944

"Dominick Dunne with Elizabeth Taylor on the set of 'Ash Wednesday.'
Italy | 1973 Written by: Kira Coplin

"Street Life on the Sunset Strip"
Hollywood, Calif. | April 1968

Written by: Kira Coplin

"Joni Mitchell plays a song in Cass Elliot's backyard while David Crosby and Eric Clapton listen."
Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles | 1968
Written by: Kira Coplin

“Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly…”

Summer is the season that probably has the greatest impact on me. It's when I think about who I am, what I’m doing and whose lives I have had an impact on.

The world didn’t end recently, but if it did would you be able to look back and be proud of what you have accomplished? What would you do differently? Would you have spent more time with your family, married that girl when you were younger, visited a sick grandparent in the hospital more or had a few less shots of tequila that night?

So I looked back on my past 10 years since I completed college and made a list of what I did and the things I wish I didn’t. It's an ongoing list I am adding to each time I remember more, but thus far I have come to the realization I am incredibly blessed. I have an incredible family that is always there for me, I have great friends I can truly call friends and I have experienced more “once in a lifetime” opportunities than one person should. I probably take for granted the access to the world I live in, but when it's all said and done it's not reality. It's fun and great, but true happiness doesn’t come in the form of hanging with celebrities and being backstage. Sure, I have done some dumb things — really dumb. But those dumb things have helped me to grow into the person I am today and I have learned so much from my mistakes. Mistakes are beautiful if you truly understand why it was a mistake and act differently the second time when given the opportunity. Conversely, a mistake is tragic if you keep repeating it.

My last 10 years, I started a company out of a dollar and a dream. Literally, it was really a dollar — I had to find coins in the bottom of old couches. I had no clue where it would go or what it would be but I had a burning desire to be successful and I was incredibly passionate about the concept. It could’ve been a bag of dirt and it would have been amazing. The team around me had just as much belief and determination, which made us an an unstoppable force. That company then grew exponentially year over year, affording a lot of people to be a part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience as well as giving a platform to a special demographic that has had an influence on many businesses, places, people and talent. Many notable talents, whether they're musicians or actors, got their first feature or break in 944.

I even look back on how this crazy lady came to pitch us on how she was going to be a big star and wanted to use our office on Sunset Boulevard at the time to do a small concert. That night they used my office as her dressing room and I remember having an OCD attack about all the glitter and makeup all over my desk. She went out there and put on a really unusual concert in this crazy costume where everyone in the room was wondering and giving me those looks on why I produced this concert for a whack job and invited them. Honestly I even thought to myself that night, “WTF Marc, why do you always have to trust your intuition?” All she had was a dream, she was unproven and no one ever heard of her — but then I caught a glimpse of her eyes and I saw she wasn’t going to let anyone stop her from her dream. Those eyes belong to who we know now as Lady Gaga. There are hundreds of stories like these, some just as big and some not as public but with as much of an impact socially and on helping make the world a better place. These stories are memories for those involved and they can never be taken away (you all know who you are). So following the traditional Hollywood style, these memories and stories are getting pen to paper for a book about the life of 944. And since our memories sometimes leave out things, send us a tweet @marclotenberg to remind us how 944 has had an impact on your life — Whether being featured, inspired or how you met your sweetheart at one of our events.

Everyone always thought 944 was just one big party, but the true insiders knew it was an incredibly powerful brand that brought people's dreams to life and I am glad that over the last 10 years I have been able to be a facilitator of these dreams coming to fruition. Whether you’re a little monster or a little dreamer, never let anyone hold you back from following what you believe in.

Marc Lotenberg
Visionary/Fighter/Lover
teammarc@944.com
twitter.com/MarcLotenberg
facebook.com/MarcLotenberg Written by: Marc Lotenberg

"Faye Dunaway at breakfast, the morning after winning an Oscar for 'Network'."
Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills | March 29, 1977
Written by: Kira Coplin

"Poolside Gossip"
Desert House designed by Richard Neutra for Edgar Kaufman, Palm Springs | 1970
Written by: Kira Coplin

The newest member to the Gilt family, Gilt Taste launched today, much to the excitement of foodies across the nation. Gilt Taste offers members the opportunity to purchase the highest quality products along with providing authentic recipes (like spiced Porchini mushroom salt) and videos by chefs, artisans and farmers that will have even the most diehard anti-foodie's mouth watering.



www.gilttaste.com Written by: Erica Henderson

Roni Kosmal A.K.A. Nurse Roni explores the question: Can women get better with age? (And if so, how?)

