The Quest for "it"

FLASHBACK PHOTOS: Candy Ice Jewelry Presents The Fire & Ice Gala for Fresh2O

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Candy Ice Jewelry hosted the Fire and Ice Gala at the Lexington Social House in Hollywood benefitting Fresh2o recently. The UK based charity raises funds to provide access to fresh water by building water wells in struggling communities globally.

 Guests were able to preview the sparkling one-of-a-kind pieces by Candy Ice Jewelry, magnificently displayed in a beautiful white cabinet in the center of the main room. This fine jewelry line has been worn on the red carpet by many top celebrities, including Katy Perry, Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift and Paris Hilton, among others. Stars flock to designer Lucy Kilislian’s glamorous creations for their beauty and functionality. Candy Ice Jewelry features a unique blend of interchangeable charms consisting of different shapes, colors, and sizes, allowing Kilislian to build jewelry on the spot, for any client.

Celebrity DJ Brynn Taylor got the party going with high energy mash-ups  next to an amazing interactive game created specifically for the event by media artist Esteban Rey. Partygoers delighted in being able to move pink fire and water and fling diamonds from their fingers through images displayed on the walls.

Additionally guests enjoyed pink cocktails made with ginger flavored Yazi vodka and a massive candy display by Hollywood Candy Girls. Guests seeking treats made themselves goody bags to take home filled with gourmet candy of all kinds.

Because everyone likes to arrive in style, motorbike driven carriages from Seven Wheel Wonders were on site to bring guests to and from the event with both an Old Hollywood style carriage and a black winged vampire inspired carriage. Handsome men in tuxedos helped guests in and out of the seats and took them on city rides around Hollywood.

Fresh2o has yet to announce how many water wells they are now able to build with the proceeds from the night but we have been told it is at least five named for the celebrities who supported them including Vivica Fox, Mischa Barton, Ellen Hollman, Briana Evigan and Audrina Patridge.

Top to Bottom: Mischa Barton (above); Vivica Fox; Audrina Patridge; Laura Bryna

*photos courtesy of Jane Owen PR

 

FIRST LOOK PHOTOS: The 58th International Debutante Ball

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One of the most electrifying events of the year took place last evening, Saturday, December 29th at New York City's famed Waldorf Astoria. Forty-seven women of distinction from the United States and abroad took their bows to society at the 58th Anniversary of the International Debutante Ball. The debutantes represented England, Scotland, France, The Netherlands, China and fifteen American states. Each debutante was accompanied by her own escort in white tie and tails, and a military cadet in dress uniform carried the flag of the country or state which she represented.  The 2012 Honorary Chairmen are Mrs. David Hamilton and Mrs. Julia I. Kauffman. The Ball Chairmen included Anne Eisenhower, Susan Eisenhower, Mrs. D. David Eisenhower, Princess Chantal of France. The International Debutante Ball was founded in 1954 as a charity. The International Debutante Ball Foundation supports numerous charities including The Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, Coat. To follow are select photos from the evening.

Left to Right: Debutantes on the receiving line at the 58th Int.l Debutante Ball (above); Dallas Texas Debutante Jessica Jones; New York Debutante Karie Dinan, New York Debutante Amanda Crown and New Jersey Debutante Olivia Tedesco

*photos by The Quest for "it" via Blackberry

FIRST LOOK PHOTOS: Hedi Slimane Behind-the-Scenes Photos from the 2013 Saint Laurent Debut Collection

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Artistically stunnning. Style.com just exclusively revealed 15 of Hedi Slimane's own behind-the-scenes photos from the preparations for his 2013 Saint Laurent debut collection.  Personally shot by Slimane himself at the historic couture salon at 5 Place François 1er

*photos by Hedi Slimane

 

FIRST LOOK PHOTOS: Best Dressed at 64th Annual Emmy Awards

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Seems like whatever the actual broadcast may have lacked, it certainly made up for in the form of a C-O-L-O-R-F-U-L red carpet. Finally brights were BRIGHT in a well crafted way.  While there were a few metallics and other unique looks. Classic, brilliant hues in the form of simple full-length gowns reigned supreme.

Supermodel and Project Runway Host Heidi Klum made a red carpet splash  was always. This time arriving to the carpet in a high slit gown by French Designer Alexandre Vauthier in a seafoam green.

Actress Ginnifer Goodwin of had one of the better styled look sstepping onto the red carpet with not only the waif like pixie haircut but wearing a tangerine Monique Lhuillier gown.

