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.

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.

“It’s a story that sounds almost too incredible—the kind you’d eavesdrop in on at a restaurant. ‘The worst job I ever had,’ is how actress Jayne Amelia Larson describes being a chauffeur in Beverly Hills. Not just an ordinary chauffeur. But a driver for vacationing Saudi royalty.” – Memphis Commercial Appeal

Enjoy our exclusive Q&A with Jayne Amelia Larson below and book tickets ASAP for her March 29th and 30th performances at Galapagos before they sell out!

WM: Your play Driving The Saudi’s plays on some heavy themes regarding the subjugation of women, how has the experience changed or informed your view in terms of American pop culture?
JAL: I was struck by the fact that all the young Saudi women (as well as most of the African, Arab, and Pilipino servants of the family) are obsessed with American pop culture. They know all the top songs, newest fashions, latest limited edition sneakers, what new movie is out (always PG-13 or lower, they’re not allowed to see R movies) and who’s starring in it, the name of Paris Hilton’s favorite accessory dog (her Chihuahua Tinkerbell), etcetera. At home in their own country, they can’t explore and experiment the way we’re free to do here and they just absorb as much of our culture as they can. Their life at home is so terribly confining, no movie cinemas, no concerts, no plays, nothing that’s a shared experience.  It’s made me look with a new appreciation of how we live—being exposed to the creation of new things every day and the freedom to be the creator as well. We have so many choices and so much opportunity. Recently a 13 year-old Saudi girl was sentenced to 90 lashes in front of her classmates for being caught with a mobile camera phone in school. Phones are forbidden in the girls’ schools because it’s one the few ways young men and women can communicate. They share pictures and music and ideas, just like kids do here but they get whipped for it. And in the USA we celebrate Lady Gaga… thank goodness.

WM: In addition to being an actress, you are also a very talented a writer, how do you manage wearing both hats at the same time on a project like this?
JAL: These days, almost everybody I know is a hyphenate and does 2 or 3 or 20 things well and of course sometimes other things not so well—that’s one of the dangers of trying to do everything, so I am trying to keep it to a minimum. I started DTS as a non-fiction writing project and focused on the textual content as I did the necessary background research to better understand and depict my observations during the job. Later in the process, I realized I should consider performing it (as opposed to publishing it); then the writing changed to a more dramatic format and I started culling the visuals that would eventually comprise the multi-media components of the piece. Then I started re-writing, and re-writing, and re-writing some more. When performing the piece now, I resist the temptation to add new material right before I go on (unless it’s straight from a breaking news story). I did that at the beginning and it was too hard, I never knew what came next and I felt like I was on a terrifying ride with no idea how to ground myself as an actor. I don’t let that happen anymore and I believe my performance is probably much better as a result. I do, however, want to learn magic like my producer, Patrick Terry, so I can add that to my repertoire.

WM: How does your background in production development, affect your work as a writer/performer?
JAL: I know a good story when I see one and know that the power of a compelling story drives all good theater and film. My experience in development allowed for a free creative process. I’ve workshopped the play several times in many different settings including universities and theaters so I’ve received a broad base of response on what works and what doesn’t. Also, film development and production makes you a good collaborator—you simply can’t make a movie on your own, and I think that has probably made my play better by helping me to be open to input from others during the development process.

WM: When did you realize you could make your passion your career?
JAL: Luckily, I can’t separate the two or I would probably have gotten out of the business a long time ago. To be any kind of artist, whether it’s in film or fashion or food, requires great focus and concentration and then a helluva lotta luck and then maybe you can do what you want, sometimes. I love what I do and I am so glad that I’m able to do it.  I remember a teacher in grad school warning us to get out of the business if there was any doubt in our minds that it wasn’t absolutely what we HAD to do. I have to do this and I love it.

WM: Outside of the industry, what inspires you and keeps you energized?
JAL: My home base is Santa Monica and like everybody at the beach I do a lot of yoga and ride my bike whenever I can. I even won a snappy new ensemble from a favorite local yoga apparel shop because I’m on my bike so much. It’s the only prize I’ve ever won in all my life so I’m pretty pleased. I’m taking an ongoing writing course at Santa Monica College with a renowned writing guru, Jim Krusoe. He’s a generous and discerning professor and I like the structure of being forced to submit pages every week… makes you humble and productive at the same time.

