with gourmet specialties including lavish seafood towers stuffed with lobster claws, jumbo shrimp, Little Neck Clams, Jeseps Neck Oysters and Jonah Crab Claws followed by excellent entrees such as slow-cooked Pacific Halibut over farmer’s market vegetables and local fingerling potatoes. The restaurant also has as an array of homemade pastas and grilled meats.

At Southampton Social Club all dishes are carefully crafted daily to complement to the delicious fare.

The cocktail menu includes fusion-based and frozen cocktails created with fresh ingredients. Additionally, Southampton Social Club features an amazing selection from an array of award-winning wines. Guests can toast to the season under the glittering stars with the hotspot’s chic outdoor seating or tuck away in the plush banquettes that lie inside.

In addition to a roster of the music industry’s hottest DJs, this reinvented Southampton staple is also set to bring live music to the Hamptons nightlife scene.

More information can be found at www.southamptonsocialclub.com.

 Gateway To The Future Gala To Benefit The Performing Arts Center Of Suffolk County

(Long Island, N.Y.) On Friday, July 22nd The Hamptons International Film Festival presented SummerDoc Screening Of “Page One: Inside The New York Times” at Guild Hall in East Hampton.

The event was hosted by Actor Alec Baldwin with a Q&A immediately following the screening with director Andrew Rossi, The New York Times’ Media Reporter, David Carr and The New York Times’ Executive Editor, Bill Keller.

During the Screening I had a chance to interview the Director and Producer, Andrew Rossi, about this riveting and compelling film.

Andrew Rossi is a director, producer and cinematographer of documentary films. His first feature film, “Eat This New York,” aired on the Sundance Channel in 2004. Mr. Rossi later directed “Le Cirque: A Table In Heaven,” a documentary about restaurateur Sirio Maccioni and his family. The film premiered at the 2007 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival and was later shown on HBO. His most recent and publicized film “Page One: Inside the New York Times” premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and was released in theaters on June 17th, 2011.

In the tradition of great fly-on-the-wall documentaries, “Page One: Inside the New York Times” deftly gains unprecedented access to The New York Times newsroom and the inner workings of the Media Desk. With the Internet surpassing print as our main news source and newspapers all over the country going bankrupt, the documentary “Page One” chronicles the transformation of the media industry at its time of greatest turmoil. Writers like Brian Stelter, Tim Arango and the salty but brilliant David Carr track print journalism’s metamorphosis even as their own paper struggles to stay vital and solvent. Meanwhile, their editors and publishers grapple with existential challenges from players like WikiLeaks, new platforms ranging from Twitter to tablet computers, and readers’ expectations that news online should be free.

The question arises “Is rigorous journalism still thriving?” “Page One” gives us an up-close look at the vibrant cross-cubicle debates, collaborations, tenacious jockeying for on-the-record quotes, and skillful page-one pitching that produce the “daily miracle” of a great news organization.

The documentary shows us the inside workings of a nuanced portrait of journalists continuing to produce extraordinary work-under increasingly difficult circumstances.

At the heart of the film is the burning question on the minds of everyone who cares about a rigorous American press, Times lover or not: what will happen if the fast-moving future of media leaves behind the fact-based original reporting that helps to define our society?

TakePart is the digital division of Participant Media, whose slate of films includes “An Inconvenient Truth,” ” The Cove,” “Food, Inc.,” “Waiting for Superman,” and “Page One: Inside the New York Times.” TakePart’s mission is to inspire people to get involved through their compelling films.

TakePart also provides services from custom content creation to campaign building to partners wishing to bolster their audiences with a message of social change. The company brings a powerful social action network of individuals, NGO’s, online communities and brands who share a common interest in making the world a better place.

The Hamptons International Film Festival was founded to celebrate the Independent film, long, short, fiction and documentary and to introduce a unique, varied spectrum of international films and filmmakers to the public. The Festival is committed to exhibiting films that express fresh voices and differing global perspectives with the hope that these programs will enlighten audiences, provide invaluable exposure for filmmakers and present inspired entertainment for all.

