What a week on the VIP party scene! From Jay-Z’s Brooklyn takeover to Paris Fashion Week’s fabulous affairs, celebs and us mere mortals were out in full effect to mix, mingle and let loose. Did your invite get lost in the mail? Well, here’s your exclusive ticket to my red-hot roundup of the most sizzling events of the past week.
Saturday, Sept. 22nd
Offline with Q-Tip, Irving Plaza, New York, NY
I love a good Q-Tip party and the rap star took to the decks once again last Saturday for Offline, his regular monthly jam. OK you caught me – the official date was over a week ago, BUT it rocked all the way ‘til Sunday morning, so I’m allowing it on my list – and for good reason. You won’t hear any overplayed radio tracks at Offline, instead the musical genius hit us with funk, soul and hip-hop classics that had college students and celebrities alike movin’ and groovin’ all night. Spotted in VIP – Taraji P. Henson, Rocsi, BET exec. Stephen Hill and Kid Capri. Offline offers a little something different – it’s for real music lovers who aren’t dependent on a catchy hook to make ‘em dance!
Wednesday, Sept. 26th
NBA 2K13 Premiere hosted by Jay-Z, 40/40, New York, NY
It was a major week for Mr. Shawn Carter, beginning with the launch of one of the most anticipated video games of the year – which Hov happened to executive produce – NBA 2K13. I had the honor of co-hosting the official broadcast live from the red carpet and VIP room (if you missed it:http://www.twitch.tv/2k/b/333585994). A who’s who of sports and music celebs joined us at the celebration. Bow Wow, Tyson Beckford, Nene Leakes and Kris Humphries were all in the building. Meanwhile, 2K13 cover stars Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose were fixated on their consoles as soon as they got in the club! Host Jay-Z blessed us with his regal presence and Meek Mill completed the evening with a dope performance. What a night! These NBA 2K parties just keep getting bigger and better.
Thursday, Sept. 27th
40/40 Grand Opening, Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
One night before his inaugural performance to officially christen downtown Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, Hov celebrated the opening of his newest, and in my opinion sexiest, 40/40 establishment (and no, I’m not just saying that because I live in BK!). For the upscale soiree, Jay traded in his jeans and baseball hat from the night before for a traditional tuxedo while Rihanna rocked the red carpet in pajamas and J Cole tried out his version of dressy. The sharp and sleek design of the restaurant/club impressed partygoers who, through the glass windows, got an eyeful of the Nets spanking new arena right below. Nowhere does it like Brooklyn, baby, and who better than Hov to bring more sexy back to his borough? History in the making!
Thursday, Sept 27th
Teen Vogue Young Hollywood Party, Beverly Hills, CA
Ever wish you could be in two places at once? I did Thursday! For Tinseltown’s fresh faces, it doesn’t get much bigger than an invite to the annual Teen Vogue Young Hollywood party. This year marked the 10th anniversary of the high profile soiree. A swarm of rising stars from the entertainment world enjoyed stunning views at a private residence overlooking Beverly Hills as they grooved to the sounds of DJ Connor Cruise (yes, Tom Cruise’s son). Among the talent who made the cut – Hailee Steinfeld, Sarah Hyland, Chord Overstreet, Keke Palmer, Victoria Justice, Nikki Reed, Romeo and Patrick Schwarzenegger. LA locals GROUPLOVE performed for the excited crowd. The night was in honor of Teen Vogue’s October issue and, of course, the next generation of Hollywood elite!
Friday, Sept 28th
Paradis Ball (AdR for H&M party). Paradis Latin, Paris, France
At the peak of Paris Fashion Week every fab fashionista in the city was at the Anna Dello Russo for H&M extravaganza. Held at famed French cabaret club Paradis Latin, AdR (editor in chief of Vogue Japan) hosted the celebration for her new jewelry, shoe and accessory collection with the megabrand. The style maven treated her guests to a taste of theatrical entertainment plus a contrasting showcase by hip-hop bad girl Azealia Banks. Anna herself made an entrance worthy of an MTV Awards performance. Arriving with an army of lookalikes she later suspended from the ceiling on a heart-shaped swing. Guests included models Isabeli Fontana, Liya Kebede and Karlie Kloss, as well as celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe and designer Jeremy Scott. Eccentric style, unlimited champagne and men with sexy French accents! What more could a girl ask for?
