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JUNE 2019
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EUPHORIA COLLECTION
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CONTENTS JUNE 2019 FASHION
22 Beltrami ltd.ben 24 Marcelo Calabrese 35 Desert Daisy Jewelry 38 Rachel Vancelette
ENTERTAINMENT 40 The Undertones 44 No Common War 46 Swords of Valor
COVER
48 Rose McGowan
PROFILE
56 Lizzie Da Trindade-Asher 58 Leesa Rowland 59 Randy Zelin
ARTFORM
60 Arts & the Olympic Games 2020 66 Barbara Rose 72 Frank Stella 78 Sislej Xhafa 82 Christine Davis 88 Xiangdong Chen
23 Hot Summer Cool Suits
CONTENTS 77
JUNE 2019 JETSET
92 Kiteboarding 96 Hamptons Events 2019
INFLUENCER
98 Influential New Yorkers 100 Madison Gesiotto 102 Leon Logothetis
SOCIAL
104 Metropolitan’s Party 108 Summer Kick-Off Charity Party 112 Spotlight 116 New York Social Scene 118 New York Charity Scene 120 New York Party Scene
Publisher Chase Backer Editor-in-Chief Adam Kluger
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Copy Editor Sean Buttimer Director of Marketing-NYC Jaime Backer Lifestyle Editor Elizabeth Langevin Cover Editor
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Adam Kluger Features Editor Melissa Clark Luxury Editor Stephanie L. Howitt Fashion Photographer Matt Licari Profiles Editor Alexandra Appino-Tabone Social Editor Clara Morgan Food Editor Andrea Correale
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Nutrition Editor Lindsay Brustein Rosen, M.S., R.D., CDN.
Monica Randall SPRING 2019
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Gold Coast Writer
Digital Media Director Nancy Molina Contributors Rachel Vancelette, D.D. Rice, Norah Bradford, Paul Prince, Peter Elston, Johnny Angel, Harry White, Victoria Crosby
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE
“There is something in the New York air that makes sleep useless.” - Simone Beauvoir At Metropolitan Magazine we throw a lot of parties. We used to throw as many as three a month. The secret to a great event is like cooking a great meal. You need great ingredients and a recipe for success. Open bar. Check. Great ambiance. Check. Incredible food. Check. Music. Check. Expert branding and signage. Check. A fun guest-list. Check. Add in the hardworking team we have at Metropolitan and you just know that no matter what happens over the course of the night that problems will be solved and a great time will be had by all. We love to celebrate our partners who honor the magazine each month by contributing superb content and thought leadership. They love being a part of Metropolitan and we love sharing our platform with talented, inspirational and intelligent individuals. Our recent Influencers party was a huge success. Over 400 people. Nobody was in a rush to leave the other hundreds of partygoers and influencers that convened at Tudor City Steakhouse to enjoy wine, champagne, steak and chicken and a chance to network with influential New Yorkers with thriving businesses and large social media followings. There was some extra magic in the room and electricity in the air thanks to health Influencer Jen Selter who is a charming young lady who takes a backseat to no one. Already June. 2019 is rushing by. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the celebration that is life in this big, loud, noisy, busy city of ours. The metropolis that rests atop a boulevard of dreams. Let us raise a toast with the dreamers, the doers, the lovers, the fighters for we are each all of that and more. We are New Yorkers. A celebration is in order. Cheers!
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EDITOR’S NOTE
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” - Eleanor Roosevelt
Rose McGowan is our amazing cover star. Rose has been described as a starlet, sex symbol and justice seeker. But Rose McGowan is so much more. She is punk as f*ck and a respected agent for change in American Society. I first took notice of Rose in the Greg Araki film Doom Generation and then again in Jawbreaker. Her beauty and talent were undeniable. But there is another part to the Rose McGowan story. Since she was a child, Rose knew that she was destined for big things. After conquering Hollywood, Rose McGowan, a warrior/survivor, helped start a social revolution. Rose McGowan is brave and multi-talented. Her courage and influence will be felt for generations to come. She stood up to Hollywood’s most abusive bully and exposed him to the world. Many of us have unfortunately been exposed to bullying at some point in our life. I was. In summer camp, there was a bully who hated me because my twin sister wouldn’t give him the time of day. He sucker-punched me on a camp trip and then ran away like the coward he was. I was never able to return the favor because the counselors said they would throw me out of camp if I ever retaliated. That seemed like a worse punishment at the time, but it wasn’t. I harbored the unwarranted assault as a psychic wound for years. The bully went on to become a top executive in the advertising world making those annoying car commercials we all mute. I never really thought about him at all -at least not consciously- until one day out of the blue, my best friend and twin sister Allison mentioned that she had invited the bully to speak about branding to her class at Stanford. That’s when I finally told her all about the attack. She was livid and disgusted by the creep. She asked if we could confront him about it. I said fine. It was a short conversation. I think he apologized on the phone and said he was a changed person. I doubt it. He was and still is a bully. Rotten at the core. I felt sorry for him. The person who really changed was me. By finally addressing the bully and realizing how inconsequential he was- I finally felt free. I wish you all the courage to confront and then ignore the bullies in your life. They aren’t worth our time. By letting go of old wounds and grudges it frees us up to let even more love in. In the end, love always wins. Enjoy Metropolitan’s June issue with Rose McGowan and some other brave and kind individuals featured within who go to battle every day to make the world a better and more interesting place.
Cheers! Adam Kluger Editor in Chief, Metropolitan/25A
Photo By Eric Payson
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fashion
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Understanding elegance and design was something that came naturally to Marcelo. From a young age, he studied architecture and moved to New York to study fashion design at Fashion Institute of Technology. Years later in Barcelona, he used his experiences from Asian, European and American cultures to build his brand. Focused on luxury and creating art in every handmade piece, he is considered an international emerging artist.
Marcelo Calabrese Marcelo Calabrese is a luxury brand of unique handbags and accessories that combine traditional handmade and luxury materials in a extravagant and timeless designs. Every bag and accessory is crafted with attention to detail and only available in limited editions. All styles mirror the designer’s love for art deco design masterpieces and feature premium leather, gold plated hardware and precious vintage embellishments discovered in his travels.
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May 2019 | 27
Photographed by Bernadette Marciniak
l e h e c a t RVancelet
Rachel Vancelette is the founder of Vancelette Global Art Acquisitions Corp, a multifaceted contemporary art and fashion creative agency dedicated to uniting contemporary and modern art, travel, lifestyle, design, fashion, and inspiration.
entertainment
The Undertones BY ADAM KLUGER
Growing up in NYC meant attending a number of memorable concerts in the early 80’s when MTV was dominating the conversation and capturing our collective imagination. My favorite places to catch a band were MSG, the Ritz, the Peppermint Lounge, the Pier, CBGBs and the Beacon. For rabid music fans like myself, there were magazines like Trouser Press, Rolling Stone, Spin, Billboard and even the Village Voice would write about music and provide album reviews and monthly concert listings. My high school pals and I would go see Talking Heads and the Police, DEVO and Lou Reed, Adam & the Ants and the Go-Gos and the B-52’s and one hit wonders Marshall Crenshaw, Musical Youth (Pass the Dutchie) the Thompson Twins or even Missing Persons with their other-worldly lead singer Dale Bozio. MTV was more than a video jukebox back then, they reported on music news and became a voice of my generation. Generation X. MTV would provide the soundtrack to my high school years by introducing videos from The Buggles (Video Killed the Radio Star), Flock of Seagulls (I Ran), Men without Hats (The Safety Dance) Michael Jackson (Beat It!), Duran Duran (Rio), Blondie (Rapture) Madonna (Like a Virgin) and a whole world of wonderful, colorful bands. From across the pond there were The Specials (A Message to you Rudy) and a later iteration called the Fun Boy Three, The English Beat, The Clash (London Calling) Madness (One Step Beyond), Altered Images with Clare Grogan’s unforgettable voice (I Could Be Happy), Sinead O’Connor (Nothing Compares to U) and of course Feargal Sharkey and the Undertones (It’s Going to Happen). The Undertones sprung up from Derry in war-torn Northern Ireland to sing about, what else? teenage heartbreak and girls! When I saw that The Undertones would be playing a couple gigs in NYC in May, I contacted their manager Barry Stewart (great guy!) and arranged a quick pre-show interview. Mickey Bradley, the band’s bass player was as nice and unassuming as could be, as was the entire band as they walked in and out of the backstage dressing room to add their take on why The Undertones remain such a revered punk-pop band. AK: Why are the Undertones still so popular? MB: The music that we made in 1979 and 1980 still sounds current... It’s pure rock and roll. AK: What are some highlights of those early days? MB: We had been playing at a bar in Derry for about 18 months (The Casbah) and we had got good..we started off learning how to play the guitars all at the same time --we made the record in June...it was a brilliant summer...and then in September/October, DJ John Peel played Teenage Kicks twice and he kept on playing it... and then after that Sire Records, a New York record label, got in touch and before we knew it we were on Top of the Pops.” AK: What did lead singer Feargal Sharkey bring to the group? MB: Well, none of us could sing so he brought that. We needed a front man. He didn’t write any of the songs but he could sing and brought a lot of energy-- so he brought a lot. AK: What is the legacy of the band? MB: I think a band from Derry having national hits and a tour 40 | MetMagNY.com | 25AMagazine.com
of America. We didn’t ever make the move to London...we stayed in Derry. AK: Favorite song? MB: You’ve Got My Number (Why Don’t You Use It?) AK: One of my favorites! MB: I like it because it was the first song that John came up with after we made our first LP. AK: It’s Going to Happen? MB: It’s Going to Happen was a top 20 hit but it wasn’t a huge hit ...it was a slight change of direction for us but it was good. AK: Favorite memory from that time? MB: It was the fact that we didn’t have to work... suddenly, we were almost instantaneously working musicians there was no struggle for us and that sounds very blasé but because we were in Derry
we all lived at home we went to Belfast to make this record Teenage Kicks and then we came home again and then we went to London to perform Top of the Pops and then we came home again. Great memory. And then of course we toured with the Clash and that was a highlight. Being in New York in 1979 was a highlight. It was dirty. Times Square was very different it was an eye-opener for us. AK: Feargal is no longer performing with the band. Was there a rift? MB: When we broke up in ‘83 it was because he wanted to do solo stuff... and whenever we would get back together we knew that he wouldn’t be interested. We didn’t ask him and he didn’t ask why we didn’t ask him so it was just accepted that our paths had diverged. AK: Was MTV helpful in promoting the band? MB: it was a useful tool but we weren’t one of those
bands who would sit down and say “I know how we should look.” AK: How does it feel to still be performing? MB: It’s good. Very good. [Songwriter/ Guitarist Damian O’Neill walks into interview room] AK: Damian, what were some of your favorite Undertones songs? D: Male Model, Love Parade, It’s Going to Happen and Tear Proof. AK: You co-wrote It’s Going to Happen was there a political message to it? D: It started off as a campaign song and then it turned into a pop song. Mickey changed the lyrics to make it better. The original lyrics were really trite. AK: thoughts on Feargal? D: He was a brilliant singer, a brilliant singer he May 2019 | 41
entertainment
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had that unique voice... we all brought something to the band that was unique. AK: Is it a bummer that he’s not with the band anymore? (Editor’s note: The terrific Paul McLoone has been handling the lead vocals for the band for the past two decades] D: We didn’t even ask Feargal because he wouldn’t have wanted to AK: Favorite memory? D: Touring with the Clash in America AK: Was it tough to grow up in Northern Ireland with all the violence? D: None of us lost any family members who were killed but I have a certain amount of anger built in because some of the horrible things that happened back then, that’s me personally. AK: Better now? D: Yes and Derry too. Some economic problems but it’s definitely on the up.
Photo Credit: The Undertones Facebook @officialTheUndertones
AK: Secret to The Undertones sound? MB: the secret is the guitars and also a great drummer and also the brevity, nothing overstays it’s welcome. AK: Where did the name “The Undertones” come from? MB: Billy, the Drummer--he came across the word in a history book. People hear that and think it has some pretentious meaning. It sounded almost like a corny name for a band, because in the 70’s bands in Derry were never called “the” something, it was King Rat or Toe Jam--whereas, this was The Undertones. And we liked it as well because we had started hearing about the Ramones and we thought it’s a bit like the Ramones and it rhymes. That’s what it was. Undertone means like a secret or subtle meaning- but we liked it cause it sounded like the Ramones or almost like one of those bands from the 60’s.” May 2019 | 43
entertainment
No Common War AT PORTER SQUARE BOOKS BY W.A. MULLER | PHOTOS BY DARLENE DEVITA
I
n No Common War, award winning author, Luke Salisbury deals with issues that are fresh today—a family disagreeing on the rightness of going to war and the pain the family experiences when a son returns home, after being wounded in battle, struggling with PTSD. But No Common War isn’t about Afghanistan or Iraq, it’s about the Civil War and is based on Salisbury’s own family history. Moreau Salisbury was the author’s great-grandfather. The novel is based on actual events. Foreward Reviews calls it “one of the best war novels in decades.” Kirkus Reviews says No Common War “is an engrossing, well-told story with a unique perspective.” The reader is taken on a turbulent journey through the Abolition Movement, the travails of a run-away slave, life on the road to battle, including interactions with women of easy virtue. The high point of the novel is the Battle of Antietam, the bloodiest day in American history. The reader is there in the cornfield,: “The dead lay in rows where they stood. I stepped in guts. Kicked an unattached leg. I went forward, bayonet fixed. Bodies thrashed. The ground was alive and trembling. The corn was bloody …” But the darkest part of the book is after the battle, when one of the sons returns home, with his father on a train full of wounded soldiers. Despite being welcomed by family and neighbors, Moreau isn’t able to take up his old life and relationships with loved ones. The toughest battle is the one inside his head and heart. Tim O’Brien, author of The Things They Carried: “I was thoroughly engrossed. Beginning to end.” Pulitzer Prize winner Tracy Kidder: “No Common War is no common Civil War novel.” The historical details in the book are well researched and make these events come alive. The issues the book deals with are deep and universal. About the Author
At Porter Square Books in Cambridge, MA, June 5
44 | MetMagNY.com | 25AMagazine.com
Luke Salisbury is the author of the cult baseball classic, The Answer Is Baseball, and the novels The Cleveland Indian (Nominated for a Casey Award) and Hollywood and Sunset which was selected as Book of the Year (Fiction 2006) by Online Review of Books & Current Affairs, and won Best Historical Fiction 2006 from USABookNews.
