Art Hearts Fashion Fall 2015: Sue Wong, Beso Moda, MNM Couture, Datari Austin & Zhang Jingjing

By Karen Ostlund

 The fashion elite came out last week for the March 9th-12th showcase of Art Hearts Fashion at the Taglyan Complex in Hollywood. The platform made a giant leap forward for the city by partnering with the esteemed Project Ethos this season, as well as collaborating with Metropolitan Fashion Week and Rock That Fashion. 
                                                      
A groundbreaking day of Kidswear shows brought out the Hollywood glitterati including rapper and actor 50 Cent, while star of blockbuster hit Something Borrowed, Vice, and Open Road, Colin Egglesfield, debuted his children's line, Shout Out! Clothing on the runway. 
Exclusive performances entertained guests throughout the week and a garden art gallery showcased the talent of the city's art scene with displays by Sham Ibrahim, Eugene Huffman, Lisa Reilly, Josef Jasso and Meghan Walsh. 

Shout Out! Clothing for kids

Art Hearts Fashion is founded and produced by designer Erik Rosete and ParkerWhitaker Productions in 2011.

They provide designers a platform to showcase their work in a unique art & fashion inspired environment. 
Every season, Art Hearts Fashion attracts over 1,500 guests, celebrities, VIPs and taste-makers.










                          

Sue Wong's  MYTHOS & GODDESSES Fall 2015 Collection

right, designer Marika Soderlund, headpieces for
 Kicka Custom Design. Sue Wong gowns.

Celebrity designer and fashion icon Sue Wong opened Art Hearts Fashion, March 9th with her most stunning collection to date. 
Sue Wong's signature intricacy and delicate detailing was on display in her collection of 76 looks that sauntered down the runway to a completely full house.

The MYTHOS & GODDESSES Fall 2015 Collection is an odyssey of personifying archetypal embodiment:-Pele: Goddess of Fire; White Tara: Love, Beauty and Compassion; Athena: Goddess of Wisdom; Artemis: Warrior Goddess of the Hunt; Gaia: Goddess of the Earth. 
These are profound portals of healing that help define different aspects of the Eternal Feminine. 
Each SUE WONG gown represents an archetypal feminine goddess.www.SueWong.com 

Center, Sue Wong with the performers at the afterparty at her home The Cedars

Photo above: John Walsh, Djordje Stijepovic, Sue Wong, Steve Cooke, Summer Watson, and Maria Elena Infantino.

Sue W and Nikki Sixx

 Rock stars who attended opening were Nikki Sixx from Mötley Crüe, Chris Pitman from Guns N' Roses and British rocker Steve Cooke, who also performed at Sue Wong afterparty at The Cedars.

                                    

Front row, Sue Wong and Chris Pitman

Other wellknown faces: actor Billy Zane (Titanic), Sofia Milos (CSI Miami), Kelsey Scott (12 Years a Slave), Richard Grieco, Adina Porter (True Blood), May Wang (Fresh Off the Boat), John Savage, Ronn Moss, Larry Dunn (Earth, Wind and Fire), the Cast of "Little Women LA," the Harris Brothers, Rachel Federoff and Destine Pfaff (Millionaire Matchmaker), Carolyn Hennesy (True Blood), Jacqueline Murphy, Grammy winner Omar Akram, Vassy (musician), Vincent De Paul, and actress Josie Davis.

Closing the opening night was a showcase of 4 designers: Beso Moda showcased their new collection of sensual pieces using only organic fabrics, MNM Couture presented the runway with a collection of fashion forward original gowns, Datari Austin showcased a new collection of innovative and structured gowns, and Zhang Jingjing Couture brought a wild and eclectic collection that was an exciting tribute to pop culture gowns.

Beso Moda Fall 2015

Beso Moda, The Endless Feeling, unique limited edition womens couture,  launched its Spring 2015 Collection. Beso Moda has been delivering glamorous fashion statements for the past three years,  This year taking a big leap with only organic fabrics. 
 Beso Moda Fashion on the runway shows the signature sensual look.  www.Besomoda.com

                                                                                  

Datari Austin Fall 2015

MNM Couture- MNM Couture began its vision of becoming a top contender in women's formal, evening, pageant, prom, red carpet, and cocktail garments. In just a few short years, MNM Couture has rapidly become a powerful force in the highly competitive fashion industry.

