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Hello darlings, welcome back to Cognac’s Corner Magazine.
Eartha Kitt wearing a full length sable fur coat sings to Santa at Washington’s Lighting of the Christmas Tree in 2006
I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Eartha Kitt at Carlyle two years ago. After her performance I introduced myself to her and asked, “Ms. Kitt give me that growl,” and she was happy to oblige by vocalizing her catlike purr!
Eartha Kitt, the seductress singer and cabaret entertainer whose sultry voice and sensuality made her an international star with a career spanning six decades, died on Christmas at age 81, her friend and publicist reported. Isn’t it uncanny that she died on Christmas after being best known for singing the hit song “Santa Baby.”
Ms. Kitt received two Emmy television awards and was nominated for numerous Tony awards and two Grammy awards, died of colon cancer. Ms. Kitt was being treated at New York Presbyterian Hospital in the state of Connecticut where she lived.
“She was certainly a legendary performer and while I think there may have been many imitations, she was an original,” Freedman her publicist reports. She was one of the few artists who have been nominated for Tony, Grammy and Emmy awards.
“I Want to Be Evil” and “Santa Baby,” still a Christmas favorite today, were among her best-selling songs.
Referred to as “sex kitten,” by herself and others, she famously was part of the 60’s ensemble of the TV Show “Batman” playing the sexy role of Catwoman. Her seductive growl and catlike purr won her many fans, among them Orson Welles, who called her “the most exciting woman in the world.”
She acted alongside Nat King Cole in the film “St. Louis Blues” (1958).
Ms. Kitt started from humble beginnings as a multi-racial child in the cotton fields of South Carolina.
In the late 1960s she was blacklisted in the this country after commenting against the Vietnam war during a luncheon at the White House. She worked abroad for years until her triumphant return to Broadway in 1974. She received her second Tony nomination in 1978 for her role in the musical “Timbuktu.”
One of her last recorded performances was in December 2006. Ms. Kitt returned to the White House to light the National Christmas Tree, performing for President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush.
Kitt launched her career as a dancer in Paris with the famed Katherine Dunham Dance Troupe and started touring the world as a dancer and vocalist before becoming an entertainment sensation.
“Paris was one of her great loves,” Freedman said. “One of her first big hits was ‘La Vie en Rose,’” the Edith Piaf original.
“Since that period in the early 40s and 50s, Europe has always held a special place in her heart, particularly Paris.”
Welcome back to Cognac’s Corner Magazine. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy Champagne Kisses New Year!
Actor Bill-Lee Lanndis And Cognac Wellerlane pose for a photo-op at Bryant Park at Christmas Time
Stylist Patricia Parenti and Cognac at Bryant Park
Cognac poses with Actor Bill-Lee Lanndis and Stylist Patricia Parenti at Bryant Park Christmas
Actor Bill-Lee Lanndis and Cognac
Cognac Posing for a photo-op
Cognac takes you through a glamorous Shopping tour of Manhattan at Christmas time and she celebrates Christmas Eve at the Home of Press Photographer Shane Gritzinger and Financier Owain Morgain in Hampton Bays
Until my next celebrity event darlings,
Pink Chanpagne Christmas
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Cognac interviews Strip Tease Artist Dirty Martini at Suzanne Bartsch’s Charity Event Toys for Tots at Vandam
You ask, what’s in a Dirty Martini? Well think Old Hollywood, ermine, diamonds, glitz, hour glass figure and Movie Star Legend Mae West. That is what Dirty Martini reminds me of. Her sexy statuesque voluptuous figure, her dry wit, cupid smile and insatiable charm are all a part of the allure that she captivates her audience with.
Miss Dirty Martini is one of the most recognized names in New Burlesque today. Before winning the title of Miss Exotic World in 2004, the world’s only burlesque museum and hall of fame has awarded her the ‘Sally Rand Award for her fan dance and the Jennie Lee award for her tassel twirling technique. Named the ‘Sexpot Sophisticate’ by NY Magazine, she has been described as ‘one of the best in burlesque’ by the New York Times, ‘the queen of them all’ by the London Daily Telegraph, and ‘the decadent expression of female sensuality in action’ by the NY Daily News. Since the mid 1990’s she has had audiences on their feet applauding in venues as diverse as Carnegie Hall and The Museum of Sex to notorious New York City night clubs where she has been awarded a ‘Glammy’ for her performances. A leading figurehead in the American burlesque revival, Miss Martini has become an underground celebrity and a favorite of the legends of burlesque who performed in the 1940’s and 1950’s. Her audiences have given her rave reviews for her ground breaking, stereotype busting and innovative performances as well as her classic burlesque tributes and have included celebrities such as actor Allen Cumming, Burlesque superstar Dita Von Teese, fashion designer Marc Jacobs, talk show hosts Rosie O’Donnel and Ricky Lake, Singers Marilyn Manson and Fred Schneider of the B-52’s and writer Cintra Wilson among others. She has headlined burlesque shows across the USA and all over the world and has been featured in the following books ‘New Burlesque’, ‘Burlesque the New Bump and Grind’ and ‘Burlesque From Gaslight to Spotlight’. With the Cabaret New Burlesque, she has recently returned from sold out shows in Nantes, France. Following her return to the US, she began performing in an Off Broadway show alongside critically acclaimed comedienne Margaret Cho in her burlesque and comedy review The Sensuous Woman. Look for her in the Scissor Sisters Filthy Gorgeous video and her very glamorous little cameo in John Cameron Mitchell’s film ‘Shortbus’.
