This past weekend…

Edited by Aaron K, Nightlife Personality

I got to see one of the coolest dudes I know give back and not only raise money, build awareness but sing his heart out along with a few of my other favorite guys.  

I have a guilty pleasure I love my soap opera time.  I love General Hostipal.  It is interesting to me because I sometimes hear about someone else’s love for the show like – “me too – I grew up watching it!”. 

My mother showed me how great this show was when I was very young – I feel like I grew up with one of the characters, Robin on the show or even Jason.   I stopped watching for a bit and then picked it back up when I returned  from college. I would tape it every day while at work on my VHS tape and watch it every night.  I love the history of the show, the characters, the drama and the fact that it is something I share a liking for with my mother. It is our form of “gossip”.  My father jokes when we talk about the characters he laughs like ha ha it is like you know these people – like they are real life people with real life marriages and drama and such. Over the years I have developed crushes on different characters – I still though have a huge crush on Maurice Bernard who plays the bad gangster, Sonny Corinthos.  So much I named my little dog, Corinthos. ha ha.  I think the fashion community and others got to really buzz about GH when James Franco had a starring role.  He was amazing. But it took James Franco for some of my friends to say hey what’s happening on GH.  Yes girls James Franco is amazoid but so are a lot of other guys on the show. You have to see it and you will see what I mean. I know once I get someone to sit down and watch this show they are HOOKED.  The crazy thing is that they have so many loyal fans. Also GH has really adapted some younger actors into the show to adopt a younger audience too – very smart.    

Ok so back to the event…….. 

It was at the Town Hall Theater and was the ABC Daytime + Soapnet salute Broadway Cares – an evening of musical entertainment and comedy.  I only watch General Hostipal so the focus is on them but I love my girl, Bree Williamson, who stars on One Life to Live. She has walked in fashion shows for me and is just super duper cool!!!  She has been to a bunch of my events and is so nice. She also sings amazing which I was so happy to see.  And another awesome girl I met before – Sherri Shepherd – performed one of my favorite songs of all time.

Ok so we had Brandon Barash, Anthony Geary and Nathan Parsons sing ” Dirty Rotten “.  

I mentioned Sherri Shepard and her performance of “Proud Mary” and I loved her dress 

Then my buddy, Brandon, performed 

“What am I Doing?”. He is so talented!!! 

Oh and Nathan Parsons made me cry when he sang “Your Eyes” from Rent. 

And the very intelligent and funny, Bradford Anderson sang “That’s All” 

an adorable song about the girl he is looking to find… 

And I was in awe of Jonathan Jackson when he sang “Music of the Night” from Phanton of the Opera. Wow! 

Oh and Anthony Geary wore quite the outfit for his performance for “The American Dream”.

Here is  Bree Williamson and someone else that rocks BethAnn Bonner singing “For Good” from Wicked. I love this song about Friends.  

I really loved this performance and the costume and everything 

“He Vas My Boyfriend” from Young Frankenstein starring Bobbie Eakes.   

Finale 

I love coming home and sitting on my couch and watching General Hostipal.  No matter how crazy my day is the characters on the show have so much more drama – ups and downs.   I laugh and it is calming.

I have been very lucky to meet some of the cast members when I worked on the Daytime Emmys backstage lounge and some other events. Everyone is so nice.   And this group raised over 1.5 million dollars for charity. So they give back too.  

As I mentioned when I did daytime emmys backstage lounge for Caravan some of the stars of the show picked up some fun items from different designers.  Here are some photos from that: 

Kirsten Storms 

Sherri Shepherd 

Susan Lucci 

Tyler Christopher 

Finola Hughes 

Jason Cook 

Cornelius Smith Jr 

Brandon Buddy 

Daniel Goddard 

Heather Tom

My mom with Laura Wright 

And so many others. 

So thanks to General Hostipal and all the stars of the show that are talented and so kind to give back!  

I leave you with one of my favorite girls, my best friend’s, Kathryn’s daughter Karis hula hooping for almost 2 min straight.   

Twitter me at claudinedesola.

LINK: This past weekend…

Shana Gibson launches ‘I Ride My Own White Horse’ campaign

Edited by Aaron K, Nightlife Personality

Shana Gibson, owner of Modern Cowgirl, wants to inspire girls and women to be empowered, be their own hero, and save their own day with the launch of her new White Horse Campaign. Merging the boldness and moxie of the cowgirl, and the sophistication and style of chic couture, Modern Cowgirl focuses on celebrating the spirit and strength of the cowgirl within every woman. Modern Cowgirl is redefining the fantasy of the cowboy on his white horse with their motto “I Ride my Own White Horse”.

