Woody Allen’s “Don’t Drink the Water” by Long Beach Theatre Guild and Sisterhood of Temple Emanu-el

by

(Long Island, NY) This past weekend Long Beach Theatre Guild and Sisterhood of Temple Emanu-el proudly presented Woody Allen’s “Don’t Drink the Water,” in Long Beach Long Island.

This hilarious adaption of Woody Allen’s creation takes place somewhere behind the early 1960s cold-war iron curtain. The Hollander family cause an international spying incident when Walter photographs a sunset in a sensitive region. In order to stay out of jail, the Hollanders take refuge in the American Embassy, which is temporarily being run by the absent Ambassador’s diplomatically incompetent son, Axel.

“Don’t Drink The Water,” is a delightful cascade of comedy and was a solid hit on Broadway. It’s not much of a refuge for the ambassador is absent and his son, now in charge, has been expelled from a dozen countries and the continent of Africa. Nevertheless, the Hollander family carefully and frantically plot their escape and the ambassador’s son and the caterer’s daughter even have time to fall in love.

img_1469From left to right, Aaron Meyers, Tommy Larson, Steve Brustien (Walter) and Helen Proimos (Marion), in Don’t Drink The Water

After the production I interviewed Star and Actress Helen Proimos who was thrilled to play the lead role of Marion Hollander. During our Interview Helen revealed,

You know, Cognac, you cannot do this alone. Part of my inspiration to build my character of Marion Hollander was drawn from my own marriage and life experiences. But fortunately, I also have the input and guidance of a wonderful director, Richard Buckley. He is very attentive to detail and I like that. Also, the Assistant Director, Peter Triolo, has lots of experience and is also the President of the Long Beach Theater Guild. He is honest in his critiquing which every actor needs. He is also the set designer/carpenter.

Nancy Sullivan and Lisa Simon- Weitz are co-producers. They oversee everything and are great at what they do. Nancy even helps me with my costume changes because they are very quick. Sometimes we have to double up costumes and just pull the top one off. Nancy’s mom, Ginny, does the sewing and Don is on tickets.Logan on lights and Rich on sound.

This is community theater and we all have to pitch in. I even helped paint the set with other castmates. The men move furniture and sometimes the women do too. There is lots of backstage helping hands like, Ellen, Linda, and Barbara. Even more in larger productions.

The whole cast pulls together and does the best job they can and I am fortunate to be working on “Don’t Drink The Water” with very talented people. My co-star, Steve Brustein – who plays Walter Hollander, a catering business owner, has wonderful timing which is essential for comedy. We really play well off of one another. It is easy to believe this is really happening when he says things like, “Marion, maybe we’ll make that our slogan” referring to my line “Thank God no one died” in response to our customers being poisoned accidentally by his substitute (Sam Blackwell back in NJ) while we are away on vacation because he always ‘buys cheap’.

Stephanie Judge, who plays my daughter, is perfect in her innocence. Tommy Larson as Axel Magee plays a bumbling Ambassador’s son complete with pratt falls to a ‘T’. Joe Anfora’s confidence as Ambassador Magee can make you shutter. Lloyd Baum as the Sultan of Bashir has the presence and look of a shiek. His real life wife, Lillian Baum, plays his on stage wife and is adorable. Jeff Gedacht as Krojak has a very convincing Russian accent and although comical, makes you fearful as his character should.

Pam Madison as the Chef is just too good and I told her she’s stealing the show. Aaron Meyer as Kilroy has a funny bit when he is struck in the head and thinks he is the Wright Brothers. His wife, Ily, does the program among other things. Charlene Senzon is elegant as the Countess and you don’t doubt that she is for a minute. She also is my saving grace backstage helping me into my next costume when she can. Father Drobney is played by a hysterical Jeff Stevens who has been hiding in the embassy for six years and has been perfecting his magic tricks in his room – a ‘tricky priest’. He is now thrilled to have an audience in the Hollanders. I do a scene with him where we actually roll on the floor in my attempt to free him from the straight jacket he is stuck in. The audience goes wild. Debby Wilson is Ms. Burns who is the administrator and keeps her on things including Axel Magee.

I am grateful to be working at LBTG again. Last year I played Nellie in “Some Like It Hot” and I knew that I wanted to return because everyone is so nice and professional at LBTG which is a perfect mix. I got that role because the year before that same show was stopped because of Hurricaine Sandy and they decided to pick it up again the next year and the actress that had that role was not available. I am so happy to play Marion Hollander as this is a substantial role and also was an on Broadway hit in the 1960’s written by Woody Allen,

Helen Proimos is a SAG/AFTRA actress, singer and performer. Helen enjoys working in the theater on stage and in films. Some of her latest theater credits include Mae Peterson in “Bye Bye Birdie,” Mrs. Strakosh in “Funny Girl” and now Marion Hollander in “Don’t Drink The Water” by Woody Allen. She has had roles in many award winning independent films. She was Anne Heche’s horseback riding stunt double on the soap, “Another World.” Helen performed with a doo-wop group opening for The Platters and other notables. Helen’s latest film was the lead role she had in the film “Taught To Hate.” The controversial film received many accolades and prestigious awards both nationally and internationally. Aside from festivals, this film has been shown and discussed in schools and communities to help stop hate crimes and bullying. Her new project is portraying a young Eddie’s mom in the 2015 staged musical of Two Tickets To Paradise starring recording artist, Eddie Money.

She also can be seen on her new TV show “Stage And In Between Screen With Helen” on Cablevision every Monday night in Nassau County on Channel 115 at 10 PM, Hauppauge/Brookhaven area – Fridays, Channel 20 at 6:30 PM and in Riverhead – Wednesdays, Channel 20 at 10 PM.

The Long Beach Theatre Guild was incorporated on December 6, 1972. Long Beach Theatre Guild is one of the original not for profit community theatre groups still going strong. They are a member of the American Association of Community Theatres.

helencognac1 SAG/AFTRA actress, singer and performer Helen Proimos with Entertainment Journalist Cognac Wellerlane after a performance of Woody Allen’s Don’t Drink The Water at the Long Beach Theatre

The Long Beach Theatre has been in continuous operation and they are proud to reflect on past productions. In addition to 36 musicals, Long Beach Theatre Guild has presented 64 comedies, dramas, straight plays and original works. Their past critically acclaimed presentations have been at the Point Lookout Rec Hall and Ye Olde Fire House as well as Lindell Auditorium in Long Beach. Their administrative office is in Point Lookout. Because of the large size of their audience, they have now “outgrown” these other venues and their productions will now been seen at Temple Emanu-el in Long Beach in cooperation with the Temple Sisterhood.

For a local community group, their record of presenting these productions is unmatched.

