|
|
Tulips & Pansies –
The Headdress Affair to Showcase Original Creations from
Over 10 of New York’s Favorite Fashion and Floral Designers
Monday, June 16, 2003
Copacabana 560 West 34th Street, New York City
 On Monday, June 16, Village Care of New held its third annual headdress show, entitled Tulips & Pansies – The Headdress Affair in order  to raise funds for New Yorkers living with AIDS/HIV. This event, with its unique fashion headpieces, I would really consider original and unique. It was an event where some of New York’s most celebrated fashion designers and floral designers collaborated to create one-of-a-kind headdresses made from fresh flowers. The event, was chaired by renowned fashion designers Dian Von Furstenberg and Alfred Fiandaca, and graced the runway of the Copacabana with design work from the world’s favorites including Tommy Hilfiger, House of Field, and Zang Toi, all all of whom were on the runway simultaneously.“For one unforgettable evening in June, the Copacabana will be filled with the fashion and flowers of the season,” said designer and event co-chair Alfred Fiandaca. “This unique event is a wonderful opportunity for the design community to show New York that we’re ready to lend a hand and make a difference in the lives of those living with AIDS / HIV.”
 Among the assortment of festivities were dinner, a runway show, silent auction and entertainment by Broadway’s hottest shows including Zanna Don’t, Rouge, and The Look of Love. There was also entertainment by Mondo Drama featuring Caroline Rhea, Siobhán Mahoney, and Miriam Shor. Headresses were judged in three categories—most original, most beautiful and most outrageous—by such celebrities as Tony Award Winning Vocalist Melba Moore, Chris Ashworth of HBO’s The Wire, and Style Expert Lloyd Boston all who found it a challenge to pick out their favorites because all of them were beautiful. “We are so grateful to the designers of New York City for putting forth their time, dedication, creativity, and talent to participate in Tulips & Pansies – The Headdress Affair, one of our most important fundraising events of the year” said Village Care of New York’s President and CEO Arthur Y. Webb. “Without them, this event simply would not be possible.” The fundraising effort raised funds to support Village Care of New York’s Network of AIDS Services, an organization that daily serves over 1,000 New Yorkers with HIV / AIDS. Affiliates include Rivington House – the largest nursing home in the country that is devoted to AIDS, two day treatment centers, a certified home health agency, a community case management program, an AIDS-specific mental health program, and MTS, which provides career counseling, job training and placement assistance to men and women who wish to return to the workforce.
The guest designers that participated, which we are all thankful for, were Angelrox in collaboration with Citifloral, Belle Fleur, NYC Blue Ivy, Inc. in collaboration with Simon Doonan Richard Bonanno & FIONNUALA @ Madelyn Simons and Associates. Inc. in collaboration with Chinyere Ugoji, Chelsea Wholesale Flower Market in collaboration with Chinyere Ugoji, Ron Chereskin, The Daily Blossom, Florascape Flowers & Events, Tommy Hilfiger, House of Field in collaboration with Matthew David of Matthew David Events, Imperial Court of New York, Liz Claiborne, Inc, Magnolia Flowers & Events, Medusa's Heirlooms, Elizabeth Ryan, Elaine Werz in collaboration with Mark Kleinberg and Flowers By Special Arrangement, Zang Toi in collaboration with Red
 After I enjoyed covering this festive event, which was topped off with a dazzling performance by Melba Moore, I decided to interview Ms. Moore, to learn why she has been so successful. Through the course of the interview, I learned that Ms. Moore was “born into show business”—her mother being a singer and her father being a professional jazz musician. Some of her greatest inspiration came from Ossie Davis and Rubie Dee, who were among some of the first entertainers in show business, opening the doors for lots of other entertainers. When Melba was of age, “the theatre was ready for her”, according to her reply. Ms. Moore also began performing in the area of “gospel flag”, which is a new boom spreading the country. She has done work for the missionaries, has been at numerous times referred to as the “Benefit Queen”, and her most important motto is “Never Give Up.”. Melba, that’s some piece of advice.
The gourmet food was scrumptious, and the atmosphere definitely one of Latino Pizzazz. Overall, it was a great show! If anyone would like more information, please visit their website at http://www.allcarenet.org/memdir/VILLAGE.html.
Abbey H. Muneer is the Executive Director of H.A.D. Organization of New York City, Inc., a world-famous athlete, author and, above all, a humanitarian. Abbey will write articles about charity events, benefits, fundraisers and galas which are raising money for humantiarian causes. If you are interested in having Abbey and one his staff members cover one of your charity events, benefits, fundraisers or galas, feel free to notify us one week in advance, at LNEvents@hadofnyc.org, or telephone us at (718) 507-7616, between the hours of 8:00am and 8:00pm e.s.t. and ask to speak to Abbey or Maria. If you would like more information, or would like to have Liberty News Online Magazine consult your next charitable event, please feel free to visit our website, at http://www.hadofnyc.org/store/success.html, email us at humanitarians@hadofnyc.org, or telephone our hotline, at (718) 507-7616, between the hours of 8:00am and 8:00pm e.s.t. (U.S.A.) |
