Festival Recap by Don Rose
LAFFING: there were comedies galore at this year's fest. "Cold Souls" was the hottest Dark SciFantasyComedy of the fest (okay, the only one), and the director said it was inspired by a dream she had in which she and Woody Allen are in a waiting room holding boxes containing their souls. (Dream analysis, anyone?) Paul Giamatti stars as himself; after undergoing a procedure to store his soul, it winds up getting smuggled out of the country and into a female actress who suddenly displays his great acting prowess. (Yes, the plot is kinda Kaufmanesque.)
LOVING: the LAFF is known for showcasing quirky tales of attraction action, and this year brought unique love stories. For example, "Paper Heart" (starring buzzworthy actors Michael Cera and Charlyne Yi) and "Paper Man" (the Jeff Daniels / Ryan Reynolds dramedy that gets The LA Report's Find of the Fest award), which kept audiences elated and enthralled.
LIVING LEGENDS: several made appearances, both live and onscreen, especially those in the (artificial yet artful) category Music Legends In Documentaries. Two living Doors (Ray Manzarek and Robbie Krieger) attended a screening of the new Doors doc "When You're Strange" (my favorite film of the fest). And there was white-haired Jimmy Page and Jack White at the premiere of the doc that features Page, White and The Edge -- "It Might Get Loud" -- as well as at the afterparty held at the Hotel Palomar (a spiffy recently-opened hotel at the corner of Wilshire and Selby, with a superb restaurant that served delicious sliders and other delectables at the party). In the arena of sports, "Facing Ali" featured many legends of yesteryear; this doc showcases the select group of boxers who took on the best boxer ever, and now share what it was like to fight The Greatest.
LOUDNESS: In addition to "It Might Get Loud" there was the loud (and now lucrative) sequel of "Transformers" to transfix festivalgoers' eyes and ears. And at the Ford Amphitheatre, "Soul Power" served up some soul-shaking sounds in its tale of the superstar R&B concert that took place at the time of the 1974 Zaire Ali-Foreman fight (yes, Ali was one recurring theme of this year's fest).
LIVELY LOUNGE: The Zone Perfect lounge was the central meeting/partying point during
this year's LAFF. Loved the interactive word wall and painting area. On one especially lively night, actress/comedienne Charlyne Yi showed she is a musician too (one with many rough yet endearing edges) as she rocked the lounge with her eclectic duo Glass Beef. Matt Nathanson also rocked the Lounge, on the final evening, as part of a special VH1 Save the Music night.
LLYN's LORE: at a Reel Talk event held poolside at the W Hotel (the first of 3 such panels over 3 consecutive days), lore about days of yore came forth from artist Llyn Foulkes, who was perhaps the most passionate of the panelists at this panel on art and design in film. He talked of a pivotal point in his art career when, instead of selling out like some others did, he took a different, less-lucrative road in order to keep true to his art - and heart. Was there a tinge of regret in his voice, or was it pride in pursuing the path he ultimately forged over the path of easy money? Hard to tell, but moments like that kept the panel in high thought-provoking gear, and proved that drama is not just found in the films of a festival.
LAFF's LEADING LIST: Leaving LAFF leads some to ask, "what were LAFF's hottest films?" Hard to decide, but here is The LA Report's Excellent Eight: Paper Man, Paper Heart, Cold Souls, Soul Power, No Impact Man, When You're Strange, It Might Get Loud, Facing Ali. These got the most buzz and crowds. However, there were dozens more movies just as heartfelt at the fest and, with time, may garner just as much attention.
All in all, LAFF 2009 was a well-run and supremely entertaining film festival, and we highly recommend you attend LAFF 2010 next summer. (Our one suggestion for timely retro programming next year: a screening of "2010", the sequel to "2001"; while it may not enjoy the classic status of the original, it's still a stellar film!)
Showing posts with label hotels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hotels. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
JUL 5: FREE ROOFTOP PARTY AT STANDARD HOTEL DOWNTOWN; FREE JELL-O SHOTS, DJs, LIVE HIP-HOP (FROM THRILLIST)
The following listing is from a Thrillist.com email:Party: Creme De La Creme
Saturday at the Standard: 550 S Flower St, Downtown
Continue your long-weekend revelry at this free rooftop pool party, with $40 champagne bottles, free Jell-o shots, 4 DJs, and a live performance from hip-hop crew Pacific Division, who use the slogan "Fashionable.Artistic.Trendsetters.= F.A.T." because nobody's buying "big boned".
