• by Kelly Samardak , May 26, 2010

NYWIFT nd Variety Present The 2010 Designing Women Awards, Macy's, New York
May 25, 2010

This is my third go at covering New York Women In Film and Television's (NYWIFT) Designing Women awards. Every year I meet new cast of characters and celebrities that remind me how quirky the entertainment industry is and how privileged I am to encounter these budding producers, directors, costume designers, and artists. Last night, a warm and sultry New York evening, did not disappoint.

Macy's is old, man. The store moved to Herald Square in 1902 and I'm convinced they're still using the same air-conditioning system. I took what I thought was a prime seat in the auditorium - fourth row from the front with easy access to the podium. I could pop up and shoot and return to my seat without being an eyesore for the other guests. I soon discovered otherwise. "Otherwise" came in the form of paparazzi types of all shapes and sizes planting themselves in aisles and against beams, completely obstructing the view of everyone on my side of the room as soon as our sassy emcee announced Cynthia Nixon's arrival.

But let's not let a few pesky mosquitoes ruin an otherwise delightful award ceremony where I was a burp-cloud away from Clair Huxtable, who apparently has found the fountain of youth. Phylicia Rashad embodied all the serenity and class (and "Money Can't Buy You Class" says The Countess) that is TV's greatest mom as she awarded Marjorie Durand for her talent in make up artistry.

Cynthia Nixon delivered the Variety Ensemble Award to the costume, hair and make-up design team of "Sex and the City 2" because "it takes a village" to make the cast of SATC appear as we see them on the big screen. She went on to praise the team. "When you're an actor, you get credit for a lot of things you shouldn't get credit for," like being lauded as style icons, clarifying that it was the aforementioned ensemble who are the real style icons.

The crowd favorite of the night was Jodie Foster whose larger-than-life personality exploded out of her compact fava-bean-hating frame. "Susan Lyall is a sick sick woman," declared Foster as she shared turkey slop stories from the set of "Home For the Holidays." Susan won the award for Costume Designer and you will see her work in "The Beaver," a movie whose name makes me chortle consistently.

Let's get to the party! Like a herd of feral donkeys, we were prodded into elevators and sent to the 13^th floor for the after-party, whose menu was designed by first female American Iron Chef Cat Cora. I let teeny burgers and shrimp pass me by, but I did cram a slightly spicy breath-destroying lump of beef chimichurri in my mouth -- and it was incredible. I think I can still taste it.

On the 13^th floor is a long and narrow garden-speckled balcony that delivered gasp -worthy views of the city, with the Empire State Building center stage. It was beautiful. "I've been up here for hours and I'm still not tired of it," remarked the New Hampshire-raised bartender. I later met the amazing Christine Baranski by the same bar, revealing that "The Birdcage" is a Samardak family favorite; my dad made it his business to quote the movie for at least two summers.

Other wonderful human discoveries were Ken Malloy, an admittedly delinquent member of NYWIFT and chatterbox of the evening. Ken is a good-natured fellow and shared lots of trivia tidbits about the Empire State Building. I'm prepared for Crocodile Lounge trivia night - thanks, Ken! Near Ken was Dawn Young, the lady in red. Dawn is producing and directing a documentary on Alzheimer's, "Forget Me Not." I also met the Leslies. Leslie Shareve is a member of NYWIFT and, according to her pal Leslie Middlebrook, "an amazing chanteuse." Leslie Middlebrook is a member of the Board of Local #798 make-up and hair union.

My most memorable photo of the night was of producer/director Victoria Bennett and her friend Christine Fagan, an up-and-coming costume designer currently working with the University of Notre Dame. Why so memorable? Because as I backed away thanking them, I walked butt-first into a stream of water. Suddenly the FFffft Ffft fffffft of the awakening sprinkler system water-goosed everyone on the balcony. That's one way to wrap up a party. The beautiful part about this group of New York's most unique is that everyone loved the wet surprise. Given the hothouse situation indoors, the sprinklers were refreshing.

Erica Amster, founder of the classy and delicious wine-tasting events biz, Private Pour, was also there, chasing down trays of passed belly pleasers with Thought Equity Motion's Gail Hilton. On the way out, I met film reviewer and "how to get to Cannes" insider Christina Kotlar, and make-up artist honoree Marjorie Durand and her adorable parents. I was also super excited to meet the dynamic child corraling space re-funking duo of Cortney and Robert Novogratz of "9 By Design." I love that show and I know we're not supposed to pick favorite kids, but their little girl Bellamy is the cutest little sassafras.

As the elevator lowered us to the ground floor, I accosted Macy's Product Assistant in Men's Sportswear, David Thayer. I rifled through his goodie bag while drilling him about his relationship status. The result? I will be pimping young David to my single girlfriends.

Obviously, a successful, star-studded, fun and fancy night thanks to NYWIFT, Variety, and New York's favorite department store, Macy's!

Pictures of your favorite designing women are up on Flickr (more coming!)

Send invitations to kelly@mediapost.com!