Events

Around the World in 80 Sips

by Ariston Anderson (RSS feed) — Nov 10th 2009 at 4:01PM

Wine lovers rejoice. This Friday, Around the World in 80 Sips returns to New York, showcasing the finest offerings from top local wine shops. Brought to you by Bottlenotes, the Palo Alto based company bringing the best of wine to e-commerce, the online wine community unites enthusiasts with customized wine recommendations and exclusive information. (You must sign up on the site if simply to receive their daily e-mail wine tips.)

If you often find yourself wandering around the wine store, not sure of whether to pair that Spanish red or new Portugal white with your penne rigate, then this is the event for you. Sample your favorites and try new countries, as Around the World in 80 Sips presents the best flavors from both new and old world: Argentina, Chile, China, France, Italy, Lebanon, New Zealand, Spain, South Africa, and the U.S. It's a fun, informal setting where you can ask every question you ever wanted to know about wine, while enjoying the Friday night fare. Drink without a conscience, because a portion of ticket sales benefit Robin Hood, a New York non-profit which fights poverty daily.

Click here to purchase tickets for this not-to-be-missed wine gala. And now till Friday, just for our readers enter the code LUXIST to save $10 off tickets.

Friday, November 13 6:30-8:30 PM
583 Park Avenue
New York, NY

Tags: around the world in 80 sips, AroundTheWorldIn80Sips, bottlenotes, new york city, NewYorkCity, wine, wine tasting, WineTasting

Naomi Campbell's Birthday Surprise for Russian Billionaire Boyfriend

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Nov 8th 2009 at 4:01PM

Naomi Campbell just surprised her Russian billionaire boyfriend Vladislav Doronin with a lavish jet-set birthday surprise in Morocco, the London Mirror reports.

The supermodel chartered a private jet to fly them there as a surprise for Doronin, who's been called the Donald Trump of Russia. There she presented him with a lifesize sports-themed cake with a boxing ring, race cars and rackets on it.

The pair partied all night before boarding a jet to Abu Dhabi and then Tanzania for her charity work for the White Ribbon Alliance. Of course, as we've reported previously Doronin has been very generous as well.

Campbell has been earning praise of late for looking better then ever despite her 39 years. Her longtime hairstylist Amoy Pitters, who tended to the precious tresses for recent A-list events like Black Girls Rock and the Clinton Global Initiative gala, deserves her share of the credit.

Pitters, whose other celeb clients include Sheryl Crow, Ashanti, Ciara, Iman, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige and The Pussycat Dolls, is famed for her unique, signature method of hair extensions, indistinguishable from - some would say better than - the real thing.

Tags: Amoy Pitters, AmoyPitters, celebrity, hairstylist, Morocco, Naomi Campbell, NaomiCampbell, private jet, PrivateJet, Russian billionaire, RussianBillionaire, supermodel, Vladislav Doronin, VladislavDoronin

12th Annual Collaborating for a Cure Cancer Benefit

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Nov 4th 2009 at 11:00AM

On Nov. 18 the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) will stage its 12th annual Collaborating for a Cure benefit dinner and auction at the Park Avenue Armory in New York. Building on the success of last year's event (above), which featured a concert by Steely Dan, this year's festivities include a Steve Winwood performance and a charity auction led by Sotheby's' C. Hugh Hildesley. Sure to attract high bids will be 5 pairs of tickets to the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on Nov. 19, an eye-popping display of supermodels in lingerie. The SWCRF, founded by Dr. Samuel Waxman in 1975, is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization that focuses on the most promising strategies for developing cures and treatments for many types of cancers, as well as preventative measures. SWCRF is at the cutting edge of research into alternatives to the traditional treatments of chemotherapy and radiation.

Tags: benefit, cancer, Samuel Waxman, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, SamuelWaxman, SamuelWaxmanCancerResearchFoundation, Sothebys, Victorias Secret, VictoriasSecret

Spike Lee to Sign "Design for Obama" at Taschen Store New York

by Deb West (RSS feed) — Nov 3rd 2009 at 4:01PM

It is hard to believe that it is already the first anniversary of Barack Obama's election as the first African-American President of the United States. In honor of this historic occasion Taschen books New York is holding a book signing to celebrate the publication of Design for Obama. Posters for Change: A Grassroots Anthology. Taschen a publishing house originally started in Cologne, Germany 1980 by 18 year-old Benedikt Taschen, who found himself with a huge collection of comic books, has become renowned for being the premier international publisher of stunning art books.

Unbeknown to many, hundreds of artists and designers supported Obama's campaign in an unusual way, with their talent at DesignforObama.org founded by one of the books editors Aaron Perry-Zucker. This web-site built upon the concept of volunteerism during a history making campaign provided an online forum where artworks could be uploaded and downloaded for free.