Unfortunate circumstances recently reunited me with some friends from high school I had not seen in some 15 plus years. The untimely death of a classmate brought old faces together to talk, console, catch up, share in fond memories and update one another on marriages, jobs, children, etc... Reunions like these, although preferably under not-as-bleak premises, are always fascinating to me, as I have a particular interest in re-uniting with women I have not seen for long stretches of time. Due to the nature of my work (an aesthetic RN) I sometimes get buried in the false reality that every woman is fighting alongside me in the struggle against “premature aging”, and I forget that some women are truly embracing the idea of aging “gracefully” and “naturally”. Although seemingly petty at tragic times like this, when one should be soul searching about the blessings of a life un-cut, I can’t help but take stock and analyze the faces around me....an occupational hazard.

As I glance around the room, studying my former school mates, I take curious note, not in judgment, but simply as an observer, as to how age (in this case a mere 15 years) has treated the women around me. Some of my former classmates look distinctively “improved” from their high school years, the awkwardness of silly teenage trends far behind them, they are settled into their unique appearances as women. I find myself basking in the deep satisfaction I know they must feel having the ability to walk into a room filled with former boyfriends, “frenemies” and catty classmates knowing they have clearly captured the “last laugh”. These women display the confidence of an individual who has grown into her physique, mature sexuality and womanhood in a way that eludes the girls who had it handed to them easily as young teenagers. I find myself unable to take my eyes off of them, riding on the wave of pure satisfaction I know they must feel in possessing the secret as to why some of us truly get better with age.

And then there are the others...the ones whose shining moments as stand-out beauties clearly deserted them over a decade ago. The ones that I have to consciously tell myself not to appear shocked as I hug them “hello”, as their faces show weathering, tiredness and stress way beyond our 30-some years of age. “What happened to them?”, I find myself wondering. What happened to all of us? What is the deciding factor which determines whether we get better with age or not? Is it luck or conscience effort? Is it life circumstances or genetics? Do women have the potential to constantly and consistently improve with age, like wine? Or do we have an expiration date, like milk, that once passed, is irreversibly spoiled forever?

I have recently begun grappling with the phrase “aging gracefully”, trying desperately to understand what most women envision when stating their intent to do just this... I was recently stumped by a quote from actress Sarah Jessica Parker, a vocal critic of botox and plastic surgery, who said “I believe in aging gracefully - and of course, buying as many anti-aging creams as possible.” Huh? So, does SJP interpret “graceful” aging as purchasing anti-wrinkle creams that clearly aren’t delivering on their promise? Is this her knee-jerk, self-sacrificing protest to the over-done faces she sees around her? (To me, that makes as much sense as allowing oneself to become obese as a protest to the anorexic trend of body types in Hollywood.) When did “aging gracefully” come to mean a total and complete rejection of any methods of slowing the aging process, outside of over-priced, over-promising skin creams???

I guess my question is, “Where do we draw the line?” Is it possible for women to “age gracefully” with the aid of good, subtly executed cosmetic surgery? Or how about laser therapies, botox or chemical peels? I mean, if “aging gracefully” truly means embracing every last wrinkle, age spot and sagging jowl, then why even spend the money on ANY anti-aging products at all? Celebrate your wrinkles, like the rings on a great oak tree that tell the story of it’s owners life and years on the planet, right? And while we are at it, let’s celebrate the gray as well! Embrace your inner wise-woman and let the years of life shine through!!!

Not convinced yet? How ‘bout this...take a look at the recent pictures below of two former, world-famous screen sirens; Brigitte Bardot and Raquel Welch. Can you guess their age difference? No, they are not 20 years apart, as appearances would suggest...not even 10. Ms. Bardot (born in 1934) is a mere 6 years older then Ms. Welch (born in 1940). Now, which actress would you say is aging more “gracefully”???

I think what women are trying to imply when they talk about “aging gracefully” is actually a state-of-mind, rather then a physical reality (i.e. whether or not one accepts a little help from the medical community when it comes to staying youthful-looking.) The point of doing anything “gracefully”, aging or otherwise, is the WAY the act is carried out; subtly, delicately, without force or exaggeration. I believe that women who aspire to the ideal of “aging gracefully” embody the concept of compromise...receiving some subtle, expertly performed assistance from your doctor (or nurse!) when the time is right, with a chuckle of self-acceptance that you can’t put it all back to where it used to be when you were 21 (and who wants to anyway?) is a truer representation of graceful aging, then letting it all go without a fight, with the internal resignation that somehow “natural” = “superior”. Aging with grace and self-acceptance is a middle-of-the-road pathway that defines the mature, beautiful, sensual woman who has come into her own in her later years....She is done trying to be something she is not. She does it for herself, and no one else. She makes the best of what she has to work with, and that’s good enough for her. And because of it, all eyes are on her, and she knows it...in a good way.