For more information about the Festival, and to become a member, please visit their website at www.hamptonsfilmfest.org.

Guild Hall was founded over 75 years ago and is the year-round arts center dedicated to serving the residents, members, families, and artists of the East End. Guild Hall offers visitors and tourists enriching experiences by presenting relevant and meaningful programs in the visual and performing arts. The Guild works in collaboration with other artists providing a meeting place for the community.

For more information and to become a member, visit www.guildhall.org.

For more information about the documentary “Page One: Inside the New York Times” visit www.takepart.com.

The Doll And Toy Show And Sale will be taking place from July until the middle of August at the Southampton Historical Museum in Southampton, New York at Rogers Mansion. The Southampton Historical Museum is located at 17 Meeting House Lane, Southampton, New York.

The estate sale has hundreds of collectibles, modern dolls, teddy bears and dollhouse furniture. Everything has been generously donated to help benefit the Southampton Historical Museum and The Toy Museum of New York.

In 1951, the Society acquired the Rogers Mansion. The estate was built in 1843 and exhibited furnishings donated by local families. During that decade the Society acquired and restored two historical properties with the help of Southampton summer resident Henry Frances DuPont, founder of the Winterthur Museum. The properties were the Thomas Halsey Homestead constructed in 1660 and the Elias Pelletreau Shop erected in 1686. After extensive restorations the structures were open to the public during the summer season with exhibits of colonial-era furnishings and tools. By the 1990’s the Rogers Mansion property had expanded to include twelve historical buildings including a one-room schoolhouse, a colonial-era barn and a 19th-century paint shop. The museum is open year-round with revolving exhibits on historic topics, a research center and extensive education programs for school children and adults.

For more information about the Southampton Historical Museum please visit www.southamptonhistoricalmuseum.org.

On Saturday July 23rd The Gateway Playhouse Theater in Bellport, Long Island presented their first annual Gateway To The Future Gala To Benefit The Performing Arts Center Of Suffolk County.

The newly created Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County will be presenting the 62nd season and all future seasons at the Gateway Playhouse. The Gateway Playhouse is Long Island’s oldest professional theater. The continuing legacy of theatrical excellence pioneered by the Gateway Playhouse will be upheld by the Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County while allowing the quality of future productions to soar to new heights.

The gala joined theater enthusiasts and Broadway sensations Luann Aronson (“Phantom of the Opera”), Dan Cooney (“Les Misérables”), Bradley Dean (“Monty Python’s Spamalot”), and Kingsley Leggs (“Sister Act”: A Divine Musical Comedy) at the much anticipated theater event. Guests enjoyed cocktails, dinner, dancing and a silent auction.

Following the cocktail hour, guests participated in a presentation from the student production of The Who’s “Tommy,” showcasing the talents of long-time performing arts students. At the presentation there was a special tribute to the Pomeran family with a look back on the sixty-two year history of The Gateway Playhouse.

The Gateway Playhouse and its first incarnation, the Gateway Hotel, operated under the same family management from 1941 through 2010. The property was originally a farm and was formerly the estate of J. L. B. Mott. The Mansion House and ballroom were designed by the famous architect Stanford White. Presently the structures on the property include: the Main Stage Playhouse and old Barn Theatre, part of the original mansion house, dance and rehearsal studios, costume shop and costume storage loft, the scene shop, paint shop and technical office, administrative office, prop and furniture storage, “the party room,” and various buildings used as housing for staff.

For auction items and other information, please visit www.gatewayplayhouse.org.

(Long Island, N.Y.) The Long Island Film TV Foundation and the Nassau County Film Commission supporting the Long Island International Film Expo was held at the Bellmore Movies from July 7th through July 14th, 2011. Past festivals have hosted from fifty to one hundred fifty five shorts and feature-length independent films from all over the world during the course of the entire week the film festival runs.

All film genres are considered during the submission process. A schedule of films and their synopses was also available to all those who participated in the event.

