GALA MAGAZINE LOUNGE-A PREMIUM PRINT'S SUNNY CELEBRATION

LUXE BRUNCH EXCLUSIVELY AT THE RIVEFRONT SPINDLER&KLATT CLUB

JULY 19th, BERLIN

Words, Pics by Judith Ecochard

It was a rare sunny day during Berlin’s Fashion Week – and the glossy German read GALA (part of the European Gruner & Jahr Media giant’s empire) threw a fabulous party for city officials, celebs, fashion week attendees, and anyone else who could score a coveted invite.







The buffet was beyond delicious…with hot and cold tables, indoors and out, laden with fresh seafood, hot meat and chicken entrees, pastries, salads, and enough cheeses to make the French envious---- in addition to what can be considered upscale breakfast eats. The champagne flowed and there was even a special espresso bar for the caffeine addicted.








We had a nice chat with Katja Reising- one of the several Maybelline NY make-up artists who graciously staffed the kiosks…and offered free touchups and full blown maquillage redos.

We opted for (needed) the latter…

Tips From Katja Reising:







German pencils made by Faber Castell, branded for several companies-are the best.
White eyeliner applied inside rim wakes up the face.
Put neutral tone concealer on lips before applying lip liner.
In Germany-big blue navy liner on lids close next to lashes is popular way to make eyes pop.
Just powder the T-Zone triangle for a half matte/half glowing look that’s healthy looking.


Next, we had a hair styled beyond belief by the congenial Gerrit Schulz-Bennewitz curling it up for L'Oreal-who we met backstage at the Eastpak show. He teased and coiled our tresses for over an hour, recreating the hairdos used in the Stella McCartney Lookbook Fall 2008 –that was shot during Paris Fashion Week.








Plus we got the inside scoop on the Berlin vs. Dusseldorf girl…the former has an individual haircut that is edgy, and wears a lot of black garb (no kidding). Dusseldorf ladies are more blingy, more into logo labels...and wear more colorful garb.





We missed the free shoulder/neck massages by Garnier denizens…but chatted with others we met and made lots of new BFFs forever.

NATURE ENTHUSIASTS ALERT: OUTDOORS IN MAMMOTH ENVIRONMENTAL FESTIVAL

Two day outdoor festival featuring noted environmentalist Jean-Michael Cousteau.

We wish we could attend but urge anyone in that beautiful part of the country to attend what is sure to be a fun time for childfree hipsters and families alike.

What: The two-day Outdoors in Mammoth Environmental Festival is themed “Summit to the Sea -
Everything is Connected.” The event will be a fun and interactive opportunity for families to
explore the mountains and discover the role they each play in building a responsible
tomorrow.

Through field trips and hands-on experiences, the event aims to spread realization that land
and sea, humans and nature, and the present and future are all connected. The event will
demonstrate that every individual - regardless of age - can make intelligent decisions that
have a powerful impact on the environment.

Where & When: Mammoth Lakes, CA - August 5 & 6, 2008

Why: An opportunity to celebrate Mammoth’s unique place in the mountains by raising awareness
through communication, education, and action of each individual’s responsibility to our
environment.

Activities: The focus will be hands-on activities with short journeys to lakes, creeks, hot springs, and
mountains. Examples of morning, afternoon, and evening activities include:
• Hiking to the summit source of our drinking water to understand healthy water
quality
• Adventuring into nature with the Paiute Indians to understand how they have
dwelled sustainably for thousands of years
• Investigating the local hot springs to gain knowledge of the natural energy sources
• Watching a thought-provoking film under the stars
• Enjoying an open-air dinner conversation with renown environmental ambassador,
Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of the legendary Jacques Cousteau.

Website: Please visit www.outdoorsinmammoth.com for more information on the Schedule of
Events, Festival Packages, Lodging Deals, and Online Registration

STRENESSE BLUE: “CONFIDANT FASHION AND UNIQUE PERFECTION”

SPRING/SUMMER 09








MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK

JULY 19TH BEBELPLATZ, BERLIN

Words, Pics -Judith Ecochard






















We’ve attended Strenesse’s runway show in New York (for the F/W 2006 collection)…so we knew to expect savvy, WELL-CUT ensembles by this Germany based label.

THE BRAND: Gabrielle Strehe has worked her magic for years…with Strenesse’s successful debut on a Milan catwalk in 1995. Think ‘affordable’designer separates and daywear for a client who demands pulled together looks for the office …and will not tolerate sloppiness on days off either.







STRENESSE BLUE: The secondary line is geared towards a younger client with means. Meaning, not club kids but like Michael Kors secondary line, tailored on trend, sophisticated dresses, tops, and pants.

WOMEN: We loved the largely neutral tone collection. Punched up a bit, we found the printed red/white skirt paired with a pointed collared red blouse, with a sensible belt and chunky sandals, contemporary without looking too school marmish.







These were not sexy secretary looks---but proper, well-made linen trousers with fitted blouses, sharp suit jackets with defined shoulders, and a detailed seamed long linen dress with pockets that fitted the body...and was urbane not breezy BOHO.








The frilliest ensemble we saw was an ethnic indigo/black handkerchief hem top with matching skirt---that still managed to be sharp.

Overall the impeccable silhouettes seemed inspired by stereotypical menswear looks with touches of 70’s YSL thrown in.







MEN: Pointed collared white cotton shirts-worn buttoned up, slightly above the ankle black linen trousers (a length that smacks of preppy but we cannot stand) and a more our style, muted blue casual flat front trousers with a navy blue cashmere sweater and masculine leather sandals –were proper but not boring.







The interchangeable pants and shirts pieces would easily integrate into any man’s wardrobe –whether the guy lives on the posh Upper East Side of Manhattan, or dines at the outdoor cafés of Paris, Athens or Capri.







ACCESSORIES: Large oversized totes and Jackie O black sunglasses-we loved the basket weave leather man-bag.

RETAIL: STRENESSE BLUE is available worldwide. STRENESSE

UNRATH & STRANO- JET SET S/S 09 COLLECTION FROM SEASONED DUO

UNRATH & STRANO- DASHING S/S 09 COLLECTION FROM SEASONED DUO

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Bebeplatz, Berlin

July 18th, 22:00



Unrath and Strano is a clothing brand worthy of the debonair audience that turned out for the runway show. For S/S 09 their second “Celebrity” line and a few mens’ looks debuted on the catwalk---joining their designer priced collection.

BACKSTORY: German Klaus Unrath and Italian (via Switzerland) Ivan Strano launched their eponymous line (1999) after stints with the glorious Vivienne Westwood labels. Both are skilled tailors who know how to drape, twist and fit the materials to perfection.

THE SHOW: A largely red/black/white palette of colorfully splattered swirling, stripped and solid luxe fabrics that reminded us of the drama of Italian maestro Robert Cavalli. We loved the signature sleeves-one side cap, the other side sensuously twisted-for an interesting and sensuous look that reveals a women’s clavicle but is not too va-va-voom.


There were a few overtly sexy pieces like an above the knee clingy pink dress-with a deeply draped neck- with gathered side seams-that had a few editors sniffing “…for the Russian wives…” ( a comment, we found hilarious). There was also a glam pink maillot swimsuit---prehaps destined for those Russian owned Benedettis.

Guys were all in black…with loose drawstring pants and a show the chest hair black v-neck tee beneath a tuxedo like jacket with double pocket flaps on one side...and one flap on the other that was elegantly casual. Casual casual was a tight tight tight black denim-ish pants with matching safari-like jacket with white stitching.

CELEB FAN: OLYMPIC WINNER KATRINA WITT

FUN AFTER-PARTY: At Weekend-that was jammed.

UNRATH AND STRANO

Words, Judith Ecochard
Pics, Reuters

MICHALSKY: “REAL CLOTHES FOR REAL PEOPLE” S/S '09

“LOUD, PROUD AND SUPER COOL”

MICHALSKY AND M67 MICHAELSKY JEANS BERLIN STREETWEAR NAILS IT

JULY 18TH, OFFSITE UFERHALLEN, BERLIN







Words, Pics by Judith Ecochard

You can tell when A PRO produces a runway show!!!!







Finally, a run of show line sheet. THANK-YOU.







THE MAN: Michael Michalsky is a veteran of the London club scene, did a stint with LEVI’S…and worked his way up to the coveted role of global creative director at Adidas.

His visionary collaboration with Yohji Yamamoto- kicking out the fierce Y-3 line…and his role as former creative light of the brand MCM…gave him the solid experience to successfully launch his own line in June 2006...and to give birth to an eyewear collection (and other licenses) this year.

The scene prior to the show at another one of those mammoth industrial spaces in the former East Berlin-that we would never have gotten to without one of those can we bring one home, chauffer driven Mercedes-Benz cars-was shivering with anticipation.


Seriously, every editor and photographer we spoke with felt that the Michalsky brand is set for a worldwide bust out. Watch out Diesel...and former employer.

INSPIRATION: Michalsky sited the 40th anniversary of the tumultuous summer of ’68 that saw European cities under heavy student protests. He also referenced the summer of Love (’67) in hippy worthy prints and iconic graphics scooped up from the early 80’s peace movement in Germany…before THE WALL came down.










THE SHOW: The well-paced show of 54 looks was styled by a seasoned eye. It was chock full of wearable, modern clothes that any cosmopolitan dweller would want.

Though largely a dark navy/crisp white/black palette, Michalsky also worked in whimsical prints and funky checks in bright turquoise, lime green and”hot fuchsia pink” colors that kept it summer appropriate.







Clothes ranged from breezy flowing chiffon long dresses, wool drawstring shorts…to slim and wide legged “Frederic” pants for gals.










Men’s looks were terrific…as in utility jackets, a black wool 3 button blazer with slim fitted pants, and a khaki cotton safari ensemble.

No ridiculous dropped crotches here-a style that spread like a virus in many S/S 09 collections we saw.












RETAIL: In the states soon, we hope. At the eponymous boutique in Berlin… everywhere in Germany…plus UK, Ireland, Switzerland, China at MCM Hotels…and Russia.
MICHALSKY

MARCEL OSTERTAG-WINNER OF KARSTADT NEW GENERATION AWARD

AN ACCOMPLISHED SPRING/SUMMER 2009 COLLECTION

MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK

July 18th, 17:00 Bebelplatz, BERLIN

Words, Pics-Judith Ecochard






Marcel Ostertag's pulled together models wore an adroit pastiche of BOHO print dresses mixed up with chic beige separates...
that reminded us of a Donna Karan show with dabs of McQueen/Galliano’s expert tailoring mixed in.





THE DESIGNER: No wonder the runway performances were so FINISHED…Marcel Ostertag is a graduate of University of Arts/Central St. Martins College in London-with laboring stints at top-notch fashion houses Paul Smith, Dunhill and Burberry.


THE COLLECTION: Joining the Menwear looks-a handsome bunch of black/grey/white separates… are some very well made playful summer… and serious urbanite polished looks for ladies that referenced the late 70’s (think Lauren Hutton/Ali McGraw).








These are impact, structured looks-with precise cuts worthy of a bespoke Saville Road veteran.









Ostertag also makes use of exotic materials like feathers-as in painstakingly applied to a trench coat that we tried on at the Premium tradeshow-and could have flown away in.







A neutral, creamy beige with yellow hints ruled sophisticated safari/military jackets and gathered tops accessorized with wide leather belts will probably be seen on the streets of London, Paris and London.

Plus, we saw ourselves living in the cropped and full-length pants with pockets that lay perfectly flat to flatter.










Knockouts also included a lace over-layed on a puffy, belted mini dress and iridescent pearl fringes on a downright flappery sheath.













RETAIL: A number of boutiques in Europe...MARCEL OSTERTAG

ESTHER PERBANDT- UNDERSTATED ELEGANCE FOR KARSTADT NEW GENERATION AWARD

July 18th, 16:30 Bebelplatz BERLIN

Words, Pics-Judith Ecochard


“It’s a game played between contrasts-but one of those which is so subtle, that you might not take notice of it: the one between male and female elements, hard and soft, classic and very modern.”

-Esther Perbandt –

THE DESIGNER: Perbandt is a fashion veteran, having studied at University of Arts (Berlin), earned a Master Degree at the European Fashion/Textiles Design in Utrecht, Berlin and Paris…and followed it up at the International Fashion Design post-graduate program at the Parisian Institut Francais de la Mode. Whew.







While toiling for 14 months with Chacok (Paris), she met her English born partner Jayne Simone Curé…and then returned to her stomping grounds in Berlin to launch her eponymous line of clothes and accessories (2004 and 2003 respectively).

THE SHOW: S/S 09 was a winner-many editorial types thought this collection should have been the anointed one.

Sticking with her “strict/rigid but also sensitive/open approach” …Perbandt’s dresses and separates were well tailored but move effortlessly with the body-a delicious flow-blended with sexy but grown-up silhouettes. No wonder the label is worn worldwide by women of ages.











OUR WANNA HAVE IT: The last look was a fabulous hooded, long black chiffon silk dress-we can see as a cover-up after a day sailing on our imaginary yacht- or ramped up with dangling earrings and chunky bracelets for a landlubber night out.







ACCESSORIES: Perbandt’s way with accessories was evident with the spiders web hosiery providing an amusing antidote to serious garb---and with the pattern repeated on large satchels in patent leather over canvas/leather.







FACTOID: A very personal designer, Perbandt literally wears her heart on her sleeve-and you can too…excerpts from her diary are printed on her bags, skirts, and dresses (S/S 2005).







