MISS BIGELOW'S BABBLE-ON

You Look Mah-vel-ous!

by Catherine Bigelow

In good health: Welcoming guests to her Pacific Heights home in celebration of former Secretary of State George Shultz and John Shoven, dynamo Dede Wilsey exclaimed: “This is not Obama’s party so there will be speeches!”

   Two years in the writing and research, Shultz and Shoven touted their new tome (Putting Our House in Order: A Guide to Social Security and Health Care Reform) to a marbled-atrium full of the city’s movers and shakers, including: Da Mayor Willie Brown; Mayor Gavin Newsom and Jennifer Siebel; Astrid & James Flood; Barbara & Dick Rosenberg; Supervisor Michela Alioto Pier & Tom Pier; SF Chamber of Commerce president Steve Falk; Cynthia & John Gunn, and their son, Matthew Gunn (who helped research the book); Mary Jo & Dick Kovacevich; UCSF’s Dr. Sam Hawgood; Maryon Davies Lewis; Chris & Phil Bronstein; George Hume; Diane & Matthew Kelly; Stanlee Gatti; Karin & PJ Johnston; Lucy & Fritz Jewett; Protocol Director Matthew Goudeau and haute haberdasher Wilkes Bashford.

   “Even if George didn’t have a book, I would host this party anyway because George is a great statesman,” said Dede. “He’s one of a kind, the greatest gentleman and my kind of guy.”

   “There are many suggestions in this book,” said Shultz. “But the main thing is, this problem is solvable; all it takes is a little political muscle.”

   Make that a nonpartisan muscle: Shultz and Shoven are on tour in New York where they were interviewed by Charlie Rose, and D.C. where Sen. Dianne Feinstein (the senior U.S. Senator from California and a Democrat) and Sen. Dick Lugar (the senior U.S. Senator and a Republican) reached across the divide to jointly host a reception.

   There’s lots of technical details, suggestions and big thoughts. But (the youthful) Shoven brought the house down when he declared: “We must change the definition of elderly because George is not elderly!”

  And leave it to George’s missus, Protocol Chief Charlotte Shultz, who thanked her hostess in signature Char-style.

   She presented the Dedester with a one-of-a-kind Wilkes Bashford-issue flak jacket (in shades floral shades of pink and green, natch) whose pockets brimmed with oversized (and fake) greenbacks in honor of that little project Dede is spearheading: the new $500 million UCSF Mission Bay state-of-the-art hospital.

   Who says we live in a quiet little burg where nothing ever happens?

Big screen, Pt. I: The klieg lights are ablaze as the 51st San Francisco Film Festival kicks into high gear this week.        

   But first? It was the kick-off parties. Over at Cole Haan on Union Square, Vanity Fair magazine hosted a private event starring an exhibition of iconic photographs by sure-shot Pamela Gentile, capturing a swath of the Festival’s starry history. Also a hit? A portion of proceeds from the 20 percent off sale that night benefited the Film Society.

   “I’m wearing a pair of very stylish and comfortable shoes, courtesy of Cole Haan,” said SFFS Director Graham Leggat as he greeted the crowd. “So I can attest they are really wonderful!”

  The debonair Scotsman ticked off Festival highlights: 177 films from 39 countries in 49 different languages with 36 films created by women directors. Phew. But wait, there’s more: this year begins a capital campaign to create a stand-alone film center for the Film Society in the Presidio.
  
Big screen, Pt. II: The following week, Vanity Fair and va-va-voom Vanessa Getty hosted a lunch for the chicest of Ladies-Who-Actually-Do-More-Than-Lunch at that chic Gold Street boite, Bix Restaurant.

   Owner Doug Biederbeck only opens for lunch on Fridays. But as a longtime SF Film Society board member, he gladly accommodated this stylish crowd. Besides, Nordstrom G.M. Alan Morrell was a co-sponsor of the lunch, and not only provided to-die-for gifts (humungo boxes of Jo Malone delights; a Nordstrom Valet Gold Card for easy downtown shopping), he brought along a bevy of models wearing the latest from Nordstrom’s vamped-up couture line.

   “Having models during lunch is new for us,” deadpanned the ever-dapper Biederbeck. “We’re always busy on Friday but if we always had this many pretty women in the room, we’d have a line out the door!”

   The Festival’s closing night stars the premiere of Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson by director Alex Gibney and producer Graydon Carter who, in his day job, reigns as the premiere Vanity Fair poobah. In addition to SF being the epicenter of Gonzo mythology (well, most of the outrageous tales are true), proceeds from this screening at the Castro Theatre benefit the NRDC.