The flier is here; rsvp to standard@dubfrequency.com
Friday, October 19, 2007
EVENT REPORT: LA FASHION WEEK PARTY AT THE CRESCENT BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL
(October 16, 2007 - Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA) Event Report by Don Rose
The Crescent Hotel, that classy overnightery/eatery/bar tucked away at the quiet corner of Crescent and Brighton in Beverly Hills, was the setting for a fun soiree Tuesday with numerous guests including fashion commentator Steven Cocojaru, former Miss California Candice Sanders, and many other fashionistas and LA Fashion Week attendees. Hotelier Gregory Peck, owner of the Crescent Hotel, and designer/retailer Katy Rodriguez, co-owner of the Los Angeles boutique Resurrection and also of her own namesake women’s wear line, co-hosted the party to celebrate hospitality and lifestyle. With the help of 10 Cane's hosted rum concoctions, and the hotel's delicious food (including mini curry burgers, boneless buffalo chicken strips, assorted cheeses and desserts), the guests all had a grand time (including yours truly). LA hostess Audrey Bernstein and international photography lifestyle magazine Big Magazine served as co-hosts as well, launching their latest projects http://www.oh-audrey.com/ and Big Show.
Candice Sanders (from Oddsnark.com)
Fashion parties, like fashion shows, are most successful and memorable when various key components, such as the venue, the guests, the drinks and the entertainment, share a similar vision and collaborate to form a collective theme full of energy, spontaneity and festive feelings of good will. This was indeed the case October 16 in Los Angeles, during the city’s twice yearly Fashion Week presentations that are quickly rivaling fashion weeks from other stylish cities across the globe such as New York, Paris, London and Milan. VIP guests comprising the "friends and family" of the hosts and of the honorees mingled on the Crescent’s outdoor patio terrace, as well as inside around the bar and in the cozy comfy-couch lounge area across the room.
About the Party Hosts
The three hour event celebrated the launch of Audrey Bernstein’s hospitality and lifestyle website (http://www.oh-audrey.com/). Having already been featured on the cover of a recent Los Angeles Times Magazine as part of the city’s new guard of power and influence, Audrey Bernstein has the answers to the questions of people-in-the-know. In a short period of time, Audrey has run an eclectic gamut of activities that involve her internationally-known and sought-after social circle comprising of top talent in contemporary music, fashion and art. Originally from Maryland, Audrey moved to New York in her late teens and was quickly swept into the 80s alternative art scene, even modeling for a Sonic Youth album cover before eventually moving to Vermont, where with equal ease, she became involved in competitive snowboarding. Training both stateside and abroad, Audrey worked her way up until she was ranked seventh in the world. Eventually, she moved back to New York to resume her creative callings. Once back, Audrey, who had been planning parties and hosting dinners for her fellow athletes on the road, began catering independently and hosting intimate affairs, mixing New York’s bohemians, fashionistas and taste makers, which soon transformed into Mothra, a weekly party that attracted one of the most diverse and star-studded crowds on the East Coast.
Now, having relocated to Los Angeles in 2000, Audrey has been busy with new projects. After continuing her weekly parties at Le Deux Café for several years, in 2004, Audrey shifted gears again and opened the successful Bluebird Bakery in Culver City, which seamlessly blended the glamour of her celebrity nightlife with the warmth and intimacy of a small café. Now, Audrey has shifted her talents to the web and has launched Oh-Audrey, which she describes as a lifestyle website where crafts, cooking, fun and glamour are not mutually exclusive. The site includes weekly entertaining and cooking mini-shows offering advice from experts, many of them her friends. Oh-Audrey is accessible, organic and off-the-cuff, encapsulating the earthly glamour of her personal style.
Joining Audrey in receiving praise is Big Magazine (http://www.bigmagazine.com/). Launched in Madrid in 1993, and now based in New York, Big is one of the most admired and awarded magazines of its kind in the world. Big has an international circulation of 20,000 and is one of the most collected magazines in existence today. In the past ten years, the magazine has garnered over 30 prestigious awards from organizations such as The Society of Publication Designers and the Art Directors Club in New York.
Big is published four times a year and every issue is based on a theme or a different city in the world. Every issue also features a different star art director whose vision is a point of view regarding the specific theme. Free from the triviality and sound bite mentality that currently exhausts our media, Big is not just an editorial product: it is a unique phenomenon of contemporary print culture. No other magazine in the world produces each issue on a different theme/region, with different teams of contributors. Big collaborates with the world’s top art directors to give each issue a look and feel entirely its own. Though initially named for its size, the magazine’s title could now refer to its influence in the worlds of media, art, architecture, design and fashion.
