FourTwoNine Lauch with Andy Cohen at No.8- NYC

Good afternoon contemporary art lovers! 
Last night on Thursday, September 19th, Publisher, Richard Klein, celebrated the launch of the new publication, FourTwoNine,a lifestyle magazine that will explore the worlds of celebrity, politics, and business, while presenting its readers with an editorial mix of art, culture, and fashion, through an LGBT lense. Andy Cohen, who appears on FourTwoNine's inaugural cover, celebrated at No.8 along with Lady Bunny, Sonja Morgan, Lisa Anastos, Mindy Cohn, Torkil Gudnason, Elaine Lancaster, Lori Michaels, Amy Susskind among many others! Guests enjoyed music by DJ Santana and DJ JonJon Battles while sipping Tito's Handmade vodka cocktails and Le Crema wines.

"FourTwoNine is going to appeal to a broad and engaged readership," says Sessums. "If I owned a car, I'd have as my bumper sticker 'Never Judgmental, Always Discerning.' I am hoping that that also describes our readership. I know it describes my editorial philosophy. While the magazine was created for an LGBT audience, it focuses on subjects we think our readers will find interesting, not just LGBT content. That's only one facet of who we are as people, and I think that will be only one facet of what we are as a magazine."

The launch issue will feature articles by Salman Rushdie, Michael Cunningham, Amy Fine Collins, Christopher Bram, Carrie Rickey, Brendan Lemon, Steven Thrasher, Henry Alford, Mark Jacobs, Helen Eisenbach, Amy Siskind, James Lecesne, and George Hodgman. Mark Doty, a National Book Award winner, will publish three new poems in the premiere issue. Other contributors include photographers Ruven Afanador, Christian Witkin, Torkil Gudnason, and Stewart Shining as well as illustrator Robert Risko. Also appearing in the issue are artist David Hockney and artist and model Casey Legler.

FourTwoNine will print 85,000 copies, which will be sent to subscribers and sold on newsstands throughout the country through Comag for a cover price of $12.99. The magazine was born out ofdot429, Sessum and Klein's successful media platform, which boasts over 70,000 subscribers.

Kevin Sessums, Editor in Chief

Kevin Sessums is the former Executive Editor at Interview and a Contributing Editor at Vanity Fair whose work has appeared in Playboy, Travel+Leisure, The Advocate, OUT, Elle, Marie Claire, Allure, and Parade magazines. His interviews are frequently posted on The Daily Beast website. His 2007 memoir, Mississippi Sissy, was a New York Times bestseller and won the Lambda Literary Award in the Men's Memoir/Biography category. 

Richard Klein, Publisher

Richard Klein is a successful entrepreneur and a major voice in the world of design and publishing. He is the founder and former publisher of Surface magazine, which under his direction was lauded by national media, like Vanity Fair, with such quotes as "One of the most striking new independent magazines in America." After selling Surface in 2010, Richard lead the launch of dot429 and is currently operating as the CEO and publisher of FourTwoNine.

photo: http://www.mediafire.com/folder/efomnoxn8piqq/FOURTWONINE_IMAGES_-_NO8_NYC

Photo Caption: FourTwoNine Magazine Celebrates Launch Party at No.8, NYC

Photo Credit: Balthier Corfi

LET'S PANIC, NEW LARGE FORMAT BI-ANNUAL PUBLICATION, CELEBRATES LAUNCH WITH PARTY AT THE HIGH LINE HOTEL REFECTORY

Good afternoon contemporary art and fashion lovers!!

