By Stacy Harshman

Andarina Designs was just coming together.  Inspired by a set of antique glass swizzle sticks, I had been working everyday, designing lamps and chandeliers that threw beams of light through rods of colored glass.

I told my good friend Marcy Clark how excited I was about starting my company.  After watching Marcy conceive of and launch Women’s Mafia, and attending fantastic Women’s Mafia and Yellow Sky Agency events for years, I told Marcy that within a couple of months, I’d be ready to let her plan the launch for Andarina Designs.

But Marcy had another idea.  She suggested I design the lighting for The Women’s Mafia and EngieStyle fashion presentation and launch party “Once Upon A Time” which would benefit a cause I love, the MillionTreesNYC project.  Marcy said she would love to see some of my pieces hung right over the runway.  I was thrilled!  And Engie’s first collection, Rouge et Noir was done in a palette that seemed just right beside my first collection’s rich jewel tones.  Oh, just one thing: the event was only two weeks away!

I called my brilliant design consultant, Roseanne Percivalle, and we stayed up late into the night making sketches.  We would need a lot of glass and each rod must be flame worked by hand before being kiln-cured.

Luckily I had just agreed to a collaboration with the ladies of the Bead Project at Urban Glass.  One of my glass instructors at Urban Glass, Laurie Korowitz, heads up this non-profit project, which teaches talented women glass-working skills.  My project would be their first paid gig!  As a brand new glass artist, I was thrilled to become a part of the community and to meet such a fun group of women.  We had already devised a work schedule but, with fingers crossed, I called Laurie to ask if we could…well… triple the amount we had planned to pump out over the next week.

I was still nervous so I wanted to consult with a stage lighting expert.  Serendipity, in the form of my amazing friend and neighbor Sven Henry Nelson led me to Derek Van Heel, and Derek soon made clear just how much light we needed, and his input changed our vision completely. Somehow, we found ourselves working on an eighteen by four foot, jewel-toned chandelier.

Engie is a new designer like me, so I knew how incredibly important it was to flatter her designs and make sure this event went off like a rocket ship.  With just over a week to make it happen, I decided to bring in Tinc Design and Production Company.

At 1am the night before the event, Sven and I were hip-deep in bundles of glass rods, meticulously counted and sorted by color.  We had pieces of perforated stainless steel hung on sawhorses in my dining room– we were still tinkering around with color placement!  The actual, massive piece had to be assembled on site the day of the show, and taken down right after!

We made runs between Union Square Ballroom and Brooklyn to pick up still-warm glass rods as Laurie and the Bead Project ladies worked right up until the last minute. I left them just enough time to get glammed-up and attend the show.
I was beyond happy with how the chandelier turned out. We were all pretty proud of ourselves!   As Marcy says, “a large group of women getting together is, in and of itself, a powerful thing.”  Working with the ladies of the Bead Project, I found that to be very true.   As much as I value getting to see my ideas become a reality and getting my company off the ground, I cherish the experience of collaboration even more.  I feel fated and lucky to work with Marcy, Women’s Mafia, EngieStyle, and the Bead Project.  It seemed like the bigger my ideas and plans got, the more perfect people showed up with the perfect skill set, at the perfect time.

Andarina Designs fits into a larger dream of mine.  I like to say it’s a feast with a seat for everyone at the table.

www.andarinadesigns.com
www.engiestyle.com
www.womensmafia.com
www.yellowskyagency.com
www.milliontreesnyc.org
www.2D-3Ddesign.com (Rosanne Percivalle)
www.derekvanheel.com
www.tincproductions.com

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is always busy. If it is not their TGIF’s (Thank GLAAD it’s Friday), Media Awards, or OUT Auctions, then it is events like GLAAD’s New York Leadership Council Spa Night, or An Evening at La Cage Aux Folles.

On Tuesday May 18^th, 2010 from 6:30pm until 11:00pm GLAAD had its New York Leadership Council at Senses NY (138 5^th Avenue). It was an event for women and their friends. It was a spa night after work to benefit GLAAD’s initiatives, programs, and events. This event was specifically aimed at raising female awareness.

