I was delighted to be invited to a fashion tour-de-force featuring a room full of individuals who love to pull out all the stops. At Patricia Fox’s Purely Patricia Housing Works Event she made sure to dress opulently in her signature look—an iridescent array of colors, and layers upon layers of accessories.
In the windows at Housing Work’s new location (64th street & second ave) Patricia Fox styled seven mannequins each inspired by the style and personality of some fabulous NYC creatives, dubbed People with Purpose. Outfits were available for bidding, and the winners were announced at the event. On the scene: Lisa Wheeler, sported a pseudo mohawk with braids by Mia Escobar hair/makeup; David Santiago wore an outfit almost identical the his mannequin; Mari O’Connor arrived in one of her signature paper hats in bold black and white.
Fox states, “Mannequins always create curiosity. For my first event as Style Collaborator for Housing Works I thought to have mannequins represent New Yorkers who are real “People With Purpose”—successful, committed, and creative in their chosen life styles. The result? An eclectic diversified group coming together for a great cause!”
A WHO’S WHO OF FASHION INDIVIDUALITY
More about the hosts New York artist and fashion muse Patricia Fox, is renowned for her colorful, head-to-toe personal style. A cultural commentator, she is a favorite subject for photographers and artists and has achieved success in merchandising, beauty, styling, jewelry design, art, and interior decorating. Housing Works fights for funding and legislation to ensure that all people living with HIV/AIDS have access to quality housing, healthcare as well as legal protections from stigma and discrimination. purelypatricia.com
Among the honored, some of NYC’s talented personalities and stylists, the People of Purpose:
Barbara Flood, owner of Flood’s Closet, a traveling boutique that features vintage clothing, art-to-wear, furniture, and paintings. She styles the rich and famous for theatre, cabaret, film, and events. 212-348-7257
Barbara Littman (who passed away in March 2017 at the age of 74) has a closet donated by her family for the event in her honor. Barbara was a celebrated professor, philanthropist, architect, and interior designer.
The Baroness, NYC’s premier designer of elegant and provocative latex, has dressed a gamut of celebrities—Beyoncé, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Nikki Minaj, and Katy Perry to name a few. At her East Village boutique, shoppers can find pieces in a wide array of colors and styles. baroness.com
Ben Copperwheat, a print designer and artist, produces clothing, art, and textile collections. His work has been commissioned by Beyoncé, Boy George, and Liza Minelli. Copperwheat is represented by Patricia Field. bencopperwheat.com
Carli Beardsley is known for her work as a professional costumer, milliner, and tailor for hundreds of stage, television, and film productions. Clientele ranges from the American Ballet Theatre to Cirque De Soleil. She runs a sewing and millinery studio in the arts district of Long Island City. carlibeardsley.com
David Santiago launched Casa Santi, an interior design firm where he works with residential and commercial clients. He recently launched the Strictly Santi Furniture Line, and is in the process of creating Prince of Wallpaper, a wall coverings line. casasanti.com
Jana Platina Phipps, a.k.a. the Trim Queen, is an embellishment expert in home furnishings and fashion. Her trimmings collections are sold in retail stores and her custom designs are sought after by product designers. trimqueen.com
Kathryn Hausman is the designer and owner of Medusa Heirlooms, a wholesale French Hair Accessory company that has been in business for over 40 years. She sells her Medusa collection to specialty shops, spas, boutiques, gift stores and salons worldwide. She is an avid collector of Art Deco lady statuary, posters, jewelry, accessories, and clothing. medusasheirlooms.com
Lisa Wheeler is the owner of Wheels In Motion Productions and VP of Fitness for Daily Burn. Behind the camera, Lisa has helped produce over 500 fitness programs for Dancing with the Stars, The Biggest Loser and on camera starred in over 30 fitness videos for Weight Watchers, Acacia, the NFL Channel and Shape Magazine. lisawheeler.com
