Fez to Casablanca

Volubilis

Today was my last day in Fez and so we headed out of town to do some sight seeing. We went to the old Roman ruins at Volubilis. It was wonderful to be able to wander around the ancient city with the smell of the herbs growing wild around the tumbled stones. There was a large group of local school kids who came with drums and local instruments and put on an impromptu concert as we arrived.

Fez Food

One of the best things about staying with friends is that I get to meet people who live and work locally. Last night I meet Gail Leonard. Originally from Yorkshire this self confessed food obsessive started a company called Fez Food. She does all kinds of custom tours from walking around the medina sampling the local honey, breads, meats and spices to cooking classes and excursions all over Morocco.
It was her night off so we meet her at Fez Cafe in Le Jardin des Biehn. Tucked away behind a huge door we entered into a garden and walked along the path until we arrived at the brightly coloured veranda where we found our table. The menu was a mixture of traditional food with a hint of french cuisine.
Today we bumped into Gail as she was walking through the spice market with some american tourists. They had just sampled camel meat and were on their way to have a local coffee.
To see Gail's blog you can click on the link FEZ FOOD

http://www.fez-food.com/

Fez

WhenI was back in Australia at Christmas I visited my old school friend Rebecca Raft and her partner PC at their home and workshop in Palm Beach. Rebecca designs and makes handmade silver jewelry and has a company called Bouvier.
A few years ago the two of them visited Fez and fell in love with the ambience, food, buildings and people in this far away exotic place. Without hesitating they found themselves an old riad that they have renovated in the heart of the medina.
Rebecca showed me photos as we sat on her terrace overlooking the gum trees and the beach and we decided that I should come and visit.
In the last few years not only have the 2 transformed a pile of rubble into a haven of tranquility they have met amazing artists and craftsmen that have brought to life many of Rebecca's designs from the hanging brass lights to the cushions and chairs. Even the pottery was made to her design and the calligraphy on the cups and plates says Dar Rafti, a play on her name.
The first night we sat on her terrace drinking coffee and nibbling on honey almond pastries that melted in my mouth while the call to prayers echoed in the background.
The next day we wandered around the medina. I am so inspired by the tiles, colors, woodwork and the hidden spaces that open as one walks through the old wooden doors.
To view Rebecca's web site click on this link BOUVIER

Riad Momo

As all my friends know I am traveling with my Mum here in Morocco.
Last night we went to a restaurant where I took this photo of her. Yes it is fun to play tourists with her and in true Mum fashion she had the horse mans rifle in a jiffy. He offered to marry her but I told him I would not trade her for 100 camels.
She is an avid walker and so today with the planning help of Jabrane here at Riad Saba we headed out from Marrakesh to a place about 45 miles from the city. We were met by a guide who took us on a hike through the valley over a river and through 3 berber villages. We walked among the fruit trees and the olive groves and took time to smell the roses, the lavender and all the herbs growing along the path.
At the end we emerged upon Riad Momo overlooking the lake where we stopped for a late lunch.
The weather today was overcast which made it perfect for walking and as we ate lunch a light misty rain fell dropping the temperature to a very comfortable level. After the meal we wandered around the grounds. Next time I come back I will make the time to stay here a night.

The Colours of Marrakesh

I am loving wondering around the shops in the medina, getting lost in the little alley ways, the sounds, the sights , the smells.
No big camera with me here. They do not want to be photographed.
I slip my little Sony Cyber Shot from my pocket and snap at the objects along the way. No body seems to mind.
I see a wall of postcards and yearn to photograph the eyes staring at me.
I am haunted by am image that I saw at a museum of a woman taken many years ago.
Now she is looking at my camera, caught on a wall, as she watches the tourists walk by.

Riad Saba in Marrakesh

It didn't take long to feel right at home in this wonderful little hotel in Marrakesh, Riad Saba.
We were met at the front door by the owner Jabrane who welcomed us in and offered us mint tea and cookies as he described the best way to get around the medina and gave us recommendations for places to eat lunch. We headed down the street to Un Dejeuner a Marrakesh where we sampled local salads as we sat on the roof terrace soaking in the view.
We had decided to have a home cooked meal that night at the Riad which was the best way to end our first day.
My room is called the Chocolate room. It opens onto the central court yard on the second floor. There are only 4 other rooms to choose from and all are charming. It is a little piece of quiet heaven close to the hustle bustle of the centre square just 5 minutes walk away and a perfect place to come home to each night.
Maria, Jabranes beautiful swedish wife met us on the second morning and gave us lots of directions for all the best shops and other places to visit. Today we headed up to the mountains to walk and visit the water falls. Tomorrow I am taking my notes from Maria and am heading to the other side of town to explore the clothing stores.