Women came out, including the Real House Wives of New York, and enjoyed a haven of relaxation and experienced a sampling of the very best services –— manicures, pedicures, reflexology, eyebrow shaping, hair coloring and cut consultation — by a diverse team of experts. There were cocktails, hor d’ oeuvres and music provided by DJ Stacy. The Leadership Council’s ambassadors who work side by side with GLAAD to improve the lives of gay, lesbian, bi-sexual & transgender people in NYC and across the country came out to meet and greet the supporters of GLAAD.

On Thursday June 24^th, 2010 at 8:00PM, GLAAD gears up for NYC PRIDE. La Cage Aux Folles will be performed at the Longacre Theater. For one night only, GLAAD supporters will enjoy significantly discounted prices with 10% of ticket sales benefiting GLAAD. Seats are LIMITED and advanced ticket purchase is required.

This musical is the Winner of three Drama Desk Awards: Outstanding Musical Revival, Outstanding Actor in a Musical, and Outstanding Costume Design!! It has received 11 TONY AWARDS nominations, including BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL!!

The Longacre Theatre is located at 220 West 48th Street, New York, NY 10036, (212) 239-6200

Seats & Prices: Orchestra and Mezzanine: $77.50, normally $132.50. All prices include a $1.50 facilities fee. Please purchase tickets online at: http://www.broadwayoffers.com/go.aspx?MD=2001&MC=LCGLAAD.

Be sure to enter the GLAAD discount code: LCGLAAD. This is a good deal folks, get out and enjoy a night out in the City.

Join GLAAD afterwards at Hurley’s Saloon for complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. Cast members will also be invited to attend. The after party starts at 11:00 pm, at 232 West 48th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenue).

About GLAAD

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the LGBT community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively.  By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality.

Presented at Union Square Ballroom on June 8th at 8pm

NY, NY. June 2010 – On June 8th The Women’s Mafia and EngieStyle hosted “Once Upon A Time” a fashion presentation and show featuring the debut women’s wear collection of top stylist Engie Hassan, “Rouge et Noir”, a line inspired by Old Hollywood Glamour and the silhouettes of the 1930‘s and 1940‘s. The room was packed with editors, socialites, supermodels, television and radio media, top fashion buyers and top fashion photographers alike. The event raised funds and awareness for Bette Midler and Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s MillionTreesNYC Initiative and was a who’s who of a New York’s young, hip charitable set.

Sonja Leix, Iman Hussein, Engie Hassan, Shauntele, Elisha Dang, Marcy Clark, Sam Lavey

The successful event was the third fashion show collaboration between EngieStyle and the Women’s Mafia. The Women’s Mafia hosted and co-produced the event and debuted its first print magazine that evening, which featured Engie Hassan on the cover. EngieStyle co-produced, directed and styled the fashion presentation for “Once Upon A Time” which also featured acclaimed couturier Shauntele and jewelry designer Ananda Khalsa, and the show culminated in the a preview of “Rouge et Noir.”

Displayed on gorgeous models provided by FentonMoon Media, under a dramatic $30,000 custom lighting installation by Stacy Harshman of Andarina Designs, the “Rouge et Noir” pieces were elegant, sophisticated and classic, and at the same time still had a modern sensibility. The presentation received a standing ovation from an enthusiastic crowd, which was followed by an energetic after-party and launch celebration for EngieStyle.

Looks by Shauntele in the EngieStyle Fashion Presentation

Looks from "Rouge et Noir" Engie Hassan's debut collection

Sonja, Engie, Elisha and Marcy: The Women's Mafia and Engie Hassan

“This event was very much in line with the Women’s Mafia mission of supporting independent design and providing fun and priceless experiences for our members. I was extremely proud of the amazing audience that we generated for this show and the unforgettable reception that the fashion presentation received. The EngieStyle team are fabulous partners and we look forward to planning with them for our New York Fall Fashion Week calendar”, says Women’s Mafia founder Marcy Clark.

