MAO MAG Fashion Week Launch Party Sol Nightclub February 2, 2006 Written by Janet Perisa Photographed by Mary Blanco

I have always been the one my friends and colleagues came to for advice on what to wear, where to shop and where to wear the irresistibly outré pieces that I love (the kind of pieces that would cause Jean-Paul Gaultier to spin his head faster than Linda Blair). So naturally when I attended the Fashion Week kick-off party, hosted by MAO Magazine, I felt that I was in no need to fret and fuss over my own wardrobe, which avalanches with fierce and trendy threads and accessories. That is, of course, until I got inside…

MAO Magazine, in collaboration Olympus Fashion Week, kicked-off the Fall ’06 season with their annual Fashion Week launch party on Thursday, Feb. 2nd, at Sol night club on Manhattan's Upper West Side. The “beautiful people” were on the prowl and soaking up the proverbial glam of the fashion capital of the world—New York City!

Among the attendees was the infamous fashion magazine fanatic, Mike Gallagher, with his "usual" entourage. Mike kindly gave my frigid hands (hey, it was cold outside) a warm, soothing rub. Thanks Mike. He was with the sinful, lovable Broadway bombshell, Lady Bunny, who gave one jarring performance that evening. Performances were also given by the world-famous BOB, Dirty Martini, Candis, Cayne and Kitten Deville. Music was provided by the searing rhythms of the fashion industry’s #1 preferred DJ, Wilson “MRWILSOUNDJ” Chan, who is also the design director for MAO Magazine.

I was overwhelmingly impressed by the intrepidness of the party’s attendees; their innovative approach to the “art of dress” has inspired me to grab my AMEX and go on a shopping binge. And if that isn’t enough to bring me into debt, I can just imagine what the rest of the week will have in store (yikes!) Stay tuned for more Fashion Week coverage here on New York Cool, and be sure to check out MAO Magazine for more of what’s hot and what’s not in New York City. For more information on MAO Magazine, and for subscription information, log on to: www.maomag.com.