OOLALA! Gina has attended sooo many events these past weeks and wants to share with you one in particular that was tres OOLALA!

Japanese dancer at the Gala Masako

The National Museum of Dance presented Gala Masako, on Friday, Aug. 4, an Asian-inspired experience orchestrated by Chairwoman Michele Riggi… Michele greeted all her guests who were treated to a Memory Photo … Michele was fashioned in a fabulous butterfly bustled lavender gown a la “obi” (Michele’s dress was one of several magnificent creations thanks to the absolutely stunning Denise Eliopulos, owner of Something Bleu Bridal. Eliopulos, herself, wore a drop-dead gorgeous blue strapless with equally interesting “derriere” accoutrements!)

Gina was swept away by the sensual sensory scenery… as I walked over a Koi pond and listened to the Koto serenade I found my way to Rudy Grant and David Sider’s magical transformation of the Museum into an ethereal Tea Room... Hanging lanterns, tradional Japanese dancers, rice paper fans, and hand-painted chopsticks... Rudy and David are the boys from Experience and Creative Design of Schenectady! Ha! They’re going to have to go into recovery after all the events they’ve “decorated and stylized”… oolala!

Mistress of Ceremony was the lovely Liz Bishop of Channel 6 News. Liz was quite adept at her attempt with Japanese greetings … Michael Toohey began the live auction, 11 items which included a Girls Night Out for 20! Great item… fashion show at Aggie’s Boutique, with designer Staci Snider, Simplicity Salon, Frank Adams Jewelers… David Zecchini’s food and wine... OOLALA! And, who bid and won? The Fabulous Julie Bonacio, looking exotically enchanting with her handsome hubby, Sonny…

Of course, the Bonacio table had other elegantly attired, smashing guests helping with the bidding... the beautiful Beth Alexander, in Marc Bouwer and Peter Ciesla; the breath-taking Kristina Krawchuk wearing platinum Badgley Mischka; Jaime Diaz, always dashingly attired; Jo-Lou Finn, was amazing in black and white Alberto Makali,  from the Trunk…

Across the room all eyes went to the table shared by Margie and Michael Rotchford and John Moore and Patti Pugh Moore (the famous dancer)… Margie, eluding elegance and enthusiasm, was dressed in red and black fan motif strapless gown with scintillating red crystal jewelry from Bird of Paradise and Saratoga Trunk. Patti Pugh Moore was looking exquisite in a gold crushed metallic gown by Nicole Miller (The Trunk)… Ted DiPonzio’s sartorial splendor complemented his wife, Natalie (Alberto Makali plum halter gown) and the stylish Taryn Rose, who joined the table after her whirlwind appearances at the Old Bags Luncheon and race track…

Taryn Rose and Marylou Whitney

Seen in the crowd… The handsome Richard Ferguson (beautiful silver tie!) with the pretty in chartruese Mary Ferguson… the model like, glamourous Chrissy Goodness in her wedding corset...  the appropriately dressed Sylvia Phillips in kimono et al… Myron and Lydia Bazar, Sally and Larry King, Thomas Frost (oh, so dashing!),  Jaclyn Sillery (wearing a fabulous red beaded Basix creation)…

Everyone danced to the old standards of the Bob Hardwick Sound as the night played out. Our trip to the orient surely delighted all in attendance, with KOBO candle in hand… (Gina loved the sushi!)…OOLALA!!