Fashionistas will be out in force at the Barker Hangar tonight as Macy’s pulls out all the stops for its 22nd annual Passport to Style. The festivities start off with a VIP champagne reception followed by a flashy fashion extravaganza featuring Jennifer Lopez’s latest collection as well as those crowd-pleasing Calvin Klein underwear guys. “Basic Instinct” beauty Sharon Stone will play the part of celebrity auctioneer. Over the years, Passport has raised $20 million for HIV/AIDS research, education and prevention.
FLASHY FACE LIFT
Max Azria and his flock of fabulous fans celebrated the designer’s move to bigger digs on Rodeo Drive in grand style. Sarah Michelle Gellar was among those gracing the red carpet along with “American Idol’s” Paula Abdul, Sharon Stone, Nicole Ritchie and Lauren Holly-all dressed in BCBG of course. Others in this clothes-minded crowd came in everything from fancy flapper dresses to Lynyrd Skynyrd vintage tees. They were welcomed by scantily clad models sporting a preview of what to expect at this new flagship location. The place was decked out like a hip ’70s hangout, complete with a mirrored disco ball. And revelers couldn’t help but get grooving when DJ Samantha Ronson started cranking out the tunes. Proceeds from the posh cocktail fling went to benefit the Revlon/ UCLA Breast Center.
CURTAIN CALL
The play’s the thing at the Geffen as the 2005-06 season gets underway. The Geffen is getting ready to say goodbye to its temporary Brentwood Theater home while the original venue gets a much-needed makeover. The season kicks off with “Nine Parts of Desire,” a compelling tale that captures the lives of nine Iraqi women. It stars Heather Raffo, who is an Iraqi-American journalist, playwright and performer.
In November, Gil Cates will take a break from his Oscar duties to direct John Goodman in the Tennessee Williams classic “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.”
In January, David Mamet brings us the wicked drawing room comedy “Boston Marriage.” In tribute to the great Arthur Miller, Randell Arney will present “All My Sons.” “Six Feet Under” and “West Wing” writer Rick Cleveland will spill the beans on his friendship with beloved former prez Bill Clinton in “My Buddy Bill.” Sam Shepard will appear in the cathartic black comedy “The God of Hell.”
Whether you go for classics or prefer a contemporary take, the Geffen’s got a celebration of American playwrights you won’t want to miss.