(Long Island, N.Y.) Well darlings, people are talking about the recently released short independent film “To Good To Be True” produced, acted and directed by Longislander Gary Silberman.

Mr. Silberman grew up in Lindenhurst, Long Island and attended Lindenhurst high school with ambitions of becoming more than just a good looking actor. Six Feet tall with beautiful blue eyes and a resemblence to Paul Newman, I met Gary through a flyer posted on the walls of HB Acting Studios with his phone number attached. His flyer was specifically looking for actors to be interviewed for his public access TV Show. After our first phone conversation we instantly bonded and decided to collaborate together filming a TV show interviewing celebrities on the red carpet.

Almost ten years have past and Mr. Silberman is the owner of CityPulse Productions (Associated Production Company), a full service Videography, Photography & Editing company which has been operating in the New York Metro area and surrounding states for nearly a decade. Residing in Greenpoint, New York, Gary is a professional actor, a member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), and has extensive experience both in front of and behind the scenes. His film credits include American Gangster, Tenderness, My Super Ex-Girlfriend and Inside Man. Most recently Gary had a regular spot on the TV series Life On Mars. Venturing into his first short film Too Good to Be True, which he produced, acted and Co-Directed with P. J. Galati.

With his first short film completed, Mr. Silberman has set plans in motion for a his first feature project. Ca$hing In. The project is under wraps, but this feature length film will begin pre-production in 2010.

The synopsis of “To Good To Be True” is a comic tale of mistaken identity. The film follows the exploits of Max (Gary Silberman), a family man about to embark on a business trip with his flamboyant difficult boss Phil (Joe Marino). Before that trip even begins, we find out Charlie (Dominick Mancino) the local mafia gangster, is concerned with his daughter’s romantic relationship with Phil. He decides to hire Kate (Kat Murello) to seduce his soon to be son-in-law proving that he is disloyal and unfaithful to his daughter while on this impending business trip. Kate is totally clueless on the identity of Phil but her partner Tony T. (Al Burgo) has seen him previously and can ID her target. Before leaving Charlie’s office, both Kate and Tony T have been given strict instructions to test Phil and should he fail, “Put the fear of God into him.”

Max reluctantly rides with Phil in his flashy mustang to the hotel where their business conference takes place and from the driveway to check-in, Phil has already made Max uneasy wanting him to return home to his family. The trip only gets worse at the hotel bar where rowdy obnoxious Phil meets a bunch of business drinking buddies making the trip even more unbearable when suddenly sultry, sexy and a body to die for, Kate struts her way into the bar. Kate mistakes Max for Phil when one of Phil’s drunken companions calls him by the wrong name. This begins the ride of Max’s life which will end with him tied to a chair wearing one sock, boxer shorts, oh and a gun pointing at his head.

This hilarious short film was written by Sean Ryan and co-directed by P. J. Galati and Gary Silberman The films is surrounded by a hard working crew and seasoned cast of professionals. Guest cameos by myself (Cognac Wellerlane), Vivilicious, Angelique Monét, Claudia Brown and Lauren Loguidice.

Both Gary and I chatted at his movie premiere for “To Good To Be True” and at Gloria Cressler St. Patrick Day Charity Event at Trump Tower International World Bar about his ambitions for the film and his upcoming feature film “Ca$hing In.”

“I will be submitting the film to The Sundance Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, Long Island Film Festival and the Hamptons Film Festival as a platform to launch my career as well the ensemble of actors in my film,” revealed Gary.

The movie is also directed, edited and filmed by P.J. Galati.

A visually creative person with a hands-on mentality, P. J. Galati has a vivid imagination which shows in every aspect of his work. His venture into the film industry began with a feature length script which had been churning away in his creative process for several years and lived on a yellow legal pad as an outline for nearly a decade. Once the script became a finished rough draft, avenues were researched to sell the project only to find out that Hollywood wasn’t interested unless you were already invited. Determined not to let the birth of this story die quickly and quietly, P. J. sought out a new path to make it happen. A few years later he graduated from the New York Film Academy’s Directing Program and ventured into the independant film industry armed with passion and a list of goals to be met. He’s managed to consistantly meet these benchmarks which have been replaced one by one with new goals and aspirations to keep moving forward in the industry. Adding to this success is his partnership with multi-media talent Angelique Monét and her production company, Greta Joanne Entertainment. Residing and operating out of Brooklyn NY, many of P.J.’s new films and scripts have elements adopted from the most famous city on the planet. A Science Fiction lover, the majority films and scripts created by P. J. have some extra ordinary aspect to them and they’re always fun to watch.

Too Good To Be True is a joint production of BlueCast Productions and CityPulse Productions, for more information and to watch the trailer please visit http://citypulse.tv/tgtbt/

(Long Island, N.Y.) Designer and TV Personality Malik So Chic, formerly of the CW Network Reality TV Show “High Society,” launched his stylish and very glamorous handbag line “Pampered Royale” for a select few invited guests including celebrities, fashionistas, press and buyers from Lord & Taylor’s Department Stores. Malik is the latest of Manhattan’s club kids to make it big in the “Big Apple.” The designer’s handbag brand “Pampered Royale” is a creation of whimsical luxury purses and totes perfect for glamorous gals posing for a photo-op on the red carpet.

A miniature display featured the “Pampered Royal” brand of luxury totes available in two sizes, small and large. “Explain to my audience about the line,” I asked Malik. “I tried to start a new trend. Instead of doing clutches for evening I did totes. I thought that was kind of clever. It has never been done before. I used all specialty leathers, a lot of ostrich feathers, embossed vinyls, glazed leathers, ultra suede’s, embroidered sequin and embossed leather. I am not using any skins or real furs because I am trying to be animal friendly,” revealed Malik. “Any celebrity you would like to see wearing the line,” I inquired. “I would like to see Kim Kardashian or any Los Angeles socialite wearing my handbags,” confessed Malik.

The “Pampered Royale” collection was inspired by the Manhattan social scene combined with the downtown nightlife scene. The collaboration of textures and prints represent the chaotic mixture that incorporates Manhattan’s most influential style. Malik So Chic is quoted as saying “The world is still obsessed with all things exotic -and there is no more sophisticated way to channel the trend than with a chic bag in rare, exotic leather, ostrich feathers and quirky combinations.”

Born and raised in Shaker Heights, Ohio, his father is a retired sports attorney who represented professional baseball players and competitive sports fisherman and his mom is retired as one of the directors of the Cleveland Board of Adult Education.

In high school he was voted as “Best Dressed”, a title he still carries today. Famous for his oversized rhinestone glasses and over-the-top clothing he was offered to co-star on “High Society,” the reality TV show with socialite Tinsley Mortimer.

Malik arrived in Manhattan four years ago. He was employed as an assistant to stylist Patti Wilson and V and Visionaire magazines. Later he met Amy Sacco who hired him to host parties at Bungalow 8. At an event at Bungalow he was introduced to Tinsley, her sister Dabney Mercer, and fellow socialite Paul Johnson Calderone. The show found him via his regular appearances on the society blog Guest of a Guest. “I’ve been offered to do a lot of reality shows before just based on my look, but this seemed to be something of substance, something fashion-related, that seemed unique and different,” he explained. “I was afraid of the editing and all that, but I had nothing to lose. And of course, I’ve always wanted to do TV.”

Celebrities who attended included Max Tucci, Fashion Designer Farah Angsana, Joey Arias, Tia Walker, Rosemary Ponzo, Andre J, Lauren Rae Levy and Rachel Heller. Malik’s parents, Dr. Dorothy Hendricks Wren and Attorney Howard Thomas Sterling made the special trip from Ohio to make their son’s red carpet debut.

The Russians are Coming, The Russians are Coming!

Manhattan and Brooklyn Russian hotspot, Rasputin Restaurant & Cabaret, celebrated International Women’s Day by hosting With Love.A Russian Soirée. Owner Marina Levitis of the fabulous cabaret, Rasputin, entertained her celebrity Russian guests with a glamorous fur fashion show highlighting emerging European designs and furs from Pologeorgis Fur and a live auction hosted by Boris Glickstein and his beautiful wife Russian radio host Renata Krumer.

