The Quest for "it"

Prince Brings Welcome 2 America to the Garden--Final Show

Greetings Socialites,

Having just come up from the rabbit hole and feeling like Alice in Prince’s "wonderland", I relish in telling you about my trip with His Royal Highness himself on the Welcome 2 America Tour. I was afforded the opportunity attend and asked that I do so for The Quest for "it", so of course I jumped on the opportunity. 

From the moment I picked up my ticket at will call I was giddy with anticipation of seeing not Prince but Mr. "F You" himself Cee Lo Green.  Cee Lo who opened the concert was a consummate performer with his all girl band he commanded MSG on his own terms and took a few more prisoners into his style of fusion funk reminding me of the days where real music is to be appreciated and supported not downloaded.  Cee Lo not only performed his set he also covered Prince’s When You Were Mine from the Dirty Mind album (Yes!! I am a huge Prince fan). After getting the crowd warmed up Cee Lo exited and I mingled with some newfound media friends radio host Jean Parnell of HCR (Harlem Community Radio), Entertainment Publicist Cheryl Duncan, Don Thomas and others.

The "royal" Prince then came to the stage opening with 1999 then segueing into Lets Go Crazy and of course we did! Performing all of his hits from the Purple Rain album, he took us on a journey of his musician ship one of which I will never forget. I can't give you the full set rundown but he did perform When Doves Cry, Kiss, Insatiable, Adore, Nasty Girl, Sign of Times, Alphabet St, Controversy, Love Bizarre, Nothing Compares To You of which he dedicated to Bobby Z a former band member and Scandalous that’s just to name a few.

Cee Lo also returned to join Prince on stage for an impromptu set of his hit song ‘ Crazy “, dancer Misty Copeland performing to the hit Beautiful Ones. He also paid homage to Beyoncé with “Single Ladies calling SECURITY on one man who was dancing onstage, I swear the man literally froze thinking he was going to get swooped up by security but it was all in good fun, other highlights of the evening were a few celebrities who were asked to dance joined Prince on stage Celebrity photographer Mike Ruiz, The Roots' QuestLove, Kim Kardashian whom he threw off for not dancing and Chris Rock.  

Well now that I have let you in on the 411 on Prince please continue to inspire as well as support the arts*** and remember  “ Never step on anyone’s dreams, you may be standing in the way of your own destiny." God Bless!

***-Prince’s philanthropy towards the arts he is considerably very passionate about. So passionate before the scheduled show the man donated 1.5 million dollars on lines of credit where he can know the needs of the organizations and steadily remain involved with them those of  which are The Harlem Children’s Zone, Uptown Dance Academy and The American Ballet Theater. 

*photo courtesy of Kevin Mazur/Wire Image

 -Article by George T. Wilson

 

The SESAC Awards 2010

                              Greetings Socialites!

 

I've been off the scene for a sec dealing with business and family but nevertheless I am back. I had the great opportunity of attending The 2010 SESAC Awards which is an awards program that recognizes publishers and songwriters in the music industry. This for me was unusual, we all know the faces in front of the music, however, we never see the ones who are responsible for bringing the art to us--unless it is the artist themselves. 

In attendance last Wednesday evening at the IAC Buiding were Producers Swizz Beatz, songwriters Nate Danja Mills (Pink " Sober " Keri Hilsons " Knock You Down") , Rico Love ( Beyonce's Sweet Dreams and Ushers " Daddy's Home, manager/lawyer Phil Robinson, Russell Simmons, Angela Simmons, artist Estelle and Angela Hunt, writer of Empire State of Mind by Jay Z and Alicia Keys. This was a truly an incredible night to see these talented individuals honored for their craft.  I spoke with Angela Hunt who was inspired to write the popular "Empire State of Mind" simply because she was inspired by being a New Yorker, Rico Love (Beyonce's Sweet Dream) who had his own dream of being a rapper, never imagined that he would be in the position that he is in today--one of the top songwriters in the industry.  Love has been inspired by Gamble and Huff, Smokey Robinson and Hall and Oates he also is excited about finishing up his  current label deal.