On Sept 8th, 

Editor in Chief,Aaron Ward and Publisher, Greg Kadel, joined Art Director Jake Mccabe, and Senior Editor Jade Berreau celebrated the launch of their new bi-annual publication, Let's Panic,a fashion, art, and photography magazine, based in New York. Let's Panic celebrated the inaugural issue at The High Line Hotel Refectory with guests including Alexander Skarsgard, Joy Bryant, Tiesto, Erin Wasson, Michael Avedon, Christoph de Menil, Lindsey Ellingson, Fulvia Farolfi, Kenza Fourati, Hanne Gaby Odiele, Frida Gustavsson, Lady Victoria Hervey, Mark "Cobrasnake" Hunter, Charlotte Kemp Muhl, Johan Lindeberg, Maryna Linchuk, Scott Lipps, Bill Powers, Mazdack Rassi, Kerry Rhodes, Xiao Wen, Yelena Yemchuk among many more.

photo: http://www.patrickmcmullan.com/site/event_detail.aspx?eid=44949

Let's Panic is committed to exploring the creative. Each story is a collaboration between editors and contributors which result in a cultural statement of individuality that transcends the ordinary and allows opportunities to evolve in an arena free of constraints. The result is a surprising curation of mixed talent. Honoring the art of publishing and magazines, it strives to solidify the importance of the physical printed image and word by producing an artfully crafted object.

The launch issue will feature articles by Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon, John Waters, Dan Colen, Bob Recine, Vince Aletti, Kate Simon, Mary Ellen Mark, Toshio Saeki, and photography byNobuyoshi Araki, Nacio Jan Brown, Aaron Ward, Anthony Notabordino, Greg Kadel, Jacob Holdt, Harmony Korine, and Roe Ethridge, among others. Let's Panic will print 3,500 copies, which will be sent to subscribers and sold on newsstands throughout the country published by Passenger NYC, for a cover price of $60.00. The 180 page publication will be printed on 11.5 x 15.35 Inch 135 Gram Kiara Paperstock in Italy. 

AARON WARD is a New York based photographer. He is co-founder, creative director and editor in chief of Let's Panic magazine. Aaron has an uncanny knack for good times and a hunger for good work. He is an obsessive follower of photography, which has landed him in some interesting situations, from being photographed by Irving Penn to cocking Richard Avedonʼs shutter for a day. Passion and curiosity have kept him searching over a twenty year long career in photography and fashion. Always moving forward, he has tackled a wide range of roles in both fields. Now he has found a home for the full spectrum of his talents and experience as the Editor in Chief of Lets Panic! 

JADE BERREAU was born in Paris and raised in New York City. She grew up in a family with close ties to the most exciting elements of the downtown art scene of the 1980's. In her teens she began a successful ten year modeling career. Throughout the 1990's she worked some of the biggest names in fashion, including Steven Meisel, Patrick Demarchelier, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Calvn Klein. Around the turn of the century, she turned her attention to the publishing world and worked for five years as an editor with Conde Nast. With the birth of her daughter in 2007, she transitioned to editing art books and exhibitions. Most recently she co-founded Let's Panic where she has married a life time of personal and professional experience in fine art, fashion, and publishing 

JAKE MCCABE is a New York based Creative Director. As an original member of Visionaire, Jake was central to the creative development of some of the most memorable and elaborate limited edition issues, working with brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior, Hermes and Comme des Garcons. He was a co-founder of the ultra-fashion downtown magazine V Magazine. Jake then joined Coty Prestige, as Global Creative Director of Calvin Klein fragrances. During his time at Coty Prestige, he took on a similar creative role for Marc Jacobs fragrances, leading the charge in fragrance packaging innovation. Jake later recruited by Ogilvy & Mather to build their existing beauty business via global tv advertising campaigns. Most recently as a founding partner of August Agency, Jake has been developing product and advertising for some of the most important luxury brands in beauty. 

GREG KADEL is a us born fashion photographer and filmmaker based In New York. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Kadel moved to NY to study marine biology and Fine Art. Upon completion of his studies, He discovered his passion for photography and filmmaking. His images have been described as "classic with a modern flair" and he is respected for his unique ability to bring the best out of his subjects. He currently spends his time working between New York, Paris and Los Angeles. Greg Kadel's images have appeared in publications including Allure, American Vogue, Vogue Italia, Vogue Nippon, l'uomo Vogue, Vogue Paris, Vogue Germany, Vogue China, Numéro, Numéro Homme, Muse, Visionaire, I-D, Industrie, The Face, Another Magazine, Harper's Bazaar, British Gq, 10 Magazine, V and Visionaire. His advertising clients include Anna Sui, Aussie, Aveda, Bergdorf Goodman, Chantelle, Christian Dior, Clarins, Diane Von Furstenburg, Elie Tahari, Fekkai, George Rech, Guilty Brotherhood, Hermes, H&M, Isetan, Jill Sander, John Richmond, Lancome, La Senza, Loewe, Longchamp, Louis Vuitton, l'oreal, Max Mara, Maybelline, Neiman Marcus, Oscar De La Renta, Passionata, Salvatore Ferragamo, Sephora, Shiseido, Valentino, And Victorias Secret. Greg Kadel's Celebrity Clients Include Britney Spears, Yoko Ono, Woody Harrelson, Michael Stipe, Casey Affleck, Stella Mccartney, Ioan Gruffudd, Claire Danes, Ben Chaplin, Maurizio Cattelan, Kiera Chaplin, Hedi Slimane, Megan Fox, Kate Bosworth, Rosie Huntington Whitely, Mia, Avril Lavigne, and Rosario Dawson. Www.Gregkadelstudios.Com

VACHERON CONSTANTIN AND THE AMERICAN FRIENDS OF THE PARIS OPERA & BALLET HONOR BENJAMIN MILLEPIED

Good morning contemporary art lovers!
A week ago, Vacheron Constantin, the world’s oldest watch manufacturer with more than 250 years of uninterrupted history, the American Friends of the Paris Opera & Ballet and the Consulate General of France celebrate Benjamin Millepied’s appointment as Director of the Paris Opera Ballet at a private dinner. Hugues de Pins, President of Vacheron Constantin North America, will host the evening with Bertrand Lortholary, Consul General of France, and Olivia Flatto, Chairman of the American Friends of the Paris Opera & Ballet. Guests include Benjamin Millepied, Natalie Portman, Renee Fleming, Lesley Stahl, Lily Safra, Anne Bass, Christopher Wheeldon, Sebastien Marcovici, and Janie Taylor.

A private cocktail and dinner celebrating the appointment of Benjamin Millepied as Director of the Paris Opera Ballet.  Guests will arrive at the Consulate General of France for cocktails and then proceed to a seated dinner.  

Since 2007, Vacheron Constantin has been a principal sponsor of the Paris Opera & Ballet. Ballet and watchmaking share the time-honored tradition of passing down artistic skills both verbally and physically, from person to person, master to apprentice, with a quest for perfection.  Both require precise timing and a passion for beauty.

On view during the evening will be a unique timepiece: Métiers d’Art Hommage à l’Art de la Danse “Two Dancers on Stage,” newly created to honor the partnership between Vacheron Constantin  and the Paris Opera & Ballet.

The evening will conclude with a performance by violinist Tim Fain, who appeared and collaborated with Mr. Millepied in the film Black Swan. Mr. Fain will perform selections from "Partita for Solo Violin," before a montage of films directed and choreographed by Mr. Millepied.

Photo Credit: http://www.wireimage.com/search/#events?q=[179193812]&ep=0/0/1&s=3

MICHAEL KORS HONORED WITH FIT COUTURE COUNCIL AWARD

Good morning contemporary art and fashion lovers! 
The Couture Council of The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology honored Michael Kors with its 2013 Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion on Wednesday, September 4, 2013, at a benefit luncheon at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater, New York City. As has become the tradition, this luncheon heralds the arrival of Fall Fashion Week.
The Luncheon Chairs are Kamie Lightburn and Jieun Wax.
The Honorary Luncheon Chairs are Lauren duPont, Linda Fargo, Vanessa Getty, Patti Hansen,Iman, Karolína Kurková, Aerin Lauder, Sandra Lee, Crystal Lourd, Alexandra Richards,Theodora Richards, Renee Rockefeller, Jamie Tisch, Elisabeth von Thurn und Taxis,Elettra Wiedemann, and Anna Wintour.

