Queen Latifah Honors Halle Berry at unite4:humanity Awards

Hollywood takes congratulating itself to another level during Oscar week, but Thursday’s sophomore outing of the charity unite4:humanity endeavored to recognize those who use their fame for good. “Without people caring, getting up off their sofas, and realizing it’s not just about us, it’s about what we do for others, I shudder to think where we might be,” said Halle Berry, the night’s marquee honoree for her work against domestic violence with the Jenesse Center.

Offered Queen Latifah, “Halle is great. I told her just before we sat down. When I came out to perform a song at the Oscars and I looked at her face in the audience and she smiled at me, she let me know that I could sing that song. I can’t imagine how she must make the women feel who’ve been through what she’s been through, how comfortable she must make them feel.”

The Beverly Hilton ballroom was packed full of A-list presenters — Jeff Bridges, Forest Whitaker and Emily Blunt — and honorees including Ewan McGregor, Christina Applegate and Josh Hutcherson, who admitted, “I get nervous before these types of things. Talking in front of people I’m a huge fan of, you just try to make it like any other day.”

When it came time for Amy Poehler to take the stage, the usually sardonic comedienne was shaken to learn that her friend, “Parks and Recreation” producer Harris Wittels, had passed away earlier in the day. “I don’t feel like telling any jokes,” she said, but she did manage to launch one zinger. “It’s Forest Whitaker who said that the Dalai Lama said… I forget what he said. It was good, though. I think that one thing that we can take away from tonight is that the Dalai Lama is always on his s–t.”

The lightened atmosphere continued with a performance by Pink, who sang “Me and Bobby McGee,” explaining, “I choose to do other peoples’ songs because often times they’re more enjoyable than mine.”

Naomi Watts Attends Bulgari, Save the Children Fundraiser

Bulgari and Save the Children briefly put philanthropy ahead of pre-Oscar partying to spotlight their fund-raising with the debut of a photo book at Spago Beverly Hills on Tuesday night. As Naomi Watts, the book’s cover girl, made her way down the red carpet wearing a glittering Bulgari necklace that she called “a diamond sapphire extravaganza,” she noted, “I loved what Bulgari is doing to support the 700,000 children in crisis. It’s incredibly impressive.”

The Italian jewelry house has raised over $35 million for the adolescent rights organization, surpassing charity funds donated by any other luxury house.

The tome, titled “Stop. Think. Give.,” features 250 celebrities who have done their part for the cause, all shot by Fabrizio Ferri, who received praise for his swift skills.

“Fabrizio took a grand total of four pictures of me,” Watts said. “The lighting was perfect and I’m not easy to light these days.” Camilla Belle followed, “He put me on my mark and said ‘OK, let’s just test the light.’ We got it in one shot. It was very quick and fabulous.”

Among the other subjects at the party were Bulgari Ambassador Adrien Brody as well as Ashley Greene, Eric Bana, Jeremy Piven, Jennifer Garner and Terrence Howard.

“It’s remarkable for a corporation to be this motivated in their philanthropic work,” said Brody. “I’m grateful that they allocated funds to my hometown in Queens, New York. It was reeling from low economic families and from Hurricane Sandy. Hopefully the book will create a little more awareness and encourage more people to stop, think and give to the many people in need.”

Said Malin Akerman of the photographs, “This is my first time seeing them. I think they’re absolutely gorgeous and powerful.”

Kanye West, Beyoncé Attend Roc Nation Pre-Grammy Brunch

Party crashers are de rigueur at Grammy parties, but in an effort to cut down on interlopers — and still get press, of course — record label Roc Nation set up its pre-Grammy brunch step-and-repeat in the flats of Beverly Hills, while the actual fete took place at a private residence a few miles away in the actual hills.

That didn’t deter Big Sean, Nick Jonas, Jhene Aiko, or Haim from stepping in front of the cameras on Saturday, but the biggest photo op occurred when a black Mercedes arrived. Without actually setting foot on the black carpet, Kanye West emerged under a shower of camera flashes that paused briefly at his request to let Kim Kardashian adjust her red crop top. After the couple broke their no smiling rule, they got back into their car and cruised off to meet with Jay Z, Beyoncé, and Rihanna, who had skipped the arrivals.

Newbie Justine Skye said, “I’m looking forward to meeting Beyoncé. That’s the main goal. I’m not even going to cut around it. I’ve met her once before at the Made in America festival. But I feel like this is more of an intimate event so hopefully I’ll get to say a few more words to her.”

