An Afternoon at MAGGIE NORRIS Atelier

reporter: Miguel Dominguez

New Orleans born, Maggie Norris attended the School of the Delgado Museum of Art. She then moved to New York City to attend the Art Students League at Parsons School of Design.

Ralph Lauren recruited her as Creative Designer, and she quickly became Senior Design Director of the Women's Collection, where she oversaw all the Women's ready-to-wear and accessory collections and was in charge of seeking out inspiration for the overall direction of the line. Then, in 1998, she moved to Europe to work as Chief Designer for Mondi's Women's Collection.

2000 saw the return of Norris to the United States, where she founded Maggie Norris Couture in New York City. In 2003, she joined the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).

Maggie's designs are sewn, embroidered and beaded completely by hand. Clearly the kind of treasures heirlooms are made of. If not reserved to be passed down from mother to daughter, institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Fashion Institute of Technology would be deliriously happy to have them donated into their permanent collections

THE MEAT PUPPET Movie Premiere

reporter: Miguel Dominguez

On January 17, at the Film Anthology Archives, the official New York City movie premiere for the new highly acclaimed psychological thriller/horror feature film The Meat Puppet  took place. 

Previously, The Meat Puppet screened a rough cut of the film at the 2012 5th Annual Downbeach Film Festival Atlantic City Cinefest in Atlantic City, NJ.

The film was nominated  for 8 coveted awards. It took home 5: Best NJ Feature Film, Best Horror Film, Best Actor Keith Collins, Best Supporting Actress Geri Reischl, and Best Director Joe Valenti. 

WORKS by Marc Newson - Book Signing

reporter: Miguel Dominguez

TASCHEN Books in SoHo was the place on November 10th, where the much acclaimed and awarded Marc Newson was at hand to sign the very limited editions of his oversized monograph Works

CANNON HERSEY Art Exhibit

reporter: Miguel Dominguez

November 10th was the date for the art opening The Rock Media Group arranged for Cannon Hersey at the sub-level gallery on 190 Mercer Street in NoHo, NYC.

REX RAY for B+N

reporter: Miguel Dominguez

The Launch of the collaboration between B+N Industries and artist Rex Ray was celebrated at the Eyebeam Gallery on December 6th. The venue was transformed into a showcase of this new line of products; featuring Infused Veneer Panels, carved relief Iconic Panels, and furniture pieces, complemented with Rex Ray designs. His mid-century modern aesthetic has become instantly recognizable internationally, and Rex's use of color, shape, and wood grain are the perfect addition to B+N’s current broad offering of product.

The gracious hosts of the event,
Brad and Sarah Somberg

PLEATS PLEASE by Issey Miyake - Book Launch

reporter: Miguel Dominguez

A special installation at the ISSEY MIYAKE Flagship Store in Tribeca was featured on November 28th, to celebrate the launching of Issey's new book PLEATS PLEASE, published by Taschen Books.

In it, the story of this line of clothing is explored through a vast array of texts and images, which trace the journey from inception, through material development, to public reception, and also reveals the creation of the original thread and the pleating process.

KEVIN McHUGH Art Exhibit

reporter: Miguel Dominguez

With an opening party on November 30th at The Out NYC Hotel, Artist Kevin McHugh unveiled his new Pucci-inspired sculpture collection of fish and shark sculptures adorned with Swarovski crystals.This new collection, a six sculpture assemblage, pays homage to McHugh’s other muse: the world of fashion. McHugh, along with Patricia Field and Danny Tenaglia, hosted

The collection debuted in New York City in an exhibition with the support of SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS and Avant Gallery. It remained on display at The Out NYC Hotel, located at 510 West 42nd Street, from November 30th to December 2nd and was open to the public, after which it went to be showcased at the Avant Gallery in Miami for an Art Basel presentation.

Kevin McHugh on the right with his publicist Coury Hay 

ICONS by Markus & Indrani - Book Launch

reporter: Miguel Dominguez

MARKUS + INDRANI, globally esteemed celebrity and fashion photography and director duo who have captured many of todayʼs most provocative pop culture legends, celebrated the international release of their first full photography book, ICONS, with a public art exhibition at Lincoln Centerʼs David Rubenstein Atrium on November 8th through the 13th.

