Prabal Gurung Discovered

“When someone is that good, they don’t remain undiscovered for too long, ” was the general word being spread – expressed by Anne Slowey (Elle’s fashion news director) – at New York Fashion Week vis-à-vis Prabal Gurung’s debut collection. He may be a freshman, but that didn’t stop him making a statement at Chelsea’s Flag Art Foundation.

Gurung’s Background

Gurung has always been interested in fashion, being teased as a high school kid for his “style acumen and stacks of sketchbooks.” He worked in Australia, London and then New York, landing a position as the design director of Bill Blass (a classic American fashion house), before starting out on his own amidst a backdrop of a frail global economy.

It seems what has made Gurung stand out most has been his uniqueness in the fashion world, according to Colleen Sherin (Saks Fifth Avenue’s senior fashion director), who commented, “he wasn’t a derivative of someone else. He certainly got our attention.”

Gurung’s Famed Clients

Of course it helped Mr. Gurung that Hollywood actress Demi Moore tweeted a photo of herself in one of his cocktail dresses, urging her Twitter followers to “look out for fashion’s rising star.” And the President’s wife herself wore a “stunning red ruched number to the White House Correspondent’s dinner last May, a hot pink sheath on ‘Oprah’ in January and most recently a one-shouldered yellow gown to last month’s Governor’s Dinner.”

So if you want to stay hot in New York’s fashion world today, you might want to get yourself clad in a number from Prabal Gurung, having been described by Sherin as being “the whole package…a talented designer and lovely personality, too.” The message thus seems clear: to dress for success, go Gurung.

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the  jewels in the crown of New York’s special significance as a world center of culture. No matter what you love, or what your interests might be, there is something that will fascinate you at this repository of some of the world’s most unique, educational and enlightening artifacts.

If you have never been to the AMNH, or if it’s been a while since your last visit, then you should take my advice and get over there soon. Here is a list of some of the special exhibitions which will without a doubt intrigue and inspire you.

• Brain: The Inside Story–

This exhibit, which is open until August 14, 2011, will bring you inside what is the most amazing product of evolution, developed over millions of years. “The human brain is the most complex and fascinating biological structure known, and we are delighted to explore its many facets in Brain: The Inside Story,” says Ellen V. Futter, President of the American Museum of Natural History. “This exhibition illustrates how our remarkable brains work and what makes them so special, while featuring what is currently one of the hottest and most promising fields in science today—neuroscience. Visitors will not only learn what’s in store for our brains in the 21st century, but will come away with an enriched perspective on the extraordinary brain, the vehicle for all of the things that makes us human.”

• Body and Spirit: Tibetan Medical Paintings—

This exhibit features 64 Tagkas, or Tibetan medical paintings, which are part of the AMNH’s collection. These are hand-painted reproductions of traditional scroll paintings, and are on view for the first time in a museum exhibition. The paintings allow us to get a glimpse into the history of early medical knowledge in Tibet, and it is also thought that this group of paintings is among only a tiny number of such sets which exist in the world. “The Museum’s Tibetan collection, from which these paintings are taken, comprises nearly 2,800 objects, and is among the finest in the United States,” said Ellen V. Futter, President of the American Museum of Natural History. “This new exhibition represents the continuation of a great artistic tradition and will offer visitors a unique and fascinating perspective on early Tibetan culture.” Until July 17th.

• Hayden Planetarium Space Shows—

Using the most up-to-the-minute technology the Hayden Planetarium at the Rose Center of Earth and Space is able to bring the world of science into sharp focus. Showing now are two fascinating presentations: “Journey to the Stars,” narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, will take you back 13 billion years to the very beginning of the universe. The second show is  a double feature, with “Passport to the Universe,” narrated by Tom Hanks, and “The Search for Life: Are We Alone?” narrated by Harrison Ford.

For More Information Contact the Museum: (212) 769-5100

Are you a first time visitor to 31489, 1843404, 00.html”>New York and for some reason only have one day to take in the main attractions of this world class city? Well here are some great ideas of what to do and see which will give you a real feel for the real New York. These are sites which go beyond the usual recommendations such as Times Square and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

1.    Time Warner Center is so much more than just a mall. Despite what cynical New Yorkers might say, this mall in many ways says it all about New York. Just check out the fourth floor alone. There you will find among two of New York’s best restaurants, and most expensive, too. Located on Columbus Circle which is at the southwestern corner of Central Park, you can dine in either “Per Se” of Chef Thomas Keller, or have an amazing sushi experience in Masa, named for chef and owner Masa Takayama.

2.    West Village—Take a stroll here and see for yourself what a New York neighborhood is really like. You will find quaint brownstones along surprising tree-lined streets which are basically in the same state they were in when they were new, during the 19th century. Be sure to take a map, the street layouts are not exactly logical; West 10th street somehow magically intersects with West 4th.

3.    Film Forum—Believe it or not, more movies are filmed in the streets of New York than anywhere else, even Hollywood. So it should come as no surprise that there is a place New York film lovers flock to to see the films others can only hope to read about. Among some of the pickings are provocative independent films, documentaries, and foreign art films hand-picked from the world’s most prestigious film festivals. A must see for film fans.

Eating out in New York is more than just a ‘thing to do.’  Eating out is closer to a ritual which New Yorkers partake of almost religiously. With that in mind, here are a few of New York’s best restaurants to make your eating out moments even more rewarding.

Aldea

• Aldea is a Portuguese restaurant in the Gramercy/Flatiron section on 17th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Aldea is a low-key vehicle for one of New York’s most original chefs, George Mendes.  Don’t let the minimalist environment fool you; the food is anything but simple. Try a complicated starter of coconut curry broth leading up to tender baby cuttlefish with sea beans, bonito flakes and mint. Even more known Portuguese fare gets a haute spin at Aldea. (212) 675-7223.

Brooklyn Fare

• Brooklyn Fare is a 5,000-square-foot retail gourmet grocery which includes everything a well-stocked shop would carry plus a menu of ready-made foods created by Bouley protégé Cesar Ramirez,  including sushi, sandwiches and take-home meals. Brooklyn Fare is located in Brooklyn Heights on Schermerhorn Street at Hoyt St. (718) 243-0050.

Minetta Tavern

• Minetta Tavern has been restored with loving care and made into what might be called the first iconic restaurant of post-millennial New York.  The place is a-buzz with people who must be as drawn by the happy atmosphere as the food, which is impressive. Try the incredible blackened veal chops surrounded by crisp sweetbread nuggets. Aside from the Black Label burger at $26, the prices here are reasonable. However the burger is worth every penny, being as tender and fatty as foie gras. Check it out at 113 MacDougal Street in Greenwich Village. (212) 475-3850.

Aldea