The Golden Needle Awards (GNA) came from the vision of Mara Beltrami-New, who has a background in architecture and has always appreciated finely made clothes. She founded GNA to showcase emerging designers, giving them the opportunity to be seen and judged by a panel of celebrity and industry judges headed by Mr. Blackwell of “Mr. Blackwell’s Best & Worst Dressed List”. The event included a silent auction and shopping followed by a luncheon and spectacular runway show featuring celebrities and famous daughters strutting their stuff in these fabulous designs. Brenda Cooper and Fred Travalena hosted this exciting show, which had all the makings of a success.

The fashion extravaganza started out early with the arrival of some of the most fashionable and vibrant women from the classic Hollywood days. Ida Meyers and Carol Connors graciously greeted celebrity guests with a fashion flair that only women of their legendary talents could deliver. The red-carpert arrivals included, Ruta Lee, Gloria Alred, Barbi Benton, Denise Brown, Robin Leach, Kate Linder, Alison Arngrim, Patrika Darbo and Lorenzo Lamas (his daughter Shayne Lamas walked the runway for Babydol).

The most memorable red-carpet (and runway) moment came with the arrival of the Jeran Hollywood Graffiti Gown – fighting Aids with fashion project. This was the gown’s first public

Carol Connors, Mara Beltrami-New, Jerry Skeels and Randy McLaughlin of Jeran Design, model in Hollywood Graffiti Gown

viewing and the kick-off for the world tour. It will be auctioned off next year at a starting bid of $1 million dollars, to benefit various AIDS charities. Emmy-nominated designers, Jerry Skeels and Randy McLaughlin of Jeran Design, conceived the idea for the legendary gown 24 years ago. The gown is one of the most valuable and legendary creations in fashion history with over 340 signatures of some of the most remarkable women around the world hand-beaded with platinum and crystal onto the German black velvet. Jerry told me that everything connected with the gown has been donated.

The signatures gracing this designer masterpiece include, Katharine Hepburn, Barbra Streisand, Sharon Stone, Angela Basset, Elizabeth Taylor, Jane Fonda, Whoppi Goldberg, Sophia Loren and many more. The signature that most impressed me was that of Mother Theresa. Singer, songwriter, Carol Connors enthusiastically added her signature right there on the red-carpet. She is such a delight and still as energetic and active as ever (She also performed in the show). I can see why Elvis was so fond of her. I asked Jerry if there were any signatures he’d like to add. He said, “Oprah”. The very funny and lovely Alison Arngrim (Nellie form Little House on the Prairie and Spokesperson for AIDS Project L.A) presented Jerry and Randy with the 2004 Golden Needle Humanitarian Award.

After the luncheon, the moment everyone was waiting for, the runway competition of these fabulous designers. The celebrity judges included: Mr. Blackwell, Ruta Lee, Charlene Tilton, Anita Talbert, Jeran, Kate Linder and Pauletta Washington. I must say that I found something inspiring about each of the twelve designers, including, Zeitgeist, Paul Magalad, Azada, Double Occupancy (fab maternity wear), Shearwear (disposable paper bikini’s by Rhonda Shear modeled by Barbara Moore) and Babydol. Sossy’s Originals were absolutely beautiful and named 1st runner-up. The grand-prize

Socal's Annette Dominguez & Peter Lai

Golden Needle Award winner of an exclusive manufacturing contract with Flying Vie went to a man whose designs I have admired for years - Peter Lai, of San Marino. Lai’s designs are inspired by his Chinese culture and are truly original one of a kind art pieces. Peter was all smiles right after winning and told me, “I feel very happy”.

As the ladies went to mingle and do more shopping, I asked the show founder, Mara Beltrami-New, what first inspired her to create this wonderful award show. She said, “It was my love for fashion which came from my mother who made all my clothes as a kid.” She adds, “I feel overwhelmed, great and in 7th heaven. It was actually more than I expected”.

Everyone was in agreement about the show’s enormous success. And how could it not be a success, with all the extraordinary and gracious women (and men) connected to it. They truly had a blast just hangin’ out and enjoying each other’s company, and all for a great cause. I would be oh-so blessed to age as gracefully and beautifully as these legendary Hollywood ladies who still have the spirit and enthusiasm of young starlets from the old Hollywood days.

For more information on the Jeran Hollywood Graffiti Gown contact: www.jerandesign.com

For more information on GNA Contact: www.thegoldenneedleawards.com

Annette Dominguez: annettedominguez@earthlink.net