Christina Vescovo, Engie Hassan, Wendy Levene-Goldberg, Iman Hussein, Marcy Clark

The glamorous event supported the New York Restoration Project’s (NYRP) MillionTreesNYC initiative. Thanks to all the participants the organization will be closer reaching it’s goal of a million new trees being planted and cared-for in New York City’s 5 boroughs by 2017.

Event Co-Chairs
Emily Conner, Matt Schmeelk, Wendy Levene Goldberg, Pamela Pekerman, Rachel Shulman, Anisha Joseph, Constance Victory

NYRP Junior Board
Jane Kelsey, Maya Rodale, Stephanie Owens, Christina Vescovo, Heidi Wolf, Sally Wolf, Allison Beck

CREDITS:
Artistic Director, Designer and Stylist: Engie Hassan, EngieStyle
Producer and Head of Public Relations: Marcy Clark, The Women’s Mafia

Fashion Show Designer: Sam Lavey, EngieStyle
Featured Presentation Designer: Shauntele www.shauntele.com
Featured Jewelry Designer: Ananda Khalsa www.anandakhalsa.com

Jewelry Designer Ananda Khalsa and Engie Hassan picking Jewelry before the presentation.

Shoes: EngieStyle’s proprietary collection
Accessories: EngieStyle’s proprietary collection
Hair by Tony Kelly, Cutler Hair Care www.cutlersalon.com
Makeup by Leora Edut www.makeupbyleora.com

Public Relations: Marcy Clark and Alex Beitler, www.yellowskyagency.com
Magazine and Graphic Design: Sonja Leix www.paperpixelarts.com
Web Design: Elisha Dang www.paperpixelarts.com
Lighting and Atmospheric Design: Stacy Harshman www.andarinadesigns.com
Associate Producer: Wendy Levene Goldberg www.fentonmoonmedia.com

Music by DJ Jay McElfresh www.sonodea.com
Videography by Anthony Bowman
Official Fashion Photographer: Shawn Punch www.shawnpunch.com
Event Photographer: Christopher London, Founder & Editor www.manhattansociety.com
Senior Associate to Ms. Hassan: Iman Hussein
Assistant to Ms. Hassan: Emily Endean
Assistants to Ms. Clark: Kristin Wahle, Nelson Vanherle
Additional Press and Promotional Partners: Cynthia Parsons McDaniel, Toni Russo, Myra Harmon

Special Thanks: Cutler Salon, GELMOR LACE, Austins Steak and Ale House, Bahar Shaarawy, Cindi Penrod & Penrod Studios Photography, Roberta and Gary Lavey, Elsayed and Salwa Hassan, Beverly and Barry Clark, Lysette Drumgold (Makeup/Hair), Shpresa “Elssa” Duli (Makeup/Hair), Kevin Uhrin, Amouage Fragrances (Gift Bag) FaceIt Beauty Bar (Gift Bag), NYC Points Acupuncture PC (Gift Bag), Sarah Anolik, Dr. Ameer and Summer Hassan, Jen Reck, Kelly Owens, Katrena Moore, Angelique Velez, Elssa D., Lysette Drumgold, Lauren Killip, Nikki Black, Cody Shultz, Anthony Pla, Nancy Diglawi, Areej Belal, Shergoh Alkilani, Celia Ammerman

Fashion Show last looks, under Andarina Designs Chandelier

Engie Hassan and Emily Endean

Pamela Pekerman, Event Co-Chair and Founder of Bag Trends

Supermodel Zuzana Snow

Personal Shopper John Sweiss, Engie Hassan, Tom Ford Specialist J.R. Mumford

Kevin Uhrin, Tracey Macgill, William Self

Iman Hussein of EngieStyle, Engie Hassan, Sarah Anolik of Vogue

Designs by Shauntele featured in the EngieStyle and Women's Mafia Fashion Presentation

Jewelry Designer Ananda Khalsa, Marcy Clark, Christina Vescovo, Model Lorianna Israilove, Stephanie Owens

NYRP Junion Board Members: Maya Rodale, Heidi Wolf, Christina Vescovo, Sally Wolf, Kristin Blumm, Jane Kelsey

EngieStyle and Friends: Amy Harmon, Iman Hussein, Engie Hassan, Sam Lavey, Myra Harmon, Emily Endean

With reporting by Nelson Venherle and Pernille Fristrup.

