The Cat's Out of The Bag!

The summer season is over and work begins for the fashionista feline of the Persian persuasion! Mercedes Benz Fashion Week kicked off on September 8th with a resounding ROAR including my debut at Fashion's Night Out! My first stop was to Bergdorf Goodman - the crown jewel of specialty stores, where I met up with renowned couturier and pussycat lover, Vicky Tiel!

Vicky Tiel and Natasha Finkel

Fashion's Night Out - September 8, 2011

Bergdorf Goodman, 5th Floor

"It's All About The Dress" - Book Signing

Vicky Tiel, is a not just a designer, she's a ground breaking innovator and fashion icon! For pussycats in the know, she actually beat Mary Quant to the punch by prototyping the mini skirt with her partner, Mia Fonssagrives, a full season ahead of her in the Fall of 1963!

Mia Fonssagrives Mini Skirt Sketch

Fall 1964

Vicky has always followed her father's advice he gave her at the age of 17, "Don't have sex for shoes." Vicky knew from that time on that she would never depend on a Master to support herself and that she would have to make her own way in life! So after graduating from Parsons School of Design, she moved to Paris with her best friend Mia Fonssagrives, daughter of iconic and legendary fashion model, Lisa Fonssagrives, and took Paris by storm with their sexy lace bustiers, hot pants and something brand new, mini skirts - which had never been done before!

Vicky Tiel tells it like it is to Coco Chanel in Paris

Vicky meets Coco sketch by Vicky Tiel 1970

She is purrhaps the only American couturier and ready to wear designer to operate her own fashion design business in Paris and has done so much longer than her French contemporaries. Vicky owns a piece of prime real estate in the annals of fashion history. She is the longest surviving female designer in Paris!

Shortly after Vicky moved to Paris, she started designing costumes for Woody Allen's new film, "What's New Pussycat".

Mia and Vicky Pussycat jumpsuits on the set of "What's New Pussycat?"

Woody Allen, Capucine and Paula Prentiss

Did you also know that Ursula Andress rocked Vicky Tiel's cashmere alligator catsuit? It was the first of its kind to ever be worn as ready to wear!

Back to Fashion's Night Out and Fashion Week....Vicky Tiel was at Bergdorf Goodman to sign her newly published and highly acclaimed tell all memoir entitled, "It's All About The Dress" about 40 years in the fashion business and what she's learned in 40 years about men, women, sex and fashion!

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It's All About the Dress by Vicky Tiel

It was Elizabeth Taylor that backed Vicky and Mia so they could open up their boutique in Paris. Mia left the business when she got married and Vicky opened up her eponymous shop on the Rue Bonaparte not long after.

Her love of Hollywood glamour and fashion clearly shows. She's dressed Hollywood icons including sex kittens Ursula Andress, Elizabeth Taylor, Goldie Hawn, Hallie Berry, Joan Collins, Jane Fonda and even Kim Kardashian!

Goddess Gowns by Vicky Tiel

Photographed by Barbara Bordnick 1986

If you want to look like a Goddess, visit the Vicky Tiel boutique at Bergdorf Goodman at 745 Fifth Avenue or at one of Neiman Marcus' many fabulous locations. If you want her vintage pieces, click here -- they are incredible! And if you want to read about Vicky Tiel's most amazing life, BUY HER BOOK here or don't walk, run to Barnes and Noble for one of the best reads out there!

More about Fashion's Night Out 2011 and Fashion Week later! See you at the shows at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week pussycats!

As the Fur Flies!

Hurricane Irene let out a resounding roar in the Hamptons devastating beaches, 300 year old trees and left many without electricity for days. Fortunately, my blow dryer was unaffected. I spent most of the weekend under the bed as her howls were pretty frightening to me and found myself over eating as a result.

As we all know, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week is upon us and as a budding supermodel, maintaining my lean, mean, pussycat physique is all important for my career. Irene was rather unkind to my waistline as I feasted on carb laden pastas, chocolate, peach crumble pie....this list goes on endlessly! So I'm going on a crash diet of Slim-Fast and Catnip infused Master Cleanses so my body looks absolutely purrfect! I prefer the Rich Chocolate Royale flavor of Slim-Fast because it tastes just like Petromalt - FYI!

