MUSES OF THE GALA!!!

Last week's El Museo del Barrio's event was successful. It was also a triumphant moment for designer Narciso Rodriguez. He made one-of-kind pieces for Gala Chair Yaz Hernandez and Academy Award Winning Actress Kate Winslet. Narciso's career catapulted when he designed the wedding dress of Caroline Bessette Kennedy. His loyal followers include: Sarah Jessica Parker, Julianna Margulies, Claire Danes, and more. He is known for creating simple pieces with attention to a woman's body. His style lines and fit made him the go to designer of all socialites and celebrities. A woman feels sexy without being vulgar when they slip into one of his dresses. In fashion, it is a challenge to make a woman elegant, sophisticated, classy. Narciso mastered the art of simplicity. I met him several times. He is the nicest and humblest designer in New York. I have so much respect for him as a person and as a designer.

KATE WINSLET IN CUSTOM NARCISO RODRIGUEZ

YAZ HERNANDEZ IN CUSTOM NARCISO RODRIGUEZ

SEQUINED EVENT!!!

Last Thursday, I attended the El Museo del Barrio at Cipriani's on 42nd street in New York city. It was a successful event. The museum honored Mario Testino. Gala chair Yaz Hernandez gave a witty and humorous speech which made the audience laugh. At the last minute, I had no clue what I was going to wear. I wanted to get away from the classic black dinner jacket. Thank God for my good friend Lucio, he came to the rescue. He sent me 2 options from Versace's Spring 2011 collection. The first option was a black tailored suit. Unfortunately, the jacket was too tight... I couldn't breathe. Then, the black and white beaded jacket with a built in vest caught my eye. As the saying goes, "No Guts No Glory." I went with my instinct. True enough, I received many compliments from my peers and guests at the event. I accessorized my ensemble with a black satin clutch from YSL. The shoes in patent and grosgrain corset detail were from YSL. To complete the look, I added a skinny bow tie from Dior Homme.

The Versace jacket vamped up my entire wardrobe.

VERSACE SPRING 2011 MEN'S COLLECTION

THE END RESULT

RELAXATION TIME!!!

Yesterday, I went to the Mandarin Oriental spa to have a relaxing 80 minute massage. The experience was amazing. I needed the treatment for all the hard work I have been doing. I felt I was in paradise. Emma was assigned to be my masseuse for the day. The spa only uses the best oils in the world, Espa from London. After my session, I went into the steam room to relax. The spa is very private that you do not see anybody. I had the best experience. I need to do it once a month. It will cost you $400.00 to have the treatment. It was worth every penny.

TESTINO TAKES THE STAGE!!!

World renowned photographer Mario Testino was honored last night by the El Museo del Barrio at Cipriani's on 42nd Street. Gala Chair Yaz Hernandez wore a custom made white Narciso Rodriguez dress. To add sparkle to her ensemble, she wore jewelry from Kwiat. She delivered a humorous speech. Next stop, Kate Winslet. The academy award winning actress wore a white and black custom made dress from Narciso Rodriguez. She looked stunning. She is one of Mario's favorite person to shoot. Throughout Mario's career, he established an army of followers. His charisma makes him a true latin man.

It was a well attended Gala. It was so much fun. Congratulation to the whole team.

YAZ HERNANDEZ AND JOSH HARTNETT (IMAGE COURTESY OF BILLY FARELL AGENCY)

SPARKLES!!!

El Museo del Barrio will be honoring Mario Testino at Cipriani's on 42nd Street. Asprey is the proud sponsor of the amazing trophy for the evening. It will be my second year attending this marvelous event. From my previous post, Yaz Hernandez will wear an amazing gown designed by her dear friend. The outfit is not complete without fine jewelry. Yaz will be adorned in diamonds from a famous jewelry company. The jewels will compliment her stunning gown. There will be 600 people attending the event.

For my outfit, I am wearing a beaded tuxedo jacket. I can't wait.

JUST A TEASER!!!

THE DRESS!!!

This coming Thursday, Mario Testino will be honored by El Museo del Barrio at Cipriani's on 42nd street. The evening will be a star studded celebration in honor of the famed photographer. Gala chair, Yaz Hernandez, will be wearing an amazing custom designed dress by one of her favorite designers in the fashion industry. I was with her throughout her fittings. The outfit she will be wearing is beyond amazing. Her friend did a phenomenal job. Indeed, the ensemble is a wow factor. It is one of the biggest events of the museum. All of Mario Testino's friends will be present to cheer him as soon as he accepts the award on stage. Mario's friend, Kate Winslet, will be giving out the award.

I can't reveal the designer and the details of Yaz's dress. I know how to keep secrets.

I love surprises.

YAZ HERNANDEZ- EL MUSEO DEL BARRIO 2010

BEHIND THE LENS!!!

On May 26, the El Museo del Barrio of New York will honor world renowned photographer Mario Testino at Cipriani's on 42nd street. Mario was born in Lima, Peru. After finishing his school in the late 70s, he flew to London and pursued his studies in photography.