Guests who attended the luncheon included Amsale Aberra, Reem Acra, Marc Anthony, Iris Apfel, Nina Arianda, Fabiola Arias, Glenda Bailey, Dennis Basso, Cathie Black, Andrew Bolton, Hamish Bowles, Geoffrey Bradfield, Mario Buatta, Robin Burns-McNeill, Sharon Bush, Lisa Cashin, Kathryn Chenault, Barbara Cirkva, Suzi Cordish, Christina Davis, John Dempsey, Carole Divet Harting, Simon Doonan, Linda Fargo, Fe Fendi, Amy Fine Collins, Joele Frank, Ron Frasch, Nina Garcia, Michele Gerber Klein, Marjorie Gordon, Jamee Gregory, Audrey Gruss, Cornelia Guest, Agnes Gund, Sharon Handler Loeb, Patti Hansen, Amanda Hearst, Celia Hegyi, Yaz Hernandez, Judith Hoffman, Iman, Chiu-Ti Jansen, Kimberly Kassel, Mariana Kaufman, Eleanora Kennedy, Coco Kopelman, Karen LeFrak, Leonard Lauder, Alexandra Lebenthal, Larry Leeds, Heather Leeds, Petra Levin, Kamie Lightburn, Jaqui Lividini, Carol Mack, Julie Macklowe, Fern Mallis, Grace Meigher, B. Michael, Gillian Miniter, Natalie Morales, Josie Natori, Liz Peek, John Pomerantz, Ann Rapp, Alexandra Richards, Theodora Richards, Darcy Rigas, Muna Rihani al Nasser, Judith Ripka, Sheryl Schwartz, Pete Scotese, Jean Shafiroff, Nancy Shaw Michelle Smith, Martha Stewart, Hilary Swank, Diana Taylor, Jamie Tisch, Lizzie Tisch, Barbara Tober, Zang Toi, Stefano Tonchi, John Truex, Kay Unger, Bronson van Wyck, Robert Verdi, Jieun Wax, Anna Wintour, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, Sarah Wolfe, Whitney Wolfe  and Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia.

The Couture Council Luncheon began with cocktails on the David H. Koch Theater terrace, which overlooked the Fashion Week tents. Guests were then ushered into the theater’s promenade for a three-course luncheon. Kamie Lightburn and Jieun Wax, the luncheon chairs, were the first speakers. They welcomed guests and introduced Dr. Valerie Steele, director of The Museum at FIT who said, “Every time you see one of Michael’s advertisements, you just want to BE that woman – so chic, so glamorous, jet-setting around the world in her sunglasses – and in the company of a handsome, glamorous man. So thank you, Michael, for all you do for the women of the world!”
Dr. Joyce Brown, president of FIT, announced the 2013 Michael Kors Scholarship winner, third-semester student Kim Nguyen, and thanked Michael Kors for his support of FIT. After the main course had been served, the chairman of the FIT Board of Trustees, Liz Peek, introduced Hilary Swank, who presented the Artistry of Fashion Award to Michael Kors, which was the highlight of the day. And a luncheon raffle prize was a stunning Asprey’s Life Ring of yellow and white gold rope. The Museum at FIT Couture Council Chairman, Yaz Hernandez, closed the event by thanking everyone for their support.
The luncheon’s menu began with a chilled sweet pea tarragon soup, topped with crispy shallots, buttery croutons, and radish. As a main course, guests enjoyed a Cobb salad with organic chicken, applewood smoked bacon, and Great Hill blue cheese. For dessert, ice cream sundaes and special FIT Couture Council cupcakes were served.   

Photos: http://guestofaguest.com/new-york/galleries/2013/september/michael-kors-2013-couture-council-awards/