The Long Beach Theatre Guild presents critically acclaimed live theatre which has enabled many of their thespians to move on to careers in film, Broadway and the entertainment media. Long Beach Theatre Guild: a community not for profit theatrical group presenting musicals, comedies, drama and workshops featuring members of the community. Productions run throughout the year. Inexpensive individual or family membership is available. The Long Beach Theatre Guild has several programs for backstage technical talent as well as on stage performers.

For more information please visit www.longbeachtheatreguild.com

The 4th Annual Gold Coast International Film Festival

by

(Long Island, NY) The Gold Coast Arts Center, in conjunction with the Town of North Hempstead presented the fourth annual Gold Coast International Film Festival from November 3rd through November 9, 2014. The festival was a special week of films, parties, panels, and glamour.

This year the festival was proud to announce that four-time Academy Award-winning Production and Costume Designer (The Great Gatsby, Moulin Rouge!) Catherine Martin who accepted the Gold Coast International Film Festival Artist of Distinction Award at their Opening Night Gala which took place at Leonard’s Palazzo 555 in Great Neck on Monday November 3, 2014. Also being honored was President of the Gold Coast Arts Center, Michael Glickman. Mr. Glickman accepted the Man of the Year Award; and Marie Cecile Flageul and Jonathan Cohen, (known as Meres One) received the Art and Activism Award.

Screenings and events at this year’s festival took place at the Soundview Cinemas in Port Washington and at Bow Tie Cinemas in Great Neck, Port Washington, Manhasset, Roslyn as well as at other venues including the Gold Coast Arts Center in Great Neck.

goldcoast3 Interview with Creative Director and Founder, Regina Gil, at the fourth annual Gold Coast International Film Festival.

During my interview with Creative Director and Founder, Regina Gil, I inquired:

“How many films premiered here at this year’s festival?”

Well over thirty-five, perhaps more. What happens is we’ll say that we will only have twenty-five films and then opportunities come up and we want to be able to give a platform to some filmmakers who’s work is good, so we don’t say no.

“Do you have a specific idea of the range of films that you would like to be seen here at the festival?’

“We are very diverse. We believe that when you are in a suburb you don’t have access to diversity the same way you do when you are in an urban situation so we invite foreign film, we have quite a number of those, documentaries about serious subjects, documentaries about funny subjects, we had a congressman in that auditorium and we had a comic in this auditorium. We always try to mix it up. We have feature length films; we have short films. We run the gambit.

I also asked Regina where her love of film came from. Her response was,

“I actually love all of the arts. I was raised in New York City and I am a professional artist and sculptor by trade. I founded the arts center which is the only multi-arts center in Nassau County and is about art, music, dance, theater and film; I discovered that for most people film is the most accessible art form.

Afterwards I had a chance to chat with Comic Jeffrey Gurian who discussed his friendship and relationship with the late Joan Rivers after the Q&A of the documentary “A Piece of Work”.

goldcoast2 Comic Jeffrey Gurian discussed his friendship and relationship with the late Joan Rivers after the Q and A of the documentary A Piece of Work.

“Jeffrey, tell my audience about this film,”

I asked. “It was about her life and her struggles because comedy is a very difficult field. She was a superstar. She was the kindest person. I wrote for her. I met her back in 1991. I knew her all these years. Last June 30th she came up to Cirus XM to do an interview with Ron Bennington from The Ron and Fez Show. That’s the show I am on and she was very gracious. She was promoting her new book called ‘Diary of a Mad Diva.’ She worked 24/7 non-stop. The nicest thing about Joan was that she was eighty-one years old but she was hip, she was relevant and other comedians revered her. She was loved by the comedy community,” Jeffrey confessed.

I also asked him if there was a special moment he had with Joan.

“On June 30th when she came up to Cirus and they brought me in to see her, I was asking about her book and she was asking me about my book, I offered to give her a copy. She said absolutely not I want to buy a copy of it and she had Jocelyn her assistant take a picture of the cover so she could order it. She said I want to support you and the book.”

‘A Piece of Work’ is a tribute to the late, great Joan Rivers. The Gold Coast International Film Festival was delighted to bring back this excellent documentary that welcomes viewers into the legendary icon’s comedic process and private dramas as she fights tooth and nail to keep her American dream alive. Followed by a Q&A with comedians and those who knew Joan, celebrating her comedic legacy including Director Ricki Stern and Jeffrey Gurian.

Woody Allen took the challenge of allowing an aspiring young comedy writer to meet with him backstage on Broadway, many years ago, when he was starring in “Play It Again, Sam.” Allen was so impressed with the young writer that he decided to invite him to bring more of his material the next evening and encouraged the young man to pursue his dream of writing comedy. That young man was Jeffrey Gurian.

Allen was the first to instruct Gurian that his comedy was “very visual” and urged him to think about adapting it to film. However it wasn’t until several years later that Emmy award winning writer/producer Alan Zweibel, (Sat. Night Live, Gary Shandling, The Other Shulman), got Gurian involved with writing professionally. Zweibel introduced him to his manager at the time, David Jonas, best known for having catapulted the late Freddie Prinze to stardom in “Chico and The Man.”

Since that time, Gurian has written for many comics including: PHIL HARTMAN, RICHARD BELZER, GILBERT GOTTFRIED, GEORGE WALLACE, ROBIN WILLIAMS, PAULY SHORE, DICE CLAY, MILTON BERLE (who was also his sponsor in The Friars Club), RICH LITTLE, DICK SHAWN, PAT COOPER, JAN MURRAY, FRANK GORSHIN, JIM MORRIS, HENNY YOUNGMAN, JERRY LEWIS…and JOAN RIVERS.

For more information about Jeffrey please visit http://comedymatterstv.com

Over the past several years the festival has brought the latest Hollywood hits and Indie favorites to the fabled Gold Coast of Long Island. Add A-list celebrities and unforgettable events to the mix and it’s easy to see why GCIFF has become the “go to” Festival for film aficionados (it is also the last major film festival on the East Coast before Awards season).

Located in the Town of North Hempstead, the Gold Coast International Film Festival was established with the purpose of establishing a home on Long Island to showcase the work of exceptional filmmakers and provide the public with an insider’s view of the film industry. Festival events include screenings, workshops, conversations with prominent members of the film community, parties and a gala.

During the seven-day festival, area residents, visitors, members of the business and film communities, public officials, students and academics came together to celebrate the art and influence of cinema in the charming and historic towns and villages of Long Island’s Gold Coast.

The Gold Coast International Film Festival is produced by the Great Neck Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in 1993 and dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts through education, exhibition, performance and outreach.

