Can I tell you about…the Pacha Ibiza Pool Party. While I was in Miami for a weekend recently, I found out that the Winter Music Conference was also happening. I should have suspected something because when I boarded my flight I was with all these trendsters.
I was too late to buy tickets for any of the events but fortunately, my friend Bill Blagg had purchased a few tickets to the Pacha Party at the Shelborne Hotel. If you enjoy dance music and like to go clubbing, then you know of Pacha. It is the one and only club to go to in Ibiza. I’ve never been so I was excited to go to their inaugural party in Miami.
The Pacha Pool Party was scheduled to start at eleven in the morning and continue until eleven at night, followed by an exclusive party in nightclub Shine.
Confirmed guest DJ’s include Sander Kleinenberg, David Morales, Frankie Knuckles, Jazzy Jeff and Axwell spinning alongside Pacha residents such as Sarah Main, Juan Diaz and a special live performance by Goldfish.
We didn’t get there until well after four in the afternoon. I mean really, who starts dancing earlier than that? My jaw dropped as I walked in. The pool was packed. It was like a scene from ‘Girls Gone Wild’. I personally wouldn’t know but if there was anything close to it, this would be the party. Let me add that this was also during Spring break.
Topless boys flaunting their six packs and tattoos. Girls in their shortest of shorts or skimpiest bikinis with the highest of heels. I swear, it was like watching a tennis match, my eyes kept going back and forth. Between all the eye candy and the cocktails, I was getting a little light headed. It was all very wet and wild!
The music was off the hook! I only stayed for two DJ sets; Sander Kleinenberg and Jazzy Jeff. Can I tell you…it was INCREDIBLE! I couldn’t stop dancing! It was such a euphoric experience. If this party was on the roof, the roof would have caved in with all the jumping and thumping. I wish I had stayed a little longer but I had to rush out to see a fashion show. Coincidentally, it was also Miami Fashion Week so I was trying to do and see as much as I could. If I go back to Miami next year, I’m staying for the whole party!
Archive for March, 2009
Wet and Wild
Tuesday, March 31st, 2009Wet and Wild
Tuesday, March 31st, 2009Can I tell you about…the Pacha Ibiza Pool Party. While I was in Miami for a weekend recently, I found out that the Winter Music Conference was also happening. I should have suspected something because when I boarded my flight I was with all these trendsters.I was too late to buy tickets for any of the events but fortunately, my friend Bill Blagg had purchased a few tickets to the Pacha Party at the Shelborne Hotel. If you enjoy dance music and like to go clubbing, then you know of Pacha. It is the one and only club to go to in Ibiza. I’ve never been so I was excited to go to their inaugural party in Miami.
The Pacha Pool Party was scheduled to start at eleven in the morning and continue until eleven at night, followed by an exclusive party in nightclub Shine.
Confirmed guest DJ’s include Sander Kleinenberg, David Morales, Frankie Knuckles, Jazzy Jeff and Axwell spinning alongside Pacha residents such as Sarah Main, Juan Diaz and a special live performance by Goldfish.We didn’t get there until well after four in the afternoon. I mean really, who starts dancing earlier than that? My jaw dropped as I walked in. The pool was packed. It was like a scene from ‘Girls Gone Wild’. I personally wouldn’t know but if there was anything close to it, this would be the party. Let me add that this was also during Spring break.
Topless boys flaunting their six packs and tattoos. Girls in their shortest of shorts or skimpiest bikinis with the highest of heels. I swear, it was like watching a tennis match, my eyes kept going back and forth. Between all the eye candy and the cocktails, I was getting a little light headed. It was all very wet and wild!
The music was off the hook! I only stayed for two DJ sets; Sander Kleinenberg and Jazzy Jeff. Can I tell you…it was INCREDIBLE! I couldn’t stop dancing! It was such a euphoric experience. If this party was on the roof, the roof would have caved in with all the jumping and thumping. I wish I had stayed a little longer but I had to rush out to see a fashion show. Coincidentally, it was also Miami Fashion Week so I was trying to do and see as much as I could. If I go back to Miami next year, I’m staying for the whole party!
