The Hot Seat
who: Donna MacMillan, a philanthropist and contemporary art connoisseur, whose wardrobe rivals any starlet’s.
the look: Lady Gaga’s Band Major Uniform, a couture gown adorned with sequins, hand-beading, ostrich feathers, crystals, and silk tulle.
inspiration: “When I saw Kate Moss wearing nothing but the Panton heart chair on the cover of Vogue, it was love at first sight. I had to have it, and a year later, on a plane flight to Brazil, I picked up a magazine and saw it for sale in Dallas. Needless to say, the rest is history.”
why: “My mother was of little means, and she put every cent into making me look presentable. All my outfits were handmade until I was 8, and, at that time, women didn’t go into public without matching gloves, a purse, and a hat. … Fashion has nothing to do with price. You can have more money than God and still have bad taste. Style is an attitude. You’re either born with it or not.”
Seen Right: Donna MacMillan rocks Lady Gaga’s Band Major Uniform. Photo by J. Everette Perry
J. EVERETTE PERRY/MODELS: LAUREN ASHLEY AND KEITH MCGOWAN
Chelsea Pointy-Toe Low Pump with wooden detail ($328) from Cole Haan in Palm Desert.
Best Foot Forward
In the fashion biz since 1928, Cole Haan continually pushes the boundaries of innovation. Nike Air technology and memory foam make the Chelsea Pointy-Toe Low Pump by Cole Haan one of the sharpest, most comfortable new shoes colored for spring. The snake embossed print comes in pastel shades of purple, green, and sandstone.
J. EVERETTE PERRY
Model: Cassandra Proctor. Hair and makeup: Aide Lopez. Wardrobe: Caroldean Ross. Dress, jacket, and hat: Versace. Jewelry: Alexis Bittar from Saks Fifth Avenue, Palm Desert. Location: Skylark Hotel Palm Springs.
Four Shades of Separation
Dimitri James, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Skinn Cosmetics, took a break from the red carpets and runways to share his backstage beauty tips for spring.
1. Trace the inner tear line with a waterproof smudge stick in Cleopatra black. It sharpens the eye and makes it pop without being overly made up.
2. Reverse contour. Apply a shade-darker foundation over the cheekbones, nose bridge, and anywhere else the sun naturally kisses the face.
3. Choose a pop of red. Lipstick is hot again. Find the right shade to suit your undertone. If you’re shy, choose a red gloss.
4. Apply artificial lashes only to the outer third of your eye. Full bands look draggy and add years.
For more tips, pick up Dimitri’s new book, Naughty Makeovers for Nice Girls.
Photography: Taylor Sherrill. Wardrobe: Wil Stiles, Palm Springs; Shoes: Alexander McQueen; Hair and Makeup: Jamie Lyn Anderson, J Russell! The Salon
Michael Childers presents One Night Only, the annual all-star benefit for Jewish Family Service of the Desert, on April 24 at McCallum Theatre.
‘Music of My Life’
The sum of Michael Childers’ career photographing celebrities comes into brilliant focus this month, as the curtain rises on “Music of My Life” — the theme of his popular One Night Only annual benefit for Jewish Family Service of the Desert. The April 24 show at McCallum Theatre stars some of his favorite Broadway and Hollywood performers, including John Barrowman, Loretta Devine, Peter Gallagher, Linda Purl, Von Smith, Liz Callaway, James Barbour, Suzanna GuzmÁn, Angel Blue, Sam Harris, Danny Gurwin, Tony DeSare, and others.
Information: 760-340-2787, www.mccallumtheatre.com