Partyhopper

How do aspiring Design Stars party? Like rock stars, as it turns out. “I’m gonna party like Lindsay Lohan tonight,” joked spiky-haired contestant Lisa at the bash to kick off the new season of HGTV’s hit reality show (it’s judged by my glamorous coworker and fellow InStyle.com blogger, Martha McCully). Sure, the color scheme may have been blue, but the mood of the party was anything but. I have a feeling that the lively vibe may have been inspired by all of those blue cocktails. While HGTV had set up an authentic-looking roulette station (a playful nod to the show’s Sin City shoot location), the bar proved to be a more popular attraction. And really, who can blame all these newly christened TV stars for wanting to celebrate their sudden loss of anonymity?

When I spotted my neighbor (and hairdresser) Kim, she was comparing shoes with another judge from the show, fashion designer Cynthia Rowley. Like Cynthia, Kim is a hardcore New Yorker, and she has the honor of representing N.Y.C.—and, specifically, Queens—as a contestant, which makes her sort of like Design Star’s answer to 50 Cent. “How would you rate this party’s décor on a scale of 1 to 10”? I asked her. “A 10, of course. I love HGTV,” Kim chirped. She’s really got the smooth sound bite down pat! I think Kim could give Paula Abdul some helpful tips.

For more about this party and the inside scoop on the new season of Design Star, check out Martha’s Life & Home blog.

-- James Patrick Herman

Who is your favorite contestant on Design Star?

Kim and Cynthia Rowley

Martha and James

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It seems like the couple that sings together stays together. Hey, it’s working for Faith and Tim. And now Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony are taking a cue from country music’s power couple: They’re co-headlining a North American tour that kicks off September 29th in Atlantic City.

They also costar in the new movie El Cantante, so clearly these two can’t get enough of each other. I remember meeting Jennifer at Marc’s apartment in San Juan years ago and they were acting like love struck teenagers. I also recall seeing them at a recent party and they still look so in love—they just couldn’t keep their hands to themselves. But let’s hope for Marc’s sake that they have separate dressing rooms while on tour because I have a feeling that his wife will be making more than a few elaborate costume changes during the show. (Tickets go on sale starting on August 10th—check out www.livenation.com for more info—and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Latino youth.)

If you’re like Marc and you think there’s no such thing as too much J.Lo, then be sure to check out her beauty flash and hair transformation on InStyle.com.

I hope that Pete Wentz and Ashlee Simpson are the next musical couple to hit the road! Who would you like to see go on tour together?

-- James Patrick Herman

Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Warning, this is a Spoiler Alert for fans of The Simpsons: Homer bites the dust in his big screen debut! Okay, I'm just kidding: Much like Tony Soprano (and perhaps Harry Potter), Homer lives—but he narrowly escapes with his life after becoming Springfield's Most Wanted. Unfortunately, however, special guest rock stars Green Day end up swimming with the fishes after their floating stage gets corroded and sinks in very polluted lake. Poor Billy Joe!

As I sat through this screening last night (nearby Inside the Actors Studio emcee James Lipton!), I kept wondering: What is this movie rated? After all, there's sex (Marge and Homer get frisky), drugs (the school bus driver gets stoned) and rock 'n' roll (i.e., the late, great Green Day). There's even cartoon nudity (ewww...don’t ask).

I won’t reveal anything else...except that Tom Hanks pops up in a hilarious cameo. This is why I shouldn’t go to preview screenings (or get an advance copy of the new Harry Potter book). Unlike my celebrity hairdresser, Kim Myles, I just can’t keep a secret.

-- James Patrick Herman

Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox

Is this the face of America’s new Design Star? I have no idea because even though Kim is my friend and neighbor, her lips are sealed. She’s also my hairdresser, by the way—and I think she must be the only hairdresser on the planet who refuses to gossip. So I guess we’ll all have to tune into the new season of Design Star (which airs this Sunday on HGTV) in order to find out. I’ve resorted to some sneaky tricks for getting Kim to reveal who wins (like bringing over a bottle of Patron) and even that didn’t do the trick. Damn, this gal is good! If that design stuff doesn’t pan out, she should consider working for the FBI.

Kim
Photo courtesy of HGTV

One thing Kim would reveal? “I go naked on the first episode,” she told me as she was cutting my hair the other day. My jaw dropped. “Kidding!” she added. “But a couple of the guys take their shirts off.” Clearly HGTV producers realize what makes for compelling reality television. I think they should’ve thrown in a hot tub for the cast, too (hey, it worked for The Real World).