The 30 piece exhibition included Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Jay Z, Kanye West, David Bowie, Iman, Will Smith, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Eva Mendez, Kate Winslet and Daphne Guinness.

To kick off the weeklong affair, a VIP Red Carpet Cocktail Event was held on November 7th at Lincoln Centerʼs Alice Tully Hall.

Markus + Indrani

MY BEVERLY HILLS KITCHEN by Alex Hitz - Book Signing

reporter: Miguel Dominguez

TV Personality Chef, Restauranteur and Author Alex Hitz

The sparkling way of ending the New York 2012 party season Shoe Designer Vanessa Noel arranged for her friend Alex Hitz, could only be matched by the AVENUE Magazine event I attended 5 days earlier, and previously reported in this blog just before this article. Her beautiful boutique was packed to the rafters with the Celebrities, Glitterati and all manner of V.I.P's that make up her circle of friends. It was the kind of gathering that even I, when I was a Celebrity photographer back in the 80's and 90's, very seldom came across. Very impressive!

The motive for such a festive occasion, which took place on December 18th, was the signing of Alex's cook book My Beverly Hills kitchen, featuring "Classic Southern Cooking with a French Twist", launched on October of last year, and the book was selling like hot cakes.

Alex with Hostess of the event Vanessa Noel

AVENUE Magazine Honors Amanda Hearst

reporter: Miguel Dominguez

In order to celebrate Socialite and Model Amanda Hearst gracing the cover of the latest issue of AVENUE Magazine, last December 13th AVENUE Magazine got in cahoots with ladies undergarments boutique La Perla, in order to throw the kind of bash that made all the other Holiday parties to which I went pale by comparison. 

La Perla's CEO Suzy Biszants and the event's Honoree Amanda Hearst with Rachel Roy

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

reporter: Miguel Dominguez

David "Zen" Mansley offers a "Bah Humbug" to the audience

On December 22, the weekend before Christmas, Theater for the New City presented for the fourth year A CHRISTMAS CAROL, based on the classic story by Charles Dickens. The show is adapted, designed and directed by David “Zen” Mansley, who also plays the lead role of Ebenezer Scrooge.

James-Wilkie Broderick, who played the role of Tiny Tim, here in the arms of his dad Matthew

FABULOUS FASHION GALA

reporter: Miguel Dominguez

On September 21st at The Stellan Bar/Restaurant and Amelia Meloni PR joined forces to pull off one more fabulous event for Fashion Week. The event at its core was a networking Gala for professionals of NYC, who are engaged in Technology, Business and Fashion. It featured the evening wear of Richard Quiñones, Mina D. Jewelry (worn by all the ladies in this article) and the styles of  Pet Couturier, Anthony Rubio of Bandit Rubio Designs.

Karen Biehl and her sweetheart Eli, the Celebrity Chihuahua

AVENUE Shows: Jewelry

reporter: Miguel Dominguez

Just in time for the gift giving season, November 10-11 was the two day date when a group of jewelers specializing in Estate finds, and Jewelry Designers as well, had a show at the Plaza Athenée Hotel, arranged by Avenue Magazine shortly after their recent event at the Armory. To see the article  AVENUE Shows at the Armory, please click here.

Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2013: ADRIAN ALICEA

reporter: Miguel Dominguez

Celebrity designer Adrian Alicea presented his Spring/Summer 2013 Collection "Hybrids Of The Deep Blue Sea" on September 12th, at St. Bartholomew's Cathedral, on Park Avenue.

This year, Adrian Alicea dedicated his collection to Anna Piaggi, (1931-2012) visionare, icon and friend. Anna Piaggi was instrumental in placing Adrian Alicea's helmet design on the cover of Vogue Italia with supermodel Linda Evangelista.

Couture Fashion Week: SAI SUMAN

reporter: Miguel Dominguez

Indian born Sai Suman showed her Summer 2013 collection as part of Couture Fashion Week on September 15th at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Hers was THE spectacle of the evening!

Couture Fashion Week: ISABEL ZAPARDIEZ

reporter: Miguel Dominguez

On February 17, Spanish designer Isabel Zapardiez, as part of Couture Fashion Week, presented at the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel her latest Bridal collection for the Spring 2013 season.

frontrow: SHATERIA MORAGNE-EL Fashion Show

reporter: Miguel Dominguez

Shateria Moragne-el

Most known for her consulting work for some of today's top fashion magazines Shateria Moragne-el debuted frontrow, her first fashion collection on September 11th at the Metropolitan Pavilion, with an opening performance from Platinum recording artist JoJo and musical set by Nicole of Nina Sky. Celebrity styling guru, Misa Hylton served as creative director for the exclusive presentation.

