November 9, my business partner (and son) Austin and I flew to New York City to attend the GMHC Fashion Forward 2008 Fundraiser as guests of Jack Mackenroth.  After a busy day of shopping in Soho and meeting Jack at Starbucks for coffee, the evening was quite a thrill to say the least.

We arrived at the event fashionably early due to the fact that our hotel was close and I wanted to see the silent auction items before it got too crowded.  Jack’s PR representatives Rachi Govil and Michelle Ouellette  from Cohn & Wolfe were so gracious and made sure we received one of Jack’s signature campaign scarves and tshirts for Living Positive by Design.

Although Jack was busy doing personal interviews and taking loads of photos, he found us from across the room and greeted us with his warm, gorgeous smile.  As you can see in the picture, Tim Gunn was being interviewed behind us.  Jack was quickly whisked away to prepare for his appearance before the runway show.  He delivered an incredibly moving  speech and had a huge cheering section where I was standing.

I then had a chance to introduce myself to Tim Gunn.  He was such a gentleman and so kind.  He acknowledged Chic Galleria.com and then asked me who I was wearing and told me that it was stunning. Seriously, I was almost speechless! I immediately told him Alberto Makali.  I had purchased this gorgeous blouse at Donna’s two days before my trip never dreaming the fashion guru himself would compliment me on it. My top lip was quivering as photos were taken of the two of us by photographers covering the event. Can you tell how nervous I am in this picture?

I received warm greetings from both Kevin Christiana and Suede. Kevin and I chatted briefly about the collaboration between he and Jack on a new reality TV series.  I wanted him to know that I planned to be first on the list to apply!

Seeing Suede was like seeing a long lost friend.  We had talked so many times and finally had the chance to meet face to face.  Unfortunately, he too was quickly swept away by the at fire code crowd. www.perezrevenge.com captured some great crowd pictures including one of me with my back to the camera. It was definitely a packed crowd of supporters for the Gay Men’s Health Crisis Fashion Forward fundraiser event.

I was very excited to share this evening with Jack as he launched Living Positive by Design.  Please visit his website to learn more about this educational campaign.

Special thanks to Jack, Rachi and Michelle.  Photos by Austin Anderson/Chic Galleria.com.

Related articles:

GMHC’s Fashion Forward 2008 Fundraiser

The Sights and Sounds of Soho

Chic Galleria Hits New York City For The Fashion Forward 2008 Fundraiser

Tags: fashion, GMHC, Jack Mackenroth, Kevin Christiana, Living Positive By Design, Suede, Tim Gunn