The gorgeous couple is working together with Owners Michael and Marina Levitis of Rasputin on the latest franchise of reality TV “Brighton Beach,” a detailed docu-reality TV show based on Russian-Americans living lavishly dripping in diamonds and furs. The docu-reality show has been picked up by the Lifetime network.

While “Brighton Beach” was conceived as sort of a “Jersey Shore” for the vodka-and-borscht set, the Lifetime version will be suitably feminized, revealed Michael Feeney, a spokesman for the network.

“It’s a multigenerational women’s story about life in the community,” Mr. Feeney confessed. “It’s about their dating life, their work life, their relationships together and their external relationships. It characterizes a community; it’s not a bunch of people put in a house. It’s done in the Lifetime voice, not in the MTV voice.”

This opportunity for a reality TV show appeared so Boris and Renata jumped on it. Boris is Renata’s manager and of course has her best interest at heart, the Russian celebrity couple is working on several projects besides the reality TV show including an image consulting company, Outstanding You (www.outstandingyou.com).

Radio personality Renata will closely analyze your current style and the style you would like to emulate. Based on your personality and goals, their image consulting company will help you develop a unique and original look. Not only will you get to experience a personal transformation but you will also learn the art of mixing and matching, time-saving tips, color coordination, and easy, affordable ways to create an outstanding look that would certainly add to your confidence and personal power.

Throughout the evening, celebrity guests including reality TV Star Diane Passage and Celebrity hairstylist Angelo David of Angelo David Salon were treated to an array of different Russian fares.

All proceeds from the event benefited the OR Movement. Auctioned items included a $3,000 Michael Kors fur from the Pologeorgis Fur collection, $500 gift certificates from make-up artist DEX New York and celebrity hairstylist John Sahag and jewelry from Rina Limor retailing for $1,500.

The auction item that garnered the highest winning bid was an expensive elegant dinner for ten people at Rasputin Cabaret for a whopping $1,000, Rasputin’s owner Michael Levitis will also include a bubbly extra for the winning bidder, an expensive bottle of Cristal Champagne!

After the celebrity auction guests made their way to the dance floor as The Rasputin Band took the stage. The event was sponsored by APM Model Management, The Nexus Townhouse, DEX New York, Sweet Blossom Designs, Kila Enterprises and The House of Faith N Fashion, the brain child of Tobi Rubinstein Schneier. Tobi is in the process of expanding the brand into lifestyle products, exploring all aspects of faith, fashion, family and love.

I was lucky enough to be invited to attend the lavish soirée by socialite Tobi Rubenstein Schneier. Ms. Scheier is the founder and creator of The House of Faith N Fashion. Tobi was brought up in an orthodox Jewish home. She attended FIT and has had over 30 years of merchandising and licensing ad ownership in such high profile brands as Nicole Miller, Crunch Gyms, Victoria’s Secret, JC Penney, Jennifer Lopez, Ecko and more. Always a fashion visionary and ahead of her time, Ms. Rubenstein started the first mass market hip-hop brand that debuted at K-Mart called Chedda which was voted one of the 50 most important labels in Vibe Magazine.

She’s gorgeous, articulate, witty, utterly charming and real, believing wholeheartedly that faith and fashion are a happy marriage meant for all of us to enjoy. This is the true balance between materialism and spiritualism.

This fashionably, faithful, fusible idea is how Tobi brings faith statements into fashion trends that result in products that people of all faiths can embrace and enjoy. For more information please visit www.thehouseoffaithnfashion.com.

Family owned for the past four years, Rasputin Restaurant & Cabaret has become known for its modern, traditional “Tsar” décor and fusion-style Russian cuisine. Well known in the Russian social community, owner Marina Levitis has established a venue that offers patrons a Russian experience from start to finish including cocktails, dinner and dancing.

For more information about Rasputin Cabaret please visit www.rasputinny.com.

(Long Island, N.Y.) The annual Gala Italia celebrated its 26th year at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City to the enthusiastic patronage of the Italian Ambassador to Washington, Giulio Maria Terzi di Sant’Agata, journalists, producers and wine importers. The event presented and celebrated the very best in Italian cuisine, wine, fashion, gastronomy and design with the stamp of approval “Made in Italy.”

The evening’s host and master of ceremonies of the Gala Italia was International Actress and Television Personality, Jo Squillo. Ms. Squillo was especially flown to Manhattan by Alitalia for presenting this year’s Gala Italia. Ms. Squillo performed for the audience before introducing Opera Star Christina Fontanelli. Ms. Fontanelli has traveled the world entertaining opera aficionados and confessed to me during our interview that she will now be the “voice of Domino’s Pizza” on an upcoming national radio commercial.

Cognac Wellerlane interviews Dr. Lucio Caputo is the president of the International Trade Center of New York and international TV Star Jo Squillo for the Gala Italia at the Mariott Marquis Hotel.

Ms. Fontanelli has become a well-known personality through her recordings, her appearances on TV, radio, in concert, nightclubs, and opera and through her recent acting debut on network television. Her beautiful soprano voice has taken her to the White House as part of President Clinton’s holiday celebration. Ms. Fontanelli performed “Libian, Libiam nei Lieti Calici” from Verdi’s La Traviata, “Con Te Partirò” the famous rendition by Andrea Boccelli and her finale performance included Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” in honor of the event.

Ms. Squillo announced the galas fashion show for the spring/summer collection of The House of Eredi Pisanò of Rome. Twelve gorgeous male models gathered at the center of the ballroom and walked the runway modeling the highly tailored 2011 collection while guests enjoyed the entertainment of the CJM trio of Luca Garacci.

The event closed with the opening of sixteen Manhattan restaurant stations presenting their culinary specialties to guests and members of the press.

Throughout the evening wine enthusiasts sampled a wine & food tasting of the best Italian wines, including: Antinori, Astoria, Biondi Santi/Castello di Montepò, Biondi Santi/Il Greppo, Bellenda, Bellussi, Bertani, Bottega Vinaia, Cantina del Vermentino, Cantina S. Osvaldo, Cantina Valpolicella Casale Falchini, Castello di Albola, Castello di Fonterutoli, Castello di Querceto, Cavit, Citra, Col di Luna, Danae, Domodimonti, Duca di Salaparuta, Due Palme, Fabiano, Fattoria di Montecchio, Feudi Arancio, Feudi di San Gregorio, Feudi Principi di Butera, Furlan, Garlider, Gulfi, Lunetta, Livia Fontana, Marco Maci, Mandra Rossa, Piera Martellozzo, Pasqua, Planeta, Poliziano, Rocca delle Macie, Rocca dei Sanniti, Ruffino, Sella & Mosca, Tenute Sella, Scrimaglio, Toso-Tufidi, Vini Biondi and Zonin.

During the wine & food tasting the wine producers received special certificates of honor from an American jury of experts.

Restaurant participants included: Barbetta, Barolo, Da Silvano, Epoca, Giano, Gusto Ristorante/Bar Americano, Il Riccio, I Tre Merli, La Masseria, Macelleria, Osteria del Circo, Perbacco, Quattro Gastronomia Italiana, Salumeria Rosi, Serafina and SD26.

Piaggio displayed their four Vespa models in various hues and styles representing Italian design in America as well as two Montante bicycles and a model of the AW 139 helicopter of Agusta Westland.

An art exhibit entitled “Dynamic Cities” also featured a series of innovative works by the Artists Lisa Borgiani and Massimo Nidini. More than 4,000 copies of the color catalogue were distributed to guests, participants and representatives during this year’s Gala Italia.

Shortly after the conclusion of the New York event, the Los Angeles Wine Gala, on February 15th will extend this promotion of “Made in Italy” to the markets of California and the West Coast. The Los Angeles Wine Gala will be held at the famous restaurant of Piero Selvaggio, Valentino and will be preceded by an exclusive luncheon for the exhibitors and the local wine press to introduce the distinguished wines.

“The 26th edition of the Gala Italia has succeeded as an event of great importance at the highest level,” revealed Dr. Lucio Caputo, President of the Italian Wine & Food Institute during our interview.