Producer Swizz Beatz who came with his adorable son Kaseem Jr. was a pleasure to speak with.   Swizz was concerned about the various world issues and expressed the importance of continuing to revisit world issues such as the disasters in Haiti and  Hurricane Katrina.  Swizz wants people to keep pushing the envelope when it comes to music, incidentally he   is looking forward to  his album dropping this year. Fortunate enough to be in the presence of Russell Simmons, my opportunity to speak with him yielded him expressing how excited he was about being at the SESAC awards. Why? Simply because he has been a pioneer of this industry and is equally proud of  Swizz Beatz, and was excited about giving him his award for Song of The Year  "Million Dollar Bill " sung by none other than the incredible Whitney Houston. He also wanted to convey that artists today should start "giving back ". 

During the ceremony I caught up with longtime media industry friends     Essence.com Editor  Emil Wilbekin and  Ebony Writer Elaine Welteroth. I also met new ones including Right On! Mag Editor  the iconic Cynthia Horner  (always admired and considered her a mentor); as well as singer Bridgette the voice of Jay Z's New York State of Mind while they are performing on tour.  

Well thats my report and I am sticking to it. Remember to love yourself first and not to step on anyones dreams because you may be standing in the way of your own destiny.

-Article by George T. Wilson

*photos by Derrick Salters for The Quest for "it"

Tesla Groups 2nd Annual Walk With Style Fashion Gala to benefit Cancercare with host NFL Kherry Rhodes and Supermodel Hilary Rhoda and

Greetings Socialites and Celebs!

Recently, I attended the Walk With Style benefit Cancercare hosted by  NFL star Kerry Rhodes of the New York Jets and Supermodel Hilary Rhoda.  I was considerably grateful for the invite because just as of last week I lost my sister-in-law to Cancer so the cause is very dear to me.

Amongst the Wannabes, Gonna bes and HONEY PLEASE ! those notably in attendance were Alex Mc Cord and Simon van Kempen from RHONY, Dina Manzo of RHO NJ, Rock group ZO2, Socialite and Fashion Icon Jose Castelo Branco (husband of The Duchess Lady Betty), rapper Mims, Celebrity Stylist Derek Warburton (who is a passionate advocate of Cancercare and HIV/AIDs organizations), the cast of Style Network's reality series Jerseylicious , and DJ Mad Linx who supplied the evning's music. 

I spoke with Alex McCord from RHONY about her relationship with the cause of Cancercare and she was very concerned with speaking on  this particular  charity, citing  that everyone in the room was in some way affected either through a co worker, friend or family member with this disease.  Dina Manzo of RHONJ was also in attendance and spoke of her concerns in relation to the cause and hopes that everyone takes the initiative to gather a support system for those affected by cancer.  

In retrospect the whole evening was impressive, with not only the cause but getting acquainted with new friends--Publicist Terri Stevens, Jos'e Castella Branco, and his charming wife Lady Betty whom I attended dinner with the following evening.  Please remember to love yourselves and give those you love their  flowers in life verses after wards and never step on any ones dreams you may be standing in the way of your own DESTINY. God Bless ! 

For more information on Cancercare please call 1- 800- 813-HOPE ( 4673 ) or go to www.cancercare.com.  

-Article by George T. Wilson

The 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards 2010

Greetings Socialites and Celebs!

Its been a crazy snowy winter,a rainy beggining to the Spring entering the sphere and I am so ready for the sun and a tropical islands nevertheless let me report that the GLAAD awards this year in New York City was significantly low key compared to last years show and awards dinner hosted by Actor Alan Cumming. 

