After a Fashion

The glorious Eloise DeJoria applies the lipstick from the new Ultimate Face Cosmetics collection. Husband John Paul (Paul Mitchell) spoke at the launch, held at the fabulous Trois Estates. (Photo By chaosinaustin.com)

THE E-MAIL BOX Impresario Tarek Morshed informs us of the launch of a series of fashion, art, and music events at Texture (505 Neches, 480-8921). Beginning Friday, Nov. 15, and continuing every first and third Friday, the club will host a symbiotic presentation by various boutiques, salons, artists, and filmmakers in an avant-garde setting. Beginning Saturday, Nov. 16, and continuing every second and fourth Saturday, the vaunted dance club celebrates receiving the Chronicle's "Best of Austin" 2002 Readers Poll award for Best Dance Club by introducing art, film, and theatrics into their usual award-winning mix. This should be quite a season for Tarek; he knows how to create atmosphere like few other club owners in town do... On Saturday, Nov. 9, 6-9pm, the swank Oswald Gallery (500 N. Lamar Ste.180, next to Jackson-Ruiz) hosts a reception for their new exhibit, "The Portraits of Yousuf Karsh." With a winetasting courtesy of Central Market, the event is a fundraiser ($20 per ticket) for the Austin Museum of Art and will showcase Karsh's memorable portraits of such luminaries as Albert Einstein, Georgia O'Keefe, and John F. Kennedy.

ON THE PROWL I feel completely ready for the holidays! I just got my eyelashes dyed! Now, I'd heard of this procedure before, but it used to be illegal. New nontoxic dyes render it completely safe -- and legal. Let me tell you, the results are stunning. Sporting thick and inky black eyelashes that make me feel like Elizabeth Taylor, I felt ready to face the holiday onslaught this past weekend. (If you'd like to know which spa offers this service, write to me.) The first stop was the black-tie affair for the launch of Ultimate Face Cosmetics. Sponsored by Paul Mitchell, the collection has fab colors and quality and will soon be available in a salon near you. The charming Anthony Hernandez is the national make-up artist for Ultimate Face, and it looks like they'll have a hit on their hands... After harassing me for weeks to go to dinner with them, James Rowley and Gustavo LaGrave of Vën Shoe Salon charmed me into submitting to a night out on the town. Not that it was a chore or anything, but I have certainly done my share of "going out" lately. Well, I'm glad they persisted. It began as a lovely, relaxed evening at Asti (43rd & Duval), and the excellent company made it so fabulous. I don't know why it took me so long to get there, but after only one visit, I'm a major fan. The food was magnificent (and very reasonably priced), the atmosphere was sublime, and the service from owner Emmett Fox and his crew was extraordinary -- graciousness personified. The evening was capped off with a visit to Bob Sherman and Ruby Lamb's hallowed Halloween party. This was one of the coolest, most creative parties I've been to in Austin, and Bob and Ruby were excellent hosts. With a collage of eye-popping video accompanied by music from DJ John Lohse and Mr. Sherman himself, it was totally wonderful. John spun amazing music; he plays regularly at a variety of events, but this particular night I was enamored of his selections. John let me know that his store, Gomi, in association with Laura Maxwell's Creatures Boutique (both on South First at West Mary) would be holding a Holiday Happy Hour on Fridays, 5-9pm through Dec. 27. With in-store specials, food, music, and wine -- adults only, please -- make it your happy-hour destination for the next few weeks. Anyway, back to the party ... I missed Bob's Hip-Hop Show, but knowing Bob, it was a scream. What I did see was Ruby Lamb's hysterical Los Madonnas -- a lip-synch show featuring Madonna from virtually every period. There were so many great Madonnas up there; Ruby portrayed the Erotica-era Madonna (of course). Another favorite was the Dick Tracy Madonna, who shimmied her way through "Hanky Panky" to much applause. There were some amazing costumed guests in attendance, even a rumor of an Anna Nicole sighting ... Well, no, not the real reality-TV tart, but a very convincing one -- so convincing that fellow guests were concerned about the attendee's well-being, wondering what she was "strung out on." The voluptuous woman with the slurred slang was none other than local torch singer and costume maven Leslie Bonnell. Needless to say, these guests went all out! Way to go, Ruby -- great show and great party! The Vën boys are very pleased to announce their upcoming event called Shair -- a fashion show in association with Daya devoted to shoes and hair (Shoes + Hair = Shair!) -- taking place on Saturday, Nov. 9, 8-11pm, at Daya on Guadalupe. The event will offer magnificent creations from hairdresser extraordinaire Lisa Brooks, as well as Vën's own collection of luxurious and glamorous women's shoes. Emceed by KGSR's Kevin and Marnie, the event is a fundraiser to raise money to build tree houses for the children at Candlelight Ranch and will be catered by the divine Asti. It will also have a silent auction, valet parking, a performance by Patricia Vonne, and a laser show. Tickets are $100. Call Vën (306-8200) for details. And of course, the Vën boys' newest project is the now-open Straight Edge men's clothing store at Davenport Village (What? You still haven't been out to Davenport Village on 360 at Westlake Drive? What are you waiting for? Just go!)

COME AS YOU AREN'T We are pleased as punch to announce that The Austin Chronicle Drag Ball 2002 will be at Elysium this year, Saturday, Nov. 16, 9pm. Featured performers will include NYC's Club Casanova, our own local drag boyz Kings 'n' Things, plus a host of Texas queens ... and things ... and more. If it's anything like last year's Chronicle ball, there will be audience costume contests and lots of interactive possibilities. You do not want to miss this one. Mark your calendars and polish up those cha-cha heels.