Filmaker Spike Lee and Aaron Perry-Zucker chose the best of the submissions and have compiled them into a book commemorating the 44th President and the artistic creativity that helped him win the historic election last fall. In addition to curating the artwork in the book, Lee, Perry-Zucker and design historian Steven Heller wrote essays to complement this collection of over 200 pro-Obama posters designed by everybody from renowned graphic artists to those who practice their art on the streets of our cities.

If you want to have your copy personally signed by the editors head to Taschen's New York SoHo location where the editors including Spike Lee will be on hand on November 4th, 2009 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Tags: books, bookstore, election, graphic artists, GraphicArtists, Obama, posters, Spike Lee, SpikeLee

Tibet House US Benefit Auction at Christie's

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Nov 1st 2009 at 4:02PM

The 7th annual Tibet House US Benefit auction is taking place on November 18th at Christie's Auction House in New York City. The event is aimed at promoting and preserving Tibetan culture. Proceeds from the auction will be divided to sustain the Tibet House and another organization with like-minded initiatives. Some funds will support projects and programs spawned by the Tibet House in their mission of displaying and maintaining the ancient traditions of the Tibetan civilization. The event will also donate to Tibetan Children's Village an integrated educational community for destitute Tibetan children in exile located in Dharamsala, India. The fundraiser will also benefit the Tibetan Community of New York and New Jersey.

Items to be auctioned off include a package of four VIP concert tickets and a meet and greet backstage with Sting, internships at Rolling Stone and US Weekly, a private journey for two to Bhutan with guest accommodations, a luxury yacht cruise for seven to the Bahamas with a week long stay in a private house on the beach, lunch at the Four Seasons restaurant in New York City with Uma and Robert Thurman, shopping and lunch with Donna Karan at her store, John Lennon, Martin Scorsese, and Miles Davis memorabilia, a one-week stay in a villa on the French Riviera, contemporary art and photographs from Annie Leibovitz, Patti Smith, Ed Ruscha, Donald Baechler, and more. TIckets to the event are $225 per person with VIP tickets that include a preview and private reception available for $500.

Gallery: Tibet House Auction

SNEAK PREVIEW OF THE TIBET HOUSE US BENEFIT CONCERT AT CARNEGIE HALL

Tags: christies, dalai lama, DalaiLama, fundraiser, new york city, NewYorkCity, robert thurman, RobertThurman, sting, tibet, tibet house, TibetHouse, uma thurman, UmaThurman

Celebrate the 2009 World Series with Steuben Crystal Baseball Bats

by Deb West (RSS feed) — Oct 26th 2009 at 11:01AM

Calling all Yankees and Phillies fans, check this out.

For the baseball enthusiast who is also a discerning collector Steuben adds a classic twist on memorabilia with their Major League Baseball Collection. The new Steuben design features a regulation size bat made of the finest pure crystal. This is the same design used for the Ted Williams All-Star Game Most Valuable Player award presented by Chevrolet, and given to Carl Crawford of the Tampa Bay Rays this year.

Both the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies bats are engraved with the teams logos. Even if your team didn't make it to the World Series this year, don't despair! The complete collection includes bats for each and every team in the American and National leagues. The regulation-size bats are retailing for $6,650 a 30% discount off the regular price of $9,500. The collection includes smaller bats as well as other pieces for the collector who wants a high quality engraved item at a lower price.

What might seem to be an unusual partnership is really a unique match between two American classics. All the pieces in the MLB collection are handcrafted by Steuben in their Corning, NY factory. Each piece is made by skilled artisans, carefully inspected and signed with a diamond-tipped pen. Any piece that is discovered to have imperfections is destroyed as there is no second best for Steuben or Major League Baseball.

Tags: baseball, crystal, Phillies, Steuben, World Series, WorldSeries, Yankees

Opus Vancouver Gears Up for Winter Olympics

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Oct 26th 2009 at 8:01AM

Planning a trip to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, B.C. this February? If you're quick you might still be able to snag one of the 96 rooms at the Opus Vancouver, the city's top luxury boutique hotel. Located in historic and fashionable Yaletown steps away from the inner harbor, the Opus has played host to a long list of A-listers including Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, Zac Efron, Janet Jackson, R.E.M., and The Pussycat Dolls, to name a few. The lavish rooms boast five different décor schemes to suit every taste, ranging from modern and minimalist to artful and eclectic, with comfort and style as the unifying elements. In addition to standard amenities, luxuries for guests include Frette bathrobes, L'Occitane bath products, an in-room oxygen dispenser and complimentary transportation within the downtown area via the hotel's luxe 7-Series BMWs. The penthouse suites feature wrap-around balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and double-sided fireplaces; all suites have a wet bar, while the hotel also features a fine French bistro, Elixir, as well as the Opus Bar, voted "Vancouver's Most Popular Nightspot" by the Zagat Survey.