Christopher Lydon, Boston media personality, and Luke Salisbury
poet Jean-Dany Joachim, Lydon, Luke, and poet Martin Espada
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entertainment
Swords ofTerri Valor Kahan AUTHOR DOMENIC MELILLO
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BY W.A. MULLER
OT was a huge TV show, as more erri needed Kahan than Finewe Artcould is a private haveart ever advisory imagined Ms. ultimately Kahan received saves society. her B.A.Also, fromthe Brandeis first two University, books a writer and expert on the previously. firm based Whatinwe thedo heart when of that Manhattan’s awakeningstudied art history N.Y.U. and spentbook many years are very history at focused. The third is more history of swords - what were occursupper will define east side, us forever specializing more. in Modern working a number ofand leading auction houses aboutfor myths, legends folklore and why it is your thoughts on GOT and and Contemporary Art. The firm was andvery galleries, important including to know Christie’s, about Jane and Kahan remember Gallery, how swords played such an Whatfounded type of research in 2001 by of swords Terri Kahan did you and haveAlexan-der the past.Kahan Fine Arts and Gagosian Gallery. integral part to the storyline? to undertake? provides advisory The research services was formore private aboutShe then went on to obtain her MBA from Columbia I thought Game of Thrones was one of those and corporate the background clients, including stories, architects, historydecorators, and legendsUniversity How important and subsequently are swords founded in telling and the launched history seminal TV events/phenomena that redefine designers, the surrounding real estate the developers, various Swords family of-fices of Valor. and Manyoneof of the the world? first online One artofbusinesses the reasons called I have Onview. been genre. Like Lonesome Dove did for TV westerns. art funds, I of them working are still withinseasoned existence today, and emerging but some arecom, interested which worked in swords with since 300 I was of athe young most boy globally is that loved that the swords played such an important collectorsmerely alike. legendary or fictional. Swords have hadprominent some offine the art most galleries. interesting Thestories site was have ranked swords by role in the storyline and did not just become a such a lifelong hold on my imagination that Forbes I at the magazine heart of asthem. its “Fa-vorite” My favorite in its Best Disney of the movie Web prop. The swords represented freedom, history Terri’s interest knew right in the from artthe world start started whichat swords a verywould early beissue. asShe a child also was completed the Sword the certificate in the Stone. program From that from and remembrance. They indicated power, age. 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He was involved truly, this in was publishing reasonably theself-evident graphic works of most of of Ms. areKahan not the launched source ofTKFA bravery in 2001 or virtue out ofor a valor. desire Karel Appel, the swords. Alexander Calder, Matta and others, to assist The swords collectors do not in what go out can and often win times battles. beThe the Please talk about your popular Swords of Valor served as the exclusive North American agent for the intimidating swords do and notdifficult changeprocess history,ofPeople navigating do those the book series and why you think readers seem prints or How paintings are the of numerous three books artists different including from Marc eachcomplex things. international Swords, for all artthat market. theyHer represent goal has arebeen just to respond to the story-telling and messaging. 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I believe IFPDA (International civilization Fine will determine Print Dealerstheir Association), level of freedom and gained use to of her swords, clientele. and the impact of how they were that it represents a common struggle we allCINOA face (Confédération and liberty. Finally Internationale the third book, desSword Négociants Above All, used by certain people, have clearly illustrated at least once in our lives. The discovery that enwe Oeuvre brings d’Art). together the first two themes and how the many truths about who we are as human beings are more powerful, have more strength and are strength of the family unit can be the thing that and as a civilization.
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H a n d m a d e J e w e l r y N YC info@IntimateSea.com May 2019 | 47
cover
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Rose McGowan BY ADAM K LU GE R PH OTO GRAPHE D BY RAIN D OVE AK: Rose, you refer to yourself as a cult member, runaway, captive, starlet, victim, sex symbol and justice seeker- who is Rose McGowan? RM: I could also be described as a spinach lover, fan of fluffy bunnies, traveling, adventure, and Boston Terriers.
RM: I thought I would be of public service in my own unique way. I have unique access, a unique skill set and unique intel, I decided to join the fight for the world. It’s been a fight since the dawn of time and I thought I’d throw my hat in the ring.
AK: Nice... I like that! On a serious note, your book is dedicated to all survivors. What message do you have for survivors of trauma? RM: That you can and will be whole. You will be a new normal. It’s not fair and not cool, but your Phoenix will rise. Keep going. AK: Most people only know you as a successful actress. Many might be shocked to learn you were a runaway and lived on the streets as a teen. Yet you survived and found strength to not only become a success but also a humanitarian activist.
AK: What did shaving your head mean to you?
RM: Yes, I decided to run away when I was thirteen years old. It was a scary adventure. I had lots of fun and have many crazy stories from that period of my life. I will tell them someday. All of my experiences have formed me into the flawed but well-meaning human I am today. I
RM: About four years ago, I shaved my head. It was a hard cut off from a world that I had let sexualize me, just like it sexualizes so many of us. I wanted to put an end to it. I also knew I was going into battle with some extremely powerful people who are on the dark side and I needed to be a free me. Now I just keep it short mostly so I don’t have to think about it. I’m all about practicality now. Hair is an indicator for where you are in your life. AK: You write that Brave is not a tell-all but a tell it how it is. How so?
learned from my time on the streets that homelessness is egalitarian, that it can happen to anybody, from any culture. I saw many injustices while homeless, but I saw more injustice in
RM: My book is not salacious, I could’ve blown the roof of Hollywood if I felt like writing a tell-all, as it is, I lay out and reveal what it’s like and how Hollywood operates and how it affects you inways you’re not aware of. Brave is a think piece, an autobiographical tale and a book that empowers others to be brave in their own lives. Writing it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done thought wise.
the halls of power than I ever did on the street. I would trust people on the street more than I would in a boardroom.
AK: What does it mean to be in a cult by your definitions and experiences?
AK: You write that you are immeasurably proud of having a hand in the cataclysmic global reckoning and felling of monsters-that a win for one of us is a win for all of us. Can you explain?
RM: Cults are about mind control. Think of how controlled and massaged we as a society are. I feel most of us are either in benign or active cults thought wise. Anytime you support a power structure
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that doesn’t support you, you are essentially in a cult. Anything that cuts you off from other ideas and worlds. I will say that most people are in invisible cults, and it’s not their fault, it’s their conditioning. But we can be free, we just have to do the work. I was lucky, I grew up knowing I was in a cult, so I could easily see how society functioned similarly. It has helped me to know there is no reason to conform. Cults are also all about conformity, something I am not a fan of. AK: You share that growing up you were never told you were intelligent or beautiful. You were never told you could do what you wanted to do. That you were worth nothing. How emotionally devastating to treat any child so horribly. RM: The interesting part, and I write about this in Brave, is that I knew all the things being said to me were wrong. It kind of gave me a fire to prove myself right. I didn’t care if the
meanies were wrong, I just cared that I was right. I’m still working on it. AK: Still, somehow, you write, despite feelings that you were imprisoned in “the wrong life,” that you always knew you would be famous someday. How? RM: I just did. I’ve never known why. I have just always known the beats of my life. AK: You wrote about how harrowing it was to be a child living in a cult... easy prey for adult predators and pedophiles... that you never felt safe. You somehow escaped getting molested when your father left the cult. You re-settled you still had to deal with instability, hunger and being surrounded by mental illness. RM: Yes, but I also grew up in an artistic household that prized intelligence and individualism. I guess it’s a draw.
AK: You are still able to see the glass as being half full despite those many early challenges. As you say in Brave the challenges also helped contribute to your dissenting punk spirit, quick wit, curiosity, love of words and art. How is that? How were you able to rise like a phoenix? RM: I am a glass half full! It makes me laugh. I come from a long line of very strong and artistic women. Women who were okay with being disagreeable. I’ve learned that it is more than alright to disagree with the status quo and to laugh while doing so. AK: How can Americans be better by thinking differently? RM: I suppose they could start with realizing they are citizens of the world, and not just Americans. That no border defines them as human beings. Nationalism is a lie that’s peddled to the people, it too is a cult.
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AK: What advice to have to any individual stuck in an abusive relationship? RM: There are many levels of abuse in relationships. Ask yourself if you’d like to be there in a year, in the same situation. If you can get away to safety, do. Mental safety is important too, don’t discount that part of abuse nor its healing. AK: You write that being hungry grinds you down, being brave grinds you down, being told you are worthless every day grinds you down. Yet still here you are-- you survived. Pretty remarkable. I love how you write: “ The shame was not mine and for all victims in similar situations, it is not ours. The shame is reserved for every creep who has ever touched us inappropriately. The shame is on the abuser not the victim, not the survivor.” RM: I believe that to the core of my being. • AK: you got discovered in Hollywood after appearing as a movie extra. One in a million chance, really. How was that experience? RM: Weirdly enough, it did not phase me. I was matter of fact, not excited. To me, I was embarking on another strange day in a strange life. It felt like another step in the journey, so I wasn’t too excited, though it is extraordinary. I was determined to win if I was going to do this acting thing. Meaning if I went for a role, I wanted to do it better than anyone else could have. That was the fun of it for me. Yeah, being famous was a weird day job. Acting I liked and respected, but most people didn’t look for the artistry in my work, though it has been there all along.
AK: For a little girl who grew up in Italy and lived in relative poverty in a commune for your formative years as a child, what type of culture shock was it to attend Hollywood High? Were you able to use some of that experience later on in your career when you were cast as a mean girl in Jaw Breaker?
RM: Yes, it wasn’t what most would think of as happy, but it was fun back in the day.
RM: First of all, I grew up in a manor house in Tuscany, so poverty is relative and most perceived to be poverty by those who’ve been on the high end of the capitalistic machine. Did we have to boil hot water to take baths, yes, but that’s cool. Hollywood High I went to for six months. I was in the magnet arts program and performed Antigone on stage. My favorite stage work I’ve done. For Jawbreaker, my character inspiration was Gene Tierney’s role in the 1930s film Leave Her to Heaven. Gene plays a sociopath fabulously- evil people don’t necessarily know they are evil.
RM: I had professional relationships with my co-workers and bosses. I am a great employee, I do the work, I go home. Just like most of you!
AK: A really beautiful part of the book centers on the loving relationship you shared with AltRocker Marilyn Manson.
AK: You were cast by Aaron Spelling for the long-running TV hit “Charmed” How was your relationship with Spelling and your Charmed co-stars?
AK: Do you see yourself as a social activist and fighter for human rights? RM: Yes, I do. No one appointed me, I decided I may as well join the fight and do what I could do to help the social fabric of the world be healthier. I am not #MeToo, its creator Tarana Burke has done a great job. I’m an activist not for sexual assault and harassment, but rather social intelligence. I figured if I could try to make society smarter, it can take care of a lot of other problems.
AK: what’s in the future? RM: I am super excited about the future. I have a performance art piece coming out with Heist Gallery and in August I’m premiering my art project, Planet 9, at the Fringe festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. Planet 9 is both an album and visuals that I’ve recorded and filmed. It all takes place on an idealized planet that we can all go to. I’m also speaking at Oxford, Cambridge and Stanford universities, I love doing public speaking. I like to try to empower. AK: Are you happier these days? RM: I am, I’m in a loving relationship and at an exciting new chapter where I get to see where a happy life goes. AK: Are you still open to acting? RM: I am honestly conflicted about acting. The answer is I don’t know. AK: I think your book would make an amazing movie. RM: Thank you, Adam! AK: So honored to speak with you. Thanks, Rose
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Lizzie Da TrindadeAsher PHILANTHROPIST & ACTIVIST
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eading Young Friends of Save Venice into a new era of charitable giving, philanthropist and activist Lizzie da Trindade-Asher dazzled at the annual Un Ballo in Maschera - Artista e Musa at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. Supporting one of the top charities in New York City, Lizzie Asher helped to relaunch the Young Friends of Save Venice Initiative, determined to unite a younger generation of philanthropists and reawaken the institution of charitable giving. After a successful revival this year, Lizzie da Trindade-Asher and the Young Friends of Save Venice held their most exciting event of the year—a pre-ball cocktail and salon in collaboration with Giuseppe Zanotti at The Plaza Hotel’s Grand Penthouse. Guiseppe outfitted Young Friends members and notable guests with footwear with proceeds going towards the non-profit.