Design in the hood
Sunday, March 29th, 2009
Can I tell you…about Miami’s Design District. Art galleries are always on the cutting edge. They find fringe neighborhoods to move into then turn them into hip meccas. Little by little, restaurants, stores and showrooms start popping up in the vicinity. That’s what happened to Soho in the early 80s and then more recently in Chelsea in New York. Now Miami has one to call their own.
The neighborhood is home to nearly 130 art galleries, showrooms, boutiques, restaurants and bars. It has becoming quite the destination for all things style and design related.
I was recently in Miami for an extended weekend so I thought I would scope out the neighborhood. I had already tried some of the restaurants the last time I was here but never got a chance to walk around. While it has a ways to go before it turns into Chelsea, there were some pleasant surprises.
I had brunch at Brosia, which has a great outdoor space. They have a huge tiled wall with a leaf design which I loved. You know me and prints.
Around the corner is Y3, Tomas Maier and Marni. It’s Tomas’ only store in the world. It is a beautiful space and curated with a very discerning eye. Tomas himself helped me choose some scarves for myself. Imagine that!
Over at Marni I perused their Limited Edition collection that is only available at Marni stores worldwide. Did I tell you…how much I love Marni prints?
Next up was the Rubell Family Collection. I was excited to see their current show entitled “30 Americans” that opened at the last Art Basel show in Miami. I was lucky that they still had it up. I knew some of the artists and I was pleased to see their work included in the show.
The Rubells have been collecting African-American Art since the 1960s and they only show art that they own. This is their private collection and it is an impressive one. They exhibited over 200 works of art; sculpture, installations, photography, painting and mixed media. The show is a must see if you happen to be in the neighborhood.
One thing to keep in mind is that the galleries are not exactly walking distance from each other or from the cluster of restaurants and stores, unlike Chelsea. You know what I’m saying? So even if design is in the hood, this is one hood you don’t want to be caught wandering about. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Design in the hood
Sunday, March 29th, 2009Can I tell you…about Miami’s Design District. Art galleries are always on the cutting edge. They find fringe neighborhoods to move into then turn them into hip meccas. Little by little, restaurants, stores and showrooms start popping up in the vicinity. That’s what happened to Soho in the early 80s and then more recently in Chelsea in New York. Now Miami has one to call their own.The neighborhood is home to nearly 130 art galleries, showrooms, boutiques, restaurants and bars. It has becoming quite the destination for all things style and design related.I was recently in Miami for an extended weekend so I thought I would scope out the neighborhood. I had already tried some of the restaurants the last time I was here but never got a chance to walk around. While it has a ways to go before it turns into Chelsea, there were some pleasant surprises. I had brunch at Brosia, which has a great outdoor space. They have a huge tiled wall with a leaf design which I loved. You know me and prints.Around the corner is Y3, Tomas Maier and Marni. It’s Tomas’ only store in the world. It is a beautiful space and curated with a very discerning eye. Tomas himself helped me choose some scarves for myself. Imagine that!
Over at Marni I perused their Limited Edition collection that is only available at Marni stores worldwide. Did I tell you…how much I love Marni prints?Next up was the Rubell Family Collection. I was excited to see their current show entitled “30 Americans” that opened at the last Art Basel show in Miami. I was lucky that they still had it up. I knew some of the artists and I was pleased to see their work included in the show.The Rubells have been collecting African-American Art since the 1960s and they only show art that they own. This is their private collection and it is an impressive one. They exhibited over 200 works of art; sculpture, installations, photography, painting and mixed media. The show is a must see if you happen to be in the neighborhood.One thing to keep in mind is that the galleries are not exactly walking distance from each other or from the cluster of restaurants and stores, unlike Chelsea. You know what I’m saying? So even if design is in the hood, this is one hood you don’t want to be caught wandering about. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
It’s my Party
Monday, March 23rd, 2009
Can I tell you…about my Birthday Party. Every year as the date of my birthday approaches, I get a little conflicted. Should I or shouldn’t I throw a party? This year in particular I was extra hesitant. The recession being in full swing didn’t help my mood. Its hard to feel festive when the economy is in a slump and tales of sorrow are like the daily news.