Actress Claire Danes, a slightly pregant Claire Danes, stepped on to the carpet in a stunning canary yellow strapless gown by Lanvin. Danes, nominated as Best Actress in a drama for Homeland, won an Emmy later in the evening.

Other colorful standouts of the evening included: Sofia Vergara, Edie Falco,and Julianne Moore.

Top to Bottom: Claire Danes; Sofia Vergara; Ginnifer Goodwin

*photos courtesy of Frazer Harrison/Getty Images North America; photo of Heidi Klum courtesy of Kevork Djansezian /Getty Images North America

 

FIRST LOOK PHOTOS: Kara Laricks Spring 2013

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Designer Kara Laricks debuted her first full collection on Saturday September 8th at Pier 57 in West Chelsea. The former accessories designer, who at one time excelled as a purveyor of the neck tie for women, has blended a masculine sensibility with soft lightweight feminine pieces. Inspired by Japanese matchboxes, each piece embodies a feeling of yesteryear yet with a modern edge.  Fabrics consist of cotton, organza, silk charmeuse, tropical weight  rayon, and tropical weight gabardine are used to create classic, simple looks for spring. Laricks, a seasoned designer, by way of her 2008 showing with Academy of Art University, shows a great progression in her style, giving women a splendid functional first collection to be enticed by.

Left to Right: Look1#a collared gown in raw-edged ivory organza w/ ivory silk charmeuse slip;  Look#2 a slip dress in navy/black in silk charneuse ; Look 3#A collared dress in Goldenrod/Ivory Cotton blend Jaquard ;  Look#4 tux tail pant in blk. tropical weight gabardine, bias cut knit tee in ivory+ collar + tie in navy cotton shirting  and black silk wool blend; Look#5; a matchbox car coat in heirloom cotton twill w/ Goldenrod stripe cptton/voile lining, matchbox short in ivorty/goldenrod cotton blend jacquard, bias cut knit tee in black  Look#6; a bow tie shirt in charcoal royal oxfor cotton w/navy cotton shorting and heirloom cotton satten collar detail, cummberbund pant in heirloom tropical weight wool w/heirloom cotton detailing

 *photos by The Quest for "it"

 

 

 

 

FIRST LOOK PHOTOS: Gemma Kahng Spring/Summer 2013

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Inspired by the farm and nature, a mix of Amish and country, Designer Gemma Kahng presents a fully functional collection for the chicest of women for Spring 2013. "A feeling of dependence and closeness to nature," are primary. Colors from a sunny day in the country. Blue like the color of the sky, pink and yellow like flowers and lots of green. Fabrications include leather and cotton tulle. Strips of leather were inspired by rain falling down--hence the lines.

*photos by The Quest for "it"

   

 

Front Row @ Academy of Art University Spring 2013

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It's been quite awhile since we've captured the buzz of the Academy of Art University front row. However, the front of house was buzzing loudly last night Friday, September 7th as many recognizable faces drew discernible "ooohs and ahhhs" from onlookers.  Loyal supporters of the fine work put out by the creative minds of Academy of Art University seasonally include: Fashion Journalist Patrick Mc Donald, Designer Keanan Duffty (now on faculty at Academy of Art University), Jack Mackenroth (Project Runway Season 4), Fashion Blogger Tia Walker and other industry cognescenti. Additionally, celebrities like Actor/Recording Artist Eric West, and Alex McCord and Simon Van Kempen frequent the show.

To follow are select shots from the front row.

Top to Bottom: Alex McCord & Simon Van Kempen; Eric West; Jack Mackenroth; K Tyson Perez-Harris

*photos by The Quest for "it"

 

 

FIRST LOOK PHOTOS: Grammy Award-Winning Artist & Philanthropist Ne-Yo Honored Legendary Filmaker George Lucas & the Coca-Cola Company

