We're Back!

Hello Everyone!! Society Noir is happy to say that it become active again. It has been two years since our last post, which was about President Barack Obama's Inauguration.

For a while, I had been going back and forth on whether I should continue publishing Society Noir, as well as the purpose it can & should serve. Not to be a "Debbie Downer,"but as I observed the African diaspora these past two years (especially here in America) it has become painfully clear that mainstream media just refuses to proportionately and objectively cover Black America, the black diaspora and Africa.

So, we're back in action. Look forward to Society Noir still covering charitable causes, the upscale lifestyle, events, black socialites,and business profiles. But also look forward to more serious discussions about our global society, politics and resolutions to the ills in our diaspora.



Happy New Year!

Flashes: MUSEUM of the CITY OF NEW YORK Director's Council and DIOR's Winter Ball

Maggie Betts

Kelechi Odu

Wednesday night the MUSEUM of the CITY OF NEW YORK Director's Council and DIOR hosted the Winter Ball. Most of New York's high society was on the scene. Guests like fashionable socialites Maggie Betts and fashion designer, Kelechi Odu enjoyed cocktails, dinner and dancing throughout the museum.
(Photos:Patrick McMullan)

Flashes: Evidence Dance "Grace in Winter" The Red Ball 2008

Philanthropists, artists, socialites, celebs and movers & shakers of black society gathered on Monday at the Hudson Theater at the Millenium Broadway Hotel in New York City for Evidence, A Dance Company's "Grace in Winter" the Red Ball.

In 1985, at the age of 19, Artistic Director and Choreographer Ronald K. Brown founded the New York-based Evidence/A Dance Company. Brown creates intriguing dance stories by blending traditional African, Latin and Caribbean dance with contemporary choreography and spoken word in response to the current cultural climate and human condition. The dance company has performed in venues across North America and has toured in Cuba, Brazil, Greece, Korea, Hungary, and Senegal.
Brown is the recipient of numerous awards and fellowships, including a a New York Dance and Performance Award (a “Bessie”), John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship in Choreography, a National Endowment for the Arts Choreographers’ Fellowship.

Dressed to the nines, guests wore for black tie and red attire with a beautiful atmosphere enhanced by beautiful "Black Magic" roses. The guest list read like a who's who directory including, Film legend, Cicely Tyson, Director Debbie Allen, actress Tamara Tunie, Jerri DeVard, Terry McMillan, Susan L. Taylor, Khephra Burns, Sybil Chester, Dwight Johnson, b Michael, Jocelyn Taylor, Audrey Bernard, Lisa Arrindell and Reginald Van Lee.

Tickets for the Ball ranged from $1K-$50K and the event was generously sponsored by HSBC Premier and Gala Chair Nancy A. Armand. Gala committe members Cicely Tyson and Pauletta Washington looked amazing. The gala dinner was hosted by Leslie Mays of Pfizer and Mistress of Ceremonies was Renee Syler, who are also on the Gala Committee. Gala Co-chair/ Benefactor Monica F. Azare of Verizon Lola C. West was the Gala Dessert Host. Other notable sponsors who supported the Red Ball were: BET/MTVN, Reginald Van Lee of Booz Allen Hamilton, Lola C. West and Wayne Winborne of Prudential Financial, to name a few.


Click here for Evidence's tour schedule.

Flashes: Christian Louboutin Spring Collection in Bal Harbour, Miami

Christian Louboutin with Trina Robinson


Carol Phillips and Sandee Saunders


Trina Robinson

(Photos: SocialMiami)

Fabulous sistas socialites have been out and about in Miami Beach and the beautiful Caribbean weather has made it so easy to do so. Trina Robinson an anchor for NBC 6 in Miami, Sandee Saunders and Carol Phillips were in attendance at upscale Shops at Bal Harbour, for famous shoe-designer Christian Louboutin's Spring 2008 collection launch at Saks 5th Avenue.
Ladies who purchased a pair of the red-soled Louboutins had an opportunity to meet the shoe-maker and have their soles autographed.

Society Stars: A NIGHT TO BENEFIT RAISING MALAWI and UNICEF

Madonna and Chris Rock

Malawian performance

Djimon Hounsou


Rihanna

Alex Rodriguez


Cassie, Sean Combs, Donald and Melania Trump

Zoe Kravitz

Madonna and Fanizo
(Photos: Patrick McMullan)

Philanthropists and celebs of all races and creeds came out last night to support Gucci and Madonna's A NIGHT TO BENEFIT RAISING MALAWI and UNICEF held on the lawn of the United Nations in NYC and raised $3.7 million to help poor and sick children around the world. Guests dressed to the nines dined on a $2,500-a-plate dinner and participated in a live auction hosted by Chris Rock. Guests also enjoyed performances including Rihanna, Alicia Keys and Malawian acts.