LINK LOVE:Shana Gibson launches ‘I Ride My Own White Horse’ campaign

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Men: "Calling All Prepsters"

Edited by Aaron K, Nightlife Personality

Funny, isn’t it? No matter how many times a new season comes around, when the weather changes we open our wardrobes only to feel at a loss what to wear and when

LINK LOVE:Men: "Calling All Prepsters"

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OUT WITH AARON K: Nutty-Acting

Edited by Aaron K, Nightlife Personality

I’m always surprised at how busy and nutty-acting everyone gets during Fashion Week prep. Everyone is in a huff. I’ve seen a lot of models in Soho, they’re almost all in huffs. Except for the “It” models, you know like Ash and Jethro. I bet they’re never in anything like a huff, they’re only in magazines. Is Cole Mohr still “It”?

Anyway, I got invited to the model casting for Duckie Brown. It made me feel a little special, but whenever I told anyone they sort of laughed. Everyone thought I was trying out to be a model, I wasn’t. Duckie wanted me there to cast models, and pretend to DJ. I really like pretending.

It was self-defeating though. The casting, I mean.  I was the short, pasty, black-clad kid with grandma glasses and bad hair. Everyone around me was 6 foot tall, healthy, fit, and beautiful. It was awful, and amazing. Amazing because they were changing and naked and trying on great clothes.

Two boys I party with came on a go-see. Is that an official term? Go-see? Or did Tyra make that up for America’s Next Top Model? But, right, Jace and Harvey came on a go-see. It was nice seeing them out and about during the day. And I think both of them were cast, because they have amazing walks and are so handsome.

Oh. Did anyone see that Craiglist missed connection from Tuesday? A friend posted it to my Facebook. I think someone I know, a boy, gave a man a blowjob at the Box while his girlfriend watched. It all happened on the balcony, I mean, I must have been a few feet away. Was it you? Tell me the truth. I need the scoop.

I think it’s a good nightlife when things like this can still happen. It reminds me of Studio 54.

It’s so sad that the Ruff Club is ending. I don’t know what else to say. It’s the end of an era, or something. There’s a rumor that Peaches Geldof and Jethro Cave will be there. That they’re going to DJ. I love Nick Cave, and his son Jethro is amazing. I didn’t know that Peaches is still around. Can I have her job? What is her job?

P.S.

I forgot to mention I met Christopher Sauve and Julia Frakes yesterday while creeping Soho with Alex. Chris was the nicest, like so pleasant. Julia was a button, but I kind of think I squeezed her hand too hard. Alex thought her pants were a great Beacon’s find, but of course they were Erin Wasson. Nicollette said Julia was a downtown luminary.

I guess she must be if she’s curating a collection at Screaming Mimi’s for Fashion’s Night Out. I’m jealous, wish I was curating a collection.

Did you know that even the Disney Channel changes its New York programming before and during Fashion Week? I told you, nutty-acting. Everyone.

OUT! with Aaron K: The Horror

Edited by Aaron K, Nightlife Personality

Faris came up to me at the Tribeca Grand Hotel the other night and was so sweet. I asked him his name because when I get confused or star struck, I get quiet and start lying. I mean, I know who Faris Badwan is. He looked so much like Aris (The.Beautiful.Kids.), I was surprised.

Alex English (GBH) sort of pushed me at Faris, I got scared and asked if he needed a drink. He had two though, so I left to look for a hiding place. It’s hard being a fan.

Later Joshua Grimm and Coffin Joe appeared. They were even better looking than in pictures, but they don’t use their stage names. I think that’s a little disappointing.

I got around to their table after a while and sat down next to Joe, I might have swooned a little. He asked me if I wanted a pick-me-up and put a glass of gin in my hand.  Joshua laughed a lot, but I don’t know what about. Elle and Michael joined later.  Forgot how much I love them. Joshua said Elle and I have the same mouth, and laughed more.

Joe really was the best, Joe and Pinky. Michelle too! I guess I love everyone. Oh, and I nearly forgot Kendra, my favorite door girl. She wore an amazing ruby sequined jacket, the shoulder pads were on the outside and chains and safety pins were strung everywhere. I don’t know how she does it, but no one dresses better.

Some people left for the Jane, but James and Lola kidnapped me. We went over to Home Sweet Home with Nadia.  It was a snooze, but lots of people I love were there. James gave me cab fare home and I slept like a baby.

This past week has been all about black-on-black minimalism. No tulle bows or turbans, no shrugs of human hair, no jeweled brooches but lots of rings. Rings and Chelsea boots and studded jeans, and this cropped double-breasted jacket with rounded shoulder pads. Shoulder pads are back.

Did I mention this little harness Alex Chapman made? I’ve been wearing it everywhere. I love soft Goth with light S&M flourishes, it makes me feel very Factory.