Tags: British Columbia, BritishColumbia, Canada, Demi Moore, DemiMoore, Frette, hotel, hotel deals, hoteldeals, Olympics, Opus hotel, OpusHotel, Vancouver

A Night of Mischief For A Good Cause

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Oct 25th 2009 at 8:01AM

Interested in raising a little ruckus for a good cause on the night before Halloween? On Friday October 30, 2009 a group of young professional philanthropists known as "Future of Hope" will join City of Hope's fight against women's cancers by hosting the Halloween-themed benefit A Night of Mischief at Marquee in New York City. Appearances will include cast members from the hit television series Gossip Girl and The City and cameras from the CW television network will be on hand filming Tinsley Mortimer for her new CW reality series Empire State. This new reality show will air this winter chronicling Tinsley's travels, adventures and causes.

The evening will be dedicated in loving memory of Amy Salm who lost her battle with cancer this year. Tickets are $99 in advance and $120 at the door based on availability. Guests are asked to dress in costume. The night features an open bar with sponsors such as Innocente Tequila, Three Olives Vodka and Manhattan Beer Company. A dessert bar to satisfy even the sweetest tooth comes compliments of the Cupcake Stop and Milk & Cookies Bakery. There will also be a live raffle with over 30 prizes including a Valentino handbag, roundtrip jetBlue Airways tickets, Equinox gym membership, private dinner prepared by Chef Rob Hesse of Hamptons hotspot Georgica, and Knicks, Rangers, and Jets tickets.

Tags: charity, cw, events, marquee new york, MarqueeNewYork, night of mischief, NightOfMischief, tinsley mortimer, TinsleyMortimer

Australians Celebrate Horse Racing At The Melbourne Cup

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Oct 24th 2009 at 9:04AM

Down Under horse racing season gets into full swing at the upcoming Melbourne Cup. The Melbourne Cup Carnival 2009 runs from October 31 – November 7 in Victoria, Australia. The event takes over the city as as Melbournians and visitors get in on the festivities attending parties, watching the races, putting on big race day hats and sipping Chambord Kir Royales. The events includes the AAMI Victoria Derby Day, Emirates Melbourne Cup Day, Crown Oaks Day and Emirates Stakes Day. Various ticket packages are available for individual events or several race days.

Springboard Vacations is offering a Melbourne Deluxe: Food, Wine & Spa package that starts at $1,046 per person based on double occupancy which includes three nights at the Crown Towers, a tour of the city sights, dinner onboard the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant and two 30-minute massage treatments at the Crown Spa.

Tags: australia, horse racing, HorseRacing, melbourne cup, MelbourneCup

Varvatos, Hilfiger & More at Oceana New York Launch

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Oct 21st 2009 at 6:01PM

Oceana, an international nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. dedicated to protecting and restoring the world's oceans, celebrated the launch of Oceana New York on Monday night with a star-studded bash at the stunning penthouse of socialite philanthropists Alexander and Brenda Schweickhardt (above, far right). A tableaux vivant of mermaids entertained guests at the event, which was sponsored by Tiffany & Co., including Sam Waterston and Sue Cohn Rockefeller (above, far left), John Varvatos and wife Joyce (above, center) Jeff Goldblum, Gina Gershon, Tommy Hilfiger and wife Dee, New York Jets tackle Damien Woody, New York Gubernatorial candidate Rick Lazio, and socialtes Denise Rich, Bettina Zilkha and Jean Shafiroff. Since its founding in 2001, Oceana has achieved several major victories including protecting more than 640 million acres of ocean habitat.

Tags: celebrity, environment, John Varvatos, JohnVarvatos, New York, NewYork, ocean, Oceana, Tiffany Co., TiffanyCo., Tommy Hilfiger, TommyHilfiger

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa's Celebrity Chef Classic

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Oct 21st 2009 at 10:02AM

It may be snowy and cool in some parts of the country but in November it's still prime golfing weather in Ojai, California making it a perfect time for the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa's Celebrity Chef Classic occurring on the weekend of November 13 - 14. The event which includes the chance to golf alongside several celebrity chefs will benefit Share Our Strength, a national organization dedicated to ending childhood hunger in America. This year, Ming Tsai of Blue Ginger (and the cooking show Simply Ming), Todd Gray of Equinox, Alan Wong of The Pineapple Room, Budi Kazali of Ballard Inn & Restaurant and Ojai's own Executive Chef Jamie West will play in the 18-hole golf tournament with guests on the naturally sculpted George C. Thomas-designed course.

The weekend begins with a welcome cocktail party on Friday that will highlight tasting menus presented by each chef. Saturday morning, guests will be invited to play Ojai's greens alongside the chefs followed by celebratory gala dinner. The Celebrity Chef Classic is $1,450 per person, excluding taxes (double occupancy) or $1,850 per person, excluding taxes (single occupancy) and includes two nights in deluxe accommodations, unlimited golf, Friday's welcome reception, gala dinner, breakfast, lunch and additional amenities.