INFO: ESTHER PERBANDT

KARSTADT NEW GENERATION AWARD NOMINEES-BOESSERT/SCHORN

BERLIN PRESENTS DESIGNERS UNDER THE RADER

Words, Pics Judith Ecochard

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week-Bebelplatz, Berlin

July 18th, 18:00

We were excited to see this show as is somewhat like the GEN ARTS Fashion award in the U.S.A.

Three labels got to participate in front of a panel of judges and a packed house of enthusiastic supporters.

Although our pick…did not win (but had a lot of editor types that thought the label should have…details in a later posting)…all lines were victorious in a way. And got boat loads of support from the German press.

BOESSERT/SCHRON



Duo Sonia Boessert and Brigitte Schrorn crafted a largely BLACK, functional, easy to wear collection for S/S 09. In business since 2003, the ladies have a devoted following in Germany and Japan for these breezy dresses and separates.

Draped or gathered silks were techniques that are signature cuts for Boessert/Schorn... came off as polished sophistication. Our pick for a night out is the black tunic/mini dress with a gathered waist, intricately made two part sleeve details, and a color block neckline. Nice.



Billowing, pocketed pants were made interesting with stripped fabric inserts, and a loose drawstring beige pair sported a solid black strip up the seams.
















The press material had Boessert/Schron preferring “muted colors, crumpled material, unobtrusiveness, nonchalance, contradiction.”

We couldn’t of phrased it better.


INFO: BOESSERT/SCHORN

KUNSTHOCHSCHULE BERLIN WEIBENSEE-NEW TALENT GRADUATES

BERLIN FASHION WEEK

Offsite PALAZZO ITALIA

July 18th, 2008 17:00


Words, Pics- Judith Ecochard


One of the reasons Berlin is bustling is that compared to other fashion forward cities like Milan, Paris and London…rents here are cheap. Cheaper than Manhattan, in fact.





The wave of creative types descending on this city is partially reflected in the student population. There are eight major fashion schools here...





and each is an avant-garde factory of talent.





THE SHOW: By our count, there were over 12-14 students showing anywhere from 10-12 looks apiece…we could not keep track - as there was no run of show-and the runway event went on way too long.

Note to producers…limit students to three to four key looks…and have the whole show with at MOST…60 looks.





Even the polite crowd was stirring…and people left.

BUT: It’s obvious that there is true talent in this graduating class.

FABRICS WERE EXCEPTIONAL-we hope the deft use of quality and color finds its way across the big, blue ocean.

Muleh Gets its Close Up: A Modern Minimalist Washington DC Boutique with upscale fashion and Charm

Text & Images, Casi Densmore-Koon
Edited by Vivian G. Kelly
SOME BACKGROUND
After much anticipation, we attended a trunk show for Colombian jeweler designer, PAULA MENDOZA, at MULEH, DC’s trend setting boutique. Not only did we get to discuss Paula’s line of earthy, organic baubles, we had the opportunity to meet Muleh’s storeowner, Christopher Rieter.
When sitting down with CHRISTOPHER REITER, we would have never guessed he was a previous savvy vintage thrift store shopper or a Stock Broker in Asia; we have never met someone with such passion for what they do. Walking in Muleh feels as if you are being invited into a beautiful home and that you’re shopping in dear friend’s closet; the vibe is cozy and welcoming. The building has a lot of history, it was a car dealership in the fifties as well as the former home of The Black Cat, a well-known nightclub.
WHAT IS MULEH?
Muleh (Moo-Lay) means, "to come home" in Javanese. The store opened in 1999 and became a go-to destination for those shopping for modern Asian interiors. In 2004, women's fashions completed the lifestyle concept of Muleh.
The store concept: to weave design as well as style throughout your home and wardrobe.
As the crowd began to pour in, we were able to take some time with Christopher Reiter, who looked fabulous in a white button down shirt, jeans, and gray blazer.
LYRA MAG: Who is your dream customer?
CHRISTOPHER REITER: My dream customer by definition is someone who leaves in Wash DC but wakes up in the morning and thinks to dress as if they could be waking up in any city in the world.
LYRA MAG: What do you want us to know about Muleh?
C. REITER: A lot of what we sell isn’t available everywhere. It sounds cliché, but it’s really true. All of the materials I get directly from sources, from designers that I meet, that I shake hands with, that I get recommendations from. A lot of this stuff, in the home category, you don’t find anywhere else, and it goes somewhere else after it comes here. Although you see Philip Lim at Barneys – what we do differently, when we select a designer, we go really broad. For example, if you go into Barneys and see five styles of a big designer, do you really feel as if you’re getting your time’s worth – is it worth your time doing that? If you come here you will be rest assured to find a broad selection – a real representation of what a designer has to offer – that’s very important.
LYRA MAG: What can you say about the concept of your store?
C. REITER: The merchandising is true variety with one style, one size. It has an exposed, raw palette – let the merchandise be the color of the palette – it’s polished but it’s rough.
LYRA MAG: What designer should we look out for? A favorite?
C. REITER: Rozae Nichols - she is very international. She has a way of mixing modern with a global viewpoint that is very personally me. It fits multiple body types and still exudes this sophisticated sexy vibe, and she is consistent.

Christopher is really trying to cultivate the style barometer of the city, which he assured us is growing. Since having carried Philip Lim, when he was designing for development, Muleh is the only boutique to carry Vivienne Westwood’s Anglomnia. Christopher says, all you need is self-confidence, expression, and personal style. We can get behind that!

TREND TIPS
Flannery, who handles sales and media relations for Muleh gave us some advice on trends that will be fun for fall.

FALL 2008 TRENDS:
- Classic pieces like Autumn cashmere sweaters that are fabulous basics
- Mixing and intermixing designers & layering styles
Hottest items: One of a kind Phillip Lim Party dresses
PAULA MENDOZA JEWELRY: powerful AND feminine
Talking with the owner wasn't the only high point of the evening. We were finally able to catch up with the guest of the evening who’s been featured in Lucky Magazine and Radar -- Paula Mendoza. Her Gala necklace and Rocket ring are just two of her one of a kind statement pieces. She describes her 5-year old line as "very organic".
WHERE TO GET IT: In North America - Saks Jandel, Keith Leppert Gallery, Tabandah and Zipa Jewlery Anna Cerrintelli and Lisa Ho in Austrailia and New Zealand.
www.paulamendoza.com
To read more about Muleh, visit the official website,
www.muleh.com
ENDNOTES: Muleh is a store worth frequenting, and one to watch in Washington, DC - worth the trip.

C.NEEON – COLORFUL GRAPHICS EMBOLDEN ROBUST WEAR FOR SPRING/SUMMER ‘09

EDGY AND READY FOR PRIME TIME WORLDWIDE

July 18th, 16:00 -



















offsite at the Kungstgewerbemuseum





Words, Images by Judith Ecochard




The four-year old label C. Neeon is the creative output of two very visually talented designers, Clara Leskovar and Doreen Schulz.





Graduates of the prestigious Kunsthoschule Berlin Weissensee and deserved winner of France’s prestigious Grand Prix du Jury at the 20th (2005) Hyères International Festival de Mode & de Photographe (in a jury led by the amazing Roland Mouret, no less)…C. Neeon’s runway show attracted both the upscale posh AND street hip club ready, clad crowds.





THE SHOW: A 20 minute runway romp snaked around outdoor seating set up outside on the entrance plaza of the museum. Techno/rock beats kept the male and female models strutting at a fast pace-(no DIVA posing here).





THE LOOKS: We loved how unique this show was-and the strong point of view of the designers. The interplay of bold color blocks of fabrics (Mondrian) …trimmed with wide bands of silk in a swirling patterns (hello Japanese Anime) with nature inspired black shapes to keep it interesting-in leggings, flowing BOHO long dresses, and several nods to an eighties silhouettes via tunics, and dropped waist dresses…were inventive and FUN.

Guys (and a few gals) sported dropped crotched “Hammer Time” pants (which will not be big in the States we think) but the hoodies, diamond pattern tees in turquoise and black…and a grey trim, long sleeve v neck cotton sweater were winners.

No surprise to us that this label has garnered major editorial nods of approval in German reads.





Wear these clothes and you will be noticed!!!!




DETAILS: C. NEEON

PENKOV – EFFORTLESS ELEGANT FASHION FOR SPRING/SUMMER 09’

“DECORATIVE BODY ARMOR” AND A PORCELAIN PRESENTAION

JULY, 18th, THE ROYAL PORCELAIN MANUFACTORY BERLIN KPM
15:30

Words, Images by Judith Ecochard





We usually love presentations…because…like visiting showrooms, we can get up close and personal with the clothes.

Except when a staging is jammed packed and the models are not properly positioned.







We wish the obviously, immensely talented Bernadette Penkov had thought to place her mannequins on an elevated platform so we didn’t have to strain our necks to see her creative, highly individualistic pieces…

The Berlin based designer had shown her A/W 08 collection during London Fashion Week so she was on our radar…and should be on yours too. Next time we are in this fab city, we will make a point of visiting the Penkov boutique in the hip Mitte section.

CONFECTIONS:The eight or so looks, all made from luxe white silk, hand detailed lace, and light as air chiffon were sophisticated and stunning in a Victor & Rolf way. The net overlays, silk ribbon trims, origami folds, and delicate draped tunics also harked back to the mastery of Japanese geniuses like Issey Miyake, Yoji Yamamoto, Comme des Garcons and Hanae Mori (in a delicate way).

We appreciated the contrast/tension between the ulta-feminine garb and the "hard" masculine in the white porcelain armor.



Additionally, the looks were successfully accented by porcelain pieces as jewelry with striking neck and ankle pieces. As Penkov noted in the press release:

“KPM, with its style consciousness, is a perfect partner for my new collection.”




Again, reiterating our point that Berliners completely embrace the concept of art and fashion as meshed entities-which seems to ridiculously torment some people in the USA. Though let's cheer GAP's artists' series of tees.



INFO: PENKOV



RETAIL: Penkov, Brunnenstrasse 65A 13355, Berlin; +49 (0) 30 4630 9047

MERCEDES-BENZ BRIDGEHAMPTON POLO CHALLENGE-WEEK 2

TEAM PONY EXPRESS VS. TEAM BLACK WATCH

COLLECTION BY STRIDE RITE PRESENTS KIDS DAY AT THE BLUE STAR JETS FIELD



JULY 26TH, TWO TREES FARM, WATER MILL-THE HAMPTONS



VICTORIOUS!













Words, Images-Judith Ecochard

WHAT: The Bridgehampton Polo Club and Collections By Stride Rite a children’s shoe emporium at 1542 3rd Avenue in Manhattan- hosted a fun fun fun afternoon at the stunning Two Trees Farm. The match-between two powerhouse teams Black Watch and Pony Express- was thrilling…and drew thousands of spectators on this picture perfect sunny day.


The kids in attendance enjoyed activities and games expertly coordinated by New Jersey’s own Space Odyssey USA-Family Entertainment Center.









We only wish we had recruited a little human so that we could’ve played too.








WHO WAS THERE: The Sponsors’ tent was packed with a glam crowd sipping Perrier-Jouet splits, Bloody Marys spiked with Stolichnaya Vodka, and Peroni beers.




Outdoor displays featured Ralph Lauren’s Black Polo garb (no surprise)


and the third generation of POLO watches from the exclusive brand, Piaget. T-Mobile Sidekick’s enclave had a DJ spinning the latest from MIA who we just saw performing live in Berlin (yeah!)…while onlookers poured over brochures with details on the soon to be hot (in a good way) development, Capricho Luxury Resort (Mexico)-with an ETA Spring 2009 launch for a chic boutique hotel, private beach club, splurge worthy spa (with input by one of our fav fashion designers, Custo Dalmau of CUSTO BARCELONA), architecturally striking residences, and two 18 hole golf courses by Chrissie Everett’s husband, the legendary Greg Norman.



Zino PlatinumCigars provided the smokes---and naturally, there were no cigars left to take home!













Plus we had a nice chat with Jon Gruen who owns several Gruen Optika eyewear stores in East Hampton and Manhattan…including the latest one on Madison Avenue (78th/79th Streets).

He’s been in the biz since 1971 and most recently teamed up with luxury watch brand Tag Heuer to launch the company’s Made in France, brand new luxurious sunglass collection. Interestingly, the elbow hinges of the eyewear pieces replicate that of the human elbow a guarantee for a perfect fit…while the lenses themselves, including ones for night driving, are specific to different endeavors. As golfers- we eagerly tried on a pair - that’s ideal for hackers and Tiger Wood level players alike…and saw every blade of grass surrealistically clear...providing one less excuse for our handicap score.













SMARTEST ATTENDEE: A highlight for us was meeting and enjoying a wide-ranging talk on a host of topics- with R. Donahue (Don) Peebles, Chairman and CEO of The Peebles Corporation –who attended the festivities with his adorable daughter Chloe… and stunning wife Katrina.

Now a successful multi-billionaire real estate developer, Peebles grew up in Washington DC, served as a page on the Hill (impressive, we lived inside the Beltway so we know how extraordinary you have to be to get THAT gig), and with a heavy dose of entrepreneurial spirit coupled with a ‘make lemonade out of lemons’ drivin' optimism, took chances, worked tirelessly, and made his real estate dreams come to reality.

From the ground up. INSPIRING.