For more information about the Gold Coast International Film Festival please visit http://www.goldcoastfilmfestival.org

Little Shelter Masquerade Ball, Andy Troy’s Annual Halloween Event and Malan Breton’s Masquerade Ball

by

(Long Island, NY) Animal lovers and creatures of the dark celebrated Little Shelter’s Animal Rescue 7th Annual Masquerade Ball at the Watermill event venue in Smithtown, New York on Thursday October 23, 2014 from 6pm-11pm. Guests enjoyed: a cocktail reception, dinner, open bar, live and silent auctions and live entertainment! All proceeds benefited the Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoptive Center.

Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center is a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter nestled on six wooded acres in Huntington, Long Island. Included on the grounds is Sheltervale Pet Cemetery which has been the final resting place for companion animals for more than eighty years. Suffolk County’s oldest humane organization, Little Shelter has been devoted to saving abandoned pets and placing them into loving homes since 1927. Age, physical condition and socialization issues are never criteria for rescuing a pet whose life is in jeopardy. Most of their companion animals have been saved from kill shelters on Long Island, in New York City and in several southern states.

Tito_Colon_and_Cognac_Welle Tito Colon and Cognac Wellerlane.

As a member of the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, Little Shelter is regularly called upon by the city’s municipal shelters to take pets in need of rehabilitation. All Little Shelter pets receive the highest quality medical care and are spayed /neutered before adoption. Every potential adopter is interviewed and thoroughly screened to ensure the best quality homes for abandoned dogs and cats.

Cognac interviews Director Dave Ceely and Event Operation Manager Tito Colon at the Little Shelter Halloween Masquerade Ball at Watermill Event Venue in Smithtown.

For more information please visit http://www.littleshelter.com.

On Halloween night ghosts, goblins and New Yorkers celebrated with Club Promoter Andy Troy. This year’s Halloween party began at Promenade, 344 3rd Ave. between 25th & 26th streets. Later there was a parade of ghouls that attended a much more lavish Halloween Gala at 230 Fifth of 1,000 guests on the club’s rooftop overlooking all of Manhattan. I had a chance to interview Andy Troy himself who has been hosting club events for many years.

Club_Promoter_Andy_Troy_Cog Club Promoter Andy Troy, Cognac and Casting Director John Thomas.

Andy is a personal trainer certified by NASM, NSCA and ACE and the author of the book, “Living Young: 32 Habits of ageless People.” He has been a consultant on six popular fitness DVDs as well as the creator of “The Bedroom Workout For Men,” a DVD dedicated to improving men’s sexual performance through flexibility, strength and endurance exercises specific to that purpose.

He has appeared on a segment of the Tyra Banks Show” which can be viewed by clicking the link on the homepage of my website: www.AndyTroy.com. He is also the subject of a segment in Insight Film’s new TV show, “The Straight Goods”. Andy has written numerous magazine articles on fitness related topics and has a degree in Psychology and a Masters in Counseling. He is also famous for promoting large, monthly parties in New York’s top clubs through his website: www.TastingNYC.com

Cognac interviews Club Promoter Andy Troy, Casting Agent John Thomas and Life Coach Bonnie Bruderer on Halloween Night.

Later Casting Agent John Thomas stopped by to chat. JT, as every calls him short for John Thomas, is the owner of JT TALENT AND CASTING. The agency is located in New York City and is a leader in the casting of film, TV, commercials, theater, print, special events and more. He have over 3,500 artists, actors, models, singers, dancers that his company represents. He have been the casting director for over 68 feature films and independent features and continues to work on several other projects. His company is established in all areas of the performing arts and now is a producer for film.

For more information please visit him on https://www.facebook.com/JtTalent.

I also had a chance to chat with Life Coach Bonnie Bruderer who is the Creator and Founder of “Be The One” Coaching and training. She is a serial entrepreneur and has been behind numerous companies including V.I.S.S., Dirty Dog and Occasion. Bonnie has provided council to thousands of people around the globe helping them achieve their dreams.

Bonnie has an extensive background in the personal development field including training in NLP, Hypnotherapy, Holistic Health, Results Coaching and holds nine certifications in human behavior an personal development. She is best known as the “girl who traveled with the gurus,” spending over seventeen years on tour with some of the top personal development minds on the planet. She has authored four books, has multiple audio programs, hosted her own radio show (Live Your Life On Fire) and has appeared on multiple news shows and reality shows as an expert coach.

She has appeared on FOX and NBC TV on numerous occasions and has helped leading organizations such as Anthony Robbins, Ticketmaster, City Search, and Active Networks achieve significantly higher levels of revenues and success.

For more information please visit http://www.bonnieannbruderer.com.

Later that evening we attended Fashion Designer Malan Breton’s Masquerade Ball at the Union Square Ballroom. I was delighted to catch up with and interview Designer Pamela Quinzi. Pamela Quinzi is a Fashion Designer born and raised in Rome, Italy. At fourteen years old she studied at the Institute Armando Diaz in Rome, an Italian high school specialized in fashion. She was also an intern for the oldest Italian couture brands: Sorelle Fontana, Gattinoni and Sarli. After graduating she moved to Milan and attended the Institute Marangoni studying fashion design. She graduated in 2005 and started her fashion career in Milan.

Pamela_Quinzi_and_Cognac Fashion Designer Pamela Quinzi and Cognac.

Pamela has designed extensively at the upper echelons of the fashion industry. She was responsible of the development for two accessories collections of the iconic brand Fiorucci. She currently has her own brand and the most important pieces in her collection are the One-of-a Kind shoes that she customizes by hand. International press calls Pamela “The new Cinderella of New York” a name that has caught on and inspired her blog Cinderellaofnewyork. In April 2010 she had the opportunity to show with a Fashion Show “New York Pop Princess” her first Hand-Made Collection at the Greenhouse club in Manhattan.

Fashion_Designer_Malan_Bret Fashion Designer Malan Breton and Cognac.

She continues to design and is a stylist for important music videos of Italian artists such as Lorenzo Jovanotti, Luciano Ligabue and Emma Marrone. Pamela is Kilame’s testimonial and face of her own brand. She collaborates with photographers, make up artists, hairstylists, designers and stylists from all around the world. Determination is her key of success!

For more information please visit http://pamelaquinzi.com.

Just when guests started grooving on the dance floor, Fashion Designed Malan Breton and I talked about his latest ventures. He recently was awarded the 2014 European Fashion Council “Eirene” Fashion Award, the 2014 Fashion Icon of the Year award from UCOF and was nominated for a 2011 WGSN Global Fashion Award. In Sept of 2014, Malan Breton was titled number 16 of the top 100 most popular people in entertainment for his work in fashion and costume in American television from Taiwan by IMDB. In April of 2014 Malan Breton was voted by Ranker.com the 24th most famous person from Taiwan for his work in fashion. Malan Breton Spring 2015 Collection was presented at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau and Malan was also commisioned to design a signature scarf for Taiwan that featured his artwork.