Next year’s Gala Italia will take place in March of 2012 in Manhattan and will continue to support the “Made in Italy” label. The Gala Italia is jointly organized by the Italian Wine & Food Institute and the Italian Trade Commission under the high patronage of the Italian Ambassador to Washington with the sponsorship of the Ministry of Economic Development.

For more information on how to participate in next year’s Gala Italia please visit www.italianwineandfoodinstitute.com

Nolcha Fashion Week, now in its 9th season, consists of runway shows, eco-accessory exhibition, fashion business seminars, and networking events.

New York Nolcha Fashion Week has emerged as a solid platform and a reputable outlet for showcasing top-tier designers, a globally-minded and diverse group originating from countries that include Italy, Brazil, United Kingdom, Venezuela, South Korea, Russia, Sweden, Colombia, USA, China, Dominican Republic and many other nations.

Debuted in 2007, Nolcha has expanded to five cities and three countries (USA, UK, and Turkey). The company has a strong brand presence with its unique platform and receives positive recognition from world-renowned media outlets such as CBS, Forbes, NBC, ABC, Fox News, Smart money TV, and BBC.

The company has now secured partnerships and clients with over 40 global companies, including: Coca-Cola, Paul Mitchell, Aveda, Ask.com, Macy’s, Escada, Proctor and Gamble, DonQ Rums, Mayor of Philadelphia, Mayor of Chicago, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, British Consulate initiatives for fashion and Czech Republic Consulate.

Entertainment Journalist for the Longislandexchange.com Cognac Wellerlane interviews at Nolcha Fashion Week.

Kerry Bannigan, CEO of the company, launched her career ten years ago in Public Relations and Marketing while completing her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Communications at Sheffield Hallam University. After studying and mastering in marketing, events and brand management, Kerry decided to team up with her business partner Arthur Mandel to develop emerging/independent fashion designers so they established Nolcha in September 2006.

To continually grow the Nolcha brand on a global platform Ms. Bannigan is responsible for event and digital media partnerships including Lucky Magazine, Vogue Bambini and Yelp. Ms. Bannigan also manages the integration of trade content and brands to consumer internet and retail/e-commerce including Macy’s, Mandee, StyleQuest and Ask.co.uk.

During Nolcha Fashion Week I had a chance to chat with Style Correspondent Jess Zaino.

A trusted source in the fashion industry, Jess Zaino has had a strong presence in television, print, and web media with hundreds of bylines and production credits to her name. As a recognized style expert and authority in the field, Jess has continually been seen regularly on TV Guide Network’s Fashion Team and has been quoted in US Weekly, LA Confidential, InTouch Weekly, Woman’s World Magazine, Parent Magazine, Life and Style Weekly. Ms. Zaino was quoted as “the IT Girl of Style” by Columbus Dispatch. A past resident of Long Island, Jess came to national attention as the co-host of the Style Network’s “Modern Girls Guide to Life.”

During our interview Jess revealed, “Fashion is an expression of who somebody is from the inside. What’s so cool about Nolcha is that it’s made for independent fashion designers. It really offers the individual designer out there the opportunity to have a store online and also to have the tools and sort of networking that involves growing an independent brand.”

For more information please visit www.nolcha.com.

(Long Island, N.Y.) Canine lovers enjoyed the Annual Pre-Westminster Gala and Fashion Show at the Pennsylvania Hotel conveniently located across from Madison Square Garden where the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is held annually.

The Pre-Westminster Gala marks the beginning of the 2011 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Weekend. The historic Hotel Pennsylvania caters to the The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show’s participants and attendees. This amazing event was held at the beautiful Penn-Top Ballroom overlooking Manhattan.

Some proceeds of The Pre-Westminster Gala were donated to benefit Sean Casey Animal Rescue www.scarnyc.org. The non-profit organization is dedicated to providing a higher quality of life for all animals. Cesar’s Way Magazine was also the official magazine sponsor of The 2011 Pre-Westminster Gala.

A veteran of the dog publishing beat, Gregg R.Oehler, has contributed over thirty five glorious years of experience to his title. He is currently the publisher of Cesar Millan’s magazine, Cesar’s Way.

Included in his 30 years as publishing executive in the industry, Gregg has collaborated with other publishers of at least 50 magazine start-ups. Gregg is also President of Oehler Media Inc., a publishing, marketing and advertising firm based in Manhattan. He has held the title of publisher of the Metropolitan Dog Club’s Blue Book, New York Dog Magazine, and Hollywood Dog magazine. Mr. Oehler has acted as Executive Director of Petstyle.com and Sales Director for both FIDO Friendly magazine and DoggedHealth.com. Gregg is also the media director of Pet Fashion Week.

He has appeared on “Good Morning America,” CBS’s “The Early Show,”NBC’s “The Today Show”, “Dateline” on NBC, “Jane’s New York,” CNN, “Fox & Friends,” and “Martha Stewart Apprentice.” For the past six years Gregg has served on the National Advisory Board for the North Shore Animal League of America. Mr. Oehler is a dedicated volunteer with various animal shelters and rescue groups and has developed strategic marketing programs to support these institutions. Gregg is also a proud owner of a 10 year old Boston terrier named Gracie.

The Humanitarian Cesar Millan Award 2011 was given to Steve Legrice, Editor of Cesar’s Way Magazine. The Animal Welfare & Leadership Award 2011 was presented to Actress Loretta Swit.

An American stage and television actress, Loretta Swit is famous for her character roles. Ms. Swit is best-known for her portrayal of Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the hit TV Show M*A*S*H.

Currently Ms. Swit supports many animal charities including: H.A.R.P.S. (Hooved Animal Rescue and Protection) and HSUS (Humane Society of the U.S.). The Chihuahua Man of the Year Award 2011 was accepted by Actor Mickey Rourke.

Born Philip Andre “Mickey” Rourke, Jr. on September 16, 1952, Mr. Rourke is an American actor, screenwriter and retired boxer. Mickey Rourke’s primary roles are in action, drama, and thriller films as a veteran leading man. He is best known for his starring roles in “Diner,” “Rumble Fish,” and his sexual character in “9½ Weeks.” Rourke received critical acclaim for his recent film “Barfly and Angel Heart.”

Mr. Rourke has publicly announced his resurgence to acting is a result of his pet dogs. He is well-known as a pet fancier and is particularly fond of small-breed dogs. A spay/neuter advocate, Rourke participated in a protest outside of a pet shop in 2007 and has done a public service announcement for PETA.

His first little dog was a generous gift from his second wife. Though Rourke’s dogs are generally referred to as “chihuahuas,” some are not from a pure breed. Loki, his beloved dog, a chihuahua-terrier mix, was flown to England while Rourke was on the set of the film “Stormbreaker.” Rourke spent an exorbitant $5,400 dollars to have her accompany him while filming.

Rourke gave his dogs credit mentioning them in his Golden Globe Best Actor acceptance speech on January 11, 2009: “I’d like to thank all my dogs. The ones that are here, the ones that aren’t here anymore because sometimes when a man’s alone, that’s all you got is your dog. And they’ve meant the world to me.”

In an interview with Barbara Walters at the 2009 Golden Globes he revealed “I sort of self-destructed and everything came out about fourteen years ago or so … the wife had left, the career was over, the money was not an ounce. The dogs were there when no one else was there.” During the interview Ms. Walters inquired if he considered suicide, “I didn’t want to be here, but I didn’t want to kill myself. I just wanted to push a button and disappear….I think I hadn’t left the house for four or five months and I was sitting in the closet sleeping in the closet for some reason and I was in a bad place and I just remember I was thinking, ‘Oh, man, if I do this, and then I looked at my dog, Lowjack, and he made a sound, like a little almost human sound. I don’t have kids; the dogs became everything to me. The dog was looking at me going, ‘Who’s going to take care of me?” Rourke revealed.

