New York Botanical Gardens Winter Wonderland Ball

Last night I went on an adventure to the Bronx to photograph the New York Botanical Gardens Winter Wonderland Ball.
Not wanting to get stuck in traffic I headed to Grand Central and took the rush hour train out to the Botanical Gardens. It was so quick and easy getting there.
Only 20 minutes away I was there before I new it and quicker than a taxi would have gotten me from 18th st to mid town.
It was freezing. There was snow on the ground but once I got inside it was warm and welcoming.
After viewing the toy train exhibition I headed to the tent where I met Robin from Frost lighting. She was excited to show me the room and explained that Frost had not only done the lighting but also the draping and the sound for the night. She then reintroduced me to Naomi Martin who had done the flowers and design.
The tent looked stunning.
The color of the night was white and there were many stunning dresses.
Gillian Miniter looked fabulous as always.
By the way had to help a gentleman with his tie when he arrived.

If you can not tie a bow tie but you are cool enough not to be wearing a clip on come see me any time. I will do the honors or teach you how to do it!!! Happy holidays.

To view all the photos please click on this link New York Botanical Gardens Winter Wonderland Ball 2013

UNICEF SNOWFLAKE GALA 2013

                                                    Last night was the Unicef Snowflake Gala.
                                                 To view all the photos please click on this link

                                                          The UNICEF Snowflake Ball 2013

CCBF Gala 2013 at the Plaza Hotel

Last night was the CCBF Gala at the Plaza Hotel.

This year's Breakthrough Spirit Awards went to Margo and John Catsimatidis and Amar'e Stoudemire, and the Medical Breakthrough Award went to Dr. Patricia Giardina.

After the awards Joe Piscopo held a lively auction and was then followed by a performance by The Midtown Men who founded their group after leaving the Broadway hit Jersey Boys.

They rocked the house with their 60's music and everyone jumped up and danced infront of the stage.

 To view all the photos please click on this link The BBDF Gala 2013

The Studio Museum In Harlem Fall 2013 Gala

Last night I raced downtown the Cipriani Wall Street for the  the Studio Museum in Harlem's fall 2013 Gala. It is always such an amazing event and last night was no exception.
The room was full of beautiful people celebrating the arts and culture of Harlem and the amazing Studio Museum lead by Thelma Golden that is now 45 years young.
The event raised over 1.6 million dollars.

To view all the photos please click on this link The Studio Museum in Harlem Gala 2013

Hilary and Bryant Gumbel at The Rita Hayworth Gala

Looking fabulous as always Hilary and Bryant Gumbel at The Rita Hayworth Gala

And the women wore Naeem Kahn

Looking wonderful at The Rita Hayworth Gala, Naeem Kahn's wonderful gowns were worn by his wife Ranjana and friends.

The Rita Hayworth 30th Anniversary Gala

Last night was the 30th Anniversary of the Rita Hayworth Gala for the  Alzeheimer's Association held at The Waldorf Astoria Hotel in NY.
Princess Yasmin Aga Khan began this event in honor of her mother, actress Rita Hayworth, who died as a result of Alzheimer's. Under Princess Yasmin Aga Khan's leadership, over $60 million has been raised through the Galas over the last 30 years.

To view all the photos please click on this link Rita Hayworth Gala 2013

Carnegie Hall Fall Gala 2013

Last night was Carnegie Halls opening night Gala for the 2013-2014 Season but sadly the show did not go on. Due to a union shut down of the hall the concert had to be cancelled while ongoing negotiation continue about the newly acquired space at the hall and how it will be managed.

The staff were not sure what was going to happen and they banded together and made many calls and realised that the support from the patrons was with them and so the dinner went ahead at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel as planned.

David Stark designed a supper club feel to the room and after dinner everyone took to the dance floor. Jessie Norman made a very amazing speech that was delivered with her voice that filled the room and our hearts.

Joshua Bell also talked about his experience traveling with the youth orchestra and it made me want to go and hear them play.

Sandy Weil announced that for the first time in his leadership of Carnegie Hall, which is now over 20 years, he was not needing to ask for money as the capital campaign had reached its goal.

To view all the photos please click on this link Carnegie Hall Fall Gala 2013

The Met Opera Fall Gala 2013

Monday night was the Met Opera opening night Gala for the 2013-2014 Season. The Met began the season with a new production of Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin,” a landmark Russian opera based on the novel in verse by Pushkin.
Marius Kwiecien played the part of Onegin while Anna Neterbko performed the roll of Tatiana. It is her 3rd season in a row to play the lead on opening night and as always I was thrilled to see her. After the concert I made my way into the tent decorated by David Stark. I was  happy to see Anna's sister Natasha. It was the second time in a week to see them as I also photographed them last week and NY City Ballet.
After dinner lots of friends came over to Anna's table and everyone wanted to get into the photos.
To view all the photos please click on this link the Met Fall Gala 2013

George Soros and Tamiko Bolton's Official Wedding photo

It was a pleasure photographing George Soros and Tamiko Bolton. The official wedding photo was released on Saturday. Tamiko wore a gown designed by Reem Acra.