Slim-Fast Rich Chocolate Royale flavor

Petromalt - available at Petco.com

Now that the end of the summer season is upon us, it was most apropos to visit the Banksy opening at the Keszler Gallery in Southampton -- to get me back into my Empire State of Mind.

Jay Z and Alicia Keys' "Empire State of Mind"

Keszler assembled a tightly edited assortment of Banksy's highly sought after work ranging from iconic prints to sides of buildings that were appropriated from the West Bank city of Hebron.

"Wet Dog" 2007

Banksy

Keszler Gallery Southampton

"Kate" by Banksy, 2005 - silkscreen edition of 50

Monkey Queen by Banksy 2003

The show was highly entertaining and controversial as two of the pieces have not been authenticated by Bankrobber productions. You see, none of Banksy's works have been authenticated by Bankrobber Productions when they have been taken out of their original context. There is a timeline however....and there is no doubt in my mind that these are the real deal.

West Banksy (part 1) from Justin Sutcliffe on Vimeo.



West Banksy (part 2) from Justin Sutcliffe on Vimeo.

The Banksy opening took place in tandem with the London Riots. I posed for the videographer of the event and the man who coordinated the shipment of Banksy's artwork, Justin Sutcliffe, and, asked him why the London Rioters hadn't gone to Banksy's dealer to steal his "appropriation" art. I mean, wouldn't that be the height of irony? I also asked him how Banksy would feel about that. He said that he really didn't know how Banksy would feel about it because no one knows exactly who Banksy is, unless you are Mr. Brainwash from the film, "Exit Through the Gift Shop"!

Well Pussycats,, it's off to the Hampton Classic horse show to take some tips on the finer points of jumping and hopefully pounce on a very wealthy Tomcat in the Leveraged Buy Out, Hedge Fund or Private Equity business so I can finance my fashion empire -- just like Tory Burch!

Here's an inside tidbit on Tory Burch: While she's famous for the preppy 1960's Palm Beach look including Tunics, Ballet flats...did you know that she used to be a buyer at Bergdorf Goodman before she started her eponymous label?

Tory Burch Tunic

Tory Burch is having a Labor Day sale online right now. So shop until you drop and be sure to visit her stores for Fashion's Night Out on Thursday, September 8th from 6PM - 11PM at her flagship boutique at 797 Madison Avenue. A Vogue Editor will style those who make a $250 purchase or more for an opportunity to be featured on the Tory blog. Fashion photographer Beau Grealy will snap a Polariod of the look for you to take as a memento with your purchase. Also a limited edition tote inspired by Fall 2011 collection will be given to every customer who spends $100 or more that night and on Toryburch.com

Purrs 'n Kisses -- until Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York as there's so much fun in-store for me and my adoring fans. Be prepared for some major surprises! Natasha Finkel xoxo

Sex and the Kitty

Hello adoring fans. I took a short break from my (A) Muse(ment) Quest in order to have some "Me Time" before the fur flies at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in NYC - September 8-15 at Lincoln Center!

During this period of self involvement, I've had a TON of FUN along the way besides the usual self indulgent behavior I am accustomed to including manicures and pedicures, haircuts, highlights, brazilian fur straightening, whisker curling, kitty yoga and deep, cathartic, transcendental meditation.

Along the way, I've met up with Martha Stewart at two events in the Hamptons - The James Beard Society's "Chefs and Champagne" gala where Martha Stewart told me I should get in touch with her people at "The Daily Wag" and at the Richard Prince Covers Pollock preview at the East Hampton's Guild Hall annual gala.

Rock star contemporary artist, Richard Prince, has a fascination with supermodels including Kate Moss and Stephanie Seymour and dead rock stars like Sid Vicious in this exhibit and I will share one photo of this outstanding exhibition with you!

Richard Prince,

Stephanie Seymour collage

Prince Covering Pollack

At Guild Hall East Hampton -- on view until October 17th

Getting back to Martha, did you also know that Martha Stewart just turned 70 years old this summer? She must have good genes because she doesn't look a day over 60 and a good looking 60 at that!

