Umami of Nantucket | High Fashion on Low Beach

Sara Boyce

Nantucket is no stranger to fashion shows. But 20 professional models? A full length catwalk? Michael Kors, one of fashion's biggest icons? His 2014 Haute Couture collection? On Nantucket?  

For those of you who are not able to pop to Fashion Week in Milan or New York, you can head out to 'Sconset for the first annual High Fashion on Low Beach fundraiser for Theater Workshop of Nantucket (TWN). On August 15^th, Margaret and Gerald Vento are hosting an evening with a full runway fashion show featuring the Michael Kors fall line, a cocktail party, a pop-up retail store of Kors accessories, a live auction with spectacular packages and a dance party around the pool.  

Site of High Fashion on Low Beach (Photograph, Lisa Frey)

Born on Long Island in 1959, Michael Kors committed to fashion as a boy when he opened his first boutique, The Iron Butterfly, featuring the clothes he made in the basement of his family's Long Island home where he was raised. His talent and commitment have since made him a household name, earning accolades that include Out magazine's 2014 Power 50 List. Time Magazine listed Kors as one the 100 most influential people in the world in 2013. The New York Observer's list of the 100 Most Influential New Yorkers featured Kors in the fashion category. The Couture Council of The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology gave Kors the 2013 Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion. In 2010, Kors was the youngest person to receive the Council of Fashion Designers of America Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award. Kors also received the FiFi Award for Lifetime Achievement from The Fragrance Foundation.  

As a member of TWN's Advisory Council, I wondered how Margaret and Lisa are making this happen?"  

As Margaret explained, "The president of TWN, Joe Hale, brought me on the Board because he understood I had quite a lengthy fundraising background."  Margaret is practiced at creating high-end celebrity events, many in their homes in Palm Beach and Middleburg, Virginia. They have raised money for Rahm Emmanuel, President Obama's former Chief of Staff and now Mayor of Chicago, and together with Caroline Kennedy, the Ventos hosted the final fundraiser in President Obama's 2008 presidential campaign, which raised over $500,000. Margaret's orchestrated events for Planned Parenthood of Florida included Gloria Steinem, and Kid Sanctuary fundraisers featured Dr. Oz and Joan Rivers. 

Dr. Oz, Margaret & Gerald Vento (© Lucien Capehart Photography

Margaret and Gerald moved to Nantucket in 2010 from Palm Beach with their two children, after summering on the island for 10 years. The family spends time in Florence, Italy, which inspired Margaret to found and coordinate the first three annual Nantucket's Italian Food Festival and Family Fairs.  An attorney with a professional career in telecommunications, she is no stranger to a fast pace. Margaret is no longer practicing law and she jokes that her professional experience helps her to negotiate and plan events.  

So when Joe asked her to come up with a signature summer fundraiser for Theatre Workshop of Nantucket, Margaret didn't hesitate. 

Margaret and Lisa Soeder, fellow Board Member and Chairman of the Development Committee, have been working together to plan this event. Having spearheaded LunaFest (sold out for the last few years), Lisa was eager to create a second signature fundraiser for TWN, timed for the summer. She explained, "we wanted to make sure this was different from existing local fundraisers and be a theatrical show that brought beauty, fashion, food, music and our growing TWN community together at a beautiful home in 'Sconset." When Margaret mentioned she had hosted a private fashion show for Valentino and Graff Jewels and a separate fashion event for Wendy Pepper, a young, anonymous designer who turned out to be one of first candidates on Bravo's Project Runway, and suggested TWN produce a full-fledged fashion show, they decided to bring the concept to Nantucket and launched High Fashion on Low Beach.  

Margaret Vento and Lisa Soeder, in Margaret's backyard (Photograph, Lisa Frey)

Continued after this message . . .

Margaret said, "I have never been to a full professional runway fashion show on Nantucket. Certainly I've been to limited and informal fashion shows at someone's home on Nantucket, but not with 20 top professional fashion models.  I knew the best thing to do for an event like this was to work with someone I knew could do this and who is very professional. I approached Carol Kaufman, the Manager of the Michael Kors boutique in Palm Beach. As soon as I explained the long history of theater on Nantucket, and how Broadway actors historically came to 'Sconset to summer, she was on board." Soon Margaret was working with Jessica Salinger, who is the Director of Global Events, and Peter Panagiotopoulos, the VP of Retail, and Gerardo Figueroa, VP of Visual and Display.

Michael Kors

Margaret pointed out the similarities to theater.  "Fashion and theater are productions. They are dramatic. They put on a show." Lisa explained, "we brainstormed about a lot of events.  But once Margaret suggested the Fashion Show idea, we realized costuming ties into theater. She is a phenomenal organizer and had experience creating a party like this." 