MNM Couture Fall 2015

 "Introducing excellence in our unique fashion-forward couture gowns, we take pride having a wide range of customers from all over the world. With growing popularity, MNM Couture brings a refreshingly original element to the couture industry".The collection was filled with classic hourglass mermaid silhouettes, dozens of embellished gowns and cocktail pieces.

Datari Austin has eye for details and extensive knowledge of color and fabric. Silhouettes continue to be evident each season as he consistently reveals timeless, wearable pieces that evoke sophistication and elegance. Datari's  approach is deliberate, combining modern craftsmanship with vintage shapes, creating a look that is clearly his own:clean cuts, sleek style and perfect fit,with unique prints and intricate patterns and embellishments.

Zhang Jingjing at Art Hearts Fashion

Zhang JingJing Couture- This upcoming season Zhang JingJing Couture  showcased a capsule collection stylized and executed as a tribute to Pop Culture!  It is a an 80's /90's wild roller-coaster ride through all those precious and memorable times when it was OK to wear that electric blue eye shadow and jam out to Debbie Gibson!   The show was exciting, sexy, very upbeat and no to mention out of the norm for the designer.  She was presenting her creative Haute Couture fashion gowns with a cool funky spin. www.Jingcouture.com 

Re-cap from Roger Neal Style Hollywood (RNSH) 19th Annual Beauty & Couture Academy Award Suite

Re-cap from Roger Neal Style Hollywood (RNSH) 19th Annual Beauty & Couture Academy Award Suite at Luxe Hotel,  Rodeo Drive Penthouse, February 18th-20th.
By Karen Ostlund

Left,Alex Dinelaris Chris McDonald (photo:J.Chow)

ROGER NEAL STYLE HOLLYWOOD BEAUTY & COUTURE SUITE (RNSH)

CELEBRATED THE 87th ACADEMY AWARDS WITH

200 STARS AND CURRENT OSCAR NOMINEES & OFFICIAL CHARITY HOLLYGROVE.
Presidential Chef Kurt Ehrlich along with Jeannette’s Edelweiss restaurant supplied the food buffet: vegetarian, chicken and beef wurst with krauts and salad. Jeanette’s Edelweiss is a new German restaurant that will open March 2015, located in Newberry Park, Thousand Oaks, California.
Lorimar Wine & Champagne served their award winning wines, champagnes and new dessert wines.  www.lorimarwinery.com 

Timmy Woods w Alex Dinelaris, Birdman
photo:J.Chow

STAR WATER and LONG SHOT COFFEE offered the non-alcoholic choices. www.starwater.com

Long Shot Coffee specializing in creating high end pop up espresso bars for LA'S finest and most exclusive parties, award shows, movie sets, convention centers and business alike here for any espresso emergency. One of their locations is the West Hollywood Library.

OFFICIAL CHARITY

was HOLLYGROVE and ANDY TRANSPLANT

Hollygrove and its parent organization EMQ FamiliesFirst, have more than 140 years of experience providing mental health and social services for children, foster youth and families in crisis. Formerly the Los Angeles Orphans Home Society, Hollygrove has served as a home away from home for thousands of children who have been impacted by trauma, poverty and hardships. www.hollygrove.org

The Andy Transplant Foundation's, (AGC) objective is to save lives, educate others and to make a difference through charitable fundraising supporting transplant patients, families, future initiatives and research development.

right, Danielle Brisebois nominated for best song w Rhonda Sheer,
Carol Connors and Renee Taylor

GOWN DESIGNER RHONDA SHEAR UNVEILED HER SHEAR COUTURE OSCAR COLLECTION - Shear Couture styles are designed with smoothing built in body shaping, luxurious fabrics and unique detailing. As an intimate apparel designer and celebrity, she shares her own red carpet experience.
                 www.rhondashearcouture.com
 

Artist Mario Della Casa unveiled Freddie The Flute

^{Artist Mario Della Casa  unveiled a one of a kind FREDDIE THE FLUTE, value $250K from the iconic children’s series H.R. Pufinstuf created by Sid and Marty Krofft. Mario Della Casa also unveiled in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the  "DREAM OF JEANNIE" TV series a special bottle that was signed by the nominees and stars attending the RNSH suite. The signed Jeannie Bottle will be auctioned off and all the proceeds will go to Hollygrove. www.jeanniebottles.com}