WM: What can the Women’s Mafia make happen for you?
JAL: The interesting people who contribute and belong to the Women’s Mafia inspire me and I want them all to come to my next show on Monday March 29 and Tuesday March 30 at Galapagos Art Space in DUMBO. DRIVING THE SAUDIS always provokes a lot of cultural exchange and I have Q&As after each show so I can hear what people have to say. I hope everybody stays and chats!

www.drivingthesaudis.info

Monday March 29
Tuesday March 30
shows at 8pm
tix $15 @ www.smarttix.com
Galapagos Art Space
16 Main Street
DUMBO Brooklyn
www.galapagosartspace.com

“The story explores conceptions and misconceptions of beauty; it describes the challenges and expansion of my own world-view and ingrained Western beliefs; and it is a story that provokes cultural dialogue and exchange. Ultimately, it is an exploration of the subjugation of women in society—theirs as well as ours, and my complicity in that role.” – Jayne Amelia Larson
“It’s a story that sounds almost too incredible—the kind you’d eavesdrop in on at a restaurant. ‘The worst job I ever had,’ is how actress Jayne Amelia Larson describes being a chauffeur in Beverly Hills. Not just an ordinary chauffeur. But a driver for vacationing Saudi royalty. Larson turned her eye-opening ordeal into a biting solo performance piece called “Driving the Saudis,” …. partly a comedic recollection of being part of a 50-person detail of drivers who were to accommodate a major Saudi Arabian princess, seven additional family members and dozens of friends, nannies, secretaries and servants. Larson takes on the personas of her most memorable passengers: a teenage royal who insists on cranking up the stereo, a cigarette-smoking hairdresser on a gambling binge, and the self-important assistants who send her shopping for 27 bottles of hair remover. Behind the humor, however, is sharp social commentary that should leave every audience member questioning their car’s fuel efficiency.”- Memphis Commercial Appeal

Our good friend, the exceptionally charming and talented singer Nathan Morris, is performing live downstairs at The National Underground at 159 East Houston St., Between Allen and Eldridge.

Will you be there?

www.nathanmorris.net

What you can do is go see him live. He is performing next at Galapagos this Thursday February 4th at 9:30pm. If you miss that, you will have to settle watching him on Letterman on the 16th – so get you ticket today!

Also, did I mention he is a fair bit easy on the eye……

TRIFECTA: An evening of Mischief, Magic and Mystery
LIVE @ Galapagos Artspace - Thursday, Feb 4th. –  9:30pm
For reservations: SmartTix and more info: www.galapagosartspace.com

Women’s Mafia: What is your unique Talent? How did you get into your rare and strange field?
Marcus Monroe: I am a juggler, but lately I find myself telling people I am a kinetic artist.  But no, Im a juggler and I mix juggling with other circus skills.  Sometimes I can be funny, but I’d rather tell people I’m just a juggler then when they see that I’m funny it’s like a little freebee cause they weren’t expecting it.  I taught myself how to juggle from a book 15 years ago and never really looked back.  I like to look to the future.

WM: When did you realize you could make your passion a lucrative career?
MM: I realized it was a lucrative career right away. I have managed to live fairly comfortably. I am not directly concerned about bringing in tons and TONS of cash though.  I would rather spend my time thinking about the best show I can put on and enriching the lives of others with what I do.  Getting paid for it is just a bonus.

WM: Have your parents come to terms with your choices?
MM: Is this really a question? This sounds like what I do is some sort of horrible thing.  I play catch with myself.  I am not hurting people. Yes they have to terms with what I do, infact I think they wish they could have the sort of freedom that comes with being a self-employed performer.

WM: You have worked on Television, on Cruise Ships and at a lot of high profile parties. What is one of the strangest things that ever happened to you at an event?

MM: I really can’t name just one so here’s a quick list in no particular order: I jumped off a 12 foot unicycle breaking one of my feet instantly while opening for CAKE, I once took a chainsaw that was running and juggled it and then caught it with my arm, I unknowingly picked a disabled person to help me onstage, as the audience was entering the theater I Iaid motionless for thirty minutes in a body bag then when the show started I got out.  The list goes on and that’s the beauty of a live show, there’s no editing. What happens, happens.

WM:What can the Women’s Mafia make happen for you?
MM: The more people learn about other people the better we can all get
along.  So if the Women’s Mafia can help do that I’d appreciate it. Also, if you could tell people about my show…Feb 4th at Galapagos Art Space in
Dumbo, I would like that very much.  Thanks for taking the time
getting to know me!

When it comes to taking your passion to the next level, there are few that have come as far as the talented Conrad Korsch. Conrad’s notable credits include movies, Broadway performances, television, and working with many well known musicians. Some of the Mafia members had the pleasure of meeting Conrad during Fashion Week and we are pleased that we can join him for his CD release party for “Live Love Leave” this month.

Women’s Mafia: With a repertoire that consists of acoustic and electric bassist/multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, and educator, tell us how you do it all.