Nearly two years ago, Big launched its fashion show themed issues. Big Show issues are photographically fresh and superior in the way they cover the designers, catwalks, backstage, paparazzi, stylists, hair, make-up, models and after-show parties during fashion weeks in New York, Milan, London and Paris. All three issues of Big Show, including the latest issue, were featured with projected images from the magazines at the Crescent event.
Helping to host the event at his Beverly Hills hotel was Gregory Peck (http://www.crescentbh.com/). Gregory is also the principal developer of a new hotel, now under construction, called the Cooper Square Hotel in New York City. Gregory is at the forefront of next generation independent hoteliers. He has a passion and talent for creating hotels with a relentless attention to detail, exceptional service and a strong sense of soul. He has been intimately involved for many years with the design, operation, acquisition and development of critically acclaimed hotel properties. He founded the Crescent Hotel Group in 2001 for the purpose of creating innovative and creative hotel properties.
The Crescent Hotel, with its friendly staff, personalized service and discreet charm, is truly a home away from home in Beverly Hills. Originally built in the early days of Hollywood as housing for silent movie stars, this 1930’s villa has 35 modern fully-appointed and super comfortable guest rooms, an intimate lounge with a rare indoor-outdoor fireplace and the restaurant boé, offering creative new American cuisine in an al fresco setting. The hotel boasts a relaxing outdoor patio porch where most of the guest to the event will find themselves lingering in conversation.
Joining Greg as co-host was Katy Rodriguez (http://www.katyrodriguez.com/), the California fashion maven who owns the renowned vintage store Resurrection. She presented her own namesake line in 2005 and most recently presented her collection during New York Fashion week. Katy has been featured in top publications such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, W, New York Times, Los Angeles Times and Elle. She has also been recognized by Vogue on their annual Best Dressed list. A long-time resident of San Francisco and New York, Katy now lives in Los Angels with her longtime partner Tony Alva. Photographs of her latest collection which was recently shown in New York will be projected at the event as well as guests in attendance wearing her dresses.
10 Cane (http://www.10cane.com/) is hand-crafted by the experts at Moet Hennessy, the world’s premier luxury spirits producer. Named for its distinctive harvesting method- ten perfect sugar cane stalks, hand-cut and carefully bundled – 10 Cane represents the relaxed environment of Trinidad juxtaposed with the luxury and know-how of French distillation. A drinking experience simply unattainable with molasses, 10 Cane is rum’s redemption.
The Crescent Hotel, that classy overnightery/eatery/bar tucked away at the quiet corner of Crescent and Brighton in Beverly Hills, was the setting for a fun soiree Tuesday with numerous guests including fashion commentator Steven Cocojaru, former Miss California Candice Sanders, and many other fashionistas and LA Fashion Week attendees. Hotelier Gregory Peck, owner of the Crescent Hotel, and designer/retailer Katy Rodriguez, co-owner of the Los Angeles boutique Resurrection and also of her own namesake women’s wear line, co-hosted the party to celebrate hospitality and lifestyle. With the help of 10 Cane's hosted rum concoctions, and the hotel's delicious food (including mini curry burgers, boneless buffalo chicken strips, assorted cheeses and desserts), the guests all had a grand time (including yours truly). LA hostess Audrey Bernstein and international photography lifestyle magazine Big Magazine served as co-hosts as well, launching their latest projects http://www.oh-audrey.com/ and Big Show.
Candice Sanders (from Oddsnark.com)Fashion parties, like fashion shows, are most successful and memorable when various key components, such as the venue, the guests, the drinks and the entertainment, share a similar vision and collaborate to form a collective theme full of energy, spontaneity and festive feelings of good will. This was indeed the case October 16 in Los Angeles, during the city’s twice yearly Fashion Week presentations that are quickly rivaling fashion weeks from other stylish cities across the globe such as New York, Paris, London and Milan. VIP guests comprising the "friends and family" of the hosts and of the honorees mingled on the Crescent’s outdoor patio terrace, as well as inside around the bar and in the cozy comfy-couch lounge area across the room.
