I attended the luncheon for Dries Van Noten at Cipriani 42nd Street, where he was honored with the 2009 Award for Artistry of Fashion by the Couture Council Advisory Committee, whose members include Dr. Valerie Steele, director and chief curator of the Museum at F.I.T.; Pamela Golbin, curator of the Musée de la Mode; and Julie Gilhart of Barneys New York, among others.

I was also attended the Q&A for students of FIT, which was an intimate affair with less than 100 students present. I asked only one question, "You strike me as the sort of person who does not shop very much. But, I wonder which designers, besides yourself, that you purchase at retail?" I was surprised at Dries' answer. He said that he loves to shop, to see what is new and what is offered by other designers and to explore the environment of retail. He did admit that he is likely to only wear his own clothes, but mostly out of laziness. One visit to his warehouse and he is all set. At least we have shopping in common.

At the end of the Q&A, I was honored to personally meet Dries Van Noten and Dr. Valerie Steele. It was so exciting to meet someone that I have admired for so long.

Thom Browne is making a personal appearance for Fashion's Night Out. Join in the fun at Black Fleece, 351 Bleecker Street, corner of West 10th Street, September 10th at 8pm. The Fall collection looks promising, especially the classic Navy Pea Coat. I wonder if they may have the new Black Fleece fragrances to sample? See you there John.

It was an honor to attend the Dries Van Noten luncheon today where he received the 2009 Award for Artistry in Fashion by The Couture Council of The Museum at The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). What I wore: Dries Van Noten blue silk and cotton blazer, DVN blue and white striped cotton button down shirt with matte gold paillettes, DVN black and brown degrade faux crocodile brogues, DVN black leather belt and Prada navy wool pants.

So, there I was at the Dries Van Noten luncheon where he received the 2009 Award for Artistry in Fashion by The Couture Council of The Museum at The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). I'm extremely shy among strangers, but I introduced myself to Phillip Lim and he was extremely kind and warm. I also met Isabel and Ruben Toledo, what a gorgeous and charming pair. Everyone was so nice and I mingled as best I could while trying to capture some photos.

Iman, dressed by Dries Van Noten, looked younger and more beautiful than ever. Phillip Lim's YSL cheetah shoes were perfect. Hamish Bowles looked dashing in a patterned double breasted suit by DVN. Maggie Gyllenhall was a lovely and gracious presenter. Victor De Souza and Michelle Harper made a striking couple. And, yes, when Daphne Guinness made her entrance, I swooned. I am obsessed with the inimitable Daphne Guinness. How does she walk in those shoes?? In the last photo of Daphne, she is chatting with Dries, who was the picture of understated chic and surprisingly at ease.

Today, Dries Van Noten will be honored with the 2009 Award for Artistry in Fashion by The Couture Council of The Museum at The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). I am thrilled to have been invited to cover the luncheon at Cipriani 42nd Street. I will also be attending a Q&A with the designer tomorrow morning at FIT.



Simon Doonan will emcee and attending members of the Artistic Committe will include Glenda Bailey, Hamish Bowles, Nina Garcia, Daphne Guinness, Iman, Carson Kresley, Ralph Rucci, Andre Leon Talley, Isabel and Ruben Toledo and Diane von Furstenberg.

Leffot, New York's most elegant shoe store, on Fashion's Night Out will host both Ephtée Trunks and Edward Green "Top Drawer" shoe collection from 6-9pm on the evening of September 10th. I definitely will not miss this!

From the website:

In a global initiative to promote retail, restore consumer confidence, and celebrate fashion, U.S. and international editions of Vogue are coordinating evening extravaganzas in their respective world fashion capitals.

In the United States, American Vogue has joined with NYC & Company, the City of New York, and the Council of Fashion Designers of America to enliven again the consumer spirit that churns the economy and boosts the local industry of America’s fashion capital, New York City. Next only to finance, fashion is the second-largest sector of industry in New York City—the headquarters of more than 800 fashion companies employing 175,000 people and generating $10 billion in total wages. At City Hall’s May 20 press conference to announce Fashion’s Night Out, Vera Wang said, "To put it bluntly, if people don’t shop, people lose their jobs."

