W Hotels Fashion Week Backstage Lounge

KLUM KORS AND MORE

2009-02-16T13:28:00.005-05:00

The one and only Heidi Klum popped by the backstage Lounge today to fix her tight tights just before strutting over to the Michael Kors show. A girl's gotta keep it together. Then just last night Rachel Bilson swung on in before the Max Azria show to chat it up with Joy Bryant.

LEGO MY JOY BRYANT

2009-02-16T12:06:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, Marc Jacobs' proteges Dee and Ricky checked in to the lounge, making their signature Lego pins for guests including Joy Bryant and Rufus Wainwright.

Who else stopped by? Michelle Tractenberg, Katherine McPhee and Julia Stiles were looking equally fab.

Snacking on Pop Burgers, hipster girl, Corey Kennedy came by before heading off to Erin Fetherston. A girl's gotta eat.

WHO LOVES THEIR LOUBOUTINS?

2009-02-16T11:53:00.004-05:00

Kelli Pickler was back in the Backstage Lounge, strutting her stuff in sky-high Christian Louboutin's before the Leila Rose show saying, "My feet hurt so bad and its not even 11AM!!" We feel your pain.

Have sip of something bubbly, take a load off, relax.

BLOOMING BEAUTIES STRIKE A POSE

2009-02-14T16:04:00.004-05:00

Phil Collins' wee one, Lily Collins strutted on backstage to the lounge this morning. Along with Daisy Lowe (catch the "blooming" reference now?) the lovely ladies both picked out bangles from W Hotels The Store in different colors and relaxed between shows.

BOWDEN AND BLOWOUTS BEFORE BCBG

2009-02-14T15:55:00.006-05:00

Lounging about in the Backstage Lounge, celebs and friends were kicking up their heels and mixing in mingling, getting ready for the BCBG.

Katrina Bowden from "30 Rock" came by to start the day off, away from the paparazzi lens. Who else? American Idol contestant Kellie Pickler slipped in, getting her blonde locks teased to please inside the lounge before the show began.

Olympic medalist Amanda Beard also relaxed in the lounge before the show, being congratulated by everyone for her amazing appearance in the Heart Red Truth show in the early a.m. A round of applause, if you please.

Who else? Stay tuned.

CUPCAKES AND COUTURE

2009-02-13T10:55:00.006-05:00

Who's mixing and mingling in the W Backstage Lounge? Former MTV VJ Damien Fahey and his adorable girlfriend Gracie Mercedes stopped by to get away from it all.

Who's got the munchies? Everyone was lounging about on the Chiasso furniture nibbling on decadent red velvet cupcakes from Billy's Bakery, washing it down with W's specialty breakfast bubbly, W Hearts Truth. With Veuve Cliquot champagne, raspberry puree, with a rose petal and a dusting of gold. Yum!

STRUT & STAY WITH THE CATWALK PACKAGE

2009-02-12T15:37:00.006-05:00

Where will you be Fashion Week? Glam out and be W Hotels' VIP guest at New York's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week with this season's exclusive Catwalk Package. What do you get?

- Go Trendsetting - Be the first to see this season's fashionable offerings with 2 invitations to a Mercedes Benz Fashion Week runway show
- Party - Hang out with "Who's Who" in the invitation- only exclusive backstage tour
- Live Large - A fabulous night in your Fantastic Suite
- Indulge - BLISS’s Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask
- Give Back - 10% of your VIP Catwalk package proceeds will benefit Dress for Success.

Ready to reserve it? Click here to find out more and get on the list.

W FASHION WEEK '09 COMING SOON

2009-01-08T11:20:00.006-05:00

Who's set for a new season of style? Stay tuned for the inside scoop of what's to come, and what's going on backstage at this season's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Bryant Park.

When: Feb. 13 - 20, 2009

What: Behind-the-scenes coverage of W Hotels' Backstage Lounge

Who: W Hotels and You!

WHO'S CELEBRATING A SPRING HANDBAG COLLECTION?

2008-09-10T11:42:00.008-04:00

Socialite and, of course, Thomas Jefferson ancestor, Tinsley Mortimer hosted a spectacular launch party in the W Backstage Lounge to show off her Samantha Thavasa Spring handbag collection.