Playing bass is the main thing that pays my bills. When I’m not on tour with Rod Stewart I work with other well-known and not so well-known artists in live concerts, in the studio, on TV, etc, as well as running around NYC playing in Broadway pits, jingle studios, private parties, jazz gigs, and some teaching at the collegiate level. About 1/2 dozen years ago I started a music production studio called “Scrumptious Music” which, in addition to recording bass tracks for people, I’ve used to compose and record music on a variety of instruments for various commercial enterprises, as well as produce my own record and music for other artists.

Women’s Mafia: With credits including playing with Rod Stewart, Carly Simon, Andrea Bocelli, Bette Midler, and Clay Aiken, to name a few, is there any one that inspired you to go on to to release “Live Love Leave”?
I wouldn’t necessarily say that any one of them has specifically inspired me to release my CD, but I’ve learned alot from having worked with all of them in the supportive role of their bassist, and Rod has been particularly selfless and supportive of me in my musical endeavors outside of his band, which is great. This record was a departure from my “bass” world and gave me a chance to contribute on a much broader level by writing all of the music and lyrics, singing, playing many different instruments and even arranging and conducting a string quartet.

Women’s Mafia: When did you realize you could make your passion your career?
I honestly never considered any other options. By the time I finished college (I earned a B.A. in Jazz Bass Performance from Temple University) I was already supporting by myself playing music and never looked back.

Women’s Mafia: Where are you from? Where do you live? What is the most interesting place you’ve ever been?
I was born and raised in Philadelphia, moved to Manhattan 2 months after graduating college, and I’ve already been here 15 years…in Harlem on the west side for the last 5. With all the touring I do, people often ask me where my favorite place is and I always say New York City. I’m sure it has something to do with being “home”, but NYC is undeniably one of the best cities in the world, and if I really thought someplace else was more interesting I’d probably be there!

Women’s Mafia: What can the Women’s Mafia make happen for you?
Help spread the word about my independantly released CD “Live Love Leave” (and CD Release Party/Concert at Joe’s Pub 1/24/10 @ 7:30pm!) to creative and intelligent people who can appreciate a unique and intimate collection of music and stories as an alternative to the commercial offerings we are all exposed to without the help of a hip magazine like Women’s Mafia!

For more information, please visit:
www.conradkorsch.com

For tickets to the CD Release Party/Concert:

http://tickets.publictheater.org/calendar/view.asp?id=11845

Yellow is a color that can be difficult to pull off.  As most fashion experts would agree, it’s happy and bright but if worn incorrectly, the color could make one stand out (in a bad way) against Gotham’s dark-hued motif.

Talented songstress and model, Andy Allo – who released her debut album titled UnFresh in September 2009 – demonstrates how to rock yellow in a manner that shows off inner radiance. Her ruffled yellow blouse with matching handbag — paired with a black-patterned jacket, light jeans (and sun-like smile) – definitely give her ensemble a classy look, with a touch of vintage.

To go with this or similar looks, we like Andy’s outfit matched with a pair of classic pumps by British designer Alexander McQueen. The heels, which come in at 5 inches and feature a heart-shaped peep toe, sport a bright yellow sole. Pumps from Alexander McQueen’s collection are designed to attract attention (in a good way), and the British designer pulls this look off masterfully.

To learn more about Andy Allo and her music, which she describes as a mix of alternative, hip-hop, and soul, visit her website at: www.AndyAllo.com

To buy Alexander McQueen’s peep toe pumps, visit www.MatchesFashions.com

The Interlopers is Saki’s famous tale about two men, Georg Znaeym and Ulrich von Gradwitz, whose families have fought over a forest in the eastern Carpathian Mountains for generations. Ulrich’s family legally has ownership of the land, but Georg feels it rightfully belongs to them. One day finds them both hunting there at the same time, and through a strange twist of fate the characters become acquainted with each other in a whole new way.

Our friends Patrick Terry and Jon Costantini have created an original short film of this classic story, filmed in the Appalacian Mountains this last winter, that will premiere at the SOHO House on Thursday December 3rd at 7pm. Three lucky Women’s Mafia readers will get tickets!

RSVP to Marcy@womensmafia.com for tickets and enjoy our exclusive Q&A with Patrick and Jon below.

Women’s Mafia: Had either of you ever created a period piece before? What drew you to the story initially?
PT: Adapting this kind of material was a first for both of us. But in terms of the story, without giving too much away, we were really drawn to how it was able to be so effective with such a simple premise. It was first published in 1919, but still holds up so well 90 years later and there is a reason for that. We wanted to explore what those reasons were. And plus the environment that Saki creates is so cinematic, it just felt like a good fit.