The first evening of New York Fashion Week, Fashion's Night Out will encompass festivities galore— from inventive window displays to model and celebrity appearances. Champagne may flow; hors d'oeuvres may be passed. Rumors of musical performances, downtown barbecues, shoe capsules, limited-edition rings, and sweepstakes abound. Apparently there will be makeovers, brow bars, and haircut stations at sundry spots, too.

Website here.

In a private ceremony in East Hampton, NY, artist Terence Koh has married his more than 10 year lover, graphic designer Garrick Gott. Terence wore his mother's wedding dress, to which he added yards upon yards of white tulle. This is NY State, and while they are not legally married, I celebrate their union and wish them all the best.

We acquired a piece by Terence Koh here. Cheers!

While we were at the Metropolitan Museum Viewing party, I ran into my friends Stephen and Ken. I stole these little abstract shots of their outfits. I love Stephen's Jack Spade paint dipped tote with his pants. Ken's shirt is fabulous with his white belt and shoes.

This evening we attended the 2nd annual GLBT Viewing and Cocktail Reception at The Metropolitan Museum. We had already seen the featured shows, but we attended to support the museum and to mingle with our fellow gay men and lesbians. Lots of bowties!

We attended the ACRIA Unframed 20009 event this week. These are some of the pieces we saw. The last piece is by artist Terence Koh and we took that one home.

ACRIA Unframed 2009 is hosted by Margaret Russell and Ross Bleckner and presented by ELLE DECOR. This year’s event, taking place at the 15 Union Square West luxury development, is being curated by art world legend Jane Holzer and leading collector Stephen Heighton.

For more than 16 years, Unframed has been considered one of the most exciting and unusual art events in New York City. Leading artists contribute unique series or editions for sale at mind-blowingly low prices. There is also an incredible silent auction component. 100% of the proceeds support ACRIA’s HIV & AIDS research and education programs.

We've just returned home from the lovely wedding of a very dear friend of mine and his partner. The celebration was held on the beach and the dress code was "beach chic". I love the idea of alternative dress codes. To be perfectly honest, I don't care for black tie. I find it ultimately so limiting and unimaginative. I had already planned an outfit when the Matthew Williamson for H&M Collection was released on May 14th, but I just could not resist this jacket. I am also wearing the matching H&M pants (the slash pockets also have the psychedelic trim), a white Dries Van Noten shirt, black Helmut Lang belt and a pair of black G. H. Bass for Jeffrey New York penny loafers.

Cartier hosted a cocktail party at the Fifth Avenue mansion this evening in celebration of their 100 Year Anniversary in America. The elegant affair was held in the second floor gallery, where the special show of Cartier jewels from around the world can be seen. Many of the pieces are on display for the first time in years, as they are from private collections. There is a clever video montage of famous women wearing Cartier gems. Among the notable collectors are Doris Duke, Marjorie Merriweather Post, Grace Kelly, Elton John, and Elizabeth Taylor. The most dazzling piece must be Doris Duke's tiara. I love the stories that go along with many of these creations.

This impressive diamond and ruby necklace belongs to Elizabeth Taylor and is on display in the Fifth Avenue window of the Cartier Mansion--take a peek at the video upstairs and you will see Mike Todd giving it to Ms. Taylor poolside. The joy on her face is both timeless and priceless.

I was finally able to attend Jeffrey Fashion Cares. What a fabulous event for deserving charities. The cocktail hour was crowded with gorgeous men and women, many of whom work in the fashion industry. The evening culminated in a runway show, featuring some of the hottest male models in the industry, including Sean Opry and Chad White. Front Row sighting: Lorenzo Martone, the husband of Marc Jacobs. I regret not attending sooner and I am committed to attending future events.

Over the past 17 years, Jeffrey Fashion Cares, hosted by Jeffrey Kalinsky, has raised over $8.5 million for the gay communities’ most important charities and non-profit organizations, with 95% of every dollar raised going directly to the beneficiaries.

Many companies donate goods to be featured in a live silent auction. The proceeds of both the ticket sales and the auction benefit Lambda Legal, The Hetrick Martin Institute, Gay Men’s Health Crisis, and The Point Foundation.

Among the companies proudly sponsoring this event were Coach, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, John Varvatos, Bally, Etro, Garrard, Dermalogica, Mulberry, Lambertson Truex, Prada, Tom Ford, Robert Marc, Dolce & Gabbana, Ralph Lauren and Church's.

These are some of the bags featured in the silent auction. Would anyone like to guess which bag I took home?