The Long Island International Film Expo always begins with the opening night party that is by invitation only. Participating directors, producers, filmmakers, sponsors, dignitaries, board members, press, media, and ticket holders are invited to this informal gathering to network, enjoy and participate in the festival’s celebration.

During the course of the festival several panels are held usually consisting of a distribution panel, a script writing panel, legal music panel and a filmmaker panel and breakfast.

Once the winners of the Long Island International Film Expo have been selected by a combination of audience ballot and judging committee, they are honored at the Long Island International Film Expo Closing Night Party and Awards Ceremony. At this event selected nominees receive their trophies and winners’ prizes which vary from year to year and include cash prizes, free editing time, DVDs, free rentals of lights and other promotional perks. The closing party and awards ceremony was held on Thursday, July 14th, 2011.

Formats for screening during the festival include 35 mm, MiniDV, DV Cam and DVD (all NTSC). Long Island Film Expo caters to filmmakers with top of the line projection equipment, so their video screenings have the highest screening quality. They also have a script writing competition.

Some of the categories awarded include: Best Director, Best Story, Best Feature Film (in 35 mm and Video), Best Short Film (in 35 mm and Video), Best Long Island Film, Best Student Film, Best Animation, Best Foreign Film, Technical and special categories. This year there were several technical and special categories judged before the film festival by special entry. Technical categories included: Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction and Best Lighting. The technical awards were presented on Friday, July 8th, 2011 at the opening night party. Special awards (acting and supporting roles) were given out during the closing party on Thursday, July 14th, 2011 at the Filmmakers Lounge directly West of the Bellmore Movies.

Past festivals/closing night awards ceremonies have been attended by Steve Buscemi “Trees Lounge, Armageddon,” Billy Baldwin “Backdraft,” Cliff Robertson “Charley, PT109,” Danny Aiello “Moonstruck,” Edie Falco “The Sopranos,” Judy Berlin, Steve Guttenberg “Cocoon,” Ralph Macchio “The Karate Kid,” Kelly Rutherford “Melrose Place,” Oleg Cassini “fashion designer,” Karen Allen “Raiders of the Lost Arc,” “The Perfect Storm,” Eddie McGee “Big Brother,” Brian O’Halloran “Clerks,” Dan Lauria “The Wonder Years,” Abe Vigoda “Barney Miller,” Yancy Butler “Witchblade,” Tony Lo Bianco “Police Story,” Nestor Serrano “24,” Nikki Blonsky “Hairspray,” Kevin Covais “American Idol,” Adam Ferrara “Rescue Me,” and Cathy Moriarty “Raging Bull.”

At the event I had a chance to interview President/Chairman Bob Hansen who remarked “The event gets bigger and bigger each year.”

Bellmore Filmmaker Sal Del Giudice was honored with the top award for “Best Long Island Film” on July 14th at the Long Island International Film Expo at the Bellmore Theater and Actor, Filmmaker and Director Ed Burns received the Creative Achievement award during the awards ceremony.

For more information please visit www.liifilmexpo.com.

Bay Street Theatre continues its twenty year celebration with the Rock the Dock Summer Gala Benefit Bash on the Long Wharf in Sag Harbor this past Saturday on July 16th, 2011. The event is the Hamptons only waterfront gala set against the glamorous backdrop of Sag Harbor’s sunset-drenched bay, fabulous eateries, luxury yachts and pristine waterways.

The evening was hosted by Actor Chris Bauer from HBO’s hit TV Series “True Blood” and Actor Richard Kind from “Spin City,” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” The festive fundraiser kicked off with cocktails and delicious hors d’oeuvres while temptations were abound at both the silent and live auctions. Guests enjoyed a sit-down dinner catered by Sterling Affair Caterers. Guests and supporters enjoyed music and entertainment provided by celebrity DJ Tom Finn, named “The King of Spin” by Avenue Magazine. Finn has kept the dance floor bustling at fabulous parties including the MTV Music Awards, Oprah’s 50th Birthday Party, and even The White House Millennium Bash. Guests enjoyed a special performance by the urban dance and percussion troupe, The Street Beats Group. Cast members have performed in STOMP, TAPDOGS, “Saturday Night Live,” and “MTV.”