In between hugs from rapper B.O.B. and Janelle Monáe, Natasha Bedingfield gushed, “Rihanna is always the loveliest. She’s always the nicest female singer that I’ve met she’s just an angel. Such a gentle soul.”

But New Yorker Fabolous was just looking forward to Sunday’s show. “I really don’t go in the space to meet anybody, just to take in the weekend,” he said. “I want to see the actual performances because I’m a sucker for live performances. I definitely think the Grammys brings out some of the best.”

Grammys After Parties: Go Hard or Go Home

While there was no shortage of major fashion moments at Sunday’s Grammy Awards, Giorgio Armani decided to kick things up a notch by throwing its own after party for the first time. “Where is he?” asked Janelle Monáe when she arrived at the Hollywood Athletic Club. The designer himself wasn’t present, but niece Roberta was, mixing it up with the likes of Ricky Martin, Darren Criss and Armie Hammer, all wearing the label, of course. “We’ve never had a Grammys party. We said, ‘Why not have a beautiful party to pay tribute to the music world?’ ” Armani said. Elsewhere at the GQ-cohosted bash, Khloé Kardashian stayed close to younger sisters Kylie and Kendall Jenner as they made an early party appearance. Kendall was starting to describe the show but only managed to say that it was “fun” before big sister Khloé protectively dragged her away (perhaps before she could be asked about her brother-in-law Kanye West’s latest antics). Also taking in the scene were Estelle, Armani poster boy Calvin Harris, Jason Derulo, Miguel, Wiz Khalifa and “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett, who was enjoying firsthand the perks of starring in a blockbuster TV series.

“I’m such a newbie, but everyone has been so nice. People like Berry Gordy were coming up to me saying they love the show,” Smollett said. Rita Ora swung by well past 1 a.m., which might have been a tad late for Armani herself. “I think the party will go late. I don’t know about me, but the party will…,” she said.

On this particular weekend in Los Angeles, it was the music labels that dominated the party circuit for a change. On Saturday, Roc Nation pulled not just Rihanna, Beyoncé and

Jay Z, but also Kanye and Kim Kardashian to its annual brunch at a home in Beverly Hills. Newcomer Justine Skye had just one goal: “I’m looking forward to meeting Beyoncé.…I’m not even going to cut around it.” After the awards show, Warner Music Group’s bash at the Chateau Marmont was brimming with the label’s stars: Ed Sheeran, Lily Allen, Jamie Foxx, Katharine McPhee and Diplo, who, sadly for those hoping for Instagram material, did not come with his dates from the show, Nas and Madonna.

Members of the British group Clean Bandit were elated after winning their first Grammy for Best Dance Recording. “Winning the award was a massive surprise. We would have never expected it,” said Grace Chatto, who was equally pumped to hear her bandmate Neil Amin-Smith DJ the party. “I usually play house music,” Amin-Smith said. “But I think that won’t be appropriate tonight, so I’m going to play early 2000s R&B.”

Charli XCX arrived after switching out of the Moschino tuxedo she wore to the awards, into a tulle Moschino dress. She said it was inspired by the canine companion she brought with her to the red carpet. “I changed into this because my friend’s puppy was wearing Moschino, too, and I thought I’d match,” she said. Asked about her favorite moment of the night, she didn’t miss a beat: “Prince and his outfit.” Later, she switched again, into a leopard-print unitard.

Essence Magazine Celebrates Black Women in Music

Grammy weekend kicked off in Los Angeles on Thursday night quite fittingly, with a concert.

A trail of guests lined up in front of the Avalon in Hollywood early Thursday night, the words “Sold Out” running across the venue’s marquee. It was the 6th annual Black Women in Music celebration for Essence Magazine, or the magazine’s unofficial pre-Grammy party where an array of artists including Brandy, Lianne La Havas, Chaka Khan, MC Lyte and honoree Jill Scott were set to perform.

 As the red carpet ebbed and flowed, it became clear the night’s overriding theme was girl power. “You know, sisterhood is important,” said Ciara. “It’s important that women support each other of all races. It’s really empowering when we show each other love.”

“Boardwalk Empire” alum Margot Bingham was mesmerized by the “Ride It” singer. “I’ve never been this close to her,” she gushed. “I’m freaking out…” After getting a good peek she echoed her girl crush’s sentiments: “Sisterhood is to not be afraid to say that you’re a little jealous,” Bingham said. “It’s looking at other women that inspires you to be your best self.”