I also had a chance to chat with Prince Lorenzo Borghese, an animal advocate and pet lover. Prince Borghese is a member of the House of Borghese, a cosmetics entrepreneur who established his own company. He is the founder and president of Royal Treatment Italian Pet Spa, a high-end bath, body and skin care line for pets. His pet company only uses the finest natural organic ingredients and fragrance oils from Italy. His pet company products can be found in hundreds of boutiques nationwide and on the television station Home Shopping Network. Prince Borghese has been featured on the 9th season of ABC’s “The Bachelor” an American television reality TV show. Lorenzo is the son of Prince Francesco Marco Luigi Costanzo Borghese and his American wife, Amanda Leigh. His mother’s stepfather was sign and lighting designer Douglas Leigh. Lorenzo Borghese’s grandmother, Princess Marcella Borghese was the founder of the Borghese cosmetics line in 1958, a subsidiary of Revlon.

Other celebrity attendees included realty stars from “Doggie Moms” Karen Biehl and Grace Forster, Broadway Actress Judy McLane and Celebrity Magician and Broadway Producer Matt Wayne. Maria Milito of Q104.3 was the Master of Ceremonies for the event. Maria is a huge animal advocate and can usually be found at some tri-state animal function with or without her 90 lb, 4-legged roommate Carmine the Big Ragu.

For more information please visit www.cesarsway.com/magazine.

Later in the week I was invited to a special dinner at Duane Park Restaurant and Lounge. Executive Chef Richard prepared a sumptuous dinner for my film crew and I. The restaurant cabaret style nightclub atmosphere is best known for its Creole, southern cooking with Louisiana, Baton Rouge, New Orleans influence and its Burlesque Stars entertaining the patrons.

Before the Burlesque show diners sample the savory dishes that the restaurant is famous for. “Richard, tell my audience what you have exclusively prepared for me and my staff, my crew, here at the restaurant,” I said.

“With pleasure, this is our take on ‘Southern Shrimp and Grits’ goes with our southern motif as well. These grits come from Nora Mills in Georgia and we have them brought to New York especially for us. They are prepared with a scampi style shrimp over the top of the grits and the other is a beet salad roasted with vinegars and it’s on a bed of goat cheese and a little salad on the top,” revealed Chef Richard.

“This dish looks amazing, tell my audience a little more in detail what is involved in this particular dish,” I remarked.

“We take both red and golden beets and we braise them very slowly in citrus juices and vinegar and then after their braised we dice them and put them on top of the goat cheese that’s also flavorful, additional citrus-zest and there is a glaze of vinegar around the plate, some hazelnuts that is also coated in citrus-zest; kind of a candy citrus-zested and Arugula Salad on the top,” explained Chef Richard.

Chef Richard has been cooking and creating wonderful dishes for twenty five years in Manhattan. Some of the famous eateries he has prepared dishes for include “The Sign of the Dove” Restaurant and “Judy’s Supper Club” in Chelsea.

“I understand Lady Gaga dined here at the restaurant about a year ago, what does she like to eat?” I inquired. “Arugula Salad with asparagus, pine nuts some shaved parmesan cheese, with a figure like you she eats light,” stated Chef Richard.

Famous appetizers at the restaurant include:

• Crab and Scallop Cake with avocado-poblano aioli
• Bitter Green Salad – granny smith apples, frisee, endive and radicchio spiced pecans & maytag blue cheese dressing
• Slow-Cooked Duck Confit with sherry-mustard marinated green red onion jam
• Red and Golden Beet Salad with goat cheese and citrus-zested hazelnuts
• Tuna Tartare with tahini sauce, sesame tuilles
• Organic Baby Arugula Salad with shaved raw asparagus, toasted pine nuts; parmesan & lemon vinaigrette
• Seared Day Boat Sea Scallops with mango puree, shaved fennel, and baby arugula
• Skillet-Roasted Shrimp with Nora Mills Georgia cheese grits & garlic sauce
• Seared Sashimi Tuna with endive & haricot vert salad dijon-soya vinaigrette.

For dinner I enjoyed Seared Day Boat Sea Scallops with wild mushroom risotto and black truffle oil. Another favorite is Spicy Creole Seafood Bouillabaisse featuring squid, branzino, scallops and shrimp with fingerling potatoes and tomato-clam broth.

For more information on having an elegant dining experience please visit duaneparknyc.com.

(Long Island, N.Y.) On February 11th, 2010 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week kicked off with one of the most important fashion events of the week, The Heart Truth Runway Show.

Beginning with National Wear Red Day—Friday, February 5th, 2010—millions will help spread the critical message that “Heart Disease Doesn’t Care What You Wear—It’s the number one Killer of Women.” The Red Dress, the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness, was created by The Heart Truth in 2002 to deliver an urgent wake-up call to American women. On Thursday, February 11th, 2010 Fashionistas around the globe attended.

The Heart Truth has brought the Red Dress to life once again on the runway at New York Fashion Week with the debut of the Red Dress Collection 2010. This spectacular event reminds women of the need to protect their heart’s health and inspires all women to take necessary action. For the second year in a row, a selection of the designer dresses seen on the runway will be auctioned online in February through a partnership with Clothes Off Our Back.

To bid on these Red Dresses this February, visit www.clothesoffourback.org.

The campaign is especially aimed at women ages 40 to 60, the time when a woman’s risk of heart disease starts to rise. But its messages are also important for younger women, since heart disease develops gradually and can start at a young age-even in the teenage years. Older women have an interest too—it’s never too late to take action to prevent and control the risk factors for heart disease. Even those who have heart disease can improve their heart health and quality of life.

Heart disease disproportionately affects women of color. African American and Hispanic women in particular have high rates of the major risk factors for heart disease, including obesity, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. The Heart Truth Women of Color initiative, with its partners, focuses on extending The Heart Truth messages, and engaging in national and local activities to help more women of color understand The Heart Truth-and inspire them to take action to reduce their risks for heart disease.

Not only do fashionistas attend Mercedes Benz Fashion Week but their dog’s do too. I was happy to attend Lovers and Leashes PETaPOTTY’s Westminster Experience at the Pennsylvania Hotel on February 12, 2010. This pet fashion show and event was coordinated as a four day experience in collaboration with The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

The Hotel Pennsylvania (www.hotelpenn.com)is the world’s most popular hotel having welcomed more guest than any other hotel in the world! Hosting over 1,700 stunning rooms for dog enthusiasts and exhibitors, the Hotel Pennsylvania is the social center for the entire Westminster Dog Show. The Hotel is known for hosting Westminster champions, including 2008 Best in Show winner Uno the Beagle, who has a VIP pass to wonder SKYBARk.

BarkBar is the Westminster Experience’s, 4 day invitational vendor expo. PETaPOTTY invited only the absolute leaders in the pet industry to participate in this spectacular 4 day event to the thousands of enthusiasts converging upon the 134th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

From fashion shows, red carpets, DJ Biden and the hippest pooch party in town; to gift bags, food & drink, and over twenty-five of the pet industries most revered brands on display, this is one event New York Fashionistas and the Westminster Kennel Club will never forget!

I had a chance to chat with Celebrity and Philanthropist Beth Ostrosky who is married to Howard Stern Radio DJ.

She expressed her joy on accepting the award on behalf of NSALA. Beth Ostrosky-Stern is among the walkers in the Pre-Westminster Fashion Show. A passionate animal lover, Beth serves as national spokesperson for North Shore Animal League America, representing the organization in print and broadcast interviews, advertising, and in public service announcements.

SkyBark, a charitable event, benefits a different charity with each gathering. This year’s SkyBark held a silent auction to benefit the North Shore Animal League, the world’s largest no kill animal rescue. Leashes and Lovers was proud to be a sponsor of this event!

PETaPOTTY was established in 2002 and has been called upon to provide innovative potty solutions for indoor and outdoor dog-friendly events and to pet owners across the world. As such, PETaPOTTY has built an impressive resume of being a reliable pooch potty provider.

Previous events include the Bow Wow WoW charity fundraiser at the Playboy Mansion sponsored by Much Love, SuperZoo: one of the largest pet industry trade shows, NYC Pet Fashion week, NYC K9 Cruise, and many others. In addition, PETaPOTTY has been a trusted vendor for events produced by Disney, Animal Planet, Lifetime, MTV, E!, Warner Bros and more.

