Tribes in Transition – Photograph Exhibit

Journey Portraits in Namibia and Zambia were the subject of a private viewing reception hosted by the artist, Dana Gluckstein and Virtu. 5% of the private viewing proceeds benefited Artists for a New South Africa. Robert Sobieszek, Past Curator of Photography at LACMA noted, “Gluckstein succeeds in bestowing upon her sitters a sense of stilled dignity, humaneness entirely devoid of any temporary, fleeting or accidental quality.” Public viewing from April 1 to June 15 at Minotti, 8950 Beverly Blvd. Pictured here with gallery owner, Alitash Kebede, Alitash Kebede Gallery.

A Happy Travel Agent

Wendy,
Thank you so much for thinking of me. That's so cool of you to remember.
The Astrological write up was so spot on to my personality! Wow. What a trip.
I hope to see you soon.
Have a nice weekend.
Vince [Vince Caracausa]
Third Millennium Travel

Seen in the Luxe lobby – photographer, Ed Fox

Taschen Beverly Hills definitely got sexed up last night with the exclusive launch of Ed Fox’s new photography book, Glamour from the Ground Up. Drawing inspiration from both still photography and music video, Fox who is a native of Los Angeles, welcomed a bevy of beautiful women to his book signing and Cafe Rodeo's Bar360 for an after party. “The most tempting part of a woman’s body is her feet. Feet are a woman’s second body…” - Seen here, Ed Fox patiently signing his book.

Spring Fashion

Spring has arrived. There are fashion trunk shows every week. Check the schedules at the major department stores for the latest showings. Pictured here is Barneys New York window on busy Wilshire Blvd. Givenchy is among a dozen fabulous designers; Pucci, Lanvin, Marni, Proenza Schouler and Dries Van Noten to name a few. You can get up close and personal with all this great ready to wear.

A Happy Guest

Ciao Wendy: Thank you for your hospitality. If you need some things in Italy,please, let me know. Hope to come in LA in november. Keep'n touch, Gabriele Gabrielloni

Cotton Candy

What a surprise to be served a large fluffy mound of pink cotton candy for dessert at Simon L.A. at Sofitel Los Angeles. I behaved like a child at the Wisconsin State Fair, unswirling bits of the spun sugar and letting it melt in my mouth. Thank you to Hotel Manager, Pierre-Louis Renou, who treated me to lunch.

Bunny Trail

Knock, knock! Who's there? Chuck.
Chuck who? Chuck-olate Bunny.
Pictured here, two malted milk balls, chocolate eggs and sugar cookies later. And I wondered why I couldn't get to sleep on Sunday night. Must have been all of the excitement.

Allan Kaprow - Art as Life

Saturday night was the opening of Allan Kaprow at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA. Tracing his development from early abstract expressionist paintings to his highly influential “Happenings” of the 1950’s and ‘60’s, this is a comprehensive retrospective of Kaprow’s work. He replaces the traditional art form with objects rooted in everyday life. I plunked myself down in front of one of the type writers and typed away! I’m also pictured in front of blue patio furniture which could be moved around to create a new environment. Definitely a lot of interaction. Highly recommended.

Women's Leadership Conference

The conference was a day-long event focused towards women who live, work or own a business in West Hollywood featuring workshops and valuable resources to foster and support the development of women leaders in our community.
Wendy,
Thank you so much for your generous participation in the Mentor Workshop at the West Hollywood's 2nd annual Women's Leadership Conference. From the feedback I heard, the workshop was a great success and that is of course due to your participation, and Roz's great facilitation. I hope it was an enjoyable experience for each of you. Please let me know if a mentor/mentee relationship springs forth and blossoms from this seed meeting. Thank you again, for your generosity and sharing your time, wisdom and experience!
With great appreciation and warmth,
Mara Brown, Transformation Coach

A Happy Guest

Dear Wendy,
First thing I would like to thank you for the lovely welcoming from my last visit at the LUXE HOTEL.
I have another business visit coming, and I would like to stay at the LUXE.
Thank you very much.
Best regards,
Zafrir Kochanovsky
TTV productions, CEO

13th annual Women in Leadership Awards

I was among some amazing women on Wednesday for the 13th annual Women in Leadership Awards in West Hollywood. This annual event recognizes the outstanding contributions of local women and this year’s honorees included women from Jewish Family Services/Family Violence project, Saul and Joyce Brandman Breast Center, The Nile Institute, Los Angeles County Librarian and me. I confess that I started tearing up during my acceptance speech. I am full of gratitude for all of the women who served with me on the Women’s Advisory Board. Ten years of passion. Thank you!

