Partyhopper

Somehow the thought of attending the Oscars never seemed very fun to me—sure it's glamourous, but why get stuck in tux for four hours when you could be lounging on the couch in your pajamas, marveling at the fashion miscalculations of nominees while eating pizza and sipping margaritas? But I was thrilled to get an invite to the National Board of Review Awards, which were a total blast! In fact, this lively affair reminded me of the Golden Globes, partly because dinner and drinks were served—after all, it was held at Cipriani 42nd Street. And there was certainly no shortage of A-listers (Denzel!), legends (Bacall!) or glamour: Stars such as Kate Winslet and Jennifer Garner rocked gorgeous gowns accessorized by Bulgari diamonds, and only artist-turned-director Julian Schnabel opted to dress down in what looked like sweatpants from American Apparel.

James & Veronica Bulgari
Photo: Patrick McMullan

Thanks to Bulgari, which sponsored this elegant evening, I had a prime seat at a table right in front of the stage, so the likes of Julianne Moore and Julie Christie were constantly squeezing past my chair en route to the podium. To put things in perspective: Kate Winslet, Josh Brolin and Javier Bardem were all at the table BEHIND mine. I had the pleasure of sitting in between Mark Ronson's hilarious mother, Ann Dexter-Jones, and mommy-to-be Veronica Bulgari (who knows as much about film as jewelry) and her husband Stephan Haimo. My table also included Ilaria Bulgari and the company's U.S. president, Francois Kress. Even Nicola Bulgari stopped by to say hi to me before he presented the Bulgari awards for NBR Freedom of Expression—this close-knit family really knows how to make you feel at home. (Like the National Board of Review, which has been around for 99 years, Bulgari has an impressively long Hollywood history that dates back to the days of La Dolce Vita.)

Photo: Jason Kempin/ WireImage

Clearly this was night to celebrate serious film—and causes (after all, the NBR was originally created to protest censorship and this organization supports charity as well as the movies by offering non-profit educational programs)—but the mood was as fun as one would expect when the top stars in the entertainment industry get together for an untelevised party. Susan Sarandon plugged her upcoming blockbuster Speed Racer ("Coming to a theater near you May 6th!" when she introduced costar Emile Hirsch, a.k.a. Speed). Tilda Swinton said of her Michael Clayton costar and former caped crusader Clooney: "For me, you will always be the rubberiest Batman in the cave." (I'm not sure what this means but still I totally agree.) “Bro-mance” was also in the air, what with Casey and Ben Affleck both being honored (the former for his performance in that Jesse James movie with the super-long title; the latter for his directorial debut, Gone Baby Gone) as well as the Coen Brothers. And there was lots playful bro-style teasing on display: George Clooney kissed a portrait of Michael Douglas (the night's career achievement honoree) and Josh Brolin kidded No Counry for Old Men costar Javier Bardem about his really bad-hair day in their movie. In a word—as the NBR's breakthrough performance winner Ellen Page would say—this party was "awesome!" Or, to quote Lauren Bacall: "It's a great treat for me to be here tonight." I felt the same way.

Photo: Jason Kempin/ WireImage

Granted, Clooney joked about the length of the show ("I was an ingenue when I got here earlier") but I never wanted it to end—and I wasn't the only one. Stars usually bolt for their idling cars once an event ends, but as I congratulated NBR president Annie Schulhof along with Bulgari's Francesca Leoni and Rory Hermelee, I couldn't help but notice Julianne Moore chatting with Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin hugging Julian Schnabel and Tilda Swinton making off with an armload of DVDs that included Ratatouille. The cinema-themed table centerpieces consisted of DVDS, screenplays, novels that had inspired movies and Bulgari's coffee table tome—which is now proudly displayed on my desk at the office. But wait, there's more: A goodie bag that contained Bulgair's new men's fragrance made me feel classy even as I hailed a taxi home to Queens (no stretch limos for this Partyhopper).

Be sure to check out our exclusive coverage of the NBR Awards the upcoming March issue of In Style!