From the seven-minute opening medley of Nineties hits from Brandy that prompted Luke James to say, “She’s amazing,” to Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody,” there was a lot to be inspired by. Four-time Grammy award winner Scott told WWD, “I don’t even want to sing. Just to hear and to know that you’ve touched anyone is just …I’m at a loss for words.” Although she went on to speak of shyness and feeling overwhelmed, it wasn’t easily detected. When it was her turn, the songstress sauntered onto the smoky stage, before belting out the crowd-pleaser “Golden,” drink in hand.

NBCUniversal Celebrates Eddie Redmayne’s Golden Globe Win

There was a reason to celebrate at NBCUniversal’s Golden Globes after party at the rooftop of the Beverly Hills Hilton. On a night when the so-called “mini-studios” like Sony Pictures Classics and Fox Searchlight walked away as winners, Focus Features also picked up two awards for the weeper “The Theory of Everything,” including best actor winner Eddie Redmayne. One of the big gets of the night, he came to his studio’s party with costar Felicity Jones and his award in tow. 

Nene Leakes, Sarah Rafferty and Shaun Robinson were among the others toasting underneath the rooftop’s blue tent. One guest that took a portion of an aisle was Amber Rose. After doing so, she almost immediately found herself being swarmed with fans that wanted to take selfies throughout the night.

Although partying and meeting new people was the general M.O., a few attendees like Tamera Mowry and Laura Vandervoort took a more mellow approach by choosing to sit out on all of the high action. “We’re going to have a good time with some friends and then it’s probably home to pajamas,” Vandervoort confessed. “I’m so, like, 90 years old. This is a lot of energy.”

Even though the soiree was cut short for a few, guests Hailee Steinfeld and Bethany Joy Lenz blithely traded compliments on each other’s choice of dress while first-time attendee Alison Sudol, an actress from Amazon’s “Transparent,” made time to meet her idols. “I think if I say [who I want to meet] that I’ll jinx it. There are so many interesting people here and I’m just looking forward to talking to them about random stuff. That’s my favorite thing to do at these kinds of events,” she said.

Just One Eye Hosts Cocktail at Hollywood Boutique

LOS ANGELES — In the midst of the usual Friday night traffic and hubbub in Hollywood, avant garde boutique Just One Eye staged its version of a post-apocalyptic world to fete the arrival of the Ulysses Tier 1 disaster relief kit, which will enable anyone who can afford the $12,500 item to stay alive in the most glamorous way possible.

Developed by 4C’s consulting firm and Half Face Blades (the company is owned by a veteran Navy SEAL), the kit — but more likely the rooftop event and promised live performance, staged by Bureau Betak — attracted guests such as Sienna Miller, Liz Goldwyn, Dita Von Teese and David LaChapelle. Others, like Demi Moore (her BFF Eric Buterbaugh designed the flowers for the event, since even a post-apocalyptic world needs flowers), weren’t quite sure what they were in for.

“I don’t actually know that much,” said Moore. “But I love the store. I’m very intrigued by what we’re about to encounter.” George Kotsiopoulos echoed her sentiment, saying, “I have no idea what’s going to happen. It’s one of those things where you hear people say: ‘You have to go’. You know when certain names are attached, it’s going to be great.”

“Certain names” included Just One Eye owner Paola Russo, who paced restlessly among guests outfitted in metallic ponchos sipping “survival rations” served by men in white jumpsuits. “You caught me at a hype moment right now. This is a big event for me to show people the DNA of Just One Eye, which is a mix of culture and learning how to put different fields together,” Russo said. A representative from 4C’s said, “If something goes left, the kit allows you to survive not in luxury, but comfortably. There are a lot of high-tech items that will make your life easier if something goes wrong.”

A few minutes before 8 p.m., a purple light cast across the crowd and an orchestra marched in single file and positioned themselves along the roofline against the night sky. In complete silence, guests like Mary-Kate Olsen stood on concrete blocks and pulled out their cell phones waiting for the right moment to record. As the symphony began to crescendo, three helicopters buzzed in circles around the roof before depositing performers dressed like Navy SEALs. One guest who didn’t have a phone in hand was Von Teese, who quipped, “I didn’t want to miss the moment [trying to record it].”

Meanwhile, a group of dancers in black-face paint and skullcaps scaled the walls before swarming among clusters of unsuspecting guests to continue their military-influenced routine. The performance came to a close when a white light in the center of the floor drew the crowd to examine the kit. “I’m trying to get a look at it,” said Goldwyn. “I heard there was a $25,000 blanket and foie gras.”