• For more information please visit www.leashesandlovers.com
• For more info on North Shore Animal League please visit www.nsalamerica.org

Beth Ostrosky-Stern also chatted with me about her sorrow for Designer Alexander McQueen’s untimely death and the fashion shows she attended during this season’s Fashion Week. Her top choice was Nicole Miller Fall/Winter 2010 Collection.

The Nicole Miller brand focused on winter dressing in neutral hues, including garments such as an olive leather coat and thick, grey, and black two-tone leggings. Other pieces that showed enormous interest was a peppering of a velvety blue tones and sexy body-conscious frocks. Miller added a new twist for her conventional leather jacket with sharp angled panels and strong shoulders.

Her collection was designed for career women living hectic lives in a metropolitan city. Afterwards, I had a chance to chat backstage with Football Receiver Terrell Owens about the Perry Ellis Line. Terrel is currently working on becoming their spokes-model and endorsing the Perry Ellis brand.

Perry Ellis established in 1940 brought a new look to American sportswear. One of America’s most popular designers of the 1980s, Ellis made clothes that were relaxed and unpretentious, yet also sophisticated and timeless. Often described as an innovator, even as a maverick, Ellis once said, “I don’t make fashion. I make clothes.” His method, which has continued as his legacy, was to take traditional ideas and make them modern.

In 1980 Perry Ellis launched his first menswear collection. Following a series of innovative and critically praised collections, Perry Ellis Portfolio and Perry Ellis America were introduced.

Over a quarter of a century after the launch of Perry Ellis, the designer name and legend still commands attention. Perry Ellis is one of the great American fashion brands.

The Perry Ellis Fall/Winter 2010 collection emphasized very wearable garments designed by John Crocco. Fashion pieces that stand the test of time. Crocco’s menswear line is perfect for the office or going out on the town.

For more info about Terrell Owens please visit www.TerrellOwens.com
For more about The Perry Ellis Brand please visit www.PerryEllis.com

Women’s Mafia host Fundraiser for Ladies Behind Lenses Film Festival, Bookhampton Welcomes Author Silvia Lehrer in Southampton and Art Opening at the Chrysalis Art Gallery on Main Street in Southampton.

(Long Island, N.Y.) On June 8th The Women’s Mafia and the team of creatives at Rocketlight Films and ChickMakesFlicks.com hosted a super-hip, elegant fundraiser for the upcoming Ladies Behind Lenses Film Festival. The event also celebrated my birthday and I was presented with the first annual Women’s Mafia Boldness Award, the first of many awards that will be presented in the Film Festival to women who contribute to high quality film-making, directing, acting, cinematography, writing and more!

Rocketlight Films is a collective of actors, filmmakers and truly creative talented individuals who have collaborated to establish the best in film, comedy, art and culture. Since its inception the original team of three has flourished to include a diverse group of directors, actors and filmmakers.

ChickMakesFlicks.com has a great admiration for women behind the lens of film creating awesome feature films and documentaries. The organization encourages, uplifts and inspires females to create significant films in media.

I had a chance to chat with Nikki Roberts, the founder of Rocketlight Films and ChicMakesFlicks.com.

Talented Nikki Roberts is a director, writer and producer of films, music videos, and web-episodic programming. She is the owner of Rocketlight Films and a filmmaker of collectives operating out of Manhattan and Washington, D.C.

She recently created and co-writes a film-buffs blog, ChickMakesFlicks.com. The blog highlights and interviews the ladies behind the lens that creates waves in media and entertainment. Nikki is also active in the world of fashion profiling designers’ models on runways of the fashion world for popular trends and lifestyle v-logs.

Nikki’s interests include travel, filming, writing, animals, Anthony Bourdain’s snark, and Japanese everything!

To find out more please visit rocketlightfilms.com.

On June 11 Hamptonites came to hear Author Silvia Lehrer to discuss and sign her new publication “Savoring The Hamptons.” The book features the fabulous food and delicious wines of Long Island’s East End’ at the BookHampton Store in Southampton.

The book touches on the topic of the Hamptons possessing an unmistakable and indisputable charm. The Hamptons is rich with local farms and the character of each village has created a remarkable culinary culture among the sand dunes and lighthouses that the East End is famous for.

Savoring the Hamptons is a culinary celebration of this unique community. The book is separated by season to highlight the variety of elements and characteristically rugged charm of the Hamptons. The ensemble of more than 250 recipes is accompanied by stories and photographs of local farmers, wineries, fisherman, artisans, and restaurant owners to establish a Hamptons mosaic. From Starr Boggs in Westhampton Beach and Mecox Bay Dairy in Bridgehampton to Wolfer Estates in Sagaponack and Quail Hill Organic Farm in Amagansett, this is truly an informative cookbook of the Hamptons. There are over 60 collective beautiful stunning full-color food photographs and scenery shots featured.

Recipes in the publication are arranged by season. The cookbook is filled with recipes that incorporate the finest, freshest and most flavorful ingredients available in the Hamptons. Spring and summer dishes use fresh and delicious peas, strawberries and seafood. Autumn and winter focuses on robust savory dishes that include root vegetables and lamb. The author also incorporates recipes from various East End restaurants, such as Luce and Hawkins.

There is a wealth of information about the Hamptons’ culinary scene that may in fact pique the interest of residents and devoted summer vacationers. Readers that are unfamiliar with the East End may feel like they are reading a travel brochure instead of a cookbook. The publication is filled with glossy full-page photos of prepared recipes, ingredients and local businesses and their owners’ interesting stories. Ms. Lehrer has lived in a tiny hamlet in the Hamptons for twenty years. The picturesque landscape is surrounded by water on three sides. Its fertile soil provides the ideal situation for growing vegetables to eat, growing grapes to make wine and raising farm animals that produce milk for making artisanal cheeses.

With all this wonderful abundance of fresh produce, natural cheeses and fine wines comes an assortment of fabulous restaurants that take advantage of the rich resources. Ms. Lehrer has studied cooking at the Cordon Bleu, La Varenne and with such individual masters as Jacques Pepin, Giuliano Bugiali, Sinca Beck, Marcella Hazan and James Beard. She is also the founder of Cooktique, a cooking school hailed by the New York Times as “One of the best and most comprehensive schools in the nation.” Ms. Lehrer is also a contributing writer for Dans Papers.

For more information on purchasing the book please visit www.bookhampton.com.

Some of the reviews include:

Jacques Pépin Famous Chef

The East End of Long Island is very dear to my heart. In SAVORING THE HAMPTONS, Sylvia takes us with enthusiasm and great allure through the seasons with the locavore food and wines of that special spot, paying tribute to the culture, the integrity and the uniqueness of that extraordinary place.

Dan Rattiner, founder and editor-in-chief, Dan’s Papers

In Savoring the Hamptons not only has she captured the beauty and essence of my favorite part of the country, her years’ of experience come alive in the wonderful seasonal recipes that will give you a marvelous taste of the Hamptons.

Brian Halweil, editor of Edible East End, author of Eat Here

Reclaiming Homegrown Pleasures in a Global Supermarket. Part love letter to her neighbors, part regional cooking guide, Savoring the Hamptons steers you to the farms, ingredients and dishes that every East End food enthusiast should know.”

Also this weekend Hamptonites enjoyed an Art Opening at the Chrysalis Art Gallery on Main Street in South Hampton.

The gallery featured special works of art by Artists Howard Rose and Betsy Podlach on June 11th.

Howard Rose has been painting with rich oils since 1989. Mr. Rose loves the challenge of turning an everyday scene into a successful and exciting painting. He loves to invent new shapes and colors, incorporating new themes and designs and establishing it viewed and envisioned by art enthusiasts.

For more information please visit www.howardrose.com.

I also had a chance to chat with Artist Betsy Podlach. Betsy Podlach recieved her B.A. in English literature and fiction writing at Harvard University, where she was a Watson Scholar. While studying art at the New York Studio School and the International School of Art in Umbria, Italy, she received awards from the Charles H. Revson Foundation and the Seligman von Simson Foundation as well as several private grants and commissions.

Betsy also was awarded with an MFA in Sculpture 2000 from New York Academy of Art, New York.