Peebles started with office buildings in DC…and expanded his empire to include other luxury ventures in Miami Beach (the Royal Palm Hotel, The Lincoln, and The Residences at the Bath Club). Some other projects underway/finished are upscale properties in Las Vegas, near San Francisco…and wisely “avoiding the herd mentality” – meaning the stampede to EXIT New York, might possibly include some business deals in the Big Apple.

Although this might read like a bit of a gushing cliché…it’s when we interact with people like Peebles…it reminds us not only that America is the land of opportunity…not always easy, but possible...but also that-IMHO...what being a USA citizen truly means.

We’re glad Peebles is providing financial counsel to Obama’s Presidential campaign.

FYI: Peebles wrote (with J.P. Farber) The Peebles Principles: Tales and Tactics from an Entrepreneur's Life of Winning Deals, Succeeding in Business, and Creating a Fortune from Scratch (Wiley, 2007).





The MVP and his compadres in action... and with BFF horse.




Who Really Owns The Winner's Trophy!

“A SEALED FATE” BY NIGEL BARKER -NOTED PHOTOGRAPHER

AN ADVOCATE FOR THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES &
AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL JUDGE TURNS THE LENS ON A CANADIAN RITUAL

July 25th, 4PM (and open to the public until July 27th)

401 Projects---401 West Street, NYC

Words, Images Judith Ecochard

WHO: Nigel Barker, a Judge on America’s Next Top Model the massively popular Tyra Bank’s helmed reality show. Plus a congenial fashion photographer, who put in overtime and answered all of our questions...because...

he's a passionate advocate against the cruelty to animals ...and films/produces documentary work that CELEBRATES THE BEAUTY of their lives.



WHAT: An informative (and moving) photo exhibit and documentary on Canadian Seals that captures the adorable and vulnerable nature of the baby seals…and the annual hunt of these mammals sanctioned by the Canadian government.

“They have no natural enemies,” Barker noted…”they come up to you and that makes it more tragic that the hunt takes place…”

The exhibit itself is glorious… and highlights the wonders of these creatures (FYI-it’s is totally kid friendly)… while the documentary-viewed downstairs in a cozy setting- both records the mammals gentle nature AND briefly shines a spotlight on the cruel practices used in the pointless three-day slaughter of the baby seals.

The photographs, in limited editions are for sale too…with proceeds going to The Humane Society.

Nigel Barker with the weapon of choice. Ugh.




Not part of the exhibit and barely viewed in the doc ... we learned that the 12 day old mammals are barbarically clubbed with one end of a long metal rod (not confirmed dead) and dragged by a treacherous metal hook to the boats where they are skinned (often while still alive and writhing in pain)...during the Q&A with Barker. The seals can also be shot in the head but the hunters "are charged $4 for every bullet hole in a pelt.”

Then…the bloody carcasses of these defenseless mammals are left to litter the landscape-like something out of D-Day invasion aka “a sea of bloody guts.”

WHO BUYS: Predictably, the Chinese and Russians buy the fur…but another attendee at our session, commented on how Scandinavians still buy seal coats and pay a lot for them too.

Sadly, the Norwegians “have converted the whale processing plants over to process the fur,” according to Barker.

“THERE IS REAL HOPE” Fortunately the EU is considering a ban on Canadian fur imports (the USA has one). Norway is NOT part of the EU but adopts most of EU policies through trade agreements. Let’s hope the nations across the pond get on board for this…especially since the annual slaughter for seal fur generates $12 million dollars for the hunters…and the seafood boycott has cost Canadians a $300 million deficit already. HHHmmmmm.

Ironically, 75% of Canadians are against this…and do not subscribe to the mind set that “we’ve been doing it for hundreds of years.”

The photography team




WHAT YOU CAN DO: Boycott Canadian seafood like socially responsible food purveyors Whole Foods and Trader Joes (YEAH!!!).

Plus-sign the online PETITION pledging to boycott Canadian seafood.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Barker reiterated that the hunt “doesn’t need to happen” (we agree)…and “we live in a beautiful world that is often treated with contempt.”

“When people treat animals in an inhumane manner…I’ll step in…that’s my mission.”

TAGS: NIGEL BARKER, The Humane Society Of The United States, 401 Projects



THAT'S HOT: Paris Hilton in her 'Club Sandwiches not Seals" hoodie.

Amala Skincare–Captivates us with the glow of Eco-Beauty

Text, Liza Mulvenna
Edited by Vivian G. Kelly
Images, from www.amalabeauty.com


In a global social climate of increased eco-awareness, premier organic skincare line Amala delivers radiance and a sense of inner peace. It’s sure to satisfy today’s eco-conscious consumer as it uses upwards of 99%-100% of the finest organic ingredients. This luxurious skincare line has also achieved admirable compliance within international fair trade practices and sustainable agriculture guidelines, AND is competitively priced and ethical. It’s a standout in today’s rapidly growing organic cosmetics marketplace.

Amala= Pure
This German skincare company’s ancient moniker has multiple definitions ranging from “most pure” in Sanskrit to “love her” in Spanish. Founder Ute Lemper, incorporated her core values [a deep respect for nature and a holistic approach toward skincare] into the development of this product line.

Amala:
- Is the first to use organic emulsifiers in its products
- Contains no preservatives or chemical agents
- Is minimally processed through a customized distillation process,
- Is dermatologist approved and never tested on animals.

Amala is not playing mere lip service to fit into a nowadays-trendy eco-everything. This is the real deal – the crème de la crème of organic skincare. Its formulation is twenty years in the making, and its organic purity claims are authentic - and backed up the ECOCERT stamp of approval. (ECOCERT is a strict and highly reputable French organization that certifies organic products worldwide: www.ecocert.com
Extensive information about Amala’s manufacturing methodology, partnerships and philosophy is documented on their website alongside their full product line description and ordering information at www.amalabeauty.com
and makes for an inspirational read.

PRICING
The price-points are in the luxury range yet reasonable with two sizes to choose from 50ml or 100ml. The cleanser and toner is in the $22/$38 range. The moisturizer is $55/$110, and the mask runs from $48/$96 depending on size. A system of products to build a routine would have an entry point of about $100-$150 to start.

THE PACKAGING

Amala’s gorgeous packaging is made from recycled and post-consumer materials (surprise!), with cylindrical paper tubes and cork stoppers, complete with a minimalist lotus design.

Depending on the product, some are contained in elegant (and reusable) glass bottles with copper details.. Each product is stamped with an expiration date of 2 years from its manufacture. The products inside are kept fresh through the delicate balance of natural ingredients that are self-preserving. The only shelf-life issue one may have is that the collection looks so lovely on the bathroom shelf, you may wait longer than normal to open and actually use them!

Using Amala for a Beauty Routine

After chasing the proverbial fountain of youth by any means necessary (*from slathering bizarre food items from the fridge to using toxic pharmaceuticals that warn against possible birth defects), this level of conscientiousness affirmed the idealistic notion that (inner) beauty radiates from smart consumer (outer) choices. We decided to go through a clinical withdrawal from the usual retinol and glycolic products and see what Amala could do, and we were thrilled by the results.

Amala has four dynamic collections: purify, hydrate, detoxify, and rejuvenate.
We sampled products from the purify/blue lotus collection:
a gel cleanser, toner, moisturizer and clay mask.
Blue lotus is a rare mystical plant rich in healing properties, cultivated in Thailand and along the Nile. The purify/blue lotus product line also contains white/green tea, sea algae, tiger grass, rice bran, and white clay, along with countless other plant extracts, as each product is especially formulated by task.

THE RESULTS
Our urban clogged skin (and psyche) felt noticeably refreshed and revitalized after using Amala’s blue lotus/ purifying line for a mere two weeks. The products work synergistically, and we had noticeable results of more moisture, a firmer and more even skin-tone, with smaller pores (love it!) by following a routine of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing everyday. Then, following up with a purifying mask about twice a week.
The dullness and dry patchy mixed with oily zones started to even out. Our combination skin really liked this formulation. We found the fragrance of the Amala products to very pleasant, with aroma-therapeutic qualities (due to the potent organic botanical and essential oils used) that are beneficial to skin and soul with its wonderful herbal scent.

A FEW TIPS
When using the toner spritzer, be sure to close your eyes first.
Secondly, with the natural ingredients and organic emulsifiers, the texture of the moisturizer may be slightly different then what you’re used to. It does absorb but give it a moment. Pat it in and let it sit a few minutes. Then apply your sunscreen, makeup, etc.
We’d love Amala to include sunscreen in the formulation but of course, that entails chemicals…oh well!


Where to find it NOW

Currently, Amala products are used in exclusive spas and retail locations.
For more information and to purchase products, visit the website
www.amalabeauty.com

MIAMI MONTAGE - THE SHOWS WE MISSED [Diesel, Ed Hardy] & JUNGLE GURL

Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images of Jungle Gurl, Christian Audigier, Richard Spiegel
Runway Images, Corina Lecca, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Newsgroup

Date &Time: Saturday, July 19, 2008, early evening
Place: Backstage at the Raleigh pool and at the Miami Convention Center

Due to a 6-hour delay on the way into Miami International Airport, we spent our time working in the AA Admiral’s Lounge back in New York’s LaGuardia Airport instead of attending the Diesel show as planned. A few days later, after chatting with one of the guys at the beach who works as a surf instructor and who happened to have modeled in the show, we checked out Corina Lecca’s footage. We’d spotted Supermodel MAY ANDERSON at the official kick-off party at the Raleigh pool that same evening but wished she’d been walking some of the shows later in the week. It may be 3 years since we saw her at Miami Swim, but she looked even better at the Diesel show this past week!

The CHRISTIAN AUDIGIER “Meet and Greet” was another one we missed, as we were on-duty working backstage at Red Carter. We did however run into Christian who was on his way backstage. Even though he was the man of the hour, he wasn’t too busy to pose for a photo with us. We spent some more of our down time admiring some of the Mercedes-Benz cars on display. Although we missed the Ed Hardy show, we sympathized with Mr. Audigier, from a designer’s point of view, and the consensus was you didn’t have to see the show to know what it would be like. Christian Audigier rose to fame as head designer of Van Dutch early this decade and became even more famous in his current positions as Creative Director of Ed Hardy and his own Christian Audiegier signature line. When we sat down over cocktails and watched the video the next day, sure enough, there were tattoos and flash, but that’s what Ed Hardy fans want. To Mr. Audigier’s credit he delivered and he’ll probably sell a lot of suits, just like he’s sold countless bling encrusted ballcaps for over $100, as we discovered when we explored the Christian Audigier boutique on Lincoln Road a few days later. Mr. Audigier’s a smart marketer, and is riding the surge of his lines’ popularity. The his and her fragrances available seemingly at every major department store from Bon Ton to Macy’s should perform well.
To read more about the Ed Hardy fragrances, please read LYRA MAG contributor, Marke Behnke’s review we posted earlier this month.

www.edhardyshop.com

JUNGLE GURL
While visiting the Gottex and Gideon Oberson booths so ably run by NY based ATELIER PR’s LOU AND MICHELE IACOVELLI, we stopped by to visit with JUNGLE GUR, a resource we discovered in Mikey Koffman’s THE GALLERY LA SHOWROOM on a visit to the showroom in June.
Designer NATALIE GOLONKA’S “One of a kind bikinis constructed from recycled vintage garments” made an impression on us back then and we loved how she contributed to the eco movement by simply recycling vintage fabrics, something we’d like to see more of. Natalie’s been busy since then, and has started a celebrity initiative, which is bound to get her on a lot more radar screens. Face it; a celebrity wearing your designs helps sales, 99% of the time.
Natalie is now offering adorable baby and little girl recycled vintage bikinis, just like Mom’s. In addition, if the $100+ price tags for the original Jungle Gurl bikinis you can get at Fred Segal are a little too pricey, not to worry, Natalie’s got you covered. She’s taken some of her best-selling vintage designs and manufactured them in larger quantities so you too can be wearing Jungle Gurl to the pool for well under $100.
We hope to spot images on the Internet soon of Nicole Richie and her baby wearing adorable matched Jungle Gurl bikinis.
To see more of the Jungle Gurl collection, visit
www.junglegurl.com

THE VIX SWIMWEAR & CRUISE COLLECTION 2009

Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Runway Images, Corina Lecca, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Newsgroup


Time: Monday, July 21, 2008, @ 6:45pm
Place: the Cabana Grande at the Raleigh



OUR RATING: definitely one of the week’s highlights. This collection is both editorial AND saleable.

The show started off right, with a trio of sunset tie-dye pieces. The HAT ATTACK straw boaters, matte gold cuffs, and old fashioned espadrilles gave a distinctly Saint Tropez flair to the overall styling.

We weren’t’ overly familiar with VIX, but did remember that they do a great job with gold hardware on their bikinis. The suits are a bit on the skimpy side in the seat, but stayed on well on the briskly moving models, a sure fire sign of a well-cut suit. The Kelly green palm print bikinis worked well as did the matching cotton voile cover-up. A fresh take on the usual gold hardware were white enamel square jewels on the flamingo pink and white wave print looked good too. While the colors were vibrant and abundant, they were toned down with chocolate brown, and for those who aren’t yearning for color, there’s a brown bikini and a white bandeau one with huge gold rings on the sides sophisticated enough for a destination wedding. Either of those two suits would go well with the “enamel square print” “Paris” long dress. For those who like it better matchy-matchy, there’s an enamel print bikini to match.


BEST IN SHOW
The black and white electro dot halter bikini.