Cognac interviews Designers Pamela Quinzi and Malan Breton at Malan Breton’s Masquerade Ball at the Union Square Ballroom on Halloween Night.

Malan Breton has dressed many celebrities including Keith Carradine, Scarlett Johansson, Kerry Washington, Michael Buble, Martha Plimpton, Minnie Driver, Kylie Minogue, Ariana Grande, Ricki Lake, Daniel Craig, Nikki Blonsky, Katrina Bowden, Kathy Lee Gifford, Desmond Child, and Nolan Gerard. Breton’s fashions have noted mentions on the Oscar, Grammy, Cannes, Golden Horse and numerous other A-list red carpets around the world. He is also responsible for dressing 2013 TONY awards winner Jerry Mitchell on his winning night and 2014 TONY Award winner for “Best Musical” Bryce Pinkham. He is also known for discovering Sudanese supermodel Grace Bol.

For more information about this incredible designer please visit http://www.malanbretonhomme.com

The Minstrel Players Presents Ken Ludwig’s 2012 Edgar Award Winning Play “The Game’s Afoot”

by

(Northport, NY) Long Islanders enjoyed a performance of the Minstrel Players Presents: Ken Ludwig’s THE GAME’S AFOOT; OR HOLMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS, directed by Tara Paren on Saturday, October 25th at Houghton Hall – Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 Main Street in the historic village of Northport Village. A continued performance will be held November 2nd also at Houghton Hall – Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 Main Street in scenic Northport Village.

The production is set during the Christmas holiday season. It continues the exploits of the actor/playwright William Gillette who played Sherlock Holmes more than any other actor in history. Cast members included: Karen Mercorella, Tricia Ieronimo, Kevin Kelly, Gabriella Stevens, Linda Randolph, Brian Hartwig, and newcomer Alicia James. Actor Ray Palen, who plays the title role of William Gillette and has received acclaim for his Holmes/Gillette portrayals and was most recently seen in the short play, “Checkmate”, as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous sleuth. The ‘World Class’ crew is rounded out with Robert Cashman – Technical Director, Debbie Palen – House Manager, Laura Morella – Assistant Director, Esteban Lopez – Stage Manager, Chris Mitchell and Daniel Schappert – Crew, and Bernard Caprera – Lighting Director.

ActorRayPalenandTVHostEnter Actor Ray Palen and TV Host / Entertainment Journalist Cognac Wellerlane at Houghton Hall, Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 Main Street in scenic Northport Village, Saturday, October 25th 2014.

The Minstrel Players are thrilled to be the first area group to stage this award-winning Sherlock Holmes inspired production. The story takes place on December 24, 1936 and Broadway Star William Gillette is admired throughout the world for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. He has invited his fellow cast-member to his Connecticut mansion for a weekend of cheer and revelry. Suddenly one of the guests is stabbed to death and his holiday weekend turns his isolated house of tricks and mirrors into a dangerous place to stay.

It’s up to Gillette himself as he assumes the persona of his beloved Sherlock Holmes to solve the crime and track down the killer. The suspense and hilarity are non-stop amusing everyone in the audience. It is certainly a glittering whodunit set during the Christmas holidays. Ray Palen is brilliant in the role during this two hour production.

Cognac interviews Actor Ray Palen who play Character William Gillette in The Mistral Players Present: Ken Ludwig’s The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays directed by Tara Palen in Northport Village, New York.

His character, Willliam Gillette, was an American actor, playwright and stage-manager in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is best known for playing Sherlock Holmes on stage and film..

Gillette’s most significant contributions to the theater were in devising realistic stage settings and special sound and lighting effects. His performance of Holmes helped create the modern image of the detective. His use of the deerstalker cap (which first appeared in some Strand illustrations by Sidney Paget) and the curved pipe became durable symbols of the character. Gillette played the role onstage more than 1,300 times over thirty years. He also starred in a silent motion picture based on his Holmes play, and voiced the character twice on radio. While most of Gillette’s work has long been forgotten, his last great masterpiece is still well known today: Gillette Castle in Hadlyme, Connecticut.

The castle is situated on top of a hill, part of the Seven Sisters chain, over a ferry’s pier in Hadlyme. The design of the castle and its grounds features numerous innovative designs and the entire castle was designed, to the smallest details, by William Gillette .

Ray Palen’s goal is to one day be as famous as William Gillette for portraying Sherlock Holmes, Conan Doyle’s infamous sleuth. Ray was just recently seen on and off stage as actor/director/writer for the recent One Act Play Festival — SCENES FROM THE ZONE. Mr. Ray is especially thrilled about the latest venture, Minstrel Academy, where he teaches most of the courses. ” It is an outstanding way to pay it forward and work with some great like-minded individuals who are true students of the acting craft and seeking to keep their skills sharp,” Palen revealed. Ray was blessed to have attended The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC where he was trained by a number of supremely talented actors including: TV star, Brian Markinson, and Oscar-winner, the late Jennifer Jones. He also received private vocal lessons from Tony winner, Ron Raines, and was personally coached by the late stage/screen legend, Allan Jones. Ray has performed in hundreds of productions since childhood and has a soft spot for mystery/thrillers. His inspirations for THE GAME’S AFOOT include, of course, William Gillette as well as the indomitable figure of Sherlock Holmes. Ray remains steadfast in his goals: working for Walt Disney World, playing CF for OUR New York Yankees and being named the first American Dr. Who. Break a leg to the enormously talented Cast and Crew and all my love to Debbie and (the littlest Minstrel) Princess Anna.

The Minstrel Players mission is to provide “World Class” entertainment at an affordable price. Above and beyond that, The Minstrel Players seek to work with other actors and theatre professionals who share the same love of acting. This includes buying into the concept of “checking your ego at the door” – an ideology that has worked well for this tight-knit group. They truly believe that putting together the right chemistry of talented actors creates a quality high level performance in every way.

For more information please visit http://www.minstrelplayers.org

Vered Art Gallery Shows Works of Bert Stern, Colin Christian During Hamptons International Film Festival

by

(Long Island, NY) During the Hamptons International Film Festival Vered Art Gallery exhibited a series of Art Works by major Artists. Below are some of the more important exhibits that I viewed.

Colin Christian: Cosplay

Vered Gallery is pleased to present Cosplay, an exhibition of new whimsical art work by renown sculptor Colin Christian. This much anticipated exhibit will be the artist’s first solo show in the US in three years. Cosplay, short for “costume play” is the inspiration for Christian’s latest series of work. In Cosplay, Christian enthusiastically tackles the monumental task of reimagining some of the most iconic characters from film, literature and pop culture.

