The legendary Helen Yarmak showroom penthouse suite at the Crown Building played host to Depesha Magazine presents Designer Charity Auction to Benefit Russian Children’s Welfare Society on May 21, 2009
Welcome back to Cognac’s Corner Magazine.
Mrs. New York Yulia Gurtin, Designer Malan Breton, Entertainer Amanda Lepore, Designer Count Vlad and Cognac Wellerlane pose for a photo-op Photo by Mauro Botero

Publicist Ron Capparella, Cognac Wellerlane and Mrs. New York Yulia Gurtin pose for a photo-op Photo by Mauro Botero
Depesha Magazine Marketing Director Jeremy Cavendish and Cognac Wellerlane pose for a photo-op – Photo by Mauro Botero
Publicist and General Manager of Helen Yarmak Sandy Blye and Cognac Wellerlane pose for a photo-op- Photo by Mauro Botero
Party Crasher and Journalist Shaggy and Cognac Wellerlane – Photo by Mauro Botero
TV Host Cognac Wellerlane promotes TY KU Premium Liqueur
The legendary Helen Yarmak showroom penthouse suite at the Crown Building played host to Depesha Magazine presents Designer Charity Auction to Benefit Russian Children’s Welfare Society. The event was elegantly capped by a fabulous performance from Singing Sensation Amanda Lepore. Amanda expressed that she will be touring throughout the summer promoting her new single “Cotton Candy.”
For years, Russia has served as a backdrop and an inspiration for some of the world’s most celebrated designers. Now, more than ever, Russians are taking part in the language of style around the world, becoming influential consumers of fashion, and luxury products and services. DEPESHA is committed to affirming the Russian identity and exploring the unique characteristics of this lifestyle.
Since its inception in 2003, DEPESHA introduced a number of international brands to the Russian consumer, at the same time we have partnered with a number of Russian designers for their introduction to the West. Fashion has a unique quality to transcend borders and cultures, and DEPESHA serves as a beacon connecting Russian consumer to the global network of style.
For more info please visit http://www.depesha.com
Cognac chats with Marketing Director of Depesha Magazine Jeremy Cavendish – Video by Mauro Botero
Amanda Lepore (born Armand Lepore) is an American transsexual icon who has received attention for her modeling, fashion, partying, and business skills. She has been the advertising face for Heatherette, M.A.C. (cosmetics), Mego Jeans, Swatch, CAMP Cosmetics and more. Fashion design company Heatherette has used Lepore’s image on much of their clothing and has chosen her several times to model their brand during Fashion Week.[1] Lepore is also noted as a regular subject in much of David LaChapelle’s work. She participated in his Artists and Prostitutes 1985-2005 exhibit in New York where she “lived” in a voyeuristic life-sized set.[2] She is represented by “Classic Entertainment Group (Manhattan, NY). Lepore resides in New York City and works as a nightlife hostess at many of the city’s popular parties and clubs.
Cognac chats with Amanda Lepore and Malan Breton – Video by Mauro Botero
Amanda Lepore sings “Cotton Candy” – Video by Mauro Botero
Bravo TV Real Housewfe of New YorkAlex McCord and Husband Simon VanKempen stopped by to show their support and chat with me about their new book on parenting in Manhattan and how they will kick off the summer season in the Hamptons.
Cognac Chats with Realty TV Stars Alex McCord and Simon VanKempen – Video by Mauro Botero
Elegant Fashion Designer and now move star Malan Breton talked about two upcoming film projects that he is very excited to be working on and his new luxurious jewelry line. Malan expressed that he was more than happy to oblige donating an expensive diamond pearl earings for the auction.
Malan Breton has dressed celebrities from the worlds of television,
music, film, and Broadway including Minnie Driver, Jody Watley, Ava
Gaudet, Alicia Minshew and many, many others. His designs have also
been exhibited at New York’s PS1 MOMA.”Malan Breton is well on his
way to being one of America’s greatest designers of Red Carpet fashion…”
(Bravotv.com)
For more info on Designer Malan Breton please visit www.malanbreton.com
Cognac chats with Designer Count Vlad – Video by Mauro Botero
Fashion Designer Count Vlad from Vladicouture conveyed his creation was inspired by a “Monet” painting with dusty hues of pink and lavender and everything French. “I want all Women to look and feel beautiful,” replied the Count.
Before becoming a high fashion designer, Vladimir had a successful 18-year career as a Gynecologist/Obstetrician. Because of his intense love of high fashion and design he started creating couture gowns for the upper class, and political socialites in Russia. After winning his green card in 2001 he decided to fulfill his childhood dream and become a famous fashion couture designer in the United States. He started designing specialty evening gowns for the wealthy New York Russian community. Vlad was introduced to a woman who owned a fashion show room in the garment district. She fell in love with his designs and he started showcasing his red carpet creations at Studio Dee Services. Since then his designs have been worn by R&B singer Ciara, Actress Nicole Robinson and now a suit jacket worn by movie star Luscious Lindsay Lohan in the soon to be released upcoming blockbuster film “Chapter 27”.
For more information on Designs by Vladi of New York you can email Vladimir Ibadov at vladicouture@gmail.com
Cognac chats with Designer Katerena Alkhimova and Mrs. New York Yulia Gurtin – Video by Mauro Botero
Another up and coming designer donaitng one of her designs was Katerena Alkhimova. Ms. Alkhimova is an experienced fashion artist who has been immersed in the fashion industry for over seven years. Katerena continues to work as a fashion model in New York. Around the globe, one can see her face in campaigns such as Yohji Yamamoto, Versus, Kenneth Cole, and Banana Republic. Katerena has appeared in Vogue, Elle and many other publications.
Katerena’s design experience includes a working directly with world famous designer John Galliano. For over a year at Christian Dior in Paris, Katerena worked with a design team that developed styles for upcoming prêt-à-porter and haute couture collections.
For more info on Kat and her designs please visit http://www.katbasics.com
Russian born Beauty Queen Mrs. New stopped by and shared some nteresting news that she will be a Beauty Pageant Judge in 2010 forThe Dream Catchers by E.S. Russian Beauty. The Talent & Modeling Pageant invites ambitious and attractive young men and women who want to gain nationwide exposure and begin a career in the fashion and beauty industry to participate in this contest. The contestants must be between 16 and 25 years of age, an immigrant from the former Soviet Union, Russia or post-Soviet states OR first generation child born to such immigrant(s) in the United States. The contestants must reside in the United States legally and be able to provide proof of their immigration status.
For more info please visit http://www.dreamcatchersbyes.com
Before the glamorous evening ended I had the opportunity to converse with Restaurant Owner Ian Conroy who donated the food, chef and catering from his restaurant, Seven Bar and Grill.
Cognac chats with Restaurant Owner – Ian Conroy – Video by Mauro Botero
Seven Bar & Grill, open since 2000, is perfect for pre-theatre with its center-of-town location. Seven’s intimacy and private party rooms makes it the ideal place for corporate parties and weddings.
Only two blocks from Madison Square Garden and Penn Station, Seven is perfect for that pre-game or pre-Broadway dinner to impress friends and business acquaintances, or potential clients. Come and sample Seven’s new American cuisine in a great casual atmosphere with style.
Reservations are recommended. Please call 212.967.1919
For more info please visit http://www.sevenbarandgrill.com
Until my next celebrity event darlings,
Pink Champagne Kisses
Cognac Wellerlane