Fiorentini + Baker Previews Spring Collection in L.A.

BAKER GETS THE BOOT: On Thursday night, devotees of the cult brand Fiorentini + Baker traveled to Abbot Kinney in Venice Beach for a preview of the spring collection. In a town where heels at parties reign supreme, boots were for once the dominant choice for footwear. On an open-air patio, designer Deborah Baker explained that Italy played a role in her design process. “A little bit of the inspiration comes from really terrible weather in Italy this year,” she said. “It’s really normally beautiful everyday with blue skies. But, there were thunderstorms and really strange weather. So that’s where you get the black and shades of blue.” Lilakoi Moon, the actress formerly known as Lisa Bonet, cohosted with Shiva Rose and Phoebe Dahl. “As humans we love to play,” said Moon. “I love fashion. I always have. But, with the seriousness of what’s happening in the world sometimes I can feel guilty about indulging. So, this is a wonderful way to indulge and know that the money that might be spent selfishly is giving back to something that matters.” The beneficiary of a portion of the night’s purchases was Children’s Action Network. The next stop for the preview party will be New York, and final destination is Bologna, Italy where Baker resides.

This article was published on November 3, 2014 for Women's Wear Daily.

Young Hollywood Toasts Teen Vogue Anniversary Issue

A new wave of Hollywood talent swept through the hills of Los Angeles Friday night to toast the publication of Teen Vogue’s 12th annual Young Hollywood issue.

Although the soiree had a no-parent feel to it, the under-21 crowd stayed on its best behavior (with the occasional dance outbreak). While most attendees were technically teenagers, one guest who made it into the October issue was younger than the party itself. When the 11-year-old actress (an Oscar nominee) Quvenzhané Wallis heard “Fancy” play, she screamed, “Oh my god!” while making her way to dance with Ed Oxenbould.

Even though the dance floor overlooked a neon-lit pool and a glittering view of the city, it didn’t hold guests’ attention for too long once an energetic 30-minute performance from Australian band The Preatures started. “They always do something new and different and it’s always just fun and fresh,” said Sarah Hyland. As lead singer Isabella Manfredi serenaded her audience, Hailee Steinfeld and the members of Fifth Harmony found themselves dancing front and center while a camera drone recorded the scene.

Although the M.O. was simply to have fun, guests also wanted to network/bond with their peers. “The young ones are always my favorites,” said Zendaya, who is not too much older herself. “I always like to motivate them and let them know that they’re killing it and I see them.” Debby Ryan followed, saying, “I think more than anything I want to see the newcomers; along with some of the editors who have taken a chance on me when other people haven’t.”

Daughters of actors like Maude Apatow and Greer Grammer were also present. Grammer came with sage advice from her father Kelsey saying, “He’s always taught me to make sure I love acting for acting and not the fame, but to make sure I love the craft. He’s always sure of letting me know that Hollywood’s a lot harder on women than it is on men.”

Other guests in attendance at the Emporio Armani-sponsored bash included Bella Thorne, Ki-Hong Lee, Joe Jonas, Kelli Berglund, Olivia Holt, China Anne McClain, Jack Kilmer, Ariel Winter, Peyton List and Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Kerry Washington Designs Purple Purse for Charity

KERRY CARES: Kerry Washington, who on Monday appeared in her latest role as an ambassador for the anti-domestic violence Allstate Foundation, called filming the PSA (which debuted on-air Sept. 15), “such a good day, I’m so happy to be a part of it.” The actress was in high spirits after wrapping the eight-hour shoot in Los Angeles, which featured one of the 500 “Purple Purses” she helped design for opinion-leaders as a dialogue-starter and as a sweepstakes prize the Purple Purse Challenge fundraiser through Oct. 3. Evident in her work with other humanitarian organizations such as V-Day, Washington is drawn to efforts dedicated to women’s issues, so it wasn’t surprising that she was on board with the Purple Purse program after learning that 98 percent of domestic violence victims stay in harmful situations because they lack financial dependence. “A purse is a woman’s domain, it’s where her financial life lives. I like the symbolism of clutching; really being able to hold on to it. You can take back your financial control.” Creatively, Washington’s work for The Limited with “Scandal” costumer designer Lyn Paolo and Elliot Staples opened a new outlet. “I’m so falling in love with the design process. So, this was fun for me because it was just me working on my own. To be able to do it for such a great cause is really important,” she said