Last Thursday, March 5, was the date of a cocktail party celebrating the publication of dog expert, author, and FetchDog friend Julia Szabo's newest book, Pretty Pet-Friendly: Easy Ways to Keep Spot's Digs Stylish and Spotless.
Held at New York City's super-swank Carlton Hobbs, amidst shimmering chandeliers and other opulent antiques (the likes of which adorn the homes of Madonna, Elton John, and Mick Jagger), the party was a fundraiser for the author's pet charity, the non-profit Toby Project. Guests enjoyed fine wine, vegetarian sushi, and other finger foods, including pastel M&M's color-coordinated to the book's pale purple cover, elegantly served in brand-new Harry Barker dog bowls.
Among the standouts in the crowd were the author's dog Tiki, a fetching cross between a Chow Chow and a Rottweiler who appears with Szabo on her book's cover; Willis, a five-pound mutt with his very own blog; handsome fashion designer and FetchDog friend John Bartlett; Beth Ostrosky Stern, the celebrity spokesperson for North Shore Animal League America; the Westminster Kennel Club's famous David Frie; floral stylist Cristy Ruiz, who donated several breathtakingly glamorous flower arrangements she custom-created for the event; and talented photographer Jeanine Boubli who chronicled the occasion with charming images. The arrival area, meanwhile, was covered with dog-friendly carpet tiles by FLOR in razzle-dazzle red.
Dashing Marcus Wandell, dressed for the evening in menswear by John Bartlett for Liz Claiborne, and Szabo, who modeled two looks by Roberto Cavalli, served as co-auctioneers of a charity sale of artworks donated by noted artists Robert Risko, Karl Johnson, Dirk Westphal, Stephen Huneck and FetchDog friend Heather LaHaise, whose stunning portrait of a Parson Russell Terrier was cleverly titled "Split Decision".
The highest bid of the evening went for Bettina Werner's brilliant, abstract portrait of her beloved Dalmatian, Tibino; it was purchased by the noted interior designer Eric Cohler.
Marcus Wandell and Julia Szabo auction artwork to support the Toby Project.
Marcus Wandell with the gorgeous Tiki.
Beth Ostrosky Stern and Noel Casler with the author.
David Frei with the author.
Julia Szabo with John Bartlett.
Julia Szabo with Willis, the infamous dog blogger.
 |