Jasmine

The smell of jasmine seems to be floating on the air these days. As a power walker, I have noted the scent in the night air in the park and in the garden of my apartment building. It has lightened my jaunt to the trash cans in the evening and made me smile as I walked to the Pacific Design Center tonight. There is a moment when it brings to mind the hot tea towels at Japanese restaurants or the tea bag as it blossoms in your teacup. It’s one of the small things that make spring in Los Angeles: sweet.

A Happy Guest

Hi!
I got your card today! So thoughtful! My grandmother used to send me the newspaper horoscope clipping from my birthday, so when I got yours, it made me smile.
You’re the best!
Christine
Christine M. Lindebak, District Manager of Retail Stores, Tadashi Shoji and Associates

A Happy Travel Agent

Dear Wendy,
Hope you had a good trip back to work (at the glamorous Beverly Hills area, is that really a job??) Just to thank you for being so nice and fun, I had a great time and hope you too.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon (or me visiting!!), please do not hesitate in contacting me if there is anything you may need.
Best and warm regards!
Lula Romo HOTEL TRAVEL HOME Mexico City
www.hoteltravelhome.com

Beverly Hills Cocktail Reception for Travel Agents

I had the great pleasure of meeting some lovely travel agents at our Beverly Hills CVB reception at The Four Seasons Hotel. Thank you Mexico City for your culture and your hospitality.

Crafts Shopping

There were several local popular crafts markets located in the center of Mexico City selling everything from Mayan embroidered textiles, hand painted tin toys, mate paintings to silver jewelry from Taxco. I just didn't have enough room in my suitcase.

Sculptures

In the late afternoon, I wandered onto this street adjacent to the Zocalo, a time capsule of Mexican history. The 17th century Metropolitan Cathedral marks the spot where Cortes erected the city's first Catholic Church. Diego Rivera murals can be found in the Palacio National courtyard. Most impressive, the main square also holds an important archaeological find in the ruins of the Templo Mayor, temple of the Aztec capitol of Tenochtitlan.

Tequila Refresher

We rewarded our climb with a shot of almond flavored tequila at a laid back-restaurant behind the pyramid of the moon. Grateful that we didn't have to drink any more of that fermented maguey plant juice that the Aztec's called pulque.

Pyramid of the Sun

No one knows why Teotihuacan fell, between 150 and 450 AD, but it was the center of a sophisticated and powerful civilization that dominated Mesoamerica. I climbed to the top of the pyramid of the sun. Or I call it: a pre-Columbian Stairmaster. The view was breathtaking. The pyramid of the moon can be seen in the background.

Men in Masks

I arrived in Mexico City on Saturday afternoon prepared to throw myself in the wonderful absurdity that is Lucha Libre and all I got was this photo of a cardboard superhero. Turns out that this Mexican version wrestle mania takes place on Friday!

A Happy Diner

Hello darlin'
It was great to see you! Thanks again for a lovely dinner. Let's plan another date in future (where we can really catch up!)
Hugz, Lisa
Lisa Sjolund, Business Development Executive - Western USA, VisitBritain

A Happy Diner

Sherwin
Just a quick email to thank you so much for making our evening at Rodeo such a lovely experience. The wine was delicious and much appreciated, and the desserts—OMG –I think I probably gained 10 pounds!
Conrad took very good care of us and Nando, our waiter, was so personable and efficient; and it was such a treat to see Wendy that evening. My husband’s son and guest were suitably impressed. Thank you so much!
Warmest regards, Lucia
Lucia Sirotich-Lebon, Director of Sales, Luxe Worldwide Hotels

Luxury Summit

Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce proudly presented their first annual Luxury Summit yesterday at the Beverly Hilton. There were experts from publishing, retail, public relations and investment companies discussing the effects of the fluctuating economic climate on the luxury market. It was all about the forecasts, trends and strategies! Jane Wells, CNBC business news reporter, was particularily provocative.

Women's History Month

West Hollywood City Council honored Women's History Month tonight commemorating the 15th anniversary of the Women's Advisory Board and held a special unveiling ceremony of the 2008 Women's History Month Banners honoring Billie Jean King and Betty Ford. You won't see me on the stage. I represent the '15th anniversary' part as I was one of the founding members of the board. My night to be honored is March 19th.

A Happy Guest

Hi Wendy,
I just wanted to say 'Thank you' for the wonderful dinner and conversation. I am really looking forward to getting together at the Wilshire. Take care!
All my best,
Joe Sena
Gucci Beverly Hills
General Manager Gucci Beverly Hills

Flea Market

Got up early (by Wendy’s standards, anyway) and picked through the Pasadena Community College flea market with my girlfriends on Sunday. The focus this time seemed to be on hardware such as chandelier crystals, doorknobs and hinges. But rest assured, that three ladies are always interested in jewelry. And yes, I found a triple strand of Bakelite treasure.