The Quest for "it"

FIRST LOOK PHOTOS: THEIA Fall 2012

Hi,

To overcome the forces of adversity and accomplish balance. This THEIA women's collection draws inspiration from the Goddess Athena, an invincible woman imbued with the powers of intellect and nature.

The collection's Arrmored Embroideries, Burnt Sequins, Crumpled Pearls,Jacquards and roses and blazing sunsets river her energies fierce and harmonious.  Over fabrics of power radiance and glittering light the colelctions speaks.

 Left to Right: Look#1 Black crepe cap sleeve cocktail dress with metal bugle bead embroidery; Look#2 Silver brocade suit; Look#3 Sunset printed organza halter ball gown with draped learher waist band; Look# 4 Black silk chiffon w/ crystal and metal chain embroidered bodice; Look#5 Amethyst silk organza jacquard cocktail dress w/ sculpted neckline; Look #6 Black hand pleated origami embroidered organza strapless gown

*photos courtesy of Joe Kohen/Getty Images

FIRST LOOK PHOTOS: The Best Dressed Hosts Walk the Carpet at the Globes

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A little known fact, the very first person we see and the very first to be photographed on a red carpet  during awards season are often our favorite  TV Hosts or as they say across the pond--TV Presenters.  Before they took to the frontlines, with microphone in hand, Nancy O'Dell (Entertainment Tonight), Giuliana Rancic (E! News), Maria Menounos (Extra), and Shaun Robinson (Access Hollywood)  among others, took to the carpet.

Nancy O'Dell dazzled in a floor length sequin THEIA gown said to have retailed for $1950; Co-Anchor Giuliana Rancic of E! News, who began her reporting quite early in the day, wore a floor length black and grey Monique Collignon gown before slipping into a pale blush number for the remainder of the evening ; Extra's Maria Menounos (a one time Miss Massachusetts Teen USA)  made a splash in a bright yellow BlueMarine dress and palladium diamonds by Jacob and Company; and lastly Access Hollywood's Shaun Robinson who stepped onto the carpet in Impero Couture--black and white never looked so lovely.

To follow are the best dressed TV Hosts on the carpet.

Left to Right: Giuliana Rancic, Maria Menounos, Shaun Robinson

*photo courtesy of Jason Merritt/Getty Images/North America

FIRST LOOK PHOTOS: The Art of Elysium Heaven Gala: Red Carpet

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The Art of Elysium celebrated its fifth annual HEAVEN Gala, last night, Saturday, January 14 --a day before the Golden Globes. This past fall The Art of Elysium celebrated 14 years of providing creative arts programming for hospitalized youth in Los Angeles and New York.  This year’s Visionary and creative force behind HEAVEN is Cameron Silver, founder and co-owner of Decades.  Art of Elysium is thrilled to unveil his idea of heaven on earth, or “elysium”,. The charity also recognized Elijah Wood as their 2012 Spirit of Elysium Recipient for his years of volunteerism and tireless fundraising efforts on the organization's behalf.

Top to Bottom: Minka Kelly; Abigail Spencer; Jamie King; Jamie Lynn Sigler; Camille Belle

*photos courtesy of John Shearer/Getty Images North America

FIRST LOOK PHOTOS: Cuba Gooding Jr. & Russell Simmons Hit the Carpet @ Thurgood Marshal College Fund 24th Anniversary Awards Dinner

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Last night's Thurgood Marshall College Fund 24th Anniversary Awards Dinner held at the New York Sheraton, Developed Minds and Delivered Dreams! The prestigious annual gala marked the 24 years of progress for the organization that grooms the nation's future leader's of industry, government, and education. The gala's red carpet SIZZLED with a multitude of predominantly AfrIcan-American entertainment luminaries and educators that included: Blair Underwood, Cuba Gooding Jr., Lynn Whitfield, Rockmond Dunbar, Melyssa Ford, Carl Lewis, Johnny C. Taylor et al.  The Quest for "it" snapped the precious photo above of Oscar Winning Actor Cuba Gooding Jr. and Media Mogul/Advocate Russell Simmons just moments before they entered the Grand Ballroom for the seated dinner. Simmons received the Breaking Barriers Award, later in the evening.

*photo by The Quest for "it" via Blackberry

 

 

FIRST LOOK PHOTOS: Zang Toi Spring 2012

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My Dream of North Africa the title of Zang Toi's Spring 2012 collection could only partially prepare one for what they could expect to come down the runway. This season's two notable names? Iconic actress and Dancing with the Stars star Kirstie Alley and the American Ballet Theater's Principal Dancer Cory Stearns.  Zang Toi known for his elegant and timeless aesthetic and his modern twist on sophisticated elegance, takes us on a journey to the African Desert this season where decadence and glamour rule.  "the Collection was inspired by my dream of North Africa. The luxurious and inspiring spirit that I experienced in the entire Arab region when I visited 10 years ago was remembered when I recently read an article on the re-opening of the iconic La Mamounia. The collection is also an homage to the late Yves Saint Laurent and his iconic home in Marrakech." 