Kim and her husband Scott became local celebrities before the buzz about the new season of Design Star began. I’d like to believe that this is because I wrote about them on my blog last year but actually it’s because they both somehow find the time to run a boutique ice cream company called 5 Boroughs. They’re sort of like the new Ben & Jerry, only cooler (and much cuter). One of their most popular flavors was inspired by Staten Island—it’s called Landfill!—but some residents of that borough didn’t get the joke and they raised quite a stink, er, fuss. The next thing I knew there were TV news camera crews outside our apartment building. Now I know what Victoria Beckham’s neighbors must feel like!

Anyway, if you want to treat yourself this summer, try some 5 Boroughs ice cream. I highly recommend the baklava-filled flavor that was inspired by our neighborhood (Astoria), which has traditionally been the home of Greek immigrants, though now it’s largely overrun with boozy hipsters stumbling out of the Beer Garden. And, of course, I’d recommend rooting for Kim on Design Star!

-- James Patrick Herman

Kim & Scott at one of our fave hangouts: L.I.C.'s faux beach bar
Photo by Mark A. Neston

Mandy Moore isn't the only one going on tour this summer: Meet beauty guru Billy B, who has worked with a wide variety of divas, including Mary J. Blige, Pink, The Dixie Chicks and Sharon Stone. Mr. B will be hitting the road for four months starting this Sunday in San Francisco. Somehow this news doesn't surprise me, because Billy might be the closest thing that the cosmetics industry has to a bona fide rock star. (I'm even less shocked by the news that he'll star in his own reality show soon.)

I first met Billy at a photo shoot for Destiny's Child, and I think he's become a beloved celebrity makeup artist because not only can he make his clients look fabulous, but he can also make them laugh. And when you spend as much time getting your makeup done as a paparazzi-targeted Hollywood A-Lister, a sense of humor is nearly as important as the ability to create a flawless smoky eye.

Billy plans to hit a total of seven cities across America, hosting two-hour seminars during which he will reveal his top tricks for getting gorgeous. And who couldn't use a little help in that department? But if I know Billy, no doubt he will share some hilarious tales of working with the mega-stars as well as his professional tricks of the trade. And trust me: Makeup artists always have the BEST stories.

-- James Patrick Herman

Check out Billybbeauty.com for tour dates and more info.

Billy B
Photo by Spicer

Mandy Moore fans are going to love our August issue--and they’ll also be thrilled by the news that she has just announced her first-ever co-headlining tour. Mandy will be performing songs from her neo-folky new CD, Wild Hope; tickets go on sale July 21st (click on MandyMoore.com for dates). She’s going on the road with Paula Cole--remember “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?” I have a feeling that Paula might be willing to sing that hit for an encore but I would not suggest that anyone shout out a request for “Candy” during Mandy’s set.

Maybe, however, she’ll be willing to do a mini-Britney tribute? I’m joking, of course, but I do remember once interviewing Mandy about her favorite guilty pleasures, and when the topic of karaoke came up, she revealed: “When I was making Saved, a couple of friends and I would do a little Britney Spears. Honestly, we would sing "Baby One More Time" and her ballad, "Everytime," too. Oh, gosh, I feel creepy saying that!”

What’s your favorite song from Wild Hope? Send a comment and let me know. And be sure to check out the fun behind-the-scenes video of Mandy at her cover shoot on InStyle.com.

-- James Patrick Herman

Mandy Moore
Photo by Theo Wargo/WireImage

Out in L.A., there’s a new power couple in town—maybe you’ve heard? Soccer  fans—and, of course, tabloid photographers—are rejoicing at the arrival of David & Victoria Beckham.

The photogenic imports co-star in tonight’s NBC special, Coming to America. I recently had the pleasure of speaking to the glamorous Spice Girl, designer of the new dVb fashion line and mother of three for an upcoming issue of In Style.

And I remember having dinner with Victoria (and her fellow group members) the first time that she decided to conquer America, back when the infectious anthem “Wannabe” was exploding on the U.S. pop charts. When Posh wasn’t going on about “girl power,” I found her surprisingly candid and funny—extra-spicy, so to speak. Not exactly what one would expect from seeing pics of this widely photographed style icon who rarely smiles for the cameras.

Victoria Beckham
Photos by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage

I’m happy to report that she seems just like the fun-loving gal that I remember. She made me laugh out loud several times during our chat, especially when she joked of her and her husband’s impossibly fabulous public image: “We wouldn’t want to come off as too normal.” I don’t think there’s any risk of confusing her with the typical L.A. soccer mom: She talked to me about attending fashion shows with galpal Katie Holmes, hitting karaoke bars in Japan and she even shared a jaw-dropping personal revelation (believe it or not, she indulges  in—shocker!—carbs). But my favorite part of the interview was when she called me a “cheeky sod.” I’m not sure if she meant it as a compliment, but that’s the way I took it.

