Department of Interiors
Rub elbows with some of the world’s most influential interior designers at the opening-night gala for Housing Works’ annual Design on a Dime event (from $150; Thursday, April 26 at 5:30 p.m.; Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St., nr. Sixth Ave.; housingworks.org). Throw back cocktails and hors d’oeuvre while previewing the room vignettes created by an international roster of design luminaries. Fall in love with the furnishings and you can buy on the spot or select from remaining pieces during the public shopping event on Friday, April 27, and Saturday, April 28—all for 50 to 70 percent off retail. Proceeds benefit homeless and low-income New Yorkers living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.
Green Day
Learn how to give dull planters an artistic twist or craft your own flower chandeliers at CB2’s DIY Saturdays, a three-part environmental home-design series. This weekend’s workshop lasts from 2 to 4 p.m. and includes a Q&A with one of the founders of multi-disciplinary design studio Domestic Construction, a tutorial by the Urban Garden Center, and a Latin-themed happy hour with nonalcoholic sangria, small bites, and tips for outdoor entertaining from caterer Diane Gordon. The event is free; RSVP to either of CB2’s Manhattan locations online at cb2diysaturdays.com.
Just Push Play
When is a pin more than a pin? When it’s a Playbutton. Though they look like ordinary pins one might wear of their favorite band or political slogan, these Playbuttons are actually compact MP3 players, specially commissioned to feature audio recordings (music, creative insight, intimate conversations with friends) from 100 hand-chosen artists, musicians, and personalities (Pharrell Williams, Santigold, Cindy Sherman, Michael Pitt, Nanette Lepore, Bill Powers, Ricky Powell, etc.). CNNCTD+, the creative agency behind this Playbutton initiative, will host a “CNNCTD+100” celebration on Tuesday, May 1 from 8 to 10 p.m. at the New Museum Store (235 Bowery, nr. Prince St.; 212-343-0460, cnnctd.co), where attendees can listen to the 100 Playbuttons before they go tour internationally. The event is invite-only, but members of the public can RSVP for one of 100 spots by preordering a CNNCTD+100 Playbutton ($50) through the New Museum Store’s website. The limited-edition buttons are blank, so feel free to doodle on its surface or record whatever inspires you.
Fashion for Thought
Isabel Toledo has designed everything from Payless footwear to dresses for Michelle Obama. On Monday, April 30 from 7 to 9 p.m., the fashion guru will be joined by her equally inspiring husband, artist Ruben Toledo, for a free lecture at Brooklyn’s powerHouse Arena (37 Main St., at Water St., Dumbo; 718-666-3049; powerhousearena.com). The couple is celebrating the release of their new book, Roots of Style: Weaving Together Life, Love, and Fashion, which chronicles Isabel’s illustrious career and features drawings by Ruben. RSVP at rsvp@powerhousearena.com.