Martha Stewart

James Beard Society's 2011 Chef's and Champagne Gala

Wolffer Vineyard/Estate, Sagaponack, NY

I don't know about her knowledge of art, but I do know that she has excellent table manners and fabulous taste who appreciates a fellow style arbiter when she meets them -- especially the furry kind! After all, we're really not competing against one another! We are both trying to make the world a more beautiful place in our own distinct ways!

I must admit, one of the other reasons I laid low this summer on the blogosphere was because I had a crush on a Persian Jew like myself! I became smitten with the notion of becoming Elie Tahari's muse! It's a very long and sordid tale that involved a chance encounter at a steak house, shekels and champagne, text messages, fresh tuna fish sandwiches, dinner invitations and heavy petting!

Elie Tahari

While Elie Tahari seemed absolutely charming on the surface, the one thing I did not realize was that I wasn't the only cat he was rubbing up to. Considering how I clung on to his x's and o's and statement that "I am absolutely WONDERFUL", it was rather surprising to have him text me that he had met someone else considering the fact that he told me he wasn't emotionally available since he is recently divorced from his wife of 10 years who is 20 years his junior. I simply purrsued a friendship at his insistence. You see, I told him that I wanted to him do the calling and told him so when he asked me why. I told him because I'm a woman and he's famous and I'm not there yet. Despite that, I called him from time to time because I am a liberated pussycat and planned on making him a dinner that would have knocked his socks off - all because I love to cook and wanted to give of myself as a friend!

I wouldn't have made Elie Tahari my famous recipe for Organic Catnip Pancakes because catnip isn't in "Food Fashion" among Masters and Mistresses. I was thinking of doing something more mainstream for him like a grilled sea bass with fresh herbs, Israeli Couscous with wild mushrooms and white truffle oil and a parsnip puree -- something his core customer base would understand (maybe)!

Considering how wealthy Elie Tahari is, I was disappointed to come to the realization that the only thing he ever gave me was false hope, disappointment and a broken heart! I take friendship very seriously and as a budding supermodel, even though I may seem to be vacuous and superficial on the surface, sincerity and honesty are my hallmark character traits. So when it comes to men, even if you're just friends, the phrase, "Men who don't call, don't count" rings true loud and clear. Texting is an unacceptable form of communication!

For Pussycats in the know, Elie Tahari is known as the "Architect of Fashion". He came to NYC as an Israeli immigrant with $60 in his pocket. You see, Elie's parents abandoned him in Israel when they were divorcing and he basically lived like a "Bodega Cat" in a Chabad orphanage during his childhood. I myself was abandoned when I was shipped off to the pet store across from Bloomingdale's...that is until my Mistress of Beauty and Adventure adopted me for $1,000. So in a way, I felt really close to Elie on so many levels -- his love of fashion, architecture, contemporary art, the fact that he's a successful entrepreneur and self made, that he was abandoned and pulled himself together....this list goes on!

Bodega Cats Documentary

Upon finishing his tour of duty as a mechanic in the Israeli Air Force, Elie then came to America and slept on a park bench in Central Park when he was looking for work in the garment center or as they now call it, The Fashion District! He landed a job as an electrician and also saw there were a lot of Mistresses he could meet working in the fashion ghetto chasing tail. So he took a job at a boutique on Madison Avenue and started sewing tube tops to cater to the Studio 54/disco crowd.

From tube tops came business suits and from business suits came dresses, skirts, handbags, shoes, jewelry and menswear that does not fit my Mistress of Beauty and Adventure's cousin's body. Now he runs an empire built on the backs of designers who innovate but do not want to tweak their designs to fit mass market consumption and bridge market price points.

Take for example last year's model of couturier Azzedine Alaia's gorgeous heels that retailed for over $1,000 a pair:

Azzedine Alaia's Fab Shoes

Last Year's Model

Spring 2010

Retail: $1000 plus per pair

Elie Tahari's "Colby" Model

Fall 2011

$498 Retail

Here's a little known fact about Elie Tahari: Did you know that he JUST STARTED doing runway shows - more than 30 years after he started his business? Or that Anna Wintour, the Editor in Chief of Vogue, finally gave him press after ignoring him for DECADES?

