Silver Anniversary for OUTFEST

I am back from Miami, getting ready for my upcoming Resort/Spring 2008 Fashion Show at the W Hotel San Diego(more details to follow!) and catching up on some past events I attended. Two weeks ago, OUTFEST had its 25th Anniversary of showcasing the finest in Gay, Lesbian and Transgender films, here in sunny Los Angeles and I was invited to several accompanying events. First was the Opening Night Gala at the historic Downtown Los Angeles Orpheum Theater, in which I attended with my buddy, Erik. I ran into several OUT socialites, including my favorite Latina, Wilson Cruz (whose body is too ripped for words) and Momma, an LA icon. It's not enough that she runs EC2--one of the greatest costume houses in the world and the home and archives of Mr. Bob Mackie-- Momma defines the word FABULOUS! Erik and I had a fun time, not only watching a great Opening Night film, but also partaking in the after party, traditionally held in the parking lot right behind the Orpheum. In one word, G-G-G-GAY--as in Season 2 designer, Emmett McCarthy's infamous bubblegum pink figure skating costume GAY!

That weekend, I was invited to attend and actually introduce the one and only Tim Gunn, at the Bravo Outfest Party, held at the Hollywood nightspot, Boulevard 3. First, I was honored when I was asked by Bravo to introduce Tim at this party. OK, I was verklempt! Tim arrived to the party with the beautiful Veronica Webb in tow. After my "introduction duties" were done , I enjoyed myself up in the Bravo VIP area with all my friends. There were a lot of Bravo "celebs" from all their different shows, including Work Out, Top Chef, and of course, Project Runway. Two of my favorite Project Runway alum were there, the always FIERCE Robert Best, and Andrae Gonzalo, looking very Resort 2007 in his ensemble. I also ran into one of my favorite trainers from Work Out, the HOT Brian Peeler and chatted a bit. Spotted at the party was the "Queen of All Media", Perez Hilton, who was at one point posing with a cardboard cutout of Heidi and Tim. OK, he was almost humping them! I also got the chance to meet one of my favorite hotties of TV, actor Matt Dallas of Kyle XY. He was, of course, surrounded by a gaggle of pretty young girls. There were many of Tim Gunn's books, "A Guide To Quality Taste and Style" as well as Bravo emblazoned pillows strewn throughout the VIP couches. Let's just say I spotted several Bravo "talent" snatching many of these under their arms-- like Latin mothers at a wedding taking the table centerpiece flower arrangement-- you KNOW what I am talking about! It was a fun party and again, I was honored to have been part of it and celebrate Outfest's Silver Anniversary in Bravo style!

Outfest Project Runway Premiere Party at The Ivar, Hollywood Last Friday, I was invited to attend the Los Angeles Premiere of Project Runway Season 3 in conjunction with the Outfest Festival. I went with David, John Wade and my friend, muse and date, the beautiful Brook Lee, TV Hostess and former Miss Universe. I designed a jersey print dress inspired by my infamous "Barbie Dress", featuring a shirred bust and midriff attached to a three-layered skirt . She loved it and insisted on wearing it to the Premiere and I think Brook looked stunning in it. I decided to wear my exclusive Madonna" I Love NY" T-shirt to this Los Angeles party for the kitsch factor! After doing the Red Carpet, we quickly headed upstairs to the VIP area and headed for the bar. I was happy to see all my "Magical Elves" friends (the producers of our show). It's always fun hanging out with the "crew" and the producers, since while we were filming they were so adamant about "The Wall" and how we were not allowed to speak with them, but now since we are done filming, "The Wall" has been "broken" and it's always fun reminiscing about our time filming the show. I also got to meet some, but not all of the Season 3 designers, including Malan(interesting British accent and looking rather "Count Dracula" in his ensemble), Bonnie(wearing a pretty cowl-back dress),Vincent(sporting a hat and a very wide smile), Angela, looking very stately and European, Bradley(quiet, shy and beardless), and Kayne. I was excited to see Kayne, especially since the last time I saw him was when , along with the other judges, I picked him to "go through to the next round" in the Chicago Casting. I had a great "bonding" session , chatting away with Kayne and his partner. I have a feeling we might have been split at birth! It was really interesting to see the Season 3 Designers and how they were reacting to the flashbulbs of the photographers. At one point, we all were gathered together , greeting each other(Season 2 along with Season 3), and the photographers had a frenzied attack. While we (Season 2) were ready for our "close up", perfectly synchronizing our turns with the demands of the photographers, some of the new seemed to be like "Deers Caught In the Headlights". It reminded me of my first photo-frenzy about a year ago. It was very cute and endearing I have to say. All in all, it was a fun evening . It wasn't fun, however, when I didn't get to bed until 3 AM and then had to get up THREE HOURS later to catch my Jet Blue flight to JFK. Needless to say, I spent the whole flight hooked to my Satellite TV screen and wearing my sunglasses to hide the circles around my eyes! Onto New York City: Today I filmed a segment for the TV Guide Channel for a"Red Carpet Special" , which will air Sunday, August 6, as well as doing an interview for People.com. Tomorrow is the NY Premiere Party and don't forget that Wednesday is the day of the Trunk_Show at EMc2 , Emmett's beautiful NoLita boutique. Come meet Chloe, Kara, Emmett as well as myself and shop 'till you drop. I cannot wait for my New York Trunk Show "Debut".