Funnyman Richard Kind served as Guest Auctioneer for the Live “Fantasy” Auction. Items included a one week stay for eight in your own luxury villa in St Bart’s provided by Wimco; a walk on role in “Enter Laughing” The Musical at Bay Street Theatre in August; opening night tickets and afterparty for Broadway’s 2012 production of “Evita” with Ricky Martin; golf with Richard Kind at The Bridge and so much more.

The Summer Gala Benefit is Bay Street’s most significant fundraising event of the year. Proceeds raised from the Gala will support Bay Street’s year-long programming including; The Summer Mainstage productions, as well as Educational Outreach Initiatives including Literature Live, Summer College Internships and Theatre Camps and classes for kids.

Sponsors for Bay Street’s 2011 Summer Gala included Bridgehampton Florist; Channing Daughters Winery; Dan’s Papers; HBO; Party Rentals, Ltd .; Searles Graphics; Southampton Publick House; Sterling Affair Caterers; Suffolk County National Bank; and Wimco.

Bay Street Theatre is a not-for-profit organization presenting new, classic and contemporary projects with a commitment to challenging and entertaining our diverse community. Their commitment to the theatre in the community extends to educational programs for all ages to foster the continued value of theatre as a vital art form for future generations and to encourage youths to learn, support and vitalize theatre.

For more information please visit www.baystreet.org.

Dan’s Papers, the Hamptons’ famous weekly newspaper launched the very first Dan’s Taste of Two Forks on July 16th, 2011. The event promoted a tasting celebration of the many wineries and restaurants from both the North and South Forks of Long Island. The event also benefited the East End food pantries through Have a Heart Community Trust.

It was a fabulous evening of culinary magic as the best wine and edibles from both “forks” collaborated in Bridgehampton for A Taste Of Two Forks. The much publicized event was hosted by Chef Marcus Samuelsson with Master of Ceremonies Rosanna Scotto. Other celebrities that came to give their support included Mark Feuerstein, Bravo Realty TV Stars Alex McCord, Simon Van Kempen and former Bravo Star Real Housewives of NJ Dina Manzo who was promoting her new TV Show on the HGTV Network titled ‘Dina’s Party.’ The show will entertain viewers with a peek inside Manzo’s event-planning company, Design Affairs. Each episode will focus on a different festive occasion executed by Manzo and her team of party planning experts. Dan’s Ambassadors of Good Taste also include Mark Feuerstein, of USA’s series “Royal Pains.”

Other supporters included Dan’s special guests, Sarabeth Levine, Co-Founder of Sarabeth’s Preserves & Baked Goods and author Silvia Lehrer, whose new cookbook, “Savoring the Hamptons” showcases the Food and Wine of Long Island’s East End and might I add is selling out like hot cakes.

For more information please visit www.tasteoftwoforks.com.

ArtHamptons, Russell and Danny Simmons Book Signing, Georgica Restaurant, Sag Harbor Historical Society Village Party and The Parrish Art Museum’s Midsummer Party

(Long Island, N.Y.) Art enthusiasts and collectors enjoyed a weekend of art From July 7th through July 10th, 2011 for the fourth edition of ArtHamptons. The international art show of post-modern, modern and contemporary works joyously returned to Bridgehampton.

The art event exhibited four thousand artworks and five hundred talented artists were represented. International galleries from countries around the world including Israel, Korea, Japan, Greece, U.K. Canada, Spain, China, and Finland were showcased.