BY SALOME LANGVIN Notable attendees included: Lizzie da Trindade-Asher, Peter Brant, Timo Weiland, Emma Hepburn Ferrer, Larry Millstein, Hamish Bowles, Joel Eggerton, Marie-Chantal of Greece, Karolina Kurkova and James & Nicky Rothschild. The Save Venice Un Ballo in Maschera raised a record-breaking $1.2 million in support of its mission to preserve at-risk art in Venice. Sponsored by Moda Operandi, Oscar de la
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Renta, and BVLGARI, the masked event saw more than 450 international guests in attendance.
artistic geniuses flooded the room to party the night away.
Bronson van Wyck and Van Wyck & Van Wyck donated the evening’s event design, which celebrated the artists of the Italian Renaissance and the muses who inspired them. As guests entered the Grand Ballroom, they were greeted by the regal winged Lion of Venice flying over the room on a towering flag and a sculpture garden filled with recognizable female forms from classical antiquity sparkling in ruby red glitter. A cascade of blooming red flowers spilled over the famed Grand Ballroom orchestra boxes, while rich blue velvet drapes acted as the backdrop for a gilded gallery of framed goddesses hanging high above the crowd. Hundreds of candles burning from antique silver candelabras set atop blue silk covered tables bathed the room in firelight while a parade of modern muses and
Style arbiter Hamish Bowles presided over the annual ceremony for best masks with prizes donated by sponsors BVLGARI and Oscar de la Renta. Antonia Sautter was awarded the Lady’s Prize of $5,000 towards a jewelry or watch purchase in the BVLGARI New York Store; James Aguair the Gentleman’s Prize of cufflinks from the BVLGARI collection in pink gold and onyx; and Lisa Lee and Peter Zhou the Couple’s Prize of two tickets to the Oscar de la Renta New York Fashion Show. As the prize ceremony came to an end, DJ Ruckus lured guests to the dance floor with a musical performance that kept the party going until half past midnight. Enamored by the beauty and history of Venice, Italy, proud Peruvian-born philanthropist, activist
and entrepreneur Lizzie Asher, alongside the Artista e Musa host committee, is dedicated to preserving the artistic heritage of the floating city. Invited guests rallied in support of Save Venice which selects restoration projects based on artistic merit, historical importance and urgency. In collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Culture and with the help of renowned international experts, Save Venice has funded the restoration of more than 500 artworks in Venice including the recent completion of Tintoretto’s 1561 Wedding Feast at Cana in the sacristy of the church of Santa Maria della Salute.
savevenice.org @SaveVeniceInc
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LEESA ROWLAND RENAISSANCE WOMAN BY SALOME LANGVIN
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ost acclaimed actors have interesting backgrounds, but few are as unique and wide-ranging as cult film star and philanthropist Leesa Rowland. The daughter of an artist and college professor, Leesa grew up in Austin, Texas where she studied broadcast journalism and later became a classically trained actress at the world-renowned Steller Adler Studio in Los Angeles. Shortly after graduation, she quickly gained a following after being cast as Victoria in Troma Entertainment’s 1992 cult film classic, Class of Nuke ‘Em High Parts 2 and 3 and appearing in the sequel Return To Nuke ‘Em High, which aired on The Starz Network in 2013. In 1994 she acted in Troma’s television USA Network series Troma’s Edge along with Lloyd Kaufman and Debbie Rochon. Then, in 2012, she co-starred in Travis Campbell’s Slaughter
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Daughter as Phyllis Adjani, an eccentric mother who drives her daughter to insanity. Not only did the film win the award for best feature at Orlando’s 7th Annual Freak Show Film Festival that same year, it led to a co-starring role in the critically acclaimed web series Two City Girls opposite fellow Troma actress Lisa Gaye, as well as appearances on the Oxygen reality series Jersey Couture in 2012.
Beyond her extensive career and credits as a film and television actress, Leesa is the author of the best-selling self-help/motivational book Discovering the It Factor within You: Developing Your Charismatic Personality, which was published in 2015. She is also well-known for her work as a philanthropist and animal rights activist. A vegan dedicated to healthy eating, she has been active with the national nonprofit organization Last Chance for Animals since 1989 and is the president of the New York
non-profit group Animal Ashram, which she founded in 2013. As she continues to develop her work as a philanthropist and involvement with these and other charities while exploring new dramatic roles and writing an as-yet titled sequel to Discovering the It Factor, Leesa recently began adding something else exciting to her sizzle reel: comedienne. A lifelong sitcom fan, she has been taking comedy classes with Richard Kline—the actor best known as Larry on the late1970s classic Three’s Company co-starring John Ritter, Suzanne Sommers and Don Knotts, which originally ran on ABC from 1977 to 1984—in Los Angeles. She has also been studying improv and sketch comedy in New York at the famed Upright Citizen’s Brigade whose alumni include Amy Poehler, Horatio Sands, Matt Besser, Matt Walsh and Ian McKay. leesarowland.net
RANDY ZELIN NEW YORK SUPER LAWYER BY ELIZABETH ELSTON
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noted trial attorney with a concentration in white collar criminal defense as well as complex civil litigation matters, Randy Zelin has been named a New York Super Lawyer in consecutive years from 2011 through 2019 and has over 30 years of experience defending individual and corporate clients in both State and Federal Courts across the United States. Zelin, who started his career as a prosecutor, has represented many types of business organizations, boards of directors, special committees, professionals and individuals in all aspects of criminal, regulatory, self-regulatory and civil matters, including frauds related to securities, banking, tax, customs, bankruptcy and insurance to name a few. In other words, Zelin is a true trial lawyer, having built his career trying complex fraud and business crime cases. He hasn’t been named a Super Lawyer for nothing; Zelin has successfully defended many high-profile cases. He received world-wide acclaim for his representation of scion of the Fiat industrial dynasty, industrialist and entrepreneur Lapo Elkann, as he negotiated and obtained a dismissal of all criminal charges against Mr. Elkann before charges were ever filed in court. In another case, Zelin successfully defended a federal insider trading case where the government dismissed the case after the jury could not reach a verdict and a mistrial was declared. A highly sought after legal commentator for the media, Zelin regularly appears on Fox News, Fox Business Channel, CNN, CBSN, CNN Headline News, Bloomberg, Law and Crime, and in the New York Law Journal, where he offers his expertise on a wide range of legal issues and cases. When he is not in court or appearing in the media, Zelin is a frequent lecturer at continuing legal education programs on criminal law and procedure and has taught as a guest instructor in various local law schools’ trial advocacy programs, as well as for the National Institute for Trial Advocacy. Recent topics Zelin has offered his expertise on in the media include “Takeaways from Michael Cohen’s Testimony” for Associated Press and “The Precarious Role of Defense Lawyers in White-Collar Crime” for the New York Law Journal. Zelin is known throughout the United States as having successfully gotten a 345-month downward variance for a celebrity client in a federal securities fraud case. His greatest achievements, however, are those that never come to light – where the problem is solved before there even is a problem, where the high-profile client’s problems get no publicity, and where the client never sees the inside of a courtroom.
randyzelinlaw.com I: @zelinrandy T: @RandyZelinNews
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Arts & the Olympic Games 2020 A Winning Combination with artist and champion Roald Bradstock: Rapid Fire Interview Series BY RACHEL VANCELET TE
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Roald Bradstock is an Olympic athlete and Olympic artist nicknamed the “Olympic Picasso” by the media. He is a member of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Olympic Cultural and Heritage Commission and Chair of the newly formed World Olympians Association (WOA) Cultural Committee called “OLY Arts”. He is also the Executive Director of an International organization of 60 Olympian and Paralympians artists called Art of the Olympians (AOTO). We sat down for one-on-one to discover what the plans and outlook are for Japan 2020 and his mission to keep the Olympic art torch alive! Bundled up to defeat the winter’s freezing temperature in 2018, a powerful blending of sport and inspired artistry came together for the first time in the history of the Olympic Winter Games. Former Olympians who are also artists were invited to the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Games to be part of the “Olympic Art Project” developed by the IOC. Leading the artistic cultural infusion were athlete/ artists Olympians Alexi Pappas (10 km runner), Roald Bradstock (Javelin Throw), Lanny Barnes (Biathlon) and Jean-Blaise Evequoz (Fencing) who were the “Olympian/Artists” instrumental in the XXIII Olympic Winter Games art project. To create the stunning signature painting for the games, 111 Olympians joined to paint the inspired work, a large 15 panel canvas depicting the famous Olympic rings and multiple sports figures. 39 counties participated and luminaries shared in the art experience included IOC President Thomas Back, WOA president Joel Bouzou, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, and Alexandrea and Diane de Navacelle de Coubertin. The 2018 games had two artistic projects, the first involving a series of short films d’auteur on location by Alexi Pappas and partner Jeremy Teicher. The second undertaking inspired by the Winter Games was to paint 15 paintings, originally planned for one per day, in a workshop lead by Bradstock, Barnes and Evequoz. The shift in the project happened after the first day, as more athletes began to come to paint and participate in the project. Roald Bradstock, the instigator of this project, (wearing his own artwork in unique hand painted clothes (aka nickname the ‘Olympic Picasso’,) He noted that “this collaborative Olympic project focused on and celebrated the Olympic athlete, giving Olympians an opportunity to show their creative side, discuss Olympic values and ideals, and work together to show unity, respect, community and friendship. The projects are about combining the universal languages of sport and art – a project about Olympians, created by Olympians for Olympians.” Unexpectedly many more countries including Italy, Poland and United States showed up to paint both before and after their own sport
competitions. Gold medalist Italian alpine downhill large canvas, which has moved to the Olympic Sophia Goggia participated in the project along Museum located in Switzerland permanently. with other gold, silver and bronze medal winners. Bradstock who has been instrumental in this movement has been competing internationally as The makeshift pavilion had athletes painting on a javelin thrower for 40 years. He competed in both the artwork day and night! The collaborative the ’84 and ‘88 Olympic Games, was an Olympic community began to paint their own official outfits alternate in ’92 and ’96 and competed in 8 Olympic with the hashtag #Olympicart. The artists built their Trials – the last being in 2012 when he placed 2ndat own signage outside the pavilion to encourage the age of 50. He holds multiple World Records for and welcome athletes to participate in the Olympic throwing a wide range of objects from javelins to Village, and to encourage and welcome athletes iPods to golf balls. In 2018 he won his first World who may have feared they had no artistic talent. Masters Championships aged 56. Sitting down No one imagined the unique creative talent of for an intimate interview with this champion, he superior athletes would translate onto the inspired shined a light on the upcoming Olympic Games
and his goals to ensure “The Arts” are recognized and acknowledges for Japan 2020 and for the future generations. The World Olympians Association (WOA) have officially formed and now announced a new Arts Committee called “Oly Arts”. You have been appointed Chair of the committee, could you tell us more about the role and the work Oly Arts will play in the Japan 2020 Olympics? The formation of WOA Oly Arts Committee is a significant moment in Olympic history, as it fulfills part of IOC President Bach’s, Agenda 2020 vision. The Oly Arts Committee will have direct input
in Olympic arts projects during the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games. The Committee will create, review ideas and consult on projects for Olympic athletes to participate in during the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Many people don’t realize that there were 146 medalists in the art competitions that were part of the Olympic Games from 1912 until 1948. Do you think that the Modern Olympics will bring back the art medal? I would love to see a competitive component in projects and activities we do going forward, after all Olympians are, by their very nature, competitive
creatures. Having an actual competition with medals being awarded could and should be something the Oly Arts Committee considers, especially if it seems like a good fit with the activity we develop. At this point everything and anything will be considered. The art competitions were considered an integral part of the movement for the IOC founder Pierre De Coubertin and were an attempt to recapture the essence of the Ancient Olympic Games, how do you see this today and the role of the arts within the Olympic Games? May 2019 | 63
Most people today think of the Olympic Games as a huge sporting event. I see something very different: I see a giant sports and arts event. If you look at the Olympic Games, as I do, you will see that they are covered and smothered with art from the opening and closing ceremonies, that are huge theatrical musical and stage productions, to everything in between. Art and elements of art like color, color combinations, graphic designs, typography and fashion are everywhere communicating information about an athlete’s country, to the amount of weight an athlete is lifting, to what sport they are competing in. I view basketball, soccer and volleyball players like actors, dancers and musicians that practice and rehearse moves, positions and places and have to work together for a successful outcome. When I watch wrestlers, fencers and boxers competing I see finely tuned athletes that are also incredibly creative in how they act and react to their opponent. What inspires you? Creativity, Talent, Skill, Competitiveness. Has art always been in your life as an influence?
