What a wonderful and visually stimulating event this was. USA Network, together with Vanity Fair celebrated the launch of the critically acclaimed and much anticipated book “American Character: A Photographic Journey” with a Foreword by Tom Brokaw. The crowd was as diverse and picturesque as the book, which captured images of people from Alaska to New York and everything in between. I would say this book truly captures a sincere America and would not mind at all having this be the representative photographic portrayal of our oh so fabulous country. What I’m not sure about is if the event would’ve been as successfully diverse and dainty in any other part of the country.
The book features the work of the greatest photographers of our generation (Mary Ellen Mark, Sylvia Plachy, Dawoud Bey, Jeff Dunas, David Eustace and Eric Ogden, as well as emerging talents Marla Rutherford, Anna Mia Davidson, Joe Fornabaio, Eric McNatt and Richard Renaldi) and sent Tom Brokaw out on the road to get the true stories of Americans crippled by the recession. (Read more below the jump of pics)
As usual the wonderful open bar and mood-vibing femme DJ hit all the right notes to get a party up to the kick-off-your-heels level. As appropriately themed, USA Networks drew in lots of characters—the photographers were present along with those photographed (subjects in the book). Lenora Claire from Los Angeles who was photographed by Marla Rutherford was present along with a beautifully little girl named Lynn who was also photographed by Rutherford. One gentleman who was present—Normal Bob, caused (ironically) an instant smile to everyone that glanced his way—dressed as the devil (I’m not kidding)…who would’ve thought, “evil” causing a grin in a scene packed with bourgeoisie…. (ahhh…all in good fun).
Regardless, I felt super heavenly after indulging on the open bar and wonderful hors d'oeuvres. My absolute favorite: Salon Style by Joe Fornabaio—I would say he captured my America with regard to style the best.
He made a powerful statement “…while clothing can be changed and makeup can be washed off, the thing that makes the most personal statement of all is our hair.” He is completely right. Our hair is something that will portray a true tidbit about yourself. No matter what you do to your hair (color, perm, relax, straighten, curl, etc…) at some point it will always reveal it’s true-self. I loved his photography and felt as if I were watching a movie. I started to build my own crazy stories from each image. In one image he has an older lady “Rose Cohen” getting a haircut from Vincent Aiello. She is just sitting there thinking—and I was really curious as to what exactly was going through her mind? She’s so expressionless WITH wrinkles, (something you don’t come across very often because of Botox and etc…) making for a superbly dramatic visual experience. Here’s his site: www.joefornabaio.com 
Besides the photographs, the event was chock full off New York socialites and other glitterati. Gretta Monahan was there looking really cute and super lovey dovy with her boyfriend of many years, Lucy Liu, Jeff Goldblum, Rachel Roy, Project Runway Winner Christian Soriano looking mighty dainty, Dreama Walker, Rosie Perez, Yigal Azrouel, Dona Karan, Mena Suvari super perky, and President of NBC Universal Cable Bonnie Hammer among many others.
Here are some images from the event:
Christian Siriano posed for me at the USA Network / Vanity Fair Celebration for the Launch of American Character at the Stephan Weiss Studio
Dreama Walker attending the USA Network / Vanity Fair Celebration for the Launch of American Character at the Stephan Weiss Studio
Jeff Goldblum attending the USA Network / Vanity Fair Celebration for the Launch of American Character at the Stephan Weiss Studio
Lucy Liu attending the USA Network / Vanity Fair Celebration for the Launch of American Character at the Stephan Weiss Studio
Mena Suvari, Jeff Golblum, and Bonnie Hammer attending the USA Network / Vanity Fair Celebration for the Launch of American Character at the Stephan Weiss Studio
David Borish attending the USA Network / Vanity Fair Celebration for the Launch of American Character at the Stephan Weiss Studio
Rachel Roy attending the USA Network / Vanity Fair Celebration for the Launch of American Character at the Stephan Weiss Studio
Martha Alburquerque attending the USA Network / Vanity Fair Celebration for the Launch of American Character at the Stephan Weiss Studio
Stay fabulous!
xxx
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