“It is rare to find an individual as beautiful on the outside as she is within. Deborah Alessi is that individual, and won’t rest until Face Forward puts the brakes on domestic violence.”, says one journalist.

Dr. David Alessi M.D. said, “Deborah and I are humbled by the continuous and growing support for our annual philanthropic event. Our wish is to draw attention to the atrocity of the worldwide problems of domestic violence and human trafficking. Face Forward’s annual gala fundraising efforts enable us to help even more victims in their journey to achieve both physical and emotional healing and recovery. This year has been exceptional for us with amazing patients and exciting new partnerships which will help us raise awareness and funds to help even more survivors. We have $750,000 worth of surgeries done in 2015 alone… My wife coordinates getting women from all over the world here and helps provides those along with housing and recovery. She’s amazing.”

Nelly, Shantel Jackson, Deborah Alessi, Dr. David Alessi

The epic event featured a red carpet, silent auctions, live auctions, a cigar lounge, VR viewing of Etihad Airlines short film with Nicole Kidman, dinner by Top Chef Master Neal Fraser and a special performance by Grammy winning rapper Nelly. The charity fundraiser’s goal is to raise more than $500,000 in 2016. Event Sponsors Include: Roberto Cavalli, Etihad Airways, Alessi Institute, Torrey Pines Bank and Per Aquum Niyama Maldives.

Nelly came to perform for the night and support long time girl friend Shantel Jackson, who is a survivor/advocate honoree of the night. He said:“I have daughters and I wouldn’t want them to go through this. I hope I have raised both my sons and daughters to know how to treat people of the opposite sex, and know what healthy relationships look like. It’s up to my generation and the ones that follow, to take a stand against domestic violence and inspire change.”

Do you know 1/3 of women in the world have experienced sexual, physical, emotional or other abuse in their lifetime? Over five million women a year are affected by domestic violence in the United States. You might think you will never be anywhere near a situation like this. But with the ever popular narcissistic personality disorder nowadays, abuse won’t be just physical, but takes the form of an emotional abuse. It can be quite invisible yet still very devastating. Without awareness, you can be well falling the traps without knowing till it is too late. In one story, a Swedish instrument player student studying at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music was able to use underhanded yet diabolic manipulation to totally devastate his victims without much obvious signs of emotional abuse while attempting to make his victims think it is their fault.

The gala event recognized all star athlete and NBA head coach Byron Scott as one of the evening’s celebrity athlete honorees for his philanthropic work and his pledge to help recruit athletes to learn and spread the word about domestic violence. Byron’s speech is highly motivational: “This is a very important charity. I think finally people are starting to speak out about domestic violence and it’s about time.”

As you can see, even the famous and rich can’t be exempt from such violence. Hollywood Singer/songwriter La Toya Jackson shared her heartbreaking story and advice at last year’s Face Forward Gala:”It’s so important to get out while you can. I thought I couldn’t get out and this is what people don’t realize or understand, abuse… it doesn’t differentiate. It doesn’t matter if your black, white, green or blue. It also doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor. A lot of people think, ‘How could I go through this? You are well off.’ But they don’t understand it doesn’t work that way. People might think you’re fine and doing okay but behind closed doors it’s a very different story. Eventually you have to let others know in an effort to help other people and let them know that this does exist and this is real. People really need to know what truly goes on in these relationships. No one knows how in-depth this is. Everyone has a story but at the end of the day it’s the same story.”

Honorees Shantel Jackson and Former NBA player/coach Byron Scott gave inspirational speeches to the audience

The high caliber event was a great success. The night reached its highest as Nelly performed 5 songs including “Country Grammar,” “Hot in Here,” and a special performance of a lovely song “Dilemma,” where he was joined on stage by girlfriend Miss Jackson.

We are supporters and advocates of domestic violence causes. In any event, you should stand up and speak out for yourself if you are a victim. If you’d like to come forward and help the cause in general, please feel free to reach out to us. Face Forward is an outstanding organization and to learn more about Face Forward, visit FaceForwardLA.org.

Dustin Quick in Sue Wong Fashion

AVANT GARDE Magazine CEO/Editor-in-Chief Michelle Long

Sue Wong unraveled this power and is known for her Goddess inspired fashion staples which certainly are fit for a queen. To unveil this orthodox meets modern combo, The AVANT GARDE Magazine ALCHEMYY & MASQUERADE PRINCELY BALL in association with renowned fashion envoy Sue Wong, had organized a prolific event at the memorable Artisan Building, Avant Garde Magazine’s main office in Trendy Uptown Whittier to laud Princely Royal family SCHAUMBURG-LIPPE.

The event was a major success because of an exclusive idea behind coordinating the elegance and sensuality into its Halloween theme ‘Marie Antoinette meets Phantom of the Opera’  along with airing the most contemporary, flattering and outstanding fashion trends by the House of Sue Wong. Along with Sue, the dignitary designer Rocky Gathercole, Betty Long and Oksanna also exhibited their statement fashion staples.

