Power Lunch for FAI

This year The Food Allergy Initiative Spring Luncheon was held at Cipriani 42nd St. A cause close to my heart as my niece suffers from life threatening food allergies it was great to see such a big turn out. This years chair people were joined by their husbands. Stephanie Winston Wolkoff & David Wolkoff, Steve Braverman & Abby Braverman, Roxanne Palin & Dean Palin. Also there to lend their continued support were former chairs Julie & Paul Leff.

All of the well dressed women came out to support a cause that many of them have fought so hard to get recognition for. In the last year new legislation has ruled that all ambulances in NY carry EpiPens. This is a great step in helping to save the lives of often children who mistakenly touch or ingest food that can be fatal.
There were lots of fun bold patterned frocks and the always chic solid color dresses and suits.
Congratulations on a great lunch

Sugar Daddy

Ok so last night was a little busy. After the book signing at Bloomingdales I raced over to the Metropolitan Club to attend the Bridal Event organized by Cludia Hanlin from the Wedding Library. The first person I saw was Colin Cowie who has been so busy racing everywhere that I had not seen him in ages. He now has a line of flowers for us mere mortals who can not afford his full service and yet want his touch of magic at our party.

The waiters were passing the yummiest slices of cake. It only took one mouthful to guess that the Sugar Daddy, Ron Ben Israel was going to be responsible for ruining my dinner if I didn't show a little restraint. To distract myself I took photos of the cakes and then got Ron to pose with the models on the stairs.

Karen has a new book

Last night I raced up to Bloomingdales to see that vivacious blonde Event Designer and creator of books, Karen Bussen, to celebrate the launch of her new book Simple Stunning Parties. It was fun to meet new people.

I had no idea I would run into Sarah Hall my favorite publicist and very long time friend. Sarah was my booker way back in the days when I was a model at Ford. Turns out she and Karen not only know each other but work together.

New York Moments at the Philharmonic

Monday night was Gala night at the New York Philharmonic and there to Conduct and host was Marvin Hamlisch. The stars included Maria Friedman, Kelli O'Hara, Nikki Yanofsky. Joel Grey, Paulo Szot, Ashley Brown, Jennifer Holliday and Liza who missed the photo op after the show.

The gala guests arrived early for cocktails and then were seated for dinner after the show. It seems that blue is the new black and all the best dressed ladies had on little blue dresses. Of course Danny was well coordinated with his gorgeous wife Audrey

The Henry Ford Estate Dinner

Just a short drive from Detroit is the former residence of Henry and Clara Ford. Now owned by the University of Michigan the Estate holds an annual fundraising gala each spring at the Dearborn Ritz Carlton. Edsel and his beautiful wife Cynthia have been hosting the dinner for 21 years and I have been lucky enough to attend the last 6 dinners.




Cynthia says it has become a family reunion of sorts and we all look forward to the appearance of Henry Ford I, who shows up annually with one of his friends to give us a look at the personal moments in his life. The actor who portrays Henry has won our hearts. This year his guest was George Washington Carver. Did you know that Henry and George were trying to find an alternative to gas made from soy beans? Continuing research has led to a new foam made from soy that went into the manufacturing of the Mustang seats in 2008 and is now used in other Ford Cars.
After dinner The Teen Angels took to the stage and the guests took to the dance floor. When I commented to Edsel that there was hardly a person seated he explained that people born in Michigan inherit the motown gene. Well guys, party on! And trust me, they did.


PS In keeping with Earthday in mind the center pieces were living grass studded with cut tulips. I loved the simple elegance and splash of color that they brought to the room.

For more images please go to www.julieskarratt.com and click on View your event.

New Yorker's for Children

I had been waiting since Monday for Wednesday to arrive. One of my favorite charities was hosting its Spring Gala. New Yorkers for Children lived up to my expectations. The Dinner and dancing took place in the ballroom at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. I introduced myself to Nicholas Scoppetta who is himself a former foster child. Now he is the New York City Fire Commissioner. He has worked hard to help bring awareness and financial support to the many children in foster care here in New York. Thank you Mr Scoppetta for all the work you do.
The room looked beautiful. Decorated by David Stark, there were daffodils on every table. It was as if the magic of the Central Park view had found its way up to the 33rd floor.
The night owed its success to all the co-chairs above.
Amy McFarland, Susan Magazine, Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, Vanessa von Bismarck, Rory Hermelee, Allison Aston, Nicholas Scoppetta, Susan Shin, Lydia Fenet, Joy Bryant.
I am amazed at all the different styles and colors I am seeing this year. Dresses are long or short, bright and bold or soft and pastel. There is still black but it has to be really fabulous to catch my eye in an ocean of color
The biggest dancer of the night award goes to Serena William. She was bare foot and having a ball!

Gabriella throws a Party

Last night there was a line out the door at 440 West 14th St. Many of the people passing by thought it was a new before hours club in NY's hot and happening Meat Packing District. In fact it was a party to celebrate the success of her new store. Gabriella of Gabriella New York Bridal Salon engaged the help of some of her friends to throw a soiree in her beautiful space. There were many familiar faces in the crowd of wedding planners, magazine editors, cake designers and photographers.


There were flowers by Mathew Robbins from Art Fool, Moet Chandon kept the champagne flowing and music by Elan Artists


Peter Callahan's staff served up wonderful cocktail food and as we left everyone was given a little bottle of bubbly to take home. Yes to Moet Chandon and thank you Gabriella for getting us all together

And the Bride wore 3 dresses

Everyday when I get to the office I check my facebook page and more often than not I get a to have a chat with Ivy Tsui, a student who lives in China. We met last year when her brother Ted and his wife Michelle took a group of their friends to explore that great country and then ended the week of travels with a wedding celebration in Macau. I can honestly say I have never eaten so much and so well. Every meal was a banquet. The sight seeing was amazing as the country was gearing up for the Olympics. By the time we got to Macau everyone had become good friends. Many of the guests had had clothes made for them to wear to the wedding including the Bride who changed 3 times in keeping with tradition. See Michelle in all of her dresses at the end of the post

Life is a walk in the park

This morning on my way to work I walked across Central Park to go and make my yearly pilgrimage to see the tulip magnolia trees in front of the Frick in full bloom. To be honest I have visited them every day for the last week waiting until they were perfect

On the way I visited a few other of my favorite trees and smiled at the squirrels. I thought about when I used to spend hours climbing in the big old camphor laurel tree that stood in front of the house I grew up in in. We don't have squirrels in Australia but at night the old tree became the playground for all the local possums.

The Cat on a Hat, An Easter Day Parade

It was freezing on Sunday morning but luckily the sky was blue. With an extra warm scarf and gloves I headed out to 5th Ave to see if there would be any early birds at the parade. The first person had a cat on his head (to keep him warm I am sure)
There were babes, bunnies, divas and dogs and lots of tourists. I think the whole of Montreal had come to visit our beautiful City. Of course Bill Cuningham was there quietly snapping away. I always know I am in the right place at the right time when I see him and his camera.