-- James Patrick Herman

My most recent trip to Sundance began at the glamour-challenged (and freezing!) Park City Racquet Club, where my Adidas-clad feet went numb as I eagerly awaited the arrival of Sunshine Cleaning costars Emily Blunt and Mary Lynn Rajskub. Fortunately, they were both worth the wait—as well as the risk of frostbite. Even though the actresses were being rushed inside the theater by Sundance reps, Emily and Mary Lynn both kindly paused to answer my question about their respective Sundance style advice. After all, Emily clearly felt my pain: "I can't feel my feet," she realized as she set foot on the red carpet (actually, it was gray). "Dress warm and don't forget to wear your socks," Emily advised me. Mary Lynn offered an even better tip: "A snowsuit by Chanel" was her suggestion for keeping warm while looking cool.

Chilly costars of Sunshine Cleaning, Emily Blunt and Mary Lynn Rajskub
Photo: Thos Robinson/Getty

Last year, I ended my visit to Sundance with its annual awards show at the Racquet Club, where I was thrilled to meet the film festival's jury member Sarah Polley, one of my favorite actresses (do yourself a favor and check out Go, My Life Without Me and The Sweet Hereafter if you're not familiar with her amazing work). Sarah has just been Oscar-nominated for the screenplay to her film Away from Her, which she also directed. She is quite the multi-tasker, that Sarah! She also succeed in casting Julie Christie, who has little interest in acting these days but made a rare exception because of their friendship. How cool is that?

James and Oscar nominee Sarah Polley
Photo: Mark A. Neston

Julie is "a fashion icon" as fans of the movie Darling and Tyra Banks would say. It was beyond thrilling for me to see Julie and other legends up close when they squeezed past my chair to take the stage at the Bulgari-sponsored National Board of Review Awards last week. But that's another story—and one that I have been saving for after the announcement of Oscar noms.

-- James Patrick Herman

At last year’s Sundance Film Festival, I spent my days watching four or five movies back-to-back and meeting talented newcomers like Jess Weixler, star of the feminist horror flick Teeth, which recently had its New York City premiere.

James and breakout star Jess Weixler at last year's Sundance Awards.
Photo: Mark A. Neston

But during my latest visit to Parka City (or should I say Paris City?), it was all about the nightlife for PartyHopper—and, of course, Ms. Hilton, who seemed to be everywhere except for, well, film screenings. On Sunday afternoon as I was exiting the MySpace Café—my new favorite hangout on Main Street—and making my way to Marc Ecko’s Alice in Wonderland-theme condo party with Adrian Grenier (more on that later), I couldn’t help but notice Kim Kardashian getting chased by dozens of fans and paparazzi up a flight of stairs. Kim looked more excited than freaked out as she approached me, and she paused long enough to share her Sundance must-have with me: "A cute coat—anything that’s puffy and furry!" Kim said.

Moments later, Paris Hilton made a rare daytime appearance running up the same staircase as an even bigger mob of crazed fans and photographers followed in hot pursuit. Paris was rocking a white puffy coat (she and Kim clearly see eye-to-eye on the subject of Sundance style, at least), a pink hat and matching oversized shades—and she was laughing her head off as she dashed past me and through the doors of the MySpace Café, where she had a chance to catch her breath during a photo-op with my fellow blogger Perez Hilton.

   
Photos: Seth Browernick/ Red Eye Productions

Granted, I didn’t get a picture with Paris for my blog because she was in such a rush, but I did hear a story about her late-night visit to the Park City outpost of L.A. club Hyde, which is just as priceless: My friends recalled how the crowd went wild as soon as Paris climbed up and danced atop a banquette as the DJ spun —what else?—Britney’s "Gimme More."

-- James Patrick Herman

I may have returned to work, but I can't seem to stop thinking about my vacation in Brazil--especially when I'm dreaming. I remember a dreadlocked musician in Bahia teaching me the three most important Portuguese phrases: "obrigado" (thank you), "quanto custa" (how much) and "onde festa?" (where's the party?) Well, I am pleased to report that after only two weeks of traveling throughout Brazil, I managed to find the best party: It's at the Fazenda de Lagoa, an eco-chic resort that borders a rainforest and a sparkling lagoon with the freshest water I’ve ever had the pleasure of diving into.