WM: You made a film in the Adirondack Mountains – how long were you having to spend outside shooting each day in the cold? Patrick – how long were you laying in the snow?! How did you handle it mentally?
PT: Despite the bitter elements, we were very lucky to have wonderful accommodations while filming. The cast and crew were set up in a beautiful cabin. But our shooting days were pretty intense. Those vista shots were imperative, so we started the days before sunrise and would work well into the night. The scenes in the snow took 2 days to cover and we were basically lying there around the clock. It. Was. Freezing. But it was fun. Everyone was there together so we were able to feed off a genuine ensemble vibe. Plus our boots and coats and gloves were all lined with hand warmers. So we managed. Barely :)

WM: You created a period piece that deals with intense property disputes – is it a coincidence that your film is dealing with one America’s biggest problems currently?
PT: Not at all. That was one of the elements that was most intriguing for us from the very beginning. Themes of inheritance and possession breed this idea that, on any scale, most major conflicts come down to ownership. This story had a very clever way of putting these ideas in action. And from gang violence to the middle east conflicts, the fact that many of the world’s problems still stem from similar notions is just a testament to the material.

WM: Were you nervous to tackle the story on an independent budget?
PT: Yes. We were financing this film during a recession so that was a very arduous process. But we were lucky. Despite some major 11th hour obstacles, the stars aligned and everything came together. Par for the course!

WM: The characters in the film live a life very different than the life on a Manhattan bachelor. How did you guys get into the mindset of a hunter?
JC: Wasn’t too difficult, because at the end of the day, we’re all hunting for something. Trade the woods for the urban jungle and things aren’t all that different. Everyone has that instinct in us to go after what we want. The question is how far are we willing to go and at what cost.

WM: The film looks pretty serious and probing… Were there some funny things that happened on set that made it hard to keep a straight face?
PT: Well, as you know we have some very special wild life cameos in the film. So, when the wolves were on set, it happened that they were all in heat. Luckily, they were all female (thank god!). But one joke we had for a subtitle would be THE INTERLOPERS – Dances with Menstruating Wolves.
JC: For a crucial stunt (when our main characters fall of a cliff) we used every hand on the set that wasn’t in the shot to brace a safety mat. What began as a risky challenge became a team building exercise with everyone pitching in. In the end we got 2 great takes and no one was injured. Watching the playback was a lot of fun, as everyone reveled in the accomplishment. Believe it or not, falling down a snowy ravine in the middle of the night can be a lot of fun.

WM: Lastly, tell me: what can the Women’s Mafia make happen for you?
JC: We’d love to reach as wide an audience a possible with what we hope will be perceived as an exciting and socially relevant short film. Also, the project is male driven in terms of cast, but the themes are universal. We’d love to widen our appeal to a female audience.

JON COSTANTINI (Director, Screenplay) is an independent writer and director based in NYC. In addition to work on many short films and music videos, he is currently developing a number of feature projects. When not making/watching movies, Jon moonlights as a premier computer repair technician and can be found providing solutions at one of New York’s most competitive technology retailers.

PATRICK TERRY (Producer, Ulrich) Since graduating from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts with degrees in drama and producing, Patrick Terry has been fortunate enough to collaborate with some of today’s most inspiring young filmmakers as well as top studio executives and show business veterans. In 2007 he was the Personal Assistant to Deborah Schindler, President of International Film Production at Sony Pictures and since has expanded his portfolio to include Academy Award nominated filmmaker Kenneth Lonergan, Obie Award Winner Elizabeth Marvel, and Evan Handler of Sex and the City fame. In 2008 he was the associate producer of Angels in Progress an annual new play festival which featured, Matthew Broderick, Kieran Culkin, Kristen Johnson, Julianna Margulies, and Marissa Tomie. Also last year, he produced a One-Woman show called Driving the Saudis that details the very unique experience of being a female chauffeur to the Saudi Royal family. As an actor, favorite roles include work on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart and NBC’s The Today Show as well as numerous credits with the Atlantic Theatre company.

Next they signed up for Media Partners (such as us!) and decided to create something really cool: all participating media partners get to RSVP for up to 30 guests for a secret private party in New York to celebrate the Urban Fairytale Project with the participating artists, designers and featured talent. Would you like to be one of the first to get on the list? Secret Date and Location TBA…

For more information on Perry Gargano and to get some of the gorgeous jewelry in the spread, check out his website www.perrygargano.com. RSVP to Marcy@yellowskyagency.com to get on the list for the Urban Fairytale Private Party.
Enjoy the first spread below, featuring Actress Nikki James… and spread the word!