United State galleries included Abby M Taylor Fine Art, Arcadia Fine Arts, C. Grimaldis Gallery, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, Catherine Edelman Gallery, Cernuda Arte, Danziger Projects, Eli Klein Gallery, Finch & Ada, Jackson Fine Art, Jenkins Johnson Gallery, Jerald Melberg Gallery, June Kelly Gallery, Katharina Rich Perlow Gallery, McCormick Gallery, Robert Klein Gallery, Throckmorton Fine Art, KIWI Arts Group, Vincent Vallarino Fine Art, Waterhouse & Dodd, and Westwood Gallery. Local Hamptons dealers included Mark Borghi Fine Art, Richard Demato Fine Arts Gallery, Keszler Gallery, Tulla Booth Gallery, Eric Firestone Gallery, and McNeill Art Group.

The galleries exhibiting at ArtHamptons premiered paintings, drawings, sculptures, art glass, and photography. Prices ranged from thousands of dollars to several million dollars for museum-quality pieces. As a benchmark last year’s show sales were in the $20,000 to $50,000 range closing the event to a whopping $6 million dollars. During the four-day run 8,000 visitors attended establishing the show as one of the highlights of the Hamptons’ summer season.

This year ArtHamptons inaugurated photoHamptons, a fresh focus on fine art photography. The largest selection of fine art photography ever offered in the Hamptons, photoHamptons is designed to encourage and stimulate Hamptonites to purchase and collect the medium. Historically, the Hamptons have been considered a serious photography buying marketplace but before now have offered few venues with museum-level work. Limited to a dozen elite photo dealers, fairgoers experienced the finest in vintage, contemporary, modern, and post-modern as well as photo-based art and video. Sponsored by Aperture Foundation and photograph magazine, the photo dealers will include Danziger Projects (exhibiting a new collection of iconic pictures of Kate Moss from photographers including Chuck Close and Annie Leibovitz), John Cleary Gallery, Throckmorton Fine Art, Tulla Booth Gallery, Finch & Ada, Robert Klein Gallery, Cavalier Galleries, KIWI Arts Group, and Catharine Edelman Gallery. They were located throughout the ArtHamptons building.

“ArtHamptons has emerged as one the premier summer must-attend events,” revealed Rick Friedman, founder, Hamptons Expo Group and ArtHamptons, Southampton. “Hamptonites and art lovers have come to appreciate and look forward to experiencing the selection of significant fine art in the dynamic global art marketplace that we create for four days. With the rebounding Hamptons economy driven by record bonuses on Wall Street this year we expect the level of serious art buying to exceed last year.”

Included in the ArtHamptons event was the British invasion with 11 U.K. galleries exhibiting more than double from the year before. They were Alicia David Contemporary, Cube Gallery, Cynthia Corbett Gallery, Fine Art Consultancy, Long & Ryle, Northcote Gallery, Woolff Gallery, Waterhouse & Dodd (London and NY), HackelBury Fine Art Ltd., Rebecca Hossack Art and Turner Barnes Gallery.

I had a chance to interview Director and Owner Nick Wooliff at his booth discussing information about his famous gallery. Woolff Gallery showcased Russell West’s “Slow Big Bang,” conceived to represent the Big Bang theory. A colored board was placed on a wheel and each day a wire was added and paint dripped down the wire. The work was dried overnight. The wheel was turned a fraction and the process was repeated every day for a year. On November 7, 2010, the Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland created a mini big bang.

One of the more exciting events was the premiere of the short film: “Full Circle: Before they Were Famous,” featuring Warhol superstars Ultra Violet and Taylor Mead who were present to meet and greet and sign their books. I had a chance to chat with both stars about art and famous artist Andy Warhol. The documentary chronicles the astonishing journey of the images taken by fine art photographer William John Kennedy in the early 1960’s of Robert Indiana and Andy Warhol with their iconic works. The negatives sat in a box for nearly 50 years, rarely seen by the world or his subjects until now. The film is full of personal anecdotes and remembrances by many of the principals of the story and includes appearances by Indiana, Ultra Violet, and Mead as they view their images for the first time. The film is a presentation of the KIWI Arts Group.