Christina Vescovo, Engie Hassan, Wendy Levene-Goldberg, Iman Hussein, Marcy Clark

By Christina Vescovo
NYRP Junior Board Member, Real Estate Professional and Women’s Mafia member

“It is wonderful to see a person contributing to society as an individual human being, regardless of social position or importance.” Raisa Gorbachev, fundraiser and philosopher, (1932-1999)
I was so inspired by the new friendships and the beautiful EngieStyle looks that sprouted in “Once Upon a Time.” It is amazing to work around women who value each other’s skills and talents more than each other’s clothes. However, there’s no better way to celebrate life and success than getting decked out for a fashion fundraiser!
From our first meeting, I intuitively knew that Marcy, Engie, Wendy, and everyone involved in planning this event shared the ability to forge an incredible result…because we each find mediocrity intolerable, our talents must not be wasted.
I was very excited to see a fashion show with an improvisation representing Engie’s early career. I imagine it seemed totally ridiculous that I was actually crying alongside the catwalk, but when I identified with meaning of the story that the models recounted, it was heartfelt. I believe that when you make sense of and find value in your experiences (good and bad), you move forward in life. I know we’ve all had moments that justified throwing in the towel, and I reflected on how much easier it is to attain happiness when you don’t let go of your goals.
I was also reminded that after all is said and done, my happiest moments are when I am able to bring people together for philanthropy. The significance of “Once Upon a Time” to me was that we all came together for a cause to make the city a more beautiful place. I loved seeing Wendy Levene Goldberg encourage several young models to contribute their time to charity; she inspired them to see how amazing it feels to give. I loved hearing my other philanthropist friend Emily Conner’s reaction to Engie’s first look: “I’m wearing THAT to my Christmas party!” And I think we all loved the audience’s applause.
Once upon a time, we each decided that New York City was the place to dream and to make life different. Thanks to Women’s Mafia, on Tuesday, June 8th, 2010, it all came together!

Christina Vescovo, Engie Hassan, Sam Lavey

Thank you Event co-chairs: Emily Conner, Wendy Levene Goldberg, Pamela Pekerman, Anisha Joseph, Matt Schmeelk, Rachel Shulman, Constance Victory; and my fellow NYRP Junior Board members: Allison Beck, Jane Kelsey, Stephanie Owens, Maya Rodale, Heidi Wolf, Sally Wolf.

I also want to personally thank: my hairdresser, Rodney Cutler, for donating four stylists; Alex Beitler (one of my first friends in NYC), for getting me involved in this show; Kasey Blaustein at Veev Vodka (I hear they love it); Jon Simon, NYC Points Acupuncturist, you help me keep my game tight; and NYRP, for letting me do what I enjoy!

Christina Vescovo

www.christinavescovo.com

Have you gotten your ticket yet for “Once Upon A Time”? Our celeb and socialite-studded charity event co-hosted with Engie Hassan of EngieStyle, benefits Mayor Bloomberg and Bette Midler’s MilllionTreesNYC Initiative. Tickets are selling fast and it is sure to be the event of the season!

Date: Tuesday June 8, 2010
Time: Fashion Presentation at 8pm, EngieStyle Launch Party 9pm ‘til Midnight
Location: Union Square Ballroom, 29 Union Square West, NYC

Get your ticket today or on Tuesday before 4:30pm to be sure you get in!

