On Tuesday, June 14th, Ally Hillfiger hosted a live soundtrack listening party for the movie, Dressed. Dressed stars the other half of Ally Hillfiger’s NAHM line, Nary Manivong. The movie is about Manivong’s inspiring struggle to make it in the fashion industry. Twice homeless and facing many difficulties along the way, Manivong knew that he could not stop until his dream came true. The documentary also features commentaries from some of fashion’s most elite influencers such as Fern Mallis, Mickey Boardman, and Simon Doonan.

The party was held at The Chelsea Room . Immediately, guests were greeted with Dressed merchandise for sale from shirts to movie posters and naturally, the soundtrack. Scenes from the movie were projected on the wall as featured bands took to the stage. Normally, my partner in crime and fellow AUDRA writer, Asia Black, would accompany me, but she was not able to. Luckily, I ran into my friend, Steven, just outside of the venue and decided to take him in as my plus one. I figured he should have a taste of what the fashion crowd was serving. Good thing they were serving free orange vodka cocktails (as the laid-back Steven wasn’t really into the scene). Smooth handling bar tenders mixed up orange flavored Three Olives vodka with orange syrup for a delectably sly alcoholic drinks that tasted like fancier versions of Tang.

Of course the drinks and atmosphere just added to the magnificence of the bands who sounded great live. Performances that I caught included Annie Minogue, Blip Blip Bleep, and Sink To See. The music of the soundtrack aptly corresponds with Manivong’s own artistry. Each song in the album illuminates his tenacity and echoes his struggles.

Upon my exit, as if being in the presence of Nary and Ally were not enough, who should I happen to run into but none other than designer on the rise, Jeffrey Williams, the winner of Bravo TV’s “The Fashion Show.” Looking very clean cut and sharp as ever, Jeffrey came out to support his fellow designer. He kindly posed for a picture with an avid fan who had been rooting for his win ;-)