JoJo performs

RE:MIX LAB Fueled by Hyundai

reporter: Miguel Dominguez

To launch the newest incarnation of the RE:MIX LAB event series, Hyundai revealed on September 27th at the Chelsea Market three custom built vehicles representing the ultimate in style, design, performance and innovation. Each car has its own personality and features top of the line modifications, socially connected technology and the most current gear available. Showcasing personalization on a higher level, these one-of-a-kind builds are the epitome of future forecasting and the masterpieces of the event’s “Exhibits in Collaboration” installation.

SORRY I MISSED YOUR SHOW! Dance Discussions

reporter: Miguel Dominguez

 Panelist Heléne Alexopoulos, William Forsythe,  Peter Frame and Jeffrey Edwards with Celia Ipiotis in center

On October 27th at the Gibney Dance Center, I had the great joy of attending Sorry I Missed Your Show!, a very informative series presentation of a past show of EYE ON DANCE, and discussion by former members of the New York City Ballet Company and moderated by Celia Ipiotis, the creator, producer, and moderator of the nationally recognized culture series EYE ON DANCE & The Arts and EYE ON THE ARTS.

Gibney Dance and Dance/NYC have jointly developed Sorry I Missed Your Show! as a "second chance" to view works by both emerging and established choreographers, as well as a forum for artists and their audiences to revisit them from fresh perspectives.

Video screenings will be followed by thoughtful discussions and reconsiderations led by some of the great minds of the contemporary dance world.

CELA NY debut benefits New York Organ Donor Network

reporter: Miguel Dominguez

Owner and designer Kelly Mayo with her new line

On September 6th at Sea Thai’s Moon Room in the HiLine District, Cela New York debuted their newest collection during Fashion’s Night Out 

With champagne and complimentary mini massages provided by Exhale Mind & Body Spa, guests enjoyed music by DJ Spyfno of Hot 97 and BET; and were able to pre-order a Cela New York bag with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the New York Organ Donor Network. Guests also had the opportunity to register as an organ donor.

All Cela New York products are produced in New York City. Ms. Mayo is adamant about advocating the preservation of the Garment District in Manhattan. Cela uses the highest quality of leather and handbag hardware materials that she took great care in sourcing in the United States. Ms. Mayo takes great pride in Cela New York being entirely manufactured in New York City and in ensuring all materials are produced within the USA.

Fashion Night Out: YELENA NY

reporter: Miguel Dominguez

Yelena Feuerman, Founder and CEO of Yelena New York, which purveys her luxurious footwear, and also represents jewelry designs in her "By appointment Only" private showroom located at the Carlyle Hotel

Couture Fashion Week "Jewel of India": RITU BOORGU

reporter: Miguel Dominguez

ON September 16th at the Wardolf Astoria Hotel, Ritu Boorgu, owner of Charisma Boutique,  presented her latest creations for the Spring season as part of the group event "Jewel of India" arranged by Couture Fashion Week.

ANTONIO LOPEZ by Mauricio and Roger Padilha 2nd Book Signing

reporter: Miguel Dominguez

On October 18th, at Bookmarc Books in the West Village, Roger and Mauricio Padilha had the second New York signing event of their latest book Antonio Lopez: Fashion, Art, Sex, and Disco, published by Rizzoli Books. Bookmarc Books, a small place by bookstore standards, made it all the more fun being there. It was tight, and it was ebullient.

To read about the first book signing, which I previously published in this blog, please click here.

Book Authors Roger and Mauricio Padilha, Co-founders of MAO PR

HORSES by Jill Greenberg - Book Launch

reporter: Miguel Dominguez

On October 19, a day after her book launch at ClampArt, the New York gallery that represents her, Jill Greenberg had a second one at the Milk Gallery.

Jill Greenberg earned her BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1989. She is represented by ClampArt in New York and Katherine Cone Gallery in Los Angeles. She has exhibited her work internationally at museums and galleries in Rome, Amsterdam, New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and Montreal, and at venues such as the TED conference and Art Basel Miami Beach.