For more va-va-voom visit: www.missdirtymartini.com
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Cognac Wellerlane interviews at Suzanne Bartsch’s Charity Event Toys for Tots – Video by Mauro Botero
Suzanne Bartsch and Strip Tease Artist Dita Von Teese
Christmas in New York City is magical and one of the best parties is the Toys for Tots hosted by Club Promoter and 80’s Icon of New York City nightlife, Suzane Bartsch. This year’s event was at Vandam Sunday’s At the Greenhouse Night Club on the Corner of Vandam and Varick.
Susanne Bartsch arrived in New York in 1981 with 13 years of London’s creative connections. The Swiss eccentric opened a innovative boutique in New York’s hip SoHo district. The Bartsch Boutique on West Broadway. At that time the Bartsch Boutique was carrying designers such as John Galliano, Rachel Alburn & Leigh Bowery before anyone else. The shop’s cutting edge fashion show called “New London in New York” enlightened the public of Susanne’s Ziegfeld-like showmanship. She then took the show to Japan which brought more buzz to her ever growing audience. In 1987, Susanne started her weekly club night Savage. A Mardi Gras-like atmosphere, multi-level entertainment with non-stop energy. Bartsch re-invigorated Manhattan’s nightlife mixing uptown and downtown, gay and straigh. Concerned and frustrated over the loss of many friends to AIDS, Susanne created “Love Ball 1” in 1989. Inspired by drag balls in Harlem various categories were created for houses. For the first time this culture involving dance/vogueing/presentation and styling was introduced to a national audience. After the success of this event Bartsch created several more Love Ball parties including the hoppening at the Playboy mansion in Los Angeles and the Balad de L’Amour in Paris at the world famous Follies Bergere. She raised a total of $ 2.5 million for direct care of AIDS patients. From Armani shows in Milan to events for clients such as Dewars, Fashion Council of America, Ian Schrager Hotels, Barney’s New York, Miami Winter Music Conference,Sony and many others. Susanne remains one of the best producer of the moment,creating excitement and energy at her worldwide events.
Aromatherapist Jun Nakayama and Cognac Wellerlane pose for a photo-op – Photo by Mauro Botero
Cognac interviews Stylist Patricia Parenti at Suzanne Bartsch’s Charity Event at Vandam – Video by Mauro Botero
At the event, I had the pleasure of interviewing one of the most stylish woman in New York City, Fashion Designer and Stylist Patricia Parenti. Ms. Parenti began her caree in fashion as an accessories buyer and department manager for “The New Store” on 7th Avenue directly located across from Fashion Institute of Technology. Because of her inept quality and attention to detail, Patricia was hired as a freelance merchandiser for Omanti, a manufacturer of women’s blouse and leather apparel. As her career took off she was later hired as an eastside shoe buyer and department manager for Castaneda and eventually designed an exclusive line of women’s dress shoes. At present, she is an assistant designer and sales representative for HEAD DRESS hair accessories.
In the 90’s Patricia’s talent led her to fashion styling for video and stage. She worked as an assistant costume designer for Rosemary Ponzo on the play “Elison and Eden”. The video “You Got the Right”, starring Johanna Deneroff, was produced for the United Nations human rights conference and was broadcast internationally on MTV. While shopping for accessories at various trade shows, she was introduced to “Designs by Gail”, a glove line that ended up being used quite frequently on many photo shoots. Because of her enthusiasm, she was asked to rep the line. When Gail decided to relocate, Patricia was left with many clients but no new glove designs. She decided to give it a whirl and found it a very satisfying creative process. A very important influence for Patricia’s success is a gentleman named Leo Shore. Mr. Shore has been in the glove business dating back to WWII. She spent hours visiting with him and his vintage glove collection and listening to his many stories. Mr. Shore has had tremendous influence on Patricia’s fashion career teaching her the nuts and bolts of the manufacturing business and she is thankful for all his continuing support.
