Fashion Week NYC (2/9/08)

Anyone who knows me realizes that I'm not fashion-forward or even fashion-interested, but that doesn't mean I'm not up for Fashion Week parties! In fact, I've been looking for a break in the monotony of my usual scene and the events on the bill this week provided just that. I started things off on Wednesday at Le Royale (formerly Luke & Leroy) for the NY debut of Paris' hippest event, WADKLUB, which was hosted by street fashion magazine WAD MAG (http://www.wadmag.com), New York’s Roxy Cottontail & Karmaloop TV. I was actually put on to WAD MAG by my friend, Sami, during a trip to Paris in 2006.

So when I found out the hip-hop/electro party was headed this way I jumped at the chance to go. I had the added incentive of meeting Sami's friend and WADKLUB resident, DJ DEE NICE, and the lure of a gift bag... but hey, whatever it takes! I had a good time listening to wacky mash-ups and mixes and chatting with lots of new and interesting peeps. Scoring a Manhattan Portage bag wasn't bad either!





Next up...the opening of Mansion (the NYC outpost of the Miami nightclub) in the space that used to house Crobar on West 28th Street. I've been told the club officially opens to the public next week, but I had a chance to attend one of two soft launch parties (the first one was a Zac Posen after party on Thursday). Friday's party was hosted by Jeremy Scott and NYC hipster DJ legends, The MisShapes. The venue has been transformed from a big room, electronic music haven to a 2,120-person, bi-level bottle service "ultra lounge" run by Opium Group's Eric Milon (a former male model) and Lotus owner Mark Baker.

The vibe at Mansion is obviously a stark contrast to its predecessor which had a good run but had long since lost the interest of my crew. When you walk in the front entrance, you're greeted with multiple fireplaces and are guided directly into the former "Reed Room" which is a different path of entry than what was used by Crobar. The Phazon sound system from Crobar's main room has been moved into the smaller side room (now called The Gallery) and the room has been opened up quite a bit. On it's own the side room should provide some pretty interesting party opportunities.

The main room (The Ballroom) has a 1940s Hollywood theme, an octagon couch with a cross-shaped runway in the middle and a brand-spanking- new Funktion One sound system which the music heads should appreciate. Obviously they are still working through quite a few last minute changes but overall the room is quite beautiful and has a lot of potential. When we walked in, there was a gospel choir singing on the stage and later on we were treated to acrobats, fire guns and some serious eye candy. Oh and did I mention the waitresses are dressed as french maids? Yup. It's almost a big room version of The Box... with a DJ. Speaking of DJs, The MisShapes played their usual mix of Rock, New Wave and Pop and had me and our small crew dancing up a storm. Granted, they couldn't mix a drink but let's be honest... nobody *really* cares about mixing anyway. I couldn't even begin to list the random accessories adorned by The MisShapes faithful or the smattering of songs we thrashed to all night but let's just say this... I heard the Rocky theme song for the first time in a club! Definitely no shortage of smiles or laughs!

For all the haters out there, I'll say this: I think you need to remember how to smile and have some *good old fashioned fun*. Isn't that what it's supposed to be all about? Kudos to Jen, John, Lisa and Stacey at Flawless for their role in the opening and as always, the amazing hospitality!

PS - for once I didn't take my camera out but I've included a random photo found online. Thankfully The Ballroom is not nearly as gaudy as it appears in this pic!