The time we have on this planet is too short to beat ourselves up about whether or not we have approval or permission to do the things that help us feel better about ourselves. Human nature dictates our desire to appear aesthetically pleasing to those around us, and we shouldn’t be ashamed or embarrassed to pursue these needs in a careful and reasonable way. Enjoy what you have, laugh off what you don’t, and change what you are able to....gracefully.

Nurse Roni, RN, BSN
TheBadGirlofBotox.com
Pretty Girlz Med Spa, Beverly Hills

"Julie Christie Shopping for Groceries"
Malibu | 1968
Written by: Kira Coplin

A very special day is this Sunday, May 8: Mother’s Day. If your mom, wife or expecting-mom lives in the LA/OC area, give her the gift of luxury, tranquility and pampering she deserves. At Ona Spa, there are four discounted packages to choose from to make you and your mom smile.

Here are the four treatments (details for each treatment courtesy of OnaSpa.com):
The Classic Mom includes Ona’s Signature Blue Facial, eyebrow shaping and a Classic Manicure with an exfoliating hand treatment. Ona’s Signature Blue Facial is a wonderful 75-minute treat for dehydrated or sensitive skin. Using ingredients such as essential seaweed elements, marine elastin and collagen, sage and marjoram extracts, and blue chamomile, this facial will leave Mom’s skin feeling calm, hydrated, and nourished. The Classic Mom retails for $145 (a savings of $45).

The Mom and Me includes two side-by-side 65 minute Ona Smooth Massages, followed by two blowouts downstairs at Prive Salon. The Ona Smooth is the quintessential spa massage. The long, slow strokes of our full-body Swedish massage relax your tired, tension filled muscles, stimulate your circulation and leave you in utter bliss. The Mom and Me package retails for $294 (a savings of $80).

The Mama Mia is the ultimate gift for your mom. This package includes at Oxygen Facial, eyebrow shaping, an Ona Stoned Massage with Reflexology, and a Classic Manicure and Pedicure with exfoliating treatments for hands and feet. The Oxygen Facial is a detoxifying and oxygenating treatment combining a newly developed protein enzyme peel with an inhalation of oxygen, maximizing absorption of healing proteins and collagen through the skin. The Ona Stoned is an 80-minute massage that uses smooth heated basalt stones and therapeutic bindi oil to glide over your tired, sore muscles, achieving deep and soothing results without deep pressure. The Mama Mia package retails for $365 (a savings of $90).

The Mom To Be is the perfect gift for any woman in your life expecting a child. The Ona Mom is a soothing, full body massage that can be adapted to any stage of pregnancy. Eases aching back and leg muscles, improves circulation, and provides comfort during this time of change. The Mom To Be retails for $125 (a savings of $30).

7373 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles | 323.931.4442 | www.onaspa.com
Written by: Katie Pegler

"Legendary Country Western Tailor to the Stars - Nudie Cohn - in his Shop"
Los Angeles, Calif. | Circa 1970s Written by: Kira Coplin

Let's face it - there's nothing more fierce than a bold combo of black and gold to add polish to any outfit,day or night. We're not just talking about our jewelry, however - now you can let your inner five-year-old scream for joy while still sporting an edgy, big-girl manicure by coating black nails with a gold, glitter-y topcoat. Deborah Lippman (as seen above) and Sephora by O.P.I both make pretty sweet gold glitter coats for the digits that'll make your fresh coat of nail paint last for days. The end result is a gold-flecked, pyrite-y finish, and when layered on top of black creates an edgy, yet still wearable, manicure that'll take you from bleak, to chic.

Written by: Keira Rowland

A couple years ago, Brett Leve relentlessly approached me about joining something called Summit Series. A co-founder, Leve and his team have created a group that engages the world's most dynamic dreamers and doers through curated events and initiatives designed to make the world a better place. I had no clue what this Summit Series was nor do I think they do either yet, but the passion he exuded was electric. For a long time I made excuses on why I couldn’t go witness his dream he was pitching me on, but this April I went. Now I am hooked like a junkie on smack. Words can't explain the experience so I will skip it but if you are lucky enough to have Elliot (the other founder), Brett, Josh, Justin, Jeff or one of the other amazing people from Summit ever ask you to be part of their family just say yes, trust me. Girls and gays, the boys I named happen to all be young and good looking, but don’t say yes for that. Don’t ask to join either, it's an invite-only thing. If you should be there, they will know.

During my three-day Summit, I was lucky enough to listen, speak, inquire, challenge and occasionally party with the below who stood out most from the group.