Cognac Interviews Aromatherapist Jun Nakayama and Fashion Dandy Patrick McDonald at Suzanne Bartsch’s Toys for Tots Event – Video by Mauro Botero
Another fabulous fashion Icon that attended this year’s Toys For Tots was Fashion Dandy Patrick McDonald. Patrick revealed he loves coming every Sunday to Vandam, “Nothing could ever compare to Studio 54 but it’s great way to spend the evening,” Patrick confesses.
McDonald, better known as “Dandy” to fashionistas everywhere, has been at the top of the New York social scene since his debut at Studio 54, He and his twin brother were born in Heidelburg, Germany to American parents and returned to the United States aboard the SS United States. The bicoastal McDonald spent his earlier years in California and soon after attended Punahou Academy Prep in Hawaii. To further his education, he enrolled at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California and graduated with a BA in Fine Arts. Yearning for culture, glamour and the outrageous, McDonald moved to New York during the heyday of Studio 54 in the 1970’s and began working as a model. He quickly learned the ins and outs of the fashion industry and his love of high fashion led him to Fiorucci and then to Barney’s as an assistant buyer of the European collections. He also held the couture director position at Fabrice and worked with Upper East Side couturier John Anthony for many years. In addition to working at prestigious fashion houses and retailers, McDonald has become a published writer, holding several columns in trendy high-fashion magazines. He was the lifestyle editor of Arude magazine since 1998, and since 2001 writes the “Highbrow” column for Paper Magazine. Photographers love to catch McDonald in action at New York hotspots and celebrity events. He has appeared in PAPER, Detour, New York, Numero, SoHo Style, Surface, The New York Times lifesstyle section, Sportswear International, Russian Vogue and many more. McDonald is also featured in the upcoming book “The Style Makers” and has been voted one of Gotham Magazine’s 100 Best Dressed New Yorkers. In recent years, Patrick was asked to join a number of high profile celebrities and designers such as Pink, Missy Elliot, Diane von Furstenberg and more in creating a card for MAC cosmetics that was included in a deck that was auctioned off for charity.++++
Aromatherpist June stopped by and chatted with me at the party. Hailed as a Japanese star aesthetician by Time Out New York (Issue 403), Jun Nakayama is also a qualified aromatherapist(IFA), beauty therapist(CIBTAC) and a plus size model. Born and raised in Japan, Jun graduated from Kokugakuin University in Shibuya and went on to study abroad in England where she was trained in beauty and aromatherapy at Champney’s college, a leader in beauty therapy training. After returning to Japan in 1996, Jun worked for Shiseido luxury beauty spa for a year. In she opened her own little spa in Aoyama. It was during this time that Jun began to promote her spa at parties. Jun quickly became a part of the party scene in Japan where she met Richie Rich,designer of Heatherette, Amanda Lepore and Patricia Field. Inspired by the New York party scene, Jun decided to move to New York in 2001 just two weeks before 9/11. Jun struggled her first few months in New York with dire economic situation post-9/11. As luck would have it, Amanda Lepore asked Jun to be in a David LaChapelle photo shoot and Richie Rich recruited Jun to be a club kid model. Since then Jun has modeled for the likes of Boy George, Jack Pierson and Dietmar Busse. She also recorded a song produced by Boy George. The subject of press attention from all over the world, Jun has appeared in interviews and photos in Japan, Europe and New York. In 2007 Jun received the chance to model for the Heatherette runway show at the Life Ball in Vienna.
for more information on June Nakayama please visit junnakayama.com Miss Calli and Cognac pose for the camera at the Toys For Tots Event at Vandam – Photo by Mauro Botero
Photographer Marcus Leatherdale and Art Dealer Sandra Long pose for a photo-op with Cognac Wellerlane – Photo by Mauro Botero
Famous Photographer Marcus Leatherdale showed his support by attending the charity event and talked about his new book coming out this year. Montreal-born photographer Marcus Leatherdale has been exhibiting for more than 20 years in galleries worldwide. His work has been reviewed in Artforum, Art in America, and Art News, and is in several museum collections. Since 1993, he has been exclusively working in India, and is currently photographing rural India and the Adivasis/tribals.
Actor Bill-Lee Lanndis, Stylist Patricia and Cognac Wellerlane – Photo by Mauro Botero
Another special friend that I was happy to see at the Toys For Tots event was my good friend Actor Bill-Lee Lanndis.Bill-Lee started his show business career at the age of seven appearing in various summer stock, local, regional and musical theatre productions. Bill-Lee started performing on the stage as a singer eventually touring with a group of professional musicians, vocalist and actors known as “The Singing boys of Long Island.” The musical group was fashionably modeled after the internationally acclaimed famous “Vienna Choir Boys” from Vienna Austria.