To see more VIX swimwear, visit their official website
www.vixswimwear.com

To browse Hat Attack’s collection, visit the website
www.hatattack.com

EASTPAK SPRING 2009-ON TREND STREETWEAR & THE PACKS

“BUILT TO RESIST” RAF SIMONS AND ELEY KISHIMOTO DESIGNS HIP HAULERS PLUS ON TREND FASHION+ EASTPAK’S FAMED DURABILTY



July 18th, MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK,
BEBELPLATZ, BERLIN 15:00

Words & Backstage Images, Judith Ecochard
FOH Images from ERDBEERLOUNGE


We’re outdoor enthusiasts so of course we are familiar with the brand Eastpak, now owned by clothing giant VF Company –grand daddy of Nautica, Lee®, Seven For All Mankind®, John Varvatos® too.

To break the strangle hold of its sibling-The NORTH FACE® collection-ironically a VF Company child- (just take any NYC subway in the cold weather-and that is practically all you see on riders, whether authentic or Canal Street knockoffs)…and scoop up some European street cred, Eastpak smartly collaborated with the cutting edge maestro Raf Simons for S/S 08.



Simons conjured up hip travel and urban friendly bags for the MATERIAL WORLD collection featured technically driven rumpsacks in durable materials… and fun stylish daypacks and accessories.

Sold at ‘IT’ stores like Collette in Paris, and Barneys-Simons trademark palette in poppin’ solids and graphics ("Rad Red" "Gas Blue" "Sliced Sunup" "Blog" "Varsity Grey" "Birdcage Pink")---coupled with details like wrinkled patent shine and folds-were smash hits with the fashion crowd.

With the recent addition of Mark Ely and Wakako Kishimoto (also helming the French line CACHAREL) to design fun and “optimistic” Eastpaks in a numbered LIMITED EDITION of 1000 pieces per daypack style- for their “Authentic Line” WE KNEW THE RUNWAY SHOW WOULD ROCK.

Plus, the iconic ELEY KISHIMOTO ‘FLASH’ pattern (looks like lightening bolts –Keith Haring/cartoonish black, red or royal blue covering a white background)…is instantly recognizable in that Kelly handbag Hermes way. Instant cool without the logos. YEAH.









BACK TO THE SHOW: And we really knew it would literally rock when we were backstage boppin’ to German star MIA’s (pronounced MEE AHH in Germany, not “M” “I” “A” like we do in the USA)…massive backin’ band warming up.











THE CLOTHES: We had a wonderful, wide ranging chat with the suave and seemingly relaxed Gilles Laumonier, the Vice President/General Manager for Eastpak. Based in Belgium, this fashion veteran acknowledged that conjuring up stylish separates “was a tricky exercise...because the DNA of Eastpak is one of durability and practicality.”

“It’s becoming more of a street fashion brand with the added factors of being a trendy, nice product that has to be durable and weather resistant,” Laumonier added.




“I am constantly researching fabrics that meet a lot of criteria.”




Amazingly, every textile is tested between twenty to thirty times and has to meet the same high standards that the typical Eastpak tote would…and the carryalls have a thirty-year warranty!

“We develop our own mix of fabrics---some with the feel and look of cotton but with the same durability of nylon.”



THE LOOKS: The well paced show bopped along to the latest club hits-and spouted edgy ensembles of hoodies, a black street version of board shorts, and slightly rumpled but fitted black denim-ish pants for guys. Hip hop baggy jeans were nowhere in sight T.G. OVER FOREVER we hope…

Gals got a cool pair of long plaid shorts with black logoed tee and our favorite- a capped sleeve royal blue mini dress, with bold white graphics on the front. Think Williamsburg hip perfect but not out of place on snowboarders after a day of shredding-or outfitting skate boarders done with zipping off the handrails.

Or gamers who refuse to see the sun shine.

THE SHOW: Backstage prior to the actual runway fete, we took in the models rehearsin’ their struts. Though they were instructed to walk with a fun, cheeky attitude, they probably didn’t need the lessons. The music was that good…and occasional pairings of models cavorting away- just added to the fun.

Plus the diversity of model types that could’ve been pulled from Berlin’s happening club scene--- reminded us of Daryl K’s red hot presentation on Bond Street, NYC last February…where the designer’s friends, muses and employees served as mannequins--embracing and emphasize the differences in looks and body types.

MAKEUP: With such an assortment of faces (no monolithic bland pretty forgettable skinny types here)…head makeup artist for Maybelline NYC, the charming Boris Entrup, emphasized “the dynamic individualistic great looking models.”

“One girl came on her bike,” he noted… “so we let her skin shine through with no base.” Another dark haired model sported black lips and a “shine in her eyes” with dramatic black eyeliner-that worked with her neck to toes tattoos…while a striking tall blonde had sharp magenta lips on a “blank face,” achieved with the new Mineral Base products.

“Perfection is confidence in your style,” Enrup feels.

Interestingly for us, Great Lash Mascara-the pink and green tubed favorite of makeup artists worldwide…is not popular in Germany-though this country racks in sales that make it #4 for Maybelline (owned by L’Oreal).


FYI: Simons won the Elle:Fashion Star award the next evening (July 19th) at an 1000 person blowout with entertainment by Annie Lenox and Texas…and BIG NAME auteur-a barely audible Karl Langerfeld appeared to pick-up HIS lifetime achievement honor.


TAGS: EASTPACK, ELEY KISHIMOTO, RAF SIMONS

SMEILINENER-CRAFTSY COLLAGE SEPARATES FOR SPRING 2009

THE TRADITIONAL INTO THE EXTRAORDINARY



July 18th 1PM Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin BEBELPLATZ

Words, Images Judith Ecochard

We arrived too late for a bunch of Berlin Fashion Week festivities, but we did drop into CREATE BERLIN SHOWROOM …and its opening party- on our first night (July 16th)…for an exhibit titled “Fleet In Berlin.”

OK-what it was exactly… got lost in translation but we thought it was wonderful…and so did everyone else. The gallery was PACKED with a very, very stylish crowd.







On display were playful, deeply saturated swingy skirts stitched together from assorted fabrics by the designer fronting SMEILINENER. The skirts were suspended from the ceiling-and dramatically lit by spotlights in the dark room. The pieces were titled with words using kitschy Disney expressions. Naturally, we were amused by the USA theme.







BOTTOM LINE: The textiles were so beautiful—we figured the Smeiliner Fashion Show at the Mercedes-Benz Tent two days later--- would not disappoint.







And it didn’t.

The runway show reminded us of traditional Scandinavian with handmade detailing that we saw all over Finland and Japan---all cobbled together in rainbow collages that worked for the most part. The fabrics were lovely…silks, cottons...and the separates were all beautifully tailored.

The Heidi-like hair was perfectly appropriate.







BACKSTORY: Designed by Mischa Woeste who’s maiden name…Linsenmeier...inspired the line’s moniker.SMEILINENER

BASSO & BROOKE – A LABEL’S RETROSPECTIVE THAT EARNS BRAVOS!!!!

MERCEDES-BENZ TENT, BEBELPLATZ
July 18th, 11AM

Words, Judith Ecochard
Images-Courtesy of Dan Lecca for Mercedes-Benz IMG Fashion Week-Berlin

Basso & Brooke is a youngish label (4 years) that managed to wow the Deutchland press and behind the scenes hair and make-up staff-with its runway extravaganza.

Hands down, this was one of the high points of Berlin Fashion Week-Spring 2009.

BACKSTORY: The label is the creative work of an English bloke-the 25 year old Christopher Brooke, a fashion graduate of the legendary Central Saint Martins that spawned Alexander McQueen and John Galliano…and…the 29 year old Bruno Basso, a Brazil native with a graphics background.

Winners of London Fashion Fringe award in 2004, the duo’s architectural and artistic leanings translated into glamorous amorphous shaped fantasy outfits-a very stylish mish-mash. Colorful prints and wildly paired ensembles aside, the total looks can easily be separated and paired more sedately with the solid basics every woman already owns. As in a black and white belted jacket with slim fitting trousers…or the dark green/black silk print- leg of mutton sleeve puffed blouse paired with a belted black evening skirt. The fabrics of sumptuous silks were unbelievable.

THE SHOW: Partnering with the glittering Swarovski Crystal company- the extravagant runway looks were greeted with rounds of applause non-stop. Oversized hats (by Stephen Jones) were straight out of the Alice In Wonderland-and sat atop teased and poofed hair-pieces attached to models crowns.Isabella Blow must have been smiling down from above.


BEST COMPLIMENT: We ran into the charming André Martens, lead hairstylist for sponsor L’Oreal (and his stunning wife) who did all of the hair styles for every show at the Mercedes-Benz Tent. Wow.

This was his favorite show!

BASSO & BROOKE
L’OREAL

ORTHODOX –MEN'S TIMELESS SEPERATES WITH WIT- SPRING 2009

“A COLLECTION FOR A MAN AT HIS HIGHEST, MASCULINE, INTELLECTUAL AND EFFORTLESSLY SEXY SELF”




ENK INTERNATIONAL MEN’S RUNWAY SHOWS PIER 92 NYC
JUNE 22, 9:00PM

Words, Images Judith Ecochard

When we rode the massive elevator up to the second floor tradeshow/runway space at Pier 92, we started gabbing with two edgy and smartly ‘tailored’ types. Turns out, they are friends of the Creative Director/Designer Eric Niccoli of the men’s label-Orthodox.

And after seeing the 30 or so runway looks, we think the guys epitomized their buddy’s output-well groomed modern attire in a sort of classic mode- without a screaming nod of retro (yeah).

We really liked what we saw.

Niccoli showed his Fall 2008 line at Smashbox Studios during the LA Fashion Week last March, so we were somewhat familiar with his indie cred. And once again, we think this designer is really evolving the brand into a lifestyle statement for the under 40 crowd of MEN-not exactly the super suave MAD MEN on TNT though...but not the stereotypical metrosexual types that make us gag either.

MODEL DU JOUR: Justin Bobby- the long hair motorcycle riding dude of MTV television show The Hills.


COLORS & CUT: Wearable… and desirable-mostly neutral tones (black, grey, white, beige)-basics with a twist. The pants were fitted but with a cool hipster slack…while the super soft fitted but not tight- three button beige v-neck layered over a deep crew neck white shirt with short sleeves a little bit longer than typical-stopping right above the elbows… will make the fashion conscious guy happy without screaming LOGO-and the clueless guy look way hipper than usual.

OVERALL: Smart, not overly calculated clothes for urbanites that will do wonders to update the sloppy looks that dominate casual Fridays at the office and/or pull together males ready for a night on the town.


Very user-friendly.

RETAIL ONLINE: REVOLVE CLOTHING

INFO: ORTHODOX CLOTHING

THE PISTOL PANTIES SWIMWEAR COLLECTION

Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Runway Images, Corina Lecca, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Newsgroup


TIME: Sunday evening, July 20, 2008
PLACE: Poolside at the Raleigh Hotel, South Beach, Miami


Great Britain is Pistol Panties' homebase and this was there first time designer Deborah Fleming showed the collection at the Mercedes-Benz Swim Shows.

THE HAIR AND MAKEUP = A WIN
This designer went for the Ava Gardner variety of Hollywood Gardner, the girls looked beautiful with red lips and Veronica Lake side swooped hair.

THE COLLECTION
As at Red Carter, this collection was inspired by the Roaring Twenties, specifically, “ Nights in Deauville”, and the nightlife that went along with that era. Ms. Fleming sought to capture the retro feeling with a multitude of retro dot and houndstooth prints and a whimsical “pearl print bikini in raspberry pink, that was the highpoint of the show. These suits featured a lot of embellishments, such as Swarovski [a sponsor] crystals hanging chandelier like from various bikini tops. We’ve never been thrilled about ruffles on swimsuits, and found the one shoulder navy and pink one-shoulder maillot to be the best one. Embellishment worked when it was restricted to a flattering rectangular gold pieces on a few of the bikini bottoms, and the use of Swarovski crystals to cover the entire surface of a monokini was inventive if probably not very comfortable, but we know plenty of women who don’t mind suffering to look spectacular.

CELEB FANS
Although Pistol Panties is new to the USA, it's well established in Europe. Celeb fans include: Sarah Jessica Parker, Victoria Beckham, and Kate Moss.

For more information about the official website, visit the official website
www.pistolpanties.com

ANDREW BUCKLER SPRING 2009-MEDIEVAL KNIGHTS WITH ROCK&ROLL EDGE

ENGLISH MENSWEAR DESIGNER COLLECTION OF THE WEARABLE AND UNEXPECTED

IMAGES, WORDS, JUDITH ECOCHARD

JULY 22, ENK-IMG MENSWEAR RUNWAY SHOWS-PIER 92 NYC

We like to take in the RTW shows masterminded by Andrew Buckler…and hauled our jet lagged selves over to the Westside Highway for his Spring 2009 collection.

We liked what we saw and feel this line has a lot of retail potential.
Plus the tightly edited runway romp of 44 looks was creatively styled BUT NOT wacky enough as to distract from the clothes like in the past.

INSPIRATION: TONES
The Brazilian “Concrete” artist Hélio Oiticica’s “original and uncompromising use of color;” DEEP BLOOD RED, RAW PUTTY, PISTACHIO MUSTARD, DOVE GREY, CADET BLUE, NAVY.

INSPIRATION: DESIGN
“Medieval knights infused with indie demeanor, and a touch of humor”----which is always a running theme in Buckler’s work. We got the rock and roll edge too as the silhouettes were a wearable mix of ‘dropped’ crotched pants (saw that in Berlin too), ‘funnel’ necks with a nod to fencing…and modern lightweight layered looks.