Her works of art are about romantic, passionate relationships. They are created through a personal, abstract conception of form, space and light. She reveals “I work from direct observation, the beauty of objects in light, the anatomy or the landscape along with my unconscious. In doing so, I try to combine three-dimensional form and depth with the flat picture plane into a uniquely painted space. I work with color to create a light coming from within the picture, stillness that reverberates. I use nature, these formal principles, and my imagination to form a personal image.”

At the moment Betsy commutes between Brooklyn and the Hamptons. In our interview she revealed how much she truly loves living here on the East End and loves the beaches of the Hamptons. She is also currently represented by galleries in New York, Key West, and Art Cabinet Nantucket on Nantucket Island. Her work is in private collections in New York City and Italy, including the collection of Princess Donatella Borghese in Rome and the corporate collection of Pfizer, Inc., in New York before coming to the Chrysalis Art Gallery.

For more information on Artist Betsy Podlach please visit betsypodlach.com.

(Long Island, N.Y.) International Stars from around the globe dazzled New York City at the 37th International Emmy Awards on November 23, 2009. The event was held at the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan.

The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is a membership based organization comprised of leading media and entertainment figures from over 50 countries and 500 companies from all sectors of television including internet, mobile and technology. The Academy’s yearly schedule of events includes the prestigious International Emmy® Awards Ceremony held in New York, The International Digital Emmy® Awards at MIPTV and a series of industry events such as Academy Day, The International Emmy® World Television Festival and Panels on substantive industry topics. The Academy was chartered with a mission to recognize excellence in television produced outside of the United States and it presents The International Emmy® Awards in the following fifteen categories: Arts Programming; Best Performance by an Actress; Best Performance by an Actor; Current Affairs; Children & Young People; Comedy; Digital Program: Children & Young People; Digital Program: Fiction; Digital Program: Non-Fiction; Documentary; Drama Series; News; Non-Scripted Entertainment; Telenovela; TV Movie/Mini-Series.

TV Host Cognac Wellerlane interviews Dr. Kissenger and the stars at the 37th International Emmy Awards

This year’s event was hosted by Graham Norton. Graham is one of the best-known presenters on British television. His Channel 4 chat shows So Graham Norton and V Graham Norton became some of the channel’s highest-rated shows and picked up nearly every award going, including 4 BAFTAS. Graham then moved to the BBC where he has had a string of successful series including Strictly Dance Fever, How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria, Any Dream Will Do and I’d Do Anything. He recently returned from Moscow after presenting the UK coverage for The Eurovision Song Contest. He has also finished a 4 month run in the West End production of La Cage Aux Folles playing the flamboyant Albin. A new series of The Graham Norton Show will start on BBC1 in the Fall.

Celebrities from American television and the United States government included Alexa Chung, Gossip Girl Actor Ed Westwick, Brazilian Model and Actress Juliana Paes, Nickelodeon Star Keke Palmer from the series True Jackson, Actress Mar Saura, ABC’s hit Drama Star Matthew Rhys from Brothers & Sisters, Musician and DJ Moby, News Broadcaster Paula Zahn, Fashion Designer Rachel Roy, Actress Stephanie March and Actor Robert Roy.

Special Awards were presented by Ms. Barbara Walters for the Founders Award to Sir David Frost and Former Secretary of State Dr. Henry Kissenger for the Directorate Award to Professor Markus Schächter.

Dr. Henry Alfred Kissinger was sworn in on September 22, 1973, as the 56th Secretary of State, a position he held until January 20, 1977. He also served as Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs from January 20, 1969, until November 3, 1975. In July 1983 he was appointed by President Reagan to chair the National Bipartisan Commission on Central America until it ceased operation in January 1985, and from 1984-1990 he served as a member of the President’s Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board. At present, Dr. Kissinger is Chairman of Kissinger Associates, Inc., an international consulting firm. Among the awards Dr. Kissinger has received have been the Nobel Peace Prize in 1973; the Presidential Medal of Freedom (the nation’s highest civilian award) in 1977; and the Medal of Liberty (given one time to ten foreign-born American leaders) in 1986. Dr. Kissinger was born in Fuerth, Germany, came to the US in 1938 and was naturalized a US citizen in 1943.

Barbara Walters is a world renowned journalist. Her TV career began over 3 decades ago. Barbara Walters has arguably interviewed more statesmen and stars than any other journalist in history. She joined NBC’s Today show as a writer, and within a year became a reporter-at-large, developing, writing and editing her own reports and interviews. In 1963 she became a co-host of the program without the official title, but in 1974 NBC officially designated her as the program’s first female co-host. Ms. Walters joined ABC News in 1976 as the first woman to co-host the network news, and then as co-host of 20/20 for 25 years. She has interviewed such world figures as Russia’s Boris Yeltsin, China’s Premier Jiang Zemin, Great Britain’s former Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, Libya’s Muammar al-Qaddafi and Iraq’s President Sadaam Hussein. She was also the first American journalist to interview Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and the first interview with President and Mrs. Bush following September 11th disaster.

“David Frost’s career started in the United Kingdom around the time Barbara Walters was starting hers, in the United States,” said Paisner. “The International Academy is delighted to bring Ms. Walters to our stage to lead this tribute to Sir David.”

Today, Ms. Walters’ remains a co-owner, co-executive producer and co-host of The View, recipient of the 2003 Daytime Emmy Award for “Outstanding Talk Show.” Ms. Walters recently received the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award at The News & Docs Emmys, presented by The National Academy of Television.

This years winner of the Founders Award, Sir David Frost is one of the preeminent television figures of the 20th century – not to mention the 21st! Sir David has been producing and hosting his own shows for more than 40 years and began his fourth year of hosting and producing Frost Over The World for Al Jazeera English this September. The program is received in more than 140 million homes in over 100 countries. Over the years, Frost has interviewed hundreds of celebrities and news-makers. He is the only person to have interviewed all seven British Prime Ministers serving between 1964 and 2009 and the seven US presidents in office between 1969 and 2008. His ground breaking satirical show That Was The Week That Was and its follow-up, The Frost Report, served as a launch pad for many modern British comics (including most of the cast of Monty Python’s Flying Circus) and propelled Frost into the limelight. By the end of the 1960s he was producing shows in England and the US, and enjoying as much celebrity as those he was interviewing on TV.

Professor Markus Schächter winner of this year’s Directorate award for more than twenty years has been instrumental in positioning ZDF as a leader both in the highly competitive German television market and throughout the world. He also provided leadership for ZDF’s participation in the digital transformation. Prof. Schächter’s career at ZDF (Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen) spans over 25 years, with a succession of key roles in production, programming and management. He was elected Director General by ZDF’s governing body, The Television Council, in 2002 and has since overseen the group’s operations which include the main channel and 3 special interest channels in its digital bouquet, as well as cable and satellite channels 3sat, ARTE, Kinderkanal and PHOENIX.

This years winners for excellence in TV around the world included Winners spanning 6 countries across Europe, Asia and South America. Brazil made history by taking home their first ever International Emmy® Award for the Telenovela India-A Love Story.

Returning Emmy winning countries include Denmark taking Drama Series with The Protectors, Japan taking Comedy for Hoshi Shinichi’s Short Shorts, The Netherlands taking Non-Scripted with The Phone and Germany taking TV Movie Mini-Series with The Wolves of Berlin.

The United Kingdom won both Performance categories. Best Performance by an Actor went to Ben Whishaw winning for his performance as Ben Coulter in Criminal Justice. Best Performance by an Actress was won by Julie Walters for her performance as Dr. Anne Turner in A Short Stay in Switzerland.

Other than the performance categories, British programs also won in the Arts Programming, Children & Young People, and Documentary categories.

“We congratulate tonight’s winners for their outstanding achievements. All the nominated programs and performances are a true inspiration for all of us in the industry and for audiences worldwide,” said Academy President & CEO Bruce Paisner.

For more information go to www.iemmys.tv.

The Divine Miss M, Bette Midler, Hosts the 14th Annual Hulaween Event at the Waldorf Astoria

(Long Island, N.Y.) Glamorously dressed in a hot pink corset, silver duster, black plumes and extra thick lashes, The Divine Ms. M Hosted the 14th annual Hulaween Event as a Las Vegas Show Ghoul. “I asked the head of my wardrobe department in Las Vegas, Fred Morales, to design a costume for me,” Bette Midler expressed, “I wanted to go as a Las Vegas Show Ghoul.” As we chatted on the red carpet, Bette stressed the importance of supporting the New York Restoration Project.