Yes. Sport and Art have always battled for my attention and time since I was a toddler. How has your personal taste changed over the years? It really hasn’t. I have always been drawn to images that make me react either emotionally or physically. It’s like a reflex. Who or what has been your greatest inspiration? I am inspired by people that change the way I and /or we see and experience the World. In the “Art World” my biggest inspiration is Jackson Pollock for creating a new way to paint and making and revealing“process” an art form itself (Performance Art). In the “Sports World” my biggest inspiration is 1968 Olympic Champion Dick Fosbury for creating a new technique in the high jump (the Fosbury Flop) which changed the event forever. You have documented athletes who have participated in the Olympics and have current or past careers as visual artists, could you speak to the work and share some of your artist discoveries with our audience?
With over 100,000 living Olympians around the world, there is obviously a chance of finding a few artists. It took 10 years to find the first dozen Olympian artists and form Art of the Olympians. It took another decade to double that number again. When I took over as the Executive Director I more than doubled our membership to 60 in just one year because I looked! I believe there are 100’s of Olympians artists out there and now with the formation of the Oly Arts Committee and the planned Arts Activities at future Olympic Games hopefully we will be able to find more of athleteartists and other creative Olympians. These are a few names of the Olympian artists we have found Lanny Barnes, Kader Klouchi, Larry Young, Lucia Medzihradska, John Stillings, Allison Wagner, Wojciech Zablocki and more. What do you want viewers to know about OLY Arts mission and its future plans? Oly Arts mission is to help create a platform and opportunities for Olympians to express their creativity and show their artistic side. Going forward we plan to have activities at every Summer, Winter and Youth Olympic Games.
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The Eye of An Art Critic
BARBARA ROSE BY RACHEL VANCELET TE
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rt Critic and Historian Barbara Rose began writing art criticism in the 1960s, where she mingled in the New York art scene with greats such as Richard Tuttle, Andy Warhol, Carl Andre, Dan Flavin, Al Held, Lee Krasner, Beverly Pepper, Claes Oldenberg and Frank Stella to name few. A former contributing editor to Art In America from 1965 to 1971, Rose’s critical writings have made a profound impact on generations of art aficionados. Publications such as ArtForum, New York Magazine, Vogue, Partisan Review and multiple international periodicals and newspapers globally have memorialized, archived and republished many of her writings recently. Rose is currently focused on finishing her memoirs with many followers and fans anticipating the release. She wrote her first contemporary art book, America since 1900, A Critical History, which was distributed and used by colleges nationwide. Rose’s keen eye and great foresight to dive into new concepts over the decades in contemporary art put her at the forefront of experiments dealing with art and technology back in 1972, before the age of the internet. Her first love is to continue to dedicate her work towards curating exhibitions, executing catalogues and essays for her close artists’ friends. During her long career, she has curated countless exhibitions, essays and films earning her distinguished awards such as the prestigious College Art Association Award plus many more. Rose made the decision recently to donate many of her papers to the Getty, a selection of research on post-war and contemporary American artists from 1960-1985. This selection includes sound recordings and personal interviews with artists conducted over coffees, during studio visits and from meetings with some of the most famous artists to date.
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Rose’s critical voice has impacted generations of artists, critics, and curators with writings which are known as both polarizing and innovative, controversial and revered. She executes her writing daily with a powerful voice and selfdriven spirit. With her unique eye, Rose forges ahead to always find a new path which will push the art conversation forward. Dedicated to tackling the rarified art world with personal force, Rose’s interviews capture rare insider views from her platform as an art critic, historian and curator. Continuing to always surround herself with trusted artist friends, she weaves the story-telling and history of those who have been around her into deeply insightful and concrete art history for generations to explore. Sitting with this repository of art knowledge provides one with a rare window into the world of Barbara Rose sharing her immediate thoughts on life, art and more.
Q&A Has art always been an influence in your life? NO. I NEVER SAW A PAINTING BEFORE I WAS TWELVE YEARS OLD AND WENT TO THE MUSEUMS IN DC ALONE. THEN I SPENT THE WHOLE TIME IN THEM. What did you want to be when you were a child? A CONCERT PIANIST LIKE MY MOTHER’S COUSINS OR BETTY GRABLE. I WAS A VERY GOOD TAP DANCER. Has your personal taste changed over the years? NO Do you live with art in your home or daily life? YES How often do you visit art studios? A FEW TIMES A WEEK USUALLY. MOST OF MY FRIENDS ARE ARTISTS. How do you feel about the art galleries of today? 90 PERCENT CHEAP RECYCLED TRASH. 10 PERCENT QUALITY THAT WILL LAST Did you ever collect art personally? YES, ALWAYS. MAINLY PRESENTS FROM FRIENDS. I CAN’T AFFORD TO BUY. What do you think about collecting art today, IE art collections/art collectors/etc. NOT WORTH LOOKING AT FOR THE MOST PART. TRIVIAL TOYS, GAMES, JOKES, SENSATIONS. FINE FOR THOSE WHO ARE SATISFIED WITH THESE EXPERIENCES. Do you think connoisseurship lives on today? I HAVE A HANDFUL OF OLD FRIENDS WHO ARE CONNOISSEURS AND HAVE COLLECTED ALL THEIR LIVES. THEY BUY, DON’T SELL. GOOD ARTISTS COLLECT, USUALLY FRIENDS’ WORK. CONNOISSEURSHIP TAKES YEARS OF READING AND ESPECIALLY LOOKING AND COMPARATIVE JUDGMENT. YOU DONT ACQUIRE IT OVERNIGHT OR FROM YOUR “ART CONSULTANT”. IT REQUIRES SENSITIVITY AND TRAINING. ARTISTS HAVE THE BEST EYES. Who and what has been your greatest inspiration? MY TEACHERS, ESPECIALLY MEYER SCHAPIRO, MY FRIENDS AND OF COURSE THE ARTWORKS THEMSELVES. BOTH 1 AND 2 ARE MEYER SCHAPIRO ALSO JOHN CAGE. I DEDICATED MY FIRST BOOK TO THEM. THEY WERE THE BIGGEST INFLUENCES ON MY LIFE What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind for future generations? TO HELP THEM SEE THE COMPLEXITY AND LEARN ABOUT THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF AN ART WORK. How important is the artist to the curatorial relationship? NOT AT ALL. THE ARTIST MAKES, THE CURATOR CHOOSES. GOOD CURATORS HAVE ARTIST FRIENDS AND SPEND ALL THEIR TIME IN MUSEUMS AND STUDIOS, READING, NOT GOING TO DINNERS AND COCKTAIL PARTIES.
What writers have influenced you over the years? IN TERMS OF ART HISTORY PANAOFSKY, OF COURSE SCHAPIRO, WILLIAM RUBIN, JULIUS HELD, LEROI LADURIE, BRAUDEL, MERLEAU-PONTY, FOUCAULT, WITTGENSTEIN, BENJAMIN NOT NECESSARILY IN THAT ORDER. AND OF COURSE THERE ARE MANY MORE, MAINLY GERMAN, THE FRANKFURT SCHOOL. What do you think future generations will remember about the art of today in 2019? THE MASTERS WILL STILL BE THERE OF ALL PERIODS. THE REST WILL TURN TO DUST AS THEY ARE TIRED, WHICH WILL BE FAST SINCE ALL TODAY IS SPEED OR PURE MATERIALISM. ART IS FOR THOSE WHO CONTEMPLATE, CONCENTRATE, ABSORB, CONSIDER, EVALUATE, AND NEED THE EXPERIENCES. IT IS NOT SENSATION, DIVERSION, FASHION, OR POP GOES THE WEASEL. WE LIVE IN AN INFANTILE, MATERIALISTIC CULTURE IN WHICH LITTLE LASTS AND LITTLE MEANS ANYTHING TRUE OR BEAUTIFUL.THE UGLY BECOMES BEAUTIFUL IF IT TRANSCENDS THE MUNDANE. IT WILL BE INTERESTING TO SEE HOW LONG IT TAKESWARHOL TO GET BORING. THEN WHAT IS INTERESTING ABOUT HIS WORK WILL EMERGE. HE IS NOT A ZERO ALTHOUGH WHAT CAME IN HIS WAKE IS EPHEMERAL SENSATION. What collectors or collections do you think are making an impact in today’s world? IMPACT ON THE WORLD TODAY DOESN’T MEAN AN IMPACT ON THE WORLD TOMORROW. PRIVATE COLLECTORS NOW FUND THEIR OWN TAX-DEDUCTIBLE MUSEUMS WHICH ARE GENERALLY LOUSY OUTSIDE OF THE FRICK COLLECTION, THE PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM, THE JEWISH MUSEUM, DIS AND THE MENIL COLLECTION. I THINK EUROPEAN MUSEUMS, ESPECIALLY IN PARIS AND LONDON ARE BETTER, MORE RIGOROUS AND QUALITY ORIENTED. I LIKE THE DALI MUSEUM IN ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA AS WELL. You taught for many years, what is your favorite part of the process of teaching a younger generation? SEEING MY STUDENTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH THEIR OWN WORK. I’M ESPECIALLY PROUD OF LINDA SHEARER, LYN GAMWELL, MARTIN PURYEAR, LOIS LAND, JACQUELINE SERWER, JIM TURRELL, JACQUELINE WELD DRAKE, BUT THERE ARE MANY OTHERS WHO HAVE MADE IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTIONS. What artist that is no longer around would you wish to sit down with again today and continue a conversation with? I’D JUST LIKE TO KEEP TALKING TO BOB RAUSCHENBERG. Is there anyone you wish you still could meet? MME.DE STAEL The age old question - if you could choose one person for dinner who would it be? AVIGDOR ARIKHA
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Frank Stella Pushing the Limits of Experimental Abstraction BY RACHEL VANCELET TE
“I don’t like to say I have given my life to art. I prefer to say art has given me life.” By Frank Stella
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he artist, born in 1936, recently broke auction records in May with a rare and sought after Black painting titled Point of Pines. The painting, with a low estimate of 25 million, hit a record-breaking price and sold for 28,082,500 USD! Stella’s career retrospective in 2015 at the Whitney Museum continued to make
his art rise higher in the eyes of collectors and has ushered in a new wave of high auction records. Over the years, this rise in prices and auction records have shocked audiences, collectors and the art industry alike and has helped cement his permanent place in the history books. The Black painting Point of Pines comes out of a limited series of 28 canvases executed in 1959. Four of
the works from the series were exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art the same year, and this particular large-scale painting consignment for sale at Christies auction house gave them an advantage, helping win the record-breaking sale for Stella this season.
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Frank Stella has been placed center stage as one of the most influential living artists of our time, and he continues to educate global audiences exploring geometric forms and newfound materials, diving into his art studio practice using pure experimental abstraction. Stella’s new solo exhibition at Marianne Boesky Gallery in Chelsea continues to refine his own unique language with bold statements. The gallery, filled with monumental works presents sculptures evoking sweeping interlocking grids, bold color, and organic forms. The exhibition itself displayed a maze of meticulously displayed sculptures which seem to burst out the gallery space itself. Frank states, “what you see is what you see.” The artist describes his process: “When I’m painting the picture, I’m really painting a picture. I may have a flat-footed technique or something like that, but still, to me, the thrill, or the meat of the thing, is the actual painting.” Stella has taken the formal components of artistic expression in shape, color, and composition to new heights. While his latest sculptures dominate the rooms, they become approachable geometric abstractions pushing the viewer to question what exactly are they made from? The visual encounter alters one’s perceptions, asking the question: Are they are light or heavyweight or dense or hollow? The new sculptures are definitely a new type of disrupter to any sense of expectations of structure and
grid-like forms. Stella continues to push the boundaries of his practice altering the viewer’s conscious mind, forcing them to adapt to something like a newfound computer game, virtual reality or internet discovery. The fiberglass and forms strangle grid-like structures conforming to the artist aim of creating space, and as the artist states, “to be never compromised by decoration or illustrations.” Regarded as the most well-known postwar American artist today, he moved to New York in 1958 after graduating Princeton and declared himself a practitioner of non-representational painting. This year Stella has shown he continues to impact a new generational movement activating swooping form with colored fiberglass, bare steel to PU-foam materials. In the current body of work the artist has revealed his processes using digital modeling exploring changes and challenges in scale, texture and new materials. The hyper-reality seems a large departure from his known earlier works which maintain vibrate colors and geometric abstraction by hand. It almost makes the viewer forget it is Frank Stella! He breaks away from linear picture planes, pushing new perceptions and experience so the viewer can discover fresh forms over time and space. Simply put, Stella says “A sculpture is just a painting cut out and stood up somewhere.”
