LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA

Hoping to develop a better relationship with Moet Hennessy's consumer base, according to an in-house publicist, the canned-heat purveyor decided to create what they've dubbed the "Next Black Master Art Competition." A contest among 10 African American artists-all of whom entered works that interpret the Hennessy tagline "Flaunt Your Taste"- the five-city competition will come to a boozy end in New York City on Thursday, October 23. Hennessy promises revelers a good time at the Puck Building, pointing to the evening's featured component: the crowning of the "Next Black Master."

From today's release:

Over $15,000 in prizes will be awarded to the finalists, including a trip to Cognac, France for the winner.

The Black Masters Series kicked off in Washington, D.C. May 2007 with close to 800 affluent professionals registering to attend the event. The tour also made stops in Chicago, Miami and LA, where attendees learned about the history of black artistry and gained insight on how to collect and invest in art while experiencing some of the most exquisite cognacs Hennessy has to offer.

The 2007 inaugural series was designed to acquaint a broad audience with the history, contributions, struggles, and influence of African American masters. While the style of these artists is influenced by their unique experiences as African Americans, their art expresses themes that are universal.

 

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Yesterday The Transom and I were in the lobby at 915 Broadway, Observer HQ, waiting for the candle- (and occasionally marijuana-) scented elevator.

Waiting along with us was an expensively but hiply dressed man in a wool-knit beanie cap, with a Louis Vuitton bag the size of a 4-year-old child. We did a double-take. Yes, it was Top Chef conquistador Ilan D. Hall.

"I missed the episode," The Transom purred. "Did you end up winning?"

"Yeah."

"Nice work." The Transom offered a manly high-five. "Nice bag, Gucci?"

"Yeah." But it looked very Louis Vuitton.

"Look at you, buying Gucci bags right and left," The Transom gushed.

"No, it's old." But it looked very new.

We got into the elevator, The Transom first. "So what's going on with Cliff? He's not in jail is he?" Cliff is Cliff Crooks, who was ejected from Bravo for getting rough with contestant Marcel Vigneron's gorgeous mane.

"Nah, he's in his restaurant, he's doing really well," Mr. Hall said.

"Yeah!" said The Transom, angling for another high five. "That dude actually probably deserved to get his head shaved."

Then things got hot: Mr. Hall furrowed his epicurean brow. "He deserved more than that." Snap!

And he strutted out onto mysterious Floor 5, weighty Vuitton bag in tow. The Transom and I went weak-kneed. A real-life reality chef! Sharing our elevator! --Max Abelson

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