By JOHN COPPOLA
Kim Kardashian, Betty White, Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, Prince…Mike Ruiz has seen and shot them all. He also happens to be a TV personality, former model, actor, spokesperson, creative director and director. With his wide array of experiences and interests, it’s no wonder Mike lives by the words: “If it isn’t fun, it’s not worth doing.”
This Friday, Mike Ruiz celebrates his birthday in grand fun style at XL, featuring live performances by Carmen Electra, Martha Wash, The Ones and more! And it’s for a good cause, too. The night benefits the storm-ravaged Ali Forney Center.
[box_info] Wish Mike Ruiz a happy birthday by donating to The Ali Forney Center whose main drop-in center was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. Visit: aliforneycenter.org [/box_info]
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How was 2012 for Mike Ruiz?
2012 was intense. Sandy really threw a lot of people for a major loop. It made me want to help more than ever.
It’s been a tough year for a lot of people.
People need to come together. Gay, straight, Republican, Democrat…we are so divided as a society and nothing will change until we overlook our differences and embrace our collective humanity.
What was your greatest accomplishment this year?
My greatest accomplishment would have to be rescuing my sweet little pitbull Oliver from Bullies and Buddies Rescue in Los Angeles. He is the light of our lives.
What are you looking forward to in the new year?
I am so excited about my new “Pretty Masculine” app. It started out being a digital version of my book that I put out last year but has grown into such an innovative way for people to experience art. I really think that this is the wave of the future. People can interact with the images in ways that give them a glimpse into the creation of the images. There are a ton of other really amazing features, too.
You recently announced a clothesline with menswear designer J. Cheikh.
The line will be called Mike Ruiz for J. Cheikh and will be rock and roll inspired. I am very proud of the prototypes that I have thus far. It’s all stuff that I am excited to wear. I am also doing a line of high end t-shirts that are basically wearable art. They are images printed on 1005 silk panels that are hand stitched to organic bamboo and cotton t-shirts. There are eight images so far with more coming! They’re meant to be collected.
Will Carmen Electra be jumping out of your birthday cake? She will be performing her new hit single “I Like It Loud” with a full choreographed dance number. It’s going to be major. We also have Martha Wash, Janice Robinson, Jason Walker, and The Ones performing with DJs Whitney Day and Bill Coleman spinning. Lady Bunny and Bianca Del Rio will host.
You sure know how to usher in a new year!
This year will be the best one yet – but not as good as next year’s party! Bill Coleman and I (first) partnered on my birthday extravaganza last year. It was such a wild success, we decided to make it yearly event.
Your parties are always for a good cause, too.
This year, we are benefitting The Ali Forney center whose main drop in center was destroyed by Sandy. I am urging people to donate in advance at my birthday drive link on AliForneyCenter.org.
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Mike Ruiz celebrates his birthday at XL Friday, December 7th with live performances by Carmen Electra, Martha Wash, Janice Robinson, Jason Walker, and The Ones. Music by DJs Whitney Day and Bill Coleman. Benefitting the Ali Forney Center. Visit xlnightclub.com.
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