One of the people Lady Gaga just name checked as a seminal “author in the library of pop culture” hosted a book signing last night. No, it wasn’t Prince, Cindy Crawford, Marilyn Monroe, or Francis Bacon (Gaga's words, not ours). It was Maripol, stylist to '80s statement-makers Debbie Harry, Grace Jones, Cher, and Madonna. Steven Meisel may have shot that iconic Like A Virgin album cover, but Maripol's the one who slipped Madonna into the rubber bracelets and crucifix jewelry that sparked a trillion copycats. So, yah, we'd say Gaga gushing over Maripol's cultural legacy is pretty on point. While Maripol certainly had a heavy hand in fashion history, the woman's still very much relevant today. Last year, she designed neon t-shirts and rubber jewelry for Marc by Marc; last night, she continued her latest moment in the sun (or torrential downpour, as luck would have it) with a jam-packed signing of her Little Red Riding Hood.
The Museum of Art and Design played host to Monday night’s Rare Earth’s Fluorescent Ball, and dare we say it was a full on fashion prom complete with art nerds, wannabes, music geeks, and those ever-present popular kids. Throw in some fluoro outfits, (some good, some bad) and you have a Prosecco-filled Monday evening that certainly boggled Tyson Beckford’s mind. We spotted him observing the room from its sidelines with puzzled awe. Although the evening’s weather wasn’t up to par, energetic DJ sets by scenesters like Paul Sevigny and Chrissie Miller certainly lightened everyone's mood, especially the cork-wedge clad group of (probable) financiers whose bump-its and fist-pumping skills proved to be an unlikely start to a wild dance party. The event served as the museum’s young patrons gala with a sale of one-off fluorescent works including a light-up noose—any takers? Always Mister Popular, Paper's Luigi Tadini favored the video installations on display, “its always nice to see movement,” he attested. Aesthetic technician and designer Christian Cota--there to co-chair and cheer on contributing artist friend Anne Grauso--said, “You need light to make fluorescent come alive, it doesn’t always work with fashion.” Rather fitting as this was evident in a few choice attendees’ ensembles, though we won’t single out offenders.
When you think "museum benefit" you don't immediately think of the downtown fashion, art, and design cool kids club, but that's exactly what the Museu
According to some well-placed sources, Brit Brit will be performing at Don Hill's tonight. (Weirdly, there was a joke about this in The Daily, but we hear that it's actually true.) The venue was recently acquired by Paul Sevigny, which means all the cool people now hang out there regularly. Again. (Courtney Love is rumored to be around there this weekend, too.) By the time Brit hits the stage we'll probably be asleep, but to all you early-twenty-something-hot-scenesters, it might be worth dropping by.
Fashion's Night Out is two weeks from tomorrow! There is more going on than we can even wrap our heads around. Having trouble deciding where you want to go and who you want to see the most? Well, if you're interested in catching a peak of one of your favorite designers, here's a roundup of where some of the biggest and the best will be on September 10. We've excluded most of the people we've already reported on. Also, it's almost safe to say that if someone isn't on this list, they will probably be at Barneys. Michael Kors Michael will be at his lifestyle store on Madison and 61st in New York City. He will be joined by TONY Award winner Idina Menzel, whom Michael will accompany on a selection of songs. Michael will also make an appearance nearby at Bloomingdale’s 59th street, where the “World of Michael” will be created to kick off a new Michael Kors handbag shop-in-shop. Tommy Hilfiger Tommy will be kicking off FNO and his brand’s 25th anniversary at Macy’s Herald Square. As we’ve reported, Macy’s will house “The Ultimate Tailgate Party” as inspired by Tommy’s most recent ad campaign. Tommy will be accompanied by Macy’s CEO Terry Lundgren. He will also make an appearance at his Fifth Avenue store, where shoppers can have their purchases personalized with an exploding monogram while they shop, listen to DJ Toddlerone and drink up.
If you're lost without loads of Fashion Week fêtes on your calendar, you need a ticket to Wednesday's MAD Paperball. It's the first, hopefully annual,