Top to Bottom: Kirstie Alley (above) in jewel encrusted "One Thousand Nights & One Night" Imperial Coat, Sapphire Couture Silk Gazar Strapless Imperial Gown; Desert Silk Mousseline MiniDress w/draped gold chains;  Men's Ivory Italian silk DuPioni D/B Suit w/hand top stitching, men's ivory Italian Silk DuPioni Dress shirt w/bow tie; Ebony Silk Ottoman Le Smoking Blazer w/ attached silk satin sculpted collar, Ebony Silk Ottoman Lean Trousers w/ Silk Waistband; Desert Silk Gazar Linen Fitted Shirt+ hip-hugging a-line maxi jean skirt;  Sapphire hand loomed rayon knit sleeveless cocktail dress w/sapphire crystal draped back necklace w/Imperial star 

*Video stills by Dondy Desir for The Quest for "it" 

 

 



FIRST LOOK PHOTOS: Ciara & DJ Skribble Kick-Off "Station Invasion Concert Tour

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Last night's Malibu Rum sponsored Station Invasion Kick Off Tour was a BIG  night--avery BIG night and the VIP guests an press were there to get an earful of Celeb DJ Skribble and Superstar Recording Artist Ciara. We were at Beekman's Beer Garden, Pier 17, South Street Seaport early for ALL the action. From pre-event cocktail party to the power hour(s) of pure music from DJ Skribble to Ciara taking the stage we saw it all. The private invite only event meant specialty cocktails, light dinner, and various DJ experiences courtesy of DJ Academy.  To follow are select shots from the magical evening.  The Station Invasion Tour arrives in Miami on Satruday, August 6th.

Left to Right: DJ Skribble (below); Ciara takes the stage; Ciara w/hat; Ciara w/backwards hat ; Ciara lenaing low with back up dancers

*photos by The Quest for "it" via Blackbery

 

FIRST LOOK PHOTOS: Martha Graham Dance Company 85th Anniversary Season--Opening Night Gala

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The Martha Graham 85th Anniversary Season opened last evening at Lincoln Center's Rose Theater. The scintillating evening not only featured the choreography of (long time friend and collaborator of Ms. Graham's) the renown Robert Wilson, but also a special appearance by New York Socialites Muffie Potter Aston, Cornelia Guest, Grace Higtower De Niro and Somers Farkas. The post performance cocktails and dinner took place at the Mandarin Oriental boasting a veritable whose who of New York City society. Distinguished guests who arrived for the celebratory dinner included:Actor Robert DeNiro, Legendary Designer Mary McFadden, Gregory Speck, Anne Hearst, R. Couri Hay, Cassandra Seidenfeld Lyster, Richard and Karen LeFrak, Recording Artist Rufus Wainwright and more.  To follow are select photos from the event.

Left to Right: Grace Hightower & Montgomery Frazier; Somers Farkas; Tadej Brdnik; Rufus Wainwright; Greogry Speck & Mary McFadden

*photos by The Quest for "it"

FIRST LOOK PHOTOS: Joanna Mastroianni Fall 2011-FRONT ROW

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Possibly the most beautifully executed show of the season, Joanna Mastroianni Fall 2011, a tribute to Lillian Bassman, was a true honor to attend.  Flocking to Ms. Mastroianni's Garment District showroom were fashion industry 'royalty'.  Seeing legendary Supermodels from the 60's, 70's and 80's were a sight to behold. To witness them all in one place was a rare opportunity indeed.  Present front row were: Carmen Dell'Orefice, Carol Alt, Beverly Johnson, respectfully fashion industry icon Iris Apfel and others. To follow are precious photos from the sidelines. 

Top to Bottom: Designer Joanna Mastroianni; Carol Alt; PJ Marks; Beverly Johnson & Carol Alt;

*photos by The Quest for "it"

FIRST LOOK PHOTOS: Going Green at the Golden Globes!

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The 68th Annual Golden Golden Globes brought less is MORE in a new way.  Fashionably absent was the heavy emphasis on jewelry (though diamonds were a favorite for many) and present was the emphasis on the dress and the female form.  Noticeable this year was the fact that many  starlets seemed to be nearly covered from the neck down, with not as much as an elbow showing.  Even more fascinating was the celebs color of choice--a perfect alternative to black--emerald green.  Those making their way down the red carpet in their full length green gowns included: Angelina Jolie (Versace), Elizabeth Moss, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Mila Kunis to name a few.

Left to Right: Angelina Jolie; Mila Kunis; Catherine Zeta-Jones; Elizabeth Moss 

*photo courtesy of Steve Granitz/Wire Image

 

 

FIRST LOOK PHOTOS: BET Honors: What Extraordinary Looks Like

Hi!

Last night's fourth consecutive year of BET HONORS, presented by BET Networks, featured a dazzling red-carpet at the historic Warner Theater in Washington, D.C.  The unforgettable night honored the achievements of six extraordinary legends in music, arts, service and education. Hosted by Gabrielle Union for the third year, BET HONORS, recognizes lifetime contributions and exceptional service to African-American culture.  

This year's honoree for Service, Supermodel Iman,  dazzled in J. Mendel--other fashionable standouts included: Cicely Tyson, Ari Nicole Parker, Rachel Roy, Anika Noni Rose, NE-YO, Herbie Hancock, and others.  

 The special will premiere during Black History Month on Monday, February 21 at 9pm/8c.

Left to Right: Supermodel Iman (above), Gabrielle Union, Ari Nicole Parker, Anika Noni Rose, Keyshia Cole

 

*photos courtesy of P. Morigi/Wire Image