HamptonsFestiva

Hamptons-Intl-Film-Festiva

BERT STERN b.1929

Photographer Bert Stern arranged to have three sessions with Marilyn Monroe photographing for Vogue Magazine in Los Angelos’ Hotel Bel-Air in late June 1962, six weeks before Maryiln’s death. These sessions produced extraordinarily beautiful and unique images of Marilyn.

Bert Stern’s career exemplifies the concept of the commercial photographer as a cultural hero. Money, power, and celebrity have established him almost as much of an icon as the famous faces he has photographed. He has become the prototype of the fashion photographer as the embodiment of glamor.

Hamptons-Film-Festiva

Color in Modernism, Begins: 9.13.2014, Ends: 10.30.2014

De Kooning once described art history as being like a bowl of soup. You stick your hand in it and find something for yourself. Modernism succeeded Classical painting. The classic ‘Old Masters’ were artists who regarded the physical limitations of painting, as wholly negative. Old Master painters attempted to conceal the flat surface, the support shape and the variations of pigmentation. However, the challenge to compete with the newly invented field of photography after its advent in 1839, caused painters to recalibrate; to seek a means of expression beyond the limitations of the camera. The ‘limitations,’ once regarded as detrimental, came to express themselves under modernist practice as openly positive identifiers of the medium. As such, flatness, literal shape and hues became primary, representative, and ‘pure’ qualities of the emerging modernist aesthetic. The modernist’s aesthetic inclination was to withdraw from representing reality, “in favor of an increasing preoccupation with the problems intrinsic to painting itself.

Hamptons

Chuck Close 1940 —

“If it looks like art, chances are it’s somebody else’s art.”

“Amateurs look for inspiration; the rest of us just get up and go to work.”

“Some people wonder whether what I do is inspired by a computer and whether or not that kind of imaging is a part of what makes this work contemporary. I absolutely hate technology, and I’m computer illiterate, and I never use any labor-saving devices although I’m not convinced that a computer is a labor-saving device,” Chuck Close reveals.

In the Hamptons Vered Gallery offers the sophistication and excitement needed to purchase and sell fine art of the 19th, 20th and 21st century. In the best tradition of successful secondary market galleries, Vered’s offerings are eclectic and rapidly changing.

Vered has shown many great artist’s works including: Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, Milton Avery, Andy Warhol, Fairfield Porter, Wolf Kahn, Man Ray and Willem de Kooning just to name a few.

Vered showcases art works of the great 20th century movements of Abstract Expressionism, POP, Color Field, Modernism, Precisionism, Social Realism and the School of Paris.

Owner Janet Lehr joined Vered at the gallery she had founded 8 years earlier, in the mid 1980’s, expanding its interest to include photography, intuiting the crucial development of the ‘new’ photography and its avid collecting into the 21st century.

For more information please visit http://www.veredart.com

The 22nd Annual Hamptons International Film Festival; October 9th through October 13, 2014

by

(Long Island, NY) The Hamptons International Film Festival celebrated its 22nd year in the Hamptons from October 9th through October 13, 2014. Each year the festival screens films from around the world. Below are some notable films that I attended red carpet premieres:

ST. VINCENT directed by Theodore Melfi starring Bill Murray was the opening night film at Guild Hall in East Hampton on Thursday, October 9. In ST. VINCENT, Maggie (Melissa McCarthy), a single mother, moves into a new home in Brooklyn with her 12-year-old son, Oliver (Jaeden Lieberher). Forced to work long hours, she has no choice but to leave Oliver in the care of their new neighbor, Vincent (Bill Murray), a retired curmudgeon with a penchant for alcohol and gambling. Together with Daka (Naomi Watts), a pregnant stripper, Vincent brings Oliver along on his daily routine: the racetrack, a strip club, and the local dive bar. An odd friendship soon blossoms between the improbable pair in Theodore Melfi’s charming comedy.

Patricia Clarkson attended the Festival on behalf of the Spotlight film, LEARNING TO DRIVE, which marked its US premiere at The 22nd Hamptons International Film Festival. Actress Patricia Clarkson also took part in “A Conversation With…” on Friday, October 10 at Bay Street in Sag Harbor. No matter the role, Clarkson brings intelligence, dedication, and her unique sense of empathy. A graduate of the Yale School of Drama, she worked on Broadway before making the leap to feature films with 1987’s THE UNTOUCHABLES. After successful stints on television, she achieved breakthrough status with 1998’s HIGH ART, where she earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Female. From there, she earned raves for her terrific turns in THE GREEN MILE, FAR FROM HEAVEN, HBO’S SIX FEET UNDER (two Emmy Awards), DOGVILLE, THE STATION AGENT, ALL THE REAL GIRLS, GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK, LARS AND THE REAL GIRL, CAIRO TIME, and EASY A. In 2003 she earned an Academy Award® nomination for her work in PIECES OF APRIL. Clarkson joins the previously announced Hilary Swank, Mark Ruffalo, Laura Dern and Joel Schumacher who are also participating in “A Conversation With..,” making 2014 the program’s most robust year ever.

The film GETT: THE TRIAL OF VIVIANE AMSALEM directed by Shlomi Elkabetz premiered at the festival on October 11, 2014 at the Sag Harbor Cinema.

The film is a final piece of the trilogy by Israeli siblings Ronit and Shlomi Elkabetz exploring the unfolding of a marriage under the jurisdiction of a rabbinical court. Under this law, Jewish marriage may only end if the husband presents a “gett”, a divorce document, to his wife. Calling attention to a male-dominated and sometimes decade-long process, and set entirely in the courtroom, this brilliantly written and acted film reveals the slow dissolution of a marriage between Vivane (Ronit Elkabetz) and Elisha (Simon Abkarian). Balancing the seriousness of what’s at stake with an often-humorous tone, GETT offers a deeply moving take on an otherwise painful procedure.

ChristieBrinkleyHamptonsInt Christie Brinkley, Hamptons International Film Festival.

WILDLIKE directed by Frank Hall Green premiered on October 10, 2014 at the Regal East Hampton.

I had a chance to interview the Director and Cast, Ella Purnell and Bruce Greenwood.

The film is a lovely trek into the stunning Alaskan wilderness, WILDLIKE follows fifteen year old Mackenzie on her first destination to the last frontier. When her stay with ‘Uncle’ takes a traumatic twist, Mackenzie must embark on a dangerous journey through the wilds alone. On her way she encounters another lone traveler (Bruce Greenwood, THIRTEEN DAYS) and together they offer one another something that cannot be found on any map: a chance at salvation. Starring Ella Purnell (MALEFICENT), Ann Dowd (TRUE DETECTIVE) and Brian Geraghty (THE HURT LOCKER), WILDLIKE is a thrilling and taut emotional film.

