S: Is for words are powerful tools

Words are powerful tools that can either uplift us or drive us to the depths of despair. We are the puppet masters of each other’s lives controlling the emotional out pouring that test one’s strength of character. I once met a girl at a party who I didn’t care for much. She was ignorant, self-inflated and horrible dresser, except for the shoes in which she had great taste. I talked to her for all of five minuets, then I got stuck walking down the street with her. I basically was mute except for a few nods and mmhhh. I let her do the talking; it was much simpler that way. I ended up seeing her twice more and got by with a few more nods. Six months go by and I get invited to a concert. I see this girl who gives me this look and I don’t recognize her except for the bad clothing choices and sensational shoes and then it dawns on me who she is. Now none of this would carry any weight except I find out she has been spreading rumors that I am anti-Semitic. This girl who knew nothing about me picks the most ridiculous thing to say, had she taken the time, to find out about me. My favorite book is “I never saw another Butterfly”. It is the poems and the drawings from the children of Terezan. Though ensconced in grief it’s message uplifts the reader with hope in a world gone mad. This book lived underneath my pillow until I lent it to someone who needed it more than me. It has got me through the biggest trials of my life. I sing at benefits for Beitar and the Mayor is a friend. I have never looked as people as a religion, race or color but as people. I’m always afraid I am going to use the wrong word and offend someone because I am not up on the latest version. I know the newest term is African American but I find this so odd. Most African Americans are born here and a lot of their parents are from other places such as Trinidad or Jamaica. Why are they African Americans? My friend Tazzadi is from London. I have heard the reasoning is because all black human beings originated from Africa but does that mean that God was segregating? I am German, French and English does this make me a mutt American? The point is that these words cause gaps. I am completely white; I am not insulted when someone says it. Why is there a difference? I have talked with my African American friends and they don’t get it either. We who live in America are all Americans. It’s where we live. Black, yellow, white, tan, and caramel describe a tone of skin not who we are underneath. Jewish, Buddhist, Catholic, Atheist, and new age are formats of worship, which is our right to decide. My newest book of choice is the “Magus of Strovolos” It’s about a man who is called by those who fear and misjudge him satanic, quack and every name you can think of that is derogatory. This man however was an amazing healer who cured a magnitude of people and was sought after. Even some of the people he cured cursed him because he saw into their soul and they couldn’t handle the unconditional love. His level of tolerance of the ignorance of others was beyond most of ours and definitely above mine. This girl who I barely knew devastated me in her ability to conceive and spread this rumor about me. People I thought were friends have reached into the core of my soul in their misjudgment. I love my friends unconditionally and am therefore hurt more deeply. Today is my birthday and I reflect on this because I too have caused damage and forgotten that words are a two-edge sword. They can either uplift or they can cause insurmountable devastation. I choose now to spread more light and that is a F.A.C.T.

T: Is for the Toy Show

Every February thousands of buyers jam the Javits Center in hopes of finding the newest child's obsession. This year was no different. I was completely excited when I was asked to work for Sarah's Silks. I have supplied many a niece and nephew with dreams nurtured under canopy's that are designed to bring you under the sea, or into a castle of your own design. Their product as you might of guessed are pure silk, a translucent feel of luxury. Hand died and sewn Sarah began her company with play silks. Squares of unlimited imagination waiting to be unlocked. She targeted the Waldorf Schools and she was a hit. Seven years later the company has expanded to a dress-up line (all a joy to the skin to put on), toys to stimulate hand eye coordination and odds and ends that spark corridors of unearthed fantasy. Many a buyer could not resist dueling with the swords that brought you into the realm of the 3 musketeers without the damage. I personally loved playing with the fairy's that lived in their own silk purse. For all you dragon and unicorn lovers wait till Halloween when these silk creations reach out their hooves at your doorstep.



Another company I was glad to see was Gifts that Bloom. These wonderful little plants came originally in cans and have expanded to bags. For all of you who's green thumbs have had bouts of brown or should I say tan this is the no brainer plant. The packaging is infectious with names like Birthday Garden, Dinosaur Garden which contains premium Metasequoia seed, Peanut Plant and Redwood Forest to name a few. These kits allow you to grow your own garden indoors! Everything is included inside: leak-proof liner cup, enriched soil mix filled with nutrients and the delectable little seeds. The joy is that you can start them indoors any time of the year. Just add water and sunlight plus a dash of love! I have always wanted a window garden so right now I am growing a sequoia and an apple tree. For those of you who have flies, why not try a Venus fly trap? Carnivorous to the last bite!

In an age of pre fab existence these gifts allow for imagination, hands on accomplishment and a sense of overall well being and that to me makes life a F.A.C.T.

C: Is for Cuddling at the Thom Bar

At 60 Thompson F.A.C.T. abounds where Jude Law, Orlando Bloom and the Hilton’s are frequent guests. Not surprising considering its location in Soho between Broome and Spring. Tucked away inside is the Thom Bar. Decorated in an eclectic decor reminiscent of Africa (there are real zebra rugs and an Asian water buffalo skull) the comfort level is well thought out.
Across the back wall is a specially designed mural by Argentinian artist Gonzalo Papantonakis who is reminiscent of an early Basquat. I had a chance to visit his loft later and this is an artist to keep your eyes on. The art in his loft should be highlighted in design centers. His use of light, color and material move you in a musical sense and he uses music as an interpreter of emotion and social liberation. Refusing to go the gallery route (though several prominent owners have approached him), he operates strictly by word of mouth. Sipping on a Pear Almond Martini or a signature Thom you can view this interesting artist for free from 5pm to 2am. The Thom also serves modern authentic Thai cuisine from Kittichai the restaurant lodged in the hotel itself. It is the brainchild of Chef Ian formally of the Four Seasons and Spice Market.
I supped on baby back ribs in coco and Thai spices, Thai beef salad and Chinese long beans and crispy jasmine rice crackers with coconut and organic chicken relish. The best part is the ability to get quality food till 1am. The same people who run Indochine, Republic and Bond Street own 60 Thompson. The music is DJ based and my only suggestion would be to tone it down for it was little hard to a have conversation, but this establishment is made for cuddling so do some for me, and have a Happy Valentine's Day!