From then on, his career blossomed and sky rocketed to the atmosphere. His work has been featured all over the world in magazines such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, V Man, and other high profile publications. Celebrities including Madonna, Kate Winslet, Gywneth Paltrow, Salma Hayek, Penelope Cruz adore Mario. He is very talented and he is a natural behind the lens. His famous work was the portrait he did for the late Princess Diana. Mario's pleasing and soothing personality makes his clients at ease. He has the gift of making them feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera.

In the early 90s, Tom Ford of Gucci approached Mario to collaborate with the company's ad campaign. Together with Carine Roitfeld, they made Gucci one of the most powerful brands in the world. Besides Gucci, he teamed up with the following fashion houses: Versace, Dolce and Gabbana, Burberry, Salvatore Ferragamo, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, among many others.

The award will be given by a very famous celebrity for this special occasion. Aside from his amazing work, he gives back to his native land by being involved in charities to help people in need. As a younger boy, I've been a huge admirer of his work. He is one of the few reasons why I moved to New York. Someday, I will have the chance to work with him. He is an inspiration to all aspiring artists around the world.

CLEAN LINES!!!

One of my favorite women in the New York social scene is Yaz Hernandez. Yesterday, she attended a luncheon hosted by Sharon and Lauren Bush at Bergdorf Goodman. She wore a deep lilac sheath dress by Narciso Rodriguez. She accented her outfit with white stiletto Sergio Rossi shoes for Narciso Rodriguez. To add fun to her ensemble, she was carrying a purple and white ikat print clutch. Her white retro Tom Ford sunglasses gave an edge to her persona. What I admire about this woman? Besides her charisma and personality, she knows what looks good on her. Well! She is one of the best dressed women in New York. Clean lines all the way.

MIDNIGHT BUTTERFLIES!!!

Dr. Lisa Airan is one of the most influential people in the New York social scene. She is known for being one of the best dermatologist in New York and the entire United States. I met Lisa through my friends from Celestina and Mark. She has an impeccable taste in fashion. This past monday, she attended the Costume Institute Gala "Savage Beauty" wearing a custom made Alexander McQueen dress from Pre-Fall 2011. If you look close at the details of the dress, butterflies in shades of blue and black were attached. The ensemble is cutting edge and fashion forward. What made this outfit sexy? You can see a glimpse of her legs. The hair and make-up complimented the outfit. She wore long diamond and ruby drop earrings to sum up the whole look. Everything was precise, perfect, and flawless. No wonder she landed as one of the few lucky women chosen by Vogue.com as best dressed. She is the perfect example of a woman who mastered the art of dressing up. Bravo.

MCQUEEN'S LEGACY

One of the most talented designers in the world was the late Alexander McQueen. He was first discovered by the late Isabella Blow. McQueen's work is cutting edge, fashion forward, and avant garde. He made exquisite art pieces of clothing. He was known for pushing the boundaries in fashion. Last night's event at the MET proves that his legacy will continue. All of his friends, admirers, and supporters came to pay homage to his work. Anna Wintour, Colin Firth, and Stella McCartney were the chair of the evening. I have never seen so many celebrities, singers, and designers merged in one event. The Costume Institue Gala is the biggest fashion event in the New York social scene. It is considered as the Oscars of the East Coast.

Renee Zellweger looked stunning in a long sleeve nude dress from Carolina Herrera. The look was effortless. Demi Moore's Prabal Gurung dress gave her the edge at the party. She accessorized her look with an amazing feathered hat from Philip Treacy. Leave it to Jennifer Lopez to make a grand entrance. She wore a red gown with flower details from Gucci's Fall 2011 collection. Everything was perfect. Ginnifer Godwin's 70s look caught my eye. She wore an emerald green dress from Topshop Unique. She carried herself well. As for the model department, Hilary Rhoda wore Alexander McQueen. The white tuxedo inspired look gave the statuesque beauty a fashion forward edge. The frayed edges vamped up her look. Talking about elegance and style, Tory Burch nailed it. She wore vintage Jean Patou. Anna della Russo's egg hat was the perfect scene stealer at the ball. She wore a matador inspired tuxedo by McQueen. The last living muse of McQueen, Daphne Guinness, wore a white feather dress from Sarah Burton's Fall 2011 collection. She is a piece of art on her own. She is the chosen one to carry the torch of McQueen. Madonna looked good in a pale blue dress by Stella McCartney. She looked sophisticated with her retro style. Keri Hilson rocked the knitted dress from Atelier Versace. She looked confident, sexy, and ready for the kill.

These are my top choices from last night's gala.

RENEE ZELLWEGER IN CAROLINA HERRERA

DEMI MOORE IN PRABAL GURUNG

GINNIFER GOODWIN IN TOPSHOP UNIQUE

KERI HILSON IN ATELIER VERSACE

HILARY RHODA IN ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

TORY BURCH IN JEAN PATOU

NATALIA VODIANOVA IN VALENTINO

TAYLOR SWIFT IN J.MENDEL

ANNA DELLA RUSSO IN MCQUEEN

J.LO IN GUCCI

MADONNA IN STELLA MCCARTNEY

DAPHNE GUINNESS IN MCQUEEN