Blazers and suits’ lines were crisply tailored-with enough grown-up polish for urban office workers toiling in all but the most conservative industries.

In the run of show, Buckler also mentioned the contrasting elements of Louise Bourgeois, the brilliant surrealist and abstract expressionist-who worked with themes from “identity, sex, love, alienation, and death.

STYLING: Few hats and oversized gym haulers. A few Bucklerish touches like a black visor.Guys looked healthy.

TAGS:
ANDREW BUCKLER,

The ANK Swimwear Runway Show, the 2009 Collection

Time: Saturday, July 19th, @8pm
Place: The Raleigh Hotel Cabana Grande

Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Runway Images, Corina Lecca, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Newsgroup

THE INTENT: to present “a diversity of style at exotic destinations that makes-up a sophisticated statement.”

Although our backstage appointment was suddenly cancelled at 6:45pm, we were able to get a good view from our 2nd row seat.
THE PRINTS & COLOR PALETTE
Designer MIRLA SABINO put her money on bold prints and patterns this season. Plant and animal prints figured strongly in this collection. A BLUE PRINT THAT COMBINED SNAKE & Cheetah with some gold hardware kicked off the show.
We really got on board when we got to the Cote D’Azur segment, which translated to some sophisticated maillots in emerald green. The standout was the high-necked one piece. We continued on the journey, to the Seychelles, switching to an aqua/emerald & black multi-stripe print.
Our favorite: a long A-line skirt.

STRONG SUIT
The 1-pieces with sexy cutouts and the 1-shoulder numbers with ruching in the back take the prize for best in show.
A small thing – we prefer matching bikinis and the suits looked more pulled together when prints and solids were kept separate.

ACCESSORIES: The only kind of shoes you can wear with suits like these are gold or silver lame as shown on this runway you can find at Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour. Don’t forget to add in a statement ring or two and your glam look is complete.


THE JEWELRY!
The women who frequent the pricey hot spots referenced in the run of show [Biarritz, Saint Tropez, Seychelles] aren’t the sorts to wear junky jewelry. Only luxury jewelry such as the PIANEGONDA pieces that accessorized the suits will do.
Franco Pianagonda’s designs jewelry has a hip street edge that appeals to celebs such as Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, and Macy Grey.
For more information on Pianegonda, visit www.pianagonda.com

A CHARITABLE ANGLE – helping needy children
ANK contributes part of all sales proceeds to the Developing Minds Foundation. The Foundation supports educational projects in areas affected by poverty and violence such as Rio de Janeiros’s favelas and isolated villages in the mountains of Columbia, South America.

For more information on the Developing Minds Foundation, contact Philippe Houdard at 305.205.0595 and visit
www.developingmindsfoundation.org

www.mirlasabino.com

THE BRICKELL OPENING LAUNCH PARTY & THE DVF SWIM & BEACHWEAR 2009 SHOW

Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images, Richard Spiegel
TIME: FRIDAY NIGHT, JULY 18TH,: 8 – 9:30pm

Where: 500 Brickell, in the heart of Downtown Miami

Going to a fancy real estate party was the last thing we’d expected to do while in town for Mercedes-Benz Miami Swim. We’re always up for an adventure, though especially as we were promised a DVF fashion show on a runway that bordered the pool.
Upstairs in the VIP Lounge on the 42nd floor, the scene was civilized with a minor pool where we lounged on white leather sofas and snacked on chicken piccata and Cuban steak from THE CAPITAL GRILL.
Downstairs on the 11th floor, Real Estate honcho, Gorge M. Perez, Chairman of the Related Group, explained the 500 Brickell Project to the 200+ attendees, which included the Mayor of Miami, Manny Diaz.
For more information on the Brickell and the Related Group, visit their website,
www.relatedgroup.com

THE DVF SHOW
PUNCHY PRINTS
This is the first time we watched a show in such comfort – sitting on the edge of the pool with our legs hanging over the edge. Diane Von is an iconic designer and what she does best is to come up with some memorable prints, from the giraffe one way back in the seventies to the Warhol-esque daisy print that appeared in this show. She started with pink and orange camo print bikinis and cover-ups. It got even better when she brought out the retro dot and floral print pieces.

THE DETAILS & STYLING

The styling also plays an important part in a show and can work [DVF] or yield an unfortunate result [Zimmerman]. At Diane, the look was easy jet-set elegance with head scarves, and huge Jackie- O glasses and gold Capri sandals that debuted last season and are available at Neiman Marcus.

To view more items from Diane Von Furstenberg’s collections, visit her official website
www.dvf.com

TIBI SWIM 2009 COLLECTION: A SOPHISTICATED TAKE ON ISLAND DRESSING

Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Backstage Images, Richard Spiegel
Runway Images, Corina Lecca, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Newsgroup

TIBI: THE PRE-SHOW
TIME: FRIDAY NIGHT, JULY 18TH, 7 – 8pm
PLACE: Cabana Grande, at the Raleigh Hotel

TIBI is one of the hottest contemporary lines in the United States and hangs in over 200 specialty stores including Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, to name just a few, and a staple with the Greenwich/Nantucket crowd. We were confident that designer Amy Smilovic would show us some suits and coverups that were unmistakably "Tibi".

TIBI was our first show of the week. Backstage was the fashion bedlam we love, we felt like we were back on our home turf in Bryant Park.

Although we missed our schedule 5:50pm scheduled interview time, designer Amy Smilovic was kind enough to talk about her collection, all the while being photographed by 2 photographers at the same time.
LYRA MAG: What’s on the racks is so Palm Beach glam!

AMY SMILOVIC: The Collection is inspired by Island Living.

[Ms. Smilovic grew-up on Saint Simon’s Island, a preppy enclave off the Georgia Coast]
LYRA MAG: Was the inspiration by how women dressed on St. Simon’s Island?

AMY SMILOVIC: I would like Saint Simon Island women to dress like this all the time!

LYRA MAG: What’s your favorite look?

AMY SMILOVIC: [going over to the racks] the candy pink beaded tunic, and the Zephyr bathing suit [a colorful halter maillot].

THE TIBI RUNWAY SHOW
The prints, as TOBE Report’s Carolyn Egan remarked prior to the show really WERE “exquisite”. You could choose from: Wild Orchid, Ikat, whirlpool and candy stripe patterns and all in explosive color combinations with turquoise featuring a starring role.

MOST NOTABLE COVER- the dressy beaded “Maya” tunics. We loved the candy pink one and the black version is perfect for laid back Island Black Tie.

FAVE BIKINI: the rhythmic Ikat bikini with gold hardware loops.
The one pieces were sexy too, especially the sleek gray one piece.

ACCESSORY NOTE:
The matching cover-ups and canvas tote bags added sophistication, as did the yellow gold cuffs many of the models wore and the gold lame gladiator style thong TIBI high heels, These sexy shoes would also work for off island city dressing.

To see more of the TIBI collections, visit the official website,
www.tibi.com

JOOP! JEANS-STREETWEAR FOR COOL CLUB KIDS SPRING/SUMMER 2009

THE PARTY REALLY STARTED AT MERCEDES-BENZ IMG FASHION WEEK BERLIN

July 17th 21:00 Offsite at BERGHAIN DISCOTHEQUE WITH HOT HOT HOT AFTERPARTY AT IT’S UPSTAIRS PANORAMA BAR

Words, Images Judith Ecochard


Dirk Schönberger-the creative director of Joop! Jeans must be a happy camper. His company’s extravaganza that had the super cool models, garbed in edgy club/streetware-all stomping to a hip techo beat in an awe inspiring- amazing industrial space-that was jammed till 6am for its after-party (whoa). This set the right tone for us.


THE VENUE: T.G. for the courtesy Mercedes Benz shuttle as we had no idea where we were going in the former fringes of East Berlin to the infamous Berghain Discotheque.

But we got pumped as soon as we walked into a humongous outdoor space/courtyard, warmed by huge heat lamps and packed with a glam crowd of German celebs and who’s who chicettes who were dressed to the nines














Every which way you turned there were ultra-courteous waiters/waitresses pouring bubbly champagne, German beer, still water, elegant cocktail snacks (yeah, no Bratwurst).




The staff whisked away used napkins and dishes so quickly… and procured fresh ashtrays in a heartbeat (yes, everyone smokes) …that we now know the stereotypical German efficiency modus operandi is FACT.
















AFTERPARTY: Upstairs at the apt named Panaoram Bar, the French progressive electro duo, JUSTICE rocked the house…we left at 3AM and it was still a packed dance floor…all ages too!





THE SHOW: Okay, this would never happen in the USA. The lights went off and in the completely PITCH BLACK hangar like space the size of a football field-the black clad staff ripped the protective covering off the three catwalks that traversed the length of the five major seating areas.



Except we could only heard the riiiiiipppping side…we couldn’t see anything including the scary to us NON-EXIST LIGHTED “Exit Signs” that are de rigeur in the States.







We think we were the only ones that thought of this...as we spoke with several the next day.











THE CLOTHES: Men and women looked edgy great and that includes the styling with hats and oversized bags, Hair was clean for guys and for gals was board straight-long hair gathered in a low ponytail with a looped crown- like a dinosaur. Make-up was matte, pale cheeks and subtle glossy pale lips.



OUR FAV LOOKS: Fitted stove pipe pants, vests, patent leather trench, wrapped kimono grey mini dress with shiny black leggings.

JOOP! JEANS

SUZANA PERIC –DUSSELDORF BASED DESIGNER BREEZES THE RUNWAY WITH SUMMERY BOHO CHIC

MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK-BERLIN JULY 17TH, 2008 17:00


Words, Images Judith Ecochard










Suzana Peric is a German designer worth watching…her playful silk, airy chiffon, viscose and cotton confections would make Tabitha Getty proud.



REMINDED US OF: Italians like Cavillo and Versace cuz' the exuberantly colorful prints and breath of fresh air use of sunny shades like daffodil yellow and turquoise had us channeling our inner glam pool princess lifestyle that we know we will have in our next life.

ONE FOR GIRLS: A feminine collection with frilly (but not overdone) ruffles around the v-neck of several breezy long dresses with deep leg slits, pretty side pleats in a bright blue mini, and a gathered hippyish tunic/mini dress with a purple/white/blue swirling print that had us thinking tie-dye.




FACTOID:Peric has own studio and sales rooms in Belgrade, and a boutique in the chic Schadow Arkaden of Düsseldorf- under the name of Turquoise.




MAKEUP: Loved the matte turquoise eye make-up- that made peepers pop and worked the easy beach vibe of the clothes. Hair was teased and veered toward va-va-voom!!!!!!


INFO:SUZANA PERIC

BLESSED & CURSED-A NEW, EDGY DENIM/LIFESTYLE BRAND READY TO HIT INTERNATIONAL HOMERUN

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A FOUR MONTH OLD LINE THAT ALREADY HAS A GERMAN CELEB AND SPORTS STARS FOLLOWING AND FASHIONISTAS CLAMORING FOR MORE

JULY 17TH 2008, HOTEL dE ROME- BERLIN

WORDS & IMAGES Judith Ecochard

We love it when a ‘by chance’ encounter leads us to the hippest bunch of denim and tees we have seen in awhile!

Tipped off by a stately groomed German Editor, we ventured across the street from the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week tent on a break between shows-to check out a line of “really good” jeans, tees, jackets etc by the spankin’ new German label Blessed & Cursed.

The casual presentation, located in a spacious suite off the lobby of the über luxe Hotel de Rome (a favorite temporary home for Hollywood celebs and big name musicians on jaunts to Berlin)-was buzzing. In fact, we noticed many of Germany’s past winners of Heidi Klum’s produced television show “ Next Top Model” hanging out and fawning over samples-straight off the runway, accompanied by famous boyfriends, a movie star, and lucky gal pals.

BACKSTORY: Founded and designed by NICOLA EIBICH, a 17 year veteran of the fashion industry.Her first collection of Blessed & Cursed is named "OPUS DEI."





FUN FACTOID: According to Eibich, “every style has its own name…the skinny jean is called “Forbidden fruit, the wide leg style-Seventh Heaven.” We checked out the striking B&W website with its eery "Six Feet Under" like graphics for other samples. All jeans are made from high end Japanese Denim of 98% cotton 2% elasthan.

WHAT”S NEW FOR SPRING 2009: A MENSWEAR line that features a five pocket vintage disressed jeans.

ALSO” The ornate, hand applied sparkling and metal studded details (with the head of Jesus) in the very limited edition; “RELIGIOUS ROCK COUTURE” separates including we want it denim jackets in high end denim from Japan and tees.





INFO AND ONLINE STORE: BLESSED & CURSED

LALA BERLIN-GERMANY’S HIP LABEL SPRING/SUMMER 2009

MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK BERLIN offsite

JULY 18TH, 2008
SevenStarGallery, Mitte

WORDS&IMAGES JUDITH ECOCHARD
Pic of Mischa Barton courtesy of LaLa Berlin

Lala Berlin is HUGE in Germany. We found out why at the label’s Spring/Summer 2009 presentation at the achingly edgy SevenStar Gallery in the heart of the former East Berlin...an area buzzing with trendy shops, bustling outdoor cafes, and open markets.







WHO: Lala Berlin is the master clothing line helmed by the super nice/lovely Leyla Piedayesh-a one time MTV VJ (Germany).

She began with knitwear at the January 2004 Premium trade show (going on NOW-ah, so little time!!!!!!)..and has since expanded the line into an urban trendy label...that's street savvy for day or night.