Left, Julian Ferete filmmaker Butterland w. Roger Neal

Additional RNSH companies who attended among many:

Maricela David Couture www.mariceladavid.com   featured by Latin Fashion Week  Maricela David is the line that consists of hand crafted gowns. Some are entirely hand beaded, and all developed by free hand. The beading and embroidery is mounted on various silks. Some of the embroideries and beading are on mesh lined with silk. They are designed with built in support on top for a flawless look ,specifically on bare back designs. www.latinfashionweek.com

Diane Warren, nominee best song Grateful

 Historical Belleek Castle in Ballina, Ireland www.belleekcastle.com

 Kimberly Kimble - kimblebeauty.com - The name Kim Kimble hair-stylist has been synonymous with beauty and glamour for over a decade, and today she continues to raise the bar as one of the most acclaimed celebrity hair gurus in the business. Kimberly Kimble stars on the WE Network show LA Hair. .

Personal Touch Lingerie - ^{www.personaltouchlingerie.com}    a Line of Swarovski Crystal Bras and their Nubra.

 Tanique - ^{www.tanique.com}    healthy spray tanning formula in the suite, which offered eco spray tanning for those that wanted a more health conscious glow Oscar Night.

GT Nutrition -   www.gtnutrition.com/en ^{"We live in a world in which people care more and more about their health and nutrition. With that in mind, GT Nutrition USA as a new company based in the US, comes to the market with a mission of helping not only athletes, but everyone seeking to achieve a healthier lifestyle".}

Paul Sorvino, 

NueLash – www.neulash.com  ^{neuLASH is exclusively formulated with a proprietary combination of pep-tides, vitamins, sodium hydrogenate and pumpkin seed extract to help: fortify lashes against further damage, moisturize to improve lash flexibility and durability, and nourish to help lashes look longer and softer.}

Smart Scarf by Fur Frenzy - www.furfrenzy.net  designer/ founder Pam Fischer and her fur frenzy smart scarfs of course her faux fur scarfs and hooded scarfs complete with a place to keep your hands and secret pockets to put your cell phone, and credit cards/id etc.

 Star Maker Beverly Hills Orthodontics - ^{Dr. Bruce MacFarlane with his WINE TO WHITE Instant Teeth whitener removing red wine stains and coffee stains instantly.}www.starmakerorthodontics.com

. Hook Me Ups - hookmeups.com - are a fashionable, stylish solution for charging your smart phones and tech devices on the go!

 Timmy Woods Beverly Hills handbags – www.timmywoods.com

 MADELINE BETH HANDBAGS - www.madelinebeth.com - handbag designer and entrepreneur Madeline Beth showcased her collection of handbags in the suite.

Laura Dern

Glamour Bonier-Qicocaga – Brazilian Chocolates

 Long Mi Lashes/Daniel Dinh www.longmilashes.com

 ^{Shelly Hill of Sparkle Nails was doing manicures and pedicures.}

 ^{Brynn Cannon Mobile Massage Therapist.- Brynn has lived in both Maui and Las Vegas, the last 15 years. She is a well known massage therapist for poker-players.} The Bellagio Spa, Oceanside under a canopy, the CES and MAGIC show, and Mr. Olympia conventions and Poker tournaments are some of the places where Brynn Cannon has worked during her career.



Author Nadia Khalil Bradley presented with her latest book "Origins of Truth" (photo, left)

Lisa Luxen's book – Black Sally

GroundedBeauty.com  (Pillow) and

 Jenetiqa.com (Cosmetics)

 

Mini-facials were provided by www.GMCollin.com    Skincare Paris  

 Renee Taylor's Face Love - Created by Renee's makeup artist Cindy Cohen. This face serum lifts without surgery www.rtfacelove.com

 ^{Mary's Cake Shop www.maryscakeshop.com}

Max Frye nominee screenplay

 OSCAR NOMINEES WHO ATTENDED:

DANIELLE BRISEBOIS - Nominated for Best Original Song "Lost Stars" for "Begin Again. Adam Levine sang this song at the Oscar telecast.

