Big Apple Nights

Saw American Gangster over the Thanksgiving holidays––loved Ruby Dee, Denzel, even Common, who didn’t say much, but looked especially suave on screen. I saw him perform a few weeks ago at a party for Donna Karen’s latest scent, DKNY Delicious Night.

The party was at the art studio of Donna’s beloved and deceased husband, Stephen Weiss. The spot was hot with a well-dressed downtown crowd, including a few rising stars––Ali Larter, Marisa Tomei, Rashida Jones, Zoe Kravitz, Rumer Willis, Christina Ricci. Common was exceptionally lyrical, the drinks were flowing, the crowd was jumping––even Donna herself seemed smitten with the performer when he brought her on stage. By the way, the scent is actually quite delicious. It’s spicy and fruity with unusual notes of blackberry martini accord and frozen pomelo. Check it out. For now it’s sold exclusively at Bloomingdales.

Sexy Sunday

Victoria’s Secret model Seleta Ebanks is as sweet as she is gorgeous. I had the pleasure of sitting down with her this Sunday at the fitting for the next Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show (which will air on CBS, 10pm EST, on December 4th). Seleta is one of the six contracted Vicky Secrets “Angels”–-the only black girl, so I was happy to chat with her and get her perspective on the show.

Before we sat down, I waited and watched as she tried on her various lingerie get-ups. You’ve got to have confidence out of the WAZOO to be a lingerie model. This was a fitting, so throughout, Seleta was clad in some variation of a thong and bra--- and surrounded by unforgiving neon lights, at least 20 minions running around, photographers, reporters and a team of Victoria’s Secret corporate muckity mucks. Being half naked wasn’t an issue for her, or the other models. They all smiled and strutted around like it was their birthdays.

During our interview, Seleta confessed, “being sexy on demand isn’t easy.” I’m not sure I believe her, however she did add that modeling for Victoria’s Secret forced her to discover her inner vixen. Fair enough. Check out the show in December––Seal,Kanye West and The Spice Girls are performing. I can’t show you any of the designs from the fitting––Top Secret––but trust, it will be quite a show, with over 30 elaborate costumes. It was a pleasant afternoon, even if it was work on a Sunday. I had a nice interview and despite the gorgeous models with their perfect bodies, I managed to leave the shoot with my self-esteem and self-confidence, in check.