Gabrielle Gould, TWN's Executive Director, reiterated the link between fashion and theatre when she said,  "Theatre Workshop is beyond thrilled to present High Fashion on Low Beach. One of the most important and often underestimated components of theater is the art of the costume; when costumes are done correctly, they are so organic that the audience may not realize the intricacies of how specific and complex costuming a show can be. This event is where theater meets runway and costumes meet couture. We are lucky enough to have an incredible duo in Margaret Vento and Lisa Soeder producing an event that supports what we do on stage with the art of high fashion. High Fashion on Low Beach arrives on the 2014 calendar as a must attend event that is fresh, sexy, and like nothing anyone has seen on Nantucket. In the midst of what is thus far TWN's best season ever, we cannot wait to sip champagne and raise a glass to Mr. Kors while enjoying a stunning evening supporting the island's public theater since 1956!"

And so began the year and a half of production planning.  Delighted with the reception that this event has received, Lisa explained, "The community is so generous. The sponsors came in fast and early.Without even soliciting organizations, as soon as people learned what we were doing, they started donating and supporting the event. Marco Coelho is donating sushi from Lola 41. Creekside Farms is donating all the meat. Sayle's is offering jumbo shrimp at wholesale". The Green is donating fruit and cheese and Mark and Eithne Yelle of Nantucket Catering Company are coordinating all the food and catering. Wine is being donated by Orbus Wine Selections. David M. Handy will create a candy bar at the pool party. 

As Margaret explained, "we will be seeing 50 different looks for men and women from the Fall 2014 Collection, which is Michael Kors' high end haute couture line.  The clothes are ready to wear and this year's collection features skins, leathers, and furs." There will be a pop-up store of Michael Kors accessories. "We thought that people wouldn't want to be trying on clothing while all dressed up, so we're featuring the easier cash and carry accessories."  She later explained that if anyone is interested in the looks featured during the fashion show, there will be one size in each dress size, available to try on backstage.  "This will be almost like walking into one of the largest stores in Chicago, Palm Beach, or Beverly Hills."  In fact, all of the managers of those stores will be coming to Nantucket.  

I was sure that a brand like Michael Kors would have these events regularly in destination resorts, but Margaret corrected me. "Oh no. They rarely do events like this.  Bringing a Michael Kors fashion show to Nantucket is a big deal.  That's why it has taken so long to plan this event."  In the beginning of discussions, TWN was planning to raise all the money to cover all the costs of hosting the event.  Michael Kors has since agreed to cover many of the costs of bringing the event to the island so more of the proceeds can be directed to TWN's operating budget. "We both understand the mutual benefit to this partnership.  TWN is bringing value to Michael Kors in the form of exposure and clients, and they are bringing a great event to this island." 

  

Geraldine Nager, a Sotheby's Vice President and auctioneer, is donating her time to serve as auctioneer for the six destination-oriented packages.  Margaret said, "we wanted all of the packages to be thematic.  In addition to packages to the US Open, Punta Mita, Mexico, Tuscany, St. Barth's, and an African Safari, there will be passes available to Fashion Week in New York City, both in September AND March.  We have crafted a full New York experience with tickets to Les Miserables, a day of beauty to Tiffany Kaljic's L'appartement Prive Salon, which is a beauty salon on 57^th Street and the lead sponsor.  Previously from Cannes, Tiffany does the hair of many celebrities, including Allison Williams' (daughter of Brian Williams) hair and make up when she appeared on the cover of Elle Magazine. Tiffany will be at the event to do the models' hair and makeup.  

Elisabeth English of currentVintage will help dress the models during the fashion show.  "I have been a fan of Michael Kors since his Celine days and I am beyond excited that we are welcoming fashion royalty on behalf of TWN!  As a member of the TWN Advisory Council and event sponsor, I am delighted that Margaret has come up with such an original and entertaining way to raise funds for the theatre.  TWN is a creative body and I think High Fashion on Low Beach is a fitting alternative to the standard benefit format. For me, the evening is a guaranteed marvelous time."

After the fashion show, there will be dance party with all the models.  Music will be provided by The AudioArchitechs. The event is expected to sell out at 250. Tickets include service by Cranberry Transportation, who will drive people to and from the event.  

Lisa explained, "Our desire is to make High Fashion on Low Beach an annual event with different designers each year.  The goal of our Events Committee has been to attract new friends and benefactors, raising funds for the TWN. We feel High Fashion on Low Beach will continue to move TWN in the direction we've been going, offering increasingly professional and polished productions."  

Now, the only question is what to wear to a fashion show on Nantucket?  

