Fashion in Black & White:Getting Ready for the Black & White Party

by Julie Kasperson

I received an e-mail notification about a free event being held on a Thursday night recently at the Halo Bar at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. This truly is one of reasons I love living in Las Vegas. All you have to do is RSVP to an event, and you can take advantage of all kinds of free or low-cost things. In the case of Fashion in Black & White, the first 20 people showing up would receive a commemorative Black & White Party poker chip, and everyone would receive free hors d’oeuvres from Cabo Wabo, and free cocktails from the Halo Bar. My kind of event!

One of my out-of-town friends, a designer named Anton, was in town for the MAGIC convention (Men’s Apparel Guild in California). He showed up as my guest, and we enjoyed free food and drink, while he relaxed after four hectic days attending seminars and networking with other professionals in the fashion world.

According to Angel Williams, SCMD, Director of Community Relations & Business Development at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, this was a first-time event. They plan to partner with other non-profit agencies in the future for more events. This particular event was a pre-event leading up to the 26th Annual Black & White Party, which is one of AFAN’s (Aid For AIDS of Nevada) biggest fund-raisers of the year. At the Black & White Party, you must dress in all-black, all-white, or in black and white.

The fashion part of the Fashion in Black & White AFAN event was provided by models atop pedestals, wearing clothing from Miracle Mile stores such as bebe, French Connection, GUESS, GUESS by Marciano, H&M, Original Penguin, S.Y.L.K., Club Tattoo, Stash Men’s & Women’s, and True Religion Brand Jeans.

We received a handout that listed stores in the Miracle Mile shops that offered discounts on clothing, bath products, and jewelry to prepare ourselves for the Black & White Party, should we choose to attend it. Some nice managers from Ultra Diamonds, one of the sponsors, gave us free jewelry cleaner and we filled out drawing tickets to win men’s and women’s watches. Other stores had drawings for gift certificates for clothing.

While I enjoyed the free food and drink, I was thinking the fashion part of the event would be more like models on a runway, instead of standing still on raised platforms. I think they should have at least announced what the models were wearing, over a mic so we would know what we were looking at. The event itself could have gotten more publicity as well. There were other guests there, but not as many as there could have been. Overall a fun, free, fashionable event.

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All photo credits: Julie Kasperson,

© 2012 Julie Kasperson - All rights reserved.

-VegasJules ( Julie Kasperson ) can be contacted through her facebook page.

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Fashion’s Night Out at The Forum Shops 09/08/11

(Click individual photos in slide show to get a larger image.)

by Julie Kasperson

My roommate, who works at Caesars Palace Forum Shops as a concierge, tipped me off to the fact that Caesars was participating in the third annual Fashion’s Night Out, which is a one-night global celebration of fashion and style. If I could have attended all the events, I would have. Crystals at City Center, the Palazzo, Fashion Show Mall, and even the Galleria Mall in Henderson all had events and giveaways to lure fashionistas and shoppers alike.

Matt Goss, a local entertainer based at Caesars, hosted at the reflecting pool and presented awards to three local Las Vegas designers, sponsored by the Art Institute of Las Vegas. Best New Designer Grand Prize of a $500 shopping spree and scholarship to the Art Institute was awarded to Jimi Urquiaga, with first runner-up award going to designer Franki Ortiz and second runner-up was Mikayla Marrujo.

Most of my time was spent photographing the eye-catching male and female models as they showcased fashions from Forum Shops’ stores on an hourly basis. Shoes, handbags, and jewelry were featured as well during the informal accessory shows.



Roman handmaidens gave out brochures that outlined which shops were participating in the event. There were lots of freebies to be had, including hors d’oeuvres, champagne and chocolates that were offered to patrons as they shopped. Some clothing items, lingerie, and handbags were only offered for sale or at special prices during FNO.

When the models weren’t strutting the runway at the reflecting pool, they stood atop platforms placed throughout the Forum Shops. One lingerie model drew a crowd when she posed in front of grainy black and white film footage, in the display window of Agent Provocateur, a luxury lingerie store.