RHONY tv personality Jill Zarin. President of GLADD Jarrett Barrios and Honoree Joy Behar

The GLAAD awards for anyone reading who are not familiar is an awards show that honors those in the media who have made a outstanding contribution to the LGBT community and for those who have increased outstanding awareness for the LGBT community.  GLAAD has a new President this year Jarrett Tomas Barrios who was a delight to meet and brought his son Nathaniel with him who was enamored to see the members of Vogue Evolution and eagerly appreciated taking a picture with them on red carpet.

Dance sensation Vogue Evolution from ABDC , Ru Paul's Drag Race Sahara Davenport, President GLAAD Jarrett Barrios and his son Nathaniel

 The honorees this year were Cynthia Nixon, of Sex in The City fame, who came out in 2004 and marched in this years equality march in Washington DC , Joy Behar of ABC's The View who has a mouth was honored as well, Elke Kennedy the mother of Sean Kennedy who was murdered for being gay, the telemovie " Prayers For Bobby " featuring Sigourney Weaver, and outstanding drama series Brothers and Sisters won over True Blood.

Sigourney Weaver and network execs accept award for Prayers for Bobby

I attended this event with my friend and client De Marco Majors whos show Shirts and Skins was nominated last year. De Marco who is a ABA National Basketball player and one of OUT Magazine influential gays has secured his own talk show on EMBRACE a new network geared towards the urban  american LGBT community and will also appear in a few episodes of NBCs " Law and Order "a show I've been in love with for over a decade. We wish De Marco the best of luck in his quest for greatness.

Actors De Marco Majors and Honoree Cynthia Nixon

A bevy of celebs came out to support GLAAD this year Meridith Vierra, Sigourney Weaver, Rosie Perez, Brian Batt, Micheal Urie, Nigel Barker who sat my table, Sarah Paulson, Sahara Davenport of Ru Paul's Drag Race and Vogue Evolution the breakout sensation from  MTV's Americas Best Dance Crew. I also met some non celebrities Kate and Tammy a lovely couple from Houston Texas who have been together several years and are determined to get married in there own state of Texas once the law passes.

King Toni Montelione Brand Manager Miller/Coors and Empress Anne Tique

 The King and Queen Toni Montelione and Empress Anne Tique of The Emperial Court of New York who are always a delight to see were also in attendance at our host table Miller/ Coors Mr. Douglass Sanborn who is the Branding Manager was our gracious host . All in all it was a great show with Will Phillips whos profound segment from CNN won voiced in his speech that elicited a standing ovation, 11-year-old Phillips said: "I know there are certain political restraints that make action difficult, however lack of equality for some is lack of equality for all and I think its time for us all to get equal." This coming from a 11 year old was the highlight of my evening ! with that being said please remember to love yourselves and one another.

George T Wilson MPRG, Pony Evolution , Photographer and ANTM Nigel Barker , Sahara Davenport members of Vogue Evolution

Remember to never step on anyones dreams you could be standing in the way of your own destiny God Bless !

-Article by George T. Wilson

The Blizzard of Fashion 2010-Part II

Back!!!! So here we go...Celebrity blogger Tia Walker accompanied me on Monday, February 15th where she requested I meet her for Korto Momolo's (Project Runway) Fall 2010 Collection.

Celebrity Blogger Tia Walker interviews TV Personality & Host Tanika Ray

The show was not only inspiring and regal, casting "shine" on women of color, it also had a number of celebrities including: Tanika Ray, Justin Combs, Anchal Joseph of ANTM Cycle 9 , Stylist Memsor Kamarak'e, Project Runway Season 6 winner Leanne Marshall. Justin Combs & Janice Combs

Justin Combs and his fabulous Grandmom Janice Combs were out supporting Misa Hilton (who styled the Korto Momola show). Afterwards we hightailed it over to The Hudson Hotel's Good Units to catch Prince Peter's show sponsored by Virgin Spirits.

 Celebrity Blogger Tia Walker 

 Designer Prince Peter and model 

The walls were covered with eye catching and RARE Madonna photos by photographer Richard Corman. 