HELEN ESTABROOK & DAVID LANCASTER – Lead Executive producers of "Whiplash"

GREG ALEXANDER - Best Original Song "Lost Stars" for "Begin Again".

JOHANN JOHANNSSON – Best Original Score – "The Theory of Everything"

DIANE WARREN- - Best Original Song "Grateful" – Beyond the Lights – 7th Oscar Nomination

DAN FUTTERMAN - Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen for ^"Foxcatcher"

^{ALEXANDRE DESPLAT- Best Original Score - "The Imitation Game" and "The Grand Budapest Hotel" 7th & 8th Oscar nomination. JASON HALL – Best Writing "American Sniper"}

STEPHANE CERETTI - Best Achievement in Visual  Effects for ^{Guardians of the Galaxy}

^{BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS NOMINEE LAURA DERN from the movie WILD}

^{OSCAR NOMINEE NICOLAS GIACOBONE- Best Writing BIRDMAN}

^{OSCAR NOMINEE ALEXANDER DINELARIA- Best Writing BIRDMAN}



^{FROM THE OSCAR NOMINATED MOVIE WILD- Cathryn De Prume}

^{FROM THE OSCAR NOMINATED MOVIE FOXCATCHER- Lee Perkins}

FROM THE OSCAR NOMINATED MOVIE BIG HERO 6- the starring voice Ryan Potter.

For more info: www.rogernealsh.net

Re-cap of Durkin’s EcoLuxe Lounge & "Salute to the Oscars” Party Presented by Choices Recovery

Re-cap of Debbie Durkin’s EcoLuxe Lounge

&

"Salute to the Oscars” Party Presented by Choices Recovery

By Karen Ostlund

 (WestHollywoodToday)           February 25th, 2015.                        The Oscars are always a special time for LA's leading sustainable TV-film product placement producer Debbie Durkin, who’s socially-conscious EcoLuxe Lounge  took place on the rooftop of the Beverly Hilton at the  Stardust Penthouse on February 21^{st. - the day before the Oscars.}

The lounge was designed by furniture from Under Canvas, Elan Event Rentals, LBPS Events and Frances Lynn Creative Florals.

Guests enjoyed well-known tunes from DJ Dime, and sipped on champagne and coffee,  while waiting to take a fun photo from Party Life Photo Booth.

Elaneventrentals.com on the Stardust Penthouse Terrace of Hilton

Companies who attended:
www.elaneventrentals.com is a eco friendly furniture rental business located in Santa Barbara. Elan Event Rentals is founded by longtime surfer, and world traveler Elan Cohen, who combines his love for art, culture, and style, The style is vintage to rustic, modern to chic. The selections are inspired by the beauty of California's countless venues and landscapes.

UnderCanvasEvents.com tent rentals at Hilton Terrace

VIP’s were treated to a styling bar, organic spray tans, along with makeup touchups from by OC Hair & Makeup's Stacy Mealin and international makeup artist Maria Lee (www.marialeemakeup.com) Stacey also demonstrated the new HAI MP3 flatiron, with inbuilt MP3 player."Listen to music while you style your hair".

Choices Recovery T-shirt "Gonna Beat Cancer This Thing"

 

Eco Lounge dog sponsors 2015

The lounge presented vacations to Glacier Park, Yellowstone and tent rentals from The Moab Desert from Under Canvas.

Nutrition Chef Alex
Fioroni demonstrated "Healing With Food"

Choices Recovery had their own beauty gift bag, and celebrity DogPower items from CanaDog Supply, John Paul Pet shampoo & conditioner and KD Pet 

Actor Ken Davitian at BluBond booth

 BluBond  presented their own rosewater, and Kenit Rome eye light serum, made in Italy:

 "Ikura Formula" is a fluid gel-lotion with Ginkgo Biloba extract for an anti-fatigue action around the delicate eye area.  The trilogy of Hyaluronic Acid, Trehalose and Vitamin E guarantee long-lasting skin elasticity and firmness around the eye area, and.extracts of witch-hazel and Corn Flower gently soothe the area.
*"Ikura Formula" is a special formulation with salmon egg extracts, rich in amino acids, lipids and vitamins A, C and D.
Suitable for all skin  www.kenitcosmetics.com

  Additional sponsors: O.P.I., Go Go Squeez, Modern  Oats & fragrance from Loree Rodkin.