The eco-chic restaurant and bar at Fazenda da Lagoa

And this party is all about the hostess: A noted artist, fashion designer and surfer girl named Mucki, who owns the place with her husband Arthur, who looks like a Brazilian movie star. The key to any fabulous fiesta is, of course, the guest list, and every time that I dined at Mucki and Arthur's table, I would find myself in the company of people like a famed interior designer from Portugal, the editor of Casa Vogue and one of Richard Gere's ex-girlfriends.

   
Mucki's boho-hip boutique

"Valentino is coming after he goes to Rio for Carnaval," Mucki told me. The legendary designer has stayed here before, and so has his fabulous right-hand man, Carlos Souza, who checked out the day before I arrived. Mucki is the type of woman who attracts fabulous friends. She always has that life-of-the-party energy, even when it was just the two of us paddling on our surfboards or trekking through the rainforest (glamour girl that she is, she has no qualms about kicking off her Havaianas and walking through a mud pit).

James & Mucki hit the beach—all 7 miles of it!

I also adored the hotel's manager, Markos, who would kindly interrupt my oblivious sun-worshipping to fill me in on news of global importance. Like, for instance: "Gisele just arrived in Brazil for Rio Fashion Week!" he’d exclaim, prompting me to jump out of the hammock and dash to the hotel's office, where I could do a quick Google search for the supermodel.

James & Mucki take a walk on the wild side—the rainforest.

I had my trip to the Fazado arranged by a Swiss travel agent named Susy who told me that she first came to Bahia on a whim over 20 years ago--and she never left. When I asked why, she said simply: "It’s so nice!" Well, I have to agree with Susy (and Valentino). Bahia may be an ultra-chill destination, but in it's own charming way, it definitely rocks!

-- James Patrick Herman

James takes a dip.

You can read more about Brazil and other jet-set getaways in our new February issue.

Surfs up for PartyHopper.

Well, at least the fashion designers aren’t on strike. L.A. may have been deprived of the usual Golden Globes glitz this weekend, but there was no lack of glamour in Milan on Saturday. 

Donatella Versace, Jay-Z, Beyonce and Kelly Rowland

When Donatella Versace unveiled the Versace Men’s collection for fall, her fashion show attracted two-thirds of Destiny’s Child, Jay-Z, actor Dominic Cooper, a few sexy Italian soccer stars and English DJs the Queens of Noize. Here’s more good news for lovers of style and celebrities: New York Fashion Week is only two weeks away!

-- James Patrick Herman

Donatella and Dominic Cooper
Photos courtesy of Versace

The supercool Unique hotel in Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is a place where the skyline seems to go on forever and ever. And then some. In comparison—at least after viewing the South American city from the rooftop restaurant of the ultramodern and aptly named Unique hotel, with a constant flurry of sleek black helicopters buzzing overhead—Manhattan seems, well, small.

Sao Paolo as seen from the Unique's signature circular windows.

And as you can see in the above photos, the Unique seems pretty big by boutique hotel standards: The windows are actually perfectly round portholes; coupled with the boat-inspired design, the overall effect makes you feel like you’re a passenger aboard some impossibly hip cruise line.

A view from the rooftop pool and restaurant

And there is, in fact, water down below (as well as above): A sub-level pool that can only be accessed via a huge water slide. It’s an aggressively playful touch—and a total blast. I’ve found that the ideal way to prepare for a nine-plus hour flight from Sao Paulo to JFK is to indulge in a little nightswimming, doing the backstroke while listening to Roxy Music (the pool features underwater speakers, natch). Another perfectly “Unique” touch: The pool features a pair of hydro-therapy massage chairs.

James kicks back in the lobby.
Photos: Mark A. Neston

Needless to say that after a night at this hotel—where stars such as Madonna have checked in and during my visit, I happened to be right next door to photogenic Top Chef vet Sam Talbot—my return trip to New York City went just swimmingly!

-- James Patrick Herman

The Golden Globes may have been canceled but fortunately the musicians aren't on strike—and the Grammys are only a month away! Two nights before the music industry's biggest night, Aretha Franklin will be honored as the 2008 MusiCares Person of the Year, and the list of stars who will literally be singing her praises includes John Legend, Robin Thicke, Fantasia, Lil' Mama and Faith Hill.

