After a Fashion

Nicole Marie Vershoor, Jacki Oh, and Kate Hanley (l-r) mingle at Bad John Paul's Lust party.

Photo by Seabrook Jones

True Lust

Okay, Bad John Paul throws lots of parties, but last Friday's Lust party at Haven was the best so far. He is a perfect gentleman and host with the eye of a camera that cuts to the bone. Showcasing his new work, the party was a riot of color, costumes, faaabulous music by DJ Bigface, and, of course, the stunning, titillating, sexy, and sometimes violent images for which Bad John Paul is noted. The venue was a fun surprise – Haven (www.havenaustin.com) on Colorado. The old space seems completely transformed. Owner Sky Cheung was incredibly gracious and optimistic about the club's success. Honestly, it's a perfect venue for nightclub fashion shows and private parties – and the crew, managed by Annie Parmelly, was expert. Between the venue and Bad John Paul's circus of people, the party was a hit with A-List: Dallas' charming James Doyle (very different from his television persona) keeping me entertained all evening, along with Nico Acosta, Jon Jon Shakarisiz, and Adam Carmichael (who modeled designs by Atom Willis for us), and the adorable Chase Martin.

SMART FASHION

Apparently it's Project Runway that is responsible for every third person wanting to be a fashion designer. Marie Claire says fashion enrollment is up 20% since the show debuted in 2004. (Gee, it seems like a thousand years ago that I tried out for that show's third season.) Diya Liu graduated from UT this year in Biochemistry and Chemical Engineering. She also won Marie Claire's first ever Front Row College Challenge mentor program. Currently, Diya is interning at Marie Claire, and then will spend a week at both LOFT and Rimmel London. Follow her adventures at www.diyainherstilettos.com and www.marieclaire.com.

WAAAY HOT

It is nearly time for the annual Red Hot Party hosted by Oilcan Harry's (www.oilcanharrys.com) on July 20, 6-10pm. The annual affair, founded by Steve Higginbotham, Red Hot benefits the great folks and good work at Project Transitions (www.projecttransitions.org) as it has all along, having raised more than $220,000 over the years. Great food, huge silent auction, and entertainment, including a Red Hot Fashion Show presented by Joie De Vie Salon & Spa, Bumble and Bumble, SHi Productions, You Do You Photography, and Package Menswear. You know you want to go, so just mark your calendars right now.