FashionEtc.com November 23rd, 2024

Henry Street Settlement has been "opening doors for Lower East Side residents and other New Yorkers through social services, arts, and health-care services" since it was founded in 1893 by Lillian Wald.

On April 7, the Plaza's ballroom was filled with supporters of this incredible organization, who had come to honor three extraordinary champions of this wonderful cause: Richard Abrons, Ursula Burns, and Lauren Bush.

"Henry Street got me involved in life. I grew up across the street, and it changed everything for me," said Burns. Born and raised on 3rd St. and Avenue D, Burns is now the president and CEO of Xerox Corporation, and she credits Henry Street with helping her find her path to success.

"Today, there are 38 settlements in New York City, but none as worthy as Henry Street," Abrons added.

Burns then announced that the Xerox Foundation has given a $250,000 grant over two years to Henry Street's Expanded Horizons College Preparation Services.

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Where would you find rich and famous people dressed in designer clothing, traipsing up and down five flights of stairs to chat with art students in their paint-spattered studios? At the New York Academy of Art’s Tribeca Ball, which takes place in the school. 

The early part of the evening consists of open studios where students are exposed to the kind of donors who actually buy art. Not a bad idea.

Some of the guests have eclectic collections. Naomi Watts, in flowing Chanel, said she and her man Liev Schreiber both have a bit of the pack rat in them and they’re running out of space. Sanaa Lathan collects shoes. “All I can say is I need to build more space in my closet,” she said.

Leelee Sobieski, svelte in black Gareth Pugh, is the mother of a 14-month-old. “Right now, I collect pacifiers. Lots of them,” she said.

Sobieski’s hubby, Adam Kimmel, wasn’t the only fashion face at the ball. Cynthia Rowley, Kate and Andy Spade, Nicole Miller, Glenda Bailey, Linda Fargo, and M.A.C.’s John Demsey were all on hand. Rachel Roy admitted she can’t afford to collect art just yet.

“I hope to get to the point where I do collect art, but at the moment I do collect shells,” she said. “I collect seashells from wherever I go, and it only counts if I find them myself.”

W’s Stefano Tonchi talked about his recent cameo on Gossip Girl. Scenes were shot in the magazine’s offices, and the cast and crew totaled 100 people.

“We had to provide 100 passes into the building, and it’s a very high-security building, actually,” he said. So with all those people around, did anything go missing from the fashion closet? 

“I don’t think so,” Tonchi laughed. “They have enough of their own clothes, judging from the show.”

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We are living in some of the most difficult economic times in our history. Luckily, the culture of this country is one of charitable giving, in terms of both time and money, to help those in need get back on their feet.

On April 5, 1,000 people went to New York City's Chelsea Piers to support Dress for Success, an organization that promotes "the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support, and the career-development tools to help women thrive in work and in life."

What an amazing cause. And what an incredible evening.

The event co-chairs, Bobbi Brown and Estée Lauder Specialty Brands president Maureen Case (wearing Balenciaga), wanted to be sure that in addition to getting the Dress for Success mission across, the event would be memorable and fun—and they more than succeeded.

The invitation called for beach attire, and who doesn't love that? The normally nondescript venue was transformed into a chic beach-side dining room, the likes of which one would see in St. Barts or Saint-Tropez, complete with specially built cabanas, and tablecloths and runners in varying shades of blue—in the same fabric as the Bobbi Brown–designed Echo scarves on sale to raise money for the cause.

Tim Tareco, VP of visual merchandising for M.A.C and Bobbi Brown, and his team created the spectacular event. The brilliantly creative Tim loves what he does, and he is clearly good at it.

Dress for Success Worldwide CEO Joi Gordon gave the opening remarks and thanked designer David Meister for dressing 16 women who have successfully made it through the program and who were being honored.

"David chose dresses specifically for each woman, and what he didn't have, he designed," said a grateful Joi.

In speaking of the women she has helped, Joi's dedication came through. "I believe I will love them to success," she said, and the entire room was moved.

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"If you're wondering about my foot, I broke it trying to get it out of my mouth," said the legendary James Caan, walking with a cane, at the Cinema Society's April 4 screening of Henry's Crime.

The stars came out to champion this sweet movie about an emotionally shut-down toll-booth agent (Keanu Reeves) who gets a series of wake-up calls and finally finds his purpose in life. Caan plays an old-time con man who helps show the toll-booth agent the way in a most unconventional manner. Co-star Vera Farmiga, looking splendid in a black Lela Rose dress, joined Caan and Reeves at the screening.

At the after-party at Trilby in the Cooper Square Hotel, guests sipped DeLeón Tequila cocktails and stayed remarkably sober while they spoke to me. Then again, it was just the beginning of the evening.

I slipped into a booth and dined on chicken and beet salad, and Marcus Schenkenberg asked if I'd mind if he sat next to me. Mind? Absolutely not—but your manners make you even more charming, so thank you for asking. I inquired about his current projects. "I'm working on an underwear line," he said, "and I have a perfume coming out soon." Well done, Marcus!

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