Re-Cap: Speakeasy Moderne - Mingle With The Stars 3/12

The stars were out in full force for Speakeasy Moderne, a tribute to acclaimed Broadway director/choreographer Larry Fuller, presented by the Swiss Global Artistic Foundation.  Larry Fuller is a living legend on the Broadway scene, having choreographed such epic shows such as Evita, Sweeny Todd and Merrily We Roll Along.

The Swiss Global Artistic Foundation, founded in London in 1999, has assisted the careers of a great number of talented musical artists from over eighteen countries by hosting events such as Speakeasy Moderne, and by collaborating with distinguished individuals, embassies and cultural funding institutions. 

The evening's performances were a mix of cabaret, jazz and American musical theatre featuring stars from Broadway's greatest shows, hosted by Official Hank http://www.officialhank.com/.  The performers were outfitted from Richie Rich's Villionaire collection, which debuted this past Fashion Week.  If you missed the show, not only did you miss all the glamorous fun and craziness that surrounds a Richie Rich show, you also missed a
performance by Official Hank!  Be sure to check out
Richie and Hank's song on itunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/official-hank/id352262239

True to its name, the event had a sophisticated 1920's speakeasy ambiance where guests were transported back to one of the private, elegant shows of the era.  Dressing in 20's, 30's and 40's glam attire was encouraged. 

After an introduction to the Foundation, the first round of performances were from emerging artists from the Foundation's amazing talent roster.  The set list was (in order) Hallelujah by Amanda Barise, a guitar solo of That Song by Max Zuckerman, Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone by Amanda Barise, Siena by Thana Pavelic, Something to Believe In by Paget Knebel, and original songs High and Outtamyhead performed by Jamar Rogers.  Jamar's style reminded me of a mix of Usher, Bruno Mars with a side of street cred. 



Jamar Rogers



After a brief intermission and mingling session, the second half of the performances honored Larry Fuller's extensive work on Broadway.  Our host of the night, Official Hank, opened the set with Willkommen from Cabaret, followed by Official Hank's original song Gonna Get Better wrote in support of the "It Gets Better" campaign.  His performance was truly heartfelt and helped bring to life a cause that many of us in the artistic community hold true and dear to our hearts.



Official Hank



The set list continued with Dreams of Candlelight by Dina Fanai, If I Can't Love Her by Keith Miller, I'm The Greatest Star by Kathy Voytko, Maria from West Side Story by Omar Lopez-Cepero currently on Broadway in American Idiot, Pretty Women and Not A Day Goes By sang by Jim Walton who was in the original Broadway cast of Sweeny Todd, and Don't Cry For Me Argentina from Evita and Rainbow High sang by Donna Marie Asbury currently on Broadway in Chicago.  All of the performers were breathtaking.  Consummate performers of their craft.





Dina Fanai



Larry Fuller was presented with a lifetime achievement award for his long-term relationship with the Great White Way and the evening's finale by a musical/dance number just for Mr. Fuller.




Kathy Voytko

 

Larry Fuller presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award



Larry Fuller with the Performers

 

Finale Tribute to Larry Fuller



Nadia with Friend and Couture Fashion Designer Angelo Lambrou (Villionaire Designer)





Nadia, Jimmy Walker and Yours Truly





Richie Rich and Heather Holly

Special Thanks to:

The King Collective and Richie Rich

http://www.thekingcollective.com/

Official Hank

http://www.officialhank.com/

Swiss Global Artistic Foundation

http://www.swissglobal.org/

Dream Artist Productions

events@dreamartistproductions.com

Midtown Lofts

  



Interview with Tamara Pogosian, Fashion Designer

Tamara Pogosian's designs http://www.tamarapogosian.com/ have had those in the know taking notice since her first collection debuted in 2002.  The Parsons and FIT alum's designs have been seen on many a red carpet, and most recently introduced a menswear collection.  We had the opportunity to chat with Tamara Pogosian and find out more about this much buzzed-about talent. 

I've read that you were born in Armenia and grew up in Russia, in any way have those cultures influenced your work?

It is almost impossible not to have those 2 different cultures influence my work. I am proud and fortunate to have had lived among them. Those years of my life have molded me into who I am today and what I create.


You've been a New Yorker since 1992, how do you see New York has changed for the fashion industry over the years and how do you see it changing in the future?

New York is of course the Fashion Capital of the world. It is one of the main reasons why I moved here. The fashion industry changes constantly every season but it is also effected by the financial climate. It has been difficult for many designer brands over the last 3 years to maintain their businesses and continue to grow. Since these are challenging times, I hope that the mass market will not demolish the high fashion market. It would be tragic if we lose the art aspect in fashion. The masses will not have any source of inspiration without the high fashion brands. The future of high fashion is in the hands of media and store buyers to encourage and keep customers excited about designer brands. It's essential to keep inspiration in our lives. If the customers are informed and educated about quality and originality they will continue to support high fashion brands regardless of the price point. Luxury is not a necessity during challenging financial times but saving art should be a priority. Fashion is not just a "shirt on your back", it represents your character, your lifestyle and future. Any designer label creating collections filled with art and beauty serve as an inspiration for our society. Beauty inspires love. There is no love in mass market.

