*Kostume Kult- Fairy Tale Apocolypse* Halloween 2012

For the past decade, the New York City art collective Kostume Kult has thrown ornate theme parties through out the year to raise money for the free costume boutique that they host annually at the Burning Man Festival. It is Kostume Kult's mission to get people to dress up and express themselves. This is why I love them. This year they even helped save Halloween. After the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, down town Manhattan was completely without power. The annual Village Halloween Parade was canceled. Core members of Kostume Kult helped organize a renegade Halloween parade that took place on the previously scheduled route. The official Halloween party took place a few nights later. The theme: “Fairy Tale Apocalypse.” Perfect. I wasn’t in the mood for a party after the storm. However, I have been Kostume Kult’s main door girl for years, and had already agreed to work- so I went. I ended up having a great time meeting people and taking inventory of all the amazing flamboyant regalia as it streamed in.  Despite the turmoil in peoples lives, many were adorned in fantastic costumes that they had created and the atmosphere was extremely resilient and vibrant. People with out heat or power still showed up looking fierce. I love New York. Thank you Kostume Kult for doing its own special kind of relief work: Keeping New York City Fabulous.

             Bruce Lindsay modeling pieces from his new costume/accessory line Electric Candy. "Electric Candy Couture specializes in laser cut and engraved acrylic costumes, jewelry, and accessories that transform its wearers into beings of magic and myth, invoking our inner warriors, lovers, and heroes."

"Is that a veggie strainer on your boob, or are you happy to see me?" Maybe both!

Chuki Lord is always rocking amazing style. I asked her what inspires her costumes and she said she likes to look around and see what she has that serves a specific function that can be transformed into something else. Keep it up girl, it's working! :)

The "Fairytale Apocalypse" Fairy Princess 

                         Iced-Out to the Ice Age quartz crystal necklace by Sarah Sparkles

               "Kostume Kult is a costume art, theme event and media collective
         involved in public festivals, underground art parties and street theater events.
                 We bring people together, creating community in unique ways
                              while challenging people to think differently."
                      
                   For more information check out: http://kostumekult.com

*Shanghai Mermaid* October 2012

Shanghai Mermaid is one of my favorite parties going. The vintage 1920’s-30’s styled speakeasy cabaret with a strict dress-code is a hidden gem tucked away deep in the heart of Brooklyn. That's right, no jeans, no sneakers, it's vintage glamor, flappers, dandy's, and showgirls only. Once behind the unassuming warehouse door, guests step inside a decadent world of hot jazz bands, wild dancing, beautiful people and avant garde performances of burlesque, aerial and fire. Heaven. Shanghai Mermaid was created by Juliette Campbell, an ultra talented event producer who is highly committed to her aesthetic. She designs her events with the intention of providing a truly transformative experience. Shanghai Mermaid participants are encouraged to design their performances and costumes based on period music and styles of dress. At this party on numerous occasions a sensation is conjured that whisks me off to distant time that is oddly familiar. Flapper past life perhaps? Probably. Over the last few years I have worked many facets of this party including designing holiday décor, stage-managing, and cocktailing. I love this party so much I truly want to work the room.  I am utmost grateful to Juliette Campbell and other dedicated event producers who create platforms that encourage people to create costumes, dress up, and go out and celebrate life. I salute you.

Shanghai Mermaid family, in the center the hostest with the most-est Juliette Cambell <3

 One of my favorite aspects of Shanghai Mermaid is that it continually inspires me to design vintage-styled jewelry and accessories to wear to the party. Nightlife has long been a driving force in what inspires me to create original costumes and accoutrements. Jewelry and head pieces designed by Sarah Sparkles.

A gorgeous crowd celebrating Halloween at Shanghai Mermaid 

A special spooky Halloween performance by Rachel Klein Dance Theatre

                                      Special thanks to Juliette Campbell for her dedication
                                                  to creating such a fabulous party! XO

                            For more info please visit www.shanghaimermaid.com