As Art Basel Miami is just about to begin, I have been made aware of something those of you entertained at all by the event may like to know of. Third generation gallery owner, Isabelle Bsher, and her gallery, Galerie Gmurzynska, will be presenting photographer Jean Pigozzi’s new dog series’ Charles and Saatchi, the Dogs at her booth this year.
In addition to Pigozzi’s new photo exhibition, which is dedicated to man’s best friend, the gallery will showcase a variety of master works, including Yves Klein’s IKB 240 (1955), Fernand Léger’s Composition à la feuille(1931), Joan Miró’s Femme aux 3 cheveux (constellation from July 26, 1976) as well as select works by Robert Indiana and Roberto Matta- many of which are pictured on the easels in the feature photograph.
Throughout the years, Isabelle’s gallery has boasted many iconic artists and bold faced names, including Donald Judd, James Turrell, Yves Klein, Sylvester Stallone and Karl Lagerfeld, as well as Zaha Hadid, Robert Indiana, Richard Meier, Joan Miro, and Pablo Picasso.
Galerie Gmurzynska, which has locations in Zurich, Zug and St. Moritz Switzerland, specializes in modern and contemporary art as well as Russian avant-garde and is a MUST-SEE booth at Basel. Isabelle’s VIP opening dinners for NYC’s TEFAF and Miami’s Art Basel have been attended by major celebrities, including Sean Combs, Timbaland, Susan Sarandon, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Ellen Burstyn.
I may have an opportunity to speak with Isabelle Bsher in the next few days. Stay tuned for more content about Galerie Gmurzynska!
Morphew will present an exhibition called, “Which Comes First, the Art or the Fashion”, at AQUA Art Miami between December 6th and 10th where they will display some of history’s most avant-garde fashion items including Jean Charles de Castelbajac’s Teddy Bear jacket, Gianni Versace’s Warhol, Marilyn and James Dean dress, and a Keith Haring Stephen Sprouse denim suit, at a ‘shoppable’ installation dedicated to and inspired by Keith Haring and his Pop Shop.
Fashion and art always have been collaborators, and to this end, Morphew has curated an art gallery store to showcase the ways in which these two worlds coexist through offering the most avant-garde 20th century designers and artists of luxury vintage fashion.
The space will be themed around an installation dedicated to Keith Haring and his Pop Shop, and feature a philanthropic collaboration with Kara Ross and UNLEASHED – as a global social impact brand that provides women the opportunity to break the poverty cycle through education and job creation. Three original works created by women from Bareilly, India who are exerts in the art of hand beading have been incorporated into Morphew’s luxury fashion designs and will be available for purchase with proceeds donated back the women through Unleashed.
They will also showcase an original design of theirs made with antique fabrics at UNLEASHED’s Art Miami booth, as part of their partnership with the brand.
Morphew is an inspirational lifestyle brand steeped in rich historical concepts that sources the greatest pieces of fashion’s past from around the globe. Parent company of fashion consulting business Paradox, they service the world’s most celebrated designers. As Paradox began to define and shape the collections of top fashion houses, it became a coveted source for one-of-a-kind fashion pieces. Designers began sharing their finds with trendsetting musicians, actors and artists, and in 2013 Morphew officially opened its doors to the public. Today Morphew is a premiere source for designers, collectors, editors and stylists for the rarest pieces of fashion’s past all sourced with an eye towards modern trends.
Aqua Art Miami has become the premier destination for prominent collectors and art aficionados to procure works by young, emerging and mid-career artists. Throughout the years, Aqua Art Miami has continued to solidify itself as a completely unique fair, consistently staying true to its signature relaxed yet energetic vibe. Held at a classic South Beach hotel with spacious exhibition rooms that open onto a breezy, intimate courtyard – has become a favorite gathering spot for collectors, curators and art lovers.
On November 8th, French Heritage Society (FHS) celebrated its 35th Anniversary with an “On the Riviera” themed cocktail dînatoire soirée, where they announced they will award 1.1 million dollars for 21 restoration projects throughout France and the United States in 2017.
Held at a private club in Manhattan, the event was presented by the Ambassador of France to the U.S. Gérard Araud, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations François Delattre and Mrs. Sophie L’Hélias-Delattre, Consul General of France in New York Ms. Anne-Claire Legendre, Cultural Counselor of the French Embassy in the United States Mrs. Bénédicte de Montlaur and Mr. Keith Yazmir, and the soirée chairs CeCe Black, Jean Shafiroff, Ann Van Ness, Maureen M. Nash, Jay R. Paul, Xavier Flouret and Silvina Leone with New York Chapter Chairs, Odile de Schiétère-Longchampt and Guy N. Robinson.