I discussed my reservations with a few of my closest friends and we came to the conclusion that a little soiree’ was exactly what we all needed. I felt it was auspicious that my birthday fell on a Saturday. Coming together for drinks, some merriment and great company, who could refuse such an invitation. Fortunately my showroom is big enough to hold a large crowd. It was meant to be.
We came up with a theme: Speakeasy Chinoiserie. I was thinking of Shanghai at its’ heyday, right before the fall. Coincidentally, I’m reading about The Rise and Fall of Shanghai.
David went into party mode and organized everything and I mean EVERYTHING! He even bought a disco ball off Ebay, because no party is complete without a disco ball. I ran to Pearl River to get a bunch of multi-colored hanging paper lanterns to complete the Chinois effect. We rearranged the showroom so we would have several areas for lounging and groups could gather together.
I got Todd Trofimuk, everybody’s ( and I mean EVERYBODY!) favorite model/mixologist. He mixes for all the best parties in town.
I snagged Roger Williams to DJ. I met him last year at the Cooper-Hewitt Design Awards after party and loved his tracks. A little bit of Motown, some 80s and 90s Pop, progressive and deep house gets everybody swinging and swaying.
I invited a lot of people; family, old friends and new. Some were friends I knew in the Philippines, others were the first people I met in New York and some I met a few days earlier. The more the merrier I say! I told friends to bring friends and also to bring their drink of choice just in case we ran out. There was a huge turnout as my friends predicted.
The cake was custom baked by Sugar Sweet Sunshine and it was delish! Mark Chang designed the cake and can I tell you…we all loved it! A great time was had by all. I wish more friends could have been there but there’s always next year. Maybe I’ll have a subdued brunch…but then again, maybe NOT! What do you think?
It’s my Party
Monday, March 23rd, 2009Can I tell you…about my Birthday Party. Every year as the date of my birthday approaches, I get a little conflicted. Should I or shouldn’t I throw a party? This year in particular I was extra hesitant. The recession being in full swing didn’t help my mood. Its hard to feel festive when the economy is in a slump and tales of sorrow are like the daily news.I discussed my reservations with a few of my closest friends and we came to the conclusion that a little soiree’ was exactly what we all needed. I felt it was auspicious that my birthday fell on a Saturday. Coming together for drinks, some merriment and great company, who could refuse such an invitation. Fortunately my showroom is big enough to hold a large crowd. It was meant to be.We came up with a theme: Speakeasy Chinoiserie. I was thinking of Shanghai at its’ heyday, right before the fall. Coincidentally, I’m reading about The Rise and Fall of Shanghai.
David went into party mode and organized everything and I mean EVERYTHING! He even bought a disco ball off Ebay, because no party is complete without a disco ball. I ran to Pearl River to get a bunch of multi-colored hanging paper lanterns to complete the Chinois effect. We rearranged the showroom so we would have several areas for lounging and groups could gather together.
I got Todd Trofimuk, everybody’s ( and I mean EVERYBODY!) favorite model/mixologist. He mixes for all the best parties in town.I snagged Roger Williams to DJ. I met him last year at the Cooper-Hewitt Design Awards after party and loved his tracks. A little bit of Motown, some 80s and 90s Pop, progressive and deep house gets everybody swinging and swaying.I invited a lot of people; family, old friends and new. Some were friends I knew in the Philippines, others were the first people I met in New York and some I met a few days earlier. The more the merrier I say! I told friends to bring friends and also to bring their drink of choice just in case we ran out. There was a huge turnout as my friends predicted.The cake was custom baked by Sugar Sweet Sunshine and it was delish! Mark Chang designed the cake and can I tell you…we all loved it! A great time was had by all. I wish more friends could have been there but there’s always next year. Maybe I’ll have a subdued brunch…but then again, maybe NOT! What do you think?