About the Party Hosts
The three hour event celebrated the launch of Audrey Bernstein’s hospitality and lifestyle website (http://www.oh-audrey.com/). Having already been featured on the cover of a recent Los Angeles Times Magazine as part of the city’s new guard of power and influence, Audrey Bernstein has the answers to the questions of people-in-the-know. In a short period of time, Audrey has run an eclectic gamut of activities that involve her internationally-known and sought-after social circle comprising of top talent in contemporary music, fashion and art. Originally from Maryland, Audrey moved to New York in her late teens and was quickly swept into the 80s alternative art scene, even modeling for a Sonic Youth album cover before eventually moving to Vermont, where with equal ease, she became involved in competitive snowboarding. Training both stateside and abroad, Audrey worked her way up until she was ranked seventh in the world. Eventually, she moved back to New York to resume her creative callings. Once back, Audrey, who had been planning parties and hosting dinners for her fellow athletes on the road, began catering independently and hosting intimate affairs, mixing New York’s bohemians, fashionistas and taste makers, which soon transformed into Mothra, a weekly party that attracted one of the most diverse and star-studded crowds on the East Coast.
Now, having relocated to Los Angeles in 2000, Audrey has been busy with new projects. After continuing her weekly parties at Le Deux Café for several years, in 2004, Audrey shifted gears again and opened the successful Bluebird Bakery in Culver City, which seamlessly blended the glamour of her celebrity nightlife with the warmth and intimacy of a small café. Now, Audrey has shifted her talents to the web and has launched Oh-Audrey, which she describes as a lifestyle website where crafts, cooking, fun and glamour are not mutually exclusive. The site includes weekly entertaining and cooking mini-shows offering advice from experts, many of them her friends. Oh-Audrey is accessible, organic and off-the-cuff, encapsulating the earthly glamour of her personal style.
Joining Audrey in receiving praise is Big Magazine (http://www.bigmagazine.com/). Launched in Madrid in 1993, and now based in New York, Big is one of the most admired and awarded magazines of its kind in the world. Big has an international circulation of 20,000 and is one of the most collected magazines in existence today. In the past ten years, the magazine has garnered over 30 prestigious awards from organizations such as The Society of Publication Designers and the Art Directors Club in New York.
Big is published four times a year and every issue is based on a theme or a different city in the world. Every issue also features a different star art director whose vision is a point of view regarding the specific theme. Free from the triviality and sound bite mentality that currently exhausts our media, Big is not just an editorial product: it is a unique phenomenon of contemporary print culture. No other magazine in the world produces each issue on a different theme/region, with different teams of contributors. Big collaborates with the world’s top art directors to give each issue a look and feel entirely its own. Though initially named for its size, the magazine’s title could now refer to its influence in the worlds of media, art, architecture, design and fashion.
Nearly two years ago, Big launched its fashion show themed issues. Big Show issues are photographically fresh and superior in the way they cover the designers, catwalks, backstage, paparazzi, stylists, hair, make-up, models and after-show parties during fashion weeks in New York, Milan, London and Paris. All three issues of Big Show, including the latest issue, were featured with projected images from the magazines at the Crescent event.
Helping to host the event at his Beverly Hills hotel was Gregory Peck (http://www.crescentbh.com/). Gregory is also the principal developer of a new hotel, now under construction, called the Cooper Square Hotel in New York City. Gregory is at the forefront of next generation independent hoteliers. He has a passion and talent for creating hotels with a relentless attention to detail, exceptional service and a strong sense of soul. He has been intimately involved for many years with the design, operation, acquisition and development of critically acclaimed hotel properties. He founded the Crescent Hotel Group in 2001 for the purpose of creating innovative and creative hotel properties.
The Crescent Hotel, with its friendly staff, personalized service and discreet charm, is truly a home away from home in Beverly Hills. Originally built in the early days of Hollywood as housing for silent movie stars, this 1930’s villa has 35 modern fully-appointed and super comfortable guest rooms, an intimate lounge with a rare indoor-outdoor fireplace and the restaurant boé, offering creative new American cuisine in an al fresco setting. The hotel boasts a relaxing outdoor patio porch where most of the guest to the event will find themselves lingering in conversation.
Joining Greg as co-host was Katy Rodriguez (http://www.katyrodriguez.com/), the California fashion maven who owns the renowned vintage store Resurrection. She presented her own namesake line in 2005 and most recently presented her collection during New York Fashion week. Katy has been featured in top publications such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, W, New York Times, Los Angeles Times and Elle. She has also been recognized by Vogue on their annual Best Dressed list. A long-time resident of San Francisco and New York, Katy now lives in Los Angels with her longtime partner Tony Alva. Photographs of her latest collection which was recently shown in New York will be projected at the event as well as guests in attendance wearing her dresses.
10 Cane (http://www.10cane.com/) is hand-crafted by the experts at Moet Hennessy, the world’s premier luxury spirits producer. Named for its distinctive harvesting method- ten perfect sugar cane stalks, hand-cut and carefully bundled – 10 Cane represents the relaxed environment of Trinidad juxtaposed with the luxury and know-how of French distillation. A drinking experience simply unattainable with molasses, 10 Cane is rum’s redemption.