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ARTIST
Sislej Xhafa AT ART BASEL UNLIMITED WITH PERFORMANCE TAKING CENTER STAGE BY RACHEL VANCELET TE
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ith Art Basel Switzerland presenting over 290 galleries from all over the world this month, the fair offers some of the most immersive and impressive art installations to date. We had the opportunity to sit down with artist Sislej Xhafa who reminded us of his practice and the intense creative process of performance he uses to engage global audiences. Xhafa often reminds audiences of how important it is to take time to sit and just be with art. Xhafa will inaugurate Unlimited 2019, as part of the Art Basel experience. Xhafa’s will be the first performative work displayed in the history of Art Basel’s Unlimited Hall since its inception in 2000. The Unlimited Hall annually presents innovative monumental installations and artworks by artists
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already established and well-known, as well as a selection of new artists from international galleries worldwide. The scope of artists over the years has ranged from Frank Stella, (Levy Gorvy Gallery US) Song Dong, (Pace Gallery Korea) to Subodh Gupta’s (Hauser and Wirth Gallery India). Gupta’s “cooking for the world” displayed in Unlimited 2017 was an Instagram sensation welcoming collectors, trustees and art lovers alike to participate. The large dramatic canopy filled with shiny pots and pans greeted famous celebrities, collectors, museum curators and other elites by appointment only to sit down and feast during the duration of the fair! The artist himself cooked for the groups with personal conversations and delicious food. News recently broke that the 2019 Unlimited edition will be the last for curator Gianni Jetzer, who will leave his throne bestowing it onward to
a new curator. After years of dazzling audiences, the news shocked many artists and galleries, but before he leaves he has raised the curatorial bar once again. Jetzer stated that this year brings “a new test” to Unlimited in the form of new performative work by Kosovo born Sislej Xhafa. This new experience for Art Basel Unlimited Hall presents Xhafa’s work titled “Ovoid Solitude” (2019), challenging audiences to participate and engage for the duration of the artfair. The work will have a performer sit silently at a corrugated storefront all week, selling rows of stacked eggs. The work is presented by Galleria Continua who plans to place the work for sale, however, it may be sticker shock for any new collector visiting Unlimited this year! Performance work has arrived at Basel and definitely will impact future generations and collectors who can acquire and admire.
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What is your daily inspiration? My daily inspiration is dealing with reality every day. When did you start making art or discover you are an artist? When I was an adolescent boy living in Kosovo. Can you speak about your practice and creative process? Making the irrational into real beauty. When you envision audiences coming to see your works at museums and gallery exhibitions- what do you hope they remember in encountering your work? The experience of my work. Do you see your practice as political or social and/or do you leave this to the viewer to decide? My work is sweet, poetic and oblique. What is your greatest ambition for your lifetime of creativity? Resistance to exist. Do you have a mentor or role model in which you have drawn inspiration over the years? Raw reality is my best friend.
How has your artwork evolved over the years? I am getting younger every day and see the world through innocent eyes. What is coming next in your future projects, exhibitions or general art practice? I usually don’t anticipate exhibitions, this keeps me real and grounded. Can you speak to your project/ installation/artwork at ART STATEMENT section at Art Basel Switzerland this year Ovoid Solitude, 2019 This work is a real experience of the visual memory that is now a recreated monument. The storefront gate is made of reclaimed corrugated sheets of metal painted in gesso. In the center is a man named Raúl Portillo Samá from Havana, Cuba. He is sitting quietly in solitude waiting for his eggs to be sold. It’s Raúl’s first trip outside Cuba. As he never had a passport before, he is a proud Cuban who also fought in the Bay of Pigs. Today he is a local and content businessman. Behind Raúl, in between a shadow and a light there are rows upon rows of stacked eggs waiting to be sold. Raúl is a silent and tranquil businessman whose facial features, gait and resilience makes him timeless, universal and indefinite. Anything else you would like to add to the interview. Breathing shaded, exhaling the real. May 2019 | 81
artform
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Christine Davis SPECULATIVE INFECTION BY W. A. MULLER
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hristine Davis was born in Vancouver and currently lives and works in New York City where her studio is located on a Pier facing the Statue of Liberty. Davis has lived in Prince George, Ann Arbor, Lusaka, Paris and Toronto. The artist has described her creative process as “speculative infection.”
Davis discusses her working methods, experiences of the incommensurable, and wonder as a radical force in the following interview with Eva Heisler, https://www.asymptotejournal.com/ visual/christine-davis-machines-for-thinking/ Central to her practice is the staging of “collisions” between contrasting ways of knowing and speaking. Beckett’s stammers; Borges’s taxonomies; Euclid’s Elements; Mallarmé’s dance criticism; mysticism; astronomy; nineteenth-century biology; a fifteenthcentury dictionary: the artist roams among literature, philosophy, history, and the sciences. Often using the rhetorical devices or tools of one system or imaginary world to interrogate another world, Davis has referred to her projects as “machines for thinking.” The artist’s own “instruments of knowing” include a broad range of media technologies, both old and new, that interact in startling ways. In the installation “Did I Love a Dream?,” a film loop of Loïe
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Fuller’s veil dance is projected backwards onto a screen of copper mesh that unrolls like a bolt of fabric amid the whir of a nineteenth-century sewing machine rigged to the film projector. In Davis’s installations, screens are not mere thresholds—blank surfaces on which a world is projected—but dense, tactile surfaces that have been constructed variously of pinned butterflies, rooster feathers, and tufted satin. Davis orchestrates complex viewing experiences that, as the artist puts it, “do not allow the optical and tactile to separate.” Moving between photography, sculpture, film and collage, Davis’ artistic practice resists categorization. Maintaining a consistent methodology and exploratory material process her work sheds light on the fundamental epistemological questions of our time where knowledge is continuously diffused, reproduced and diversified through complex information and communication modalities. May 2019 | 85
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Exhibiting since 1987 public venues include; Frankfurter Kunstverein, The Power Plant (Toronto), Musée d'Art Contemporain de Montréal, Musée de beaux arts de Montreal, Art Gallery of Ontario, Vancouver Art Gallery, Kunsthalle Munich, Haus am Waldsee(Berlin), Kunsthalle Bielefeld, Seoul Museum of Art, New Museum (New York), Presentation House (Vancouver), Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography (Ottawa), National Gallery of Canada (Ottawa), Art Gallery of Winnipeg, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Tang Teaching Museum (New York), Carnegie Mellon University, Art Metropole (Toronto), Le Confort Moderne (Poitiers), Victoria and Albert Museum, and Exit Art (New York). Her work is held in numerous collections including the National Gallery of Canada, Le Muse d’Art Contemporain de Montréal, Collection Helga de Alvear and the Yvon Lambert Collection Avignon. Publications on her work include monographs published by CREDAC (Paris), MACM (Montreal), AGO (Toronto) and Presentation House (Vancouver). May 2019 | 87
entertainment
ARTIST
Xiangdong Chen THE INFUSION OF INK AND CLAY BY RACHEL VANCELET TE
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tride Arts is pleased to present ‘The Infusion of Ink and Clay,’ a solo show from the award-winning Chinese artist, Xiangdong Chen. Chen is one of the most famous contemporary artists in China, and this show will present pieces from his most recent period of production as well as historic pieces that have brought him such acclaim. The exhibition will open on Wednesday, June 19th through August 16th, 2019, Monday to Friday 9 AM to 6 PM. A reception will be held on June 19th, 6 PM – 8 PM at the gallery, located at 1110 2nd Avenue, Suite 200, NY, NY, 10022. Xiangdong Chen is recognized as the first artist to successfully infuse porcelain with painting. From clay selection to painting, glazing and kiln firing, to his skillful execution of the delicate dance between
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porcelain and painting, and his unique rendering of the symbols of Oriental culture with New York’s creative scene, Chen has created visually stunning works that showcase an unparalleled mastery of the process and materials. “‘The Infusion of Ink and Clay’ exhibition is not only intended to highlight the trend and quality of contemporary art, but to also find inspiration that communicates the natural beauty of porcelain,” said Mr. Chen. The exhibition presents close to 100 works, comprised of both porcelain and ink paintings that invite the viewer to immerse themselves in the history of the material and modernity of design. These meticulously constructed sculptures comment on the intersection of humanity and nature.
About Xiangdong Chen Contemporary artist Xiangdong Chen was born in Nantong, China in 1963, where he attended Nantong University - School of Fine Arts. After graduating from Nantong University in 1987, Chen moved on to continue his studies at the Print Program of Nanjing Academy, where he graduated in 1991. From 1989 to today, Chen has continued to refine his background in fine arts, making him one of the most prominent international Chinese print artists of our century. Chen’s work can be found in numerous locations such as the National Art Museum of China, Jiangsu Museum of Art, Amerasia Bank, United Nations, Si Chuan Divine Printmaking Museum and Taiwan Tainan Museum, Yingge Ceramics Museum in Taiwan, National Taiwan Normal University and Nanjing Arts Institute - to name
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a few. He is also a member of the China Artists Association, the China Association of Print Artist and the Society of American Graphic Artists (SAGA). He is the recipient of many awards for his work in China. Stride Arts Stride Arts offers a multitude of services to artists and their art collectors. For artists, they provide a multifunctional platform with studio space, marketing, and business strategic advice, and promotion through unique and appealing programming. For collectors – personal, business and institutional, they will negotiate the sale of the work as well as providing rental services, where art aficionados of all types can benefit from their
team of specialists who will curate work, available at affordable prices that can be regularly rotated. Angel Zhang has a background as an investor in the arts and as a supporter of emerging artists. Angel is the Founder and CEO of a commercial, industrial and digital printer manufacturer in China that has offices across the country and internationally. She is a prolific collector and an investor in several galleries across China, where she helped several famous Chinese artists to establish their careers. Angel moved to New York City more than a decade ago and now splits her time between her homes in Manhattan and Long Island. May 2019 | 91
jetset
An Extreme Adventure on the Water EXPLORE THE JOYS OF KITEBOARDING IN THE HAMPTONS THIS SUMMER BY KRISTIN VINCENZO
( EDI TOR A ND COMMUN IT Y M ANAGE R - WO M E NK IT E B OARDI N G .COM)
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aybe you saw the news clip of President Obama kiteboarding with Richard Branson on Necker Island. Or maybe you saw Marge and Homer kiteboarding in on the Simpsons a couple months ago? Or maybe you’ve even seen it on the beaches near Montauk or Napeague Bay. But regardless of where you did or didn’t see it, Kiteboarding (also called kitesurfing) is a sport you should know about because it’s here to stay!
Kiteboarding is an adventure sport that combines elements of wakeboarding, snowboarding, paragliding, surfing, windsurfing and sailing. The sport is visually stunning and the equipment (kites and boards designed in beautiful, bright colors) can’t be missed on the beach. Although the sport attracts some extreme athletes, you don’t have to be an extreme athlete to try kiteboarding. Kiteboarding is an exhilarating water sport that is attractive to anyone who
loves being on the water. It’s a popular sport for active people of all ages, but it’s popularity with people approaching retirement is steadily increasing. And for good reason! Kiteboarding is one of the best travel adventure sports that you can do in some of the most beautiful places in the world. If you’re not ready to travel the world to do kiteboarding, there are plenty of great kiteboarding spots right here in New York! The New York kiteboarding community is big in the Hamptons, Long Island, Brooklyn
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and some sports above Manhattan. There are also some nearby spots in New Jersey and Connecticut, so your options are wide open! The great thing about kiteboarding is that anyone--man, woman or child--with balance, coordination and a love of water can do it! If you’re ready to see how much fun kiteboarding will add to your life, you should start with lessons. Luckily for you, there are a couple great kiteboarding schools in New York including Skywalk Kiteboarding in the Hamptons and the New York Kite Center in Amityville. Kiteboarding is definitely adventure worth trying, just ask anyone who’s tried it. Once you get a taste of the adventure, there’s no turning back!
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jetset
Hamptons Events 2019 THE SUMMER CHARITY CIRCUIT BY ELIZABETH DARWEN Ann Liguori Golf ©AnnLiguori.com
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ooking to be a part of some the biggest and exciting charitable events in the Hamptons? Whether you’re a local, new in town or just cruising through, the Hamptons offers loads of events where you can enjoy some delectable food, incredible atmospheres, all the while giving back to great causes.. Here is a guide to the events, benefits, and galas everyone will be talking about this season. 21st Annual Ann Liguori Foundation Charity Golf Classic (Thursday, June 20, 2019) The 21st Annual Ann Liguori Foundation Charity Golf Classic, benefiting cancer research, care and prevention, takes place on Thursday, June 20, at the exclusive Westhampton Country Club in Westhampton, NY. This popular, annual charity tourney in The Hamptons, is hosted by Ann Liguori, nationally-renown sports radio and tv talk personality, golf correspondent for WFAN-
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NY & CBS Sports Radio Network, author and Founder of Ann Liguori Foundation and Ann Liguori Productions.
The 2019 Get Wild Benefit will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2019. wildliferescuecenter.org
annliguori.com/anns-charity-golf-event Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center’s 13th Annual GET WILD Benefit (Saturday, June 29, 2019) The Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center of the Hamptons will celebrate the Hamptons summer season with its 13th annual GET WILD Benefit hosted by Joan and Bernard Carl. Notable attendees from last year’s event included: Virginia Frati, Shelley Berkoski, Joan and Bernard Carl, Jay Schneiderman, Susan McGraw Keber, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and Hilary Geary, Nicky Hilton, Don Lemon, Ellen and Chuck Scarborough, Henry Buhl, Leslie Alexander, Laura Carlock, Zab Judah, Linda and Benjamin Lambert, and Beth Stern.
