Sunday, May 17, 2009
Fashionistas were out in full force this afternoon in support of Friendly House and the Fashion For Life 2009 event, sponsored by the Annenberg Foundation, Kellwood Company, and California Market Center, honoring designer David Meister with the Vision Award for his contributions to style. Also on the agenda for the party-a fashion show with Fall designs by Meister, Trina Turk, Ina Soltani, Single, Fremont, and Paige Premium Denim. The ladies were decked out in their best Meister fashions and compliments flowed from guests about his alluring pieces that graced the Red Carpet.
Madeline Zima looked delightful in a peach strapless knee length David Meister and praised the designer’s clothes as “easy to wear, comfortable, and well constructed.” Oscar Nominee for “Doubt,” Viola Davis in a hot pink Meister creation stated, “David did really good by me with the SAG Awards dress.” Still reeling from her whirlwind year, she mentioned that “This is what every actor dreams of. I have to get used to all of the attention.” Melora Hardin, who just premiered her directorial debut “You,” proclaimed,”David is amazing. I wear his dresses all of the time.” In a classic black David Meister dress, Valerie Bertinelli declared, “I am always wearing his dresses. I love every single one of his styles.” She is focusing on her latest project-her new talk show-and will take some time to relax this summer.
Celebrity stylist Anya Sarre, the host of “Look for Less” on “The Insider,” was beautiful in a one shouldered floral print David Meister look. Asked why David’s fashions are so in demand, she revealed to me, “David is all about the fit of the dress. There are not enough David Meister dresses to go around Hollywood!” A pro on how to look lovely while still maintaining a budget, Anya advised 3 steps to get Red Carpet ready without breaking the bank: 1. Shop the sale racks, because there are so many items on sale now a days. 2. Spend more on the dress, but less on accessories. Case in point, Anya accessorized her dress today with sassy dangle earrings from H&M. 3. Reuse and recycle pieces that you already have in your closet. As for new projects, Anya was tight lipped but promised me that “You will be the first to know. I will give you the exclusive!” Sounds good to me. You can catch Anya daily on “The Insider.”
Host Melissa Rivers, fresh from her appearance on “Celebrity Apprentice,” was still overjoyed about her mother’s win on the show. She gushed, “That night everyone was congratulating me. I felt like the mother of the bride!” She continued, “Celebrity Apprentice was like a master class in producing for me. It was like film school.” About Friendly House’s mission to aid women in recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction, Melissa said, “I have done stuff for Friendly House before and there by the grace of God go I to not have an addiction problem. Anytime that I can help people that don’t means to get sober on their own, I am there.”
The man of the hour, honoree and celebrity designer David Meister was inspired to support the work of Friendly House. He reinforced, “This is very exciting and it is such a good cause. You need to give back and support an organization that empowers women.” So who is his dream Red Carpet client? One word-“Angelina. I’ve met her once before and she leaves you breathless!”