Scene & Heard
Hamish Bowles, shown with Kimberly Brooks, was at the Oscar de la Renta boutique on Melrose Place for a book-signing. Bowles, Vogue magazine’s European editor at large, wrote the introduction to “The World in Vogue: People, Parties, Places,” which showcases the key social figures, actresses and models who have populated the magazine’s pages over the last four decades. (Donato Sardella / WireImage.com)
Katherine Ross, left, one of the signing’s organizers, and Suzanne Saperstein, founder of Lacma’s Atelier, drink in the atmosphere at the book signing. (Donato Sardella / WireImage.com)
Alexandra Kimball and Katherine Ross are all smiles. (Donato Sardella / WireImage.com)
Joan Collins joins Hamish Bowles for the festivities. (Donato Sardella / WireImage.com)
Downtown’s Millennium Biltmore was the site of USC Thornton School of Music’s Charles Dickens Dinner, which feted USC President Steven Sample, who plans to retire, and his wife, Kathryn. (Steve Cohn / Steve Cohn Photography)
USC President Steven Sample, an avid drummer, is also known as “Sticks Sample.” Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who spoke at the dinner, said of Sample’s fund-raising prowess: “As he’s stepping down -- what about being treasurer of California?” (Steve Cohn / Steve Cohn Photography)
Dinner co-chairs Edward and Gayle Roski shown with Gov. Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver. (Steve Cohn / Steve Cohn Photography)
Thornton students, dressed in period Dickens’ attire, entertain guests with Christmas carols at the dinner. (Steve Cohn / Steve Cohn Photography)