Fellow fashionista and socialite Fabiola Beracasa was seen scooping up the accessories backstage along with one-third of The Misshapes, Leigh Lezark.

With funky, bright colors, party guests who grabbed on tight to the new designs are now prepared for a sunny season.

WHERE UMA AND JLO ARE VIP

2008-09-10T10:22:00.006-04:00

While waiting for the deliciously whimsical Spring Diane Von Furstenberg show, the likes of Uma Thurman, Jennifer Lopez, Rosario Dawson, Molly Sims and Maria Sharapova mixed and mingled at the W Backstage Lounge.

Sipping bubbly from Veuve Clicquot the stylish stars relaxed to DJ sounds and lounged about. Rosario looked sensational in her sunrise orange dress while Uma congratulated JLo on her two new tots. The two later joined Barry Diller and Eva Longoria at the show amidst a packed crowd. Lucky guy.

WHO'S LOUNGING OUT BACKSTAGE WITH W?

2008-09-09T16:22:00.012-04:00

What a weekend! Paparazzis a'plenty around Bryant Park, but no flashes found backstage at the W Fashion Week Lounge. Checking in for a little privacy, while staying posh, we've got your first list of W celeb sightings right here:

Donna Karen brought her fam along for the mayhem, her Mini-Me Gaby and grand-Mini-Mes. Emma Roberts stopped by for a while, flashing that winning smile, and probably doing a little detective work. Does she know how adorable she is? Maria Sharapova chilled out for a bit backstage before the Herva Ledger show and she was lookin' slammin' sporting a blue sequin detail dress.

Who else? We'll keep you posted...

SIPS AND CELEBUTANTE WITH RICHIE RICH

2008-09-09T16:11:00.005-04:00

Celebrating in style, fashion designer Richie Rich (Heatherette) rocked out with a poppin' party to release his new album, Celebutante. Bringing everyone under the tents along for the ride to sip bubbly and jam out to DJ beats, the W Fashion Week Backstage Lounge was packed with socialites and style mavens including the likes of the one and only Tinsley Mortimer.

LOHAN AND SAM LOUNGE BACKSTAGE

2008-09-09T15:34:00.009-04:00

Seriously, how cute are these two? The LoSam duo hid away backstage at the W Fashion Week Lounge this weekend to avoid the flashing lights, the paparazzi and the spotlight.

Sam stepped aside to let Linds shine in the spotlight wearing a Charlotte Ronson dress, of course. She looked simply lovely, and happily the way we remember her before the mess.

Completing the Ronson triade, music producer Mark Ronson brother of Charlotte and Samantha, DJed the music at the show.

WHO'S READY TO HAVE A LOOK AT THE LOUNGE?

2008-09-08T10:25:00.006-04:00

Fashion Week is officially in high gear with a whirlwind weekend of runway strutting, cocktail sipping and celeb buzzing. Here's a first peak at the W Backstage Lounge, which is now packed to the peak with VIPs. Stay tunes for the who's who...

WHAT'S THIS SEASON'S BACKSTAGE LOUNGE THEME?

2008-08-19T17:47:00.001-04:00

W Hotels has the premier backstage access to Fashion Week, fusing all that glitters through the looking glass. Our VIPs will be fully immersed into the pulse of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week as a living part of the W Fashion Week Lounge kaleidoscope. Step through the sparkling entrance reflecting images of the hottest new W Hotels worldwide, from the sweet Chilean hotspot, W Santiago to the panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf at W Doha. From reflective mirrors to sparkling lights to the global energy and style of this exclusive space, we’ve got insider access to backstage global glam.

The W Fashion Week Lounge is the place to sip cool cocktails, mix and mingle among the world’s fashion elite at the reflective bar or chilling out by the live DJ booth. Whatever you want, whenever you want it, W has its sights set on spectacular style.

Stick around for photo footage of the lounge.

WHO'S READY FOR FASHION WEEK?

2008-08-19T16:17:00.019-04:00

We're super excited about the upcoming Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week main event this September 5-12th. Once again, W Hotels will be hosting VIPs in its exclusive backstage lounge in Bryant Park, the ultimate scene to be seen. So what better way to get psyched for the big blow out then by watching the haute coverage from this past February's Fashion Week?

