Apparently, all you need to crash a party in Washington is a sari and a smile. Managing the same in New York is more difficult — especially if you are already one of the city’s most infamous gatecrashers. Publicists, party planners and the Condé Nast security team are all too familiar with this bold group. Some laughingly accept them: “When I see [these] people who have made a name as professional party crashers, I can say to myself, ‘Well I know my team did a good job of spreading the word about where the hot party is,’” says Justine McCarthy of Simply Chic PR, whose own birthday party was crashed by renowned interloper Priyantha Silva, posing as a magazine editor.
Others are less tolerant. Some even try to train their teams in the art of “Shaggy Spotting” — named in honor of another well-known undesirable — prior to events, by showing them pictures of perennial party stalkers.
Sneaking into Manhattan parties under such conditions doesn’t just require nerves of steel — it necessitates a well thought out modus operandi. But for these select few, that’s no deterrent. They have arrived uninvited to everything from the Met Costume Institute ball to the Academy Awards, occasionally carrying a lobster. These infiltrators’ lack of regard for the velvet rope is matched only by their insatiable desire for free white wine and mini-burgers.
SELMA FONSECA
Real Name: Selma Fonseca
Typical Scene: Wherever the A-listers are
MO: Selma’s work as head of the photo agency Celebrity Vibe is doubtless helpful when it comes to gaining entree to events, but she’s also known to “piggyback” behind more famous attendees. That tactic entails waiting for a major celebrity to show and heading in when everyone’s attention is on them.
Distinctive Traits: Selma says that in order to get into celebrity filled parties, you have to look like a celebrity which means “hair, make-up and a fabulous dress.”
Major Coup: She managed to gain access to the Oscars by following behind Gwyneth Paltrow. She also managed to make her way into the Met Costume Institute Ball.
Outcome: Selma is currently working on her first book, titled “Snap! A World Renowned Gossip Photographer Tells You How To Get the Money Shot and Sell It!,” which is slated to be published next year. It details the good, bad and ugly sides of celebrity photography. After that, she hopes to make a film filled with celebrity cameos in which she will talk about parties.
SHAGGY
Real Name: Steve Kaplan
Typical Scene: Seems to be something of a foodie — has been spotted at a variety of restaurant openings and the Central Park Conservancy Taste of Summer event.
MO: Occasionally pretends to be a member of a glamorous profession — he made his way into one restaurant opening by claiming to be an NBA player rep — but generally seems to slip in by blending with the crowd.
Distinctive Traits: Full mop of blond, curly hair, a tendency to carefully spell his name (S-H-A-G-G-Y) for reporters, and gobbling food almost too quickly for waiters to keep up.
Signature Line: “I’m already here — what’s the big deal?”
Outcome: At this point, Shaggy is so well known that he is invited to parties as a regular guest.
KID PROTOCOL
Real Name: Alex Mamlet
Typical Scene: Frequently seen at movie events.
MO: Kid Protocol’s Web site notes that “every party situation is unique and calls for a different strategy,” such as the upside-down guest list read and the “invisible sneak-by” wherein a crasher just wanders in with a large crowd. He favors elaborate disguises.
Distinctive Traits: A film camera and an outlandish outfit.
Major Coup: Mamlet is best known for crashing the Oscars dressed as a chef and wielding a lobster. He notes that if you show up dressed as a chef, carrying a food item and looking concerned, security will always let you in. However, he says, “The best party I ever crashed was a secret underground party called the Bridge Bash. It was a party thrown by Paul Rudd. I dressed as an elf because it was a Christmas party.”
Outcome: His film about party crashing won a Jury Award in the short film category at the 2002 Newport Film Festival. After that, he began hosting a VH1 show called “Kid Protocol: Party Crashing in Cannes,” which has lead to an illustrious career as a television producer.
PRIYANTHA SILVA
Real Name: Thought to be Priyantha DeSilva
Typical Scene: Used to favor magazine events, but lately has frequented the black-tie circuit.
MO: Calls publicists claiming to be a magazine editor — generally for Hearst or Condé Nast. Sets up Gmail accounts with names similar to magazine titles likely to impress party organizers.
Distinctive Traits: Loud shirts, public intoxication, major perspiration
Signature Line: “Don’t you know who I am? I will destroy you!”
Outcome: Condé Nast security is on his trail; agents apprehended him at the Mercedes-Benz Bridgehampton Polo Challenge. Most recently, he’s claimed to be “Slumdog Millionaire” producer, offering young women roles in his upcoming films.