Spring Fling
Wednesday, March 11th, 2009
Can I tell you about…my Spring fling. Every season for the past several years I’ve been shooting my campaigns in New York with the very talented Micaela Rossato. However, last year when I was headed to Manila to be the finale judge of Project Runway Philippines, it became a scheduling nightmare to still do the shoot in New York. So I decided to take a risk and do everything in Manila since I was already going to be there. Why not hit two birds with one stone.
I asked my friends, the dynamic husband and wife team Neil and Claudine Lucente to visualize the campaign for me. Claudine and I go way back when we used to be roommates in New York. In fact she shot many of my earlier campaigns. I love her sensibility, her editorial eye and attention to detail. Together, she and Neil have amassed an amazing body of work and I’ve always wanted to work with her again.
We came up with the concept of shooting everything around or inside a fabulous vintage car. The story line would revolve around a girl either waiting for, about to see or just having been with her lover. I wanted to convey a feeling of anticipation or afterglow a woman gets when she is in love. Love is something I want to be associated with because after all, I want everyone to LOVE Rafe. 
I asked my girlfriend, Teresa Herrera to model for me. Not only is she a gorgeous woman, a famous TV host, she’s also a professional model and an accomplished actress. I wanted to someone who can speak with her eyes, not just move her body and pose for the camera. I thought Teresa would be perfect.
My friend, Marie Claire editor in chief Myrza Sison suggested Preview fashion editor and super stylist Liz Uy and through Liz, we snagged make up wiz Denise Go Ochoa. I was all set with my team, now I just need the perfect car.
Through my girlfriend Celine Lopez, who called furniture designer and vintage car collector Kenneth Cobonpue, who then called his buddy and fellow vintage car collector Jorge See, I found the perfect car! A vintage 1953 XK-120 Jaguar Roadster convertible in Old English White with red leather interiors! It is one sexy machine and exactly what I envisioned for the shoot.
We decided to shoot in a studio because going on location with such a delicate vintage was going to pose some risks I wasn’t willing to take. It was just as well because it rained that day.
One of my favorite moments during the shoot was lunch. We had Bacolod style chicken inasal courtesty of Joel Torre. Omg, I was estatic. You’d have to taste it to know why I digress. Getting that chicken and garlic fried rice combination is no easy feat and I’ve tried several versions in Manila and they just don’t quite live up to it. Only another Ilonggo can taste the difference.
As you can see from the results, the campaign was a success. Liz pulled out all the stops and even had extra clothes made in a matter of days just for the shoot. She kept fussing and fixing until Claudine was ready to shoot.
It was long day but it was worth it because as you can see from the results, it was a smashing success. Teresa looks gorgeous, sexy, confident and in love. The product looks fresh and covetable. What more can I ask for?
I’m so happy I did this shoot in Manila and I’m so proud of my team. It was a fling worth doing. They did an awesome job, don’t you agree? Now go ahead and have your own Spring fling…with Rafe!
Spring Fling
Wednesday, March 11th, 2009
Can I tell you about…my Spring fling. Every season for the past several years I’ve been shooting my campaigns in New York with the very talented Micaela Rossato. However, last year when I was headed to Manila to be the finale judge of Project Runway Philippines, it became a scheduling nightmare to still do the shoot in New York. So I decided to take a risk and do everything in Manila since I was already going to be there. Why not hit two birds with one stone.
I asked my friends, the dynamic husband and wife team Neil and Claudine Lucente to visualize the campaign for me. Claudine and I go way back when we used to be roommates in New York. In fact she shot many of my earlier campaigns. I love her sensibility, her editorial eye and attention to detail. Together, she and Neil have amassed an amazing body of work and I’ve always wanted to work with her again.
We came up with the concept of shooting everything around or inside a fabulous vintage car. The story line would revolve around a girl either waiting for, about to see or just having been with her lover. I wanted to convey a feeling of anticipation or afterglow a woman gets when she is in love. Love is something I want to be associated with because after all, I want everyone to LOVE Rafe.