TIME OUT OF MIND produced by Richard Gere and directed by Oren Moverman premiered on October 10, 2014 at Guild Hall in East Hampton.

The film involves George Hammond who wakes up one morning in a random disarray apartment and is evicted by the building manager. He has a weeks-old beard and unexplained scratches on his face. With no where to go and without a dwelling He wanders the streets of New York looking for shelter and food. Filmmaker Oren Moverman (THE MESSENGER) and star Richard Gere, in a moving performance, bring many heartbreaking truths from this initial premise in TIME OUT OF MIND, a blistering and deeply affecting slice of modern day neo-realism.

THE HOMESMAN directed by Tommy Lee Jones starring both Tommy Lee Jones and Hillary Swank premiered on October 12, 2014 at Guild Hall in East Hampton.

THE HOMESMAN is based on the novel by Pulitzer Prize nominee Glendon Swarthout and follows the pious, independent-minded Mary Bee Cuddy (Hilary Swank) as she travels with three “damaged” women by covered wagon to Iowa across the American frontier. She soon realizes just how daunting the journey will be and employs a feisty low-life drifter, George Biggs (Jones), to accompany her. The unlikely caravan decide to travel east, where a waiting minister and his wife (Meryl Streep) have offered to take the women in. But the group first must traverse the harsh Nebraska Territories, marked by stark beauty, psychological peril and constant threatening conditions.

Hillary Swank and Artistic Hillary Swank and Artistic Director David Nugent at the Hamptons International Film Festival

FOXCATCHER directed by Bennett Miller starring Mark Ruffalo premiered on October 11, 2014 at Guild Hall in East Hampton.

With the Academy Award-nominated features MONEYBALL and CAPOTE, Director Bennett Miller has the capacity of turning real-life tales into powerful dramas. With FOXCATCHER, he delivers his most stunning and unsettling film yet. Based on true events, the film depicts Olympic Gold Medal-winning wrestler Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) and his revered sibling Dave (Mark Ruffalo) as they fall into the orbit of an eccentric multi-millionaire, John du Pont (Steve Carell). Their ambiguous goal is to launch Mark to fame and glory. Nothing quite prepares the audience for FOXCATCHER, as this riveting stranger-than-fiction story turns dark and tragic at the end.

A delightful film WEENIE directed by Dan Roe and starring Claire Lucido premiered on October 11, 2014 at the Regal East Hampton Cinema in East Hampton.

Weenie is a grounded sixteen year old teenager who wants to go a forbidden party. The audience is fascinated with the character and the obstacles she goes through defying her mother’s wishes.

Director Dan Roe is a graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and teaches the 11th grade Media Studies course at Ross School, an experimental boarding school in East Hampton, New York. He is also a cartoonist.

The Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF) is a year-round 501(c)3 non-profit organization with events, screenings, film workshops, comprehensive summer programs and an annual film festival each October. The Festival is the premiere film event on New York State’s east end, and is an intimate showcase of some of the year’s best offerings in contemporary cinema from around the world. With cash and in-kind prizes handed out totaling more than $190,000, HIFF continues to attract some of the best films of the year. Selections from all of our programs continue to play an important role during awards season. 2013 marked the 5th time in the last 6 years that a film at the Festival has become the eventual Best Picture winner at the Oscars, making HIFF the only Festival on the East Coast with such a distinction. In those 6 years, films screened in the festival have received 150 Oscar nominations.

For more information please visit http://hamptonsfilmfest.org

Dining In The Hamptons During Hamptons International Film Festival; The Maidstone Inn, Fresh Hamptons

by

(Long Island, NY) During the Hamptons International Film Festival I had the pleasure of dining at two notable eateries famous for their cuisine and ambiance. The Living Room inside the Maidstone is truly a unique and charming dining establishment. The hotel was recently purchased by Swedish extract Jenny Ljunberg and has been a sponsor of The Hamptons International Film Festival for several seasons.

The restaurant whenever they can, prioritizes the use of organic, locally sourced and seasonally appropriate ingredients. But as dedicated Swedes, there are some things that they simply can’t do without – a Västerbotten pie just wouldn’t taste the same using cheddar. No need to worry though, the Swedish products they import adhere to their good, clean and fair mantra.

Swedish chef Mathias Brogie only uses herbs fresh from the herb garden in the hotel’s exterior gardens and fish from the waters around Long Island. The restaurant’s baked goods including the bespoke Swedish loaves are from the Blue Duck Bakery down the road.

The hotel is dog and pet friendly and the environment is charming and reflects the Swedish origins as does the menu. Each dish is given attention to taste and presentation. The dining areas are diverse and beautifully appointed both outdoors and the interior spaces.

We dined on a yummy cucumber soup with many spices including curry, mussels prepared in a creamy cheese sauce and of course traditional Swedish meatballs which happens to be my favorite.

Maidstone Swedish Chef Mathias Brogie Maidstone Swedish Chef Mathias Brogie and Cognac Wellerlane.

Maidstone Owner Jenny Ljunb Maidstone Owner Jenny Ljunb and Cognac Wellerlane.

Maidstone Swedish Meatballs Maidstone Swedish Meatballs.

Maidstone Mussels in Cream Cheese Sauce Maidstone Mussels in Cream Cheese Sauce.

For more information please visit http://www.themaidstone.com

Another fabulous dining destination is Fresh Hamptons in Bridgehampton, New York.

Recently acquired by Chef Todd Jacobs, this eatery only uses fresh organic ingredients. The restaurant caters to yoga-lovin’, health-food eating foodies with a background in high-end gourmet fare.

Chef Todd reveals, “Here’s the truth, I just turned 50 (don’t tell anyone), I have a beautiful blended family with kids ranging from age 2-22, and I’ve found that eating vegan for breakfast and lunch gives me tremendous energy. That said, I still want steak fries on any given night. My partner Lillian is a yoga teacher, she inspired our PRANA menu. Gluten-free, raw, vegan, we’re all over it. But, to be served here, it has to be delicious. Our food is served in sharable or individual portions. I’ll suggest a sauce, (or salad dressing) but you can change it up.”

Chef Todd is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan. He spent six years running the kitchen at the American Hotel which received the Di Rona Award while he was chef. Chef Todd was employed at Maurice Restaurant and Le Regence in Manhattan and has appeared as a guest chef at the James Beard Foundation. He once owned Tierra Marr/ Atlantica in West Hampton Beach and left there to open The Allegria in Long Beach.

Fresh Hamptons Chicken Fresh Hamptons Chicken.

Fresh Hamptons Creme Brulee Fresh Hamptons Creme Brulee.

Fresh Hamptons Fresh Vegetables Fresh Hamptons Fresh Vegetables.

Fresh Hamptons Salmon Fresh Hamptons Salmon.