Judy McLaren, Ann Van Ness, Diana Frankel, Barbara Kemper Gross, Harriet Ross_Credit: Annie WattJean Shafiroff, Odile de Schietere-Longchampt, CeCe Black, Elizabeth Stribling, Ann Vann Ness, Maureen Nash and Silvina Leone_Credit: Annie WattMichael Harold, Elizabeth Scott, Jennifer Herlein and Maureen Nash_Credit: Annie WattGuy Robinson and Odile de Schietere-Longchampt_Credit: Krista Kennell
A cocktail reception set to the music of The Bob Hardwick Sound commenced with passed hors d’oeuvres before an upscale buffet opened. Attendees then gathered in the main room to raise their glasses as Chairman of the Board, Elizabeth F. Stribling held a champagne toast to welcome guests. Following a brief introduction to the program, CeCe Black presented Brook Hazelton, President of Christie’s Americas, to start the evening’s auction. Supporters were given the opportunity to bid on three lots that included a lavish trip to Discover Paris and the French Riviera, dinner for four at Skybox at Daniel accompanied by two magnums of 2005 Chateau d’Yquem, and a trip to La Mamounia, the legendary 5-star palace hotel in Marrakesh, Morocco.
Maud Leclair, a FHS Student Exchange Program intern at The Metropolitan Museum of Art expressed her great gratitude for the program, in her testimony stating, “I would not be here, without the support from French Heritage Society.” As the night proceeded, partygoers who were dressed from head-to-toe in 1920’s inspired clothing, were given an opportunity to contribute to FHS’ 35th Anniversary Restoration Grant for the Organgerie du Parc de Bagatelle as well as the FHS Student Exchange Program. They were also treated to a raffle and ended the night with music, coffee, and delectable desserts.
Notable guests included:Sharon Bush, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Lee Black, Michael Cox Witmer, Dr. Penny Grant, R. Couri Hay, Valerie Lettan, Judy McLaren, Martin Shafiroff, Jennifer Herlein, Michael Kovner, Jean Doyen de Montaillou, Shaune Arp, Veronique Bich, Geoffrey Bradfield, J. Brooks, Yann Coatanlem, Lynn Finesilver Crystal, Ronald Lee Fleming, David B. Ford, John and Carole French, Alison Harmelin, Elizabeth Hartnett, Ursula and Paul Lowerre, Jeannie Rutherfoord, Sana Sabbagh, David Sadroff, and Betty and Stanley Scott.
John Harvey, Kazie Harvey, Marjorie Hart, Gurnee Hart, and Lee Black_Credit: Annie WattValerie Lettan, Michel Cox Witmer and Dr. Penny Grant_Credit: Annie WattJean Doyen de Montaillou and Michael Kovner_Credit: Annie Watt
TheFrench Heritage Society was founded in 1982 as a two-way street for Americans and French to share their love of historic architecture. French Heritage Society intervenes to ensure that the treasures of our shared French architectural and cultural heritage survive to inspire future generations to build, dream and create. FHS has contributed to over 550 restoration grants and helped secure $19.5 million dollars for historic monuments, buildings and gardens in every department in France and to properties in the United States that reflect France’s historic influence. There are 11 Chapters of the Society throughout the United States and Paris.
Here some photographs of awesome food to try at Honey Grow. Visit their website for information on how to make trying them possible (Location, Menus and such). Thank you Jason Varney for the photographs!
On Sunday, November 12th, Rebelhouse Group and Pilgrim Media Group presented the North American premiere of the feature documentary Soufra, directed by Thomas Morgan, at the SVA Theatre in New York City, as part of DOC NYC, America’s largest documentary festival. Notable guests at the premiere included executive producer Susan Sarandon, producers Kathleen Glynn, Craig Piligian and Trevor Hall, editor Mohamed El Masterly, as well as Mary-Louise Parker and Padma Lakshmi.
Padma Lakshmi and Susan Sarandon_CREDIT Amber De VosMary-Louise Parker, Thomas Morgan and Susan Sarandon
Soufra follows the inspirational story of intrepid social entrepreneur, Mariam Shaar – a refugee who has spent her entire life in the 69-year-old Burl El Barajneh refugee camp south of Beirut, Lebanon. The film follows Mariam and a diverse team of fellow refugee women who call the camp home, as they set out to change their fate by launching a catering company called “Soufra,” and then succeed in expanding its reach beyond the camp with a food truck business. Together, they heal the wounds of war through the unifying power of food while taking their future into their own hands.
Following the screening, a Q & A was held with director Thomas Morgan and executive producer Susan Sarandon which was moderated by artistic director of DOC NYC Thom Powers.
Susan Sarandon_CREDIT – Amber De VosThomas Morgan_CREDIT Amber De Vos
VIP guests then joined executive producer Susan Sarandon for a reception at The Park in New York City to celebrate the launch ofThe Soufra Cookbook, which shares a compilation of most treasured recipes of the Soufra women. The women of Soufra are full partners in the publication of this book and will share equally in proceeds from its sales, which will contribute to the ongoing development of the camp’s Children’s Center and to building a school.
The Soufra Cookbook_CREDIT Amber De Vos
Additional guests at the reception included Hillary Weldon, Cinnamon Booth, Anderson Hinsch, Peter Thomas Roth, Janna Bullock, Dr. Gina Sam,Bridgette Morphew and James Ginty.
James Francis Ginty and Dr. Gina Sam_CREDIT Amber De Vos
On November 8th, the 63rd Viennese Opera Ball’s president, Silvia Frieser and artistic director, Daniel Serafin hosted a Champagne Reception at the Austrian Cultural Forum New York to celebrate the upcoming ball, which will be held on February 2, 2018. The ball will be held at the newly refurbished Ziegfeld Ballroom under the auspices of the U.S. Austrian Chamber of Commerce.