While I have the utmost respect for Elie and what he's been able to accomplish, one has to wonder who did he pounce on in order to get where he is in life! I've been told that behind every great fortune lies a great crime. But what kind of crime is there in fashion other than bad taste like Snooki and paying off the Cosa Nostra for hangers and trucking services?

Snooki's Swan Birthday Dress

(Note Condom Sponsor in the background)

We know that Elie loves to chase tail and that's a well documented fact for people in the know before he got married. Let's hope for his sake that chasing swan tail or Snooki's tail is not his thing!! 

My quest to be (A) "Mused" has not ended by a long shot! I vow to be resilient and be a lean, mean pussycat until I fulfill my pussycat dream of world domination - just like Elie Tahari, albeit in a more cutting edge, comedic manner!

Auric Goldfinger's Pussycat

Hell Bent on World Domination

Goldfinger, James Bond

If you want to get a modified couture look at a more affordable price point, by all means visit the Elie Tahari boutique on the corner of Newtown Lane and Main Street in East Hampton New York or just go shopping at Saks, Nordstrom or Bloomingdale's, or at his newly revamped website. Virtually every Mistress has at least one of Elie's pieces, so it's really okay by me because you can mix it in with your couture pieces and no one will know the difference!

If you're unemployed, bake cookies from a recipe posted on Martha Stewart's website or one that's in one of her many fabulous magazines and sell them at the beach or in front of the tents at Lincoln Center during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week taking place September 8-15 at Lincoln Center and tell them Natasha Finkel gave you permission to do so!

And Mistresses, if you have a dream of entrepreneurship and entertainment like myself, don't give up "Hope"! Write to President Obama and ask him for your personal bailout and small business loan! After all, all of the Tarp money and back room deals should not just be going to Lloyd Blankfein, CEO of Goldman Squid, Vikram Bandit of Citigroup and of course, Warren Buffet! We voted and we deserve our cut to make America rich again and support Fashion 24/7!

Until we meet again! Purrs 'n Kisses....Natasha Finkel

A Muse (ment) Quest!

I was expecting to see Spencer Tunick, the highly influential and respected artist and photographer at Art Hamptons last week in order to interview him and inquire as to whether I could become his artistic muse. Unfortunately he was no where to be found.

Purrhaps that's because he's in the midst of organizing a massive photo shoot scheduled for September 17th to highlight the plight of the Dead Sea in Israel. To further acquaint you with Spencer Tunick's amazing work, below are some of the iconic images he has created!

Grand Central Station Installation by Spencer Tunick

Spencer Tunick - Sydney Opera House

Spencer Tunick - Dusseldorf Photo Shoot Installation

Spencer Tunick's work took him to Montauk Point two years ago and it was quite a happening - just like all of Spencer's photo shoots! As I got to thinking about this, I was wondering what indeed he would have said to me. I had all sorts of fantasies including an interview that I would like to share with you my adoring fans!

Montauk Point Installation by Spencer Tunick 2009

Natasha Finkel: Spencer, would you be open to doing a photo shoot in Montauk again?

Spencer Tunick: No, I never do shoots in the same location twice. There are so many interesting places to photograph. My work has taken me to Irish Castles, Grand Central Station, The Sydney Opera House, Mexico City, Amsterdam and Dusseldorf as well as many other interesting locales!

Natasha Finkel: Spencer, would you be open to doing a photo shoot with cats?

Spencer Tunick: Well, I've never done that before. I've only worked with Masters and Mistresses. As long as the cats BEHAVE and FOLLOW my posing instructions and other rules carefully, that would be very interesting!

Natasha Finkel: What are your rules specifically, Spencer? I need to know what's involved with one of your photo shoots!

Spencer Tunick: For Pussycats?

Natasha Finkel: Of course! I am a Pussycat. Can't you tell?

Spencer Tunick: Let's see. Since you are a long furred Persian cat, I would request that you shave your fur. You can keep your mane and a little pouf on your tail, but I would recommend that you get a Lion's cut.

Natasha Finkel: Why are you recommending such a thing Spencer?

