April 5, 2007

Lights, Camera, Action and Premiere!

Where do you see Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, and actress Angela Bassett at the same time? THE PREMIERE, a gala event that celebrated the rise to national prominence of the Dodge College at Chapman University with its move into the magnificent new Marion Knott Studios --a brand-new, 76,000-square-foot facility with a 500-seat theater--a film education facility unmatched by any film school in the nation. Dodge College of Film and Media Arts at the highly esteemed Chapman University in Orange County threw a fete like no other. Even tinsel town locals, Virginia Madsen (Sideways), Courtney B. Vance (Law & Order: Criminal Intent), Tom Arnold (The Best Damn Sports Show), and Alexandra Rose (Producer) traveled south. The night kicked off with notable Southern California business and community leaders mingling at a VIP reception. The highlight of the evening was a creative program during which the Governor presented esteemed actress Virginia Madsen with the inaugural "Art of Film Award" for her inspirational and outstanding achievements in film. Courtney B. Vance presented the first "Dream Maker Award" to his wife, Oscar nominated actress Angela Bassett for her dynamic career and avid support for education and the arts. The program also paid homage to the entertainment industry and the accomplishments of many of its talented, up-and-coming young artists. A gourmet three-course dinner was served, followed by four glamorous after-parties housed in the Knott Studios sound stages where Vanna White and Orange County celebrity Laurie Waring concluded their night.

Black, Starr and Frost and Saks Fifth Avenue were among those who helped make the evening possible with their generous support.

Scoop on this spring's fashion buzzz...

Seen the new Saks Fifth Avenue ads? A fashion buzz that everyone is talking about from execs down to the media. The ads truly depict an American lifestyle story by introducing a former model, Tyke Darlington and his real life family, in the spring advertising campaign, which was shot by long-time friend Bruce Weber. [714] got the scoop directly from the model about the ads, "In 1991 at a Vogue shoot in Nashville, Bruce told me something that I will never forget--follow your heart, go home, have a family, and who knows, come back in 15 years with a little age; that is exactly what I did. I have kept in touch with Bruce throughout the years, but over breakfast last October Bruce reminded me of what he had told me that day. It has been almost exactly 15 years later and here I am, in and ad campaign with Saks Fifth Avenue! Bruce is an amazing and extremely talented person and I will forever be grateful for the life experiences that came from his generosity. " He continued: "The ad campaign is incredibly well done; the captions, the snapshots are so refreshing. My family and I couldn 't be more pleased. We had an amazing time being photographed by Bruce and are flattered that we were chosen. We are thankful to Saks and Bruce for making this collaboration such a fun and successful one. "

Art, music, fashion, and over 400 people?

Orange County hipsters gathered at a Newport Beach clothing boutique this past month to celebrate fashion, live music, fine art, friends, and more ...all of which together, never gets old around here. Josh Richie, owner of Mauve, hosted the gathering that collected an eclectic group of people ranging from a Biola University students to up-and-coming business entrepreneurs. From corner to corner, the store was packed with Orange County hipsters Donia Lee, Eric Trine, Danielle Ce-dillo, Melissa Sekel, and Katie Raines, hanging out while rummaging through the clothing racks, listening to music, and indulging in a performance by the Sparrow Love Crew.

Guests were welcomed by Quail designer Michelle Nguyen, who showcased her Spring '07 line. Blending vintage style with modern flair, Nguyen melts together luxury and fabrication and simplicity by providing the modern woman with a new twist on times classic. Packs of girls such as Heather Ro-bertson, Heather Morgan, and Marcy Guevara showed off their Quail outfits while socializing and catching up with friends.

Other attendees Ryan Welch, Scott McKay Gibson, and Sean Cole sipped on champagne and stood by the dressing rooms waiting for girls to come out with a stylish outfit. If fashion was not enough, the fine art display of photography on the walls by Danny Simon was something else to admire.