OUT! with Aaron K: Nite In, Nite Out

Edited by Aaron K, Nightlife Personality

I watched ‘Memento’ last nite with Sun Tek and Eric (Opening Ceremony). Pretty sure I missed a big night at St. Jerome’s; Facebook told me Justin Tranter (Semi-Precious Weapons) got ready for the bar’s 4th year anniversary party while watching ‘Gentleman Prefer Blondes’ and that Lady Starlight DJ’d. She wore some cute little gloves with lasers attached to the fingers. Justin was all batty eye shadow and tossled hair. Sometimes I wonder if he’ll wear that look forever. I mean, I do like a good uniform.

I love that I can go out without leaving my apartment, I got to be at St. Jerome’s and all I had to do was stay glued to my computer. Which I’m very good at.

I probably should have gone to the party, but my night was glamorous enough in its own way. Sun Tek is a famous artist, really, he lunches with Al Pacino and the Olsons. One of his pieces was even a prize at the Tribeca Film Festival. And these days Eric models for Alexander Wang or something. He also photographs expensive Persian birthdays, I think.

Anyway, I guess my night was grand, because I was watching ‘Memento’ with people who are up there. Too bad the movie wasn’t very good. I probably should have watched ‘Mad Men’ or ‘True Blood.’

Or gone to St. Jerome’s.

P.S. Are Eric and Coco back together? Do you know Coco? She’s an angel. She was in Nylon once for something, but I don’t know what.

There was a scary bouncer at the door of the Leopard Lounge in the East Village last night. He didn’t know who I was and wouldn’t let me or a lot of my friends in. It made me very nervous. I think I paced around for a few minutes before I saw one of my favorite new trannies, Tiana (Bungalow 8), walk in with a train of muscle men. I think she or someone grabbed the manager for me. Trannies always know how to get the legwork done.

Trannies are such hard workers, much harder workers than most people. I mean, they have to erase all the tell-tale signs of their manhood and draw in all the woman ones. Woman ones?!? Anyway, we swapped numbers and she wants me to come out with her, maybe Thursday. Definitely a consideration. Tiana was wearing something that looked like a rich woman from the Upper West Side who isn’t into fashion would wear, but she lives in the Upper East Side. She’s like some sophisticated transneighborhood queen and it’s becoming increasing difficult to offer a proper critique on her chic.

I forget last night at Cool Jerk!. It was memorable, but I forget.

I more than often remember getting ready for a party, than remember the party itself. I think the party has become younger and gayer, but better and better too. Michael T. (Rated X) and DJ Jess (Indierotica) were our guests and they both did really great sets. Michael had his hair flipped out and lots of white makeup on, and a tailored denim jacket. Jess said he had just rolled out of bed, but his pomp was perfect. Oh, and Tiana said someone tried to break a stall door in on her. She was so cool about it, but I was so uncool: I was too afraid to ask if she was using the men’s or women’s bathroom.

Afterward I stumbled into a cab and piled in with maybe 4 or 5 other kids. Brik picked a fight with the driver when we pulled up to Kellog’s, but I think maybe the driver picked a fight with us. It was frightening, I don’t know if he got paid. I just ran into the diner and got a table for five, but only Brik joined me and he drank all the water. I ordered a bison burger, because I’m a truely loyal American (and I thought they were going extinct, which just makes ordering one seem like the equivalent of layering myself in forbidden pelts from dead beasts).It seemed decadent, but it was really tasty and exactly what I needed.

Now Brik is playing with a bolt of spandex he found on the street. That’s no way to make friends. But we’re trying to get ready forthe Box, it’s a Caligula themed party tonight for some reason or another. A toga party? I don’t know about that. But Caligula is such a good movie.

If you’re coming, password: Caligula.

Go figure.

Designer: Felipe Oliveira Baptista

Edited by Aaron K, Nightlife Personality

Portuguese designer Felipe Oliveira Baptista has been in the fashion industry since 1997, working for such names as Max Mara, Cerruti and Thimister as well as doing free lance design, photography and graphic design. He showed his first collection under his own name in 2002 and was quickly recognized, becoming the co-winner of the “Grand Prix” at the “Festival de Hyeres”, since then he has won several other awards as well as been invited to join the official Calender of Paris Haute Couture, fathered by Hermes and Gaultier. He has now launched his 2008 Spring collection, a mix of couture and ready-to-wear.

The collection was full of blocks of bright colors, geometric shapes and lines paired with solid black or white. As a fun detail, each model wore a superhero type mask in matching colors, many of them wore tee-shirts printed with masks resembling those of Mexican wrestlers, and one girl even sported a cape. The pieces included skirts and dresses cut above the knee, skinny jeans, long vests, waist length jackets and striped platform heels.