JOAN RIVERS - HOW'D YOU GET SO RICH?

JOAN RIVERS - ALL LAUGHSNo, I didn't ask Joan Rivers about her finances over dinner at the Friars club - but I wouldn't worry.   The undisputed Queen of comedy is as busy today as she was 20 years ago!  The second season of her hit show on TV Land Prime - "How'd you get so Rich" premieres May 5th.  Joan was all laughs talking about the experience, and how much fun she is having shooting season two.

Sitting at Joan's table is like being on the dais, all eyes are on you!  We were all at the Friars to honor one of Brooklyn's most famous entertainers - Lainie Kazan.  Kazan is known by audiences all over the world for her portrayal as strong willed mothers in Beaches & My Big Fat Greek Wedding.    Years before those roles, Kazan shot to fame as the worlds most famous understudy.   Of course she was the understudy for the one and only Barbra Streisand in the Broadway show  Funny Girl in the 60's.  JOAN & JASON AT THE FRIARS CLUB

During the tribute, Joan shared memories of performing at The Duplex in Manhattan back in the 60's.   These gals were young and hungry for fame.   Joan was already being Joan, and Lainie was wowing audiences with those golden pipes.    The whole evening was a treat - albeit surreal at times.   After all, when have you ever heard of attorney Gloria Allred, Actress Michelle Lee, & singer Leslie Gore on the same bill??!!   Michelle Lee thought it would be funny to drag her luggage up on stage - as she had mixed up the dates and just come from the airport.   It wasn't.    

What is funny is Joan Rivers' show on TV Land Prime.  Yes, TV Land has prime time programming and Joan Rivers is just the comic force to make it a destination for feel good, funny programming.  In HYGSR we see Joan crossing the country to meet people who are insanely rich - and most importantly - self made.  Often the rood to riches is from the smallest or at first glance silliest invention - last season we saw the college student who has made millions on the Snuggie!   But these folks are laughing all the way to the bank.   What comes through is the sense of happiness these people have from achieving something great on their own.   Really, it's Joan story as well.   Hard work and moxie has kept her on top of her game all these years.   Her comedy competition are girls 30 years her junior - and Joan is funnier.    On a more serious note, the documentary Joan Rivers - A piece of Work is hitting theaters this month.   The film was one of the biggest hits at Sundance this year.    The documentary shows just how much hard work goes into being so damn funny.   Don't miss it.

As for How'd You Get So Rich, don't take my word for how hilarious it is - watch the opening credits for the show - if you don't laugh - don't watch.   I know you will be tuning in.   How'd You Get So Rich debuts May 5th on TV Land Prime at 10 pm.  To find what channel TV Land is in your area - click - MY TV LAND



FRIAR ROASTED FASHION CLUB

JOAN RIVERS & LAINIE KAZAN AT THE FRIARS CLUBJust when I thought I had seen everything in NYC, a friend invited me to one of the most unique nights out I've had in a long time.   The world famous Friars Club has hosted some of the funniest moments in comedy over the years as they Roast their own during the legendary tributes.    I was lucky enough to be invited to sit at  Joan River's table as the Friar's paid tribute to songbird Lainie kazan.   Lainie has a carrer that spans several decades.   Two of her most famous roles were playing head strong mothers in Beaches and My Big Fat Greek Wedding.   Her big personality landed her those roles, but it was her big voice that made her a favorite to any Broadway and Cabaret Club fans.   Joan was all excited about the upcoming premiere of the second season of her hit show on TV Land Prime - "How'd You Get So Rich?" - more on the show later this month.   FRIARS CLUB TOWNHOUSE

While I expected laughs by the mile at the Friars,  I didn't expect all the fashion!   As we made our way to our table in the Milton Berle room ( hey I was with the most famous celeb in the place - of course we were in the VIP room!), I felt like I was walking through Saks 5th Avenue.    To my left - Bottega Clutch, to my right Chanel quilted classic.   Ooh were those Louboutins?   Is that the new Ferragamo exotic clutch??  Yes and Yes!

JOAN RIVERS & JASON JOBSON Of course Joan looked like a million bucks - she always does.   Done done done.. I've never seen that Woman not camera ready!   She had just flown in from Las Vegas that afternoon and was out on the town!  

The biggest fashion surprise was to find a look from a really talented designer that you and your friends probably aren't talking about - Gareth Pugh.   MARGIE STERN IN GARETH PUGHThis British designer shows in Paris and has an avant garde approach to his collection.   Comparisons to Alexander McQueen started as soon at Pugh showed his first collection.   Since the announcement that Gucci Group will continue the label after McQueen's suicide, there has been rumors that Pugh is the possible replacement.

Super Chic Margie Stern was head to toe Gareth Pugh - accessorized with Joan Rivers jewelry of course!   Bravo to Margie for having the taste level to get Gareth and to put it all together.    This collection is for someone who doesn't need the logo recognition of the uber brand army.   Margie and I sat next to each other at dinner and she told me she discovered Pugh at a little boutique in Paris.   That's when you know you have style!

Laughs by the mile and a first rate fashion show!  What more could you want with Dinner?    I hope I get invited to the Friars club again soon!   

To see Gareth Pugh's latest collection visit - Style.com