A: Is for the Art of Love

The art of love is an age-old story. Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day and most of my unattached friends ponder in why they are not in relationships. A week ago, I came upon this article on CNN and the reason became clear. We live in a disposable society where we are always on the look for the next best thing instead being the best in the relationship we have. Archaeologists unearthed two skeletons from the Neolithic period locked in a tender embrace. They were buried outside Mantua, just 25 miles south of Verona, the city where Shakespeare set "Romeo and Juliet." The find has "more of an emotional than a scientific value." But it does highlight the relationship people have with each other. In this case timeless.

Two of my favorite movies demonstrate this. Wuthering Heights and The Ghost and Ms Muir both are about making relationships work and the eternity of that love. I believe in that. Unfortunately I am in a society where we judge not on the depth of soul but on our age and beauty of our skin. Depth has nothing to do with it unless it's depth of pocket, and we wonder why the divorce rates are so high. Relationships are work even in the most chemistry induced. Pheromones recharge, take a break and we wonder where did the love go? It was never there it was chemical high.

Does love exists and if so what is it? We are so brainwashed into thinking we must be everything to everybody, that if we are not in a relationship we are not whole? I would rather love unconditionally from afar than be in a relationship just for the sake of a body.

Saint Valentine was a knight who was brought to prison where he prayed to God. He prayed for light to illuminate the house of the wise that they might know God. He prayed for his blind daughter that she might hear and see. He then committed himself to God and God heard his prayers. The entire house became believers, his daughter cured and his neck saved. May this story inspire you to give this Valentine’s Day from the heart unconditionally as this man whose name has become revered and make that a F.A.C.T.

F: Is for 7 on Seventh

The Fashion Week frenzy is over and yet our thoughts are still swirling around. While more established designers stuck to the tried, three young new designers stick out in my mind as the ones to watch. For both seasons Nicole Romano, Tracy Nichel and New York Couture represent a fashion up rise that span to all. I got an invite to a new Fashion House 7 on Seventh and because of my interest in new work attended. There was so much here but it was very hit and miss with major mistakes being made by the designers.
I dedicate this whole column to it as it is a house to be watched despite it flaws.

1st up is Devikar who states “Fashion to me is a state of mind, a hunger in he soul, a revelation in what you feel. With my passion and vision for fashion, I will open your mind.” Self taught and heckled in school she lost some of the lessons one needs to learn such as fabric choices and fit. Cutting is her strength and the clothes that fit she mistakenly did in pleather. This jungle print dress was her best. Stunningly laced in the backed like the web of a spider. She also had a large male collection but the suits were so boxy that on skinny models they just swam. I could however see them adding a hit of sophistication on a statuesque man such as a football player. She had two jogging suits and as far as I could see this was her forte.

Next up Royal T by Amber Marion. This 18 year old needs much work. Her color choices were like a jewelry box splayed all over the runway. Her clothes however were not cut well, sewn well or fit well. Not one model looked good and that is saying a lot.

Next up Linda Love who’s eclectic style made me want to keep an eye on her. I chose the subtlest piece because it was just truly beautiful. Extremely reminiscent of Dr. Zhivago’s Laura.

Her colors, fabric’s and her understanding of the symmetry of women’s bodies was just beautiful. Again this fashion diva had hits and misses. This peacock outfit is a prime example. The coat and the color were stunning with an accent of feathers but when the coat came off the front of the dress was a bejeweled avalanche and the statement two much spoils the look definitely applies. I still would caution on fit. Some of the dresses that would have stood out were just way to short and better paired with leggings.
Josephine Dorsey started off well with a fitted three-piece suit but it went down hill from there in fabric. Most of the outfits had a nun like appearance. Again what is up with pleather? It doesn’t breath; you sweat profusely and in a building chill not a good fabric choice! I did however like this maroon dress and found it highly sellable. Ms. Dorsey fabric needs to move, be finished and fit

Last up was Udo Nene. Born and raised in Nigeria she started in fashion at the age of 9. This collection was by far worth waiting to see. I add my two favorites. This pumpkin halter flowed and was elegant while still being practical. Each piece was jeweled and done to perfection. These designed followed through with being just as interesting from the back as well as the front. Most importantly the three ingredients that all designers should have cut, fit and a good seamstress applied here and now I could concentrate on the designs.
In every show designers tried to show their best but the competition is fierce. 7 on Seventh has the right idea in nurturing these designers. I most definitely look forward to seeing their progress. Though I have critiqued in this column one cannot move forward without it. As I have stated numerous times this is just my opinion. One interesting fact I have left out was that the audience was primarily African American though the paparazzi represented some of the best fashion magazines. When I question the owner of 7 on Seventh he told me if a African American run company sends out invitations the prejudices of this country run rampant in this industry. The imagination in this show was more unique and interesting than some of the top designers and that sadly is a F.A.C.T.