Photo: Mark A. Neston

When In Style united Aretha and her super-fan Faith for a photo in our annual music issue a few years ago—after the country superstar chose the Queen of Soul as her musical idol—I remember Faith telling me how much Aretha has inspired her. And, of course, she's hardly alone. I recently saw Aretha perform at a benefit for UNICEF as part of a double bill with George Michael and she brought the house down. When midnight came (and went), she was still belting out hits like "R.E.S.P.E.C.T." and "Freeway of Love," so I hope the MusiCares crowd is prepared for a late night. Somehow, I think they can handle it: Grammys week in L.A. rivals Carnaval in Rio as far as late and wild nights go!

-- James Patrick Herman

Congratulations to Fergie and Josh Duhamel on their engagement! Yes, I have been keeping up with the celebrity blogs while on holiday in Brazil--on those rare occasions when I manage to find an Internet cafe, it provides some much needed shade from the blazing South American sun. I interviewed Fergie before I left for my vacation and she was telling me what it was like for her to go to the Golden Globes as "Josh´s date." That´s an envious role to play, for sure, and now the Dutchess can proudly proclaim herself "Josh`s fiancee." (So after the wedding, can we refer to Josh as "Mr. Dutchess"?)

I've been thinking a lot about Josh Duhamel lately because I recently watched his super-gory horror movie Turistas in which he portrays a fun-loving American on holiday with friends in Brazil--and some of them lose much more than their passports (kidneys, livers, you get my drift). Unlike Josh´s unfortunate costars, this party-hopping tourista plans to return to New York City with all of his organs in tact. Granted, though, I can certainly relate to the urge to leave one´s heart in Brazil.

-- James Patrick Herman

I have left Salvador behind, and I am pleased to report that the only real danger I ever encountered in that big Brazilian city was bad shrimp in a pot of seafood stew--now I am only two more food poisonings away from my goal weight! Suffice to say, I will not be rocking a Speedo on this trip.

James on the beach in Salvador
Photo: Mark A. Neston

My friend and travel guru Nathaniel Waring advised me to visit my current location, a boho-chic beach town called Trancoso that is known as the St. Tropez of South America, according to the owner of my pousada. Here the primarily Brazilian touristas tend to dress down--way down--even for dinner. As in, no shirt, no shoes, no worries! Fortunately, everyone looks better (semi-) naked--it is just like a Mario Testino photo come to life.

Bebel Gilberto
Photo: Philippe Kliot

On my flight to Trancoso, the plane's speakers played the chilled-out tropicalia of Brazilian chanteuse Bebel Gilberto, who swung by In Style's New York office for a meet and greet last winter. I remember Bebel telling me that I would absolutely love Bahia--and she was right!

-- James Patrick Herman

While it killed me to miss recent celeb parties like, say, the opening of Sin City's new CatHouse (meow!), I'm having a blast in Bahia celebrating New Year's Eve with, oh, about a million or so fun-loving locals. In case you haven't heard: No one parties like the Brazilians (sorry, Vegas). It's currently past 2 A.M. in Salvador and the caipirinha-inspired scene on the beach—imagine a tropical Times Square with a far sexier crowd—shows no sign of slowing down. Especially if headdress-sporting singer Carlinhos Brown has anything to say about it. And he does: After all, this musical superstar represents the sound of Salvador, and thousands of fans are gyrating to his unique fusion of Afro-Brazilian rhythms and pop ambition.

Salvadorenos celebrate on New Year's Eve

As Brown continues to rock out following a massive firework display that welcomed in 2008, sweaty celebrants gravitate from the makeshift dancefloor of the streets to cool off in the ocean, where some bold exhibitionists have stripped down to their skivvies and plunged into the ocean surrounded by a sea of white flowers. Bahia is known as a magical place, and it more than lives up to its rep on this unforgettable night. Granted, it's not nearly as safe as Disney-fied Times Square these days: My hotel's receptionist warned me that getting pickpocketed was one potential downside to all the fun—getting mugged was another. But as someone who misses the element of danger that used to shadow New York nightlife, Salvador's edgy vibe only added to the excitement.

Brazilian superstar Carlinhos Brown

PartyHopper wishes you a great 2008! How did you ring in the New Year?

One of Brown's stylish backup singers
Photos: Mark A. Neston
-- James Patrick Herman