Tune in and check it out...

Stay tuned for this season's W Fashion Week blog... we've got your inside scoop.

Did you (over)hear that?

2008-02-07T10:52:00.000-05:00

We've overheard (ok, leaned in and blatantly listened) quite a few conversations from our favorite celebrity jet setters. We've even seen a few scandalous things. Here are a few more buzzworthy blurbs you might enjoy.

Anne Hathaway was seen popping a Pop Burger beside banker beau.

Sophie Bush was overheard talking up how she cast an absentee ballot to vote in Cali so she wouldn't miss a step (or strut) at Fashion Week. Good girl.

Jaime King was seen and heard in the Jet Set Lounge dressing chamber switching up her red tootsies to match the new ensemble.

Joss Stone was seen chatting it up with Fergie, Tinsley Mortimer and Brittney Murphy over Koi Sushi and Chambord.

Who ELSE is hanging out?

2008-02-06T17:06:00.000-05:00

At the W Jet Set Lounge, it's all celebs, all the time. Take a look at who else strutted their stilettos and couture over to hang out, have a sip (or eight) and jet set with us.

Candice Bushnell (probably basing her next novel on single women trying to find a date at the Jet Set Lounge)
Brooke Shields (looking post-baby-making fab... seriously, who's your trainer?)
Carrie Ann Inaba (Danced with the Stars, but more importantly was a Fly Girl)
Kim Raver (way to go, you)
Lydia Hearst (even more fab in person)
Nigel Barker (you can't tell, but he's holding a Pop Burger box... good call)
Perrey Reeves (doesn't she look like someone you'd stop and have a lovely chat with at the market?)
Brittany Murphy (where have you been all my life... love.)
Sigourney Weaver (still looking fab as ever. did you know her name is really Susan?)
Eric Dane (Finally, a guy.)
Joy Bryant (so sweet in person cause you know it's hard out here...)

Stay tuned for more sightings to come! You know there'll be some good ones.

Pompeo and Circumstance

2008-02-05T13:29:00.000-05:00

The object (or former object or wherever we are with that) of McDreamy's affection, Ellen Pompeo, has apparently been hitting the W Jet Set Lounge, and hard. The "Grey's Anatomy" superstar was seen with new hubby, Chris Ivery, backstage hiding out and gettin' glam with model/heiress Lydia Hearst in the Lounge's dressing room.

In other Pompeo news, the actress was also seen in the W Lounge enjoying a platter of Koi sushi. Whatever roe-s your boat!

Who's Hanging Out?

2008-02-05T11:18:00.000-05:00

The W Hotels Jet Set Lounge has certainly had its share of haute visitors, celeb sightings and fashionistas. For those we haven't mentioned just yet, a moment of silence:

Erin Daniels (L Word's Dana for those of you who cried when she died in season 3... tear)
Allison Janney (love to love you in Juno and everything else... Drop Dead Gorgeous anyone?)
Anne Hathaway (totally went to Vassar)
Ashley Olsen (still can't help but say "you got it dude". Sorry.)
Eliza Dushku (cause you gotta have Faith! no? anyone?)
Irina Pantaeva (supermodel, but more importantly Jade from Mortal Combat 2... awesome)
Lindsay Price (it's a jungle in here too)
Mandy Moore (adorable)
Milla Jovovich (hold the phone... omg... love you in everything)
Tyra Banks (what would Fashion Week be without you?)

Fashion Week Hide and Seek

2008-02-05T10:26:00.000-05:00

Word has it there have been some musical chairs at Fashion Week. Roping seats off for the famed, begging for a chair next to the famed and even avoiding each other by way of the W Jet Set Lounge. Don't get us wrong, we're certainly happy to host... but can't we all just get along?

Who's Ready to Scope the Lounge?

2008-02-04T15:43:00.000-05:00

You've heard: The VIP W Hotels Jet Set Lounge is the place to sip cool cocktails and break open a bubbly at our champagne bar, or nibble on favorites like Pop Burger’s mini-sliders. VIPs can also groove to DJ tracks while remixing and mingling on iPods preloaded with W’s Warmth Of Cool CD. The stylish “dressing portal” offers a secret spot to get glam while experiencing all our new global destinations have to offer through LG’s latest flat screen TVs. At the touch of a button, the screens transform into mirrors, ideal for a quick wardrobe change in between shows.

So what's it look like? Take a look at how the iconic style of W Hotels is WOW-ing at Fashion Week.

More backstage pictures to come!

R&B at the W

2008-02-04T13:05:00.000-05:00

Not everyone who graces the W Jet Set Backstage Lounge is fresh off the runway. Some of our fav celeb sightings are the sensationally soulful. From Christina Milian, former MTV VJ and singer/songwriter, to Amerie (scope her new Beyonce-esque Take Control video, yes, I said Beyonce), to triple-platinum-selling soul sweetheart, Joss Stone, R&B VIPs are lovin' the W Lounge.

Staying Alive and Blossoming?

2008-02-04T12:44:00.000-05:00

First she danced her leotard off in the totally 80's sequel of Saturday Night Fever, Staying Alive. Then, she was Blossom's long lost mom or something (which explains why she didn't know any better about the hat). And then, hit the soaps hard with roles in All My Children and General Hospital. But while many of Finola Hughes roles may have inspired us to reach for stardom (sans hat), nothing could've made our dreams come more alive than this picture of her and this W branded, purple spare pair of lacy bottoms. Whose are they? Hanky Panky. Who else.

Laura and Sophia Bush... No Relation

2008-02-04T11:54:00.000-05:00

Where else in the world, let alone the Fashion event of the season, would you find Laura Bush... yes, that Laura Bush, and Sophia Bush running with the same crowd? Kicking off the Fashion Week this weekend with style, sass and celeb sightings, who else but the W Hotels Jet Set Lounge could host such glorious extremes.

This is only the beginning... stay tuned for more fashion action right here.

LX.TV GOES BACKSTAGE WITH W HOTELS

2008-01-28T13:48:00.000-05:00

As we start counting down and tapping our stilettos to the upcoming Fashion Week, it's time to get set for what's to come backstage. W Hotels always has the VIP access to what's happening and what's WOW in Bryant Park.

Take a look back at last season as LX.TV sits down with our very own Ross Klein, President of Starwood's Luxury Brands Groups, who chats about New York's latest W Downtown Hotel and Residences, the inspiration behind Graft's design of the lounge and the global expansion of W Hotels. From Doha to South Beach, W has your ticket to the world.

The W Downtown Backstage Lounge, was the ultimate Fashion Week hideaway for celebs and designers like Gwen Steffani, Maya, Michael Kors and Heatherette. Get the inside scoop from this exclusive LX.TV video and start getting psyched for this season's main event.

Fashion Week - Spring '08 - STAY TUNED

2008-01-22T11:33:00.000-05:00

Fashion Week is back, and W Hotels is bringing you insider access backstage. Stay tuned for daily coverage of what's hot and happening in the W Jet Set Lounge for behind-the-scenes details of Fashion Week's "it" spot. We'll be there, will you?

Who's Hanging Out?

2007-09-11T15:44:00.000-04:00

Hanging Out:
Word has it socialite Tinsley Mortimer and Lisa Marie Presley were loungin' it up backstage at Fashion Week.

Not:
So we hear, music stars Carrie Underwood and Mya were at the lounging out but were not chatting it up. Why? Country music is like... Wo.

Also, former model Carol Alt was seen backstage without boytoy Islander Alexi Yashin, but on the arm of Blueshirt Henrik Lundqvist. Holy hockey sticks, Batman!

No one is hanging out with Snoopy. Not even Woodstock. Discuss.

Designer Dish

2007-09-10T12:10:00.000-04:00

The Lounge gave haven to more than just your every day, A-list superstar. Even the designers ducked in for a sip and a schmooze including Andrew Buckler and Renzo Rosso (pictured above with Demi and Ashton).

Celebrity Weekend Wrap-Up

2007-09-10T11:51:00.000-04:00

The W Downtown Backstage Lounge was a smash this weekend and A-listers were lining up to lounge and escape the crowds between shows. From singers to style mavens to question marks, check out who didn't miss out on Moet, mingling and more photo ops.

Celebrity Weekend Watch:

BETTE MIDLER (my mother would flip)
Jessica Simpson (someone's little sister would flip)
Michael Kors (pictured above: ladies man indeed)
Tinsley Mortimer (why are you famous?)
Jojo (hey yo)
Carrie Underwood (seriously, did you see that YouTube of Faith Hill? Awesome.)
Richie Rich (back away from the Moet)
Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher (where's Bruce?)
Carmen Electra (ooohhhh, shiny!)
Maria Sharapova (Shaaawing)
Lisa Edelstein (Happy New Year!)
Nigel Barker (only ANTM panelist sans lipstick)
Bijou Phillips (loved you in Pancho's Pizza)

Our Favorite Secretary

2007-09-07T16:31:00.000-04:00

Wash down that Puma with a tall glass of Gyllenhaal, Maggie that is. The super, super, super star graced the W Downtown Backstage Lounge with her Golden Globe-nominated self.

Nice bag, nice style, nice smile... and despite her sneaky sunglasses, we made her disguise. You're no James Bond, but we love you Maggie.

Take a Taste of Puma

2007-09-07T16:24:00.001-04:00

Who doesn't love Puma? The aforementioned Mongolian Shoe BBQ is quite the hot item at the W Downtown Backstage Lounge. Gwen's tiny Tim Kingston wants his own pair, or two. How 'bout you?

Have a look.

Who Wants to See the Lounge?

2007-09-07T15:57:00.000-04:00

Not all of us have VIP access to the W Downtown Backstage Lounge. Heck, most of us are getting our Fashion Week fill down the street from Bryant Park, off the telly, or from this blog. To give you a taste of W style ala Fashion Week, check out where the celebs are hanging out before, after and between the main events.

What's that you see? Yes, those are Jonathan Adler pillows, copies of CITY Magazine, a bar featuring single-serve Moet champagne, and a caboodle of flat screen plazma TVs. The Lounge gives its guests a taste of what's to come when the W Downtown breaks ground. And for you desginers at heart, that interior is Graft's handy work.

Wooing Celebs at the W Downtown

2007-09-06T15:00:00.000-04:00

Wanna know who's been sighted at the W Downtown Backstage Lounge? The Lounge is already a-buzz with celebrity A-listers, fashion front runners and even Snoopy.

The Who's Who:

Terry Hatcher (not desperate)
Mya (grogeous, gorgeous, gorgeous)
Sarah Michelle Gellar (only the best intentions, we're sure)
Sophia Bush (who, by the way, is lovely in person)
Eve (Eve.)
Gwen Stefani and the royal family (Gwen and fam.)
Britney Snow (what was she in again?)
Alek Wek (utterly memorable)
and Nicole Miller (something tells us she knows her way around)

Stay tuned for more celeb sightings...

Gwen Stefani Gets Glam Backstage

2007-09-06T09:37:00.000-04:00

Superstar, fashion-tastic, you-wish-you-knew-her Gwen Stefani and her royal family made an appearance at the W Downtown Backstage Lounge yesterday afternoon right before her little L.A.M.B. hit the runway. The Gavin girl gave interviews in the lounge with the likes of Extra, E! and Full Frontal.

While the fam was lounging about, Prince Kingston eyed Puma's new Mongolian Shoe BBQ featured in the W Lounge. The shoe, with its tray version developed exclusively for W Hotels, is encased in a Lucite box with a faux BBQ flame below it. Hot!

Lounge Out with a Pop Burger

2007-09-05T15:49:00.000-04:00

We know it's hard to peel yourself out of your front row seat to grab a bite to eat. Being a fashionista is a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it. Well, if you make your way to the W Downtown Backstage Lounge starting Friday, you won't find celery sticks, but you will get your fill of Roy Liebenthal's funky fast-food goodies from Pop Burger. Get your Pop Burgers with cheese, if you please.

Fashion Week is Here!

2007-09-04T10:05:00.000-04:00

Still don't have tickets to the big show? Here's your last chance to experience the hottest fashion show of the year.

Reserve your VIP access to the W Downtown Backstage Lounge, get tickets to a fashion show, score blissfully yours Bliss products, and say WOW in your W Hotels suite with the W Hotels Catwalk Package. Love Lacoste? Dig Diesel? Mad about MaxAzria? We've got your seats (and your cocktails).

Who was hanging out with W last year? Kanye West, Roger Federer, Eva Mendes, Paris and Nicki Hilton hit the Lounge at the last Fashion Week, just to name a few.

Stay tuned to find out who's VIP at the W Downtown Backstage Lounge all week long.

Wife or daughter?

2006-09-24T14:37:00.000-04:00

The question on everyone's mind was whether or not she was Billy Joel's wife or daughter. After a papparazzi finally shouted out the question to the two ladies a disgusted look verified, Mrs. Joel it was.

Heatherette Party

2006-09-24T14:16:00.000-04:00

After Mena strutted down the Heatherette catwalk she strutted right into the W Lounge. With her breakdancing boyfriend at her side, they danced up a storm while Tinsley and her friends sipped champagne watching the party.

Club kids, socialties and celebrities...a mixture only Heatherette could bring together to play.

We Love Betsey!

2006-09-18T23:32:00.000-04:00

Two things are certain every season Betsey will close her show with a signature cartwheel and she'll be back in the W Hotels VIP Lounge after the show.

Season after season the party continues post-show in the W lounge where Miss Johnson catches the first replay of her show on the lounge plasma. Complete with her new grandchild in tow, Betsey toasts to another successful season.

The Hiltons Love W Hotels Lounge

2006-09-12T12:04:00.000-04:00

The Hilton's love W Hotels VIP Backstage Lounge!

Paris thinks it's "Way Cute" ....

Who's Out and About?

2006-09-12T11:24:00.000-04:00

Who's been knocking on our door? Kanye West, Roger Federer, Eva Mendes, Paris and Nicki Hilton....and of course Ms. Anna Wintour

VIP Backstage Lounge

2006-09-12T10:49:00.000-04:00

When Miss Sims sits front row at DVF she only gets a dress...but at the Backstage at W Hotels VIP Lounge she gets a robe.

With the support of Fashion Targets Breast Cancer and the CFDA 29 top designers including DVF, Michael Kors, Carolina Herrera among others, redesigned the signature W bathrobe for auction. All proceeds from the sale of the one of a kind robes will go toward the fight against breast cancer.

See a sneak preview of the designer robes in the front lobby at Fashion Week tents or visit Robes To Recovery

Waterbeds and Stilettos don't mix....

2006-09-10T11:22:00.000-04:00

The top editors came out from the pages of their fashion magazines and headed to the tents for a busy Saturday at Fashion Week.

Kelly Killoren Bensimon came into the W lounge to hang out and when she sat on our W waterbed she jumped off in fear that her red stilleto heals might pop it. I don't know what was more expensive..her stiletto or our waterbed.

Like the Living Rooms of the hotels we have great books lying around. Kelly happliy noticed her book, The Bikini Book, on our coffee table and signed it! Nothing like an impromptu W Happenings book signing backstage!

VIP Backstage Lounge

2006-09-10T10:38:00.000-04:00

The W Hotels Backstage Lounge looked like the offices of FORD Models. It all began when the Lacoste show started late and all the models snuck out into the W lounge. They came in and relaxed while dressed in the latest from the Lacoste season. Guests enjoyed a sneak pre-catwalk preview. Disaster struck when a model's shirt came to close to the chocolate cupcakes. All was okay in the end as chocolate comes out of a white shirt with a combo of soda water mixed with a few tears.

The Robes to Recovery

2006-09-10T10:26:00.000-04:00

www.whotels.com/robestorecovery

VIP Backstage Lounge

2006-09-10T08:29:00.000-04:00

The W Hotels Backstage Lounge was the place to be and be seen on Friday night...Who needs to go to Bungalow when W Hotels takes over? Courney Cox and her hubby causally relaxed in between interviews while actress Sophia Bush had to take cover on a banquette to avoid the blinding papparazzi camera flashes. Moments later Sophia was met by Kimora Lee Simmons and 50 cent who stopped in for a pre-show cocktail...

All guests are VIP's in the W Hotels lounge, so a last minute wish for ice cream was granted in our signature Whatever/Whenever style by our favorite chocolatier Vosges moments before the Baby Phat show began. I don't know what could be better in life than eating icecream and watching a live feed of Fashion Week from the comforts of the W Hotels Lounge.

A great start to an exciting week ahead...