Spencer Tunick: My art is about masses of bodies that are treated as an overall sculpture. It's not about a particular Master or Mistress or a particular Pussycat. As most cats have short hair, I will need to make sure that you don't stand out and detract from the overall feeling of the photo shoot. I view the body (Master, Mistress or Pussycat) as a form of a sculpture. My shoots are called "Installations" for that reason!

Natasha Finkel: That sounds like a very interesting proposition. You see, I've been having some problems in the Pussycat modeling world now that short fur is "in" and long fur is "out"! I really need to re-invent myself in Fashion. After all, I'm not getting any younger and it is a youth culture obsessed society that we live in - for Masters and Mistresses as well as Pussycats!

Spencer Tunick: This could very well be a way to re-invent your persona Natasha!

Natasha Finkel: OK, getting back to your rules.

Spencer Tunick: When you get your fur shaved off, you are only allowed to have little tufts of fur, on your paws, a pouf on your tale and yes, you can keep your mane. I work exclusively with nude body forms.

Natasha Finkel: I'm relieved. Did you know that my mane was trademarked? Though the thought of shaving off my fur is rather traumatic for me. My fur is my pride!

Spencer Tunick: No Natasha. I did not know that. But you will have to deal with it and be a big tough pussycat if you want to do this. Getting to my rules, here they are:

Don't get large tattoos as they may stand out in the photo. I usually work with Masters and Mistresses, but I am open to all breeds of pussycats and they must blend with one another, just like the Masters and Mistresses must do!

Natasha Finkel: I was thinking of getting a large one on my body - a giant dragon just like the Mistress of Beauty and Glamour that used to work exclusively for Jean Paul Gaultier in the 90's. So I guess I'll hold off on that!

Spencer Tunick: You must stay perfectly still and do as you are told. Can you do that?

You must get up before dawn for the shoot and no cameras are allowed on set.

Since you will be shaved, you will not have a pony tail so we don't have to worry about that.

You are not allowed to look at the other cats doing the shoot as they are modest even though they are doing a group nude photo shoot.

Realize that you cannot be a star as it's all about the formation and shape of the bodies, more so than your awesomely stunning looks!

Realize this is not KITTY PORN, IT IS FINE ART!

There may be many "Gay" kitty cats and "Fat Cats" there. You don't have to be a supermodel to participate. There may even be some "purrverts" but I try to screen for that.

Because you are who you are Natasha, the other cats my be in awe of your natural beauty so be prepared for other cats to look and you and realize that some cats can be unscrupulous, just like some Masters and Mistresses.. They may sneak a picture of you on their cellular phone as memento which could turn up on the internet - even though it's NOT ALLOWED!

You must sign an artistic release!

Do not be un-nerved by the fly caster fisherman who are looking at all of the naked pussycat bodies in amazement. There will be about 500 pussycats on site doing the shoot! I'm thinking we'll do this in Sagaponack at Peter's Pond as it's one of the coolest beaches in the Hamptons! Plus, it's very close to where you stay with your Mistress!

Realize Natasha that you cannot be a star in the photo shoot as it's all about the formation and shape of the posed bodies...much more so than your actual looks. If you try to be a star, IT WILL GET YOU REMOVED FROM THE SHOOT, so you need to make absolutely certain that you don't stand out too much! We may very do Kitty Yoga poses!

Natasha Finkel: Wow Spencer. Anything else you need to tell me beforehand?

Spencer Tunick: Typically, I have a waiting list for participants, but because you brought this idea to me, I will give you extra special consideration and put you to the front of the list to participate in my first ever Pussycat photo shoot!

You will be IMMORTALIZED, but not like how Marilyn Monroe was with Bert Stern! However, you will have participated in an event that you will treasure for the rest of your 9 LIVES!

Natasha Finkel: Anything else I need to know? And by the way, I have 12 lives, unlike other Pussycats!

Spencer Tunick: Natasha, you and all of the other pussycat participants will receive a complimentary signed artwork as my personal gift for being an active participant in my art work after I have developed the film and selected the best out takes from the shoot!

I always have a secret after party for all participants after the shoot. But if you want, we can go out for catnip pancakes later as nudity seems to bring out the hunger in everyone - perhaps at Estia's Little Kitchen or at the Poxabogue Golf Club!