The Studio Museum in Harlem Spring Lunch

Today was the Studio Museum In Harlem Spring lunch. I am on my way to the airport and hope to upload the rest of the photos from there. Best wishes every one

To view all the photos please click on this link The Studio Museum in Harlem Spring Lunch

Engaged at Cartier

Last night I was photographing a bridal event at Cartier when all of a sudden William Hoar one of the sales associates ran up to me to tell me one of his clients was about to propose.
I rushed over as the ring was delivered by a Cartier Page.
Trevor Wilson then got down on one knee and asked Yvonne Ryzewski to marry him. It was the sweetest moment.
The smile on Yvonne's face was huge. She was about to put the ring on when she stopped then handed it to Trevor to place on her finger.
3 seconds later William arrived back with a glass of champagne for them both and a little wedding cake with a sparkler on it. Yvonne was so excited.
She told me they had visited the store in March and that she had seen the ring then but had not imagined that he was going to propose to her in the beautiful 5th Avenue Mansion. She said it was a dream come true.

The American Ballet Theatre Spring Gala 2011

Last night after a great dinner at the Warldorf I headed to the tent at Lincoln Center to photograph the dinner for The American Ballet Theatre Spring Gala.
The first person I saw was Sloan Barnett who looked amazing in a flowing hot pink dress.
We all miss Sloan who now lives in San Francisco but she made up for it by bringing all her friend from the west coast to party at the ABT Gala.
Prince was sitting next to Susan Fales Hill but he asked not to be photographed which made Steve from WWD stake out a place by the door. He was so excited when he managed to grab a shot of the exiting star.

To view all the photos please click on this link ABT Spring Gala















To view all the photos please click on this link MOMA Party in the Garden

the Museum of the City of New York's Leadership Dinner

Last Night was the Museum of the City of New York's Leadership Dinner at the Warldorf Astoria Hotel. This years award went to Marc Lasry.
To view all the photos please click on this link The Museum of the City of NY Leadership Dinner

Moma Party in the Garden 2011

Last night was the Moma Party in the Garden and after a wonderful hour of blissful cocktails in the sculpture garden with the most perfect weather the guests went into the museum that was bathed in red light and enjoyed dinner. At the end of the night Kanye West sang at a very crowded after party back in the garden. It was so loud that I think the statues were shaking.
To view all the photos please click on this link MOMA Party in the Garden

Quest Magazine

When I got a call a few weeks ago from Daniel Cappello the Fashion Editor at Quest Magazine I was so excited when he asked if I could step in and photograph their May Issue Jewelry story and cover just 2 days later. The photographer they had hoped to work with was suddenly unavailable and he was in the lurch. The Royal Plaza Suite at The Plaza Hotel was to be the location and the models were all organised.
It sounded fun so all I had to do was say yes.
Everyone arrived early and the hair and makeup people from Valery Joseph Salons got to work.
The suite was enormous and certainly lives up to its name. With the sun streaming into the bedroom I just had to start there. It was easy to get lost. There was a huge kitchen, a library, gym, dining room and living room.
The ladies were stunning. Coralie Charriol Paul and I had worked together before and I love her vivacious smile and bubbly personality.
Kelly Rutherford was elegant and full of ideas. When her little girl arrived we had so much fun when Kelly handed her an amazing necklace to hold.
Melanie Fascitelli was a true working mum in action. She came and got her hair and make up done then rushed of to Saks for a buyers meeting then came back to get her photos done all with out having a hair out of place.
In the afternoon Coralie's daughter also came for a visit and was happiest when in her mothers arms however she was tempted to sit in a chair and eat a carrot stick while I took one of the photos..
How these 3 women all juggle work and families and still find time to come and be photographed is a true sign of their ability to multi task and be fabulous in all situations.
At the end of the day we were all running over to the BCRF Dinner. I dashed back to the studio to change cameras and somehow they all got home in time to feed their kids, change and look gorgeous for the Gala.
I hope you pick up a copy of the magazine or maybe you are lucky enough to live in a building where they deliver it.