   “In hosting this lunch, I wanted to gather the most stylish, sophisticated women in San Francisco,” said Vanessa, of her 40 guests. “And I’m so glad you’re all here! I know you’ve all got school pickups and soccer matches later. But for the moment, we are all about fashion, fun and film!”
  
In a library place: Whirling wisps of fog enveloped patrons entering the SF Main Public Library. But its origin did not emanate from our own natural atmospherics; this was the stuff of man-made machines.

   And in perfect keeping with the theme of the Friends of the Library 12th Library Laureates dinner: Noir in the City, which raised $150K for all of the city’s branch libraries facilities and programs.

   Guys and dolls donned their finest fedoras and fishnets as they rubbed elbows with the evening’s honored guests, including: Rabih Alameddine; David Corbett; Andrew Sean Greer; Joe Gores; Michael Krasny; Leah Garchik; Domenic Stansberry; Joe Loya; Simon Wood; Lisa Brown & Daniel Handler and John Lescroart.

   Co-chaired by Stefanie Buchalter and Hilary Pierce, the spirited reception of some 350 supporters broke into smaller groups within the library’s elegant salons where they dined upon a delish Paula LeDuc dinner.

   Then, it was story-time.

   Reciting from memory, poet Peter Plate described San Francisco as, “the medium, idiom and dialect of noir. For every skyscraper, there is a tenement; for every yuppie, a wino on Market Street.”

   “I think I can speak for all the authors here tonight that even in the age of the internet, there is just no substitute for holding a book in your hands,” said Eddie Muller, the Czar of Noir and founder of the SF Noir Film Festival. “But it’s a double-edge sword when you’ve got a new book out and someone says, ‘Oh, I’ll read it as soon as I check it out of the library’.”

     The distinguished Al Young, a double laureate as he also holds that post for the state of California, said he dreamed of one day having his own library: “Though having been in the writing business all my life, I spend a lot of time now figuring out how to get rid of books!”

   “Who would have thought that the scariest book tonight,” asked Friends executive director Donna Bero, “would turn out to be Ray Brown’s House Buying for Dummies?”

You look mah-vel-ous, Pt. 1: Most designers make a quick fly-by through town as they exhibit their latest wares at trunk shows.    

   Not so for Andrew Gn, the talented Parisian-based designer who was born in Singapore and attended boarding school in England.

   “I guess you could say I have a Continental accent,” said Gn, laughing. “Which is really a non-accent accent.”

   Gn was convinced, nay, told by a dear friend and client that he simply could not leave until she was back in town and could host a dinner for him.

  “When Andrew first started designing, I was this rabid fan from San Francisco who would call him in Paris to make a purchase because I couldn’t wait for the latest line to arrive at Bergdorfs in New York!” said Juliet Flint de Baubigny, only slightly abashed.

   “I think I literally had a crush on him,” continued Juliet. “His work perfectly reflects my taste in fashion and design. Tonight I welcome him to meet the women in my life who inspire me like Andrew’s clothes inspire me.”

   Gn is now carried by Nordstrom (see pg 47 for photos) but the first to carry his exquisite designs in the city? Wilkes Bashford, natch. And one of the first women to wear his clothes at big-deal galas? Elaine McKeon.

   So Andrew awaited his faithful friend for a delish dinner at A16, where the atrium brimmed with fashionistas and fabulous food (crowned by the A16 meatball course), carefully prepared by A16 co-owner Shelley Lindgren.

   The long tables were set in black-and-white (as were most guests) and adorned with Birch floral centerpieces and a pair of gorgeous cameo-style earrings (either in black or white) for each gal.

   But it wasn’t all fashion for Gn. He visited with his many pals here and discovered new culinary favorites, including: Zuni Café, Quince, Farallon, Martini House in St. Helena and Citizen Cake: “Oh my god, the cupcakes! We have nothing as wonderfully simple as that in Paris!”

  Gn began to blossom when he was chosen as artistic director of ready-to-wear at the House of Balmain, the same time as Oscar de la Renta oversaw that line’s haute couture. And is often labeled the successor to Oscar.

   “That’s a wonderful compliment,” said Gn, natty in his uniform of black turtleneck and jeans. “But I really just want to be myself.”

   For a man (and designer) who travels with his personal collection of 1930s carved crystal vases so that he can arrange fresh flowers (delivered by Rose and Radish) daily in his Clift Hotel suite, we’d have to say that Gn is definitely (and delightfully) one-of-a-kind.
  
Mangia, mia: Meatballs were not on the menu this year at the annual dinner benefiting North Beach Citizens, the neighborhood homeless program founded by Francis Ford Coppola, as the director was out of country working on a new film.