Natasha Finkel: Spencer, you have been an absolute angel! Thank you for letting me inspire you and for sharing the details of what goes on at your photo shoots. One more question: Can I be your Muse?

Spencer Tunick: Natasha, when you rub up to me, you make it very difficult for me to say no. However, I don't have any other muses other than my wife! So I'm afraid I'll have to take a pass on this one. However, we shall remain in touch and stay friends.

One more thing: You and your adoring fans can buy my art through Salomon Contemporary. I am a working artist!

Natasha Finkel: Purrfect Spencer! Thank you so much for your time and I will definitely direct my adoring fans to your fabulous, highly collectible art! It's not only beautiful, but I hear it's a great investment!

Salomon Contemporary is located at 526 West 28th Street, New York, NY 212-727-0807 Call to inquire about Spencer Tunick prints and tell them Natasha Finkel sent you!

Oh to be A Muse (D) - Part II

The festivities at Art Hamptons have begun. Thursday night, my Mistress of Beauty and Adventure went on a fact finding mission for me to find a pussycat friendly artist who would entertain the idea of my becoming their muse! While she was there, talking to a drag queen/performance artist, she was interviewed by Hamptons Television about my feelings about art. Please check out 32:25 of the video:

My Mistress of Beauty and Adventure at Art Hamptons on Hamptons TV at 32:25

Before I become a Muse, I thought that I should fully explore what it means to be a Muse and ask Ultra Violet, aka Isabelle Collin Dufresne, Andy Warhol's muse who is at the show her thoughts on the experience on Friday afternoon.

Andy Warhol, Self Portrait, 1986, Acrylic on Canvas

Natasha Finkel: Ultra Violet, what was it like being Andy Warhol's muse?

Ultra Violet: BUY THE BOOK!

Natasha Finkel: Ultra Violet, I hear that you have a French accent. Are you from Paris?

Ultra Violet: Is Paris the only city in France? BUY THE BOOK!

Natasha Finkel: How did you meet Andy Warhol?

Ultra Violet: BUY THE BOOK!

Natasha Finkel: Ultra Violet, I'm trying to interview you. I don't have time to buy the book and read it for the interview. So again, how did you meet Andy Warhol?

Ultra Violet pictured on her book jacket (When she was Young)

Ultra Violet: BUY THE BOOK!

Natasha Finkel: Please, Ultra Violet, please!

Ultra Violet: I met Andy Warhol through Salvador Dali when I came to the United States. BUT IT'S ALL IN THE BOOK!

Natasha Finkel: Did you know Carmen Dell'Orefice?

Ultra Violet: No, who is she?

Natasha Finkel: Carmen Dell'Orefice is the oldest working model in the fashion world. She was Salvador Dali's muse and lost her fortune twice - first to the stock market in the 1980's/1990's and then to Bernard Madoff. Now she has to work.

Ultra Violet: Let me see her picture!

Natasha Finkel: Let me show you via Google on my iphone

Carmen Dell'Orefice

Natasha Finkel: Isn't she beautiful?

Ultra Violet: Did she have "work" done?

Natasha Finkel: I have no idea but she is a beautiful woman.

Ultra Violet: Is she Jewish?

Natasha Finkel: I do not know, but why do you ask?

Ultra Violet: Because those Jews were very greedy thinking they could get above average returns from Bernie Madoff.

Natasha Finkel: I'm Jewish, Ultra Violet and I'm not greedy!

Ultra Violet: Did you know Bernard Madoff?

Natasha Finkel: No I didn't but I wouldn't have invested with him anyway.

Natasha Finkel: So were you friends with Andy Warhol? What was it like being his muse?

Ultra Violet: Andy Warhol had no friends. He just liked to document and we from the Factory were just there to hang around. Being his muse had nothing to do with inspiring him.

Natasha Finkel: OK Ultra Violet, thank you for your insight regarding what it was like to be Andy Warhol's muse.

Ultra Violet: BUY THE BOOK! IT'S ONLY $25! BUY MY ART! THE PRICE IS HIDDEN ON THE PRICE SHEET!

