CAMERA READY: Photojournalist Miles Ladin will have his first New York solo exhibition titled "TIPS (from a native New Yorker)" at Kevin Heaphy Fitness Studio May 10 through June 15, with an opening reception on May 12. The exhibit will feature numerous large-scale prints of images from 1995 through the present. A selection of color images illustrating New York street scenes taken from Ladin's 2001 limited edition artists' book titled "Lunch Poems" will hang alongside his signature black-and-white celebrity party shots and photos from other city settings, such as fashion shows and nightclubs. Ladin previously contributed regularly to publications such as The New York Times and W magazine and currently contributes to WWD The Magazine covering New York Fashion Week, as well as nightlife photography for the Village Voice. "The running theme of the show is edgy insider's view of New York City with a sardonic take," he said.

INDIE SPIRIT: Rosario Dawson was on hand Friday at Bloomingdale's on 59th Street for the kickoff of Clinique and Cosmopolitan's campaign for safe sun care. In town for the Tribeca Film Festival, Dawson spoke about Thursday night's premiere of her movie "Descent," directed by Talia Lugacy. "It's a provocative movie, and people are responding very well because it's strong subject matter, dealing with sexual violence, abuse and the internal battles we have with ourselves," said Dawson, who was wearing a yellow Catherine Malandrino dress. Dawson enjoys working on independent films with first-time directors. "I like giving raw performances and challenging myself," said Dawson. "I'm not doing it for the money, but for the story. My heart will always be in independent films and to bring my first feature to Tribeca was sensational."

To celebrate her 27th birthday on May 9, Dawson will be heading to Nicaragua with an organization called Operation USA to rebuild a school. "I was supposed to see Prince and Janet Jackson perform for Stevie Wonder's birthday, but I'm going to see the president of Nicaragua instead. What sacrifices!" she joked.

FRESH FROM ITALY: On Tuesday, some New Yorkers will get their chance to meet and greet one of Italy's youngest and most promising fashion duo. Tommaso Aquilano and Roberto Rimondi, designers of 6267, will be in town and will be celebrated by Saks Fifth Avenue's Ron Frasch and Terron Schaeffer with a dinner at San Domenico restaurant. The party is expected to pull in fellow Italians Margherita Missoni, Francesco Sozzani, Amedeo Scognamiglio and Roberto Faraone Mennella. Those who won't make it to the dinner will get a second chance to meet the designers at a personal appearance at Saks the following day.