I asked my girlfriend, Teresa Herrera to model for me. Not only is she a gorgeous woman, a famous TV host, she’s also a professional model and an accomplished actress. I wanted to someone who can speak with her eyes, not just move her body and pose for the camera. I thought Teresa would be perfect.
My friend, Marie Claire editor in chief Myrza Sison suggested Preview fashion editor and super stylist Liz Uy and through Liz, we snagged make up wiz Denise Go Ochoa. I was all set with my team, now I just need the perfect car.
Through my girlfriend Celine Lopez, who called furniture designer and vintage car collector Kenneth Cobonpue, who then called his buddy and fellow vintage car collector Jorge See, I found the perfect car! A vintage 1953 XK-120 Jaguar Roadster convertible in Old English White with red leather interiors! It is one sexy machine and exactly what I envisioned for the shoot.
We decided to shoot in a studio because going on location with such a delicate vintage was going to pose some risks I wasn’t willing to take. It was just as well because it rained that day.
One of my favorite moments during the shoot was lunch. We had Bacolod style chicken inasal courtesty of Joel Torre. Omg, I was estatic. You’d have to taste it to know why I digress. Getting that chicken and garlic fried rice combination is no easy feat and I’ve tried several versions in Manila and they just don’t quite live up to it. Only another Ilonggo can taste the difference.
As you can see from the results, the campaign was a success. Liz pulled out all the stops and even had extra clothes made in a matter of days just for the shoot. She kept fussing and fixing until Claudine was ready to shoot.
It was long day but it was worth it because as you can see from the results, it was a smashing success. Teresa looks gorgeous, sexy, confident and in love. The product looks fresh and covetable. What more can I ask for?
I’m so happy I did this shoot in Manila and I’m so proud of my team. It was a fling worth doing. They did an awesome job, don’t you agree? Now go ahead and have your own Spring fling…with Rafe!
Up Close and Personal
Sunday, March 8th, 2009
Can I tell you about…New York Fashion Week. It’s that time of the year again and this season I was really looking forward to seeing what designers would be doing in light of the global crisis. The show must go on after all. There will always be big shows for more established brands with deep pockets. However, for smaller brands this is a very challenging time. How to stand out and be noticed during one the busiest times in the fashion industry. Not everybody can afford to be showing at the tents. Fortunately New York is filled with unique spaces to do more intimate presentations. Art galleries, photo studios, empty warehouses, and iconic landmark locations. There’s something for everybody.
My friend Monique L’huillier showed at the Plaza’s Oak Room for the first time breaking away from her usual runway format at Bryant Park. She said between the economy and the upcoming Oscars, it seemed like a good idea to keep it short and sweet. She was scheduled to fly out the next day to do fittings for some major Hollywood A-listers. A handful of models posing about, overflowing champagne, some hors’doeuvres and in a few minutes it was all over.
The beaded and tulle dresses were really special and signature Monique but I loved the jersey pieces. They looked modern and fresh, especially styled with snagged sheer body stockings and layers of necklaces by Fenton, it gave Monique’s pretty aesthetic an edgier slant.
Prabal Gurung’s debut collection was held at the Flag Art foundation in Chelsea. It was bold, graphic and luxurious. Focusing on an edited palette of black, white and red. These were great cocktail shakers and red carpet worthy numbers. The show was perfectly cast by James Scully and styled impeccably by Tina Laakkonen.
Prabal paid his dues working for Bill Blass for the past 5 years and his taste for finer things are definitely obvious in his designs. Double faced cashmere, hand-sewn feathers and intricate beading were all elements that made up his luxe capsule collection. The next day, he landed on the cover of WWD! Prabal is off to a great start.
Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock, the designers behind the label Vena Cava, also held their presentation at the Eyebeam gallery in Chelsea. Their artful leanings took them to a slightly punkish and sparkly place. Lisa Mayock was inspired by a neighbor who used to be a ‘gem huntress’ in the eighties.
They collaborated with the artist Marisa Tesauro, who shredded and scattered over 30,000 CDs inside the triangular stage for the show. The collection showed elements of exposed zippers, nailhead studs, some holographic sequins and metallic fringe.
