Anand Jon Style Lounge Afterparty September 9, 2006 PM - 50 Gaansevort Street   Written by Anusha Alikhan Photographed by Jose S. Vibar

New York Cool's Anusha Alikhan

On September 9th at 10 o’clock outside the “House of Anand Jon” after-party at PM nightclub in Manhattan’s meat-packing district a crowd is forming. An illuminated white billboard reads “The Third Annual Style Lounge New York Fashion Week”. It’s a crisp New York night, the stars are out, and the cobblestone roads are roaring with heaps of Saturday night traffic. Across the street the lights on the lofty Gansevoort Hotel turn from red to blue. Jon and the party’s promised host actress, Michelle Rodriguez, are “fashionably” late.

The red carpet is ablaze in the spotlight. It spans the length of the club’s awning, under patent-leather Pradas, Jimmy Choo pumps and Manolo Blahnik sling-backs of bustling fashionistas. Guests stream-in wearing their favorite Betsey Johnson or Nicole Miller original.

Anand Jon and Michelle Rodriguez	Shamika Cotton

Tone Loc	Michelle Rodriguez

A metallic brown Mercury Milan pulls up, courtesy of the show’s sponsor. Rodriguez sits in the back seat wearing designer shades. Jon is beside her, his shoulder-length black hair swaying as he laughs. They walk to the entrance arm-in-arm, posing at the door in front of a gang of expectant photographers.

Michelle Rodriguez and her posse

Inside the party has already started. Lights are dim, hips shake to Shakira, open champagne bottles chill on ice, bartenders scramble to service the growing horde taking advantage of open-bar. Tone Loc tips his hat to a lady in red.

Anand Jon and Friends Pop the Cork

Perched on top of a leather couch, Rodriguez and Jon – are attending to fans in the VIP booth reserved especially for them. Shamika Cotton smiles a sweet one, peering over. As the music gets louder and the lights get dimmer, dance fever sets-in. The whole room moves to one grand beat. Fashion week has begun.

For more information about the Style Lounge, log onto: www.styleloungenyc.co