Polo Hamptons (Saturday, June 29, 2019 & Saturday, July 6, 2019) Spend an unforgettable afternoon enjoying polo in the Hamptons as Philanthropic power couple, Maria and Kenneth Fishel, host Polo Hamptons on their beautiful Bridgehampton estate. The third annual event will take place on Saturday June 29th, with guest Christie Brinkley, and July 6th, from 4pm to 7pm. This is the second year Maria and Kenneth will host the event on their gorgeous estate property. As guests enjoy the thrill of the polo match and VIP cocktail party, they will have access to an open bar paired with hors d’oeuvres and preferred seating. polohamptons.com
GET WILD Beth Ostrosky Stern ©Rob RichSocietyAllure
Happening will take place on Saturday, July animal lover community will kick off with 13, 2019. cocktails, followed by dinner catered by Stone Creek Inn. Guests will experience an evening of waxmancancer.org/hamptons music by Nation. The gala will also hold a Live and Silent auction. Philanthropist Jean Shafiroff A Private Brunch with Ferrari & Maserati will chair the event. (Saturday, July 20, 2019) RAND Luxury is proud to produce a Private southamptonanimalshelter.com/events Charity Brunch and luxury showcase at a private estate in Water Mill, NY in association with Ferrari Prostate Cancer Foundation’s (PCF) Annual Maserati of Long Island. On display will be the Gala and Tennis Tournament (Saturday, latest models from Ferrari & Maserati and the August 24, 2019) opportunity to experience a ride in these fine Firmly committed to curing prostate cancer, marques. Invited guests shall enjoy fine cuisine, the Prostate Cancer Foundation is the leading champagne & spirits at an elegant private philanthropic organization funding and estate in the Hamptons. There will also be a accelerating research globally. Prostate Cancer luxury showcase of home electronics & decor, Foundation will host its annual gala in support of private aviation, tourism opportunities, fashion the 14th Annual Charles Evans PCF Pro-Am Tennis and more… Tournament. The gala is a celebration featuring cocktails, dining and special performances. The private event is by invitation only. 100 percent of the funds raised throughout the evening will go to supporting groundbreaking randLuxury.com discoveries in cancer research. Last year’s event had a special performance by John Fogerty. The Southampton Animal Shelter’s 10th Annual gala raised over $4 million. Unconditional Love Gala (Saturday, July 20, 2019) The annual gala will take place at the Parrish Art The 10th Annual “Unconditional Love” Gala Museum in Watermill, NY on Saturday, August to benefit the Southampton Animal Shelter 24, 2019. Foundation will be held under the tents at Wickapogue and Old Town Roads in pcf.org Southampton. The signature event for the
SASF Adoptable puppy ©Patrick McMullan
Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation 15th Annual Hamptons Happening (Saturday, July 13, 2019) The 15th Annual Hamptons Happening to benefit the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation will honor Lidia Bastianich, Nicole Miller, Ian Duke and Antonella Bertello. This year, they are reinventing one of the East End’s most anticipated summer fundraisers to bring you the flavors of the world - without leaving the Hamptons - for one delicious and exciting evening. This “Tour de Cuisine” event will feature food, wine and liquor tastings that will transport you to some of your most favorite culinary destinations in Asia, Europe and the Mediterranean, Spain and Latin America, and the Middle East. Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation’s 15th Annual The Hamptons Hamptons Happening ©Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com
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TOP INFLUENCERS OF 2019
METROPOLITAN Influential New Yorkers
Robert De Niro, New York Times, Michael Bloomberg. Kimberly Guilfoyle, Donald Trump, Chase Backer, Alex Rodriguez & Jennifer Lopez, AOC, Bold TV, New Amity Diner, Rao’s, Per Se, Enrique Peralta, Herb Subin & Eric Subin, Cheryl Casone, Dr. Kelly Powers, Maria Bartiromo, Dr. Jonathan Aviv, Peter Travers, Dr. Gwen Korovin, Patricia Field, Dr. Robert Melillo, Patrick J. McMullan, Nerai, Nikkia McClain, CarlyTEDrum-ONeill, BY RACHEL VANCELET Mark Goldman, FDNY, NYPD, Aaron Judge, Brian Cashman, Noah Syndergaard, Michael Strahan, Bentley Meeker, Elena Brower, Ronn Torossian, Laurence Greenberg, Adam Weiss, Susan Blond, Lea Goldman, Bruce Lynn, R. Couri Hay, Sloane Crosley, Argosy Bookstore, The Strand, Gliteratti, Inc., Lainie Speiser, Al Girardi, Ron Duguay, Joe Namath, Reggie Jackson, Walt “Clyde” Frazier, David Cone, Keith Hernandez, Shep Messing, Central Park, The Astor Place Cube, Mark Peters, Mike Francesca, Edith Chapin, Heather Drucker, Brian Feinblum, Steven Herz, NY1, FOX 5, Rosanna Scotto, Michelle Makori, Andrea Peyser, Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Sean Hannity, New York Post: Page Six, Rachel Maddow, Seth Meyers, Fox & Friends, GMA, Today Show, Pete Hamill, Michael Kay, Park East Synagogue, Errol Lewis, Eric Payson, Larry Gagosian, David Byrne, Lisa Levy, Lincoln Center, Pat Kiernan, Alan Rabinowitz, TMZ, VICE, Jay-Z, Alec Baldwin, Woody Allen, Howard & Beth Stern, Beyoncé, Spike Lee, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Anderson Cooper, Scott Leon, Fred Katayama, Stuart Varney, Henry Buck, Howard Polskin, Jerry Stiller, Brooke Shields, Dr. Robi Ludwig, Ian Gerard, Jay Levy, Robin Roberts, Anna De Souza, Adam Kluger, Melissa Clark, Yuri Jin, Audrey Hirsch Kaplan, Chris Boneau, Dawn Ennis, Dini Von Mueffling, Kick Kennedy, Jenny Ander Bonnet, Richard Remsen, Jess Todtfeld, Jessica Finn, Terri Kahan, Kourosh Mahboubian, Andrea Syrtash, Kelly Ripa & Ryan Seacrest, Kelly Wallace, Anna Wintour
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INFLUENCER
Madison Gesiotto A RISING STAR BY MELISSA CLARK
When it comes to voicing her opinion, Madison Gesiotto is fearless. This former Miss Ohio beauty has been stating her opinions on politics since she was a columnist at the Washington Times. Metropolitan sat down with Gesiotto for an exclusive interview at the famous Greek Restaurant Nerai in NYC. (Kim Kardashian’s fave for Greek delicacies and Dover sole). Born in Pittsburgh, P.A Geisotto moved to Ohio at an early age. A natural athlete, Madison started ice skating when she was seven. Her family wondered where this gift and passion came from. She loved it so much that she would skate and compete for over a decade. Gesiotto even trained with a five-time world champion figure skater Carol Heiss. Madison says she owes much of her success and dedication to the sport to Heiss’ tutelage. While attending Moritz College of Law at Ohio State University, Gesiotto, a natural competitor, set her eyes on the Miss Ohio Pageant in 2014. A push from Madison’s younger sister Alessandra would convince Gesiotto to compete. Her charisma, beauty, and intelligence earned her the title of Miss Ohio. The experience led her to focus much more on social issues, politics, and veteran fundraising. Although Gesiotto seemed to have the world in the palm of her hand; she also soon discovered that her political opinions could create a backlash. She was faced with a round of bullying from her fellow college students. Her political views angered others, and she was threatened daily. Gesiotto explains, “I do not believe that other students would have been able to finish their education with what I had to endure in terms of daily harassment.”
Gesiotto’s friends and family helped her through that part of her life. Madison graduated in 2017 with a Juris Doctorate. Her motto is to “lead by example.” Gesiotto makes it a point to visit schools around the United States to encourage students to “stand up for what you believe, and not to back down.” In Metropolitan’s recent influencer issue, Gesiotto was recognized as a top influencer. You can find Gesiotto appearing regularly on shows like Fox Business, and CNN providing America with her unique take on current political affairs. Madison is also serving on President Trump’s 2020 Campaign Advisory Board. Her mentors include Metropolitan Magazine’s former cover star and friend, Kimberly Guilfoyle. Gesiotto explains, “Kimberly is an amazing woman with so many accomplishments. Her kindness shines through it all, and I am so grateful for her.” Another successful woman who inspires Gesiotto is Governor of Arizona, Jan Brewer “She is a person who accomplished so much against all the odds. To be a successful woman in politics while staying down to earth and kind, she is a great person to look up to.”
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PHOTO CREDIT: JASON LINETSKY MAKEUP PROVIDED BY BRAVON BEAUTY / MAKEUP ARTIST VINCENZA CAROVILLANO MADISON GEISOTTO ASSISTANT: JULIANNA DIDONATO
A busy woman like Gesiotto needs some downtime. On her days off, she enjoys being with her friends and having movie time. Her family brings much happiness to her life along with her dog, Rocky, a beautiful golden retriever who has his own Instagram account. Traveling is another joy. A recent trip to Israel would change Gesiotto’s life spiritually; she stated: “being a devoted Catholic and to walk where Jesus walked was surreal.” Not only was the trip to Israel enjoyed on a personal element, but Gesiotto was able to represent the United States by speaking to the head of the UN Watch, a terrorist victim’s family, and by conversing with U.S. Generals about anti-terrorism and the work both countries do together. The work is never done in the eyes of this star.
madisongesiotto.com
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INFLUENCER
Leon Logothetis BRINGS KINDNESS TO THE FRONT OF THE LINE BY RACHEL VANCELET TE
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he author of Changing Lives, One Adventure at a Time, and the host of Netflix’s Kindness Diaries which soon will be going into a third season following the travels of Mr. Kindness. Leon sits down to give an intimate interview into his unique inner world and personal journey dedicated to the spreading of kindness to others. The Netflix series is viewed as a unique social experiment, taking Leon on the long journey across country to challenge people in everyday life to hopefully be just a little kinder to strangers. Leon and the traveling kindness machine (otherwise known as the yellow Volkswagon bug he has driven to the ends of the earth) have both become an iconic symbols to his devoted fan following. Some say kindness is simply “the new cool” and this interview hopefully will spread a little kindness to Leon and give voice to his movement and become important to each of us daily. Happiness is the new rich. Inner Peace is the new success. Health is the new wealth. Kindness is the new cool. @thekindnessguy What inspires you daily? Helping others feel less alone and challenging myself to become a better person every day. You speak about your “Inner Rebel” which you describe as your inner voice that tells you are worth so much more. Can you speak to how you harnessed this inner voice to propel you forward out of your chronic depression? For a long time, I held onto trauma that weighed me down well into adulthood. My inner voice forced me to give up the things that were holding me back from my dreams and start connecting with others. This wasn’t easy and many times I wanted to give up but little by little I started to realize that voice was pushing me toward my dreams. The Kindness Diaries on Netflix launched you into the public consciousness. What do you hope viewers remember and/or are left with after watching your series? I hope viewers remember that anyone can be kind. You don’t have to travel to far off lands in crappy cars to be kind. The perfect example is Karen from Season 2 episode 3. She grew up extremely poor and worked her way through college. Now she helps the homeless population in Salt Lake City. She is making a huge difference in her town. Kindness exists in the world we just have to keep our hearts open. Could you tell us about your work with First Book and Classwish? For First Book I did a journey from London to Mongolia called the Mogul Rally. It took me 2 tries as I nearly died in a car crash the first time. I partnered with Classwish on The Kindness Cab. On this adventure I drove from Times Square to Los Angeles in a vintage London cab and donated all my fares to Classwish. I nearly froze to death in Colorado but made it out alive!
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The Kindness Diaries has launched a movement in challenging people to open their homes and hearts to strangers. How to do see this continuing to impact the communities you have visited on your tours? Whenever I do speeches I do 2 things, I do a workshop to start at kindness project that attendees can do long after I’m gone. I offer to check in with a phone call to hear about the progress. The other thing I do is give out postcards. These postcards ask people to do one act of kindness, mail it back to me and for every postcard I get back we donate a book to a child in need in America. My hope is to keep the wave of kindness going long after I’m gone. What advice would you give to someone hitting the road in search of compassion and kindness from others? Be ready for rejection but never, ever give-up! Most people will say no but if you keep trying someone will be willing to help. And make sure you give back, even if it’s just a smile or making someone laugh. This way it’s a win-win for everyone. Can you share with us what your next big adventure will be? I will be taking a yellow submarine from Los Angeles to Antarctica! Just kidding. Season 3 of The Kindness Diaries will be from Scotland to Singapore (still haven’t decided what type of vehicle to do it in).
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Metropolitan’s Top Influencers of 2019 All-Media Party AT TUDOR CITY STEAKHOUSE.. BY ADAM KLUGER
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hirty million fans watch Jen Selter’s every move for good reason. Not only does Jen have a thriving career as an international health influencer and brand ambassador--she also has arguably the most famous posterior on the planet. Selter helped bring the term Belfie aka “Butt Selfie” into the modern lexicon with her popular gym workout videos featuring leg bends and squats.
Jen lit up Tudor City Steak House with camera flash and electricity when she arrived with her entourage known as Team Selter, headed up by mom Jill (who looks like Jen’s sister) and Jen’s actual (super-smart) sister Steph who is all business all the time--and their gorgeous friends/team members who mixed and mingled with the other top influencers and influential New Yorkers in attendance.
