Times Square Gossip

  Strands for Trans Takes Down Ted Cruz  In 2017, Barba Grooming Salon in NYC introduced Strands for Trans, a movement to create trans-friendly barbershops and salons across the country. In response to the anti-trans legislation being passed by legislators in states such as Texas, Strands for Trans is calling out the bad legislation and in the case of some of these  politicians - their bad hair.  The recent campaign, ‘Transphobe Takedowns,’ stars pop-culture icon Billy Porter and multi-faceted poet and influencer Lynae Vanee who cut down two Texas Legislators with their quick wit. The campaign was inspired by the scene in Porter’s Emmy Award winning show POSE, when Dominique Jackson’s character Elektra “Reads a Transphobe for Filth”.  Billy Porter, commenting on the goals of the Campaign said, “These politicians have no business trying to dictate and legislate who you are and are not allowed to be. Hell no.”  The #TransphobeTakedowns campaign has been targeting the phones of legislator

  Biba Boutique Southampton This summer step out in style with the return of the beloved BIBA boutique in Southampton, NY. The one-stop shopping experience showcases an eclectic mix of clothing from both local designers and European fashion houses. Chic dresses, accessories and one-of-a-kind denim jackets created by the store owner herself bring out the unique and inspirational style of the enchanting Hamptons surroundings. Barbara Blatt’s iconic pop-up boutique out east for decades has been a staple in the community as it carries the exuberant culture from its permanent home in Delray Beach, Florida. She serves as a well-known and reputable stylist to the stars and the well-heeled locals, as equally as the visitor in town looking for a refreshing summer outfit.   Handpicked collections focus on pieces that are wearable, accessible and timeless staples that befit the wardrobe of women of all ages and body types. BIBA shoppers can find incredible offerings for any occasion. There is sim

  SEXUALITY AND SHADOWS Award-winning artist Donald Hershman is bringing his captivating art to Provincetown’s Bear Week. This summer the “SEXUALITY AND SHADOWS“ exhibit will premiere at PTown’s one and only ArT LoVe GaLLerY (445 Commercial Street). New artwork on display from July 9 to July 17, 2022 will showcase a celebration of the male form and a play on the inanimate. Hershman, who is fresh off the heels of multiple American exhibits from a sold-out show in Manhattan to displays in Dallas and Palm Springs will take on a unique look at the male images with other subjects such as a dog in the desert, tulips, or a desk with shadow. “I am extremely privileged to introduce my newest works at the ArT LoVe GaLLerY during Bear Week in Provincetown. This show is a tribute to my fellow members of the LGBTQ community,” Hershman reflects. “In creating these exciting new paintings, I’ve integrated the stark shadows, rich color, and cropping practices traditionally used with my still life and p

  Greenwich Polo Club The iconic Greenwich Polo Club is simply the best way to spend a stylish and lively Sunday afternoon this summer. Just moments away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, you will find an escape that will pleasantly impress all ages. Nestled on 80 acres in the beautiful backcountry in the exclusive gated Conyers Farm community of Connecticut, the Greenwich Polo Club hosts some of the most prominent tournaments and professional players in Polo (no exhibitions here), including the esteemed 20-goal East Coast Open by Audi of America. Each match is attended by thousands of alluring spectators flocking from New York City, Fairfield, and around the world who come to enjoy an afternoon with friends and family and experience world-class polo sport. So pack a picnic and sip champagne under the beautiful bright summer sky. The club has something for everyone, from lawn picnic seating with a reserved umbrella and painted circle in the grass to reserved bistro tables in fro

  I DID NOT VOTE I am sorry. Less than 90 thousand residents of New York City voted in the primaries. This is why our country is so messed up. With over 8 million people living in NYC, I am just shocked with all the problems this country is facing that such a low number of people voted. Everyone will complain about this and that. People that aren't registered to even vote, complain and complain. We had some good candidates this election, but the ones who won were not not picked by the majority, they were picked by the minority who voted. Many of the candidates had no experience at all, but many of them won because their people voted.  I think it is a disgrace in this day and age when you can vote absentee and not even leave your home, to not vote. I am very sad that some good candidates who have worked very hard for the community way before they ran for any office lost, because people did not vote. Then everyone will complain about this and that and it is you who caused all of the