Kelly Osborne and Rock photographer Mick Rock

The next evening it was off to the Fall 2010 Runway Show of Aston Mozie and Coco & Breezy at The Gates. The Avante Garde Eyewear Collection by Coco & Breezy was ambitious and colorful with standout model AzMarie shocking the audience with her amazing presence.

 Eyewear designers Coco and Breezy 

"Diggy" Simmons in attendance at Coco and Breezy

At the end of it all, I made a appearance with De Marco at Stevie Bois Eyewear launch at the Soho Grande and that pretty much summed up my Fashion Week. Remember never step on anyones dreams you may be standing in the way of your own destiny... God Bless !

 Harris twin, second from left eyewear designer Stevie Boi, Hayward , Dwight Allen O' Neal , De Marco Majors, Jet, Alex Harris

-Article by George T. Wilson

 

The Blizzard of Fashion in 2010-Part I

Greetings socialites and celebs on the rise, my my I am so glad this thing called Fashion Week is over and I've clearly survived it !! My battle with the snow storm of 2010 is what I first had to overcome since my residence is in MD but my career is in NY. I came home for some reprieve and it snowed 30 inches when all was said and done I had to be back in NY and it snowed 20 here so that put a stop my first soiree which was sponsored by LIVE MECHANICS my good friend Mykel Smith who designed the production said it went down and from reports a lot of people made it out in the snow to support. Unfortunately, I didn't, nevertheless that did not stop me the next day. I made my way to Sabit NYC, who threw a nice little something something in NOHO, Owner Shiochi greeted me with open arms and big upped Mangeo Public Relations Group. HEYYY !  In any case the following day I had to attend the Couture Fashion Week shows taking place at The Waldorf Astoria with our latest client,Hip Rocker Tina Brown , Dwight Eubanks and Actor De Marco Majors 

Hip Rocker Recording Artist Tina Brown- her new single"Vodka & Tequila" is sure to be a smash. Also along for the fun was good friend Actor De Marco Majors, De'von Christopher ( Bleu Magazine) 2nd season cast member ANTM Camille who's a sweetie, Celebrity Make-Up Artist Luke Baker of Lecedul International House of Style and Dwight Eubanks ( Real Housewives of Atlanta ) who by the way was called in to rescue me from fashion disaster by helping me tie my bowtie complimentary of Nicholas Guidry aka Nickie Bowtie whose bowties are a standout in any crowd made by his company Robert J. Pradia pronounced ( prahdee - yay ). This company is on the rise with Celebrity Publicist BJ Coleman and Emil Wilbekin having already given thier seal of approval by rocking them at events around town. Back to the couture show at hand, the standouts were Edwing D'Angelo and Wahlid Atallah (who hails from Dubai). The workmanship and detail that both these designers put into their "art" was just simply amazing and an awesome to experience.Edwing D' Angelo 

Designer Walid Atallah finale wedding gown 

Wishing them MUCH success. We also were able to catch my boy makeup artist Blue Michael whose cosmetics company sponsored for the first time designer A.Z Arajaujo. I attended this event withBlue Micheal and model

Actor Ray Martell Moore (Finding Me and Finding Me : The Truth and Gossip Girl ),Tina Brown and Dwight Allen O ' Neal of web-series Christopher St. next Fashion Show? Designer Shiseido of Saga Furs,  I hit this one with Karl Allen Griggs of Krave Magazine which was "tasteful" delight. STAY TUNED for Part II.....Karl Allen Griggs and designer Shiseido 

-Article by George T. Wilson

Sahara Davenport Holds Special Viewing of RuPaul's Drag Race @ Therapy and NOH8 Shoot at The Empire Hotel NYC

                               Greetings All!

My day started out fairly well after landing back in the concrete jungle safe and sound I made my way over to my shoot for the NOH8 campaign at The Empire Hotel.  It seemed  as though, all of New York City was there to support NOH8 and its decree to legalize gay marriages in the state of California.

