Malibu Seen

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Macy's Passport to Style was on a roll as one of Malibu Seen's Parties of the Year. Photos courtesy of Wireimage

PARTIES OF THE YEAR!

FASHION AND COMPASSION

It was a glitzy showcase of celebrity style as fashionistas gathered at the Barker Hangar for the Macy’s 2008 Passport party. The evening of glitter and glamour featured divine designers from Calvin Klein to Ed Hardy and Tommy Hilfiger in a Broadway-worthy extravaganza. There was a special tribute to Keith Haring for his ground-breaking social messages and eye-popping art. The event exceeded expectations with $1.4 million raised for the Macy’s HIV/AIDS fund.

ODE TO BROAD

There was plenty of glamour, glitz and impressive modern marvels as the much-buzzed about Broad Contemporary Art Museum made its splashy debut. Some of the ‘Bu’s biggest names turned out for the star-studded affair, with A-listers Rita Wilson, Dustin Hoffman, Owen Wilson, Julius Shulman and, of course, Eli and Edythe Broad, making up the local contingent.

FIT FOR A KING

Tennis legend Billie Jean King celebrated the 35th anniversary of her famed “Battle of the Sexes” against Bobby Riggs with a mega-bash in Beverly Hills. The place was packed with a virtual “who’s who” from the wide, wide world of sports with everyone from Hall of Famers Tracy Austin and Rosie Casals, to Olympic medalist Michelle Kwan and super swimmer Diana Nyad. And what better way to honor a tennis queen than with a magical performance by a prince of pop? Sir Elton set up his red piano and performed “Your Song,” as well as faves like “Rocket Man,” “Tiny Dancer,” and “Philadelphia Freedom,” the blockbuster hit he penned for his longtime pal.

DONALD’S BIG DO

The bold! The beautiful! The diva and The Donald! They all came together at a private estate in Bel-Air as Donald Trump hosted a far out and fabulous end-of-the-summer fete. New mom Christina Aguilera headlined the evening, impressing all with her insane eight-octave range. The starry guest list included everyone from the beautiful Trump brood to music mogul P. Diddy Combs, Oscar winner Hilary Swank and Sultan Ahmen bid Sulayem.

HOLLYWOOD HITS A HIGH NOTE

The Los Angeles Opera’s starry opening night gala brought together two legendary directors.

Woody Allen and William Friedkin joined forces to direct Puccini’s three-part “Il Trittico” (The Tryptic), making it one of LAO’s most glorious opening nights, ever. The evening was the main event in an unforgettable three-day celebration, which commemorated the 150th anniversary of Puccini’s birth.

CELEBRATING SALONEN

The Los Angeles Philharmonic kicked off its new season at Walt Disney Hall with a fab opening night fling filled with drama, flash and fireworks. It was a celebration of Esa-Pekka Salonen, who is in his final year as music director. The grand finale featured music from Stravinsky’s “The Firebird.” It ended with a bang, as the hall lit up with a spectacular display of indoor pyrotechnics, and was followed by a gourmet feast on Grand Avenue.

WHAT A TRIP!

Hippies, yippies and trippies of all ages gathered at Paramount Studios for one the summer’s hottest happenings. With its far out ’60s vibe, the annual Concern Foundation Block Party was one righteous affair. Hundreds of cool cats and bitchin’ kittens donned their tie-dyed best and headed for Hollywood. Austin Powers look-alikes were all around with plenty of love beads, fringe vests, minis, hip huggers and hot pants. The groovy gathering raised a whopping $1.5 million to “Conquer Cancer Now.” Since the Summer of Love, Concern has raised more than $40 million to find a cure, and what could be cooler than that?

OLE’ I SAY!

It was like a romantic night in old Madrid as Pepperdine University’s Center for the Arts threw a magical Spanish-themed fiesta. Chicly dressed Pepperdine fans were serenaded by classical guitars playing Spanish favorites as they gathered at the breathtaking estate of Debbie and Steven Weiss. After a delicious feast, guests settled in for a private concert by the Gypsy Kings. Fantastico!

SOME ENCHANTED EVENING

Malibu designer Sue Wong is all about beauty, but her magic touch goes far beyond the fashion runway. That was clearly the case when Sue opened the doors of her legendary Los Feliz home called “The Cedars.” The 17th century, Venetian-style landmark was built in the 1920s for silent film siren Norma Talmadge. The designer recently spent three years and a small fortune restoring her palatial estate. She celebrated with a lavish 1920s-themed masquerade ball that was like stepping back in time to Hollywood’s golden age.

BACH TO BACHARACH

What The World Needs Now…are some soothing sounds. And there’s no better place to find them than at the Carlyle Room in New York. That’s where crooner Steve Tyrell wowed the crowds with an evening of Bacharach tunes. It isn’t easy filling the shoes of the late great Bobby Short, but Steve’s doing his best to dish out a lot of Love, Sweet Love. If you didn’t have a chance to catch Steve this year, never fear; he told Malibu Seen he’s winging his way to the West Coast and will be playing a gig in L.A. later this year.

YES WE DID!

Nov. 4. Best party and biggest relief in years-eight years. So despite the current ciaos, here’s to ’08,

A year that was awesome, historic, there is no debate.

Look for health and hope and we’ll be feeling fine,

As we celebrate the joys of ’09.

Got a hot happening or a cool event? Send the 411 to kimdevore@malibutimes.com.