Chris Benz showed in a raw warehouse space in Chelsea that once stored road salt. For this collection, he dipped his girls in color, head to foot! He favored a bold and strong palette: Yves Klein blue, bright lemon yellow, and fire-engine red, in every imaginable fabrication from silk charmeuse, melton wools and fur. My friend Alex Sanchez of Lancome gave the girls “Underground Glam-glossy Granite” smokey eyes using Lancome’s Piha gloss and a muted lip.
I love a big full blown runway show, don’t get me wrong. What I did like about these smaller presentations was that it allowed me to mingle with friends I haven’t seen in a while. Getting a chance to slow down, sip a cocktail or two and socialize is such a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle at the tents. More importantly, it also gives everybody the opportunity to scrutinize the details and really get up close and personal.
Up Close and Personal
Sunday, March 8th, 2009Can I tell you about…New York Fashion Week. It’s that time of the year again and this season I was really looking forward to seeing what designers would be doing in light of the global crisis. The show must go on after all. There will always be big shows for more established brands with deep pockets. However, for smaller brands this is a very challenging time. How to stand out and be noticed during one the busiest times in the fashion industry. Not everybody can afford to be showing at the tents. Fortunately New York is filled with unique spaces to do more intimate presentations. Art galleries, photo studios, empty warehouses, and iconic landmark locations. There’s something for everybody.My friend Monique L’huillier showed at the Plaza’s Oak Room for the first time breaking away from her usual runway format at Bryant Park. She said between the economy and the upcoming Oscars, it seemed like a good idea to keep it short and sweet. She was scheduled to fly out the next day to do fittings for some major Hollywood A-listers. A handful of models posing about, overflowing champagne, some hors’doeuvres and in a few minutes it was all over.The beaded and tulle dresses were really special and signature Monique but I loved the jersey pieces. They looked modern and fresh, especially styled with snagged sheer body stockings and layers of necklaces by Fenton, it gave Monique’s pretty aesthetic an edgier slant.Prabal Gurung’s debut collection was held at the Flag Art foundation in Chelsea. It was bold, graphic and luxurious. Focusing on an edited palette of black, white and red. These were great cocktail shakers and red carpet worthy numbers. The show was perfectly cast by James Scully and styled impeccably by Tina Laakkonen.Prabal paid his dues working for Bill Blass for the past 5 years and his taste for finer things are definitely obvious in his designs. Double faced cashmere, hand-sewn feathers and intricate beading were all elements that made up his luxe capsule collection. The next day, he landed on the cover of WWD! Prabal is off to a great start.Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock, the designers behind the label Vena Cava, also held their presentation at the Eyebeam gallery in Chelsea. Their artful leanings took them to a slightly punkish and sparkly place. Lisa Mayock was inspired by a neighbor who used to be a ‘gem huntress’ in the eighties.
They collaborated with the artist Marisa Tesauro, who shredded and scattered over 30,000 CDs inside the triangular stage for the show. The collection showed elements of exposed zippers, nailhead studs, some holographic sequins and metallic fringe.Chris Benz showed in a raw warehouse space in Chelsea that once stored road salt. For this collection, he dipped his girls in color, head to foot! He favored a bold and strong palette: Yves Klein blue, bright lemon yellow, and fire-engine red, in every imaginable fabrication from silk charmeuse, melton wools and fur. My friend Alex Sanchez of Lancome gave the girls “Underground Glam-glossy Granite” smokey eyes using Lancome’s Piha gloss and a muted lip.I love a big full blown runway show, don’t get me wrong. What I did like about these smaller presentations was that it allowed me to mingle with friends I haven’t seen in a while. Getting a chance to slow down, sip a cocktail or two and socialize is such a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle at the tents. More importantly, it also gives everybody the opportunity to scrutinize the details and really get up close and personal.
Barbie’s Birthday Bash
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009
Can I tell you…about Barbie’s Birthday Party. Barbie turned 50 this year and to celebrate this historic event, Mattel launched a huge extravaganza during New York fashion week. Months of preparation went into this as you can imagine. Barbie was determined to make this day unforgettable. As we entered the tents and made our way to line up for the show you see Barbie spelled out in huge lifesize block letters surrounding the fountain, each letter containing a gazillion Barbie dolls. The mayhem pre-show was ridiculous. 
