Finance

A recent charitable event hosted by the Ali Forney Center, themed "A Place at The Table," captivated attendees with its vibrant atmosphere and a dress code playfully described as "queer chic." Guests at The Glasshouse in Chelsea enthusiastically embraced the challenge, gracing the venue in an array of dazzling suits and gowns, richly embellished with studs, crystals, and an abundance of sequins, creating a truly spectacular visual experience.

The evening was much more than a fashion showcase; it was a profound gathering dedicated to supporting a vital cause. Kicking off with a lively cocktail hour, guests had the opportunity to participate in a silent auction featuring art from diverse LGBTQIA+ creators. Following this, a dinner and awards ceremony commenced, recognizing figures like director Celine Song, Olympic skier Gus Kenworthy, and designer Cynthia Rowley, alongside content creators Benton McClintock and Kenneth Pabon. The ceremony, hosted by drag queen Plasma, honored Chappell Roan, Liev and Taylor Schreiber, and Gia Love for their significant contributions as allies and volunteers, highlighting their dedication to the Center's mission. The event successfully raised an impressive $3 million, directly supporting the Center's efforts to combat transphobia and homophobia, and to provide essential housing, education, and job opportunities for at-risk LGBTQIA+ young people. A dynamic live auction, led by activist Marti Gould Cummings and Letitia Frye, alone secured over $600,000, offering unique prizes that ranged from luxurious travel experiences to celebrity tennis lessons, further underscoring the community's generous spirit.

This celebratory occasion served as a poignant reminder of the strength and resilience within the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies. The evening was further enriched by a powerful vogueing performance, underscoring themes of artistic expression and identity. Ultimately, the Center aspires for this event to inspire sustained engagement and education regarding the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals, encouraging attendees to evolve from mere allies to active accomplices in fostering a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

The allure of effortless French beauty continues to captivate, influencing everything from minimalist makeup to iconic hairstyles. Travis Ogletree, founder of Treehouse Studio, channeled this inspiration after Paris Fashion Week to develop a novel hair coloring method he calls the 'French highlight,' seeking to replicate the understated, naturally radiant hair he observed.

Ogletree's new technique stands in contrast to his signature 'California highlight,' by focusing on a less-is-more philosophy. Unlike balayage, which often suits naturally lighter hair or those desiring pronounced warmth, the French highlight utilizes strategically placed foils. This approach ensures a cleaner, more consistent lift, providing a luminous yet subtle outcome that appears effortlessly grown-out and avoids an 'overworked' look. The goal is a polished finish that requires minimal intervention, aligning with a desire for beauty that adapts over time rather than demanding a rigid maintenance routine.

Celebrity colorist Jeremy Cohen, renowned for working with figures like Jennifer Lopez, echoes this sentiment, favoring a highlighting style that mimics the sun's natural effects on childhood hair. This method emphasizes judicious placement to achieve a laid-back, glossy dimension, particularly effective on brown hair. Both Ogletree and Cohen advocate for this adaptable coloring technique, noting its universal appeal across all hair types and colors, from brunettes seeking a gentle lift to blondes desiring softness, and even clients blending gray. It's a method that brightens one's appearance without dramatically altering their inherent color identity, ensuring a sophisticated and natural enhancement.

This innovative approach to hair coloring exemplifies a shift towards celebrating inherent beauty through methods that are both elegant and practical. By opting for techniques that enhance natural tones with subtle, strategic applications, individuals can achieve a refined look that exudes confidence and requires less effort. It's about embracing a personal aesthetic that is both luxurious and authentically 'you,' promoting a sense of well-being and effortless style in daily life.