Let me know what you think of Coming to America. This is definitely must-see TV!

-- James Patrick Herman

I was alarmed and concerned when I heard that Kelly Rowland collapsed on stage due to dehydration at a show in Lagos, Nigeria, yesterday (she was in the West African nation to perform at the ThisDay Music Festival). Fortunately she's made a super-speedy recovery after a brief stay in the hospital; and as I’m blogging, she is already on a plane headed back to the States to continue promoting her new solo CD, Ms. Kelly, which debuted at number 6 on the charts last week. Nothing can stop Kelly—she’s a “Survivor,” after all.

Kelly, Solange and Beyonce in Houston
Photo by KamiKaze/inDmix.com

These photos were taken at the recent 21st birthday bashes for Solange Knowles—one was held in New Orleans on July 7th, the other in Solange’s hometown of Houston on July 1st. She celebrated with her big sister Beyonce, her parents Mathew and Tina, Jay-Z and, of course, Ms. Kelly (Solange contributed several songs to her album). Happy belated birthday, Solange—and thanks for sharing these fabulous party pics!

-- James Patrick Herman

Solange and Beyonce in New Orleans
Photo by Arnold Turner

Producer Swizz Beatz, Solange, Jay-Z and Beyonce
Photo by KamiKaze/inDmix.com

Solange, Jay-Z, Beyonce and Mathew Knowles
Photo by KamiKaze/inDmix.com

I couldn’t wait to see my old pal Kelly Rowland at the LIFEbeat-sponsored party at Home to celebrate the release of her fabulous new solo CD, Ms. Kelly. Little did I know that it would turn out to be more like a Destiny’s Child reunion. The gals and I cowrote their bio, Soul Survivors, and it was a blast going on the road with the group and feeling like I was the unofficial fourth member, even though I can’t sing to save my life.

First I spotted Ms. Michelle (Williams) grooving in a banquette. “I’m doing The Color Purple in Chicago, then we’re going to San Francisco and L.A.,” Michelle told me of her latest musical theater success. I remember seeing her star as Aida on Broadway a few years ago—and, yes, I totally cried my eyes out at
the end. It’s hard watching someone you adore get buried alive!

I actually caught up with the star of the night on my way out. “You’re not leaving already, are you?” Kelly said as she sweetly posed for my camera. As Kelly knows, I’m usually never the first guest to leave a hot party, but sometimes PartyHopper is torn between late nights out on the town and early morning meetings at the office.

Before I made my way to the door, Jay-Z bounded past me, taking the stairs two at a time (he’s got really long legs). So I paused for a moment because I knew that meant that, yes, Ms. Beyonce would be the next guest to arrive. “How are you doin’?” she asked me as she walked in with her power-publicist, Yvette Noel-Schure. But as I gave her a kiss on the cheek, I didn’t even feel the need to return her question—the huge smile on Beyonce’s radiant face told me everything that I needed to know.

-- James Patrick Herman

Being in the presence of a legendary rock star can be a little intimidating—just ask Kelly Clarkson. When she noticed that Steven Tyler was among the thousands of fans at one of her concerts, she tried so hard to impress him that she ended up throwing out her voice. But as Kelly found out at the photo shoot with her idol for In Style’s July issue, Steven is a really great guy. And he’s the kind of guy who has an eye for fashion—Steven chose to model a coat that was hanging on Kelly’s wardrobe rack. “It looked better on him,” she admitted.

I will always be grateful to Steven. Not only because he was such a memorable part of this year’s music issue of In Style, but also because he recently saved me from an overzealous and very burly bodyguard, the ultimate rock star accessory. At the grand opening party for The Cove Atlantis resort in the Bahamas, I instantly recognized the Aerosmith frontman (how could you miss him?) and dashed over to his table to thank him for doing the photo shoot. But somehow I didn’t register the enormous bodyguard, who came out of nowhere and grabbed my shoulder—I was certain that the next thing I heard would be the sound of my arm snapping in half. Lucky for me, Steven came to my rescue: “Hey, this guy’s OK—he’s from In
Style,” Steven said, and I felt the vice grip release my arm.

