Social Safari: Behind the Lens
Radiance & Reverie @ Galerie Gmurzynska
Hollywood jeweler Neil Lane, whose clients have included Zoe Saldana, Jennifer Lawrence, Emma Stone, Lady Gaga, Reese Witherspoon and Madonna just celebrated the launch of his new book Radiance and Reverie at Isabelle Bscher’s Galerie Gmurzynska in the Fuller Building on East 57th St. Guests perused a rare collection of Paul Flato jewelry and the gallery’s exhibition of paintings by Joan Miro and Roberto Matta, and key works by Wifredo Lam, whose critically acclaimed retrospective is currently being shown at MoMA. Lane shared stories about Mae West’s diamond bracelet, gems owned by Marlene Dietrich and Joan Crawford while signing copies of his book. Lane has also been designing the engagement rings for ABC’s Bachelor Nation for nearly 20 years and says the original ring was inspired by Jean Harlow’s wedding ring. Guests included Marion Fasel, who introduced Neil’s talk, wellness guru Meera Gandhi, Fabiola Beracasa, Lionel Geneste, Wendy Fisher, and “Of Air and Men” author Damien Lay. Gmurzynska.com
To Rescue the American Spirit
Hilary and Wilbur Ross gave a party for New York Times best-selling author Bret Baier and his new book “To Rescue the American Spirit” about Teddy Roosevelt. Baier has also written books about George Washington , Dwight Eisenhower, and Ronald Reagan. Guests included Woody Johnson, Harry Benson, Ken Langone, Isabelle Bscher, plastic surgeon Dr. Sherrill Aston, Charlie Rose, Allison and Leonard Stern, Chuck Scarborough, and Andrew Roosevelt. Ross, whose current book is “Risks and Returns,” told guests about his new company iRocket, which recently completed a successful launch with their 100% renewable rocket in the Mojave Desert.
International Rock Star Yoshiki
International rock star Yoshiki, who gave $500K to relief efforts following the wildfires in LA this year, has donated another $100K to the Red Cross to support victims of the devastating fires in Hong Kong. Over 1,900 households were affected and at least 151 were killed during the deadly blaze. The money, given through his “Yoshiki Foundation America,” is being used to provide emergency supplies, cash assistance, and psychological help to the survivors. The singer, who is familiar to New Yorkers through his music and concerts, including at Carnegie Hall, has lived in LA for three decades. He told me, “When I see people suffering from such catastrophic disasters, I cannot stand by. I have performed many times in LA and Hong Kong and have felt the warmth of the people there. I pray that relief comes swiftly, and that the communities can begin to heal.” Yoshiki, who just gave another $100,000 to help flood victims in Thailand and Indonesia, was named to Time Magazine’s 100 List this year along with Serena Williams, Snoop Dogg, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Zuckerberg, Simone Biles, and Elon Musk. yoshiki.net
Joseph Hernandez
Wall Street executive Joseph Hernandez has launched his campaign for NY State Comptroller, seeking the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic incumbent Tom DiNapoli. “The State Comptroller must be a strong, independent fiscal champion who stands up for taxpayers and restores confidence in New York’s finances,” said Hernandez. “I’m a business builder, not a career politician, and I have a plan to transform this Office and use it to provide tax relief for overburdened NY families, build the state’s manufacturing base and innovation economy using AI tools, and create high-paying new jobs.” Born in Cuba and raised in Florida after fleeing the Castro regime, Hernandez built a career taking multiple healthcare companies public. Hernandez previously ran for NYC Mayor as an Independent after Zohran Mamdani’s primary victory. He says, “the Comptroller’s office must serve as an essential check on the incoming Mamdani administration while protecting taxpayers and ensuring accountability.” hernandezforny.com
Chaz Dean 25th Anniversary
Beauty star Chaz Dean, who has hair salons in Greenwich Village and Hollywood, is celebrating his 25th anniversary in the business. His clients have included Brooke Shields, Alyssa Milano, Jennie Garth, Tori Spelling, and Julianna Margulies. Over the years Chaz has had some hair-raising moments like the time “Desperate Housewives” star Nicollette Sheridan raced to the American Music Awards and hit the red carpet with her then boyfriend, crooner Michael Bolton, with her hair still in mini curlers. It’s also a milestone for his “WEN Hair & Body Care” line, which has made him a star on QVC, where he is a fan favorite on millions of TVs. Chaz’s talents don’t stop at hair. Chaz’s self-tanning bronzing mist has become a celebrity go-to, most notably for RHONY’s Kelly Bensimon, who trusts Chaz exclusively for her signature, streak-free glow. chazdean.com
strap-its
Cabaret star Luann de Lesseps, one of the original Housewives of NY, Million Dollar Matchmaker’s Patti Stanger, and “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City’s” Lisa Barlow are among the fans of designer Julie Karlitz’s strap-its, an affordable way to accessorize a bra with interchangeable straps. Just in time for the New Year, Karlitz has released a new line of festive straps, from blingy crystals and elegant pearls to vegan leather and animal prints, which allows women to create their own look for under $25. strap-its.com