Also fresh to OC "pinching" together art and fashion is "The Pinch" in Costa Mesa, and they started so in high style! They started the season off with back-to-back nights of fashion, music, contemporary art and photography by local OC folks at their "Premier Gallery Opening Party" that brought in over 400 guests. This past month artist Jason Carrougher and his business partner, professional surfer Jordy Brough, opened their doors to Orange County. "In addition to being a fully functioning art gallery, we are a high-end retail boutique featuring hard to find and new designers, " explains the boutiques buyer, Casey Quirarte. The party was packed with 714 locals enjoying live music by OC's all girl rock band "Virago" and art from local artists, Kristi McKnight, Ben Brough, Russ Pope, and Dean Bradley to name a few. All the artists were in attendance, and most of them were excited to see one or more of their pieces sell, such the case for artist Teddy Kelly. The night concluded with more live performances, socializing and the start of monthly art shows with local artists like Kingsley Aarons.

Women Looking Forward have a heart....

Pelican Hill, Cotton Point, Talega, the Center Club, and more....Orange County's latest group of women, Women Looking Forward, are planning ahead to help the future of women in need and are meeting all over the map to do so. Women Looking Forward is an auxiliary of Orange County United Way that raises money to create long-lasting changes that help people lead self-sufficient lives --like higher education or financial literacy. The group's mission is to improve people's lives in Orange County through the giving and participation of women. Jennifer Cagle, chair of Women Looking Forward (WLF), seeks to "energize and inspire women to make a difference by encouraging advocacy for issues important to them. "

This past month WLF held their first member only speaker forum at the Center Club. Former Orange County Supervisor, Harriet Wieder, introduced the evening with her personal journey as an advocate and leading woman followed by special guest speaker Pat Bates, Orange County Supervisor, Fifth District, who was the highlight of the evening inspiring those in the room with her work in the community. The evening concluded with snacks, socializing, and walking away feeling empowered.

The collective giving group of already 90 women such as Stacy Hakopian, Cindy Gonzalez, and Jill Kanzler make an annual contribution, host receptions, and participate in impacting volunteer projects as well as joint events with Women 's Philanthropy Fund (WPF). "I want to expand our circle of impact in the community and grow the group by 100 new members, " says Jessica Morog, Major Gifts Associate. Ladies who mean serious business raising money and taking immediate action included Emma Askari, Kathi Bowman, Cindi Bruner, Geeta Grover, Shirley Quackenbush, Darlynn Morgan, and Carla Vargas!

Sneak Peak!

Wrap up the movie on Tuesday and preview it with 150 people in Orange County on Wednesday! Yes, that 's what producer and starring actor Kevin Costner did at CSUF Performing Arts Center this past month. Starting off the evening with a VIP reception with the actor: "This is my idea of a movie. I hope you enjoy," Costner said to the packed Cal State Fullerton theatre. Not only was this our first view of the film, but the first time he had seen the final cut, which kept audience member Robbin Bretzing holding her seat! Get ready, Mr. Brook's is coming to town!

Orange County meets Argentina...

Ethan Logan, Matt Casserly, and Ross Fortier all in Buenos Aires at the same time!

Buenos Aires...the city where women devour red meat and dulce de leche and still look good all year long! From tango dancing to late night clubbing, and sipping on local wine at the local asado (Argentine BBQ), just like any city there is so much to see and so much to do.

Where to stay? Although I was not able to test the many boutique hotels in the city I definitely heard raves about the Faena Hotel + Universe in Puerto Madero. Where to eat? Argentines like to eat like they dance, and you will find a restaurant on every corner of Palermo. Decorated with modern, hip d ecor, and listening to loungy tunes with a sophisticated atmosphere, Bar 6 and Olsen were my favorites. Shopping is not hard to find either. But you cannot miss out on Sundays where local flea markets at Recoleta and San Telmo offer jewelry, antiques, and art for prices you will not complain about.

My only regret: not being able to experience an Argentine soccer game and Polo match (it was out of season). But, I 'll be back!