Ultra Violet's IXXI

Well Pussycats, I'm going to try to find other muses to ask them their impressions. Perhaps I'll buy Ultra-Violet's book or art. She is doing a book signing today at Art Hamptons. Or, perhaps NOT! I'll report back soon pussycats!

Oh to be A Muse (D) - Part I

If you didn't read my last blog post, "Spank Me It's My Birthday", then you may not know exactly who Carmen Dell'Orefice and Kiki de Montparnasse are. If so, click on the hyperlink to play catch up, or else the claws will be coming out in full force sans manicure!

These two Mistresses have inspired me to no end in their roles as Muses to Salvador Dali for Carmen and Man Ray for Kiki. Perhaps I should become a Muse to a famous artist in order to propel my career in the Pussycat Modeling World. After all, Carmen got her start at the age of 15 in Mistress years and I'm not getting any younger! This could completely solidify my meteoric rise in the Pussycat modeling world and make me an icon on the art and fashion scene. Plus I'll get invited to all of the "right events"! I want to be a star...a legend...an immortalized icon...just like Marilyn Monroe!

Marilyn Monroe by Bert Stern

Living in Bridgehampton and in Brooklyn does have its privileges. So why not make the most of an opportunity to be adored while providing artistic inspiration to genius talent? I'm still "working it" in the Pussycat modeling world in the Fashion business, but haven't found a designer that has taken me "under his wing" so to speak in that capacity -- only on the catwalk!

This burning desire to be a Muse led me straight to Art Hamptons - run by the Hampton Expo Group. Art Hamptons is a yearly art fair that features top established artists and emerging talent - from Picasso to people you have never heard of but will be soon! This year, for the first time ever in their four year history, they are showcasing significant fine art photography from the finest art dealers in the country via their show within a show called PhotoHamptons.

Ruben Natal-San Miguel, who runs the eponymous photography consulting firm, is an artist in his own right and is the critically acclaimed blogger of Art Most Fierce, will present a highly informative and engaging fair tour entitled “How to Invest and Collect Fine Art Photography." Geared for both novice and experienced collectors, his exclusive tour will provide valuable insights and tips on building your fine art photography collection. Art Hamptons will be taking place at Sayres Park, 154 Snake Hollow Road in Bridgehampton, NY from July 7th - 10th. For tickets, click here!

My Mistress of Beauty and Adventure is a close personal friend of Ruben's. I am a very close personal friend of Gia, the cat that owns Ruben! Gia is a star art dealer in the Pussycat world and is a precocious and highly intellectual calico kitty cat. Though Ruben taught Gia everything she knows about art - but please let's keep that little secret between ourselves. I hope Gia doesn't read this blog!

Gia, the Pussy Cat Art Dealer on the 4th of July by Ruben Natal San-Miguel

Master of Photography, Artistry, Art Consulting and Art Blogging

Glamour Break Diva, by Ruben Natal San-Miguel

2009 Harlem NYC

Available through Finch and Ada at Art Hamptons

16" x 20" $800 edition of 7

My Mistress of Beauty and Adventure's other friend is Karyn Mannix, a Mistress of Organization for Art Hamptons, a Mistress of Emerging Artistic Mastery, a Mistress of Art Dealing via Karyn Mannix Contemporary Art and a Mistress of drip painting and tours at the Pollock-Krasner House, a national historic landmark!

KK in Pink by Karyn Mannix

14" x 11", edition of 10, mixed media on canvas

Available through Karyn Mannix Contemporary

I am personally friendly with Karyn's cats, Elvis (the stubborn, highly emotive musician), Oscar the slob and Felix the neat freak - but Karyn has not immortalized them yet, so I won't feature them here!

Karyn will be featuring the work of Athos Zacharias, Willem de Kooning's one time studio assistant and a famous, highly collectible local Hamptons artist, at the Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor on the Sag Harbor Wharf from 5:30 to 7PM as a warm up to the kick off of Art Hamptons.