 

After doing my shoot good friend Dwight Allen O'Neal, of internet series "Dating Dwight", and I got a bite to eat with some friends and headed towards Therapy for a special viewing of the The 2nd season of Rupaul's Drag Race on LOGO which premiered Monday with none other then contestant and DIVA EXTRAORDINAIRE stage sensation Sahara Davenport.

 

The house was full, to say the least, and some of the attendees were Laverne Cox from the reality show " I Want To Work For Diddy " and internet and stage sensation Brittney Houston was in the house supporting her sister/ friend.

 

Of course everyone there was on pins and needles just waiting for the show to come on and what a show it was afterall who none other than RuPaul can pick a Queen to out perform another ? I wont spoil it for those of you who have not seen the first episode but it is full of BANG and DRAMA as only drag queens can give,  LOL in any case afterwards Savannah Davenport performed for her loving and adoring audience starting with a rendition of Tina Turner and ending with Whitney Houston's "Million Dollar Bill" bringing the house down! and that pretty much sums it up kids remember to be fashion forward and not to step on anyones dreams they may be apart of your destiny. 

God Bless.

 Reality Star Laverne Cox from season one of " I Want To Work for Diddy and Brittney

-Article by George T. Wilson

Starstruck 30th Anniversary Party and Fashion and Football Event hosted by Sinorice Moss of the NY Giants @ La Pomme

Hi,

Recently, I had the pleasure of being invited to my good friend Shane Markus' s parents 30th Anniversary Party for Starstruck Vintage Clothing Store. The affair was held at the exclusive Carnegie Club on 56th St. where guest surprised (see photo above) Mr and Mrs Joseph and Michele Markus upon their arrival. I was introduced to Rebecca Weinberg stylist to the stars who gushed about how cute I looked and was a delight to speak with. After we both were finished complimenting each other we discovered we both had the same pedigree and some mutual friends. I was then introduced to the spry stylish Mr Pete who owns the House of Savoia and invited me to come by his shop to peruse the greatness he creates. Pistol Pete as he is known has also designed for three Broadway productions and was with a lovely young lady in a fabulous Nicole Miller creation. I also had the pleasure of meeting Mrs Janice Lieberman and her husband business lawyer Steve Gerber. Janice as you know is a consumer anchor on the Today show and was very gracious as was her husband Steve. 

Owner Starstruck Vintage Clothing Joseph Markus, lovely daughter Shane, PR George " Geo and Michele Markus

 

Mangeo Public Relations Group PR George T Wilson and Celebrity Stylist Rebecca Weinberg
 

 Mangeo Public Relations Group PR George T Wilson, Steve Gerber and NBCs Todays Janice Leiberrman 

 Models Lavantae, Tristan and Editor in Chief KRAVE magazine Karl Allen Griggs

As much I wanted to stay and meet everyone at this event I had another engagement to attend with client Karl Griggs editor in chief KRAVE magazine at the Fashion and Football event @ La Pomme hosted by Sinorice Moss of the Ny Giants sponsored by ABSOLUTE to beneifit the Moss Foundation. Lots of socialites, models and sports figures Danny Ware, Terrell Thomas ( NY Giants) and other VIPs were in attendance and enjoying the full atmosphere. This event was also being filmed for a reality series and topped off with a after party for Jay Alexander Martin. At the end of the evening it should have all been topped off by a night cap and reviewed positively but needless to say It did not end that way. My client Karl, De'von Christopher ( publisher of Bleu mag ) guest models Tristan and Lavantae decided to have a late dinner at The Cafeteria on 17th St where I was not only insulted by the waiter by being accused of not paying my bill, but then assaulted by their security personnel when I asked to see the manager more details on that later. Eventful night YES ! I would say. Well on to the next event remember to be fashion forward, be good to yourselves and not to step on someone else's dreams they could be apart of your destiny. God Bless

-Article by George T. Wilson