Confessions from the Velvet Ropes VIP launch dinner at Sol - July 11, 2006

 

Thomas Onorato and Glenn Belverio at Sol photo: Kirsten Allen Majors

A gathering of close friends, journalists and editors, and North American legends descended on Sol for an elegant, delicious dinner -- provided by Go Catering -- to help Thomas and I celebrate the release of our book, Confessions from the Velvet Ropes. Even though I knew weeks in advance who was going to attend (not to mention how much I fretted over the seating chart, like some Park Avenue lady socialite), I was still shocked and astounded by the crowd that showed up sharply at 8pm: Everyone looked so attractive and vibrant, I spent most of the night trying to figure out which battalion of beauty and skincare products everyone had employed. The room glowed with beauty and fierce intelligence.

We received some very clever coverage written by Faran Krentcil on Fashion Week Daily, as well as an amusing photo report that appeared on Gawker. If that's not enough, a photographer from Patrick McMullan took some very flattering photos of most of us. Along with paparazzo Kirsten Allen Majors, I even took a few snapshots which, with no further adieu, I will now share with you.

My good friend Aaron Rasmussen from In Touch magazine discusses the fine art of celebrity baby stalking with the glamorous Jessica Matlin of W magazine.

Anthony Haden-Guest -- author of The Last Party -- and my friend Jay Blotcher, the journalist and publicist. Jay and I go waaaaay back to the days when gay people actually lay down in the streets and stopped traffic to draw attention to issues such as AIDS, gay lib, and women's reproductive rights. Now gays only do that when their anti-depression medication fails or when the fag hag actress on "Will and Grace" doesn't win an Emmy for her phoned-in performance.

A sweet moment with Anthony and power publicist Kelly Cutrone. Kelly was one of the hosts of the dinner and we made plans for our maybe-upcoming wedding in Shanghai or Hoboken. Kelly made a wonderful speech during dinner, followed by a toast from Anthony. Thomas and I then crawled under the table because we don't like giving speeches at dinner parties.

Another nice photo of Anthony and the sultry Cutrone.

Filmmaker Bruce LaBruce asks Anthony Haden-Guest which Joan he prefers: Blondell, Crawford or Didion.

The handsome Demetre and the luscious Michael Schmidt.

My super literary agent, Douglas Stewart of Sterling Lord, with writer and VIP dinner host Bruce Benderson. Bruce is quite notorious in downtown circles for his "No-spleen Mary" quip. He also won the Prix de Flore in Paris last year for his book, The Romanian.

The adorable Faran Krentcil of Fashion Week Daily forgoes food in favor of taking copious notes on the latest note-taking technology.

Faran and fashion designer Zaldy, another host of the dinner. Zaldy designs clothes for Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B. line. Truth be told, I've actually known Zaldy since the 80s! We used to go to the Palladium, Limelight, Tunnel and Pyramid in our baby buggies.....Baby buggies from Mars ala Boom!

This is me regretting that I just told Faran that I copped the word "ironaut" from The Daily and put it in my book. Photo: Kirsten Allen Majors

Kirsten Allen Majors with my hard working, super publicist from St. Martin's Press, Abbye Simkowitz.

Marc Benecke of Studio 54 fame and Anthony Haden-Guest.

Uber-dandy Patrick McDonald and his eyebrows are happy for Thomas. Thomas reminds me of a character from a Roger Corman-Edgar Allen Poe film in this photo.

My good friend Patty Powers and Bruce LaBruce. Bruce and I have known each other for a long time. In the middle of the dinner he asked me to stand up and sing "The Boys in the Back Room"..."You know, that song you used to sing long, long ago...back before you were born."

Thomas and his business partner Max Wixom. Their company OW! produced this successful event. Photo: Kirsten Allen Majors

My friends the knitwear designer Tom Scott and also-knitter and Marxist style icon Mina Estevez. Knitters of the world unite and take over!

Famed makeup artist William Murphy (who utilized Hollywood special effects makeup and CGI when Thomas and I had our author photo taken) with my fabulous editor at St. Martin's Press, Becki Heller.

An arty photo of William Murphy, Ernesto Zila, and Motherfucker's Michael T and Johnny T. Photo: Kirsten Allen Majors

Zaldy and Tricia Romano of the Village Voice. Tricia's brilliant interview with a gay male ass was one of the topics of discussion during cocktail hour. Just your typical New York City cocktail chatter.

"What's taking them so damn long with our free bottle?!" My good friends Corey Sabourin and Aric Chen are happy their backs are turned to that questionable upholstery during the after-party at Happy Valley.

The two Bruces filming a Merlot commercial during the after-party at Happy Valley.

Anthony Haden-Guest danced like it was 1979 at our after-party for hours....he has more energy than all of us put together!

Thank you for reading!

Best,

Glenn Belverio