That same evening, guests joined presenting sponsor Choices Recovery for a “Salute To The Oscars” cocktailparty at the same Stardust Penthouse hosted by Gretchen Christine Rossi (Real Housewives Of Orange County) and Chris Booker (AMP Radio)

Actor Kevin Sorbo at Canadog

 

                   Notable attendees to EcoLuxe Day:

Ben Wilkins (Oscar Winner Whiplash: Best Sound Mixing:), Elise Robertson (Oscar Nominee American Sniper Best Picture), Elizabeth Yianni-Georgiou (Oscar Nominee Guardians of the Galaxy: Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling), Jason Canovas (Oscar Nominee The Hobbit: Sound Editing), Lisa Bruce (Producer, The Theory of Everything: Best Picture), Kevin Sorbo (Hercules), Vine star Zane Hijazi), Jason Davis (Celebrity Rehab), Frank Stallone (Rocky) Nia Peeples (Pretty Little Liars), Amanda Adrienne (Avenged), Andrea Bogart (General Hospital), Nancy Davis (Race To Erase MS), and Carolyn Hennesy (Revenge)

Collar as scarf: dog-model wears 1.5 inch wide pop collar by
LetThereBeCollars.com

Right, makeup artist Maria Lee did red carpet makeup on me.

Notable attendees to “Salute To The Oscars” evening event presented by Choices Recovery included: Gretchen Christine Rossi (Real Housewives Of Orange County), Chris Booker (AMP Radio), Slade Smiley (Real Housewives of Orange County), Joyce Giraud & Michael Ohoven (Real Housewives of Beverly Hills), Kennedy Summers (Playboy Playmate of the Year 2015), Kristen Renton (Sons of Anarchy), Michael Lennox (Oscar Nominee: BOOGALOO AND GRAHAM: Best Live Action Short Film), Drake Bell (Drake & Josh), Travis Aaron Wade (Super Natural), producer Marc Anthony Nicholas (CBS "The Talk"/"On Your Marc") and Adina Porter (True Blood).

23rd Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition

By Karen Ostlund

  23rd Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition open now, and features all five    Oscar nominee until April 25th, 2015.

This year’s exhibition  feature over 100 costumes representing 20 of 2014’s most notable films in a variety of genres. 

Costumes from last year’s Academy Award® winning The Great Gatsby, (Catherine Martin), is also spotlighted. Other films include Belle(Anushia Nieradzik), Big Eyes (Colleen Atwood), Selma (Ruth E. Carter), and Jersey Boys (Deborah Hopper).

Free to the public
10am-5pm
Tuesday-Saturday

The Costumes from The Grand Budapest Hotel by Milena Canonero

Location
FIDM Museum
919 S. Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90015

The winner of best Oscar costume The Grand Budapest Hotel by costume designer Milena Canonero was announced at the Academy Awards last February 22, 2015.

 Neil Patrick Harris was hosting the 87th annual Academy Awards, which was broadcasted live on ABC from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

Jennifer Lopez and Chris Pine presented the award to costume designer Milena Canonero for her work on the Wes Anderson film.
Canonero has previously worked with Anderson on his The Darjeeling Limited and The Life Aquatic, and is a three-time Oscar winner.

The 23rd Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition at FIDM features all five nominees for Best Costume:

The Grand Budapest Hotel by costume designer Milena Canonero. Actors: Ralph Fiennes as Monsieur Gustave H., Tilda Swinton as Madame Céline Desgoffe und Taxis.

Inherent Vice by costume designer Mark Bridges. Actors: Serena Scott Thomas as Sloane Wolfmann, Martin Short as Dr. Rudy Blatnoyd, Joaquin Phoenix as Larry “Doc” Sportello, Shasta Fay Hepworth as Katherine Waterston, and Reese Witherspoon as Deputy D.A. Penny Kimball.

Into the Woods by costume designer Colleen Atwood. Actress Meryl Streep plays The Witch.

Maleficent by costume designer Anna B. Sheppard. Actress Angelina Jolie as Maleficent.

