Times Square Gossip

  Consuelo Vanderbilt-Costin   Entrepreneur, recording artist, and philanthropist Consuelo Vanderbilt-Costin — founder of SohoMuse today delivers her opening remarks as President of the 2025 Sessions of the Council of Global Change (CGC) at United Nations Headquarters in New York City. In her address titled “Sovereign Pathways for Development,” Vanderbilt-Costin calls for a redefinition of global cooperation grounded in both national identity and shared progress. “True development is never imposed from the outside,” she said. “Sovereignty is not isolation—it is strategic participation.”  Drawing on her family’s legacy of innovation and public service, Vanderbilt-Costin underscored the need to translate ideals into measurable systems that unite government, technology, and culture. As leader of the CGC Sessions under the overall leadership of David Sanchez, Secretary-General Council of Global Change, Consuelo champions a pragmatic framework that empowers nations through res...

  Take Cover Al Diaz This fall, One Art Space in Tribeca will present An Empire Fallen, a solo exhibition by acclaimed New York artist Al Diaz emerged as a first-generation subway graffiti artist under the moniker “BOMB-ONE” by age 15. He is widely recognized for his early collaboration with Jean-Michel Basquiat on the iconic SAMO© graffiti project, a cornerstone of NYC’s late 1970s avant-garde art movement. Samo “moniker” was revolutionary in its concept and widely accepted as one of the most influential forms of street art/poetry. Running from Thursday, October 30th through Monday, November 10th, 2025, the show explores the collapse and reinvention of cultural empires, from the street to the institution, through Diaz’s signature fusion of text, symbol, and socio-political commentary. The artist’s raw visual language captures the restless pulse of New York itself: poetic, disillusioned, and defiantly alive. There will be an opening VIP reception to launch the exhibition and on Thu...

  Jean Shafiroff Robert Wiener With Samuel Waxman, Jean Shafiroff And Jeffrey Settleman The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) hosted their 28th Annual Collaborating for a Cure fundraiser, A Celebration of Breakthroughs, at Apella in New York City. The event raised $1.6 million, including a dollar-for-dollar match through the partnership with The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research. Funds raised will support new scientific research grants starting in early 2026. Celebrating nearly 50 years of funding crucial cancer research, the event also marked a new milestone for the Foundation — the official launch of the Samuel Waxman Institute for Aging & Cancer. This first-of-its-kind organization will bring together the world’s top scientists to study aging and cancer together. “Aging is the greatest risk factor for cancer, yet we still have much to learn about how aging impacts cancer development and treatment. By uniting experts in both aging and cancer, we can uncover n...

  Thomas J. Henry The Dallas Fan Festival lit up the Irving Convention Center this weekend as fans from across the country united for two days of creativity, cosplay, and community who were energized by the support of billionaire attorney and philanthropist Thomas J. Henry, whose headline sponsorship helped make the event one of the most dynamic in the festival’s history. Produced by Fan Expo HQ, North America’s largest comic con producer, the festival drew thousands of attendees spanning every corner of pop culture, from sci-fi devotees and anime enthusiasts to gamers, comic book collectors, and superhero superfans. Throughout the weekend, the Thomas J. Henry booth was a must-visit destination, offering branded merchandise and a highly coveted giveaway featuring the chance to win a PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch 2, further amplifying the excitement on the convention floor. “We’re thrilled to have been part of an event that fosters imagination, connection, and joy across generati...

  hiTechMODA @ American Cathedral  hiTechMODA, the internationally recognized fashion production company known for blending innovation and artistry, returned to Paris Fashion Week today with a spectacular showcase inside the historic American Cathedral. Against the soaring Gothic arches and stained-glass windows of the landmark venue, designers from across the globe unveiled collections that embodied creativity, sustainability, and the future of independent fashion. The event featured a diverse lineup of established names and rising stars across two sessions. At 2:00pm, Nita Belle’s Closet, Elena Collection, Kat Couture, Alyssa Casa Designs, Mitch Desunia, and Wonderland presented collections defined by bold silhouettes, inventive textiles, and distinctive narratives. The 4:30pm program brought international attention to Wanda Beauchamp, Grace Steadfast, Willow Bean Studio, Charjean Couture, SCI PH, and PAAIE, highlighting luxury craftsmanship, cultural storytelling, and avant...

