The evening was emceed by Ladyfag (pictured above with Kiehl’s USA President, Chris Salgardo), and the event's highlights included incredible karaoke performances by Sandra Bernhard, singing “Circus” by Britney Spears; Alan Cumming, performing “Tomorrow” from the musical Annie, and Lea DeLaria, who performed “Ring Them Bells,” in the style of Liza Minnelli from her concert “Liza With a “Z” concert. Chris Salgardo even took the mic with Ladyfag for a version of “Islands In The Stream!”
Chris Salgardo cut the ribbon on the new store, and presented a $10,000 to Carl Siciliano, Executive Director of The Ali Forney Center, as guests volunteered for karaoke, and enjoyed the addictive Banana Pudding from Magnolia Bakery (if you haven't tried it, please do so, you won't regret it) and refreshing Vita Coco Coconut water.
Notable guests included Billy Porter, who won a Tony for his portrayal of Lola in the musical Kinky Boots, designers Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra (who are just so hug-able), and Brian Wolk and Claude Morais of Ruffian, who partnered with Kiehl’s on a Limited Edition Kiehl’s X Ruffian Dopp Kit, which is available only at Kiehl’s Hell’s Kitchen store at 678 Ninth Ave.
The first 50 guests to arrive at 7:30 PM public opening received mystery Kiehl’s giftcards in increments of $10, $25, $50, $100, $500, and $1,000 prompting a line that just about wrapped around the block
Photos by: Leandro Justen/BFANYC.com