New York Restoration Project (NYRP) carries out Founder Bette Midler’s dream of a cleaner, greener New York City. To that end, NYRP restores, revitalizes and develops under-resourced parks and community gardens throughout the city’s five boroughs, working to ensure that every New York City resident, family and neighborhood has access to vibrant, green spaces. By providing enriching educational and community programming, NYRP also works to instill both individual and civic respect for nature and responsibility for contributing to New York City’s environmental sustainability.

Cognac Wellerlane interviews Bette Midler and other stars at the Hulaween Event October 30, 2009 at the Waldorf Astoria

Focusing on four principal strategies, NYRP is drawing upon its expertise and commitment to excellence in horticulture, landscape design, community outreach and educational programming, and coalition building to make NYRP the “go to” partner for revitalizing underserved New York City neighborhoods. In addition to becoming a leading advocate and partner in local greening and beautification efforts, NYRP further looks to become a model for other cities seeking to revitalize and restore neglected and under-developed open spaces.

Ghosts, goblins, witches and notable guests were present to raise over a million dollars for the New York Restoration Project.

Comedian and gay rights activist, Judy Gold dressed as President Abraham Lincoln, the Great Emancipator was the Masters of Ceremonies and the comic relief.

During the haunted evening Whoopi Goldberg dressed as a black fairy godmother expressed in her opening speech, “I love me some Mayor Bloomberg, but Bette is cleaning the city.”

“Who would have thought one tree could make such a difference…I have a cat so I don’t f— with trees,” expressed Whoopi. Ms. Goldberg later expressed on the Divine Ms. M’s courageously attempt in structuring the first boathouse in Harlem in over 150 years, Goldberg wisecracked, “‘I’m Jewish, I go where I want!'”

Fashion Designer Michael Kors, dressed as a “hippy Rock N Roller” and judged the outrageous costumes.

Katie Couric attended the Hulaween Bash as Kate Gosselin, Martha Stewart came as a tree, Austrialian Singer Sia dressed up as a cute bunny, Gloria Gaynor came as a sexy pirate girlfriend, and Kate Pierson was dressed as a colorful Annie Oakley as they all posed on the red carpet for event photographers.

New York Restoration Project’s objective is to be recognized for the organization’s distinctive business model, expertise and standards of excellence, thereby becoming the “go to” partner for open space planning, development and programming citywide. Their goals for the following year include:

• To be among the private leadership partners in building a coalition to launch the Million Trees NYC program; leverage public support for the tree-planting initiative as a key example of NYRP’s ability to lead citywide open-space initiatives.
• Establish a recognizable design aesthetic – Visions of Horticulture – for NYRP community gardens and parks and set standards of excellence for every project that they expedite.
• Reduce plastic waste throughout New York City including expansion of NYRP’s bag snagging program and elimination of plastic bags and bottles.
• Measure economic impact of NYRP projects on surrounding communities and their residents.
• Recruit and invest in the most qualified staff and Board of Trustees.
• Create new revenue models to augment traditional fundraising; create new revenue streams by leveraging their brand through licensing and royalties, landscape and horticulture services, and expert consultation.
• Build a solid base of donors and launch a capital and/or endowment campaign to increase operating support and ensure long-term, organizational sustainability.

Tickets for this year’s Hulaween event were $640, including pre-dinner cocktails, dinner, and the performance of rock veterans Crosby, Stills, & Nash as they topped off the magical evening.

For more information on how you can support, participate and contribute please visit http://www.nyrp.org

(Long Island, N.Y.) Each year filmmakers, moviestars and celebrities from around the globe participate in the International Hamptons Film Festival. Entering its 17th year, The Hamptons International Film Festival was founded to provide a forum for independent filmmakers to express their ideas, creativity and vision. The Festival is traditionally held for five days in mid-October in theatre venues from Montauk to Southampton attracting approximately 15,000 visitors annually. Twenty countries are represented and one hundred films are showcased each year with an awards package worth over $200,000. The festival continues to play a part in the awards season, with the 2008 edition featuring eventual Best Picture winners of the Academy Award, Golden Globe and Independent Spirit Award.

In addition to short films, documentaries and narratives, the Festival offers special presentations such as; a Breakthrough Performers program, which showcases up-and-coming acting talent. Past participants include Emily Blunt, Blake Lively, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Vanessa Redgrave, Frances McDormand, Sidney Lumet, Julian Schnabel, Isabella Rossellini, Gena Rowlands, and Robert Altman. The festival maintains a presence year round with other events as well such as screenings out east and in the city, and its annual Screenwriters Lab. The Lab recently wrapped its 9th edition, develops emerging screenwriting talent by pairing established writers with up-and-coming screenwriters.

The Hamptons International Film Festival has received a great deal of prestigious recognition, with the 2008 edition featuring the East Coast premiere of the eventual Academy Award winner for Best Picture “Slumdog Millionaire.” The festival’s awards success in 2008 included highlights such as the 8 total Academy Awards for Slumdog Millionaire including Best Picture, Editing, Writing, Cinematography, Direction and the Golden Globe for Best Picture.

This year at the Hamptons film Festival I had the pleasure of interviewing movie star Pierce Brosnan who recently produced and starred in an independent film “The Greatest” directed and written by Shana Feste. The film premiered on Opening night at the Festival.

“The Greatest” portrays Actors Susan Sarandon and Pierce Brosnan as a married couple mourning the death of their teenage son in Shana Feste’s powerful directorial debut. When Bennett Brewer (Aaron Johnson) is suddenly killed as a result of a truck colliding with his car, his mother Grace (Sarandon) becomes obsessed about learning what his last spoken words were. She patiently waits for the man they were spoken to (Michael Shannon) to come out of his accident-induced coma. Meanwhile, her math professor husband Allen (Brosnan), is immobilized by his inability to express his grief, and their surviving son (Johnny Simmons) is sliding into drug use that might be more than recreational. This dysfunctional family is not prepared for a sudden new member of the family, Rose (Carey Mulligan), the girl who was with Bennett when he died, and who is carrying his unborn child. “The Greatest” explores the ways in which love can persist and life can re-assert itself in the face of seemingly all-consuming tragedy.

After the premiere I was delighted to interview Director and Writer of the film “The Greatest” Shana Feste. Shana explained that she proposed and submitted the script to Pierce Brosnan and he loved it. “Once he was on board in helping to produce film, the financing of the film became much easier,” she expressed.

Shana Feste’s involvement in the arts began when, at age 11, she toured with the Young Professionals Actors program in the play “Dear Gabby.” She continued her training at the Santa Monica Playhouse theatre program, studied screenwriting at the University of Texas in Austin and attended the producing program at AFI. Feste worked as a researcher for Robert Towne and an assistant to an agent while preparing to direct her first screenplay “The Greatest.”

Among the many events, premieres and parties that I attended I truly enjoyed “Conversations with Sharon Stone.”

Sharon Stone is a Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actress and humanitarian. Her diverse body of memorable work has established her as a versatile presence in the world of Hollywood, independent film, and television. While perhaps best known for standout performance in 1992’s top-grossing “Basic Instinct,” Stone has received critical acclaim for her work in Albert Brooks’ “The Muse” Jim Jarmusch’s “Broken Flowers” Sidney Lumet’s “Gloria” and Martin Scorsese’s “Casino” (for which she received an Academy Award-nomination and a Golden Globe for Best Actress). The Hamptons Film Festival was honored to proudly welcome this American film icon as a mentor to their up-and-coming Breakthrough Performers and recipient of this year’s Achievement in Acting Award. Ms. Stone participated in their annual “Conversation With” discussion series. Sharon spoke candidly about her struggles in Hollywood before she became a Star and was extremely well received by Hamptonites and the press.

