Boston Common Launches With South End Fete

Wednesday night marked the launch of Boston Common magazine with a blowout, star-studded event at the Boston Center for the Arts’ Cyclorama in the South End. Perhaps “star-studded’ is a stretch, but by Boston standards, it was an impressive showing. Celebrities included: Steven Tyler (Boston Common cover star); Christopher Reid (event MC, and yes, Kid of Kid ‘n Play fame); Daniel Sunjata (actor, FX’s Rescue Me); Doc Rivers (Boston Celtics head coach); Todd English (celebrity chef); Seth Greenberg (co-owner of Mistral and Boston Common Managing Director); Jason Binn (CEO of Niche Media, LLC); and of course, a few token Apprentice cast members. John Kerry couldn’t attend, but sent a handwritten note of congratulations in his absence.

Boston socialites, entrepreneurs and hardworking advertising, marketing and public relations executives rounded out the crowd. Many were dressed to impress, though the most noteworthy ensemble of the evening was donned by a Boston Common executive: an empire-waisted, pink and black rose print Marc by Marc Jacobs frock from the designer's Fall collection. Dancing was slow to take, but picked up around 10 p.m. as the band played the Earth, Wind & Fire classic, “September”. Mini-cupcakes (has Boston Common been watching the O.C.? mini-burgers anyone?), a generous pour (starring Level Vodka), and freebie products in the ladies room (courtesy of CO Bigelow, opening at the Copley Mall) were welcomed with open Bostonist arms.

But enough of the party, the real star of the evening was the magazine. Handed out on the red carpet, Bostonist stayed up into the wee hours of the night reading the premiere issue. Geared towards a high-end clientele, there is still plenty of YF&B-relevant content to savor. Fashion editorials by style/beauty maven Gretchen Monahan of Gretta Enterprises and Debi Greenberg of Louis Boston are timely and universally accessible. A feature on the new Riccardi storefront, Relic, geared towards a fashion savvy, budget conscious buyer, piques interest and creates anticipation. Boston lifestyle and cultural event coverage balance out the mix, including a look at Beantown's latest real estate developments, recipes from top area chefs, and a lengthy photo gallery highlighting the summer's most distinguished philanthrophic endeavors. And much to our delight, Steven Tyler graces the cover accompanied by an insightful interview and artistic-minded photo spread. Plus, the glossy pages just feel nice.

Get your copy of Boston Common while you can; published quarterly, the next issue won't be out until the holiday season.

Photo courtesy of flickr.com / user: miyukinha