If you don’t know Elettra Wiedemann by now, you should. The Supermodel (she’s a spokesmodel for Lancome and has done countless campaigns), entrepreneur (she started the GOODNESS fashion week pop-up restaurants), and philanthropist (she also co-founder of the non-profit onefrickinday.org), has a new venture!
Elettra will be producing and hosting a month long video series named, New York City Greats for New York Magazine’s fashion and beauty website, The Cut. This week she launched the project with an exclusive interview with fashion designer, Diane von Furstenburg!
Oh my GOODNESS, is right! As some of you know, as of last NYFW season I began working with the supermodel/philanthropist, Elettra Wiedemann on her 4-day fashion week pop-up restaurant concept, GOODNESS, which was founded on the principles of providing a wide audience, affordable, locally sourced food, by a rotating line-up of celebrity chefs.
After such an amazing response in September, Elettra brought GOODNESS back for the Fall 2012 NYFW season. Hosted by CIRCA and The Daily Front Row, GOODNESS was housed at the Robert on the 9th floor of the Museum of Arts and Design from February 11 – 14th, and featured an amazing line-up of rotating chefs which included: Mario Batali of Babbo, Leo Forneas of ROBERT, Alain Allegretti of La Promenade des Anglais and Julian Medina of Toloache. And to add to the excitement, GOODNESS earned the CFDA’s Health Initiative Stamp of Approval.
Mario Batali and Elettra Wiedemann.Leo Forneas' drool-worthy scallops
We also took over the 7th floor of the museum to create the GOODNESS Lounge by Renaissance Hotels. Designed as a comfortable “living room” space for guests to relax and recharge. The GOODNESS Lounge by Renaissance Hotels also featured a touch-up station by Lancôme and massages by Equinox. CIRCA, the world’s leading global buyer of fine jewelry, showcased their collection of recycled, sustainable luxury jewelry in the lounge. As you may remember (I posted about the competition!), GOODNESS partnered with Talenthouse to choose a winning resident DJ for the lounge. Our winner, DJ Travisty was a gem and kept the beats going and the lounge popping.
Day 1 was a blur! Mario Batali was in the kitchen and naturally we we’re booked the entire day. We also had a little kick-off party to toast Elettra and the chefs. We were joined by Elettra’s mother, Isabella Rossellini, as well as fashion friends, Monique Pean, Michelle Harper, Laura Brown, Mickey Boardman, Lorenzo Martone, and Jon Emperson aka Lypsinka.
Isabella Rossellini and Elettra Wiedemann.Lauren Remington Platt, Elettra Wiedemann, Michelle Harper.Robert Verdi and Simon Doonan filming at GOODNESS
After that we cruised through the next 3 days, welcoming guests, coordinating interviews and trying everything we could possibly could on the menu. I’m so lucky to work with the most amazing team that made going to work everyday so fun and be apart of such an innovative concept.
GO team GOODNESS!
You haven’t heard the last of GOODNESS… aside from a return in future New York Fashion Weeks, expect appearances in Paris, London, Doha and Miami.
Photo Credit: Abe Shaw (minus the tragic looking ones I took)
In celebration of NARS 15th anniversary, Francois Nars launched his latest book 15×15. This 40 page book features 15 beauty and fashion icons including Naomi Campbell, Marc Jacobs, Amber Valletta, Daphne Guinness, and Isabella Rossellini, captured through the lens and artistry of Francois Nars.
Priced at $80 ($98 with shipping), the proceeds from the project will be donated to 15 charities selected by the celebrities.The cost is a little steep, but considering it goes to many great causes, and is a limited edition (only 1500 copies are being made), get it while you can. I missed out on buying his first book, X-Ray, and I’ve been kicking myself ever since.Now when is Mr. Nars’ next PA? I’d like my book signed.
Visit 15x15project.com for more information including the charities involved, behind the scenes footage, images and to purchase.