Fresh Hamptons Vegetable Roll Fresh Hamptons Vegetable Roll.

Chef Todd decided to come back to the Hamptons and is overjoyed with his new establishment Fresh Hamptons.

“Whenever possible I’m only using organic and locally grown produce. The media’s been very kind to me over the years. I’m grateful for that and even more grateful to be able to share the bounty of freshest most delicious food at Fresh Hamptons with new friends and old, here on the East End,” reveals Chef Todd.

We dined on fresh vegetables, kale, broccoli, salmon. Signature dishes include oven roasted chicken, quarter pound hanger steak and for dessert creme brulee.

Fresh Hamptons is about family, friends, food and fun. Chef Todd want to know what you think so please join his facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FreshHamptonsNY

For more information please visit http://www.freshhamptons.com

Southampton African American Museum Presents “Raise Your Voice”, 9th Annual African American Film Festival

by

(Long Island, NY) Southampton African American Museum presented “Raise Your Voice”, the 9th Annual African-American Film Festival for four days from October 2nd to the 5th. The celebration of the artistry of African-American filmmakers, actors, personalities, musicians and performers featured a powerful line-up of critically acclaimed, thought- provoking feature films, documentaries, shorts, jazz and spoken words.

Festival organizers led by Executive Director Brenda Simmons and Board Member, Oscar winning film director Nigel Noble selected a group of important films that highlighted the experiences of people of color from the joyous to the painful. Screenings took place at the Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Lane Southampton, NY 11968 and An Evening of Spoken Word & Jazz was held at the Southampton Cultural Center, 25 Pond Lane, Southampton, New York 11968.

Cognac Wellerlane interviews Filmmaker Muta’Ali Muhammad, grandson of Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee at the 9th Annual Southampton African American Film Festival about his recent film Life’s Essentials with Ruby Dee.

I had the pleasure on the last day of the festival interviewing Filmmaker Muta Ali, the grandson of Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee. We discussed his reason for creating the film.

The film “Life’s Essentials with Ruby Dee” featuring Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Alan Alda, Harry Belafonte, Danny Glover was written and directed by Dee and Davis’ grandson Muta’Ali Muhammad. The film is an open-letter style documentary in which America’s First African American Couple of Stage, TV and Film Ruby Dee & Ossie Davis. The documentary depicts their rich lives while Ruby Dee guides her grandson on his personal quest to master lasting love, conscious art, and undying activism.

Each of the films speaks eloquently to the complexity of issues facing not only the African American community but all minorities or Luke Meyer’s. Showtime is a coming of age story about two boys in their senior year of high school who earn money by dancing on subways – one of them likes a girl and their friendship is tested as a result. Unlocking the Truth which chronicles the meteoric rise of a young African American metal band from Brooklyn, New York, who write and create their own lyrics and music. The founding band members are Malcolm Brickhouse (electric guitar) and Jarad Dawkins (drums). This film deals with the realities that many people have to face when a loved one returns home from war and everything has changed.

photo1 Cognac Wellerlane interviews Filmmaker Muta’Ali Muhammad, grandson of Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee at the Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Lane Southampton, NY 11968.

The seed of the Southampton African American Museum (aka East End African American Museum) to share the rich history of African Americans throughout the East End and the world was planted in 2005. On December 14, 2010 the Village Historic Preservation Board approved the former 1940’s “gathering place” for African American located at 245 North Sea Rd Southampton formerly known as “The Barbershop” and currently the future home of the Southampton African American Museum, is the first African-American historic landmark in the Village of Southampton.

Its mission is to promote an understanding and appreciation of African American culture by creating programs that will preserve the past, encourage learning and enhance the life of the community. SAAM will research and collect local history, produce media events, create exhibits and community celebrations. Over the years many hurdles have been conquered and great programs are being presented in collaborations with many local agencies and establishments.

Helping to raise awareness for the Festival is a growing group of prominent East Enders who have joined the Host Committee as sponsors including Jean & Martin Shafiroff, Alicia & Dan Bythewood, Congressman Tim Bishop and Kathy Bishop, NYS Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. Florence Anthony, Sara Herbert Galloway & Barry Klarberg, Dede Gotthelf Moan & Terry Moan, Tom Edmonds, Tia Walker, Nigel Noble, Cheryl Buck, Nancy Stevens-Smith, Nina Beaty, Charles Certain, Letcher Johnson, Judge Gabrielle Kirk McDonald, Siamak Samii and Pamela Willoughby.

The 9th Annual African American Film Festival was made possible in part by Suffolk County Motion Picture/Television Film Commission, Suffolk County Community Development, Town of Southampton, and the Village of Southampton.

For more information please visit www.southamptonafricanamericanmuseum.org

Shailah Edmonds’ CD Release Party for Moonlight Magic at The Metropolitan Room in New York City

by

(Long Island, NY) Anthony R. DiStefano proudly presented Shailah Edmonds’ CD Release Party for Moonlight Magic at The Metropolitan Room located at 34 West 22nd Street in New York City on September 11, 2014.

Shaila entertained the audience with high energy serenading standard jazz tunes such Ellington to Porter from her newly released CD entitled, “Moonlight Magic.” This unique CD is Inspired by such classics as Ella, Billie, Dinah, Natalie and other legendary jazz vocalists.

Shailah Edmonds started her music career by co-writing a song for R&B legend Betty Wright, sang background for Fred Schneider from the hit group the B52’s and various other New York local artists. She opened for Sydney Youngblood at the Olympia Stadium in Paris. Eventually she became the lead singer of Motown cover band, Shayla & The Shaylettes, which includes two backup singers. Her jazz career started by recording with the legendary Lionel Hampton, and her current jazz band which consists of a trio or quartet and performs frequently at several upscale Manhattan venues. She is also a professional impersonator of Tina Turner and Whitney Houston. Whatever genre or act you hire her to perform, you are guaranteed an enjoyable performance.

TV Host Cognac Wellerlane interviews Shailah Edmonds at her CD Release Party at the Metropolitan in Manhattan during New York Fashion Week.

Shaila also lived in Paris for over two years. She traveled to Germany, London, Milan, Rome, Japan, Portugal, Finland, Africa modeling for the most prestigious designers in the world, including Yves St. Laurent, Givenchy, Dior, Valentino, Versace and Armani. After moving back to New York City where she now resides she continued to model for top designers as well as doing print work. After retiring from the runway, she continued to coach models from top agencies preparing them for the major shows, as well as doing print work.

ShailaShailah Edmonds, CD Release Party for Moonlight Magic at The Metropolitan Room located at 34 West 22nd Street in New York City on September 11, 2014.

As an actor, her first speaking role was in a major Mario Van Peeples movie and she has since been featured in several movies and soap operas. After booking a string of commercials, she joined the SAG-AFTRA union and continues to pursue an acting career.

