Norwood Young
My second night out on the town took me to the UWS for a book launch party at R&B legends Ashford & Simpson’s hotspot, Sugar Bar. The memoir, ‘Getting Back to Me’, chronicles the escapades of Norwood Young, infamous Hollywood socialite and former lead singer of the jazz group, Pieces of a Dream. I knew the night was gonna to be delish when I spotted Sir Norwood gliding down 72nd Street in a white floor length fur coat. Divo! But I’m not mad because if you can’t make a grand entrance you might as well not make one at all. Play on, Playa (just don’t let PETA know where you live cuz they will stab a homeless man to save a rat!)
In his salacious book, Young addresses his past addictions to
Norwood Young & Tracee Loran
drugs and plastic surgery; the sexual abuse inflicted by his cousin; his time spent in jail; his association with Wendy Williams, and the demise of his friendship with Karinne “Superhead” Steffans. In case you’ve been living under a rock or in Vermont, Karrine is a former music video girl who penned a tell-all book, ‘Confessions of a Video Vixen’, which depicts her sexual exploits and alleged trysts with many famous rappers and actors. According to Young, he befriended Steffans and she reciprocated his benevolence by stabbing him in the back. Hmm, this book has the makings of a…reality show. Well, Norwood did appear on E! docu-series Maintenance 90210. If you want to know more scrumptious deets about his ‘Young’ life, you have to scoop Norwood’s book, ‘Getting Back to Me.’
Tracee Loran
With all of this juicy divoness I was sure to have a Red Carpet moment so I had to look just right. I selected one of my favorite dresses, a long denim number from Exodus by Jon Berry. Oh how I miss Jon in Brooklyn. Jon, come back! His designs are made just for me. To complement the dress I wore a gold belt that cinches in the waist, because the waist can NEVER be too small, right ladies? The gold vintage purse I clutched all night once belonged to my Grandmother (every time I visit I return with a gem.) The ensemble was topped off with a pair of tall leather mahogany boots and a stunning necklace that I found for a steal (it garnered lots of attention.) (Have you noticed that I love to be parenthetical?)
To document the event with wonderful photos, emerging fashion photographer Patrick Brassard came along for the ride. Patrick, who can easily be confused
Brandon Davis & Tracee Loran
for a Calvin Klein model himself, is a star on the rise with a portfolio that includes The Hills starlet & author Lauren Conrad and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright (Ok, she’s not exactly a model, but I’m sure she’s dreamed of it). Patrick works under the tutelage of renowned photographer Sante D’Orazoi who’s shot every major supermodel and celebrity in the world for popular publications like Vogue, Vanity, and GQ. So yes, Mr. Brassard is definitely one to watch.
Tracee Loran & Publicist Andy Diaz
Also, snapping pix was Queens-based photographer Nicholas Small. Nicholas has ill skills, a good eye and a steady shot! Unfortunately, he was hampered by the guest-list nazi and
Tracee Loran & Monroe Shannon
missed much of the evening. But he eventually managed to get in and grabbed a couple of good shots. Worry not, more of Nicholas’ work will grace these pages in the near future!
Ahh, my Red Carpet moment arrived and it was as yummy as my Mother’s Snow on the Mountain Cake! Snap, snap. Flash, flash. “Tracee over here,” “Look here.” And I made it into the Associated Press photo archives. Oh my, I’m weary from all of the media attention (said while patting my forehead, of course.)
Before I leave you, I must send a shout to all of the radically fabulous people I met at the party; Andy Diaz of Cobalt
Model/Boxer Ngo Okafur
Public Relations; Monroe Shannon, a cool brother rocking a super fresh tee; Steven Styles, a stylist who won my vote for Best Dressed of the night hands down; Hottie Brandon Davis and Model/Boxer Ngo Okafor, who seemed to be annoyed by my sarcastic humor. Ahem, I learned some moves from watching Rocky (my FAV movie) so a sistah was ready to duck the left hook & then counter punch. 😉
Stacey Holman & Tracee Loran
That’s it for now Dudes and Dames. The party continues…
The Socialite Design™ 