Sir Richard Branson
Chairmen, Virgin Group
As the opening of the weekend, Branson discussed his vision and how taking risks are important because if you are scared of failure you can't be successful. Have you heard of Virgin Cola and Branson’s idea to take on Coca-Cola? It's always entertaining when number 254 on Forbes list of Richest People In The World tells you about their big fuck-ups. But it's even more inspiring when the same person announces he is launching Virgin Oceanic, where they are building the world's first submarine capable of taking a human to explore the depths of our planet. No one has been to the bottom of our planet but several people have walked on the moon. Scary thought.

Blake Mycoskie
Chief Shoe Giver, TOMS Shoes
You gotta like someone who lives on sailboat, but you must love someone who has given more than 1 million shoes to people in need. Blake’s entire outlook on life could be viewed as crazy or genius — I go with the latter. As he brought out a 7-foot-tall cardboard cylinder he told us, "The next one-for-one product is inside this mystery box, which will be opened on June 7. The truth is what’s inside this box is not nearly as important as what is represents. TOMS is no longer a shoe company, it's a one-for-one company."

Beth Comstock
CMO, GE
There is this small outfit called GE, it’s a 130-year-old advanced technology, services and finance company taking on the world's toughest challenges. Operating in more than 100 countries and employing about 300,000 people, Beth leads the company's organic growth. “Business needs to enact social change, not just for internal staff, but for the community,” she says. “It gives employees a sense of mission and purpose.” Just from seeing her commanding approach in speaking, it's easy to see how she has moved up as one of the most successful females in our time. She's married with two kids, yet still finds time to solve the largest problems we are faced with in global change. Ecomagination, a brilliant concept is what everyone should take a look at. While GE doesn’t need to do this, they realize they should, and its engaging their staff and public exponentially. ecomagination.com

Bob McKnight
CEO, Quiksilver
I grew up in NY during the Spicoli days thinking all surfers were just stoned and burnt. Wearing boardshorts and holding a beer, Bob chatted in a calm, cool and collected way about how he got started following his lifestyle and turning it into a billion-dollar business — and how he almost lost it all over a bad acquisition of Rossignol. Mistakes aside, he relentlessly persevered through the challenges in his quest to be the leading global youth apparel company. His views on “co-opetition” and why he is friends with the other brand owners who are competing with Quiksilver is how you can tell this is only the beginning for them. If you aren’t sure, check out the awesome retail space they have in NYC's Times Square next time. Guess this surfer showed me.

Gary Vaynerchuck
Founder, Vayner Media
The Tony Soprano of the children’s neighborhood lemonade stand business, Gary was probably the most entertaining of the bunch. From New York Times best-selling books like Crush It! to his new book The Thank You Economy, I am excited to see what the next 10 years brings Gary (maybe he will complete his dream of owning the NY Jets).

Shai Agassi
CEO, Better Place Electric Vehicles
TIME magazine named Shai one of the world’s 100 most influential people in 2009, and not just because he is Jewish, but because of his solution to free cars from oil. At $5/gallon to fill up my car these days I am hoping Shai succeeds in his vision as many countries have signed on, with Israel leading the movement.

If you Google, check these people out. If you Facebook, look them up. If you Tweet, follow them. But if you have time to do more than that online, well, that explains why you'll never be invited to the Summit Series.


Marc Lotenberg
Carnival Crusder/Dynamic Dreamer/Survivor of Coachella 2011
teammarc@944.com
twitter.com/MarcLotenberg
facebook.com/MarcLotenberg Written by: Marc Lotenberg

"Bettie Page on the Beach"
Los Angeles | Undated Written by: Kira Coplin

The San Francisco International Film Festival has been hosting swanky, sexy, chic events all week in celebration of the current generation’s version of folklore story telling: cinema. From indie documentary films, to narratives about having a gay father who comes out at age 75, the SF International Film Festival embraces a wide variety of films, actors and actresses alike, and caters to a diverse audience. This year’s opening night was hosted at the Castro Theatre, and featured a screening of the Mike Mill’s film “Beginners” last Thursday. After honoring Zoe Saldana and Clifton Collins Jr. at the Midnight Awards last Saturday, the SF International Film Festival will continue the festivities by honoring Terence Stamp with the Peter J. Owens Award. Having starred in 74 films over his 50 year-long career, Terence Stamp shows a huge range in the characters he is able to portray. Come join in the high-class, ritzy merriment on Friday April 29, at the historic, architecturally-gorgeous Castro Theatre to watch clips from some of Stamp’s most note-worthy performances, and listen to a Q&A session about his extensive acting career. This event will set you back a mere $25, and will give you an opportunity to dress up, and listen to a ground-breaking actor discuss the peaks and lulls of his cinematic career. The SFIFF will continue to host events and screen films until the 5th of May.

For information on An Evening with Terence Stamp click here: fest11.sffs.org/awards/terence_stamp.php

For more information on the SFIFF click here: www.sffs.org/sf-intl-film-festival.aspx Written by: Megan Youngblood