Friday, August 15^th, 2014 - 7 pm

Information and tickets at currentVintage 

http://highfashionlowbeach.com

*"Umami" is something the Japanese recognize as the 5th flavor, in addition to sweet, salty, sour, and bitter.  A nuanced word, one could define it as the "je ne sais quoi" that deepens flavor, the experience, and imparts satisfaction and sensory delight.  To me, it's "that which makes Nantucket special".

 

 

 

 

Sara Boyce came to Nantucket "for 3 weeks" after 9/11 and was seduced by the island's beauty and sense of community.  Creative and always up for a new project, she gets excited helping organizations, people, and events launch marketing plans so they can reach their fullest potential. Passionate about healthy living, delicious eating, and searching out "the extra flavor" of life, Sara writes about beauty, food, wine, and health for her blogwww.ADeliciousLifestyle.com.  Reach out at Sara@GreyLadyWines.com or look for her on the dance floor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dick Cavett, Caroline Rhea, Joe Scarborough, Mika Brzezinski, Peter Farrelly and Tom Cotter are among leading funny men and women from stage, screen and television who will visit Nantucket from Wednesday, July 16, through Saturday, July 20, for this summer's 7^th annual Nantucket Comedy Festival.

Individual event tickets go on sale Tuesday, July 1, for four days of standup performances, sit down chats and behind the scenes talks about how comedy happens. Proceeds benefit the festival's remarkable Stand Up & Learn educational program, which has helped hundreds of young people discover their creativity and practice the values of teamwork, collaboration and self-assuredness through comedy. 

Witty and erudite television pioneer Dick Cavett, noted for his early influence on the TV talk show format, will receive the festival's prized Man from Nantucket Award. Each summer, the award honors an influential comedian, writer or performer from the fields of journalism, film or comedy. Past honorees at the festival have includes a toast of Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara and awards to Don Gavin, Chris Matthews, Loretta LaRoche and Lewis Black. 

Other performances and events include "graduates" of Stand Up & Learn presenting stories and routines they developed in winter workshops, women's night with headliner Caroline Rhea, morning coffee sessions with women comics and comedy writers, an intimate conversation and dinner with Dick Cavett and Peter Farrelly in a private Nantucket home, a night with writers and some cast members of NBC's "Parks and Recreation," and the festival's popular "NY vs. Boston Comedy Smackdown," featuring a baseball theme with Bob Ley of ESPN as umpire and hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski of MSNBC's "Morning Joe." 

Dick Cavett at the 2013 Nantucket Comedy Festiva

Most performances take place at The Nantucket Dreamland Film and Performing Arts Center, with Saturday night's Comedy SmACKdown and presentation of the Man from Nantucket award to Cavett at Nantucket's new VFW.

Kevin Flynn, Executive Director of Nantucket Comedy Festival, returns to oversee festival events. As executive director of NCF, he is also lead teacher and supervising instructor for Stand Up & Learn. 

Since his breakthrough win at the Boston Comedy Riot in 1988, Flynn has entertained audiences for years with stand-up comedy performances at clubs and colleges across the country and around the world. He has performed regularly on Nantucket for more than two decades. Flynn has also appeared in comedy specials on NBC, MTV and A&E, and in films and television shows including "The Heartbreak Kid" with Ben Stiller; "Me, Myself and Irene," with Jim Carrey; and on HBO's "Sex and the City." 

Peter Farrelly

Flynn is a former captain of the University of Massachusetts soccer team who was named New England player of the year in 1983. He later played for the Major Indoor Soccer League in the U.S., the country's premier professional soccer league before Major League Soccer. Flynn has hosted soccer sportscasts for ABC, ESPN and Fox Sports, and has been host of cable television series on Discovery Channel, Travel Network and HGTV. His current radio show "Over the Ball," airs three times weekly on SiriusXM channel 94 and combines soccer news and analysis with comedy and entertainment. 

Patron passes, with access to all festival events including invitation-only gatherings with festival celebrities, at a cost of $1,500, may be purchased on the festival website along with individual event tickets ranging in price from $25 to $1,000. For complete schedules, information about festival performers and tickets, visit www.nantucketcomedyfestival.org.

Caroline Rhea

Support for Nantucket Comedy Festival and Stand Up & Learn comes from Nantucket Golf Club Foundation, The Dreamland Film and Performing Arts Center, Cape Air/Nantucket Airlines, The White Elephant Hotel on Nantucket, The Inquirer and Mirror and Nantucket Today, Tradewind Aviation, Cliff Lodge and Martin House, Cranberry Transportation, Cisco Brewers, and other businesses and individuals. ReMain Nantucket is lead sponsor of the 2013-2104 Stand Up & Learn series of Nantucket workshops, which so far has included over 100 students in just the past year.