This years Festival Award Winners included:

Golden Starfish Award for Best Narrative Feature:
“The Misfortunates,” directed by Felix van Groeningen
Special Jury Award for Outstanding Achievement by an Actor:
Paprika Steen, APPLAUSE

Golden Starfish Award for Best Documentary:
“Long Distance Love,” directed by Magnus Gertten and Elin Jonsson
Special Jury Award
MUGABE AND THE WHITE AFRICAN, Lucy Bailey & Andrew Thompson

Golden Starfish Award for Best Short:
“Dust Kid,” directed by Jung Yumi

Best Film of Conflict & Resolution:
“Rabbit a la Berlin,” directed by Bartek Konopka

Audience Award for Best Narrative Film:
“The Young Victoria,” directed by Jean-Marc Vallee

Audience Award for Best Documentary:
“Waking Sleeping Beauty,” directed by Don Hahn

Audience Award for Best Short:
“This is Her,” directed by Katie Wolfe

Zicherman Foundation Award for Best Screenplay:
Felix van Groeningen for “The Misfortunates”

Kodak Award for Best Cinematography:
Ruben Impens for “The Misfortunates”

Kanbar Indie Award:
Antonio Campos for “My Adventures in Ladies’ Undergarments”

Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Prize:
“Agora,” directed by Alejandro Amenabar

Roc Skincare Gold Standard in Filmmaking Award for a feature female director:
Cheryl Hines for “Serious Moonlight”

Wouter Barendrecht Award for Pioneering Vision
BIG RIVER MAN, John Maringouin

Congratulations to all winners!

(Long Island, N.Y.) Media, celebrities and fashionistas attended what may be the final presentation at Bryant Park before relocating to Lincoln Center in 2010. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week made good on their promises for yet another hectic week of star-studded events at the tents. Top designers from around the globe debut their sexy spring collections on the famous runways in the tents as style-conscious trendsetters, buyers, editors and celebrities from Hollywood, sports and the modeling world took notice.

My favorite shows were the Malan Breton Spring 2010, Loris Diran Spring 2010, Twinke by Wenlan Spring 2010 and newcomer Custo Barcelona Spring 2010 Collections.

Classic Fashion Designer Malan Breton metamorphosed the Metropolitan Pavilion into an elegant evening at the theatre. The New York City Chelsea 30-piece Orchestra created the ambiance of a classical ballet production as male and female models presented Breton’s evening wear collection. Malan’s inspiration for the Spring 2010 collection was from his early childhood as a dancer. “I wanted the colors and hues to be reminiscent of dancer in training and the different colors they wear in their training uniforms, soft neutrals, rose tones and beautiful pales and lilacs, just soft beautiful tones.” Malan revealed. Soft sensuous silks, dramatic lace, neoprene, cotton and wool were the fabrics used to create a magical dance theme of a dancer’s life. His colors and hues included lilac, gold, poppy, amethyst, sapphire, marigold, rose tones and platinum for this collection as previously mentioned.

To create a unique concept, Breton incorporated a theatrical ballet into his fashion event. The audience was mesmerized. A male ballet dancer pirouetted down the catwalk in a dress shirt, vest and riding gloves minus the trousers. For the curtain call a ballerina danced on the runway in chic ballet-bride dress as the audience clapped.

Breton delighted everyone with his elegant very classy evening wear collection with a strong emphasis on the men’s wear collection. The Men’s Poppy three piece suit was a showstopper and the hooded top coat with leather detail will most definitely be this season’s signature piece.

The Loris Diran Spring 2010 presented men’s and women’s collections. The show marked Mr. Diran’s fifth full New York runway presentation and was styled by celebrity stylist, Jason Stephen. Original hair styles were created by Christo 5th Avenue and makeup was designed by Dex New York.

The LORIS DIRAN Ready-to-Wear collections, entitled “LUNA PARK”, revisits the boardwalks of old Coney Island, its seaside warmth, and the explosion of color identified with its legend. Says Diran, “One of my first memories as a child here in New York was of Coney Island and its ancient, dilapidated structures. The bawdy colors glistening from all the amusements stayed with me always.

Poppy Red, Canary Yellow, and Teal Blue punctuate an earth-toned palette of Rope, Cream, Navy, and Black. All of these shades woven from richly textured Silk Linens, Cotton Tweeds, Voiles, and Silk Gazars.

Loris Diran is of French-Armenian descent and immigrated to America at an early age where his family settled on New York’s upper west side. Highly influenced by the glam culture of the 1970’s, he was drawn to music, theatre and fashion and attended New York’s High School of performing Arts. Diran performed on Broadway and appeared on Capital records as a recording artist.

After earning a Fine Arts degree from NYU, Diran went on to work for such legendary design houses Versace, Claude Montana, and Chanel. It was at these institutions Diran learned the key elements of style and embraced luxury as a lifestyle concept. In 2003, Diran launched a collection of luxury knits under his first woman’s label, LORIS DIRAN COUTURE. The craftsmanship and fashion forward designs made them an instant hit with many socialites and celebrities.

He also served as Design Director for the West Coast based Women’s collection, JACQUE LYNE LOVE, and presented two collections at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Los Angeles in 2004 and 2005.

In 2005, Mr. Diran went to work on his own signature men’s line, immediately followed by a women’s Ready to Wear collection. Both collections featured Demi-Couture craftsmanship and have since developed a loyal clientele of fashion savvy customers, as well as celebrities from the world of music, television and film. His designs have been worn by Beyonce Knowles, Ricky Martin, Jonathan Rhys Meyer, Britney Spears, Nicolette Sheridan, Sofia Milos, Liev Schreiber and Andrew McCarthy.

Diran’s designs have also been featured in the Hollywood film, “The Devil Wears Prada.” Today, Mr. Diran happily incorporates both his collections into a luxury lifestyle that inspires his work. He has recently opened the doors of his first freestanding boutique in New York City’s Bowery district. This high end boutique reflects a mid-century minimalism, complete with vintage furnishings from some of the period’s most legendary names and it houses all of Mr. Diran’s collections for men and women.

I also had the chance to take in the Twinkle by Wenlan Spring 2010 Collection. Designer Wenlan Chia debuted her Spring 2010 Collection and was inspired by the 60’s spirit of Yoko Ono with the ‘80’s attitude of Blondie for a punky yet peaceful self-expression. Her collection showcased a colorful conversations of primal reds and blues bespeak=2 0raw emotion, while graphic prints add a structural sense of taming. New to the Tents was Designer Custo Barcelona.

Alter twelve years showing at the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week, Custo Barcelona presented the Spring 2010 collection, for the first time at the largest of the venues at Bryant Park, The Tent, before a crowd of 1,000+ members of the press, opinion leaders, celebrities and VIP’s.

Named “Air Show”, Custo Barcelona’s collection has been built around the concepts of movement and lightness. The materials used are so light that designer Custo Dalmau would talk rather about yarns instead of fabrics. Most of them have been through a perforation process, providing a certain transparency to the material and clothes. Behind this collection there is an intense investigation work not only about the fabric qualities but also about the use of graphic and color, which are the brand DNA, and have been renewed in a unexpected way.

The results of all this experimentation will be delivered to the stores through Custo Barcelona’s new line.

Celebrities that have worn his designs include Kenan Thompson, Actor – Saturday Night Live, Bryan Greenberg, Actor, Mark Indelicato, Actor- Ugly Betty, Miss Jay, Judge – America’s Next Top Model, Kristen Dalton, Miss USA, Stefania Fernandez, Miss Universe, Federico Castelluccio, Actor-The Sopranos, Amerie, Singer , Actress, Carlos Leon, Actor, Melody Thornton, Singer – The Pussycat Dolls, Tinsley Mortimer, Socialite, Adam Bertrand, Ac tor – The Beautiful Life, Miss Teen USA, Stormi Bree Henley. Lothar Mattaus, Former Soccer Player, Adam Green, Singer, Olivia Palermo, TV Personality – The City, Turner Cody, Musician, Johannes Hubl, Male Supermodel, Monique Stateena, America’s Next Top Model Cycle 11.

In my opinion The Gusto Barcelona Spring 2010 was the most highly energized show of the season as his collection transformed The Tents into a Mediterranean paradise.

Overall Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Spring 2010 was a dramatic success despite the economic downturn.