  El Turco The Hamptons are set to get an exquisite culinary experience with the opening of the restaurant El Turco.  Truly divine and fully authentic Turkish inspired food will captivate guests out East this summer with authentic Turkish menu selections served with renowned Turkish hospitality. El Turco East Hampton is the result of a casual meeting between one of El Turco’s founders and Frank Cilione, the longtime operator of the dual restaurant and nightlife venue on Three Mile Harbor Road in East Hampton.  Soon thereafter, Mr. Cilione hired the original El Turco founders Nurdan Gur Yuzbasioglu, Gokhan Yuzbasioglu along with developer and visionary Cagri Kanver to assist in realizing their collective vision.  Located close to the heart of East Hampton at 44 Three Mile Harbor Road, the newest El Turco will come alive in the stunningly well-designed space during the July 4th holiday weekend and officially opening July 8th. El Turco has created a chef’s tasting experience that will tak

  Jean Shafiroff And David Hochberg The award-winning Southampton Inn invited Hamptons locals, guests and visitors to a celebration at the most desirable location in the heart of Southampton New York, kicking off the Hamptons summer season at the 2022 Annual Memorial Day Weekend Barbecue. Guests celebrated the holiday al fresco at the pool patio surrounded by several acres of manicured lawns and private gardens, where they enjoyed a buffet of signature burgers, platters of traditional salads and tasty treats including grilled chicken and duck prepared by Claude’s Restaurant under new Chef Giancarlo.  The pool patio bar boasted a wide selection of chilled refreshments to sip under the sun. Notable attendees included: Dede Gotthelf, Terri Moan, Philip Gotthelf, Paula Gotthelf, Leesa Rowland, Jean Shafiroff, Noreen Donovan-Roth, Larry Wohl, Neil Sadick, Nancy Pearson, Vanessa Gordon, Bradford Rand. Terri Moan With Dede Gotthelf Moan & Paula Gotthelf Visit the Inn this summer in one of

  Chef Giancarlo The award-winning Claude’s Restaurant at the Southampton Inn is kicking off the Hamptons season with an all-new executive chef and dinner hours. Chef Giancarlo joins Claude's as he introduces new lunch and dinner items to complement the restaurant's already delectable menu. One of the many new items to look out for is the Jumbo shrimp in aged cognac with Pearl vegetable couscous, fried leeks, and creamy shrimp sauce. As the staff and kitchen have been updated, so have Claude's aesthetics both inside and out, with new décor, plantings, picnic tables and lighting, and more. Heaters and fire pits are available for outdoor dining. With well-spaced table seating, staying socially distant inside will be no problem. Claude's continues to clean using cutting-edge sanitizing technology, the Sterile-Bright™ UVC sanitizing lights, for disinfection. Claudes Breakfast Claude’s is open daily for breakfast 7:00 am to 11:00am; lunch 12:00pm to 4:00pm; weekend brunch 11

  Jean Shafiroff Philanthropist and event chair Jean Shafiroff hosted a kickoff party in honor of the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation’s (SASF) 13th Annual Unconditional Love Gala. Approximately 200 attended The kickoff party which took place at the Southampton History Museum. Jean Shafiroff With Martin Shafiroff Henry Buhl And Missy Hargraves Notable attendees included Chair Jean Shafiroff, Martin Shafiroff, Patricia Deshong, Susan Allen, New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright, Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman, Southampton Mayor Jess Warren, Henry Buhl, Anthony Buhl,  Ava Roosevelt, Pamela Wright, Meg McCartney, James McCartney, Randi Schatz, Robin Leacock, John Barman, Liliana Cavendish, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Tom Edmonds, Mariebelle Lieberman, Margaret Watson, Cathy Comelli, Janna Bullock, Leiba Nesis, Tony Bowles, Paola Bacchini, Ramona Singer, Arnie Rosenshein, Elena Gibbs, Missy Hargraves, T.R. Pescod, Alison Mitchell, Jessica Malkin, Rolise Rachel, Aisha Ch

  Meep the Owl As the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center of the Hamptons continues to rehabilitate and successfully release animals back into the wild across Eastern Long Island, there is more to celebrate at the 14th Annual GET WILD Benefit. Bridget Fleming and Karen Johnston, DVM will be honored at this year's benefit. The event will be hosted at Swans Crossing, Southampton Village on Saturday, June 25th, 2022. The event chairs for this year’s benefit are Ingrid Edelman, Jane Gill, and Jonathan McCann.  Guests will be treated to live music, cocktails, light fare, and a silent auction. All guests are welcome to the cocktail party, which will feature appearances by some of the non-releasable hawks and owls that the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center has rehabilitated and now resides at the Center. All proceeds will benefit the native wildlife treated at their hospital.  About the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center of The Hamptons: The Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue

  Ajar By Artist Don Hershman Artist Don Hershman recently opened his work studio featuring a variety of his original work including his latest Barn series. Don's studio is located at 1890 Bryant Street Studios in San Francisco's historic Mission district, where art, innovation, and industry meet. 1890 Bryant Street Studios is a thriving community of over 100 artists and artisans. 1890 Bryant, which began as the Best Food building, is now one of the premier artist buildings in the San Francisco Bay Area. Don will be exhibiting his work regularly in San Francisco as well as nationally. Don’s work was also on display during MvVO ART’s AD ART SHOW. In its fifth year, the 2022 edition brought art directly to people by converting an advertising platform—the massive digital screens at Westfield World Trade Center inside the Oculus in New York—into a public gallery space for the entire month of May. Driven by a desire to continually improve the state of the world, Don Hershman lives o

  RENAISSANCE PROPERTIES  The father/son team of Kenneth and Bradley Fishel of Renaissance Properties have done it again. In a neglected rear street in Noho the team has transformed a former dog training space and loading dock into the coolest building in the area.   In 2019 the Fishel’s wanted to renovate their small loading dock on post-industrial Crosby Street. After going through three different iterations of lobby designs, they finally decided to “go for it all,” as Bradley Fishel says. The adjacent space was vacant and had been Petsmart’s dog training area and loading dock. The team hired WorkShop/APD to design a modern inviting entrance with a welcoming vibe. The historic terra cotta ceiling was fully restored, and the original red brick wall was meticulously rebuilt. High quality finishes were used throughout, and live foliage gives the entry a truly luxurious atmosphere. To make the lobby an inviting space a café was built and is operated by Café Lyria, a neighborhood magnet.

  Rick's Cabaret New York City Rick's Cabaret NYC, the upscale gentlemen's club known for its warm hospitality and its top-rated Rick’s Steakhouse, held a VIP Party on the club’s Roof Deck to welcome the summer season. “It was a fabulous party under the stars with nighttime breezes and the awesome sight of the lit-up Empire State Building,” said Rick’s Cabaret girl Michelle. Chef Jayson Margulies from the Rick’s Steakhouse on the second floor prepared some very tasty food for the party, and cognac and cigars were enjoyed following the meal. The Rick's Cabaret Roof Deck Lounge is popular with corporate and private events of all kinds. Offering the finest in VIP treatment, Rick’s Cabaret is located just one block from Madison Square Garden and is a favorite spot following the sporting events and concerts. Rick's Cabaret New York 50 West 33rd Street *** RICK: NASDAQ Listed *** Beautiful Entertainers *** Three Floors of Luxury *** VIP Suites, Deluxe Sky Boxes *** Rick’s

  Roman Varlamov New-York based photographer and art director Roman Varlamov, is someone to watch. He has a strong, instinctive grasp of where culture is at - and where it's heading. In his fashion, beauty, and still life photography, Varlamov's notable style is characterized by fusion powerful storytelling with an important new voice in image making. In 2020 Varlamov became the youngest photographer in the history of Harper's Bazaar to shoot the magazine's main cover with supermodel Daphne Groeneveld. He has also photographed Anya Taylor-Joy, Maye Musk, Leni Klum, Rosie Park, Alton Mason, and Mona Matsuoka - among many others.   Maye Musk Having studied dance, Varlamov is adept at suggesting movement and poise, and having been a photographer from early on, he knows his way around composition and vivid colors as well as high-impact black and white. Varlamov's photographs have been featured in magazines including Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Esquire, Ell

  Philanthropist Jean Shafiroff Isabel Leonard With Carla Bossi-Comelli, Lorraine Gallard & James Gandre Manhattan School of Music (MSM) hosted its 2022 Gala on Wednesday, May 18th, 2022, at The Rainbow Room, Rockefeller Plaza, in New York City. The gala honored Trustee Emerita Carla Bossi-Comelli (HonDMA ’20) and celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the School’s prestigious Orchestral Performance Program (OPP). Hosted by Isabel Leonard (HonDMA ’21), an alumna of MSM’s Precollege program and recently appointed member of the School’s Vocal Arts College faculty, the gala featured performances by faculty and distinguished OPP alumni from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Opera Orchestra, Harlem String Quartet, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Montreal Symphony Orchestra, and New York Philharmonic. Notable attendees included: MSM Gala 2022 honoree Carla Bossi-Comelli; philanthropist Jean Shafiroff, MSM President James Gandre; MSM Board Chair Lorraine Gallard; Katherine Aulitzky – E