Miniature camera in hand, I was more than ready to enjoy champagne and a silent auction with a fashionable group of some 450 high-powered guests at Capitale (the former magnificent bank designed by Stanford White) who happily paid $1000 ("hipsters"), $1500 ("very cool") or $2500 (benefactors) to support BOMB magazine's,(a highly-regarded arts journal that focuses on artists and writers interviewing other like-minded artists and writers) 40-year anniversary.

At a time when the same celebs are seen again and again at events, giving an award to superstar Marina Abramovic (who was both charming and approachable especially when she revealed that her favorite stylish woman was Maria Callas) guaranteed a sold-out event (Francine Prose, Betsy Baker and Richard Armstrong were also honored).

Mixing and mingling at the cocktail party and dinner were Ricardo Tischi (designer for Givenchy and a likely candidate to take over Dior) whose elegantly tailored suits are a mainstay of ... Read More

What a PERFECT night! Friday, April 15th was HOT... WHITE HOT... at Downtown NYC's Capitale. The glitzy yet decidedly under the radar Bomb Magazine celebrated 30 years with dinner and silent auction. Bomb one of the most respected voices in Contemporary Art and literature welcomed much of the Contemporary Art world to honor artist Marina Abramovic, Director of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Richard Armstrong; Art in America's Editor for almost four decades-- Elizabeth Baker, and author Francine Prose.

The evening was set, beginning with a killer cocktail reception that allowed for viewing of various artworks. Standouts included pieces by, Adam Fuss' photogravure from the series My Ghost, 2003; David Herbert's Pencil and Ink--Animal House, 2010; Carrie Mae Weems' Inkjet on Paper--Slow Fade to Black (Eartha Mae Kitt), 2009-2010; and famed sculptor Tom Otterness' Bronze Bomb, 2006. Guests in attendance included: ... Read More

As a food aficionado and a devotee of all things Indian (I visited and photographed India on 2 separate occasions), I was delighted to join several hundred guests at the sold-out first Annual Varli Food Festival at the Metropolitan Pavilion. Organized by the exuberant and charming Varli Singh (who also has a magazine devoted to Indian restaurants here and in Mumbai), I strolled past stations designed to reflect each restaurant's style. I really enjoyed Indian culinary creations freshly prepared by teams from 35 local restaurants including Devi, Junoon and Tamarind. A high point was meeting various chefs and getting tips on Indian cooking. Between a performance by the celebrated Indian singer Tina Sugandh, the on-stage cooking show by celeb Chef Sanjeev Kappor, and the chance to be photographed with noted Chef Photo Booth, coupled with delicious specialty cocktails, the evening was an unqualified success. What fun to receive a ... Read More

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