L.A. Dance Project Gala 2013: Before, During and After

Photo courtesy of Stefanie Keenan

Since moving to Los Angeles, one of the biggest enhancers for me has been discovering the booming art world.  Without a doubt, this includes the formidable  L.A. Dance Project.  Directed by the talented choreographer, dancer and dance curator, Benjamin Millepied, LADP is proving itself to be a fresh, young, innovated company breaking the boundaries of what a dance company can be.

So, when asked to become involved with its inaugural gala, I jumped at the chance.  And somehow ended up offering my house as the venue for such event.  After meeting with the event team, it was decided to build a stage over my pool and have dinner tables on the lawn for an intimate performance and dinner. The process was fascinating and intense.

 I tried to capture the inconceivable moments of creating the beautiful setting, perfect for the creative boundless energetic performance of the LADP.

The result was this tucked in stage with greens surrounding.  And the moon that evening became an integral part of the decor as it perched itself above the trees, brightly shining and looking on.

Photo courtesy of Stefanie Keenan

Photo courtesy of Stefanie Keenan

And then the beautiful people arrived.  The guests could not have been more chic, lovely or interested in learning more about LADP. Sipping on Grey Goose cocktails, guests mixed and mingled atop the pool, aka stage during cocktail hour.

Founding Director, Benjamin Millepied with wife and Honorary Chair, Natalie Portman,
Photo courtesy of Stefanie Keenan

Portman and Millepied with co-chair Catherine Soros, Jeffrey Soros, me and my hubs, Christian Stracke
Photo courtesy of Stefanie Keenan

Jessica Trent of Jessica Robin Trent PR, Photo courtesy of Stefanie Keenan

Parker Jones and Carmen Danae, Photo courtesy of Stefanie Keenan

Mary Alice Haney, Photo courtesy of Stefanie Keenan

Black Swan producer Mike Medavoy and Irena Medavoy
Photo courtesy of Stefanie Keenan

Cameron Silver
Photo courtesy of Stefanie Keenan

Kate and Mulleavy of Rodarte with Catharine Soros
Photo courtesy of Stefanie Keenan

Mark Anthony Edwards and B Michael
Photo courtesy of Stefanie Keenan

Giada and Todd de Laurentiis
Photo courtesy of Stefanie Keenan

Rashida Jones and Natalie Portman
Photo courtesy of Stefanie Keenan

With my friend and co-chair Catharine Soros
Photo courtesy of Stefanie Keenan

Reese Witherspoon
Photo courtesy of Stefanie Keenan

Monique Lhullier
Photo courtesy of Stefanie Keenan

Jeffrey Deitch of MOCA
Photo courtesy of Stefanie Keenan

Karyn Lovegrove
Photo courtesy of Stefanie Keenan

Guests sat around tables spread along the grass yard, enjoying salads with watermelon and feta, braised short ribs, wine and good company.  Surprising all of us, the dancers of the LADP slowly stood up to dance throughout the tables as two violinist played atop the stage.

Julia Sorkin and Kimberly Brooks
Photo courtesy of Stefanie Keenan

above photos Photo courtesy of Stefanie Keenan

Making their way to the stage, they performed a glimpse of the past seasons and a section of an as of yet titled work by Justin Peck with music by Bryce Dessner.

Collage mash up of last seasons work set to music of Queen and David Bowie's "Under Pressure"
Photo courtesy of Stefanie Keenan

Photo courtesy of Stefanie Keenan

After the performance we headed back up to the stage to dance to the composer, producer and DJ trappings of Nick Britell.  It's always fun to be on the dance floor with professional dancers, not to mention on the same stage where they had just performed.

Nick and Benjamin

above photos Photo courtesy of Stefanie Keenan

The mood was easy-going and supportive.  By the end of the evening, we all shared something in common: a true awe and love for the inspiring work of the L.A. Dance Project.

The L.A. Dance Project dancers:  Nathan Makolandra,  Aaron Carr,  Rachelle Rafailedes, Amanda Wells,  Morgan Lugo, Julia Eichten, and Charlie Hodges (Ballet Master and dancer)

A huge thank you to such an amazing gala committee:  Darren Afronofsky, Brian Atwood, Maria Bell, Mark Bradford, Kimberly Brooks, China Chow, Anne Crawford, Mary Alice Cheney, Jeannie Joseph, Pamela Joyner, Rose McGowan, Karyn Lovegrove, Michael and Jamie Lynton, Mike and Irena Medavoy, Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte, Sally and Michel Perrin, Cameron Silver, Dita Von Teese, and Jessica Robin Trent

Monique Lhuillier Fall 2013: Black Widow Fantasy

Braving the snow in heels and a Lhuillier strapless dress, I finally made it to the tents to see my first show of New York Fashion Week 2013, friend and fave, Monique Lhuillier.  Lhuillier has a way of blending the sexy with the lady-like.  There is a sophisticated air to what she designs while playing a bit with fabric and prints.  She has a unique ability to make clothes for all women, regardless of age.  She makes clothes for women with impeccable style and taste.

