It was only a block from the San Genarro festival, yet inside Nolita's restaurant I felt like a world away. I approached the velvet rope and was greeted by two soothing voices and friendly smiles -- Pauline of Pauline's Model Management, for whom this party was for, and Norman Gosney, who operates the restaurant. I chatted with them briefly and then stepped inside, where I was met with two rooms full of tall, willowy men and woman. The models were mostly with Pauline's, which launched its Web site during fashion week and was previewing it during the party on a wall. The first two young, strapping lads I met were Brian Johnson and Jared Brown, models with Pauline's men’s division. They modeled this week for Kenneth Cole and Ralph Lauren, respectively. Federica Biancia from the Daily Deal was having a busy week, covering the shows and parties. I spoke with Alessandro Borzino and Andrea Pambianco of Pambianco, a worldwide firm that offers consulting, licensing, M&A and recruitment services for fashion companies. Well positioned by the kitchen door, catching hors d'oeuvres as they came out, were Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Pershing division representatives Ed Zelezen and John Tirpak. John has been a good friend of Alexa, of the Pauline's agency, since childhood. Across the sumptuous, model-infested room were Pauline's Cloe Luton, NY Models' Alexa Budal and Silk's Claudia Smith, and Michael Ryan of The Blue Agency. Valerie Tullio, of Pauline's made sure I met the woman herself before leaving, and as I was perched on the step to go, I had a lovely chat with Parisian photographer Gerard Gentil. This gentle man and HIS easy conversation ended the night on a soothing note.
A chronicle of the people and events in technology, internet and media since 1997, mixed in with snapshots of musings and observations.