Red Rose by Athos Zacharias

24" x 20", Oil on Canvas

Available through Karyn Mannix Contemporary

My other friend is Kathy Murphy, the publisher of Modern Painters magazine. She has graciously invited me to attend the VIP Cocktail hour on Saturday from 4-6PM at Art Hamptons which is being sponsored by her employer, Louise Blouin, also known in Pussycat and Art circles as the High Priestess of Art Collecting and Art Media Moguldom aka Louise Blouin Media.

Russell Simmons, Master of the Hip Hop, Fashion, Finance and Philanthropy Universe and fellow Brooklynite Danny Simmons, Russell's brother and Master of Artistic Expression are being honored as Art Patrons of the Year by Art Hamptons. Did you know they are from Hollis Queens? From what I understand, you can take the boys out of Queens, but you can't take the Queens out of the boys! Not that they are gay or anything! And not like there's anything wrong with that either!

Russell and Danny Simmons

Master of the Hip Hop, Fashion, Finance and Philanthropy Universe

and Master of Artistic Expression and Philanthropy, respectively

The VIP party on Saturday will definitely be the place to be! Ultra Violet, Andy Warhol's iconic muse from the 1960's will also be there so I will definitely have some questions for her about how to become a Muse. I can't become Andy Warhol's muse as he died before I was born. What a bummer that is! My Mistress absolutely IDOLIZES him!

Famous For 15 Minutes My Years with Andy Warhol

The Memoir of Isabelle Collin Dufresne aka Ultra-Violet

Kathy Murphy is not owned by a cat. She owns a dog named Olive and that's just fine by me. I like Kathy. She's likes animals and has good taste in art and is definitely inviting me to a great party! So hat's off to Kathy Murphy and Louise Blouin Media for sponsoring the event and for inviting ME!

On Thursday night, July 7th from 6-9 PM, Art Hamptons will feature their kick off party and art preview party featuring 5,000 significant works of art to benefit the LongHouse, one of my favorite places in the Hamptons in a special VIP tent. Karyn Mannix graciously invited me to this event as well and for just $100 you can go too by clicking here! The Long House's mission is to exemplify living with art in all of its forms.

The Gateway Bell 2003 by Toshiko Takaezu

The LongHouse Reserve

LongHouse Reserve Garden at Twilight

Founded by Jack Lenor Larsen, who is not from Queens, its collections, magnificent gardens, sculptures and programs reflect world cultures and inspire a creative life. Through its arboretum, sculpture gardens and educational programs, LongHouse brings together art and nature, aesthetics and spirit, with a strong conviction that the arts are central to living wholly and creatively. To join the LongHouse click here or to simply visit, click here. It's a really fabulous place pussycats!

Also, there's a lot going on in the Hamptons in conjuction with Art Hamptons. My friends Ruth Vered and Janet Lehr of the Vered Gallery at 68 Park Place in East Hampton village will be hosting a cocktail reception at their gallery for their new show called, "Art on the Edge" on Saturday, July 9th from 9PM to 11PM. RSVP is required at 631-324-3303. The show will feature new, majorly talented contemporary artists including Peter Buchman, Grant Haffner, Adam Handler, Francesco LoCastro and many other emerging talents who may or may not be from Queens or are Queens, not that that makes a difference!

Born in the '80's by Adam Handler

56" x 58" as shown on MOMA's PS1 Studio Visit site

Ruth and Janet of the Vered Gallery have great eyes for talent and also sell artwork from artist luminaries including Chuck Close, Willem DeKooning, Jackson Pollock, April Gornick, Bert Stern, Pablo Picasso, Larry Rivers, Andy Warhol, Frank Stella as well as many other established dead and living artists whose work is featured in many major fine art museums.

Hacilar by Frank Stella

1999 Cast Aluminum and Steel

Available through Vered Gallery

Chuck Close, Self Portrait

2000 Silkscreen, Artist's Proof, edition of 80

Process and Collaboration by Terrie Sultan (of the Parrish Art Museum)

Available through Vered Gallery

Well Pussycats, I will report back to you on the festivities at Art Hamptons, Karyn Mannix Contemporary's opening and the Vered Gallery when things get going. There's so much going on....and I am sure I will be able to become A Mused (D) by this all! Please come and join me for the festivities and I will keep you updated! Purrs 'n Kisses xoxo