The Green Movement was really great - everyone should go green.

My favorites of the Fall 2013 collection were the spider web lace pieces.  From black to purple - this lace pattern is different, beautiful and dangerously romantic.

Wish this pic were better!  You can't see the delicate lace leggings that are a must have accessory!

My pick of the show!

Being caught in a woman's web can be the best thing to happen to a man…

Backstage with Spider-Woman, herself.  Wearing ML Spring 2013 and Perrin Paris croc clutch

Ooh LA LA LACMA

What a night!  Since moving to Los Angeles, I've become accustomed to seeing celebrities here and there.  But Saturday night at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) was something else.

The LACMA  Art + Film gala is now in its second year running.  Started by the incredible duo of Leonardo DiCaprio and Eva Chow, this event is causing quite a buzz around Los Angeles that makes the museum stand out in the eyes of all.  This year, the honorees were artist Ed Ruscha and film-maker Stanley Kubrick. And what another outstanding duo they made (though Kubrick wasn't there in body, he most surely was in spirit).

The party started off with red carpet entry and cocktails.  I waited in line for the red carpet moment while Tom Hanks stood patiently behind me.  During the cocktail hour, after squeezing past Sean Penn to grab a glass of champagne, I had a great spot close to the New Orleans jazz band where Evan Rachel Wood took the stage to sing.  She has a great voice and a sultry persona on stage.  It was a nice segue to exiting and heading to dinner.

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We packed into the large space for dinner for 550 guests, with long rectangular tables filling the space.  I rather liked that the decor was to a minimum.  All glassed in, the space gave views of the incredible campus that is LACMA - and I always like when guests are almost forced to remember why they are there.  Raising money for a County museum that provides programming to countless visitors and students each year. The table decor was very simple, with small floral arrangements mimicking the stage background of flowers, a la Christian Dior's wall of flowers at the SS 2013 Couture show in Paris.

Ruscha's "The Back of the Hollywood Sign" 1977

"The Standard" 1966

After a short film showcasing the works of Ed Ruscha, the artist came and gave thanks to the audience. I felt at home with his Oklahoma accent explaining how he came to be and some of the inspirations for his most well-known works.  Transforming what some may think as the mundane, he creates interesting, thought-provoking pieces that have become more than pop art.

Tom Hanks took the stage next, introducing the great Steven Spielberg.  Hanks was funny and comfortable, and he was able to relax the audience even more.  And of course Spielberg was just exquisite as he spoke about the great Stanley Kubrick, telling stories of their early days together as directors.  I felt as if I had entered the secret Hollywood club that I should never be allowed into.  Spielberg's admiration for Kubrick was apparent, and he seemed to really glow while talking about his relationship with Kubrick.  The night just got even more powerful when Kubrick's widow, Christiane Kubrick, spoke about his process of film and its simplistic genius.  To be within twenty feet of all of these artists was an honor and something not to be forgotten.

Florence, on stage with the Dior-esque back drop

Florence + The Machine.  Florence came out from nowhere like a Greek Goddess coming down to visit.  Her voice was beyond haunting, and she embodied pop artistry at its best.

With Monique Lhullier and hubby Tom Bugbee, both of us in Lhullier

Can't forget our Feathered Friend, Cameron Silver: best looking table there!

Steps to the courtyard

Dessert, champagne, scotch and cognac outside in the courtyard

Seeing the exhibition was the main attraction.  Walking through the courtyard and into the main building, I made my way to see film clips, costumes from films, set designs, Kubrick's personal chess set, cameras and more.  Beautifully displayed in a modern way, LACMA married the concept of 'film is art', which is what the evening was really about as the museum is adding a film wing to the museum.  The show has been traveling around the globe, so if you get a chance to see it, I highly recommend that you do.  What a special experience I had, to hear stories from Kubrick's friends and actors, including Jack Nicholson, before eyeballing the final piece de resistance.  What a night.

I left with the DVD Collection of Kubrick.  First on the list: Barry Lyndon that I've never seen...

Ruscha, "The End" acrylic on canvas 1991