Making the scene was social media wiz Dominick Miserandino, the creator of Celebrity Cafe and Inquisitr. SEO expert Alan Rabinowitz, the Mariano Rivera of his industry, was swarmed by folks eager to capture the front page of Google. Alan has worked with Paris Hilton and Sotheby’s and is the best in the business. Another best in the business bringing magic to the proceedings was NYC’s favorite barber Enrique Peralta of York Barbershop, where Woody Allen shoots TV shows and New York City’s power players go to get the best haircut of their lives-- every time. Beautiful and brainy Christine Schott, a magazine world big shot and her debonair husband George left their regular stomping grounds of the Yale Club to join our festivities. The staff of the Yale Club knows the power couple quite well as Christine and George often take meetings there to discuss the fragrance world with all the “major people” and they also provide the latest trends with their invaluable newsletter, TheBeautyInfluencers.com. Shaggy, the infamous party crasher, with his distinctive, floppy white hair and knowing smile added his usual brand of mischief to the night, as “the A team” of Charlotte, Remi, and Tori (on lend from BoldTV), overseeing the press and VIP check-in table, raised their collective eyebrows when told, “It’s ok, it’s Shaggy! Now we know the party has begun.” And what a party it was, thanks to the indefatigable efforts of party planner extraordinaire and Metropolitan Features Editor Melissa Clark, who found a way to problem solve, host and look simply smashing in her pumpkin-colored dress. The Backer sisters Jaime and Jillian, also made the scene and won everybody’s heart as they joked around on the red carpet with their father and everybody’s
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Health Influencer Jen Selter and Political Influencer Carrie Sheffield share the May cover! favorite Publisher Chase Backer. The boss of all bosses and the man who runs the Metropolitan Magazine ship like a world class yacht. Our new friend Mirsa, the owner of Tudor City Steakhouse, was all smiles as sumptuous trays of chicken, steak-burgers and other more exotic looking appetizers floated by in wave after wave to the watering mouths of happy guests like theater expert Bob Massimi and socialite Julianne Michelle, enjoying wine and prosecco and the subtle musical stylings of DJ Anthony, who did me a small solid by blasting a little Biz Markie. Drop dead gorgeous and equally brilliant entertainment reporter and Metropolitan Magazine Editor at Large Jill Dobson was an early arrival, after promoting the Influencers Issue on NBC and whispering the name of a potential new celebrity cover star she knows for the July cover. The June cover of Metropolitan Magazine is already covered and was unveiled to the media at Tudor City. Societal influencer, actress and antibullying activist, Rose McGowan! But Rose’s poster was not alone in garnering major kudos--JP Delafuente, the unsung hero of the night, who created a gorgeous step & repeat promoting all the night’s sponsors, including Jen Selter’s brand new “Jensta” protein bar, also blew up large posters of the stunning dual covers of Jen Selter and Bold TV founder Carrie Sheffield. Why two cover stars for May? Why not? We make the rules and we break the rules at Metropolitan. Chase said we could and he is always game to think bigger and be creative. Speaking of creative, the most creative TV writer I have ever known, Bill Tush, a dear friend and former colleague, flew in from Atlanta where he first helped make CNN/TBS famous as Ted Turner’s original face and voice of entertainment news. Bill was in the house delighting the ladies with his hilarious stories and deadpan charm. He was happy to see our former CNN Showbiz Today co-worker, reporter Jill Brooke, whose latest passion is writing about the power and ubiquity of flowers! So what was I doing during all this--besides asking Mirsa if we could turn up the AC, 400+ people can raise the temperature anywhere. I was talking with some of my favorite people like Dr. Robert Melillo, the genius who has helped thousands of kids and families dealing
with ADHD and autism spectrum issues with his ground-breaking Brain Balance Achievement Centers (100+ nationwide) and his best-selling Disconnected Kids book series. Award-winning publicist, strategic partner, and all-around stand-up guy Mark Goldman, took time away from celebrating the success of his long-running Funniest Reporter event the night before, to lend support and laughter with model manager Richard Alan. Kimberly Guilfoyle’s super-cool PR guy Adam Weiss (who is always great to see at a party) and his terrific girlfriend Mona complimented the huge turnout which included top throat doctors Jonathan Aviv, MD and Dr. Gwen Korovin. Educator and Mentor Stephen Rudin, MD and inspirational speaker and author Marc Demetriou became fast friends --but it was Marc who scored the coup of the night by
charming his way into a classic photo standing cheek to cheek with cover girl Jen Selter, who graciously posed with the magazine’s other guests who had the courage to speak with her, like top fragrance influencer Jeremy Fragrance--yep, that’s his name--Google him! He decided to impress Jen by doing push-ups on the red carpet while artist and free spirit Luciana Pampalone dominated the dance floor. I also got the chance to hug a longtime friend and NYC lighting guru Bentley Meeker and Reverend Jen Miller, a downtown influencer who gave social media director Nancy Molina an awesome interview and fashion reveal of her world famous “Troll Museum” jean jacket. Event photographer Paul Prince worked the crowd
Hair and makeup by David’s Salon, Howard beach, N.Y
along with veteran shutterbug Aubrey Reuben who has seen it all and whispered to me that he was planning to, “ get a snap with Miss Selter.” I probably shouldn’t forget to mention our new pal Santo the bartender who kept everybody happy with a never ending supply of drinks, and to the other four hundred or so guests I didn’t have room to mention here--I hope you had as much fun as we did. As New York artist and social critic Eric Payson admitted to me later when he was able to pull himself away from the great Heather Stein (Jewelry/Real Estate), nightlife “it” girl Erika Bogner and artists Nadja Marcin, George Shulman, and Izabela Gola, “Great party!” Even everybody’s favorite “nice guy,” Ira Krebs showed up. Turns out Ira is longtime pals with Jen Selter’s incredible mom, Jill. Who knew?
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Summer Kick-Off Charity Party HAMPTONS SOCIAL NETWORK 2019.. PHOTO BY LISA ZARI/MILO HESS @ CAPTUREDCOLOR NYC & DAVID WARREN
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amptons Social Network’s 10th Annual Summer Kick-Off Charity Party on May 16, 2019 in Manhattan was fabulous! Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception with a musical performance & dancing at the HGU Hotel! Guest of Honor: Judith Ann Abrams, Tony & Oliver Award-Winning Producer. A portion of the event proceeds benefited St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Sponsors included HGU Hotel, Metropolitan Magazine, CORE, Jewels of Ocean, The Carat Lab and Metropolitan Commercial Bank. We are excited about the 7/13/2019 St. Jude Hope Hamptons event featuring world-class horse jumping, cocktails, dinner & auctions! www.stjude.org/hopeinthehamptons.
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PHOTO BY LISA ZARI /MILO HESS
Hamptons Social Network's 10th Annual Summer Kick-Off Charity Party on May 16, 2019
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Laura Mannix Spring (Honoree), Director of Studio Services at Barneys New York and CoChair of the Barneys New York Foundation / Alexi Ashe Meyers, Staff Attorney, Sanctuary for Families / Seth Meyers, Host of Late Night / Hon. Judy H. Kluger, Executive Director, Sanctuary for Families / Garrard R. Beeney (Honoree), Partner, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP Photo credit: Jeff Zorabedian and Elizabeth Mealey (JDZ Photography)
Lisa Simonsen, SFF Annual Benefit Co-Chair and award-winning luxury real estate broker, Douglas Elliman Real Estate with actress Julianne Michelle
Spotlight with Julianne Michelle PHOTO BY JEFF ZORABEDIAN AND ELIZABETH MEALEY (JDZ PHOTOGRAPHY)
SAN C TU A RY F O R FAMIL I E S SANCTUARY FOR FAMILIES leads the way in helping survivors of domestic violence, sex trafficking, and related forms of gender violence in New York escape fear and abuse for safety and stability through a life changing and comprehensive range of services, including counseling, legal assistance, economic empowerment, and shelter; raising awareness about the issues and the resources available to survivors through community outreach and professional trainings; and advocating for systems, policy, and legislative changes to disrupt the social and institutional frameworks that perpetuate gender violence. Connect: @sffny
SANCTUARY FOR FAMILIES ANNUAL BENEFIT, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2019 More than 1,000 supporters from New York’s social justice, legal, philanthropic, civic and business communities joined Sanctuary for Families at its Annual Benefit on June 5 at Chelsea Pier’s epic Pier Sixty. Emceed by “Late Night” host Seth Meyers, the evening raised a record breaking $2.4 million and included a cocktail reception, exclusive raffles and silent auction, dinner, and after-dinner dance party hosted by Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and hip hop icon, DJ Grandmaster Flash. Honorees included two exceptional leaders in the fight against gender violence, Garrard R. Beeney, Partner at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, who was honored with the prestigious Law Firm Leadership Award in recognition of his tireless efforts and pro bono representation of Sanctuary’s clients, and Laura Mannix Spring, Studio Services Director for Barneys New York and co-chair of the Barneys New York Foundation, who was presented with the Zero Tolerance Award for her dedication to the movement to end gender-based violence. The evening also honored Sanctuary’s clients who are breaking the silence and fighting the stigma around gender violence. Hon. Judy Harris Kluger, Executive Director of Sanctuary for Families, said “We are witnessing a time when genderbased violence is emerging from the shadows, due in large measure, to the bravery of survivors of intimate partner abuse, cyber sexual harassment, workplace intimidation, and sex trafficking who are stepping forward in increasing numbers. Through their advocacy and commitment, our honorees, Garrard Beeney and Laura Mannix Spring, have helped survivors on their journeys to safety and security. We also salute our phenomenal community of supporters who make it possible for Sanctuary to provide such a wide range of services to our clients.”
Co-chairs for the event included Ellen Grauer, founder and CEO of EGCR, a U.S. Legal Support Co.; actress and activist Carey Lowell and Board Chair of The ONE Campaign and Principal at Firefly3 LLC Tom Freston; Karen P. Seymour, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary of the Corporation at Goldman Sachs and Samuel W. Seymour, Partner at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP; and award-winning luxury real estate broker Lisa Simonsen of Douglas Elliman Real Estate. Notable guests included Brendan Shanahan, Hall of Fame former hockey player and president of the Toronto Maple Leafs; Hon. Katherine B. Forrest, Partner at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP; Dottie Herman, Chief Executive Officer of Douglas Elliman Real Estate; Hon. Nicholas Garaufis, Senior United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York; Jeff Bewkes, former CEO, President, and Chairman of the Board of Time Warner; Sharlee Jeter, President of Turn 2 Foundation; and Robert B. Fiske Jr., Senior Counsel, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP. sanctuaryforfamilies.org 112 | MetMagNY.com | 25AMagazine.com
I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Robert Silvetz and his wife and partner, Lorraine Silvetz, MSW, who provided complimentary treatment for veterans with PTSD through their clinic in Virginia, for a Q&A to learn more about the science behind TMS, the unique protocol, iTMS, and the current trajectory of propagating this intervention.
Lorraine Silvetz, Jane Pontarelli, and Robert Silvetz, MD
H O N O RI N G O U R V ETERANS A N D CA RI N G F O R T H E I R N EE D S Many of our veterans return home from combat not just bearing the visible wounds of war but also psychological and emotional wounds that can, in some cases, be more challenging to treat. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, an estimated 31 percent of Vietnam veterans, 10 percent of Gulf War (Desert Storm) veterans, 11 percent of veterans of the war in Afghanistan, and 20 percent of Iraqi war veterans suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a disabling, persistent psychiatric disorder that arises in response to a traumatic event. Hallmark symptoms include reliving the traumatic event, hyperarousal, and avoidance of stimuli associated with the traumatic event and/or emotional numbness. Other symptoms may include insomnia, cognitive deficits, and feelings of intense fear, helplessness, or horror. According to a study published in Trauma Monthly, despite pharmacologic and psychological interventions, 74 percent of PTSD patients have symptoms lasting more than 6 months, and up to 30 percent of patients still suffer with PTSD after 10 years from diagnosis. Fortunately, a revolutionary treatment is offering promise to those afflicted with PTSD and their family and loved ones who are also compromised by the rippling effects of this devastating illness. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), approved by the FDA in 2008, realigns and synchronizes the brain to alleviate symptoms by sending pulses of energy from magnetic coils into the cortex. This non-invasive painless procedure, colloquially referred to as “brain zapping”, is considered a game changer, as it has been yielding positive results without the negative side effects often associated with medication.
JM: Can you tell us a little about the origins of TMS and what distinguishes iTMS from TMS? RS & LS: TMS was invented 30 years ago and was FDA approved for the treatment of depression in 2008. Individualized Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (iTMS) is tailored to the individual’s brain waves, whereas regular TMS is one size fits all. To deliver the therapy, a magnetic wand is placed on the head of the patient. Powerful surges of current, through the wand, generate magnetic pulses into the brain. The treatment is painless, and many patients say that it is even calming. JM: It sounds like this intervention is truly groundbreaking! Could you discuss some of the statistics? After treatment, what percent of PTSD sufferers experience improvement of symptoms and what percent of patients see complete resolution of symptoms? RS & LS: In a small cohort of 100 service members and veterans, all of the participants had resolution of symptoms or dramatic, significant improvement.