What was the main influence/inspiration behind the Fall/Winter 2011 collection?
As a young girl growing up in Moscow I spent a lot of my time reading and watching fairy tales, drawing princesses in glamorous gowns. These female characters were my role models. They represented youth, beauty, elegance and love. I wanted to capture the essence of them in my collection but also design pieces that are wearable and practical for the modern woman. I hand picked each model to represent different types of women. The soft and feminine make-up and hair styles were key elements in the Fashion Show, along with the slow beat music selection and soft lighting. It created an aura of a desirable, seductively elegant woman.

You have a very unique logo, what's the story behind it?
I have a profound love for birds. As a child growing up in Yerevan, my next door neighbor had a peacock in her garden with other exotic birds. I was fascinated by their beauty and elegance. I did extensive research when I decided to create a logo for my brand. I wanted it to symbolize who I am, what I create, relate to women and men on a global scale as well as tie into my Armenian heritage. I found an ancient Armenian coin with 2 birds intertwined which was refined to fit to the simple message of my brand: love and unity. I feel content to have this symbol represent my work.

Any insider tips for someone who is trying to make a name for themselves in fashion?
If you have a passion for something, it takes a lot of hard work, complete dedication, countless hours, problem solving skills, creativity and networking. Having a talent is just as important as creating an inspirational environment for yourself. Once you enter the creative "zone" nothing can stop you. Surrounding yourself with honest supporters, practicing your talent, listening to your true supporters and building long lasting relationships are key elements in becoming successful.



Actress Johanna Botta

What can we expect for next season's collection?
That would be the Spring/Summer 2012 Collection. I have not yet thought about it in detail but my collections always stay true to the message of the brand. I design each piece myself. I have my own process I go through to create each piece as each piece has it's own story and purpose. My main source of inspiration has always been love. Creating a fantasy that can be visible and touchable for women to be embraced and admired in. 


Credits:
venue: District 36
hair: Gianina Contin/Diesel Salon
make up: Diana Manzanares
photos: Yoni Levy & Hans Dudeck

Re-Cap: 2/8 Livents' Cupid Trunk Show & Belly Dancing Event

The gorgeous ladies of Livents, hosted another amazing fete at Haven this past Tuesday.  Livents is an event planning and lifestyle firm founded by Lisa Li, Fleriser Bello and Veronica Ram.  

As I walked in to Haven, I was immediately greeted and made feel right at home.  The crowd was a mix of corporate and scensters, and the club was an atmosphere conducive to networking and conversation.  I made some new friends and reconnected with some old ones.  Unfortunately, due to my late arrival, I missed the belly dancing performance and mini-workshop but heard nothing but rave reviews from all the party revelers.  So let this be a lesson, show up early, don't miss out (trust me, I'm kicking myself).     

On the second level of Haven was a trunk show which showcased the designs of Viva Aviva, along with other very talented designers.  All the designs were available for purchase at the event.  This clothing was made for going out on the town or for that intimate dinner with your significant other.  If you missed the event and are interested in the fashions, more on the designer can be found here: http://livents.blogspot.com/2010/11/livents-wearing-couture-with-viva-aviva.html

I'm looking forward to their next event, and you should too!  If you need your event to be taken to the next level, get in touch with these ladies!

For more information, email: info@livents.us

2/8 - Livents Presents Cupid's Trunk Show & Belly Dancing Event

You are cordially invited to

Cupid’s Trunk Show & Belly Dancing Event

on

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

7:00PM

at

Haven
244 E. 51st Street (at 2nd Avenue)
New York, NY, 10022

Please bring business cards for easy registration.
  RSVP with names, emails, title: rsvp@livents.us

Live In Your Events,
Livents

Re-Cap: Fashion Front Awards at Greenhouse 1/28

                                                  

This past Friday, The Lawrence Blake Group, RAWHOUSE Magazine, Mreeuh Chang, Bulldog Gin and Inocente Tequilla presented Top Emerging Talent in Today's Fashion Industry for the Third Annual Fashion Front Awards at Greenhouse Nightclub.  

The winner of the award receives a year's Public Relations Management Contract with The Lawrence  Blake Group, a full spread in RAWHOUSE Magazine, and a chance to have their designs worn in a national ad campaign for Inocente Tequila.  The designers who were after this much-coveted award this year include celebrity eyewear mogul Stevie Boi and bow-tie superstars Robot and Brucling!, jaw-dropping accessory designer Melanie Marie and innovatove leggings designer Courtney Gamble.

All of the designers' collections were artfully presented.  But the show stopper of the night was Melanie Marie's accessories, which were presented on semi-nude models whose bodies were painted in silver and black paint.  Simply amazing!  Your eyes were focused on only the accessories (or the models).