Separates for Spring/Summer 2009 (50 pieces!) are made in luxe Italian materials of Cashmere, Silk, superfine Cotton and clingy Jersey exclusively made for the label.



For Spring/Summer 2009 -there’s also sparkly sequins in black and silver- in a bolero-ish bell sleeved jacket and embedded in black lacy knit oversized tops...that are subtle not glaring- one can wear them in the day too without stopping traffic.

BIG CELEB BUDDY: Mischa Barton who turned up at the presentation after we left...

INSPIRATION: “Rock and Roll and Art Deco…I design a hip looking line for a sophisticated women who knows what she wants…and is edgy everyday. She does not stick to one look and is ECLETIC!”

COLORS: Black (everyone wears BLACK IN BERLIN – even in the summer –and way more than NYC dwellers-which we did not think was remotely possible). Dark brown –in a seamed cropped leather jacket, silvery gray and creamy beige. Soft pastel prints in the light as air cashmere scarves in whimsical prints brighten up the basics..

ECO ALERT: Lala Berlin introduced a few luscious tops in renewable Bamboo.

REMINDS US: Think Catherine Maladrino, Lyn Devon.

WORN BY: Super Model Claudia Schiffer and lots of German celebs we do not know. (Anne Maia Muehe, Michi Beck, Natalie Avelon etc.)

RETAIL: Over 60 shops worldwide, including her eponymous boutique in Berlin, Ron Herman LA…and Woodley and Bunny Brooklyn.


WHERE: SevenStarGallery is a brick wall “renovated” art space/gallery (opened in January 2008) in the former East Berlin-now an always packed section of the city day or night. The high ceiling brick walls, wide paneled unfinished wood floors, and cast iron coal burning stoves in the winding multi-room building -took us back to the days when this 1920's former firetrap was a brothel.

We loved how we were smartly greeted, not given the one over (hello NYC) by smiling PR staff and waitresses procurring sparkling wine, water, and delicious bites.



Currently on exhibit are vintage gelatin B&W prints of Rock and Rollers and celebs like Jimi Hendrix and Verushcka.


INFO: LALA BERLIN
MISCHA BARTON in LaLa Berlin Scarf

SISI WASABI-ELEGANT FEMININE LUXURY FOR THE STYLISH

“CONFIDENT COUTURE MEETS NOBLE SAVAGE”







July 17th 2008
BEBELPLATZ, BERLIN
MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK

WORDS&IMAGES JUDITH ECOCHARD

This RTW Spring/Summer 2009 runway show by young designer, Zerlina von dem Bussche-for the label Sisi Wasabi...convinced us she's a top talent and deserves to earn editorial nods from attendees at the Mercedes-Benz Tent, Spring/Summer 2009 runway shows in Berlin.

We think her motto loses a bit in translation-but her distinct looks of fitted silhouettes, exact tailoring that fit the models perfectly, ruching details galore (that garnered rounds of applause from the well dressed audience)..and sumptuous rich fabrics made for a memorable show.












COLORS AND CUTS:
Wasabi proved her ability to design and tailor--- to perfection---several day and evening looks that were polished and obviously well made.


We found the thick yellow/red striped silk dress with red bra-like top très chic... and would look simply fetching adorning some of the females in this fashion crowd that wore more black than we've ever seen on a group of individuals outside of a funeral service.

Kudos also go to the creamy beige silk suit-with black stripe details on the low rise, loose fitting trousers and cropped jacket with defined shoulders, and a stylish trench.









A slim fitting muted royal blue silk suit with cropped billowy pants, matching blouse and a rayon silk cropped blazer with silk lining/ details would work with panache in any urban setting.



A formal striped and pocketed stripped silk ball gown earned applause and our approval for this editorial cohesive show.



WE WILL KEEP THIS ONE DESIGNER ON OUR WATCH OUT FOR LIST.


FACTOIDS:Sisi Wasabi is designed and made in Germany. Founded in 2004, the same year the brand was tapped for the prestigious Moet&Chandon Fashion Award.


SISI WASABI

LAC ET MEL-CONTEMPORARY WEAR WITH A NOD TO THE 20's

MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK
Bebelplatz, BERLIN
July 17th 2008
WORDS, IMAGES- JUDITH ECOCHARD

The first official Spring/Summer 2009 show to romp the runway at the official tent, and the central hub for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week- belonged to Gregor Clemens and his youngish four year old label- LAC ET MEL.




















We liked the “CO2 Carbon – Neutral” mostly made in Germany production, and the fabrics- sumptuous satiny silks and dark denim. Not summery per se (the garb would be coined ‘transition’in New York…) but it’s not very summer-like here in Germany, either.

It has stopped being sunny in Gemany, we’re told-when GERMANY LOST THE EUROCUP FOOTBALL (soccer to Yanks) CHAMPIONSHIP TO SPAIN!!!

INSPIRATION: We grabbed faced time backstage with Clemens after the show…where he clued us in on his modus operandi.

“ I always use black and then add two other colors each season... the bright funky yellow is special.”

“I was very inspired by the twenties…not the chi-chi but the hard roaring twenties, the Germany between the Wars.”

LOOKS: Wavy short bobs, red lipstick, lavender tights to offset yellow/black silk clothes and the navy denim.
OUR PICS- the high, high waist fitted denim pants with blue sailor buttons… and tailored sort suits.

RETAIL: Kissimme Florida (!!!) and a store in Leipsig.
LAC ET MEL

RIVER HOUSE: ECO Luxe living – live in a building that responds to its environment

When & Where: a gorgeous Friday afternoon in downtown NYC
Text, Vivian G. Kelly with contributions by Laura C. Wood
Images, Nelson Bakerman, courtesy of Laforce & Stevens Public Relations



If you thought living the eco life meant having to give up luxury, think again! Our walk through River House gave us the impression of being aboard a luxurious yacht. This building is special, it’s an environmentally friendly building that responds to its environment.
There are loads of luxury condominiums on the market, but very few [if any] can claim that they have already exceeded Gold Rating, according to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design [LEED]. River House has already passed the GOLD mark and is loaded with Green Amenities.

THE ECO PART: WHY IT’S GREEN
LEED measures sustainability in 4 key areas:
1. Energy efficiency: RH is almost 30% more efficient than NY State code requires
2. H2O savings: RH conserves the equivalent of 320,100 bottles of 12-oz water DAILY!
3. Indoor environmental quality: RH filters fresh air 2X before it’s pumped into each residence
4. Materials selection: RH is composed of 65% eco-friendly materials
The developers, the Sheldrake Organization, hope to achieve Platinum Status by the end of 2008. Our money is riding with them, after our walk-through, we’d be shocked if they didn’t.

THE WHO – the key players in this production responsible for creating River House.

1. POLSHEK PARTNERSHIP ARCHITECTS– the architects for the entire project
Previous Credentials: the Rose Center for Earth & Space

2. ISMALAEL LEYVA ARCHITECTS– responsible for the interior layouts
Previous Creds: The Time Warner Center

3. DESIGNER: THE DAVID ROCKWELL GROUP – designed the public areas, including the pool and billiards room
Previous Creds: Nobu, downtown Manhattan

5. THE SHELDRAKE ORGANIZATION – the development, investment, and management firm behind the project


THE TOUR: The Cosy Pied @ Terre & The Minimalist Bachelor Pad

“RESIDENCE L” - THE COSY PIED A TERRE

This 3 bedroom, 4 bath, 2,095 residence was far and away our favorite apartment. We especially loved the solid bamboo floors and David Rockwell’s Travetine stone bathrooms, which made us long for a long bath soaking in Kniepp bath salts. What most struck us though, was the almost 3-D appearance of the rich textures throughout the space.
Thom Filicia Inc. was hired to do the interior decorating. The firm’s challenge was to use all eco friendly furnishings that were both stylish and luxurious. With a budget of $500,000, [not including the artwork] the Firm did an incredible job showing what can result when you combine good taste with a lavish budget.
Thom Filicia Inc is located at 270 Lafayette St. Suite 10001, NYC
Tel: 212-736-6454
www.thomfilicia.com
L’s PRICE: $2,655,000,
The interior décor or art are not included but are available for purchase.



“RESIDENCE M”: THE MINIMALIST BACHELOR PAD
This 3 bedroom, e bathroom 1,449 Sq. Ft. residence is for someone with a minimalist sensibility, thanks to its linear design. We loved the light exposure, especially in the master suite and the fact that almost 100% of the furnishings in it were eco friendly.
M’s PRICE: $1,800,000



VIVAVI- the first modern green furniture showroom in NYC.

If you’re not of the mind to dedicate the next 6 months of your life traveling the world, sourcing items from your posh new eco pad, THIS is the solution. Everything sold is the store is of course, eco friendly.

This ultra-convenient popup furniture store right on the premises is run by ARON, who is both friendly and knowledgeable, and didn’t mind answering a lot of questions. Aron will also work with you to create a custom piece that gets high marks for sustainability.

Vivavi offers 1-stop shopping for want-it-now items such as:
-The colored mosaic portraits – pop art in which the artist ingeniously used their junk mail as their working material – the most creative way to recycle we’ve heard of yet!

-TEAM 7 EVIVA Dining Table with a table extension available in glass, from Austria.
Table: $7,369
Extension: $2,539

-KNU DESK
At $1149, this is about what you would pay for a nice desk anywhere else. Eco friendly furniture is not ALWAYS more expensive.
There’s even a room dedicated to nursery items, as many people opt to “go Green” once they have children. Said Aron, pointing to a minimalist white crib, “The nursery items have been the most challenging, but we’re working hard in this area as a lot of people go Green for their kids.”

We ended our tour with a walk around the roof and enjoyed a spectacular view of the Statue of Liberty in the bargain, and realized that we were only 2 short blocks away from Tribecca and tons of subway lines.

Showroom Hours:
Mon-Fri 10-6
Sat & Sun 12-4
Tel. 866-848-2840
For more information, visit the official website
www.vivavi.com
PRICING and ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
According to MONIQUE ROEDER, the Sheldrake Organization’s Director of Marketing, 72% of the 262 units have already been sold.
The company is looking at several properties in LA, but there is not an official deal on them yet, they are in the works for the future [to build a similar green project in LA.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
The players on the River House Team have more than fulfilled their design mission of “blurring the boundary between the building and the outside environment using extraordinary craftsmanship and materials to create intelligently designed, eco-friendly, uncluttered interiors.”

We’ve only touched on a few points in our write-up about this remarkable building. For more information, contact 212-587-1200 or visit the Wales & Discovery Center at 4 World Winancial Center [over looking the marina].
www.riverhouse.com

MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK BERLIN-DAY ONE OBSERVATIONS!!!!

MERCEDES BENZ FASHION WEEK BERLIN-DAY ONE HIGHLIGHTS!!!!

July 17, 2008, Bebelplatz Berlin

Words, Pics -Judith Ecochard

We could not resist the delicious combo of an IMG-Mercedes-Benz sponsored Fashion Week and the fab Berlin…the “IT” city of Europe.

And if we didn’t have two flight cancellations and then a two hour runway sit –we would have been in the Cultural Capital of 2008 for the first day of festivities. (Thank-you American Airlines).

But we digress.

REASONS TO LOVE BERLIN FASHION WEEK

1) It’s Berlin!!!! A green, clean village/city with distinct neighborhoods buzzing with art galleries, music., cafés, clubs-and a UNESCO site smack dab in the middle (Museum Island). People are so friendly too...and willing to share on where to go.

2) Idiot proof subway system to zip around, pedestrian/bicycling friendly streets to make it easy to take in the sights, and cars that slow down for walkers without horns blowing.

3) Major and emerging designers showing their garb and accessories-often to the toe tapping efforts of a live band- in the MBFW tent and- assorted nearby art galleries, tradeshow venues, museums, and showrooms….BECAUSE Berliners are not hung up on the PRECIOUS art/music vs. fashion debate that seems to consume some…OF COURSE THEY ARE INTERGRATED/RELATED (sometimes directly inspired) and should be.

More of an intellectual approach.

4) Efficient (duh) staff manning the huge Mercedes-Benz one runway tent in the historic district of Mitte (former East Berlin-now tourist hub).

5) Everyone speaks English.

6) Happening off site locations for shows that grab you back in time-ie the amazing Joops show in a former power plant facility with soaring cement ceilings, spacious courtyard, and dramatically lit- waaayyyy over in East Berlin fringes.
And fun after parties attended by everyone!!! Cool DJs, multi age crowds, great settings.

7) Plush Mercedes -Benz cars and vans to whisk you to and fro’ said offsite locations…driven by charming, well mannered, and dapper uniformed chauffeurs who all seem to have spent a year abroad in the USA or UK. Meaning, their English is more grammatically correct than ours.

8) Genuine discoveries of fresh talent with distinct point of views (more to follow).

9) Running into photographer GURU Dan Lecca who gave us tips on what not to miss.

10) Copious pours of bubbly from sponsor Freixnet, mascara from Maybelline (the fourth largest market in the world for this American company is HERE). and energy hits from sponsor Angel raspberry sips.

WHAT WE MISS FROM OTHER FASHION WEEKS:

Not much---but no “run of shows” with list of runway looks, details on makeup/hair credits, models etc---which is standard in the States-not used in Berlin (or Paris fashion events either).



Staff on Break!

The sun is missing too…and the temps barely break 18C. So not prepared!!!!!

Fragrance Review: Ed Hardy for Men and Ed Hardy for Women eau de toilette

Text, Mark Behnke
Images of Christian Audigier, courtesy of Christian Audigier’s LA offices
Images of Christian Audigier runway show, by Dan Lecca, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz.