Rita Cosby, Noel Ashman, and Douglas Dechert Photo Credit: Jeff Smith
Sharon Johnson, Joycelyn Engle, Julianne Michelle, Stacie Osburne, and Lt. Col David Richardson Photo Credit: Rose Billings Julianne Michelle’s handbag by Joseph and Stacey
JM: Can you describe the course of treatment? How many sessions are typically required before seeing results, and what is generally the frequency and duration of sessions within a standard course of treatment? RS & LS: Treatment is five days a week for four weeks for half an hour each session. Full resolution of symptoms can take between 4-8 weeks depending on severity. Typically, relief from symptoms begins between the 3rd and 5th session.
Rita Cosby, Noel Ashman, and Douglas Dechert Photo Credit: Jeff Smith
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Danuta Hamlin, Julianne Michelle, Rita Cosby, Glisel Perez, Lorraine Silvetz, and Marjorie Tornatore Photo Credit: Jeff Smith JM: Where can one currently access this intervention? RS & LS: Currently, it is offered on the West Coast. Although, our foundation, International Committee Against Mental Illness’ program, Global Stress Initiative (GSI) continues to raise funds to bring this treatment to the East Coast. GSI raised the funding for the 100 veterans that were treated at our clinic in Virginia. JM: Where can we expect to see this intervention in the near future? RS & LS: That is unknown at this time, but we are hopeful to see it on the East Coast soon. JM: I hope so too! Thank you so much for your sharing more about your innovative protocol and your dedication and commitment to treating veterans with PTSD!
A U CT ION A ND BENEFIT F OR G LOBA L ST RESS I N I TIAT IVE A ND STA ND FOR T HE T ROOPS On March 14, 2019, I was thrilled to co-host an evening auction and exhibition in honor of our veterans to raise awareness for PTSD and current innovative treatments, such as iTMS, along with Vanity Fair’s George Wayne, Emmy Award Winning TV journalist, Rita Cosby, and founders of Global Stress Initiative (GSI) and Stand for the Troops (SFTT), Lorraine Silvetz, MSW and Eilhys England Hackworth, respectively, at The Solider and Sailors Club. Respected art critic Douglas Dechert curated the exhibition of original artwork by retired Marine Lt. Col David Richardson, who donated auction proceeds to GSI and SFTT, which provide treatment for service members and veterans. Of the glorious works on
display was a piece entitled “Muscle Man”, comprised of acrylic and buck shot on plywood, whose image also graces the cover of Lt. Col Richardson’s debut novel, War Story, due to be released by Permuted Press on April 16th, 2019. Notable attendees included Wall Street Journal Editor James Taranto, Financial Times Columnist John Dizard, Vanity Fair Contributing Writer George Gurley, New York Times writer Sharon Johnson, Will Rockefeller, Whitney Wetherill Stroh, film producers Noel Ashman and Bob Kravitz, actor Larry Romano, Count Joseph Di Palma, Joycelyn Engle, Mark Murray, Cameron Shay, Andrew Miller, Brian Frasca, Leslie Barret, Leigh Held, Hansjuerg Raez, Jane Pontarelli, attorney Manny Alicandro, Chynna Tian, and Opera Singers and Founders of Career Bridges, David Schuyler Bender and Barbara Meister Bender. Notable scientists in attendance included Chairman Emeritus of NYU Department of Psychiatrist, Robert Cancro, MD, Robert Silvetz, MD, and Director of the Norman Marcus Pain Institute, Norman Marcus, MD. globalstressinitiative.org sftt.org
Julianne Michelle is an award-winning actress whose career began at the age of 5. She is currently playing Max on the Amazon series, New Dogs, Old Tricks, and stars in the upcoming feature film, Ivy and Mistletoe. Julianne graduated from Columbia University with a Master’s degree in social work and received her LMSW in 2018. Her clinical background and professional work have helped to inform and bolster her philanthropic efforts.
Danuta Hamlin, Whitney Wetherill Stroh, and Julianne Michelle Photo Credit: Jake Freijo
Instagram: @realjuliannemichelle Twitter: @julmichelle
NEW YORK’SMODERN MODERN NEW YORK’S BOUTIQUE BOUTIQUERETREAT RETREAT Takea ahot hotNew New York York City where the the Flatiron District meets meets Take City neighborhood neighborhood where Flatiron District Chelsea and Gramercy, add craft cocktails at our rooftop bar, and fresh organic Chelsea and Gramercy, add craft cocktails at our rooftop bar, and fresh organic Greek cuisine. This is Hotel Henri. Greek cuisine. This is Hotel Henri. www.hotelhenrinyc.com www.hotelhenrinyc.com sales@hotelhenrinyc.com
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DECORATION & DESIGN BUILDING’S SPRING MARKET 2019, DESIGN CONFIDENTIAL By Clara Morgan
Decoration & Design Building’s Spring Market 2019, Design Confidential presented by Vanguards & Visionaries, D&D Building, NYC: Robert Stilin, Whitney Robinson, Key Hall, Jeff Andrews, Genevieve Gorder ©Kitty Dadi
Decoration & Design Building’s Spring Market 2019, Design Confidential presented by Vanguards & Visionaries, D&D Building, NYC: Mary Fox Linton, Sophia Salaman ©Kitty Dadi
Decoration & Design Building’s Spring Market 2019, Design Confidential presented by Vanguards & Visionaries, D&D Building, NYC: Nina Campbell, Hatta Byng, David Harber, Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill ©Kitty Dadi
Decoration & Design Building’s Spring Market 2019, Design Confidential presented by Vanguards & Visionaries, D&D Building, NYC: Alexa Hampton, Sophie Donelson, Carson Kressley, Sara Story, Drew McGukin ©Kitty Dadi
Decoration & Design Building’s Spring Market 2019, Design Confidential presented by Vanguards & Visionaries, D&D Building, NYC: Avi Rajagopal, Everick Brown, Jean Brownhill, Young Huh, Corey Damen Jenkins ©Kitty Dadi
Decoration & Design Building’s Spring Market 2019, Design Confidential presented by Vanguards & Visionaries, D&D Building, NYC: Richard Mishaan, Kendall Cronstrom, Amy Lau, Vicente Wolf ©Kitty Dadi
Decoration & Design Building’s Spring Market 2019, Design Confidential presented by Vanguards & Visionaries, D&D Building, NYC: Sarah Bray, Erinn Valencich, Malene Barnett, Lynn Scotti, Ryan Korban ©Kitty Dadi
Decoration & Design Building’s Spring Market 2019, Design Confidential presented by Vanguards & Visionaries, D&D Building, NYC: Elizabeth Goldfeder, Michelle Guss ©Kitty Dadi
Decoration & Design Building’s Spring Market 2019, Design Confidential presented by Vanguards & Visionaries, D&D Building, NYC: Dallas Bonds, Isabelle Harrington, Alyssa Abrams, Liz Nightingale ©Kitty Dadi
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Locust Valley Village Estates
Glen Cove, NY – Pond House
Locust Valley, NY – Live American History
Locust Valley, NY
Matinecock, NY
Mill Neck, NY – Orchard House
Mill Neck, NY
Generous English Ascot Country home on over 5 acres of rolling lawns, fields, and mature trees overlooking a 28-acre tidal pond with 300 ft. of waterfront. A front-toback hallway with hand carved staircase and huge windows flood sunshine into the house setting the stage, perfect for entertaining. This offering features a beautiful in-ground pool and includes a 2.5-acre building lot. SD #5. MLS# P1344162. $3,850,000. Bonnie L. Devendorf, c.516.509.6229 Susana J. Muir, c.516.641.6612
Charming updated Center Hall Colonial on 3.6 Matinecock acres with pool located on a secluded country lane. Light and bright sitting high on a hill, this 7-bedroom home has wonderful entertaining space while offering classic style. Beautifully interpreted for today’s living. SD #3. MLS# 3117473. $2,895,000. Christina F. (Christy) Porter, c.516.835.5512
In 1668 John Underhill acquired this property from Native Americans and it has only grown. The composed calm of this 8-bedroom Colonial has been achieved with decorating and updating for the 21st century. Located on 2+ acres the grounds feature a new pool and lavish gardens in the heart of Locust Valley. Near to shops, our best restaurants and commuting yet quietly tucked away on a flower strewn hillside. SD #3. MLS# 3114696. $2,250,000. Sarah A. (Sally) Shea, c.516.652.3795 Mary Ann Wheatley, c.516.445.8042
Quintessential Country Compound offering an 1840 Farmhouse plus a 2-story gambrel roof barn. Set on a shy 2 acres this retreat has been beautifully renovated within the past 2 years. Among the many amenities are a multi-use barn with year-round playroom, gym, party room and spacious apartment. SD #3. MLS# 3119796. $1,495,000. Bonnie L. Devendorf, c.516.509.6229 Alexis McAndrew, c.917.750.8939
Exquisite custom 6-bedroom Colonial on 2 acres in Cherrywood community off Piping Rock Road, complete with caretaker on premises. Rear property opens to 65 acres of Friends Academy Fields and cul-desac backing to nature preserve. Complete interior updates in 2011 with new saltwater pool, landscaping and French drain. Exterior freshly painted with new roof and windows. SD #5. MLS# 3081035. $2,950,000. Amy W. Tansill, c.516.318.2397
Tucked in Mill Neck, set on 5 acres of lush lawns and majestic trees, this picturesque brick Colonial provides the ultimate seclusion. The 12 light filled rooms, many with fireplaces, a sunken living room, herringbone dining room and large eat-in kitchen with adjoining family room. 6 bedrooms and 4.55 baths. Bonus 6-car garage. SD #3. MLS# 3118383. $1,950,000. Katie Cuddeback, c.516.238.9919
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Locust Valley Office | 516.759.4800 1 Buckram Road, Locust Valley, NY
Each office is independently owned and operated. We are pledged to provide equal opportunity for housing to any prospective customer or client, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.
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LADIES LUNCHION FOR A CURE, & SPRING BENEFIT FOR CHILDREN By Clara Morgan
Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation’s 6th Annual Collaborating For A Cure Ladies Luncheon showcasing Fashion Designer Dennis Basso Eveningwear: Dennis Basso, Marion Waxman, Dr. Samuel Waxman ©Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com
Don Lemon and Tim Malone at Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation’s 6th Annual Collaborating For A Cure Ladies Luncheon ©Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com
Pamela Morgan, Ruth Miller at Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation’s 6th Annual Collaborating For A Cure Ladies Luncheon ©Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com
Dr Young Chung and Lauren Lawrence at Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation’s 6th Annual Collaborating For A Cure Ladies Luncheon ©Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com
Maria Fishel at Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation’s 6th Annual Collaborating For A Cure Ladies Luncheon ©Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com
Maribel Lieberman at Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation’s 6th Annual Collaborating For A Cure Ladies Luncheon ©Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com
The New York Center for Children (NYCC) hosted its 24th Annual Spring Celebration Benefit at The Peninsula New York, NYC: Cyrus Vance Jr. ©Patrick McMullan
The New York Center for Children (NYCC) hosted its 24th Annual Spring Celebration Benefit at The Peninsula New York, NYC: Glenn Askin, Jeremiah Evarts, Isabel Marcal and Linda Schoenthaler ©Patrick McMullan
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The New York Center for Children (NYCC) hosted its 24th Annual Spring Celebration Benefit at The Peninsula New York, NYC: Lauren Vernon, Maria Elena Christiansen, Leesa Rowland and Michele Herbert ©Patrick McMullan
5 5 E 5 4TH ST • NEW YO RK , N EW YO RK • M .M E/N ERAIN YC • (21 2) 759-5554
NEW YORK PARTY SCENE
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AN AWARDS SHOW, A CABARET, & A BARBEQUE By Clara Morgan
The 3rd Annual Chita Rivera Awards honoring Graciela Daniele, George C. Wolfe, Flody Suarez, Jeffrey Seller, and Cher at NYU Skirball Center, NYC: Joe Lanteri, Chita Rivera ©Christopher Duggan
Actress Marilu Henner at The 3rd Annual Chita Rivera Awards ©Patrick McMullan
Luann de Lesseps at The 3rd Annual Chita Rivera Awards ©Patrick McMullan
Pamela Morgan presented her second OneWoman Cabaret Show at Laurie Beechman Theater, NYC: Pamela Morgan ©Patrick McMullan
Pamela Morgan presented her second OneWoman Cabaret Show at Laurie Beechman Theater, NYC: Nicole Miller, Dyann Klein ©Patrick McMullan
Pamela Morgan presented her second OneWoman Cabaret Show at Laurie Beechman Theater, NYC: Pamela Taylor, Pamela Morgan, Bonnie Pfeifer Evans ©Patrick McMullan
Southampton Inn hosted their Annual Memorial Day Weekend barbeque, Southampton, NY: Jean Shafiroff, Dede Gotthelf ©Richard Lewin
Southampton Inn hosted their Annual Memorial Day Weekend barbeque, Southampton, NY: Leesa Rowland ©Richard Lewin
Southampton Inn hosted their Annual Memorial Day Weekend barbeque, Southampton, NY: Ken and Maria Fishel ©Richard Lewin
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ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM
ROLLS-ROYCE GHOST SERIES II Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC, P.O. Box 1227, Westwood, NJ 07675-1227 Tel: 1-877-877-3735 www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com © Copyright Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. The Rolls-Royce name and logo are registered trademarks.