FNO was created to celebrate fashion, restore confidence, and boost the industry’s economy. Las Vegas may not be a center of design and production, but it definitely is a major player as far as retail is concerned. Jimi, Franki, and Mikayla prove that there are creative minds at work here as well.

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All photo credits: Julie Kasperson,

© 2011 Julie Kasperson - All rights reserved.

-VegasJules ( Julie Kasperson ) can be contacted through her facebook page.

Please vote for one of Julie's photos in the Downtown Las Vegas Photo Competition in the Las Vegas Review Journal! Thank you!

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Fashion’s Night Out at The Forum Shops

A Christmastime Fashion Show At Las Vegas Arts District Benefits Blind Center Of Nevada

My model and photographer friends gathered together for a charity event in the Downtown Arts District. This event was called Christmas Couture – A Handmade Fashion Show. The fashion show featured original handmade clothing and accessories crafted from alternative materials from local Las Vegas designers. These included: Susan Tosches-Deneau (Altered Nations Designs), Flockflockflock, Jenna Sinatra from Jenacidel Designs, Victoria Pargas from Victorious by Victoria, and many others.

This was a benefit for the Blind Center of Nevada. The suggested donation was $5.00 at the door. The event was presented at the Emergency Arts and The Beat Coffee House, which is right near the El Cortez on East Fremont. The building used to be one of the Fremont Medical Clinics, and some of the rooms housing the artists and their work have remnants identifying them as the examining rooms that they used to be.

Opening the event was a presentation by clients of the Blind Center who performed Christmas carols as a handbell choir. Then the models strutted their handmade designs, which were created from wrapping paper, garlands, bows, and icicles. The audience was very appreciative of the efforts of all involved. Afterwards patrons could roam the two-story Emergency Arts building, checking out all the original art, clothing and jewelry for sale.

This event left me with a great feeling – it was one of those moments for me that showed the true Christmas spirit. I loved hearing and seeing the bell choir perform, and loved watching the models happily showing off their colorful Christmas attire.

East Fremont is becoming a hot spot of arts and entertainment: all the clubs, art galleries and bars that are popping up are an indication of all the great activity happening there and in turn drawing more people to the area.

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From XmasFashionShow

From XmasFashionShow

From XmasFashionShow

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-VegasJules ( Julie Kasperson ) can be contacted through her facebook page.

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Trendy Tuesday Martini Mixer Gets Stylish at Fashion Show Mall

Picture Courtesy Las Vegas Tourism Bureau

The following post was contributed by WHV contributor Julie Kasperson. She can be contacted through her Facebook Site.

The most recent Trendy Tuesday Martini Mixer presented by SinCityQSocials was held on and around the runway at the Fashion Show Mall on September 29th. SinCityQSocials is the premier social network for GLBT professionals and friends in Las Vegas, with over 6,000 local members. They have become Vegas’ largest gay membership organization in less than two years and last year were named “Best Social Group” in Las Vegas by City Life Magazine (April 2008) and Q Vegas Magazine (December 2008).

While over 200 members and friends mixed and mingled, male and female models struck poses atop platforms near the runway. Free samples of vodka and other assorted goodies were handed out by smiling, charming reps from New Zealand-based premium vodka company 42 Below. Mouth-watering appetizers were available as well.

The Show in the Sky dancers from the Rio got the runway show off to a colorful, energetic start. As a DJ blasted music from the Marc Ecko clothing store, attractive models strutted their stuff while wearing Marc Ecko designs. As I looked up to other levels of the mall, I could see mall patrons stopping in their tracks, looking over the railing, and moving and grooving to the beats.

Terry Hernandez, one of the founders of SinCityQSocials.com, got up on the runway for a few minutes to talk about the newest membership program being offered to attendees. He also thanked the sponsors of the event and encouraged everyone to get involved in upcoming mixers and events.

Celebrity impersonator Larry Edwards shook up the runway with his performance tribute to Tina Turner. Frank Marino also made an appearance to promote his new show at the Imperial Palace called “Divas Las Vegas.” Marino held court as the star of “An Evening at La Cage” for 25 years, where most remember his celebrity tribute to Joan Rivers. One of his stars, Sammy Gonzalez, fired up the audience wearing a bright red sequined outfit as Liza Minnelli.