The dignitaries who graced the evening with their presence included H.H. Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe, H.H. Dr. Princess Antonia Schaumburg-Lippe and H.H. Prince Waldemar Schaumburg-Lippe:

The event was officially inaugurated by H.H. Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe with a 1920’s style based dance performance on Duke Ellington/C Jam Blues allegorical music:

The models showed off Sue Wong creations which were a piece of art to be admired. The stunning and elaborate creations of the designer added life to her models:

The event was a perfect blend of art, tradition, fashion and monarchical elegance. Famous personalities, artisan, vocalists and fashionistas, were all present with the best of their art and it was a mesmerizing and captivating sight to watch.

The night was magical and filled with mysterious colors of Halloween which were readily evident in the costumes of the attendees. Ladies were all dressed in extravagant gowns accessorized with ornate head pieces and faces covered with masks, which gave them all enigmatic and seductive gaze. Nothing beats the sensual yet captivating allure of the masquerade ball and this event was the mother of all events.

The gentlemen looked absolutely dapper in their tuxedos and masks:

The evening was a star studded event and the cameras never stopped flashing. The celebrities included pop opera sensation Michael Peer, the Grammy success record composer Omar Akram, the Oscar Winner superstar Margaret O’ Brien, the esteemed President for Southern California Motion Picture council and the former Hollywood star Randal Malone, the dignified Lord John Michael Capaldi, the ever notorious fashion coordinator Parris Harris, the revered founder and CEO Sonia Ete fron Academy of Couture Art and many others.

The designers and their protégés would have been hard pressed to miss out on an event as dynamic and enchanting as this one thus top models and designers were spotted in the high profile event including designer Oksanna Romanov and her models wearing beautiful creations by her including painted bridal dresses which were fit for a Picasso painting, designer Gordana Gehlhausen, designer Betty Long, Haute Couture designer Pol’ Atteu from Pol’ Atteu Haute Couture of Beverly Hills.

Performers who gave their lifetime performances in the event include Opera icon Nick Palance, Blake Fullmer, Model come Actress Dustin Quick and international star Maria Elena Infantino.

All the dignitaries, artists and guests thoroughly enjoyed the event and reckoned it as one of its kind. Alongside full-fledged entertainment, they can also availed the chance of receiving free testers from the iconic designer SUE WONG fragrance.

As a matter of fact, words are not enough to reveal the fascination, glamour and allure that this extravagant event actually wrapped in it. It was fun, entertainment and above all the unification of fashion, art and royal endowment. The crowd loved it and expressed their desire for the event to be held ritually with the same magic and charisma.

Photos by Nelson Shen & Francois Palais!

Canine Companions (cci.org) is a nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to children, adults and veterans with disabilities. Established in 1975, Canine Companions has six training centers across the country. Canine Companions is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs and people. The whimsical event raised over $70,000 for Canine Companions. The event funded the placement of an assistance dog with a person with a disability in Los Angeles County!

Celebrity judges are ready and enjoyed a great night of show:

Linda Purl, a beloved television, film, and stage actress and recording artist; Denny Seiwell, founding member of the post-Beatles phenomenon WINGS -

Sean Blakemore, series regular on the long running hit Daytime Drama series, “General Hospital”; NBC 4’s Holly Hannula; and Ian Zeiring, who is best known for his role on “Beverly Hills, 90210” and more recently was “Fin” in the “Sharknado” movies - 

Emcee Kate Luhr, producer and co-host of the show “Broadly Speaking: Comedy that Makes you Think, made the audience burst into one after another laughter  with her humorous way of interacting with doggie models on the stage -

One of our beloved best friends, Pluto made the opening dance for the night The audience started getting quite excited -

Dogs are such great companions of our life, whether they are a pet being a family member, or assistance dogs trained to make everyday life easier for adults and children with physical and developmental disabilities. Canine Companion assistance dogs open and close doors, retrieve dropped objects and activate light switches. Outside of physical tasks, Canine Companions assistance dogs provide immeasurable emotional benefits to their human partners. Canine Companions assistance dogs, their training and ongoing follow-up services are provided free.

With their unconditional love, dogs are like our teachers. They teach we human how to love, give and be selfish-less. Now without further ado, let’s reveal the stage and meet the haute models.

This is the very kind of fashion show where the models amuses you rather than give you a poker face. Show attendees were super charged and laughed all the way with these cute overloads (Warning: some pictures below might be too touchy, adorable and emotionally arousing for some of the readers) -

BeBe and me -

(Photos by Jared Cowan Photography)

Charlize Theron and Sean Penn 

Avatar Director James Cameron, keynote address on his philosophy of activism for worthy causes

Halle Berry appears with a vintage Versace dress and Harry Winston Jewelry

Ne-Yo live performance. Hey it is Ne-Yo again!

Paris Hilton DJ-ing. So happy to see Paris again!

Paris Hilton’s gown by Haus of Milani

Silent Auction to raise money for nonprofit causes

Celebrity supporters included Lisa Vanderpump, Ronda Rousey (UFC), Bo Roberts (300: Rise of an Empire), Jessica Burciaga (Supermodel), Edyta Sliwinska (Dancing with the Stars), Max Ryan (Sex and the City) Sofia Milos (CSI) and more, who attended to support and raise awareness for IceLink’s new 3 month charity links campaign where they will donate 10% of proceeds from each yellow, green, red, pink & turquoise bracelets to the Special Needs Network, which are the charity colors.  The bracelets are available at  Macys.com, the IceLink Boutique Online Shop & Worldwide retailers.