Russell Simmons, media mogul and philanthropist, Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, and Danny Simmons, visual artist and philanthropist (RPAF) received the Art Patrons of the Year Award. Hip Hop Mogul Russell Simmons signed copies of his new book “Super Rich” – A Guide to Having It All. “Art saves lives, it’s that simple,” says Russell Simmons who signed copies along with his brother Danny Simmons on July 9th, from 5 pm to 6 pm.

The Opening Preview Party was held on July 7th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Proceeds once again went to LongHouse Reserve. Last year the show’s opening drew 1,500 art collectors and guests from around the Hamptons, New York and beyond.

Most of the Hamptons’ arts and cultural organizations exclusively supported and promoted ArtHamptons as cultural partners. They were the Parrish Art Museum, Guild Hall, Pollock-Krasner House & Study Center, LongHouse Reserve, Hamptons International Film Festival, Ross School, The Jewish Center of the Hamptons, Children’s Museum of the East End, Southampton Fresh Air Home, and Heckscher Museum of Art.

The USA Network, a sponsor to ArtHamptons, will use ArtHamptons as a central theme for an upcoming episode of “Royal Pains.” The hit TV show involves a physician that makes house calls in the Hamptons. Since attending ArtHamptons is one of the highlights of the Hamptons social and cultural summer season, USA Network considers it is an ideal backdrop setting to convey the ultimate Hamptons experience. The twist is they are not shooting inside the actual fair in Bridgehampton but rebuilding and reenacting a portion of the ArtHamptons Opening Preview Gala scene with their stars on their set in an undisclosed location.

Beneficiaries of a portion of the ticket sales will be the Guild Hall Museum, Bridgehampton Historical Society and Parrish Art Museum, respectively.

For more information please visit www.ArtHamptons.com.

After enjoying a night of art at ArtHamptons my crew and I enjoyed dinner at Georgica Restaurant in Wainscott, New York. Co-executive chefs Robert Hesse and Seth Levine offered an array of signature appetizers including Seared Diver Scallops with Country Corn Pudding, Quail Egg, Maple Glazed Bacon and Apple Cider Reduction.

I had a chance to chat with our host for the evening, Event Coordinator Sean Bruns who described the many amenities the restaurant has to offer. “I do marketing here at Georgica and I handle their Thursday live music program which is what we are at this evening. It is an alternating of two live bands all summer with a Surf and Turf Special and it’s to promote an adult crowd age 30 to 50’s who want to have a nice night out,” revealed Mr. Bruns.

Signature dishes include a 14 oz. Prime Angus New York Strip, 48 Frizzled Onion Hay with a topping of Gorgonzola Demi-Glace and a Pan Roasted Chilean Sea Bass with Pancetta, White Bean Ragout and Sun-Dried Tomato Beurre Blanc.

Later we finished off our dining experience with an assortment of signature desserts including red velvet cake, chocolate covered deep fried Twinkies and a trio of homemade cupcakes.

For more information please visit www.georgicarestaurant.com.

On July 9th Hamptonites enjoyed the Sag Harbor Historical Society Village Party. The annual gala benefits the preservation of the historic village, celebrates the village’s unique history, and welcomes its vibrant future. Guests and supporters enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, seafood bar, open bar, music, and a silent auction.

During the event I had a chance to interview Zachary Studenroth, Director of the Whaling Museum who discussed the history of the museum and town of Sag Harbor.

Built in 1845 for seven thousand dollars, the structure that now is the Sag Harbor Whaling Museum was originally the home of Benjamin Huntting II and his family. A respected and prominent citizen of Sag Harbor, Benjamin Huntting was the owner of whaling ships and made his fortune from the whale oil that was brought home on his ships. To design his family’s home, Huntting contacted the prominent 19th century American architect Minard LaFever. LaFever incorporated exquisitely detailed plaster ceilings and carved wooden door frames in the interior with the temple-fronted portico and ornate Corinthian columns on the exterior to make this building a prominent piece of architecture in its day. After Huntting’s death in 1867, his home was purchased by the well known philanthropist Mrs. Russell Sage, who occupied it as a summer cottage until the time of her death in 1918. In 1920 the building was bought by the Masonic Lodge. The local historical society began exhibiting some of their artifacts on the ground floor shortly thereafter. In 1945 the building was donated to the museum. The Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum now owns the building, while the Masonic Lodge still occupies the second floor as a Masonic Temple.