  Jean Shafiroff Cynthia McFadden With Henry Buhl The Association of Community Employment Programs for the Homeless (ACE) and its founder Henry Buhl welcomed guests to the 2025 annual Dream Gala at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York City. The evening raised critical funds to support ACE’s programs that provide job readiness training, work experience, and long-term support services to help New Yorkers overcome homelessness and reclaim independence.   Maribel Lieberman Patrick McMullan With Barbara Winston And David Patrick Columbia The evening began with cocktails, followed by dinner and a program hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist Cynthia McFadden. This year’s Honorees were Henry Hay and Andrew Torrey, recognized for their leadership and commitment to creating opportunities for vulnerable communities. Guests were also reated to a special musical performance by Tony Award-winning Broadway legend Jennifer Holliday, best known as the original “Dream Girl.” The Alex Donn...

  Anna Wilding New York, NY The winds of change are blowing westward, and founder, filmmaker, photographer, and Senior White House Correspondent Anna Wilding is at their center. A strong, innovative leader with global perspective and proven creative vision, Wilding is known to New York and Hamptons dwellers, philanthropists, art collectors, media insiders, and political observers alike. She has officially launched her campaign for U.S. Congress, a federal House seat representing California’s 32nd District, igniting a national conversation about generational renewal, ethics, and the evolving face of leadership in America. Readers may even remember Wilding following a print story in The Observer, Jared Kushner’s former paper, following an unplanned Q & A with General Wesley Clark, where she won over the room with her insight, confidence, and command of complex issues.  District 32-CA includes Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Hidden Hills, and the San Fernando Valley...

  Don Hershman (2024), Acrylic, Ink, and Pencil on Wood Panel California-based painter and surgeon Don Hershman launched his new solo exhibition I AM A BARN at Artifact Projects in New York City. His new exhibition captures the quiet dignity and weatherworn strength of rural barns,  transformed into monumental meditations on human resilience and can be viewed at the Gallery Wednesday through Saturday, 12:00pm–6:00pm each week through October 26th. Don Hershman (2022), Acrylic, Ink, and Pencil on Wood Panel   I AM A BARN marks Hershman’s first major New York City solo show since 2023, following a dynamic 2025 season of exhibitions in San Francisco, Pleasanton, and Sonoma County. Crafted in layers of acrylic, ink, and pencil on large-scale wood panels, Hershman’s barns are more than just buildings. They are symbolic portraits — cracked, bowed, enduring — echoing the scars and strength that come with time. “Each aging plank tells a story”, Says Hershman. “These barns mirror ...

  Elton Ilirjani Supermodel and global genderless fashion advocate Elton Ilirjani made a commanding appearance at London Fashion Week, walking for Poet-Lab’s AW-SS26 collection, “Resistant When Opposites Break.” The show unfolded as a radical manifesto where fabric became language, and contradictions were celebrated as acts of freedom. Ilirjani, known for his striking presence on the world’s most prestigious runways, embodied the spirit of Poet-Lab’s vision—where strength collides with fragility, structure dissolves into fluidity, and fashion becomes resistance. His walk punctuated the collection’s core message: that beauty thrives in the fractures between opposites, and individuality is its boldest form of rebellion. Founded by Creative Director Giuseppe Iaciofano, Poet-Lab has been hailed for its genderless luxury streetwear, poetic minimalism, and commitment to sustainable design. This season, the collection balanced tailored edges with raw drapes, silks with cotton wools, and m...

  Thomas J. Henry  Billion-dollar attorney and philanthropist Thomas J. Henry continues to make dreams come true through his ongoing Million Dollar Giveaway, an ambitious nationwide initiative designed to uplift communities and celebrate the power of generosity. As the giveaway moves toward its highly anticipated grand finale in December, excitement grows around the two grand prizes of $100,000 each, offering participants the opportunity of a lifetime. Since its launch in April 2025, the Million Dollar Giveaway has distributed thousands of dollars in weekly prizes, with five winners each week receiving $5,000 in cash. The program has become a symbol of hope and encouragement, especially during the holiday season, reflecting Henry’s enduring commitment to giving back and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. “We are thrilled to see the enthusiastic response from our community,” said Thomas J. Henry. “This giveaway is about more than just money, it is about hope, opp...