The event featured a performance by soprano Rebecca Gulinello and the unveiling of original artwork by Camillo Stepanek, which will be auctioned off at the ball for charity.
The Viennese Opera Ball is the oldest white tie charity gala in New York. Guests will travel from around the world to attend the prestigious event, and waltz in the grand ballroom. There will also be surprise performances throughout the evening.
Attendees included: Stephan Spazier, Deputy Austrian Trade Commissioner; Helene von Damm, former US Ambassador to Austria;Dr. Christine Moser, Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum; Alexander Muhr, CEO of Hallstein Water; and Elisabeth Muhr, Managing Director at Hallstein Artesian Water.
Since 1955, the Viennese Opera Ball in New York has been a representative of Vienna’s cultural legacy, elegance, and glamour in the Big Apple. The Ball operates as a cultural platform and builds bridges to connect present day New York City with 19th Century Vienna, and people of varying heritages, continents and generations, to bring traditional glamour to the city that never sleeps.
Notable attendees of the gala have included: Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations; Samantha Power, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations; Archduke Dominik von Habsburg-Lothringen; Archduke Géza von Habsburg; Lauren Bush Lauren, CEO and CO-Founder of FEED Projects; News Anchor Chuck Scarborough; and Actor Stephen Baldwin.
Over 700 guests are expected to attend to watch 16 debutantes make their bow into society, while accompanied by their escorts in white-tie. The Ball Committees and Ball Beneficiary will be announced in mid-December. Tickets start at $600 and rise to $25,000 for a Diamond Tier table. To purchase tickets, please click the following the link: http://vienneseoperaball.us/
Breakout star Natali Yura attended Natalia Vodianova’s Naked Heart Foundation’s ‘Fabulous Fund Fair’ on October 28 in an outfit by Russian artist Andrey Bartenev and pink diamond earrings from jeweler Jordan Fine valued at nearly one million dollars. Yura, who recently wrapped Bruce Willis’ new film REPRISAL, joined Naomi Campbell, Karlie Kloss, Paris Hilton and Nicky Hilton Rothschild at the star-studded event.
On Wednesday, October 11th, Quartz celebrated their fifth birthday party at Industria in New York City. The event also introduced Quartz’s first book, The Objects that Power the Global Economy.
Quartz’s Lauren Brown, special projects editor and Caitlin Hu, visual culture editor of Objects spoke about the book at the event and signed copies for guests. Quartz’s editor in chief Kevin Delaney and its co-president and publisher Jay Lauf also gave short and celebratory comments at the event.
Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education celebrated Fiesta 2017 on Tuesday, October 17th, 2017 at New York’s Plaza Hotel. Each year at Fiesta, the Casita Maria Gold Medal of Honor is awarded to outstanding individuals in recognition of their contribution to the worlds of arts, education, and philanthropy. This year, Casita Maria honored three exceptional women: Rosaura Henkel, the Mexican philanthropist extraordinaire for her work with “Duerme Tranquilo” and service to numerous hospitals; New York’s own Elizabeth T. Peabody for her dedication to mental health and compassionate leadership to The Maria Droste Counseling Services, and Julia Salvi, the co-founder and visionary behind the renowned Cartagena International Music Festival. The evening’s host was FOX TV’s Audrey Puente, the daughter of the great Latin percussionist Tito Puente, himself a Casita alumnus and former honoree. The Dinner Chairmen were Jacqueline Weld Drake and Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia. The Gala Co-Chairmen were designer Carolina Herrera and husband Reinaldo Herrera. Casita Maria’s annual benefit was an elegant, festive evening that commenced with cocktails, followed by seated dinner, music and dancing to The Bob Hardwick Sound.
For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Argyle Pink Diamonds have created a beautiful limited-edition pendant necklace as part of an international campaign by Select Atelier jewelers to help raise money to fight breast cancer. With each necklace, a donation is made to the Susan B. Komen foundation and other local breast cancer charities.
Pink diamonds are considered among the rarest colored diamonds in the world and are coveted for their rarity and provenance of more than 1.5 billion years old. Jordan Fine of JFine Diamonds located in New York City is considered one of the world’s foremost experts of natural color diamonds and an “Authorized Partner” of Argyle Pink Diamonds, sourcing directly from the Argyle mine in Western Australia where 90% of the world’s pink diamonds are sourced from. Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine has produced more than 800 million carats of rough diamonds, and only 1% has been pink. Because of their beauty and rarity, Argyle pinks have developed a cult-like following by collectors worldwide and JFine receives an exclusive allocation of diamonds directly from the mine.
Limited Edition Breast Cancer Awareness Pendant with 0.08ct Argyle 6P/PP Pink Diamonds. 18k
Suggested Retail: $1,600
The Argyle Breast Cancer Awareness pendant, comes with an Argyle Pink Diamonds Select Atelier Box, matching jewelry pouch and customized insert.
Available at Argyle Pink Diamonds Select Ateliers including London Jewelers.