Photos by Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Steven glanced down at my tape recorder: “Are you still rolling?” he asked me. “Yeah,” I said, still a little shook up. “I knew you were!” he said and smiled, just as my photographer friend Kevin Mazur came along to capture the moment. After our photo-op, Steven talked to me about his iconic androgynous look. “Tonight I’m wearing Roberto Cavalli. I love him dearly,” he said of the Italian designer. Fashion is extremely important to Steven; because if he’s not comfortable with his clothes, “then I don’t feel right on stage,” he explained. “Hence, my scarves. It’s all got to be free and easy and flowy and hot and Janis Joplin-ish,” he said, summing up his unique sense of style.

And speaking of the late, great singer who is best known for hits like “Piece of My Heart,” “Mercedes Benz” and “Me and Bobby McGee,” Kelly told me that after she threw out her voice in an attempt to impress Steven, at her next gig she sounded just like—you guessed it—Janis!

Does Kelly's new CD, My December, rock or what? I think Steven would definitely approve! What's your favorite song from My December?

-- James Patrick Herman

Little did I realize how much I have in common with Ashlee Simpson! For one thing, we're both big fans of Pete Wentz. For another, we'd much rather be at the beach than anywhere else, like a recording studio (in her case) or in an office (in mine). For a third, well... I guess there isn't a third example but as someone once sang: Two out of three ain't bad.

I met Ashlee for the first time at the Sony/BMG Grammy party, where she took a break from dancing with her sister Jessica so that we could talk about our mutual love of the ocean. As you can see in our new July issue, Ash chose a gorgeous stretch of sand in Malibu as the backdrop for our photo shoot. "I've always been inspired by the beach," she told me. "And I just love Malibu. I manage to find a little spot where I can be all alone. It's a good place for me to go and clear my head. If I have, you know, a love problem—or any kind of problem—I go there so that I'm able to write about it." If she could pick her favorite sandy spot on earth?  "I would be in Hawaii," she said. "Hopefully—one day—that's where I'll retire."

But Ash was definitely in work mode when we spoke on the phone a few weeks ago. She's been recording nonstop and she's really excited about the songs she's written for her new album, which is due out this fall. "I come from a spiritual background, so there are a few songs about my journey with that" she revealed. "But there are also some fun dance songs as well. And I always come from, like, a 'woman empowerment' kind of place, so there are still those songs too. But for the first time you will hear the side of me that is a spiritual person."

"It's my third record, and I’m trying to step out on a limb," Ash added. "I'm taking chances and just being honest about how I'm feeling. I've grown up a lot and I think I’ve grown as a writer. But I take life as it comes and, you know, I do try to look at it from a lighter perspective."

I can definitely relate to that! What about you?

-- James Patrick Herman

Here’s some good news for blog readers of all ages: You can still look hot at age 63. Case in point: Diana Ross. The Supreme performer proved that she’s still got it when she belted out her greatest hits, from Motown classics to Mahogany’s theme, at the glamorous gala that party mastermind Colin Cowie threw in celebration of Qatar Airways’ inaugural flights to New York. If only all in-flight entertainment could be this spectacular—myself, I usually end up reading the tabloids and watching movies like Because I Said So.

The location was the Time Warner Center’s Rose Hall, where thanks to an enormous glass wall, the Manhattan skyline is on full view. There was a bit of a delay as the band launched into "I’m Coming Out" and, well, Diana seemed to be taking her own sweet time, which of course only made the crowd want her more. I guess you can’t hurry love...or Miss Ross. Imagine watching the legendary inspiration for Dreamgirls, who was clad in a figure-flattering sequined orange gown (and later nailed a rapid-fire costume change into a lime-green number), against this spectacular backdrop. When she crooned one of my favorite lyrics ("Do you know/Where you’re going to?/Do you like the things/That life is showing you?"), the only possible answer was: Hell, yes! So I wasn’t surprised to see celebrity couples as diverse as Maggie Gyllenhaal & Peter Sarsgaard and Donald & Melania Trump—this evening made for an ultra-romantic date night.

I also spotted Julianne Moore, Chloe Sevigny and Andie MacDowell in the crowd (as well as my fabulous former boss, Martha Nelson, who was dancing next to Colin), and nearly everyone was on their feet and cheering by the time Diana got around to "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough." The Donald, for one, remained in his seat but I could tell that he was getting into the groove. And Diana was feeling the (endless) love, except for a brief diva display when the special effects attempted to upstage her and she cracked: "I can’t sing with all this smoke! Really!"

But mostly, Miss Ross was all smiles—and when she shines that mega-watt grin your way, it’s impossible not to beam right back. Sadly, I couldn’t capture her performance with my digital camera because only professional photographers like Billy Farrell were allowed. I did snap this pic of me and Colin (with one hand, no less—can you tell?) but credit for all the others go to Patrick McMullan’s ace shutterbug-about-town.
-- James Patrick Herman