This particular event was to benefit the NGRA (Nevada Gay Rodeo Association). SinCityQSocials produces over 200 signature events each year for its members.

Some pictures by Julie Kasperson from the
Trendy Tuesday Martini Mixer

Runway Model


Sammy Gonzalez as Lisa Minelli


Larry Edwards as Tina Turner


Joshua, Julie, and Jim

Sex and The City The Movie DVD release official Warner Bros. party at The Wynn

I heard about the HBO® series "Sex and The City" from a true New Yorker friend of mine who was living Candace Bushnell's life. A doppelganger in-trust, I heard about her real life escapades in trying to find love in the big apple via email and phone "blah blah" catch up sessions.
My friend would speak about this episode of S. A.T. C and that one and how it was true to her life in New York.


Fast forward to the time when TBS ® stations picked up the series in syndication. I wondered if the show would hold up to the DVD's that were rented at the local video rental shop. The rated "R" stuff being cut out didn't phase any of the viewers apparently because the show gained even more popularity. People wouldn't let Miranda, Carrie, Samantha and Charlotte go.


A friend of mine here in sin city has a "I'm Samantha" t-shirt. Girls bond these days by introducing themselves in Sex and the City character terms to see if they'll mesh with one another and to somehow describe their philosophical outlook on their sex life. I have to admit back when my New Yorker friend said that Sex and the City is a great show it sounded a bit provocative for my taste. I didn't think there would be a character for moi in the series. I admit I'm a "Charlotte." I may look like a Samantha, but not living that lifestyle at all. In our fantasies perhaps a lot of us girls are Samantha but not in real life.


When Sex and The City the movie came out we attended the film in a packed theatre of fashion wearing folks. There were metro sexual guys in the audience alongside the gays and the throngs of ladies with their Sex and the City fashion accessories and brands. They say the show had a hard time getting fashion at first but eventually the fashion dam broke and viola! an apparel empire began.


Cosmopolitan drinks can thank Sex and The City for their immense popularity. Manolo Blahnik shoes are a staple after Sex and The City and not just for those in the know about the shoe guru. Vivienne Westwood did the wedding dress for the film. It's featured in the Las Vegas store Outfit (pictured below).


Vivienne Westwood Wedding Dress from Sex and The City The Movie
Outfit apparel store
The Wynn Esplanade (shopping row)


Tonight women across the United States were celebrating the DVD release of the movie
Sex and The City The Movie. The official Warner Brothers ® party was in The Wynn in Las Vegas in the Manolo Blahnik store, the Outfit store and the Black Satin store.
DJ Kimberly Hess spun lively music on her pioneer gear and serato scratch with some banging EON monitors/ speakers. Champagne was provided by Moet & Chandon.



Julia and model Black Satin Lingerie Store The Wynn Las Vegas

Julia on walkway with Chanel, Dior and Louis Vuitton signage The Wynn Las Vegas

"Fuck" pillow!!!!!!

Black Satin The Wynn

Stockings Black Satin The Wynn

Gorgeous models from the store Outfit The Wynn

DJ Kimberly Hess @ Manolo Blahnik Shoe Store The Wynn Esplanade Las Vegas

Julia and model from Black Satin Lingerie store The Wynn Las Vegas



The silver Manolo Blahnik "Carrie Bradshaw" shoe. Carrie attends a baby shower where she is asked to take off her shoes inside the home. After the party she finds that someone has stolen her Manolo's.

Manolo Blahnik Silver shoe from Sex and The City.

When we attended the film we had a copy of the Vogue magazine Sex and The City edition complete with Annie Leibovitz photographs of the girls, the fashion from the film, and one of the best kiss photographs ever: Big and Carrie smooching!

Now that Sex and The City the movie is available on DVD there will be the opportunity for the curious but otherwise occupied folks to catch up on the fashion, the sisterhood, the scenery of the big apple, and the sex talk!

Respect, Peace and Light
Xtine on the sin city fashion (and DVD release) scene