IceLink Owner’s Andy & Suzy Sogoyan with Star of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Lisa Vanderpump, Ken Todd and Giggy! 

I personally want to dedicate a post to Icelink’s #TheLinkParty also because of Lisa Vanderpump. Recently I watched Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and really liked Lisa Vanderpump’s classy and mature personality. When seeing her at the Icelink party, I don’t really know anything about her other than being a reality show star. I always believed in the philosophy that a lady should be classy, even nowadays the influence of Hollywood could be diverting from this value. Lisa inspires me to continue being who I am rather than following the crowd and norm. She still has the European manner and etiquette system with her, Something I personally experienced at a ball in Europe last month.

Lisa Vanderpump wears her Pink IceLink 6timezone and bicycle bracelet to #thelinkparty at the IceLink Boutique

UFC Champion Ronda Rousey Attends #TheLinkParty wearing her IceLink6Timezone watch    

Icelink sponsor Forgiato customizes a client’s Bentley with IceLink 6Timezone Clock

 Icelink Bicycle Link Bracelet

So I went to The Guild of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles’ annual Accessories for Success Spring Luncheon and Kyle by Arlene fashion show yesterday at the Beverly Hills Hotel as it seems fit into the category of fashion and charity. For 59 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles, one of the largest youth mentoring organizations in the country, has served children and families facing adversity by providing one-to-one youth mentoring services and ongoing support. Founded in 1985, the Guild is dedicated to promoting awareness and raising financial support for For Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles.

Now let’s take a look at the It Girls I interviewed at the event and their spring style picks.

Five-time Emmy Award-winning actress Heather Tom will emcee for the luncheon and she is in lovely Kate Spade colors -

Honoree Lee Phillip Bell, Co-Creator of Emmy award-winning daily dramas , “The Young and the Restless”, “The Bold and the Beautiful”, and Emmy Award-winning Host of “The Lee Phillip Show”, also went with spring color by wearing St John pastel blue suite -

If you are wearing black/white, add a colored clutch -

The informal fashion show features Kyle by Alene Too, a premier luxury women’s boutique in Beverly Hills with a partnership between The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kyle Richards and upscale fashion retailer Alene Too owner Lizzy Schwartz.

Kyle by Alene Too models -

For a formal fashion & celebrity event like this, I picked a leopard halter dress, with a pair of wood colored heels to match. To add even more high fashion & spring accent, and avoid looking like a boring piece of wood, I decided to boldly use a purple babydoll styled trench coat to contrast -

 Frowning my eyes because of the bright sun

Earlier we blogged about the first two days at Vanity Fair Social Club, and Annie Leibovitz Sumo Size Book Behind The Scenes Look By Taschen.

Now here are the exciting things happened in the next few days. Vanity Fair and Chrysler toasted American Hustle at Ago restaurant, joined by Amy Adams and David O. Russell on February 27, 2014:

On February 28, 2014 Vanity Fair Beauty Director SunHee Grinnell engaged a conversation with Armani Beauty’s Celebrity Face Designer, Tim Quinn on a topic of ‘Sportlight on Hollywood Beauty’. Over the years, Oscars styles have never changed. It always stayed with a pure, classic old Hollywood glam look:

Lancome beauty room in the club:

The twitter powered vending machine:

And the coffee cups in fashion ‘dress’:

Let’s take a look at our fashionable It Girls of the night on the red carpet -

Oscars styles will always be a timeless and classic old hollywood glam look. I did hair and makeup in Taylor Swift red carpet look, wearing an elegant Pamella Roland gown:

It boys of the night has more of an ‘advanced style’. Many are former awards winners:

James Cromwell, Babe’s papa, is wearing a black suite with an amber brown colored scarf -

Remember our pink babe? -

Jon Voight, in black suite and bow tie with a white scarf, is sexy goddess Angelina Jolie’s father. Jon Voight has won best actor for his 1978 film ‘Coming Home’. He played father of his real life daughter in ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’.

Anna-Marie Costello is Miss Oklahoma 2013, who undoubtedly had the best gown of the night. She is wearing a deep sea blue Sherri Hills dress, with a stunning multilayered train:

Check out the following news release about Vanity Fair Campaign Hollywood 2014:

New York Times – At the Oscars, Bringing Brands to Life

Hollywood Reporter – Oscar Week is Full of Vanity Fair Hosted Fashion and Beauty Events

Vanity Fair Unveils Inaugural V.F. Social Club At Campaign Hollywood 2014

Vanity Fair Campaign Hollywood 2014 day 2: Vanity Fair Digital Director Michael Hogan engages some of the field’s brightest and most opinionated talents from Vulture (Kyle Buchanan), Deadline (Pete Hammond), Fandango (Dave Karger), Vanity Fair (Krista Smith), Awards Daily (Sasha Stone) and Indie Wire (Anne Thomson) on the controversial practice of Oscar winner predictions: