Times Square Gossip

  Jean Shafiroff   Jean Shafiroff With Malan Breton And Camelia Entekhabifard In the spirit of gratitude and giving, philanthropist and 10-year Mission Society board member Jean Shafiroff hosted and underwrote a Thanksgiving cocktail reception in Manhattan honoring the Mission Society of New York City at her Park Avenue home. Founded in 1812, the Mission Society is one of New York’s oldest social service organizations, dedicated to breaking the cycle of multigenerational poverty by unlocking the potential of the city’s most underserved families. The elegant evening brought 75 guests together for a celebration infused with compassion, fellowship, and purpose. Surrounded by friends and supporters, Jean Shafiroff highlighted the organization’s enduring commitment to education, mentorship, and opportunity in Harlem and across twelve public school programs throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. Jean Shafiroff With Shannon Lepre   Jean Shafiroff With Patrick McMullan “T...

  The Baker House  The Baker House 1650, one of East Hampton’s most celebrated luxury inns, has been named “Best House, Villa or Serviced Apartment in North America” by Condé Nast Johansens at the 2026 Awards for Excellence, held at London’s Kimpton Fitzroy Hotel. Recognized for its timeless charm, exquisite hospitality, and design that seamlessly blends 17th-century heritage with modern elegance, The Baker House 1650 has become synonymous with refined Hamptons living. The award—one of the most coveted in luxury travel—places the historic East Hampton property among the finest accommodations in the world. The Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence, now in their 41st year, honor the very best in independent luxury hotels, spas, and venues worldwide. Each winner is selected through a rigorous combination of guest feedback, expert inspection reports, and online voting by discerning travelers. “It’s an incredible honor to receive this global recognition from Condé Nast Johanse...

  THE POPES OF FARRAGUT STREET  Melanie Maria Goodreaux’s new play THE POPES OF FARRAGUT STREET will premiere at Theater for the New City in New York City. Following the success of RITA IS THE GOAT, ENOUGH VO5 FOR THE UNIVERSE, and THE WHITE BLACKS, Goodreaux returns with her latest work for a limited 12-performance engagement, November 6th – 23rd, 2025 (Thursday – Saturday starting at 8:00pm, Sundays at 3:00pm). Blending the mix-ups and crossed affections of Shakespeare’s finest comedies with the soulful storytelling of August Wilson, THE POPES OF FARRAGUT STREET is a lively exploration of regret and romance, family, faith, and identity set against the vibrant backdrop of New Orleans’ cultural and spiritual life. In Conrad Patsy’s “Shade Tree” auto shop, a tight-knit crew of mechanics, dreamers, and spiritual seekers buzz with excitement over news that the newly elected Pope Leo XIV is an American—born in the 7th Ward of New Orleans and, some say, a Black Creole. As gossip, p...

  Thomas J. Henry Thomas J. Henry, nationally recognized for his steadfast commitment to justice, is also making a transformative impact far beyond the courtroom. A new analysis conducted by Sage Policy Group quantifies the far-reaching economic and social benefits generated by the firm’s extensive charitable initiatives over thirty years.  According to the report, Thomas J. Henry’s charitable giving has supported over 1,200 jobs, labor income, and nationwide economic activity. These findings underscore how the firm’s sustained generosity drives employment, stimulates business growth, and enhances community well-being across the United States and the world.  Thomas J. Henry’s philanthropic reach is both deep and broad, spanning causes that include hunger relief, education, animal welfare, women’s empowerment, and disaster recovery. The economic ripple effects of these efforts extend across at least 80 distinct industries, with the greatest impact observed in community foo...

  Yogmata Keiko Aikawa World-renowned spiritual leader Yogmata Keiko Aikawa, the first female Siddha Master and Himalayan Great Saint, will return to New York City this week for a series of engagements blending spirituality, diplomacy, and cultural exchange. The visit culminates in her participation at the United Nations WEDO Summit on Friday, November 14th, 2025 where she will offer a “Moment of Silence for Global Peace” from 10:05am to 10:13am inside the UN Headquarters. The weeklong visit, organized by the Science of Enlightenment, follows Yogmata’s decades-long mission to foster inner awakening and world harmony through authentic Himalayan meditation practices. Her previous appearances at the United Nations include addresses during International Yoga Day and keynote meditations for peace, earning her recognition as one of the few living Himalayan Great Saints to bring these ancient teachings to a global audience. Arriving in New York on Saturday, November 8th, Yogmata lead a wo...

