Out & About
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
Gala season is just around the corner, which means lots of idle conversation over cocktails in loud hotel ballrooms. Surely some women will be comparing notes on the fashion shows they attended this week – and the celebrities they saw there. Oscar de la Renta’s show yesterday boasted a front row loaded with a new, younger generation of star clients – Ashley Olsen, Mandy Moore, Jessica Simpson, and Eva Mendes all watched the models saunter down the runway. Old, faithful clients were in evidence as well, such as society doyennes Lynn Wyatt and Jamee Gregory. Derek Lam attracted the ubiquitous couple Olivia Chantecaille and Eric Villency. At J. Mendel’s show were gala fixtures Lisa Airan and Helen Lee Schifter, along with Tori Spelling, Ms. Simpson, and Ms. Mendes. Donna Karan showed Bernadette Peters, Milla Jovovich, and Marisa Berenson a good time. Men got in on the action too; Val Kilmer took in Max Azria’s show.
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Last night, the West Village took on a South Beach flavor. On the quiet tree-lined Morton Street, Self magazine took over a brownstone to celebrate its 25th anniversary, decorating it with palm trees, white sofas, and sleeping pods. Samantha Ronson spun the tunes and guests crowded into an outdoor garden.
The highlight of the evening was when editor-in-chief Lucy Danziger presented Serena Williams as one of the magazine’s “25 Most Inspiring Women.”
On Wednesday, the brownstone opens to the public as the Self Center, a lounge, spa, and showcase for advertisers (it’s accessible through October 13 for a $25 entrance fee). One woman, however, was displeased about the celebratory commotion. Judith Seigel, who has lived across the street from the brownstone for almost 50 years, stood outside protesting its use for commercial purposes – not only Self’s party, but also movie shoots and the like. As she put it,”It’s wrecking my life because it’s making me so mad.” The magazine seems neighborhood friendly – it gave $5,000 to the Morton Street Block Association. Let’s hope Ms. Seiegel gets invited in for a massage.