UNICEF reports show that HIV/AIDS affects almost 1 million people in Malawi, including 83,000 children, and half of the country's 1 million orphans have lost one or both parents to AIDS. The event was a very necessary success.

Society Stars: Genevieve Jones, Joy Bryant and Andre Harrell @ AMFAR 2008 New York Gala

Genevieve Jones

Georgetta Robinson

Veronica Webb

Andre Harrell

Joy Bryant

(Photos:Patrick McMullan)

AMFAR held it's Annual New York Gala raising funds and awareness about AIDS and AIDS research. This year's honorees were Julian Schnabel, Carine Roitfeld and Kennedy descendant, Bobby Shriver.

Black philanthropists, socialites, and celebrities came out to support the significant cause and looked fabulous as ever.

Socialites, Genevieve Jones and Georgetta Robinson glowed in their sheer silk chiffon gowns. Music industry mogul, Andre Harrell looked dapper and model Veronical Webb ushered in Spring with a voluminous floral gown. Actress, Joy Bryant was a scene stealer with her ivory tiered chiffon gown designed by Ralph Lauren.

Flashes:"Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton" Screening and Future Fashion Show

May Andersen, Jessica White, Julie Ordon, Maxwell, Noemie Lenoir, Raven Davis

Thelma Golden

Liya Kebede

Thelma Golden with Behnaz Sarafpour
(Photos: Patrick McMullan)

Models, singers and socialistas were out and about in New York this week.
The CINEMA SOCIETY and W magazine hosted a screening of Sundance Channel's "MARC JACOBS & LOUIS VUITTON" and Earth Pledge hosted the Future Fashion Show.

R&B crooner Maxwell was having a great time hanging out with models like Victoria's Secret, Jessica White, Covergirl Noemie Lenoir, May Andersen, Raven Davis and Julie Ordon at the screening.

Native New Yorker, Thelma Golden was ever the social butterfly attending both events and hung out with designer Behnaz Sarafpour. Who's Thelma Golden? This powerful sista is the Chief Curator at The Studio Museum in Harlem. If you're in NYC you should check out the exhibition, Kori Newkirk: 1997-2007.

Model Philanthropist, Liya Kebede strutted her stuff in the Future Fashion Show. The event showcased 30 well known designers who were all supporting the initiative to educate and demonstrate that being "green" can be fashionable too. All of the designs in the show were made of sustainable materials like organic cotton, organic wool, corn fibers, recycled fabrics, natural dyes, and other eco-friendly goods.

Vogue shows Genevieve Jones Some Love

New York socialite and Zac Posen muse Genevieve Jones, has finally launched her jewelry line and is featured as a 'designer on the rise' in this month's Vogue US. The ultra-petite Louisiana native has been working on her jewelry collection since 2006 and has produced some really nice pieces. I especially like her diamond and gold, safety pin earrings.

Genevieve I'm glad your putting all that networking and popularity to good use. NYC WASP socialites aren't the only ones marketable these days. Get your money Genevieve, get that money honey.

PS
Genevieve are you still working on your handbag collection?

Flashes:San Francisco Ballet's 75th Anniversary

Sofiane Sylve and Anthony Spaulding

Bevan Dufty with Ken McNeely, Patti Jo Rutledge, Lindsey Humphrey and John Rutledge

Pamela Joyner

Patrons


(Photos:San Francisco Chronicle/Gate)

Gala season is in full effect and last night, patrons of the San Francisco Ballet were dressed to the nines as they celebrated the dance company's 75th anniversary. The gala is the the ballet's primary fundraiser and drew over 1,300 guests to a formal dinner at City Hall.

Guests enjoyed selections from the upcoming season, as well as a special performance by celebrity choreographer Wade Robson.

Some notable patrons on the scene were San Francisco District 8 Supervisor Bevan Dufty and Socialite, Pamela Joyner upped the glamour quo wearing a bejeweled ballet pink satin Dior gown.

Flashes: Liya Kebede & Susan Fales-Hill @ Chanel's Night of Diamonds

Liya Kebede wearing Chanel
Susan Fales-Hill
(Photos:Patrick McMullan)

Black socialites upped the fabulosity factor. Supermodel/philanthropist Liya Kebede and author/tv writer and producer, Susan Fales-Hills were absolute stunners at the fabulous black-and-white-themed banquet, Chanel's Night of Diamonds at the Plaza Hotel in New York. Liya wore a sparkly short cocktail dress by Chanel. Susan was the epitome of elegance in a sleek and sexy full-length gown. The fabulous affair was the U.S. debut of 20 one-of-a-kind diamond pieces from the Chanel archives.
Strike a pose!