Edited by Vivian G. Kelly

ABOUT ED HARDY
Ed Hardy is one of the artists who is responsible for the increasing artistic esthetic that allowed tattooing to move from sailors on the docks to young men and women on the town. No naval enlistment required. Ed Hardy's contribution was after studying in Japan during the 70's he fused that Asian influence onto traditional tattooing as he was taught the art, by Sailor Jerry, in Honolulu. He has now moved on to using other canvases besides the human body and most recently has been doing his painting on porcelain.

ABOUT CHRISTIAN AUDIGIER
In 2004 Christian Audigier, fresh off the success of creating the biker chic look around Von Dutch, as head designer, licensed Ed Hardy. He was going to use the same technique, successful at Von Dutch, of marketing to the famous and opening Ed Hardy stores worldwide. You couldn't walk down Collins Avenue during Spring Break without counting at least 10 Von Dutch caps on the heads of College revelers,and tee shirts and Von Dutch gear in every other window. Mr. Audigier has quickly and effectively translated the tattoo vibe in the same way he did the biker creed for Von Dutch. As all good designers eventually do his attention has now turned to the scented world and earlier this year two new scents were released, Ed Hardy for Men and Ed Hardy for Women. Both come in packaging that looks a lot like a Mexican prayer candle. The men's version has a snarling tiger on a field of black and the women's has a skull, heart and roses, floating on pink, with a banner that states "love kills slowly". The packaging gets the tattoo atmosphere dead on as these have the look and feel of the "flash" you see on the walls of any tattoo parlor you would ever happen to find yourself in. The question now is do the contents live up to their packaging?

Ed Hardy for Men
For both of these scents Mr. Audgier turned to Givaudan and enlisted two different noses to create these scents. For the men's scent Olivier Gillotin was the man for the job. Mr. Gillotin had just created one of 2007's most well-received fragrances in Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille. Mr. Gllotin describes Ed Hardy for Men as "Tattooed Woody Floral". Upon first wearing it the predominant notes are citrus and bergamot which are a pretty standard opening these days. It is in the transition into the heart notes that things get interesting as a woody, mentholated, note appears; which according to the notes is Thuja. Thuja is one of the ingredients in the notorious liquor, Absinthe. From here amber solidly takes over along with a very masculine redwood note. There is a very slight musk and I think this could've done with a little more musk to round out the base. For a scent which promised me tattoos I ended up finding myself more in mind of "Moulin Rouge" and the absinthe swilling bohemians there, as I can see those characters wearing this scent. This is a solidly constructed mainstream designer scent and it should do very well with those in their 20's and 30's who want a night–out scent that doesn't smell like everyone else in the club. My only wish for this would have been for Mr. Gillotin to somehow incorporate that iodine note of the ink that is so prevalent in a tattoo shop that would have really made this scent tattooed.

Ed Hardy for Women
For the women's fragrance Caroline Sabas was the perfumer chosen, She has created scents for Britney Spears, Shania Twain and J Lo, and is no stranger to making edgy scents as her best scent to date is Fresh Cannabis Santal. I was looking forward to seeing what her take would be on the Ed Hardy esthetic as she described hers as "Tattooed Fruity Floral". The top of this is the promised fruity in fact it is a fruit basket cornucopia of fruity as I smell apple, grapefruit, strawberry and mango. Just as in the men's version the interesting part happens in the transition to the heart. Here I recognize the note as freesia and it brings a much needed edge to a scent marketed as tattooed. Finally the notes settle in to a pretty standard vanilla base with a little amber which is the one note which ties both of the scents together. Right at the top I had to keep checking that I sprayed the right sample. I kept thinking that this came from a tattoo shop run by Martha Stewart. The beginning of this is so dominated by a fruit medley that it is hard to think of it as a scent based on tattoos. So I quit thinking about that. I would describe this scent as a typical gourmand with intense fruits which lead to a typical ambery vanilla base. The real star here is the freesia in the heart because it takes what would be just another gourmand and draws a stark line between the development from fruit to vanilla and that makes this a better than average women's designer scent. This will particularly be loved by women who have other gourmands on their dressing table. My concern here is the audience that would really like this one is unlikely to match this kind of scent with the "love kills slowly" packaging. I think Ms. Sabas has made a lovely fragrance but she maybe should've waited for Rachel Ray to need a signature scent before using this composition as it feels more pie shop than tattoo shop.

To purchase Ed Hardy fragrances, shop online at the Official Ed Hardy by Christian Audigier site,
www.edhardyshop.com

Fragrance Review: The Pink Room “Pour Toi” eau de parfum

Here's a Fragrance 411 for Summer 2008: "Pour Toi" by Sarah Barton King

Text, Mark Behnke
Image of Sarah Barton-King by Jean-Pierre Mesclet for Australian Vogue
Edited by Vivian G. Kelly


Sarah Barton-King branched out from her very successful line of accessories created exclusively for her Upper East Side boutique, The Pink Room, in 1999 to create her first fragrance, Parfum No. 1. In conjunction with perfumer Guy Robert they concocted a scent that was centered on the idea of old heirloom roses. It starts with a tart lime and bergamot top which gives way to a floral middle followed by a vanilla base. Their inspiration was Marcel Proust and they created a one–of-a-kind scent that has been highly sought out by rose loving perfumistas ever since.
Since the creation of Parfum No. 1, Ms. King also created an exclusive scent for the online retailer luckyscent called Untitled #4. Here Ms. King’s inspiration was Baudelaire and Alice in Wonderland. In this scent the lemon and peach notes from the beginning lend a clean air to the scent before the lily of the valley and orris join the progression to a lovely amber vanilla base with just a hint of musk.
Both of these scents are unmistakably feminine scents and rightly so. They are made for a sophisticated woman who uses her perfume as an accoutrement to her lifestyle.
Earlier this year Ms. King released her second perfume under The Pink Room brand, Pour Toi. As in the previous cases she looked for classical inspiration and in this case found it in Colette’s Gigi. The idea was to mimic the growth of Gigi from naïve tomboy to the cigar smoking, champagne-drinking sophisticate. This time her collaborator was one of the top perfumers in Grasse. For the top, the tomboy stage, the scent starts off bright and clean with citrus notes of grapefruit and lemon before maturing with our heroine into notes of rose and lily of the valley. Finally as Gigi becomes the sophisticate so does Pour Toi as sandalwood and vanilla, with a touch of musk, anchor the fragrance. All three of her scents develop from citrus through floral to vanilla but each feels different. The vanilla note in the base here is leavened by the presence of the sandalwood and the musk, which keeps it from being the vanilla of the sweet shop. This is a perfect scent for those hazy nights out at the summerhouse. It is not too heavy and exudes lightness all the way through its development. It has the charms of being both crisp and sensuous especially as the base develops. Once again this is very much a feminine scent and entirely in line with what has come before. I would suggest that this scent is likely to appeal to a younger style maven then, in particular, Parfum No. 1. Pour Toi would stand up to an active night of club hopping and get better as the evening progressed. I think Pour Toi is a more complete composition than Ms. King’s previous scents and think it is her best fragrance, so far. Now if we can just convince her to do a male scent.

The Pink Room scents are available at Takashimaya in New York and Scent Bar in LA

All of Sarah Barton-King’s scents, including Untitled #4, are available at:

www.luckyscent.com

SEXY SISTERS- CHARLOTTE SOLNICKI LEATHERS+ ECO SEA Nyc TEES

LAUNCHPAD SHOWROOM, NOHO-NYC
JULY 10TH











WORDS,
JUDITH ECOCHARD
IMAGES,
Courtesy of Launchpad, Charlotte Solnicki, Sea Nyc & J. Ecochard

Madonna is known for a lot of things these days-we just try to focus on her music and iconic status as a jet-set style maker...

We stopped by the spacious loft of the 4 year old showroom LAUNCHPAD yesterday, and like some weird gravitational force- we had an OMG moment when we saw the intricately ruched leather short waist zip front jacket (“Rombo”) by the celeb label du jour (or their keepers) the Charlotte Solnicki line of pure deliciousness.

Jennifer, the super friendly salesgal clued us in on this Argentina label that made a huge splash at the GEN ART STYLES Runway Show (Feb. 2005) with its effortless hip mix of rock n' roll and girly touches.



Designed by two gregarious, fun loving sisters Jessie and Melina- the line is produced flawlessly-using the ladies' deep contacts in their native country’s garment factories- to manufacture very intricately gathered leather jackets, and cottony Grecian gathered colorful summer/Beach wear.

IMHO:

One, we cannot imagine any Chinese factories with the wherewithal to produce these pieces in numbers that would satisfy Sisters Solnick’s growing customer base---and…



Two…if the garb sported fancy pants Euro labels…it would cost twice as much!!!!

RETAIL: Charlotte Solnicki Stores In Uruguay and Buenos Aires, online and trendy shops like Fred Segal, Harrods, Saks Fifth Avenue








SEA Nyc
A rack or two over, we once again nodded our heads with an ‘oh yeah.’ There is something about a California dreamin' designer (for a label based in the Big Apple) that gets the whole super soft 100% organic tee thing with panache and style. Maybe because Left Coasters live in them---like LA formal.

SEA Nyc is inspired by “the energy” of the Big Apple and “the romance of the sea”- according to founders Carolyn Pittel and Kate Rinko.



WHAT'S DIFFERENT:

Made from 100% eco-friendly materials (‘green’ cotton and bamboo), these “longer than average tees” fit like a comfy sleek glove. Fall 2008-rainbow tinged styles range from the popular stripped, deep v-neck (for layering), a Dragon graphic in distressed gold metallic on a X-Fine Tunic Tank, and our favorite-mystical horses galloping across a long sleeve crew neck top. And...there's a few tees for guys too.

For Holiday/Cruise 2009 a line of colorful tube tops with delicate rose bud graphics- fit well without looking skanky.



And though we have plenty of boring basic cover-ups, the, SEA Nyc have two stand-outs: a “Moto Jacket” with bold front zipper pockets worthy of the Hell’s Angel… and a distressed hoodie with striking foil scallops and raw edge details.

RETAIL: Upscale boutiques (soon- Bendel’s Barneys), and Searle, Bloomingdales, Fred Segal (LA)
MSRP: $60-$68 for tees.

THE BERNARDAUD Jewelry Collection, Spring/summer 2008

Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images, courtesy of www.bernardaud.fr


What a great way to show off Bernardaud’s latest Limoges porcelain! We hadn’t previously associated Limoges with a great Jewelry collection, but that changed after our visit to the beautiful Manhattan Penthouse. Up in 12A we admired the multicolored enamel-looking ONE SHAPE collection by MARIE-CHRISTINE DORNER. While we’re fans of color, TAHER CHEMIRIK’S black and white OXYGENE Collection nonetheless took us in. We’ve been into enamel lately, and on a sixties retro trend in general, but both of these collections designed for Bernardaud are a step up from mere enamel.

Bernardaud’s NY Director of Public Relations, CLAUDETTE BLACKWOOD, explained a few things about Bernardaud.
THE HISTORY
Bernardaud is 145 years old, and is family owned and operated out of Limoges, France.
To this day, the family’s passion remains Limoges porcelain.
They don’t just make table settings, decorative pieces, and lighting fixtures, and to our surprise they make jewelry.
Although the focus of the breakfast presentation we attended was on the jewelry, we couldn’t resist showing a few pieces of Bernardaud’s gorgeous porcelain dinner wear and are all-time favorite – “the Marie Antoinette service”.

ARTIST GUEST DESIGNERS
Bernardaud keeps their collections fresh by selecting artists as guest designers to come and reside in Limoges while they are designing a collection in collaboration with the company. The program has been in force since 2003.
Spring/Summer 2008 features pieces crafted by MARIE-CHRISTINE DORNER and TAHER CHEMIRIK

ABOUT MARIE-CHRISTINE DORNER
This London based designer and interior decorator creates furniture, objects d’art and public spaces. Her focus for this collection was the concept of “One Form.” She demonstrates her perfectionism by concentrating on a universal form: two flat lines, two curved lines and an empty space provide the basic construction elements for all objects that surround us.

The collection offers piece in 2 widths, 5 patterns, and 10 colours and make for some stunning summer fashion accessories.

Pricing: Rings, from @ $105 - $145
To see more of Ms. Dorner’s work, visit her official website
www.dorner-design.com

ABOUT TAHER CHEMIRIK
This renowned silversmith is known for his creations that are recognizable thanks to their sculptural integrity, density and the clarity and purity of their minimal lines.

“I love working with these materials, especially when I have to find a balance between several materials, like this seductive porcelain combined here with precious metal…”

Taher designs Oxygen for Bernardaud: a sleekly contemporary fine fashion accessory, which he expanded this season with three new pieces that combine porcelain and sterling silver.

Pricing: Ring, $315, Long necklace: $1,275
To see more of Mr. Chemirik’s work visit his official website
www.monsieurt-taherchemirik.net

ENDNOTES
We left with our own little souvenir from the latest collection, an exquisite pair of earrings. They are a perfect match to the ONE SHAPE ring. As the rings retail for a reasonable $125, we may just make a set of it!

WHERE TO FIND BERNARDAUD PRODUCTS
You’ve probably already seen more than a few already. They’re carried in the top 4 star hotels and restaurants, worldwide.

