I know we can all bitch and complain about our jobs. The down side to mine is the early hours and the extremely physical days I have, being on my feet all day and covering lord knows how many miles.Yesterday was one of those days where I really enjoyed the perks of the job. Every year my company has an event called HOT. It is probably the biggest event of the year, which showcases new designers we carry, the latest in fashion and trends, and the newest up and coming designers. The two week event is packed full of events generally. But yesterday was probably the best day to go.
The morning kicked off with delicious drinks, beautiful flowers and a speaking area set up for Anna Wintour, yes....the infamous Anna Wintour.... Editor in Chief of Vogue Magazine and Ken Downing , who is a fashion leader in the industry and has been creative director of various department stores. But Anna, as you may be aware has been a idol to me. Her story is really an amazing one if you ask me. Anna discussed journalism, social media, celebrity style, what the hottest trends right now, how she enjoys color, and how more is more and less is a bore. Afterwards she mingled a bit before being zipped away back to New York surly.
But just seeing her in person was good enough for me. If that wasn't enough for this gay boy, we also had the legendary, businesswoman, interior designer, and fashion icon of royalty Iris Apfel in the house!
I just adore that woman. Anyone who has the balls to wear what she does, looking fabulous and having fun with fashion, and doesn't let age slow them down is very cool. Iris was at the event to launch her new in store collection we're carrying for a limited time, and was the reason most of my week was busy. I was the one setting the displays that announced her arrival and goods. Iris and our company worked together for the props and left it to us on the display. I thought it turned out rather nice and very fun....and could see the Mistress but in a few of these numbers. God knows I love me some plumes.
I am tempted to bring home the Iris Apfel cutout when were done with this display!!!!
Also in the house yesterday was Nick Verreos of Project Runway fame who was discussing the latest beauty trends in eyes, lip and skincare, and the reputable Philadelphia blogger Alisa Fredricko who is style director of Dressing Jane.
The cosmetics department alone was mobbed and I'm sure raked in the doe, as did the store has a whole. Thanks to yours truly, the cocktail company I recommend was on hand serving the drinks, 13th Street Cocktails. Next thing you know, I'll e in PR.
There were also two other unexpected treats. Earlier in the week I got an email from longtime reader Calliope, who is a Regional Director of Clarins, and was slated to be at the event with her National Make up artist Armando. It is always so great to meet a reader of the blog, and she was downright beautiful!!!!!!! We later talked and shared a cock-a-tail or two over at the bar. Calliope with her traveling entourage of make artist. I mean it girl..either of them...give them my number!!!!! We have also promised to get together again when she comes to Philly. It was so great meeting her. Agnes Goldberg -DeWoofs was also in the house, but alas, never did get to meet up, as poor Agnes didn't think I'd be working. I would have loved to met her.
Later I got a text from the Lad, that his dear father was in the store, so I got to catch up with him. The apple didn't fall far from the tree. And he is just as nuts as his son!
We grabbed a pizza before I departed to come back to the Casa after a very fun and exhausting day. All this beauty, work, and schmoozing can be taxing I tell ya. But came home with tons of goodies. But now since I saw two of my favorite ladies and met ...finally Calliope, yes her real name, how fun a name is that.....I can die a happy gay....preferably in something from the Iris Apfel collection.