$100 VIP Ticket; VIP Seating for EngieStyle Fashion Presentation, Drinks, Access and Deluxe Gift Bags, Special Limited 1st Print Edition Women’s Mafia Magazine, Admission to VIP section of After-Party

$30 General Ticket; Complimentary Drink, Special Limited 1st Print Edition Women’s Mafia Magazine, EngieStyle Fashion Presentation and After-Party

Fashion Insiders Create Dynamic Fashion Presentation to Benefit MillionTreesNYC
EngieStyle and The Women’s Mafia Present “Once Upon a Time”
Featuring EngieStyle’s Debut Collection, Rouge et Noir
Tuesday, June 8th at 8pm, Union Square Ballroom

Expected Guests Include
Maria Teresa Fauci, George McCracken (Designer), Gloria Baume (Teen Vogue), Zuzana Snow (Supermodel), Celia Ammerman (America’s Next Top Model), Bahar Shaarawy, Jennie Alvarez (Designer) and more.

Event Co-Chairs
Emily Conner, Matt Schmeelk, Wendy Levene Goldberg, Pamela Pekerman, Rachel Shulman, Anisha Joseph, Constance Victory

NYRP Junior Board
Jane Kelsey, Maya Rodale, Stephanie Owens, Christina Vescovo, Heidi Wolf, Sally Wolf, Allison Beck

On June 8th at 8pm the international fashion stylist Engie Hassan and the NYC social club and online magazine The Women’s Mafia will present “Once Upon A Time,” a fashion presentation to benefit the New York Restoration Project’s (NYRP) MillionTreesNYC initiative.

The fashion presentation will showcase EngieStyle’s premier collection, “Rouge et Noir,” as well as the work of other featured New York designers. The official launch party for EngieStyle, a fashion styling, personal shopping and image consulting company started earlier this year, will follow the presentation and will include guests of the Women’s Mafia, the NYRP and Engie Hassan, Vogue alum and top stylist to royalty and celebrities.

Following an introduction from Marcy Clark, founder of the Women’s Mafia, the presentation will unfold as a fashion fairy tale: a glossy magazine spread come to life with Hassan as raconteur. The highly theatrical presentation, Creative-Directed by Hassan and co-produced by the Women’s Mafia, will present scenes from Engie Hassan’s life in fashion, featuring EngieStyle and Women’s Mafia endorsed designers Shauntele and Ananda Khalsa, and culminating in a preview of EngieStyle’s debut collection.

The Fall/ Winter 2011 EngieStyle Collection by Engie Hassan and collaborator Sam Lavey, utilizes contoured silhouettes, delicate and rich fabrics and the passionate colors of the 1930’s and 40’s, to create a defined wardrobe for the contemporary woman of today. Says Hassan: “My collection is inspired by the modest, classical style of the stars and starlets of the bygone Golden age of Hollywood. With ‘Rouge et Noir’ we seek to capture an aesthetic of extreme elegance, uniqueness and distinction. Cherishing timeless chic in a fast paced world.”

Officially launched by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and NYRP Founder Bette Midler in October 2007, MillionTreesNYC is an initiative of PlanNYC and is a public-private partnership led by New York City Department of Parks & Recreation and the New York Restoration Project. The MillionTreesNYC initiative has set the ambitious goal of planting and caring for one million new trees across New York City’s five boroughs by 2017.

“We share in NYRP’s mission of beautifying and enjoying New York City and we are proud to support their efforts to reclaim and restore New York City parks, community gardens and open space.” Says Women’s Mafia Founder Marcy Clark.

Yellow Sky Agency PR will provide pre- and post-show coverage for all parties involved. Guests will include top editors of all major fashion publications, buyers, stylists, and a star-studded mix of international royalty, celebrities, socialites and top models. Wendy Levene, of Fenton Moon Media and Co-Chair on behalf of NYRP, will serve as associate producer.

Launched in 2005, the Women’s Mafia is founded on the idea that a large group of women getting together is, in and of itself, a powerful thing. The mission of the Women’s Mafia social club and online magazine is to support emerging and up-and-coming designers, artists, small businesses, products and charitable causes, while hosting remarkably unique, special and highly valuable social and networking events for members. Through the online magazine www.womensmafia.com Women’s Mafia editors cover top tier fashion, lifestyle, art and beauty stories for members and readers in New York, LA, San Francisco, the Hamptons and around the world.

Date: Tuesday June 8, 2010
Time: Fashion Presentation at 8pm, EngieStyle Launch Party 9pm ‘til Midnight
Location: Union Square Ballroom, 29 Union Square West, NYC

Ticket prices begin at $30 and go up to $100 for VIP seating and access.

$30 General Ticket

$100 VIP Ticket; VIP Seating, Drinks, Access and Deluxe Gift Bags

Event Proceeds Benefit the New York Restoration Project’s MillionTreesNYC Initiative
Contact Marcy@yellowskyagency.com for press tickets and information.

Fashion Insiders Create Dynamic Fashion Presentation to Benefit MillionTreesNYC
EngieStyle and The Women’s Mafia Present “Once Upon a Time”
Featuring EngieStyle’s Debut Collection, Rouge et Noir
Tuesday, June 8th at 8pm, Union Square Ballroom

Expected Guests Include
Maria Teresa Fauci, George McCracken (Designer), Gloria Baume (Teen Vogue), Celia Ammerman (America’s Next Top Model), Zuzana Snow (Supermodel), Bahar Shaarawy, Jennie Alvarez (Designer) and more.

Event Co-Chairs
Emily Conner, Matt Schmeelk, Wendy Levene Goldberg, Pamela Pekerman, Rachel Shulman, Anisha Joseph, Constance Victory

NYRP Junior Board
Jane Kelsey, Maya Rodale, Stephanie Owens, Christina Vescovo, Heidi Wolf, Sally Wolf, Allison Beck

Get your ticket today or on Tuesday before 4:30pm to be sure you get in!

$100 VIP Ticket; VIP Seating for EngieStyle Fashion Presentation, Drinks, Access and Deluxe Gift Bags, Special Limited 1st Print Edition Women’s Mafia Magazine, Admission to VIP section of After-Party

$30 General Ticket; Complimentary Drink, Special Limited 1st Print Edition Women’s Mafia Magazine, EngieStyle Fashion Presentation and After-Party

On June 8th at 8pm the international fashion stylist Engie Hassan and the NYC social club and online magazine The Women’s Mafia will present “Once Upon A Time,” a fashion presentation to benefit the New York Restoration Project’s (NYRP) MillionTreesNYC initiative.

The fashion presentation will showcase EngieStyle’s premier collection, “Rouge et Noir,” as well as the work of other featured New York designers. The official launch party for EngieStyle, a fashion styling, personal shopping and image consulting company started earlier this year, will follow the presentation and will include guests of the Women’s Mafia, the NYRP and Engie Hassan, Vogue alum and top stylist to royalty and celebrities.

Following an introduction from Marcy Clark, founder of the Women’s Mafia, the presentation will unfold as a fashion fairy tale: a glossy magazine spread come to life with Hassan as raconteur.  The highly theatrical presentation, Creative-Directed by Hassan and co-produced by the Women’s Mafia, will present scenes from Engie Hassan’s life in fashion, featuring EngieStyle and Women’s Mafia endorsed designers Shauntele and Ananda Khalsa, and culminating in a preview of EngieStyle’s debut collection.

The Fall/ Winter 2011 EngieStyle Collection by Engie Hassan and collaborator Sam Lavey, utilizes contoured silhouettes, delicate and rich fabrics and the passionate colors of the 1930’s and 40’s, to create a defined wardrobe for the contemporary woman of today. Says Hassan: “My collection is inspired by the modest, classical style of the stars and starlets of the bygone Golden age of Hollywood. With ‘Rouge et Noir’ we seek to capture an aesthetic of extreme elegance, uniqueness and distinction. Cherishing timeless chic in a fast paced world.”

Officially launched by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and NYRP Founder Bette Midler in October 2007, MillionTreesNYC is an initiative of PlanNYC and is a public-private partnership led by New York City Department of Parks & Recreation and the New York Restoration Project.  The MillionTreesNYC initiative has set the ambitious goal of planting and caring for one million new trees across New York City’s five boroughs by 2017.

“We share in NYRP’s mission of beautifying and enjoying New York City and we are proud to support their efforts to reclaim and restore New York City parks, community gardens and open space.” Says Women’s Mafia Founder Marcy Clark.

Yellow Sky Agency PR will provide pre- and post-show coverage for all parties involved.  Guests will include top editors of all major fashion publications, buyers, stylists, and a star-studded mix of international royalty, celebrities, socialites and top models.  Wendy Levene, of Fenton Moon Media and Co-Chair on behalf of NYRP, will serve as associate producer.

Launched in 2005, the Women’s Mafia is founded on the idea that a large group of women getting together is, in and of itself, a powerful thing. The mission of the Women’s Mafia social club and online magazine is to support emerging and up-and-coming designers, artists, small businesses, products and charitable causes, while hosting remarkably unique, special and highly valuable social and networking events for members. Through the online magazine www.womensmafia.com Women’s Mafia editors cover top tier fashion, lifestyle, art and beauty stories for members and readers in New York, LA, San Francisco, the Hamptons and around the world.

Date: Tuesday June 8, 2010
Time: Fashion Presentation at 8pm, EngieStyle Launch Party 9pm ‘til Midnight
Location: Union Square Ballroom, 29 Union Square West, NYC

Ticket prices begin at $30 and go up to $100 for VIP seating and access.

$30 General Ticket

$100 VIP Ticket; VIP Seating, Drinks, Access and Deluxe Gift Bags

Event Proceeds Benefit the New York Restoration Project’s MillionTreesNYC Initiative
Contact Marcy@yellowskyagency.com for press tickets and information.

By Rene Melchor

It is a rainy day in New York City and I am on my way to the studio of Matt Singer. For those who don’t know who Matt Singer is, he was the former designer of the Jack Spade label. Mr. Singer began working with the founder of Jack Spade,  Andy Spade (husband of designer, Kate Spade and brother to David spade the actor) in 1999, after they met working at an ad agency. Together they developed the idea to create a brand and the label for Jack Spade was born. Mr. Singer’s responsibilities were to create the infamous canvas bags and a line of clothing as well as kids toys. When Andy Spade sold the company Matt made the decision to go on his own and create his own label. The collection is available at Project N0.8 boutique in the ACE Hotel in New York City and stores in San Francisco, Tokyo and at www.mattsinger.net.

WM:   What gave you the inspiration to start your own line of cloth and accessories??
MS:   I wanted to live my own American dream.  It is something that we all want, whether it is a restaurant or a nail salon. Having my own business allows me to be creative. Some of the objects that I create become an art object to me.

WM:   What is the philosophy of your design??
MS:   It is a classical American idea, my brand is very friendly and casual, not pretentious or inspirational to a yacht club or polo club. I enjoy working with a good shirt maker, I want to provide the best Oxford shirt, the best button-down shirt and the best canvas bag. That is when my real personality comes out in my design.

WM:   Describe the materials that you like to work with??
MS:   I like to work with canvas because it is a material that ages well. The cotton Oxford shirts I like are made in the U.S.A by local shirt makers who have a generational tradition for making shirts and take pride in using high quality materials for production. That is why my shirts are more expensive than other products manufactured in places like Asia.

WM:   Tell me about the logos in your cloth and bags??
MS:   There is the solar system designed like a game and there is Mr. Ratty Pants inspired by the many rats on my street and a chapter in a book by writer David Sedaris in which he describes rats in the streets of NYC. But if you look close at Mr. Ratty Pants he is holding a cell phone and eating a piece of cheese. He is a total NYC multitasked rat. Then there are the three dogs, inspired by the Soviet experiments to send animals into space.  In the belts you see a gorilla getting weighed and he is angry for being seen. The logos again are my personality coming out in my brand. I like story telling through the product.

WM:   What is the idea of vintage watches??
MS:   I love watches and my dad gave me my first vintage watch when I was in college. That inspired me to collect vintage watches.

WM:   What is the inspiration for the bags??
MS:    I like military bags and a great utility bag by the military is good inspiration. Also L.L.Bean has been creating products that are of high durability and quality like their classic boat and tote canvas bag.