As a teenager he toured extensively with the musical ensemble internationally and recorded two albums of classical music simultaneously appearing on television specials. In 1979 the group performed for an audience with Pope Paul John II in Vatican City, Italy receiving international press coverage. As his career flourished photogenic Bill-Lee started doing TV commercials and photo shoots as a model for magazine spreads. He started working as a dancer in music videos for hit recording artists such as Madonna, Paula Abdul, Brenda R. Starr, Jodeci including many others. He finally landed a part as a principal dancer on the classic 1980’s dance music/video TV series “Club-MTV” for four season. Later Bill-Lee appeared on ABC-TV Daytime Soaps “All My Children,” One Life to Live,” CBS “Guidling Light” and “Edge of Night.”
As Lanndis’s acting career was on a upswing he started attending HB Studios under the guidance of critically acclaimed Uta Hagen and husband Herbert Bergof. He was cast in the film “The Mirror Has Two Faces” directed by Barbara Streisand. Babs noticed his hidden talents off camera and remarked in her Jewish accent “You are very funny.”
Lanndis recently worked on the soon to be released film in July 2009 “The Taking of Pelham 123″ directed by famous Director Tony Scott as Assistant Ramierz to the Chief of MTA.
Hello darlings, welcome back to Cognac’s Corner Magazine.
Cognac Interviews Gossip Girl Kelly Rutherford – Video by Mauro Botero
“Gossip Girl” star Kelly Rutherford might not be uncomfortable talking about breast-feeding, but the rest of us are uncomfortable hearing about it. The 40-year-old pregnant mother told Us Weekly she still nurses her walking, talking 2- year-old son, Hermés. “It’s an amazing bond with your child,” she said, even pointing out that the experience mostly benefits her body – not her kid: “I was thinner after my pregnancy than before, and I think a lot of it was the nursing.”
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Alec Baldwin
THE Screen Actors Guild meeting Monday night at the Westin Hotel turned nasty as New York actors raged against SAG executives who are calling for a strike. “30 Rock” star Alec Baldwin led the charge against SAG president Alan Rosenberg and executive director and chief negotiator Doug Allen, calling for them to step down. Other actors, according to deadlinehollywooddaily.com, called them “liars,” “inept” and “Hollywood-centrics . . . insensitive to concerns of New York brethren.” Some members later apologized to the SAG leaders for the hostile tone. Allen told Page Six, “We respect our members’ right to express their opinion . . . more than 2,000 members, including more than 50 stars, have signed the statement of support for the strike authorization.” The pro-strike stars include Jack Nicholson, Meryl Streep and Warren Beatty. Against a strike are Tom Hanks, George Clooney, Charlize Theron, Helen Mirren and Kevin Spacey.
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Robert and Blaine Trump
AS the economy sours, so do the marriages of New York’s very, very rich. On the heels of the splits between Henry and Nancy Silverman and Robert and Blaine Trump, comes word that George David, who runs United Technologies, and his wife of six years, the stunning Swedish Countess Marie David, are divorcing. “They will be in a Hartford court this week,” said a spy. Marie, an investment banker, has hired her blueblood pal Blaine’s attorney, Robert S. Cohen, and is fighting for the 10,000-square-foot penthouse at 740 Park Ave. that the couple shared. “It is going to get nasty,” the source added. “She didn’t sign a prenup, but she did sign a postnup. He is very moody – a stormy individual.” The marriage started unraveling in the spring, sources said, and came to a head recently. A rep for Marie declined to comment, and George’s lawyer, Anne Dranginis, didn’t return calls.
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Katie Holmes
Katie Holmes is no snob. Even though her downtown apartment building has been deluged by paparazzi since her Broadway debut in “All My Sons,” she took time to make an appearance at the low-key Christmas party in the building’s lobby. “She was very nice, even though she always has the bodyguard with her,” said our spy. “She only stayed for about two minutes to make small talk with some of her neighbors on the way to her waiting SUV.”
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Paul Anka and Anna
Paul Anka’s wife has a short fuse, after a fiery dispute last month when she clocked him in the head with an ice cube and got arrested. “We have no problems. We had a little fight,” the singer told The Post. “There’s no divorce, we’re getting along, making love, we’re singing, were happily planning Christmas.” Anka, 67, got treated at a hospital after getting beaned on Nov. 28. California authorities declined to pursue charges against Anna. He says he can now laugh about it: “She has very good aim, I think.”
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Queen Elizabeth
EVEN Queen Elizabeth is feeling the pinch. She’s begun scaling back on expenses and has even taken to almost plebian measures. According to British news outlets, she told staffers to turn off the lights in vacant rooms of Buckingham Palace and reuse leftovers from banquets. During October’s state visit to Slovakia and Slovenia, the queen had dressmakers use fabric she received 20 years ago. Even more dire, she’s asked family members, including spendthrift Princes Harry and William, to follow suit. Could all those nights out in Chelsea clubs be coming to an end?
