Carnegie Hall Fall Gala 2011

Last night was the Carnegie Hall Fall Gala 2011. It was the 120 Anniversary of the hall and to celebrate they chose to celebrate Tchaikovsky who was the conductor on the official opening night of Carnegie Hall in New York in May 1891. Yo-Yo Ma and Valery Gergiev with his orchestra performed an all-Russian program.
During the dinner at The Waldof Astoria Clive Gillinson read a letter sent from Putin . It was a reminder that music transcends all borders.
The room looked amazing. The very talented David Stark had worked with Joan Weill and had used candles and votives to fill the space.

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

St Barths Bucket Weekend

All my friends know St Barths is my favorite place close to New York that makes me feel like I am back in Australia. I never really know why this little island has always felt this way to me. Maybe because like Australia it attracts salty sea dogs and fabulous women.
This week is the Bucket and the boats in the port are lined up one bigger than the next. Watching them entering and exiting is amazing.
Yes the women are beautiful in their flowing clothes and leather and pearl necklaces while the men are rugged with windswept faces from time spent on the water or living outside ( even if it is only for a week).
The restaurants are full at night and where ever I look there are familiar faces, some I know personally and others we all know thanks to their larger than life talents.
My excuse for this visit was that Pamela Fiori is here this week to celebrate her new book, In The Spirit of St Barths.
Last night there was a book signing at Clic. The wonderful little gallery was buzzing with activity. Olivia Chantecaille and her family were all there to support Pamela as were the Mishaans, Kino, Nichole Miller, Tony Dub, his brother Phillip with wife Gertrude, Melanie Smith and many more. Here are a few of my iPhone photos and below you will find the shots from last night.

The Studio Museum in Harlem Gala

I confess. I have a favorite event that happens every October, The Studio Museum in Harlem's annual Fall Gala and this year it was even better than ever as they honored Pamela Fiori for her work at Town & Country. Always the best dressed women and men, year after year, they refuse to sit for long as they table hop and then dance until the band can play no more. Held at Cipriani Wall Street, the event was run by the fantastic Melissa Feldman from MF Productions.

To see all the photos you can visit my website at Julie Skarratt Photography and click on View your Event

UNICEF

Last week the Unicef Gala was breath taking. Amazing photos of children hung on the walls of Cipriani 42nd St. The Gala chairs were Claudia Lebenthal and Christine Stonbely. Junior chairs were and Maggie Betts. They honored Antoinio “LA” Reid and Ted Chaiban. Chrisette Michele sang for everyone and was really amazing.

Wildlife Conservation Society Gala At Central Park Zoo

This year’s gala celebrated the opening of the new Allison Maher Stern Snow Leopard Exhibit and so lucky me I was able to get a private viewing and a chance to take a photo before the rest of NY runs to see these big beautiful cats. It was amazing. Even though the leopard was behind glass he saw me approach and watched as I moved from one end of the window to the other posing for my camera. There are 2 of them and promptly when the guests arrived they went and hid from view.
Allison Stern lead the well dressed ladies. Many of them were carrying jeweled bags by Judith Leiber in the shapes of animals. Sadly I didn't get to eat but the food looked delicious. Preston Bailey designed the decor although he was not there cause he is off on some tropical island this week!

The Apollo turns 75

Last night there was a little confusion when I arrived at the Apollo Theater as to where and what I could photograph. Luckily for me Alexis my amazing editor at Town & Country made a call and I was given a pass to avoid the crush in the pit where many of the photographers were waiting for the red carpet. I mostly stayed inside and caught the guests who came in the front door. Hosted by comedian, actor and radio personality Steve Harvey, the gala celebrated the induction of Quincy Jones and Patti LaBelle into the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame. They were presented with their awards by Jamie Foxx and Mariah Carey. The audience was thrilled when Prince made a surprise visit to introduce Mariah.
Afterwards the guests headed into the tent designed by that amazing talent David Monn who was was looking fabulous himself in his multi colored blazer.