After a Fashion

PARTY WHORE 'Tis the season, and I've tried my best to go to every party on my calendar, but sometimes the best intentions ... well, you know. The annual party for winners of The Austin Chronicle's "Best of Austin" awards were held at the fabulous Design Center of Austin. What a transformation it was from last year's party. The open spaces of the Design Center made for a more unified scenario where it was easy to mingle. And that pool! What a refreshing backdrop! Credit for the party would have to be given to our marketing director, Erin Collier, for her tireless efforts in putting the intricate and elaborate event together. Credit should also go to my editor for making sure that there was a fabulous BOA issue to celebrate. The indomitable Kate X Messer, whose own somewhat predictable "retro" sensibilities has her insisting that last year's BOA party site at Matt's El Rancho was "far superior," says this year the party was great, but that she was too distracted "lusting after the sinks and crap that I need for my home makeover"... More social news: You know, there're just not enough diamonds in my life. If you feel this way too, I recommend All About Diamonds, which is an apt name for this extraordinarily unpretentious store. I was in awe of the 88 carat black diamond on loan to them and the most magnificent suite of aquamarines I have ever seen. My jaw dropped to see the size of these ice-blue ice cubes – a $91,000 art deco bracelet featuring the aquamarine of death, planted in a bed of diamonds and platinum. Around it, a ring of aquamarine and white gold had been designed, and a necklace of so many enormous chunks of aquamarine that it looks like it might make the wearer lean forward all the time (a steal at $103,000). Owner Mark Marshall and his wife, Marjie, were excellent hosts and the wonderful catering was by Apple Annie's (at the Bank One Tower downtown). Though they've been around for 21 years, I somehow hadn't heard about them before, but I'm glad I did, and the food for the event was perfect – light and delicious... Our good friend from Houston, PR powerhouse Stuart Rosenberg of Studio Communications, joined writer Mark Sullivan and me at the Hon. Will Wynn and his wife, Anne Elizabeth's home for a benefit for Blue Lapis Light dance company, founded by the inimitable Sally Jacques. The company's dancers, modeling the creations of local designer Cat Swanson were lovely and romantic under the moonlight in the garden of the spacious and elegantly designed back yard. Also featured was glass jewelry by Matt Bezak, and the event was emceed by The Austin Chronicle's own arts editor, Robert Faires... From there, it was on to Maristella Ostrewich's Return to Glamor party at Sage Salon for a fashion show and the launch of the Davines hair-care line, the favorite of Jenn & Brad (the rep told me that Jenn's haircuts are $300, and her hair-color is $700). The wonderful Kurrant Events catered, and we partied with the hotter-than-hot Tabasco heiress Cassie McIlhenny (of the McIlhennys of Avery Island, La.), Neil Diaz, Mark Ashby, Alfred Robinson, Diane Nicholas... Then on to more partying at Oil Can Harry's where I ran into my future NBF (new best friend) Dale Senglemann. I've known the talented Mr. Senglemann for some time, and I always seem to run into him at the most fun parties, where he's always one of the most entertaining guests... Then I collapsed – too much of a mess to consider leaving the house on Sunday (not even for the Faces of Avant show – very sorry, guys – you'll just have to take my word for it that it would not have been pretty, but I did hear your event was pretty fabu, so good work!)... We were well enough, however, by last weekend to attend the OctoTea Dance at The Oasis – an amazing fundraiser for ASA on a gorgeous day. In fact, everything and everyone there was gorgeous, including the fabulous Hedda Layne, who performed to an enthusiastic crowd.

SOCIAL STUDIES Join Lucky Magazine in wishing a very happy first birthday to FactoryPeople. Celebrate with them on Thursday, Oct. 21. See their Web site at www.factorypeople.com for details... Pink Salon is celebrating its fabulous fifth birthday by presenting a hair, make-up, and fashion extravaganza called the Pink Circus of Astrological Sexuality on Sunday, Oct. 17, at 7:30pm. Call 447-2888 for details... Also, AIDS Services of Austin has their AIDS Walk fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 24; they are eagerly looking for participants to walk the walk, as well as volunteers to share time and resources to support their very worthy cause. See www.aidswalkaustin.org for details... Dress for Success, the charity that helps women re-entering the workforce, has their fundraiser on Thursday, Nov. 11. Contact Dress for Success Austin at 512/916-4322 or visit www.dressforsuccess.org... Oswald Gallery opens their new exhibit of work by Ken Rosenthal on Tuesday, Nov. 9, with an artists reception on Nov. 13. For more info call Oswald Gallery, 494-9440... Also, "Funicular," an exhibit of new works by Joseph Phillips continues through Sunday, Nov. 14 at the fabulous and private Plan B Gallery. Call owners Brian and JD Bowers at 441-6422 for an appointment.