Nantucket Comedy Festival supports and further develops the remarkable Stand Up & Learn educational program, designed to inspire creativity, collaboration and self-confidence in young participants through comedy and performance. Year-round workshops welcome kids from 8-18 to create and collaborate with fellow students then perform their routines for family and friends. NCF's workshops for kids have been held since 2009, in cooperation with public and private schools on Nantucket and elsewhere. 

A Stand Up & Learn workshop during the festival week will end with a performance by the students. "This isn't just about comedy," said Kevin Flynn, founding executive director of the festival. "It's about helping kids tap into their creativity and gain self-confidence."

For more information, latest performance schedules and festival admission, visit the Nantucket Comedy Festival and Stand Up & Learn website at www.nantucketcomedyfestival.org.

2014 Town of Nantucket Visitor Services 

Due to the potential impact of Tropical Storm Arthur on Nantucket, all of the events scheduled. 

All activity information is available in the 2014 Fourth of July Calendar of Events available at 25 Federal Street or by download. Follow Visitor Services on Twitter @nantucketbuzz #ACKfireworks. 

The decision to shoot off the fireworks on July 5th will be made by the Town of Nantucket's Emergency Personnel over the next few days as they get a better understanding of the projected path of Tropical Storm Arthur and how it might effect the Island. 

For more information, contact Kate Hamilton Pardee at 508-325-5396. 

The 4th of July reading of the Declaration of Independence with music by Bob and Diane Lehman will take place as scheduled at 9 am on the 4th at the Unitarian Church

Happy Fifth of July! 

Nantucket Film Festival Awards

Showtime Tony Cox Award for Best Screenwriting in a Feature FilmNathan and David Zellner's KUMIKO, THE TREASURE HUNTER

Showtime Tony Cox Award for Best Screenwriting in a Short Film

Bernardo Britto's YEARBOOK was honored as the .

Audience Award for Best Film
LAST DAYS IN VIETNAM by Rory Kennedy

Audience Award for Best Short

THE BRAVEST, THE BOLDEST by Moon Molson and Eric Fallen

Best Writer/Director presented by Vimeo

Richard Linklater, BOYHOOD  

Best Storytelling in a Documentary Feature

ACTRESS, directed by Robert Greene

Audience Award Best Film runner up
THE CASE AGAINST 8, directed by Ben Cotner and Ryan White

Vimeo award for Best Writer/Director
Richard Linklater for BOYHOOD

 Eighth annual Adrienne Shelley Excellence in Filmmaking Award

Diana Whitten for her film VESSEL

The festival previously announced that the winner of the Showtime Tony Cox Screenplay Competition for Feature Film was the screenplay EARLY PLUS INFINITY, by Clark Carroll. Short Screenplay was awarded to OPEN ROADS by Mimi Jeffries.  The Hour-Long TV Pilot award went to TOMORROWLAND by Jamie Mayer and the Half-Hour TV Pilot award, STIFFS by Stu Feldman.

 The Short Film jury awarded Best Short Film, presented by Fuzzrocket, to Bernardo Britto for his film YEARBOOK.

The Teen View Jury Award went to THE HYPERGLOT, directed by Michael Urie and written by Michael Levi Harris.

This year's festival hosted the sixth annual All-Star Comedy Roundtable presented by Ben Stiller.  Host Michael Ian Black interviewed Ben Stiller, Jenny Slate, Billy Eichner and John C Daly in the auditorium of Nantucket High School.

Comedian and former Daily Show writer and correspondent Wyatt Cenac hosted the Screenwriters Tribute Awards from the Siaconset Casino. 

Emmy and Academy Award winner Aaron Sorkin accepted the Screenwriting Tribute, which was given to him by actor Bradley Whitford. 

The Hollywood Reporter film reporter Tatiana Siegel presented the New Voices In Screenwriting Award to I ORIGINS director Mike Cahill. 

Steve James, director of LIFE ITSELF, accepted the A&E Special Achievement in Documentary Storytelling Award, presented to him by Marshall Fine, New York film critic and film writer.

Special guests who attended NFF 2014 included Festival co-founders Jill & Jonathan Burkhart, Mark Ruffalo, Rory Kennedy, Ben Stiller, Aaron Sorkin, Bradley Whitford, Rory Culkin, Michael Ian Black, Chris Matthews, Jenny Slate, Billy Eichner, Steve James, Fred Willard, EPIX CEO Mark Greenberg, Donick Cary, Ellar Coltrane, and many more.

Click on the calendar graphic above for the most complete and up to date listing of Nantucket arts and social events, updated daily when necessary. Bookmark this site for quick and easy access.

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