   But it was another sell-out year for the good-time gang gathered in the basement of SS Peter and Paul Church: Event co-chairs Jeannette Etheredge and Lawrence Ferlinghetti; NBC executive director Kristie Fairchild; NBC board president Jeanne Milligan; Pamela & George Hamel; Tina & John Keker; City Attorney Dennis Herrera & Anne Herrera; Barry & Connie Goodyear Baron; Jerry Lubenow; volunteer server Christina de Limur; famous foodies Peggy Knickerbocker and Angelo Garro; Tom Lockard & Alix Marduel, Lynda Spence and Robert Mittelstadt; Kitchen Sisters radio hosts Davia Nelson and Laura Folger, and Carolyn & Timothy Ferris.

   Ferlinghetti has been a champion of the neighborhood outreach program since its inception.

    “It would be a lot more effective if we had a lot more money,” said the North Beach Bard of City Lights. “We’re seeing a lot more veterans of the Iraq war out there on our streets. But I believe our program is more direct, more effective than the may-or’s homeless program.”

   Subbing for Francis at the stoves this year: Gerald Hirigoyen, owner of Piperade Restaurant, who served up a bounteous family-style Basque feast.
  “I can probably cook better than Francis,” teasesd Hirogoyen. “But I know I’ll never make a film like Francis!”

You look mah-vel-ous, Pt. 2: Reached via cell phone while racing to meetings in Sacramento, SF District Attorney Kamala Harris declared, “This is one of the best things I’m doing!”

    That thing is the Back on Track program Harris founded shortly after winning her first term as the city’s top crime-fighter in 2004. On her watch, more than 100 young people have graduated Back on Track to a better life.

    The program is an education and employment reentry initiative for young adults who have committed low-level drug offenses. Harris forged partnerships with such stalwart community leaders as SF Chamber of Commerce, Goodwill Industries and the SF Labor Council, which donate time and know-how to aid trainees in skills such as landing jobs, handling a bank account, or clearing up their credit with the help of a CPA.

  “I’m a firm believer in assuming everyone will say ‘yes’ when we ask them to help,” says Harris, with a laugh. “This successful partnership between private, nonprofit and the public sectors is so indicative of a very San Francisco approach to getting things done.”

   So successful, in fact, Harris was approached by Sean Heywood and Kumi Walker, two successful young Stanford MBA entrepreneurs who are donating their style expertise to Back on Track members.

   This dynamic duo are the owners-founders of MR, the Financial District grooming salon and gentleman’s lounge that caters to the “Boys Who Love Toys” set.

    Harris is thrilled and inspired: “Part of being a successful entrepreneur and responsible business person is having a social conscience and giving back to your community.”
   “And let’s be honest,” admitted Harris. “It’s a reality out there in the business world that that you are not just what is on your resume. Employers also judge applicants on how they look.

   “When you look good, you feel good,” says Harris. “Let’s face it, when you’re having a good ‘hair day’ it’s always easier to start your day!”

Whole lotta shakin’: In the chill dark of early morning dawn, some 350 hardy San Franciscans gathered at Lotta’s Fountain to commemorate the 102nd anniversary of the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire that ravaged our fair city.

   But with the hoopla of the quake’s centennial behind us and the few remaining survivors unable to attend, the morning of April 18 looked like it was going to be a quiet one. That is, until hardy Herbert Hamrol placed a call to Donna Ewald Huggins and wondered if the event had been forgotten.

   “I thought, if a 105-year-old man can make it at 5 in the morning, so can I,” said Huggins who donned her traditional Lillie Hitchcock Coit gear in honor of that turn-of-the-century swell who was a big firefighter fan.

    “Can you imagine how guilty I felt?” asked Huggins, who with her husband, Chuck Huggins, has organized this event numerous times over the years. “More than twice my age, and I’m almost thinking about not going.”

     Hamrol didn’t join the crowd at the base of the fountain this year; instead staying put in an antique Lincoln convertible while city leaders paid tribute.

   “There is no greater San Franciscan than Herb,” said Mayor Gavin Newsom. “He represents the spirit of this city.”

    Both Newsom and Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White paid tribute to the survivors who rebuilt San Francisco and stressed a vigilance of preparedness in this, here, earthquake country, via the city’s 72hours.org emergency website.

    Newsom then hopped in the back of the Lincoln for a chat with Hamrol, who, it was assumed, would take the day off from his twice-a-week job at Andronico’s Market.

    “I’ll be here next year,” he told the crowd, to great cheers. “God willing.”

    “Good! You stick around and we’ll turn this event over to you,” said a delighted Newsom. “We’ll trade for the day — you can have my job at City Hall and I’ll stock cans at Andronico’s!”

   Catherine Bigelow is a former San Francisco Chronicle reporter and columnist. She welcomes any juicy quips, quotes or anecdotes at catherine@nobhillgazette.com.

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