WHAT: An invite-only exclusive party, with 10 Cane classic daiquiris gratis.
WHEN: Tuesday, October 16, 2007 from 9pm until Midnight.
WHERE: The Crescent Beverly Hills Hotel, 403 N. Crescent Dr. (corner of Brighton Way).
WHAT HAPPENED: Soiree brought together illustrious members of Los Angeles’ creative lifestyle gurus: artisans, designers, journalists, fashionistas, directors and producers.
FURTHER READING:
www.oh-audrey.com
www.bigmagazine.com
www.crescentbh.com
www.katyrodriguez.com
www.10cane.com
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
OCT. 16: ISES LA NETWORKING MIXER AT THE SOFITEL
ISES LA at Sofitel Hotel, Beverly Blvd at La Cienega, Los Angeles CA - 10/16/2007
Come join ISES LA for an evening of fun and networking. Sip specially mixed martinis and nibble on tasty hors d'oeuvres while enjoying a beautiful event at the Sofitel. Enjoy exceptional value at the Sofitel Hotel Los Angeles with its multimillion dollar renovation completed in 2006. European elegance meets Hollywood glamor in breathtaking new guest rooms featuring flatscreenTVs and rain style showers. Enjoy the perfect LA location, directly opposite from Beverly Center shopping and close to the famous Rodeo Drive, Melrose Avenue and the Sunset Strip. The swimming pool, sundeck and LeSpa facilities are now open to guests.
There are two fabulous on-site restaurants, Simon LA and Stone Rose Lounge. SIMON LA by Culinary Star Kerry Simon features Modern American comfort food with a flair. Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, SIMON LA offers indoor dining with 2 private dining rooms, and outdoor dining featuring lush foliage, water elements and fire pit. Stone Rose Lounge by Rande Gerber features signature cocktails and a sleek atmosphere. Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, the space features a chic indoor lounge with VIP room, along with outdoor cabanas.
ISES LA thanks showcase companies Sofitel Los Angeles, AB Elements, Grand Events, Spotlight Entertainment and Vanessa Stump Photographer.
Please register in advance, as at the door registration is $55. ISES LA events sell out. ISES LA reserves the right to release your reservation if you have not arrived 1/2 hour after start time. No refunds will be made.
WHEN
Tuesday, October 16, 2007. 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM.
WHERE
Sofitel Los Angeles (310-278-5444)
8555 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048.
FEE
ISES Members: $40.00
Non ISES Member: $45.00
Students or Attendees Less than 1 Year in Event Industry: $35.00
Strategic Partner Registration (per level of sponsorship): Complimentary
At the door registration: $55.00
View Event Summary
Come join ISES LA for an evening of fun and networking. Sip specially mixed martinis and nibble on tasty hors d'oeuvres while enjoying a beautiful event at the Sofitel. Enjoy exceptional value at the Sofitel Hotel Los Angeles with its multimillion dollar renovation completed in 2006. European elegance meets Hollywood glamor in breathtaking new guest rooms featuring flatscreenTVs and rain style showers. Enjoy the perfect LA location, directly opposite from Beverly Center shopping and close to the famous Rodeo Drive, Melrose Avenue and the Sunset Strip. The swimming pool, sundeck and LeSpa facilities are now open to guests.
There are two fabulous on-site restaurants, Simon LA and Stone Rose Lounge. SIMON LA by Culinary Star Kerry Simon features Modern American comfort food with a flair. Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, SIMON LA offers indoor dining with 2 private dining rooms, and outdoor dining featuring lush foliage, water elements and fire pit. Stone Rose Lounge by Rande Gerber features signature cocktails and a sleek atmosphere. Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, the space features a chic indoor lounge with VIP room, along with outdoor cabanas.
ISES LA thanks showcase companies Sofitel Los Angeles, AB Elements, Grand Events, Spotlight Entertainment and Vanessa Stump Photographer.
Please register in advance, as at the door registration is $55. ISES LA events sell out. ISES LA reserves the right to release your reservation if you have not arrived 1/2 hour after start time. No refunds will be made.
WHEN
Tuesday, October 16, 2007. 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM.
WHERE
Sofitel Los Angeles (310-278-5444)
8555 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048.
FEE
ISES Members: $40.00
Non ISES Member: $45.00
Students or Attendees Less than 1 Year in Event Industry: $35.00
Strategic Partner Registration (per level of sponsorship): Complimentary
At the door registration: $55.00
View Event Summary
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