Tags: celebrity chef, celebrity golf, celebrity golf tournament, CelebrityChef, CelebrityGolf, CelebrityGolfTournament, golf, ojai, ojai resort, OjaiResort, share our strength, ShareOurStrength

Champagne on the House for Mr Chow's 30th

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Oct 20th 2009 at 9:02AM

For 30 years Mr Chow (above) on East 57th Street in New York has been one of the city's most enduring hotspots, frequented over the decades by the likes of Andy Warhol, Jean Michel Basquiat, Calvin Klein, Madonna, Robert DeNiro, Tom Cruise, Uma Thurman and many others. To celebrate the anniversary and show their appreciation to its devoted clientele, the restaurant will present a complimentary bottle of Laurent Perrier Rosé champagne to each table from November 4th - December 15th. The 30th anniversary comes on the heels of the opening of Mr Chow's fifth location in Miami at the W South Beach. The New York branch opened in 1979 following the success of Michael Chow's restaurants in London and Beverly Hills.

[via JustLuxe]

Tags: Andy Warhol, AndyWarhol, champagne, Laurent Perrier, LaurentPerrier, Michael Chow, MichaelChow, Mr Chow, Mr. Chow, Mr.Chow, MrChow, New York, NewYork

Even in a Recession, Philanthropy Can Be Sexy

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Oct 19th 2009 at 8:01AM

Perhaps we should say especially in a recession. The Tycher Family Foundation, based in New York, strives to create a network of young professionals who share a common goal: to donate their time and money towards a worthy cause. The other night the Foundation threw an event at the hip new Bowery Hotel, dubbed "A Truly HAPPY Hour," benefiting Met Council, one of New York's largest human service agencies and an affiliate of UJA Federation of New York. Guests including the attractive trio above enjoyed gourmet hors d'oeuvres, sipped cocktails and bid on silent auction items such as VIP passes to the 2010 Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge, tickets to an episode taping of Comedy Central's The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, a weekend in South Beach at the W Hotel, and a jaunt to Nantucket via private jet. Selecting one deserving charity each year, the Tycher Family Foundation hosts an exciting and memorable evening, underwriting 100% of the evening's costs to ensure that all revenue – from ticket sales to silent auction earnings – go directly to the chosen charity.

Tags: Bowery Hotel, BoweryHotel, New York, NewYork, Tycher Family Foundation, TycherFamilyFoundation

Blige & Bloomberg Step Out for NY Women's Foundation Gala

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Oct 17th 2009 at 9:01AM

Grammy award winning R&B songstress Mary J. Blige and Mayor Michael Bloomberg were the star attractions at the The New York Women's Foundation (NYWF) Fall Dinner 2009 the other night held at Manhattan's chic Gotham Hall.

Blige (right) performed at the exclusive event, where guests included socialites Agnes Gund, Anne Bass, Muffie Potter Aston, Sharon Bush, Debbie Bancroft, Jean Shafiroff, Denise Rich, and designer Catherine Malandrino.

Stepping Up Awards were presented to New Yorkers who "serve as role models of courageous leadership, vision and commitment to women and girls as individuals and as partners," including Elizabeth and Herbert Sturz and Sheryl WuDunn and Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Nicholas D. Kristof.

Established in 1987 as a public philanthropy, the NYWF strategically funds organizations and programs that move women, girls and families towards long-term economic security through individual transformation and systemic change.

Tags: Anne Bass, AnneBass, Catherine Malandrino, CatherineMalandrino, Denise Rich, DeniseRich, Mary J. Blige, MaryJ.Blige, Michael Bloomberg, MichaelBloomberg, socialites, The New York Womens Foundation, TheNewYorkWomensFoundation

Celebrities Lend Signatures And More To Gay Marriage Posters

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Oct 14th 2009 at 9:01PM

A variety of celebrities have put their names to a Shepard Fairey print in order to support gay marriage. More than 80 celebrities including Julia Roberts, Charlie Sheen, Natalie Portman and many others have signed "Defend Equality - Love Unites" original prints with a design by Shepard Fairey. Some celebrities took a unique approach to signing. Jared Leto wrote out the language of California's Proposition 8 ballot initiative (which stipulates that marriage is only between a man and a woman) on the back of his Fairey print, burned it and put the ashes in a clear glass urn with the inscription, "Here lies within, the remains of Proposition 8, may it rest in peace." Virginia Madsen added a collage to her poster. The pieces will be sold in online auctions next month. On November 12, Shepard Fairey will take part in the official launch event at the Andaz West Hollywood hotel. VIP tickets for the event are $100.

Tags: art, california, events, gay marriage, GayMarriage, proposition 8, Proposition8, shepard fairey, ShepardFairey

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