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On Satruday, July 14, 2012 Multi-platinum R&B singer, songwriter, actor & philanthropist, NE-YO and ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ winner, Arsenio Hall, hosted the 1^st Annual “Fostering A Legacy” Benefit for NE-YO’s charity, The Compound Foundation.  Sponsored by Porsche Cars North America, the event will honor legendary filmmaker and adoptive parent George Lucas as well as beverage industry leader and foster care supporters The Coca-Cola Company. The Compound Foundation supports youth in foster care and group home placement, encouraging entrepreneurship and empowering them to control their own destiny.  This year’s fundraiser included a private dinner held at the Hamptons estate of board member and NCR Corporation CEO and philanthropist, Bill Nuti.  VIP guests included mogul Russell Simmons, singer Paula Abdul, actress/106 & Park Host Rocsi Diaz, actress Elise Neal, Brooklyn Net’s player Joe Johnson, Mecca/ENYCE founder Tony Shellman, NY Knicks player Jason Kidd and wife Porschia Coleman, singer/Empire Girls Adrianne Bailon, Motown recording artist RaVaughn Brown, architect Peter Cook and wifeSuzanne Shaw.  Also, in attendance was Compound Foundation President, Lorraine Smith, and Ne-Yo’s fiancé Monyetta Shaw.  The guests enjoyed an Asian inspired 3-course meal and specialty drinks courtesy of Malibu Red, before Ne-Yo and Aresinio Hall took the stage to raise funds for the foundation.  Guest’s were able to purchase balloons that cost $250 or $1000 representing sending 1 or 4 students to the Compound Foundation's summer enrichment program.

 Top to Bottom: Guest & George Lucas; Elsie Neal; Aresnio Hall & Jason Jidd; Ne-Yo & Paula Abdul;

 *photos courtesy of Johnny Nunez

FIRST LOOK PHOTOS: The FIT Couture Council Tour of Impact: 50 years of the CFDA

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On Tuesday February 28th, the prestigious FIT Couture Council  hosted a private tour of the Mueseum at FITs current masterpiece of an exhibit, Impact: 50 Years of the CFDA.  The FIT Couture Council welcomed  renown designers Mary Mc Fadden, Nicole Miller, and Angel Sanchez along with a select mix of Couture Council members and press. FIT's Museum Curator Patricia Mears informed attendees on the very modern take  on the retrospective with designer facts being made accessible on various ipads before sharing the actual fashion of years gone by.  

Noteworthy attendees included: Board of Director President  Yaz Hernandez, Borad member Jean Shafiroff, Council Member Chiu-Ti Jansen,  Council Member Karen Klopp, Council Member Michele Gerber Klein,Council Member/Designer Fabiola Arias, and  Lucia Hwong Gordon.  The tour was followed by a private luncheon co-hosted by New York Socialite Jean Shafiroff a FIT Couture Council Board Member. To follow are select photos from the event.

Left to Right: (above) Jean Shafiroff, Nicole Miller, Mary Mc Fadden; Chiu-Ti Jansen, Michele Gerber Klein, Lucia Hwong Gordon; Fe Fendi & Angel Sanchez

*photos by The Quest for "it"

FIRST LOOK PHOTOS: Best Dressed at Oscars 2012

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The 84th Annual Academy Awards - the "IT" factor in more ways than one albeit simple and understated. It was white for most of last night, with some wearing black, others wearing red. One shoulder looks dominated the carpet and seemed to dissipate in favor of strapless gowns as the evening progressed. The top looks of the evening belonged to (in no particular order): Gwyneth Paltrow (Tom Ford), Anjelina Joile (Atelier Versace), Michelle Williams (Louis Vuitton), Emma Stone (Giambatista Valli),  and the earliest to arrive Milla Jovavich (Elie Saab). Bubbling under? Rooney Mara and Octavia Spencer each in white; Stacy Kiebler (Marchesa) and Jessica Chastain (Alexander Mc Queen)  in metallics.

A simple, tasteful Tom Ford gown, in white, was the choice for presenter Gwyneth Paltrow who sported sleek tapered hair and barely a hint of jewelry.  

Jolie's strapless black Atelier Versace with the thigh split beckoned a powerful hand on hip stance on stage as she announced nominees on stage. 

Michelle Williams made a rather serious statement in a coral Louis Vuitton peplum column dress in gentile lace. A jeweled ribbon pin at hip was a nice touch.

Emma Stone dazzled in red with a floor length Giambatista Valli with bow at neck. First said to be too similar to Actress Nicole Kidman's style a few years ago, it was actually a stunner.

Milla Jovavich, the one time supermodel turned actress, wore it best in a beaded white one-shoulder Elie Saab gown.

To follow are photos of Oscars Best Dressed.

Left to right: Gwyneth Palttow (above); Milla Jovavich; Emma Stone; Michelle Williams; Angelina Jolie

*photos courtesy Jason Merritt/Getty Images North America