  Manhattan School of Music Manhattan School of Music (MSM) will honor two distinguished alumni, Dr. Han Jo Kim (P ’98) and Grammy Award-winning opera star Isabel Leonard (P ’98, HonDMA ’21), at its upcoming Precollege Gala on Saturday, November 15th, 2025, in New York City. Hosted by CBS News correspondent Elaine Quijano, the evening will celebrate more than a century of MSM’s leadership in arts education and the enduring impact of its Precollege Division on generations of young musicians. The Precollege Gala recognizes individuals whose careers embody the artistry, innovation, and mentorship that define the institution’s mission. Dr. Kim, an internationally renowned spine surgeon and Director of the Complex Spine and Scoliosis Center at the Hospital for Special Surgery, is celebrated for his groundbreaking surgical contributions and humanitarian work in Ghana, where he has performed life-changing operations on pediatric and adult patients. Isabel Leonard, one of the most acclaime...

  Carmen Jorda  Motorsports Carmen Jorda celebrated the U.S. launch of her inspirational children’s book, On Track to Win: The Carmen Jorda Story, in SoHo New York City. Published by Lightswitch Learning, the vibrantly illustrated book chronicles Jorda’s journey from a fearless young girl racing go-karts in Spain to breaking barriers in the elite world of Formula 1. With a message centered on resilience and courage, On Track to Win inspires children everywhere to take the wheel and chase their dreams. Guests at the book launch, included figures from motorsport, publishing, and the arts who came to toast her success. The reception included an intimate fireside chat with Jorda where she reflected on her racing career and the inspiration behind her new book: “This story is about believing in yourself.” said Jorda “An inspiration to children that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.”  About Carmen Jordá: Carmen Jorda, former development driver of Lotus and Renau...

  Marc Bouwer With Leesa Rowland And Larry Wohl   Cindy Guyer Leesa Rowland and Larry Wohl set a dazzling new benchmark for New York’s Halloween season with their annual celebration, “Midnight at the Met.” The highly anticipated event transformed Chelsea Industrial into a shimmering world of fantasy where art, fashion, and performance intertwined in spectacular form.   Gianni Musso Stewart F Lane And Bonnie Comley Inspired by the grandeur of the Met Gala, guests were invited to “dress like it’s your last day of your life,” and arrived in avant-garde, couture-inspired costumes that turned the evening into a living museum of creativity. Designer Marc Bouwer created Leesa’s striking look for the evening, making her the “fire” to Marc Bouwer’s “Ice” costume. Under moody, golden light, more than 300 attendees mingled amid dramatic installations, live performance art, and theatrical flourishes that made the night a feast for the senses. A show-stopping performance by Luke K who...

  Charlii Sebunya With Mirabel Lieberman Mariebelle New York welcomed the fall season with an elegant celebration at its flagship SoHo location, inviting guests to savor the new Fall Chocolate Collection inspired by the rich colors, scents, and sensations of the season. Set against the backdrop of the brand’s signature blue-and-gold salon, the evening captured the artistry and refinement that has made Mariebelle synonymous with luxury chocolate for over two decades. Guests sampled chocolates and had the chance to catch up while savoring each piece, hand-made with the brand’s distinctive designs. From the aroma of freshly poured hot chocolate to the music playing through the cocoa-scented air, the soirée embodied the warmth and sophistication of fall in New York. Attendees from the worlds of art, design, and fashion gathered to toast the new collection and enjoy conversation over cups of Mariebelle’s signature Aztec Hot Chocolate and decadent petits fours. “Chocolate has always been...

  Diana Mahrach Couture Collection  Fashion designer Diana Mahrach presented her latest Bridal Couture Collection in an intimate showcase at 263 West 38th Street, drawing an audience of editors, stylists, and influencers eager to preview her vision for 2025 brides. The Diana Mahrach Bridal Couture Collection 2026 unveils a breathtaking array of elegant, couture silhouettes crafted for the modern bride. Each design captures mesmerizing textures and exquisite tailoring, celebrating femininity in all its forms.  Handcrafted in her New York atelier, Diana’s creations embody sophistication, artistry, and timeless elegance — qualities that make her one of the most distinguished names in bridal couture today. From New York City to Dubai, Diana Mahrach continues to redefine bridal luxury with her signature attention to detail and commitment to perfection. Every gown is custom designed to reflect the individuality and beauty of each woman, available in sizes 0 through 30. The even...

  Experiencing Transcendence Can you truly recover from addiction, not just manage it for life? In Experiencing Transcendence: The Freedom of Recovering from Addiction and Trauma (released, October 2025), leading addiction recovery expert Richard Taite and global resilience researcher Constance Scharff, PhD, make a bold claim: complete recovery is possible. Unlike traditional programs that frame addiction as a chronic illness requiring lifelong abstinence, Experiencing Transcendence reimagines recovery as a transformative process, one that leads to a state of wholeness, presence, and love so complete that a person can live fully, freely, and without fear of relapse. Once the underlying trauma is healed, the need to self-medicate disappears. Taite and Scharff aim to revolutionize how addiction and trauma are treated, shifting care toward love-based, outcomes-driven practices that improve lives. “Recovery should not feel like a life sentence,” says Richard Taite. “This book will chan...

  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...