Hot New Trends In The Entertainment World: Mary Gleason

Friday, July 30, 2010

JUDITH LEIBER + MARIA BELLO Host “Don’t Forget” Haiti Launch on July 13th. 2010 in NYC

Maria Bello and President of Judith Leiber Mary Gleason

At the Judith Leiber flagship NYC store event on Tuesday, July 13th, 2010, Actress and Philanthropist Maria Bello and Judith Leiber Brand President Mary Gleason unveiled the “Don’t Forget” pendant, a limited edition Judith Leiber design.
Judith Leiber Website

This pendant will be sold with 100 percent of the profits benefiting Femmes En Democratie, a chapter of Vital Voices Global Partnership based in Haiti. Its Haitian chapter, Femmes En Democratie, supports thousands of women who continue to be devastated by the earthquake of January 2010.

The “Don’t Forget” limited edition pendant features a clear crystal ring, faceted pewter and the Don’t Forget medallion, which hangs from an adjustable leather cord and will retail for $95.

For over 20 years, Maria Bello has been an international champion of women’s rights. Over the last three years, Bello has focused on improving the quality of life of Haitian women and helping them overcome the challenges of their living situation. When the January earthquake devastated Haiti and shocked the world, Bello returned to the country over eight times to work in a 50,000-person IDP camp and started a women’s clinic to aid self-sustainable efforts.
The name Judith Leiber says a lot in the world of women’s empowerment. Leiber, the brand’s founder and namesake, survived World War II and immigrated to the United States where she built her iconic brand. Judith Leiber has been an American luxury brand since 1963. The timeless designs, distinct heritage, and overall quality have been an international staple for decades. Celebrities and First Ladies have carried these custom made bags on red carpets and Presidential Inaugurations all over the world. As an integral piece of history, Judith Leiber accessories can be found in museums around the world including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, and the Los Angeles Museum of Art.

On Tuesday night, Judith Leiber’s flagship store in New York City was filled with the sounds of hip-hop and the smells of creole chicken and rice. All eyes may have been on the dazzling stars, such as Kelly Rutherford of “Gossip Girl” and designer Lucy Sykes, but it was the Haitian women working with Vital Voices who stole the show.

Despite the devastating reality in Haiti, spirits were kept high with the delicious Carribean flavor that permeated every detail of the night—from the delicious spicy chicken and rice and crispy crabcakes, to D.J. Sedeck Jean (Wyclef Jean’s brother), who was spinning soulful hip-hop. By the end of the night, the dance floor was packed with partygoers already wearing their newly purchased pendants.


Ann-Valerie Timothee Milfort, Maria Bello, President of Judith Leiber Mary Gleason, Eugenia Podesta by Anna Kuchma

Peter Tunney and Maria Bello

Peter Tunney

Kelly Rutherford, Maria Bello

Kelly Rutherford, Maria Bello, Daryl Wein, Zoe Lister-Jones

Kathy Jean, DJ Sedeck Jean, Maria Bello

Maria Bello, Mary Gleason, NYC Police Commissioner Ray Kelly by Anna Kuchma

Restaurateur and club owner Unik Ernest, Maria Bello, Mary Gleason, NYC Police Commissioner Ray Kelly by Anna Kuchma

Maria Bello, Mary Gleason, NYC Police Commissioner Ray Kelly and Greg Kelly by Anna Kuchma

Mary Gleason, NYC Police Commissioner Ray Kelly and Greg Kelly by Anna Kuchma

Mary Gleason, NYC Police Commissioner Ray Kelly by Anna Kuchma

Marc Baptiste, actress Maria Bello by Anna Kuchma

Niemat Ahmadi and Maria Bello by Anna Kuchma

Niemat Ahmadi by Anna Kuchma

Dawne Marie Grannum, Dorothy Joseph by Anna Kuchma

Dorothy Joseph, Dawne Marie Grannum by Anna Kuchma

Herve Aimable, Dorothy Joseph by Anna Kuchma

Dorothy Joseph by Anna Kuchma - "The Don't Forget" Pendant

Dorothy Joseph by Anna Kuchma

Shelby Wilcox by Anna Kuchma

Friday, May 21, 2010

Judith Leiber To Sell Bags to Benefit The Wildlife Conservation Society on May 5th, 2010

On May 5, 2010 at the Judith Leiber (http://www.judithleiber.com/) boutique which is located on Madison Avenue in New York City was a shopping benefit from 6:00 pm -8:00 pm where invited guests had the opportunity to purchase 1 per customer in total 100 handbags which were also priced at $100 with 100% of the proceeds going to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). http://www.wcs.org/

The invitees and supporters of this exclusive and wonderful event raised $10,000 for the WCS by purchasing these beautiful jeweled handbags in a very quick fashion, if you did not arrive on time the bags were gone but the bubbly was still on the table.

This event was just a beginning to a celebration which will occur on June 10th, 2010 in Central Park Zoo where Wildlife Conservation Society will hold its Annual Gala and this year it is named Flights of Fancy. WCS works to protect over 350 species of birds and their habitats around the world and the GALA will provide an opportunity for philanthropists to gather in the spectacular outdoor setting of the Central Park Zoo. Flights of Fancy will immerse guests in the vibrant, extraordinary world of birds—magnificent dancing cranes, crooning penguins, brilliantly-colored flamingos and fierce raptors among others.

Ticket information for the Wildlife Conservation Society GALA 2010: Flights of Fancy can be obtained by contacting The Event Shop Ltd. at (973) 233-1150 or wcs@eventshopltd.com

Here are the pictures from this glorious event that happened for a great cause: