Moda Operandi Hosts Party to Celebrate Derek Blasberg's Very Classy Launch

Our friend, writer, author, man about town, and boyfriend to our other friend Lyle Maltz, Derek Blasberg wrote the indispensible bestselling style and etiquette guide, CLASSY which made the 2010 New York Times bestseller list. Now he has done it again, this time suggesting we keep it VERY CLASSY a part two guide to every ladies style and etiquette needs, tailor-made to address the challenges facing today’s young women. Derek is both intelligent and hilarious, we have yet to read the book but of course its next up for us and we were excited when he once again did a little fete here in our hometown of Los Angeles and of course the revamped Hotel Bel Air.

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A true visionary, TOMS Creator Blake Mycoskie makes the world a better place with his fashion. Photo Credit: Steve Garcia

TOMS, the shoe brand known for its One for One motto, launched its new line of footwear inspired by the late social activist Dan Eldon. Both TOMS and Eldon’s stories are incredible which is why it makes sense the worlds have collided. TOMS, which is based in LA, manufactures shoes with a purpose; for each pair of shoes purchased, a pair of shoes is given to a child in need in countries in South America, Africa, and even parts of the U.S. This launch party, held at their new gallery space at Space 15 Twenty in Hollywood was an event filled with great food, celebrities, inspirational speakers, and of course, shoes.

A pregnant Selma Blair got her hands dirty for a good cause with her boyfriend, fashion designer Jason Bleick. Photo Credit: Steve Garcia

Actor David Arquette, TV chef Curtis Stone, and actress Selma Blair were among Hollywood’s hottest to attend the event that featured amazing food catered by LA’s famous Umami Burger.

A pregnant Selma Blair got her hands dirty to support the company with boyfriend Jason Bleick. Photo Credit: Steven Garcia

Dan Eldon’s mother Kathy and sister Ann spoke about the inspirational life Dan lived and the way his life has impacted so many people and will continue to do so.

Dan Eldon's sister Amy and mother Kathy, spoke to honor their beloved brother and son. Photo Credit: Steven Garcia

Dan Eldon was a social activist and photographer in the 1990′s, he was brutally stoned to death at age 23 while shooting meaningful photos in a dangerous city in Africa. This new TOMS line features shoes inspired by Africa, Dan’s photographs, and his journal that kept amazing stories about his journey.

Dan Eldon's incredible life and vision produced multiple books all revolving around the thought that the journey is the destination. Photo Credit: Steven Garcia

Eldon and his family’s story is inspirational, and will soon be turned into a movie starring Julia Roberts playing Dan’s mother Kathy Eldon.

TOMS Founder and Kathy Eldon in front of the wall of handprints. Photo Credit: Steven Garcia

TOMS creator and friend of SSD, Blake Mycoskie, spoke about his new Spring 2011 collection and the amazing feats this fashion line completes each day.

Dan Eldon's finger print was a common theme throughout the night and was used as a print for a shoe design. Photo Credit: Steven Garcia

A few hours before the event, my Aunt Joanne Marien, who attended the event with me, found out her non-profit organization Good For Kids, which benefits children in Costa Rica, will now be receiving shipments of 17,000 TOMS shoes for the children. She was thrilled to talk to Blake and thank him for everything he has done to help the world’s children.

Joanne Marien's charity Good For Kids in Costa Rica will now be one of the TOMS drop sites for shoes for children in need. Photo Credit: SSD

Umami, known for it’s gourmet burgers, had passed platters of several types of juicy sliders, sweet potato fries, french fries, smushed potatoes, and my favorite, cheese tots. The food was a hit and so was the Ultimate Vodka drinks and music spun by DJ Egon.

Umami Burger passed around sliders like their delicious Box Burger and SoCal Burger. Photo Credit: Steven Garcia

To find out more about TOMS new Spring 2011 Collection, and to make a difference in a child’s life, visit www.TOMSshoes.com.

Actress Taryn Manning modeling her own Born Uniqorn design for her Spring 09 collection.

Actress, singer and co-founder of Born Uniqorn, Taryn Manning, closed Los Angeles Spring 2009 fashion week by throwing a party at Park Showroom, located in LA downtown fashion district.  Manning performed with her band Boomkat while friends and models danced on the stage, showing off her latest designs.

Tara Jane and Taryn Manning at their Park Showroom Born Uniqorn party, October 2008.

Manning told Style Seen Daily, “It’s a throwback to the free love and flower child era with elements that make the line look and feel relevant,” adding, “Old meets new, clothes are like a blank canvas where it’s up to you to complete your look and personalize it in any way you desire – cut, add, accessorize, layer, etc.”

Manning and her best friend Tara Jane are the talent behind Born Uniqorn, a fashion line the two had been dreaming about since junior high.

“Our line is a reflection of the times, conjuring up individuality as we are facing a new election and dealing with war,” Manning said.  “Born Uniqorn is all about Being Unique, B.U.”

Flashback: BFFs Taryn Manning and Tara Jane in 1998.

Tara Jane adds, “It’s a blend between whimsical hippie mixed with funky street edge.”

The 70’s vibe of the clothing line, along with the open bar, set the stage for the roughly 150 party attendees.  Everyone was in good spirits, talking to each other, posing for pictures and dancing to Boomkat.

MTV was filming for its docu-reality program Made, where one high school boy with zero fashion taste was getting schooled to fix the problem.  British Vogue also covered the event.   

Manning is a critically acclaimed actress best known for her role as “Nola” in Paramount Picture’s Hustle & Flow and the lead singer/songwriter of Boomkat.  Her longtime BFF, Tara Jane, is a Hollywood tastemaker who spent several years as a top promoter alongside Brent Bolthouse.

Selma Blair on the set of Kath&Kim.

Born Uniqorn’s line includes outerwear, dresses, tops, pants, leggings, and select novelty items.  The Hollywood-based lifestyle brand has garnered loyal fans including the likes of Rachel Bilson, Samantha Ronson and Tori Spelling. It’s sold nationwide at retailers including Ron Herman, Brunette, RevolveClothing, and Native.