For more information please visit www.sagharborwhalingmuseum.org.

Southamponites enjoyed The Parrish Art Museum’s Midsummer Party on July 9th at the Parrish Art Museum in Southampton. The annual event is always a highlight of the Hamptons summer season. The event began with cocktails at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7:30 p.m. in an air conditioned tent in the Museum’s historic arboretum. The fun continued with dessert, drinks, and dancing from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the afterparty. The event draws approximately 500 dinner guests and 500 After Ten attendees. Glorious Food was this year’s caterer; DJ Tom Finn provided the music. Claire Bean, Floral and Event Design, created the artistic glamorous elegant decor.

Co-chairs of this dazzling evening were Parrish trustees Deborah Bancroft, Etta Froio, Dorothy Lichtenstein, Adam Sender, and David Wassong. After Ten Co-chairs are Josh Gaynor, Anne Huntington, Carolina Portago, Theodora Portago, and Serena Tufo.

For over a decade the Founding Partners have provided leadership for the Parrish’s vision for a new millennium. These individuals and foundations have donated generously for endowments essential to curatorial and education programs and for planning and construction of the new Herzog & de Meuron-designed facility in Water Mill.

For more information please visit www.parrishart.org.

(Long Island, N.Y.) On July 13th Teatro La Tea and Core Creative Productions will be presenting the world premiere of Dia de los Muertos, an entertaining new Off-Broadway Production by Anthony P. Pennino, co-directed by Pennino and Alberto Bonilla. Spanish translations by Javier E. Gomez. All performances will be held at Teatro La Tea, 107 Suffolk Street in New York City from July 13, 2011 through July 31, 2011. Guests, supporters and theater buff will enjoy an opening night party on July 14th.

I had the pleasure of interviewing director Alberto Bonilla and the star of the play actress Elizabeth Inghram at the World Bar in Trump Towers who were both excited to chat about their latest accomplishment.

Cognac Wellerlane interviews Director and Producer Alberto Bonilla about his new play “Dia De Los Muertos” premiering July 14th at the World Bar in Trump Towers at 845 United Nations Plaza.

The synopsis of the play is the world is at war in 1916. Kings are falling and empires are crumbling. Devlyn Byrne, newly arrived from Ireland walks into a small Mexican village near the U.S. border. There she meets Pablo Carrillo, a Mexican doctor, and together they embark on a journey for the honor of both families. Suddenly the audience finds out that Devlyn certainly has a hidden agenda she is not ready to reveal. Dia de los Muertos is a daring new play from Core Creative Productions. Articulately expressed in English and Spanish. The Off-Broadway production is both a tale of magical realism and a deconstructed Western.

Alberto Bonilla is a New York-based actor, director and writer whose recent directing credits include “Servant of Two Masters” at the Secret Theater, “Raft of the Medusa” and “Clout in the Mug’s Look Back in Anger.” He is currently in pre-production for a Spanish television pilot and his short film “Speed of Love” will be premiering in 2011.

Actress Elizabeth Inghram was most recently hailed by the New York Times for “breathing life” into her unique and entertaining performances as the comic Polly and her perfect timing ability to “elevate the material” and as a “…scene stealing delight…” by Backstage in The Great Divide at the Obie award winning Metropolitan Playhouse.

For more information about this wonderful production please go to www.teatrolatea.com.

Cognac Wellerlane interviews at Gretchen Scott Designs

Hamptonites enjoyed a day of shopping on July 2nd in Southampton at two wonderful boutiques on Jobs Lane in Southampton, New York.