My team didn’t get in even if they were on the list, as well as some people who actually worked for Mattel and flew into New York just for the show. Whoever did front of house, that was a major fiasco. Guests were invited to bring their favorite Barbies ( nieces or daughters ) to the show and I suspect this added to the pandemonium.
The show itself was totally over the top and appropriately so! I was almost sure it was the finale episode of Rupaul’s Drag Race. It was so Dragilicious and I mean that as a compliment! The fabulous Patti Wilson styled the show, dividing it into themes: Past, Present and Future Barbie with matching video animation on the big screen. 
Fifty designers lent their clothes that best represented Barbie’s fashion forward point of view. Diane von Furstenburg, Peter Som, Anna Sui, Alexander Wang, Bryan Reyes, Trina Turk, Tracy Reese, Bob Mackie, Jeremy Scott and Betsey Johnson all joined in for the hoopla. Christian Louboutin was commissioned to do all the hot pink patent stilletos. I loaned a bag for the show and I was happy to see it with a Twinkle by Wenlan knit dress. 
All the seated guests were given a limited edition Barbie made just for this very special occasion as well as a big magazine with photos of the participating designers and their Barbie ‘guotes’. I heard murmurs of selling them on E-bay from the crowd. After all, we are in a recession and these dolls could fetch mucho dinero for collectors!
At the end of the show, all the models walked out, each holding a little girl which made everybody in the audience go….”Awww!”. Then the lights turned pink and it started raining pink hearts! Super kawaii!!! You should have seen the look on all the little girls in the audience. They were in heaven, Barbie heaven! This was one birthday party I was very happy to attend. You see, Barbie and I go way back….but that’s another story. LOL!
Barbie’s Birthday Bash
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009
Can I tell you…about Barbie’s Birthday Party. Barbie turned 50 this year and to celebrate this historic event, Mattel launched a huge extravaganza during New York fashion week. Months of preparation went into this as you can imagine. Barbie was determined to make this day unforgettable. As we entered the tents and made our way to line up for the show you see Barbie spelled out in huge lifesize block letters surrounding the fountain, each letter containing a gazillion Barbie dolls. The mayhem pre-show was ridiculous.
My team didn’t get in even if they were on the list, as well as some people who actually worked for Mattel and flew into New York just for the show. Whoever did front of house, that was a major fiasco. Guests were invited to bring their favorite Barbies ( nieces or daughters ) to the show and I suspect this added to the pandemonium.The show itself was totally over the top and appropriately so! I was almost sure it was the finale episode of Rupaul’s Drag Race. It was so Dragilicious and I mean that as a compliment! The fabulous Patti Wilson styled the show, dividing it into themes: Past, Present and Future Barbie with matching video animation on the big screen. Fifty designers lent their clothes that best represented Barbie’s fashion forward point of view. Diane von Furstenburg, Peter Som, Anna Sui, Alexander Wang, Bryan Reyes, Trina Turk, Tracy Reese, Bob Mackie, Jeremy Scott and Betsey Johnson all joined in for the hoopla. Christian Louboutin was commissioned to do all the hot pink patent stilletos. I loaned a bag for the show and I was happy to see it with a Twinkle by Wenlan knit dress. All the seated guests were given a limited edition Barbie made just for this very special occasion as well as a big magazine with photos of the participating designers and their Barbie ‘guotes’. I heard murmurs of selling them on E-bay from the crowd. After all, we are in a recession and these dolls could fetch mucho dinero for collectors!At the end of the show, all the models walked out, each holding a little girl which made everybody in the audience go….”Awww!”. Then the lights turned pink and it started raining pink hearts! Super kawaii!!! You should have seen the look on all the little girls in the audience. They were in heaven, Barbie heaven! This was one birthday party I was very happy to attend. You see, Barbie and I go way back….but that’s another story. LOL!
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