Many thanks to Marcy Blum and Preston Bailey who helped make it a day to remember.

QUEST SEPTEMBER 2013

Today the new Quest Magazine hits the stands and I am so happy to see this photo of Amanda Beck.
It was such a pleasure working with her and the rest of the team from Quest.
All thanks go to Daniel Cappello, the amazing editor who put the shoot together and inspired me with a great model , fabulous location and amazing clothes.
Makeup was by Shiko Vun
Hair by Fedor
Alex Travers the fashion Associate helped me by holding reflectors when I needed an assistant.
And Amanda, thanks for being so fun, gracious and poised all day long.

On Saturday night I spent a wonderful evening at Summer Gala at Ravina. This year they raised over 1.3 Million Dollars. To see all the photos please click the link Ravinia 2013

Wynton Marsalis and Jazz At Linclon Center Orchestra in Perugia

On Wednesday night I arrived in Perugia to join Wynton Marsalis and  Jazz At Linclon Center Orchestra who were to play for the Umbria Jazz Festival.
It had been raining heavily all day and I was not sure if the concert would be cancelled for the night's event in Arena Santa Giuliana.
I sat back stage with the band as they ate dinner then finally the crowd began to clap.
It was the cue for the night to begin.
The rain had stopped and the show went on.
It was so exciting to be outside surrounded by the enthusiastic crowd.

Oltre Il Giardino, A secret in Cortona

Last night Barbara invited me to dinner at Oltre il Giardino, a well kept secret here in Cortona.
Actually it is not such a secret but it is hard to find. Located on the other side of the park as I was told and as the name describes, I ventured out not quite sure where I was going. The receptionist at my hotel did not know where it was so I took a leap of faith and followed my intuition. Luckily I asked a woman walking her dog if she new where I was going and she waved me on saying that no she did not know where it was either but I could try turning left after the park and should try walking up the road.
So I did as I was told and headed up a deserted unpaved road for 5 minutes when I saw a light ahead. I was there.
Turns out that Barbara's son Marcus designed the beautiful logo that you can see on the menu below.
It was like walking into a private house. First you pass through the garden then into the restaurant that feels like coming home. There are only 4 tables inside and a few outside.
We sat by the fire place and talked and sipped prosecco then headed to the table where we sat and talked and ate till well after 1am. I was so busy eating that I forgot to photograph the desert. It was the best chocolate cake I think I have ever eaten.

It is all in the details with Kim Hicks Couture

Every stitch is had done in Kim Hicks Couture dresses and gowns. I love looking at all the details. Here she has combined the  custom beaded lace from Solstiss in Paris with feathers and below she has mixed silk and lace to create a dress with an alluring side to it. Nell Rebowe from Karin Models in Paris stepped out onto the balcony of the Westin Hotel to glance at the Rue de Rivoli below.

For more info please check out her website

www.kimhicks.com  

Kim Hicks Couture in Paris with custom beaded lace from Solstiss

It takes so many things to put together a gown.
First there are the visions and sketches, then there are the swatches, little samples of fabric, lace, beads, feathers, zippers and trims. Next are the the toile and muslins bringing the shape and form to life. Finally it is time to stitch it all together and slowly the final creation takes form.
Kim sources her custom beaded lace from Solstiss in Paris.
Last week at the Couture showings she unveiled this dress. Worn by the beautiful Helen George from Karins Models it demonstrates the elegance and beauty of hand stiched beading that Solstiss created just for Kim.
For more info please check out her website

www.kimhicks.com  

Kim Hicks In Paris

Had a great day with Kim Hicks photographing her amazing Couture dresses in Paris. Here is Nell Rebowe running down the stairs of the Westin Hotel where Kim was showing her collection to all the magazines.

The American Ballet Theater Gala at Lincoln Center Spring 2013

Last night I went to shoot ABT for Quest Magazine.
It was freezing as I stood outside taking photos of the guests as they arrived. How do they do it? Beautiful women in high heels and gowns walking across the plaza leaving their coats in the cars that drooped them off .
This year there were some short dresses as well.
It seemed that anyone who was anyone was dressed in Black or White.


To view all the photos please click on this link ABT