Cocktails for Canines to benefit Last Chance Animal Rescue took place at Gretchen Scott Designs Boutique located at 46 Jobs Lane in Southampton from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

It was an elegant cocktail soirée to benefit Last Chance Animal Rescue of Southampton. Guests enjoyed wine and hors d’oeuvres while enjoying a private viewing of the collection. A raffle was held for various Gretchen Scott Designs during the evening. Guests also received a 50% discount on one clothing item purchased while enjoying a wonderful evening to benefit a great cause.

I had a chance to chat with founder Whitney Knowlton of Last Chance Animal Rescue about the organization’s mission in rescuing adoptable animals.

Last Chance Animal Rescue is a charitable, not-for-profit organization created to save the lives of animals. The organization rescues animals that are located in “KILL” facilities and underwrite the costs of relocating them to “NO KILL” facilities in hopes of finding them a caring and stable family. The organization works with local veterinarians for spay-neuter/ medical services until permanent placement is secured into a pre-screened loving environment. They depend on donations to continue to save these helpless loving animals from being killed and hope that all individuals will consider supporting their cause.

I also spoke to Southampton store manager Vanessa Scott-Brown about Gretchen Scott Designs who described their apparel as “Happy Clothes for Happy People! Bright colors, basic shades and enough variations to set one’s imagination ablaze.”

Their mission is to create clothes to play and party in mostly girly printed cotton tunics, dresses and jackets. Their clothes are best described as detailed clean lines, forgiving silhouettes, timeless styles and enough playfulness that anyone can go from errands to cocktails in the Hamptons.

Animal trainer Lisa Hartman stopped by and sipped champagne with me as we discussed her plans for writing a new book about canines in the Hamptons.

Lisa Hartman has tamed and trained the most difficult dogs from pampered French poodles to highly reactive canines from the streets. She has been a lifelong animal lover, pet owner and animal advocate. She focuses her dog training expertise on companion canines and the issues conflicting owners and their pets.

You can visit Lisa at www.LisaTheDogTrainer.com.

For more information about the boutique Gretchen Scott Designs please visit www.gretchenscottdesigns.com and for more information about Last Chance Rescue please visit www.LCARescue.org.

Cognac Wellerlane interviews Owner Caroline Ragot-Delran of La Plage Boutique in Southampton, New York.

Afterwards, I stopped by La Plage Boutique at 42 Jobs Lane. Owner Caroline Ragot-Delran poured me a glass of expensive Champagne as she described her store as the best beachwear in the Hamptons. “La Plage means the beach in French,” Caroline revealed.

Shoppers can enjoy beach attire, Egyptian cotton blend T-shirts and resort ensembles perfect for cocktails around the pool. The store is conveniently located in a European inspired courtyard at 42 Jobs Lane in Southampton, New York.

Later that evening my crew and I were invited to the much anticipated Cirque Hamptons at East Hamptons Studio. Owner Michael Wudyka hosted the event that was created by Gordon von Broock and Erik von Broock.

Cirque Hamptons celebrated the 4th of July unlike any other event throughout the Hamptons. On Saturday, July 2nd & Sunday, July 3rd, East Hampton Studios located at 77 Industrial Road in Wainscott, New York was transformed into an electrified circus tent complete with doors opening at 7:00 p.m. The evening was filled with tasty edibles, cocktails, music and a jaw-dropping spectacular show.

Cognac Wellerlane interviews at Cirque Hamptons

Cirque Hamptons has rightfully named their show The Electric Cirquit. The event electrified the audience’s imagination throughout the 90-minute performance. The extravagant show featured amazing cirque acts including electric jugglers, aerial performers and contortionists. The extravagant show explored advances in light manipulation. Intelligent lights, surreal black light and sparkling lasers. Computerized LED lighted costumes were dynamically utilized to create a unique visual experience for the mesmerized audience.

One of the more notable acts included the Spinning Cube which showcases performers who orbit the stage performing gravity-defying somersaults inside a miraculous sphere of light.

The show truly dazzled the Hamptons audience.

For more information please visit www.cirquehamptons.com.