Flashes: Veronica Webb & Donna Karan's Urban Zen Party

Veronica Webb, Erica Reid, Malaak Compton-Rock

Veronica and Beverly Bond

Kamela Forbes

Veronica and Terry Agins

(Photos:Patrick McMullan)

The sista-social butterflies were in full effect last night at supermodel/philanthropist Veronica Webb and designer, Donna Karan's cocktail party at Urban Zen in NYC. Connoisseur of clothing, Terry Agins is a highly respected fashion journalist. Erica Reid is the wife of Island Def Jam Chairman, Antonio (L.A.) Reid. The petite Malaak Compton-Rock is comedian, Chris Rock's wife. Pretty Jamela Forbes is a Bahamian model. Rocking the gorgeous, big hair is DJ Beverly Bonds.

Society Stars:LNS Ball and Art of Elysium Gala

Actress, Joy Bryant


Rockstar, Lenny Kravitz
(Photos: Patrick McMullan)



LSN board member, Pamela Joyner with designer, B. Michael


Couple, Pamela Joyner with husband and LSN board co-chair, Fred Giuffrida
(Photos:NYSD)

Power couple, Pamela Joyner and her husband Fred Giuffrida hosted a masked ball benefiting the Landmine Survivors Network (LSN) at their gorgeous home in San Francisco. Along with 300 guests, Pamela and Fred raised an impressive $200,000 for the globally recognized charity, which helps ensure that survivors of violent conflict have the medical care needed to regain and maintain their health by providing direct service, information and outreach counseling and support. Enabling survivors to reclaim their lives. I love Pamela's million dollar smile, it just lights up a room.

Actress Joy Bryant looked absolutely gorgeous in her red gown and Rocker, Lenny Kravitz was dressed to the nines as they attended the The Art of Elysium Black Tie Charity Gala "Heaven Celebrating 10 Years." The Art of Elysium is a nonprofit that encourages working actors, artists and musicians to voluntarily dedicate their time and talent to children who are battling serious medical conditions. They provide artistic workshops such as: acting, art, comedy, fashion, music, radio, songwriting and creative writing.

For more information on how you can help visit www.landminesurvivors.org and http://www.theartofelysium.org

Society Stars: Miami's Make-a-Wish Ball

President/CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southern Florida, Norm Wedderburn and chanteuse Natalie Cole


NBA classic, Scottie Pippen and wife Larisa

Nicole Rifkin, Alex Greshman, Nancy Malnik


South Florida socialites, philanthropists and a sprinkle of celebrities came together for a great cause, the 13th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball. This year, the ball raised a record $1.5 million for South Florida’s children in need. Over 900 guests enjoyed a Hollywood themed gala dinner, a musical performance by Natalie Cole, and an extravagant live auction emceed by Hollywood actress and philanthropist Sharon Stone.

Norm Wedderburn is the President/CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southern Florida whose mission is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. In the past year, the foundation granted the wishes of 514 South Florida children and recently granted their 6,000th wish.

Society Stars: NBLCA Gala

Debra Fraser-Howze (2nd left) with honorees (l-r) Douglas A. Michels, Bill Duke, Rory Kennedy, Hedeia Broadbent, Robert Mosbacher


Reginald Van Lee, NBLCA founding president & CEO Debra Fraser-Howze

(Photos:Eurweb.com)



Dinner Chair Reginald Van Lee of Booz Allen Hamilton looked debonair as ever as he hosted the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS 2007 Choose Life Awards gala. The significant event marked the 20th anniversary of this esteemed organization. Around 300 guests attended the event and helped to raise an impressive $300,000.

Powerhouse songstress, Jennifer Holliday performed. Honorees were Susan Taylor of Essence magazine; Rory Kennedy of Moxie Firecracker Films; Robert Mosbacher, Jr. of OPIC; OraSure Technologies; and Gilead Sciences. Vice Chairs Debra L. Lee (BET) and Pamela Joyner (Avid Partners) were joined by other Honorary Chairs Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III and Dennis DeLeon.

The National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS (NBLCA) was founded in November 1987 and is the oldest and largest not-for-profit organization of its kind in the United States. NBLCA’s mission is to inform, coordinate and organize the volunteer efforts of the indigenous Black leadership, including clergy, elected officials, medical practitioners, business professionals, social policy experts, and the media to meet the challenge of fighting HIV/AIDS in their local communities. NBLCA conducts policy, research and advocacy on HIV and AIDS to ensure effective participation of our leadership in all policy and resource allocation decisions at the national, state and local levels of communities of African descent nationwide.

Since its inception, NBLCA has served thousands of organizations and institutions through community development, technical assistance, and formulation of public policy; helped to raise over $2 billion in new federal funding for HIV/AIDS and public health-related direct service organizations serving communities of African descent; created the first programs for the Black clergy to develop strategies to address the complexity of problems caused by HIV and AIDS.