Mr. Turner by costume designer Jacqueline Durran. Actors: Marion Bailey as Sophia Booth, Timothy Spall as J.M.W. Turner.
 www.fidmmuseum.org 

Whole Planet Foundation's Pre-Grammy Benefit 2015

By Karen Ostlund
Planet LA Records, Whole Planet Foundation and Whole Foods Market held their yearly "Whole Planet Foundation’s  “Pre-GRAMMY®” benefit" at OHM Nightclub in Hollywood last February 5^{th 2015.}

KT Tunstall, Ryan Cabrera and Debi Nova

The benefit supported efforts in alleviating poverty in 61 countries through micro-credit & funding micro-loans to impoverished women entrepreneurs.
The evening's buffet consisted of a wide variety of health-conscious platter provided by Whole Food Market as:Lentil salad, cauliflower tabouli, vegetarian egg rolls, mini kale and Thai beyond meat satay.

___

The event was produced by Clamorhouse and Planet LA Records, and emceed by comedian Heather McDonald, It featured performances by 7 leading acts:
Rocky Dawuni, Magnolia Memoir, Patrick Bradley, Andy Allo, Latin GRAMMY-nominated Debi Nova, 2014 GRAMMY nominee Mariachi Divas and three-time American GRAMMY Award winning and 2014 GRAMMY-nominated blues musician Keb’ Mo’.
Chris Temple and Zach Ingrasci were honored on stage for their commitments to promoting sustainable practices and changing global environments through their film, “Living on One Dollar.” Netflix.

left, Andy Allo w. Keb' Mo arriving at OHM Nightclub

Filmmakers Chris Temple and Zach Ingrasci, Netflix

It is a documentary in Guatemala,where four friends battle illness, parasites and hunger as they experiment with living on just $1 a day for eight weeks.

The documentary begins with their back-story: middle class upbringings, an academic understanding of poverty alleviation, but no real experience of what daily life is like for people in poverty.
In just two months, they encounter many of the challenges that keep people in poverty: severe illness from contaminated drinking water, steep medical costs, and the impossibility of getting a loan from a traditional bank.

Living On One Dollar (Netflix) is a film that highlights the strength and resilience of people living in poverty, the impact of micro-credit, and the how individuals can have an impact in the fight against poverty. Seeing people from different cultures and circumstances learn from one another will resonate with people who watch the film. Chris helps a boy -who only speaks the local dialect- learn English and Spanish and local women teach their new American friends how to add calories to their diet.

Dr Jekyll's Beer Attack Launch:,cinnamon oil, garlic,
 Hawthorne berry,5.4% Alc
maqui berry, algal oil and flax seed oil

The Pre-Grammy benefit was presented by Whole Foods Market, Lifeway and Sambazon, featuring Community Leaders Garden of Life, City National Bank and Nature’s One. Event supporters included:COLDCOCK Herbal Whiskey,Dr.Jekyll’s beer, Keep Cool USA, Navitas Naturals, Prana, Purus Vodka, and Zorbitz.Foundation partners included ACURE Organics, Frontier Co-op, Hampton Creek, HerbNutritionals, Mamma Chia, ORGANIC INDIA, Seeds of Change and VOSS.

Alcohol-free sponsors at Whole Planet Foundation's Pre-Grammy concert

right, Designer Sue Wong w guest

Mariachi Diva, 2014 Grammy nominee

Magnolia Memoir band performed              
Contributors included Beanfields, Better Bean, Cocomojoe, Drazil Foods,Greyston Bakery, Jackson’s Honest Chips, Jax Coconut Water, Late July Organic Snacks,Line 39, Olloclip, Rhythm Superfoods, Rishi Tea, Soundhouse Promotions and Stone Brewing.

Whole Body’s first Fashion Show event benefiting Whole Planet Foundation is coming March 6th, during Expo West, Natural Food Expo Convention in Anaheim.

Some of the textiles featured in the Beauty in All Beings event, March 6th are made by micro-credit clients.

100% of the proceeds from the event will be used to fund more impoverished entrepreneurs.

Walter Robb will be opening the show which will feature product from Whole Foods Market apparel, cosmetics, skin and hair care brands.www.wholeplanetfoundation.org