The Carnegie Hall 120th Birthday Concert and Dinner

Just when I thought my week could not get any better I arrived at Carnegie Hall for The Carnegie Hall 120th Birthday Concert and Dinner and headed to the Stage Door to sign in. Luckily I was early cause traffic has been crazy this week. I was standing just inside the door when Yo-Yo Ma arrived. My cameras were not yet on my shoulder so it was not obvious that I was the house photographer. I gave Yo-Yo a great big smile and he walked up to me and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I didn't say a word cause I know it was a simple case of mistaken identity but believe me when I say my knees went a little weak and it gave me a smile that lasted all night! Yes it is true I do photograph a lot of people but not every one recognises me unless I have 2 cameras around my neck.
So then it was up to the 2nd floor to photograph everyone arriving. The Weils were the first to arrive looking wonderful as always.
Mercedes Bass looked ravishing in her black one shoulder Oscar de la Renta gown.
Suzie and Bruce Kovner seem to be every where I go. They were in St Barths last month for Pamela Fiori's book signing and ever since the always shy Bruce has allowed me to take his photo. Suzie is ever radiant and was wearing a strapless ball gown.
Jesse Norman arrived with a flourish of purple gown and silver jacket.
Alec Baldwin turned heads but sadly he didn't offer to give me a kiss. Probably just as well cause I may have dropped my camera and he did have a very beautiful date by his side.
It was the 3rd night I have seen Daisy Soros this week. She stopped for a little chat and has promised to tell me how she met her husband at International House. I think there may be a scandal involved.
Marie-Josée and Henry Kravis dashed in at the last minute and I managed to get a photo before they entered their box.
It was then time for the curtain to go up so I took my place in the back to take photos.
The Lincoln Center Philharmonic was playing. It is the first time I have seen Alan Gilbert conduct and it was magic. The best way to describe it was that his body was like a butterfly and music fluttered on the end of his fingers. He was conducting the orchestra with pianist Emanuel Ax, violinist Gil Shaham, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma as the guest soloists in Beethoven’s Triple Concerto. After the intermission Audra McDonald sand some songs of Duke Ellington.
I then raced to the Plaza to get there before the guest. Dinner did not start until 10pm and the next time I looked at the time it was after mid night.

To view all the photos please click on this link The Carnegie Hall 120th Birthday Concert and Dinner

The Memorial Sloan Kettering Spring Gala at the Pierre

Last night was the 2011 Memorial Sloan Kettering Spring Ball at the Plaza Hotel. After a rainy day it was a relief when the weather changed for the better. It was such a glamourous night. The room looked amazing. To view all the photos please click on this link Memorial Sloan Kettering Gala

Central Park Hat Lunch 2011

Despite the rain over 1200 women braved the elements in their high heels and hats to attend the Central Park Hat Lunch. The president of the women's committee, Gillian Miniter announced that a new record had been made and that the lunch had raised over $3 million.
To view all the photos please click on this link Central Park Lunch

International House 2011 Harry Edmonds Awards Dinner

Last night was the International House 2011 Harry Edmonds Awards Dinner at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in NY honoring Maurice R Greenberg, Ahmed Juffali, Nand Khemka and Princess Jeet Nabha Khemka and DZ Bank. International House is a residential community for 700 graduate students from all over the world who come together to experience cross cultural cooperation and understanding.
To view all the photos please click on this link International House Gala

AMERICAN FEDERATION OF ARTS LUNCH

Yesterday I was invited to attend the American Federation of Arts Spring Luncheon where Angela Westwater talked about her life in the art world and showed slides of some of the early studio visit she made over 25 years ago. It was great to see so many familiar faces.

The New York Pops 28th Birthday Gala 2011

Last night was The New York Pops 28th Birthday Gala. The night started with a performance at Carnegie Hall followed by dinner at the Plaza. This years theme was recognition of Bob Hope and of his work both as an actor and an entertainer who spent a lot of time traveling to war zones to entertain the troops. At the end they saluted all the military members both past and present in the audience as they played the 5 anthems from each division. It brought tears to my eyes as the guests stood proudly who had served this country as they received a moment of recognition. At the end the orchestra was given a standing ovation.
Next the guests headed to the Plaza Hotel where the artists sat and mingled with the crowd. Angela Landsbury looked stunning and there was a constant stream of people lined up to talk with her. I said hello to Michael Feinstein and introduced myself. He is just so talented, I also met Bob Hopes grandson Zachary when he handed me his card after I took his photo. I had no idea who he was when I snapped his photo and I must say he was very charming. It sure was a fun night.
To view all the photos please click on this link The NY Pops Gala

The Metropolitan Opera Dinner on Stage for James Levine

Last night was the dinner celebrating James Levine 40th year at the Met Opera in NY. After Cocktails on the Grand Tier the guest watched a movie about James. When it was done the curtains went up and he welcomed everyone onto the stage. There were lots of friends there to show their support and the evening raised over 2 million dollars.To view all the photos please click on

The Met Dinner on Stage