  Jean Shafiroff Philanthropist, author and Television host Jean Shafiroff hosted a reception at her New York home to honor the upcoming 28th Collaborating for a Cure event benefitting the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) ) on Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025. The event will be a celebration of scientific breakthroughs, will serve as the official announcement of the launch of the new Samuel Waxman Institute for Aging & Cancer and will honor Jean Shafiroff, Robert Wiener and Jeffrey Settleman PhD.  The private event brought together numerous supporters and friends of both Jean and the Foundation to toast the organization’s nearly 50-year commitment to funding crucial research that has facilitated many important discoveries to prevent and better treat cancer.    Jean Shafiroff With Martin Shafiroff Maribel Lieberman With Dennis Basso & Lucia Hwong Gordon  Dr. Samuel Waxman and Jean Shafiroff received citations from NYS Assemblywoman Rebecca Se...

  Brandy Cherven With Vivi Zhou And Frank Hanna At JFK  Dogs rescued from the China Meat Trade are coming to ARF Hamptons, located in East Hampton to begin their new lives. For these animals, collaboration means a second chance at life, and for the East End community, it’s a chance to be part of something extraordinary. The heart of this mission is Vivi Zhou, representing the Andy Sabin Family Foundation. Born in Shenyang, a city in northeast China, Vivi knows the harsh reality many dogs face there. When her mother stumbled upon a shelter in desperate need of renovation, Vivi refused to turn away. She founded Hope4Fur China Dog Rescue, rallied resources, rebuilt the shelter, hired staff, and ensured every dog would receive medical attention, good nutrition, and love. Today, Hope4Fur cares for more than 300 dogs, many of them purebred. For Vivi, this work is profoundly personal. “My dog Mocha saved my life during one of my darkest moments,” she shares. “Now, I feel a responsibi...

  Breakie Legacy Award Billion Dollar Attorney and Philanthropist Thomas J. Henry was honored with the prestigious Breakie Legacy Award, recognizing his extraordinary commitment to community service and education across the State of Texas. A steadfast advocate for children’s education, Thomas J. Henry has been a long-time supporter of TEXAS YES, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing underserved students with the resources they need to succeed in school and beyond. Through his generous contributions and active involvement, he has helped thousands of children gain access to essential school supplies, enrichment opportunities, and education programs designed to unlock their full potential. Named in honor of the Breakie family, co-founders of TEXAS YES and long-standing champions of educational equity, the Breakie Legacy Award is presented annually to an individual whose lifelong commitment to service and community advancement exemplifies the core values of TEXAS YES. Thomas ...

  DREAM GALA The Association of Community Employment Programs for the Homeless (ACE) and its founder Henry Buhl will welcome guests to the annual Dream Gala at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York City on Thursday, October 9th, 2025. The evening will raise critical funds to support ACE’s programs that provide job readiness training, work experience, and long-term support services to help New Yorkers overcome homelessness and reclaim independence. The black-tie evening will begin with cocktails at followed by dinner and a program hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist Cynthia McFadden. This year’s Gala Honorees are Henry Hay and Andrew Torrey, recognized for their leadership and commitment to creating opportunities for vulnerable communities. Guests will also be treated to a special musical performance by Tony Award-winning Broadway legend Jennifer Holliday, best known as the original “Dream Girl.” Her performance underscores the spirit of resilience and hope that defines ACE’s ...

  MaryAnn Giella McCulloh With Ilene Sichel Photographer and Artist Roger Sichel presented his Iconic Smokin’ Hot Kiss at One Art Space for a VIP Opening Reception for his exhibition which will be on view from Thursday, September 25th through Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 at 23 Warren Street in Tribeca.  The show opened with a VIP champagne reception and gourmet lobster bites, plus an exclusive first look at Sichel’s iconic work.  Situated in the heart of Tribeca, One Art Space is a dynamic contemporary gallery founded in 2011 under the curatorial leadership of MaryAnn Giella McCulloh, who serves as co-owner, gallerist, and curator with Mei Fung.  Known for its striking glass-front storefront and versatile exhibition layout, One Art Space advances its mission to showcase both emerging and established artists from around the world, fostering equity, artistic dialogue, and community engagement throughout New York’s vibrant art landscape.   Leesa Rowland   The ...