Vintage Co-founder Kalen Arreola, Distract TV Reporter Gita Cellei, Jewelry Designer Mina D, Co-founder Amelia Meloni
On April 13th, the day of the Vintage NYC Magazine Launch Party, I didn’t feel like dressing up and going to a party. But Gita Cellei of Distract TV was so enthusiastic, I changed my mind and I’m so glad I did.
Gita Cellei with Crooner Larry Costa
The party boasted a red carpet interview area, Hollywood movies on three screens, models wearing 40s and 50s influenced designs by Henry Picado and Mina D, ballroom dancers Aleksandar Vukosavljevic and Viktoriya Kolbenova, crooner Larry Costa, DJ Teal Camner, and doughnuts. I’m not sure why doughnuts were the Vintage victual of choice, but Gita was delighted. For such a petite woman, she got through an enormous number of doughnuts: jelly, cherry, chocolate and custard; she tried them all, several times.
Gita with dancers Viktoriya Kolbenova and Aleksandar Vukosavljevic
One of the surprises of this event was that I found myself surrounded by British women. Gita moved to New York from London last year. Her friend Fiona moved here from Scotland more recently. We chose a prime viewing position for the performances, and soon the space beside me was filled by two girls from London, Heather and Jazz, who came to New York with an International Professional Services Organization.
London Ladies Jazz and Heather
Amongst the many photographers, Distract TV was the only company recording video of the event. Distract TV covers fashion, burlesque and cultural events, and Gita is their New York Correspondent.
Mina D, Gita Cellei and Cameraperson Pablo
Several photographers came around snapping Fiona and I while Gita was working. One photographer asked me to describe my outfit.
“It’s a burgundy lace sheath dress,” I said.
“I’m wearing a top and a skirt,” said Fiona, flapping the waistband at him.
“I can’t wait to see how she describes her outfit,” said Fiona as the man went on to photograph a girl wearing jeans and a flowery bomber jacket.
Models with Larry Costa (center)
My favorite models were the ones who came as couples, because I love the contrast between the long shimmering gowns and the classic men’s suits. At the end of the evening, the models were judged by audience applause. The winner wore an exquisite monochrome beaded gown and jewelry.
Winner of Model Contest
Once Gita finished recording, she, Fiona and I started dancing. Fiona is a Scottish dance instructor, and we tried to copy some of her moves. I removed my wedges, deciding the time for elegance was over. Fortunately, the photographers had decided the same thing and were on their way out.
Dancers Viktoriya Kolbenova and Aleksandar Vukosavljevic
I’m looking forward to seeing Distract TV’s report on the event. And I’m glad I went out when I didn’t feel like it, because I realized that looking cool and having fun don’t have to be mutually exclusive. And nor do being skinny and eating doughnuts.