WM:     Tell me about Project Selima??
MS:    I had approached Selima (the eye wear designer) when I was working for Jack Spade to invite her to do a project with me but it never happened. When I went on my own I contacted her again and we both got involved with a project for an artist magazine called The Thing. We got involved with author Jonathan Lethem in an issue entitled the “Chaldron Optical System” and was related to his novel Chronic City. The project consisted of a pair of clear glasses with text on both of the arms in a case. I really enjoyed working with Selima, she is a lovely person.

WM:   How are you different from Jack Spade??
MS:   Everything is different for Jack Spade from when I started. The company was sold and now they have a seasonal collection. I think that I don’t want to make bags that change in style every season. My designs are trace dent and unisex any one can wear them: boys and girls. My world is not the fashion world; I don’t aspire to show in Bryant Park and have fashion shows under a tent.

This upcoming Saturday March 13th we are extremely proud to be hosting a Spa, Shopping and Charity event for History Starts Now at the luxurious Downtime Massage & Skincare Spa in Hells Kitchen.  From 4-8pm we will be relaxing, mingling with like-minded New Yorkers, shopping with Women’s Mafia endorsed designers (as seen in our Women’s Mafia Fashion Week Shows!) and supporting a great cause – fighting sexual trafficking with the passionate efforts of History Starts Now.

Please see below some of the luxurious packages and products that you can experience at Downtime, while supporting an extremely important cause. $10 of your ticket price goes towards a 30 minute treatment. As this event may sell out, we recommend that you buy your ticket now and then email mgt@downtimemassage.com to reserve your treatment time.

1. 10 minute “Mani Bianco” Acca Kappa seated hand massage
Using and including Acca Kappa Muschio Bianco Crema Mani/White Moss Hand Cream*-
10 min/$15 (*4.1 fluid ounce retail size product included–actual retail value is $21.60)

2. 15 minute “Revive” Aromatherapy chair massage
Using Aromatherapy Associates Revive Gel on pressure and pulse points- 15 min/$20

3. 20 minute “Supplifying” Exfoliating foot treatment
A highly relaxing treatment using Sundari Body/Corps Supplifying Omega 3 & Flax Seed Exfoliating Scrub with warm water rinse/towel dry- 20 min/$25

4. 30 minute “Revive” foot reflexology
Using and including Aromatherapy Associates Revive* Gel-
30min/$55 (*6.8 fluid ounce retail size product included–actual retail value is $60.00)

5. 30 minute “Renew, Repair, Protect” Minifacial and Eye treatment
Using Aromatherapy Associates Renew Rose Firming Eye Serum, Aromatherapy Rose Overnight Repair Eye Cream and including SkinCeuticals UV Defense* Transparent Moisturizer-
30min/$60 (*3 fluid ounce retail size product included–actual retail value is $36)

6. 30 minute “Support” Aromatherapy Massage
Using and including Aromatherapy Associates Supersensitive* Body Oil-
30min/$75 (*4.18 fluid ounce retail size product included–actual retail value is $53.00)

7. 30 minute “Supplifying” Exfoliating Treatment
With hot towel service for guest’s choice of legs and hands or back and shoulders -
using and including Sundari Body/Corps Supplifying* Omega 3 & Flax Seed Body Exfoliator-
30 min/$95 (*22.3 fluid ounce retail size product included–actual retail value is $72.00)

8. 20 minute professional “Three Custom Color” Makeup Application and Color Consultation
Experience the customizable color that Allure, People, Lucky and InStyle have been raving about.
20 min /$10 (special deal on products at our event) www.threecustom.com

Visit www.downtimemassage.com to see pictures and more details about this delectable spa. Downtime Massage is a Women’s Mafia partner and Women’s Mafia members get 20% off treatments at the spa. Mention Women’s Mafia when booking.

Have you bought your ticket and reserved your treatments yet?

by Daniel Saynt, Editor-In-Chief

Location: 383 Broadway, NYC