Maybe They’ll Rent It Out for a Few Bat Mitzvahs Too

Serving as a chic playing field for shoppers appears to be but one function of the Barneys New York store in Beverly Hills. In July, the department store opened its doors to the “Unzipped” premiere party. This fall it will provide the backdrop for a major black-tie gala.

On Nov. 13, 1,200 guests at the Fire and Ice Ball will make their way up the curving staircase to the third and fourth floors for a formal dinner. This will be an occasion to eat and schmooze, not browse and shop.

All merchandise and furniture will be removed, the lighting changed and “the ambience of a great mansion created,” said co-chairwoman Lilly Tartikoff. “This is one night the credit cards can have the night off.”

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On a Manhunt: Arianna Huffington was once busy trying to get her husband seated in the Senate. Now she’s set her sights on getting her sister ensconced in a relationship.

While waiting for a TV talk-show taping to begin, another guest noticed Huffington was carrying a load of 8-by-10 color photos. When asked who they were of, he said, Huffington pulled one out, handed it to him and said: “It’s my sister. I’m trying to find her a boyfriend. Do you know of anyone?”

If $25 million is spent on this campaign, we’re leaving the country.

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Her Presence Was Felt: As a footnote to the hype that went along with the fleetingly quick Tyson-McNeeley clash, we point to Madonna’s small part in it.

Before the alleged boxing match began, an event publicist said Madonna had personally picked up her ringside tickets. Her name was first announced by the fight announcer, then flashed on the upper-level scoreboard. The press ate it up. Her glamorous presence was prominently mentioned in dozens of published and televised accounts. One Washington paper reported she arrived with the Orlando Magic’s Shaquille O’Neal.

However, Madonna was elsewhere, celebrating a different fight. The Material Girl’s birthday was a few days before. She was toasting the battle against middle age--she hit 37--with a party at her house in Miami.

COMPILED BY THE SOCIAL CLIMES STAFF