For more information please visit http://www.shailahedmonds.com

New York Fashion Week Spring 2015; September 3rd Through September 11th in Magnificent NYC

by

(Long Island, NY) Once again fashion experts, designers, models, buyers, photographers, fashion editors and more attended New York Fashion Week in Magnificent NYC. The week-long event is the premier showcase for American fashion designers to present their creations to the world. There are two Fashion Weeks each year, one for spring fashions and one for fall. Fashion enthusiasts, the media and industry professionals all gather to view these shows and see the latest designs for the upcoming season.

Below are my favorite shows that I attended during the week of September 3rd through the 11th.

Zang Toi Spring 2015

The designer celebrated 25 years in fashion and his glamorous collection was appropriately entitled “A Privileged Life: The American Dream.”

Toi is well known for showcasing glamorous looks from beginning to end. This years collection ranged from a purple-and-fuchsia color-blocked knit dress with a matching purple robe to red tailored suits.

Zang is also known for his showstopping gowns worn by many celebrities and socialites including Lucia Hwong Gordon, Jean Shafiroff, Patti La Belle and Kirstie Alley. His gowns. “American Starlet” included a black tiered dress covered in hand-beaded purple orchids. “All American Stripe,” a black-and-ivory Empire waist strapless, was met with enthusiastic applause befitting a big anniversary.

TV Host Cognac Wellerlane interviews Fashion Designer Zang Toi, Music Composer Lucia Hwong Gordon and Realty TV Star Cynthia Bailey at Backstage at the Zang Toi Spring 2015 Show.

For more information please visit http://zangtoi.com

Malan Breton Spring 2015

Malan Breton Spring 2015 began with a performance of two male dancers, soon to be followed by two equally vivacious female dancers. Their traditional garments showcased the title of the collection: “A Journey To Taiwan: The Heart Of Asia.”

Costumes of the dancers included elaborate headdresses of feathers, sparkling floral embellishments and fringe.

The Malan Breton Spring 2015 Collection was a throw back to the traditional and bringing it forward into the future.

Classically Taiwanese fabrics with their luxurious velvet sheen were tailored into modern designed. The collection included three-quarter length dress pants in a bright iridescent teal pattern coordinated with a matching bow-tie. Another look included a simple button-down and beautifully sleek pale gold bomber jacket.

Celebrities in attendance included Miss Universe and Miss Teen USA. Malan Breton’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection provided an exquisite celebration of elegance, style and culture.

TV Host Cognac Wellerlane interviews Fashion Designer Malan Breton after his Spring 2015 Fashion Show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

For more information please visit http://www.malanbreton.com

Victor De Souza Spring 2015

Victor is an Argentinean designer who creates glamorous silhouettes. Victor De Souza kicked off of New York Fashion Week by having his models ride along Central Park South in horse drawn carriages. How romantic is that!

Victor De Souza was inspired by Albinism for his complete runway look. Victor reveals, “Albinism is an organism in which humans and animals can inherit making us all alike.”

TV Host Cognac Wellerlane interviews Fashion Designer VICTOR DESOUZA at New York Fashion Week about his Spring 2015 Collection.

For more information please visit http://www.victordesouzany.com

Edwing D’Angelo Spring 2015

Edwing D’Angelo Spring 2015 titled his collection “Voices of the Desert,” inspired by the Tuareg people (“Berbers”), who are the principal inhabitants of the Saharan interior of North Africa. The collection celebrates their traditionally nomadic pastoralist lifestyle. D’Angelo researched with specific emphasis on the Moroccan Northern Sahara’s culture, customs and of course traditional garments.

D’Angelo was fascinated by the whole idea of people who live in the desert and are always wearing black, in the West, warm weather means colors. So for his Spring 2015, he departs from that notion of color and presents an all black Spring collection which he finds very mystical and exuberant.

TV Host Cognac Wellerlane interviews Fashion Designer Edwing D’Angelo, Stylist Jo Lance and Illmatic Scream at Edwing D’Angelo Spring 2015 Show during New York Fashion Week.

For more information please visit www.edwingdangelo.com

Loris Diran Spring 2015

Loris Diran Spring 2015 Collection entitled “Where The Ocean Meets The Sky” is inspired of the Blues, Greys and Beiges of a Summer sky.

The collection is inspired by the “Teddy boy” culture of London´s 50´s and 60´s.

Well tailored suits and an emphasis on texture and structure was evident in the collection.

TV Host Cognac Wellelane interviews Fashion Designer Loris Diran at his Spring 2015 Show.

For more information please visit www.lorisdiran.com

Adrian Alicea Spring 2015

Adrian Alicea presented his Spring/Summer 2015 line during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. This season’s collection, entitled “Pleiadian Vogue,” draws inspiration from the Pleiadian Realm. “The Pleiadians a race of humanoid aliens that travel to earth from the electric, luminous-blue Pleiades Star Cluster. The idea of these aliens navigating the ordinary in their extraordinary ways speaks to Adrian both as a designer and a person,” revealed Fashion designer Adrian Alicea during our interview bacstage. His collection captures the essence of various decades including garments exhibiting an elegant madness and unearthly beauty that could only have been created through contact with another planet. Imagine paging through a fashion magazine in an alien realm. Imagine “Pleiadian Vogue.”

TV Host Cognac Wellerlane interviews Fashion Designer Adrian Alicea after his Spring/Summer 2015 Collection during New York Fashion Week.

For more information please visit www.adrianalicea.com

Helen Yarmak Spring 2015

Designer Helen Yarmak presented her Spring/Summer 2015 collection, “Spirit of Freedom” on September 8, 2014 at her exclusive terrace penthouse showroom in the legendary Crown Building located at 730 Fifth Avenue, 23rd Floor, NYC during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

For this collection, Helen Yarmak is inspired by the luxurious woman’s appreciation and longing for freedom. Not only does this collection create absolute freedom but does so while remaining both glamorous and versatile. Original shapes and designs were introduced with coats featuring Yarmak’s trademark reversibility and detachable sleeves and hoods creating entirely new coats and vests all in one garment. Soaring patterns feature cascades of birds and window panes with striking colors including ruby red, pink, white and black. Furs for the collection included lamb, mink, fox and sheared weasel. Helen also presented her latest jewelry design featuring extremely rare and precious stones and gems found from her travels around the globe.

TV Host Cognac Wellerlane interviews Fashion Designer Helen Yarmak, Fur Council Executive Keith Kaplan and News Anchor Jacque Reid at Helen Yarmak Spring 2015.

Celebrities that have worn her furs and jewels include Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Rhianna and Beyonce to name a few.

For more information please visit www.helenyarmak.com

To advertise your business on Long Island Exchange ® please call 631-592-4425