Hello!
It was a stellar night as legions of supporters gathered, at the Bowery Hotel, for The Humane Society of the United States and the Art Institutes Fifth Annual Cool vs. Cruel Awards Ceremony. In its fifth year, The Humane Society of the United States Cool vs. Cruel competition educates the future generation of designers enrolled in The Art Institutes' fashion programs about the cruelty of the fur industry, and encourages these designers to explore fur-free, animal-friendly fashions as a viable alternative. Among the crowds were not only several of the evening's finalists, but several designers as well as the event's judges and host committee members.
Early in the evening we spotted Paper Magazine's Editorial Director Mickey Boardman, Editor-at-Large, and anti-fur advocate Peter Davis, Paper Magazine Founder David Herskovits, Designer Charlotte Ronson, and Beth Ostrosky among several others. However, the real draw was the incredible display of works from the sixteen finalists. Noteworthy looks came courtesy of: National Finalist Beatriz Lopez of the Miami Int.'l University of Art & Design, and Christine Porter of the Art Insitute of Dallas. The high-point of course was the creation***of Grand Prize Winner Ingrid Bergstrom-Kendrick of the Art Institute of Vancouver, who successfully used layering of the dress fabric on the sleeves to explore the concept and volume of animal fur.
Guests enjoyed the sounds of celeb DJ Samantha Ronson over specialty Stoli cocktails, with whimsical names that kept the cruelty-free theme in mind. Just beyond the elaborate fashion display were large colorful poster boards, thank you's to various generous benefactors matched to specific animals: Sunny and Brad Goldberg (Canadian Lynx), Mary and Peter Max (Racoon Dog). Designers were in abundance, as were representatives from The Human Society of the United States; it was truly an evening to both enjoy, and educate oneself on both fashion and animal rights.
Awards were given out later in the evening and notably included:Charlotte Ronson (2009 Compassion in Fashion Award), Mickey Boardman (2009 Compassion in Fashion Award), and Ingrid Bergstrom-Kendrick (Grand Prize Winner).
For more information on The Humane Society of the United States, please visit www.humanesociety.org
*photos courtesy of Astrid Stawiarz/Wire Image
Christian McKenzie is an Editor, Journalist and Film Producer based in New York and London. She has worked with IMG Fashion, Future Proof Productions, Acolyte Films, and Fashion Delivers Charitable Foundation. For more information, visit ChristianMcKenzie.com
A life-long New Yorker currently residing in Maine, Richard has employed his writing and artistic talents in a wide variety of professions and projects. He presently does music promotion for underground artists, is a tireless community activist/organizer who has worked on several high-profile political and civil rights campaigns, and is also himself a musician who has performed in numerous bands, done some studio session work, and currently makes instructional guitar and bass playing videos.
George T. Wilson aka Georgeo is the owner of a small boutique PR agency Mangeo Public Relations Group which caters to a select group of clientele who are a brand or on thier way to becoming one. He has been involved in the entertainment field for a number of years and first got his start in the industry as a dancer/ choreographer of his own production company. With his passion for life he is inspired to greatness by walking in his destiny without apology .
New York based Lifestyle Consultant Peggie Walker is on a quest! As Executive Editor of this very blog (The Quest for "it") Peggie has recently re-ignited her longtime passions in the areas of inter-generational beauty, fashion, lifestyle and culture. Look for articles that reflect her quest as well as that of others. Some things borrowed, some things new some things old....here's wishing ALL your dreams come true.
The Quest for "it "welcomes our first official Guest Blogger on film, Sharon Abella. Sharon is a true girl about town reporting on Film premieres from the red carpet to the after parties. Coverage for 2007 includes: The Kite Runner, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street etc.
Check Sharon out in the Film Category of this blog--NOW!
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