For more information on Bernardaud, please visit the official website
www.bernardaud.fr

RUB A DUB DUB-MICROFINE FACE SCRUB BY MENSCEINCE

EDITOR'S PIC - TOP PRODUCT FOR SKIN RENEWAL


Words, Judith Ecochard
Image, Menscience

We are sensitive types- certainly facial wise.

But in the thick of the summer’s heat and grime, we need more than a smooth creamy cleanser to get the yuck off. And lady’s only products don’t always do it for us (and the scent(s) drive us nuts!).

We happily test drove the newish Microfine Face Scrub by under-the-radar Menscience-that promised to:

Smooth and Renew
Deep clean and revitalized our skin…
And ameliorate ingrown hairs…which truth be told, is not one of our problems.

Nevertheless, for the past two weeks, on alternate days-we’ve been splashing our faces, massaging a smidgen of the scrub on our faces and necks…waiting a NY minute for the glycolic/salicylic acids to do their exfoliating thing... then thoroughly rinsing off.

And no wonder the popular rag Men’s Health anointed this product a “Grooming Awards Winner.” It left our visage clean but not stripped…and soft (thanks to the ingredients ALLANTOIN, an “anti-irritant and soothing agent of botanical origin"…and ALOE).

STATS:
$29.00---5oz…should last months.
RETAIL: online menscience
Upscale locales-Worldwide like Barney’s, Nordstom’s, Cos Bar-California, Colorado, Hawaii and New Jersey, Grooming Lounge-DC, Georgia, Virginia

EVENINGWEAR DESIGNER ANNE BOWEN ROCKS THE PLAZA

THE POSH WARREN TRICOMI SALON UPS THE GLAM ANTE FOR SALONS

Words
Judith Ecochard
Images -
Anne Bowen,
Warren Tricomi®

July 9th,
1 West 58th Street
NYC





It’s a smart business move to think through all the details to the nth degree.

We always admired the image makers Edward Tricomi and Joel Warren, two legendary hairstylists/ color gurus with loads of demanding celeb and everyday type clients who crave perfect coiffeurs.

For the duo’s new 2nd floor salon ensconced in Fifth Avenue’s historic Plaza Hotel, designer, creative talent Anne Bowen (who has garbed Red Carpet strollers like Jessica Alba, Catherine Zeta Jones, Debra Messing, Beyoncé, and Kim Cattrall) was tapped to conjure up an evening coat as a luxe, swing silhouette robe worthy of the gorgeous (and soon to be more gorg’) patrons.

Made of silky cream charmeuse, lined in Turk and Caicos Blue, the iridescent organza is a shimmery confection of a cover-up…and is inspired by the impossibly French chic Brigitte Bardot and Catherine Deneuve à la Belle de Jour.

(Jules Asner in a GASP $2,500,000 Couture Gown By Anne Bowen)

We think there will be a need for sign-in, sign-out sheets for these robes…as gals will be tempted to secretly hook up the pearly oversized buttons-and pull a vanishing act- blending with the crowds on the bustling streets of mid-town.




INFO: Anne Bowen
Warren Tricomi®

MensGroom: Soothe The Shaven Beast After-Shave Balm and Sore No More Muscle Cool Down Lotion

Text, Mark Behnke
Images from www.mens-groom.com
Edited by Vivian G. Kelly

ABOUT MENSGROOM
MensGroom, the male grooming line launched by Cherry Robinson and Gerd Schwarzkopf was based on the notion that men want a one-stop brand to buy all of their grooming needs and that those needs will be expanding. They did an extensive amount of research to understand what men want and MensGroom is the result. MensGroom is a full line of products for men’s hair, face and body needs. A number of their products come in these sleek modern plastic encased dispensers that add a touch of style to any sink or shower they might be found in.


MANNETAKE MUSHROOM – THE MAGIC MUSHROOM
The focus here will be on two of their products; Soothe The Shaven Beast After-Shave Balm and Sore No More Muscle Cool Down Lotion. The common thread between both of these is the inclusion of Mannetake Mushroom as a key ingredient. I’ve spent a lot of time with mushrooms in my misspent youth but using them in a lotion that is a new usage for me.

SOOTH THE SHAVEN BEAST: RESULTS
I used the Soothe The Shaven Beast after-shave balm for two weeks. I am one of those wet shaving fanatics. I use the brush to lather my face, the double-edged razor, and I make four passes on my face before I am through. After all of that my after-shave balm needs to live up to its part of my routine. Soothe The Shaven Beast is dispensed as a light white lotion which goes on really nicely. It has a vague menthol scent to it but it goes on virtually unscented. It took three squirts to have enough to cover my face. It absorbed nicely and because it is alcohol-free there is none of that nasty stinging some associate with after-shave. I like the unscented part because I regularly wear cologne and this takes the worry about whether my cologne and after-shave will compete. After two weeks of using the product I noticed that my skin felt better than when I was using my previous after-shave balm. Another by-product I also noticed is I was getting a smoother, closer shave over the past two weeks. I don’t know that I can explain it but because the balm was the only part of my routine I changed there must be something at play here. I mentioned the slick packaging earlier and this comes in one of the sleek plastic cases which look pretty snazzy.


SORE NO MORE: RESULTS
Sore No More is a product I didn’t know that I needed. I walk eight miles a day and I play beach volleyball for two hours a couple of days a week. Usually after my shower I feel a little muscle soreness in my legs. MensGroom recommend massaging Sore No More into your muscles after your workout. Again, for the last two weeks I’ve been applying the Sore No More after I get home from my walk or the court. It is applied as an opaque lotion. One drawback is it comes out of the squeeze tube a little too easy as there were a couple of nights I ended up with more on my body than I intended. This might be a nice product for them to think about putting into a pump dispenser like the after-shave. This contains the Mannetake Mushroom and Menthol present in the after-shave but here they also add Aloe. The Aloe adds the cooling feel to this lotion and the Menthol gave a fresh feel to my skin as I massaged it in. This was refreshing and did seem to give my muscles a little added resilience than I normally felt I get. I really felt the difference the next morning as my legs felt much fresher as I got ready to take on the day. When you hear muscle-soothing lotion your mind probably drifts to thinking about Ben-Gay and then you remember the hideous medicated smell of it. Sore No More like Soothe The Shaven Beast is also pretty much fragrance-free after application. This allows the well-dressed man to use this after his workout but before going out and not having to worry about smelling like Grandpa’s medicine cabinet.
I give these two products high marks as I believe Ms.Robinson and Mr. Schwarzkopf have fashioned a winning line of men’s grooming products and these are two standout examples of that line.
MensGroom products are available through their web site:

www.mens-groom.com

MensGroom products are also available at selected Macy’s.

THE SPARITUAL LINE: VEGAN NAIL products that are Formaldehyde, Toluene & DBP Free

Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images of SpaRitual product range from www.spaRitual.com
Image of Gold Fiction from www.chanel.com

OKAY, SO we’re going to be guilty of gushing on this one. We absolutely LOVE this nail polish line because #1. It WORKS and #2 it’s eco friendly


We’ll probably never lose our taste for pricey limited edition nail polishes from Chanel. Most recently we plunked down $30 for a bottle of “Gold Fiction” at Nordstrom last week.
We have however been on the lookout for a great eco friendly line that retails for less than Chanel. SPARITUALS now offers the AWAKENED SPARITUAL Spring 2008 line, which features great eco colors at a reasonable $9 a bottle.

The PR Account Reps at Laforce & Stevens who introduced us to SpaRituals promised that the colors “have phenomenal staying power”. No matter how pro-eco we are, a product has to WORK for us to get behind it, period.
We went home and treated ourselves to a mini spa evening and tried out the products in the nail care range.
on Friday, 6/20
-Fluent Conditioning Lacquer Remover
- Cuti-Clean
-“Mindful” [deep berry] nail lacquer on hands
- “Paradigm Shift” [creamy nude] on feet.
- Tout de Suite Top Coat
Then, we waited a week to see how it would hold up.

THE RESULTS
RATING SCALE 1-5 [5/5 being the best]
[Friday, 6/27]
Product #1: FLUENT CONDITIONING LACQUER
*SPECIAL AWARD for “GENIUS FIND!”
RATING: 5/5
It is the ONLY ALL-NATURAL nail polish remover around, better still, it WORKS better than the regular stinky stuff AND it smells good.

Product #2: -CUTI-CLEAN, Cuticle and stain remover
RATING 5/5
It whitened our fingers and toes which previously were slightly stained from regular applications of “Pop” by Chanel and “Elefantastic” [hot pink] by OPI.
We actually liked how pristine our finger and nails looked that we gave them a polish break – the first in over a year.

Product #3: “Mindful” nail lacquer
RATING 5/5 – thanks to the brush made with extra bristles, we didn’t spend the usual 10 minutes fixing the usual mess with Q-tips and wishing we’d just gone with an easier pale shade.

Product #4: Tout de Suite®
Quick-Dry Topcoat
RATING: 5/5
Gave our manicure a high gloss UV finish and was responsible for keeping our berry colored fingertips looking good for a week straight, despite the gardening and dish washing.
.

MORE THAN JUST GREAT POLISH - THE ECO ASPECT
SpaRitual is constantly monitoring sustainability issues and strives to be on the cutting edge of environmental awareness.

THE ECO PLUS POINTS:
1. The line is VEGAN
2. Products are: Formaldehyde, Toluene & DBP Free.
In case you don’t remember, Formaldehyde was the clear liquid that we used back in middle school during the Frog Dissection portion of Biology Lab that had us gagging every time we worked on our “subject”.
3. The packaging has soy-based inks.

BROWNIE BONUS POINTS for:
1. The rubber gripped top so we’ll never drop a bottle of polish on our beautiful tile floor again!
2. The brush has more bristles, which made it easier for us to paint tricky reds like “Aroused” and “Mindful” on [almost] like a salon pro.

ABOUT FOUNDER SHEL PINK
Shel wanted to create an eco-minded company that would offer a luxe selection of holistic spa products and treatment protocols for the hands, body, feet, and nails. She grew up in an environment conducive to her dream of creating SpaRituals years later.
Her Mother stressed the importance of taking care of oneself holistically through massage, proper nutrition, exercise, and the healing arts. After marrying in 2001, she joining her husband's family business—Orly International, and immersed herself in her family's company learning about its history and exploring new business possibilities.
Shel founded SpaRitual in 2004 and called her concept "eco-luxury."

A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE GO GREEN INITIATIVE
A portion of the proceeds of sales of “Aware” a pretty nude/peach polish go to the GO GREEN INITIATIVE.
The Go Green Initiatiave is a program designed to create a culture of environmental responsibility on school campuses across the USA which unites parents, students, teachers and school administrators in an effort to make real and lasting changes in their campus communities that will protect children and the environment for years to come.
For more information on the Go Green Initiative visit
www.gogreeninitiative.org


SHOPPING/WHERE TO FIND IT: AT fine salons @ spas: Spa Halekulani, Canyon Ranch, Mandarin Oriental.
Also available online
www.sparitual.com
www.shopfredsegalbeauty.com

TARGET GO Design line “Subversive” by Justin Giunta.

Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images of Subversive jewelry from www.subversivejewelry.com
Image from the Subversive GO Collection for Target, from the Target Press Room, courtesy of Laforce & Stevens


ABOUT JUSTIN GIUNTA
Justin Giunta is a multi media artist, who’s worked for the past 5 years in painting, fashion, industrial design, and jewelry.
MANDATE: “To create work that sits on the continuum of fine art and commercial design.”
THE SUBVERSIVE LOOK- Goth splendour, as seen on the pages of Vogue.
Says Mr. Giunta, “In my work, I am always drawing parallels between art history and modern design to explore themes of fine art and commercial design. The only difference between the two seems to be where you sell it.”

ABOUT THE SUBVERSIVE GO Collection
In his GO collection for TARGET, Mr. Guinta takes a more playful approach. Rendered in plastic, his designs have that fun throwaway quality of the trinkets the Crews throw the crowds from the Mardi Gras Floats.

Mr. Giunta has a wide range, some of the pieces he designed for Target [such as the faux enamel cuffs and matching earrings] look anything but cutting edge. In fact, they bear a resemblance to the very classic chunky pieces made by Verdura and Kenneth Jay Lane, longtime darlings of the social set. We’ve included pictures of some of Kenneth Jay Lane’s famous animal bracelets and Verdura’s iconic Maltese Cross bracelet Fulco di Verdura originally made for Coco Chanel as a commission before he went off on his own and founded Verdura. Both these and the much less expensive Subversive pieces are similar in “feeling”.
The red butterfly piece we picked up at Target for $14.99 makes for a quick fix alternative to the $12,000+ Verdura cuff that’s sadly not in our budget this year.
If you're thinking of getting a few of Justin's pieces, hurry, as the collection is only in Target until July 20th.

To view the Subversive Collection and other GO collections at Target, visit
www.target.com

To read more about Justin Giunta and see more of his work, visit
www.subversivejewelry.com

"THE OUTSTANDING ART OF TELEVISION COSTUME DESIGN" EXHIBIT

ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS & SCIENCES
AND THE FIDM MUSEUM & GALLERIES PRESENT
ATTIRE THAT SHAPE OUR VIEWS

Third Annual Exhibition Salutes the Past and Present of Television Costumes
and Celebrates 2007-2008 Emmy® Nominees
LOS ANGELES, California (June 30, 2008)


We doubt we’d sit through the soapfest “Gossip Girls” or the flick SATC, if it wasn’t for the fashion. Granted, the looks adorning the actors are RTW and couture selections, but the styling sets the mood and makes the inane plots tolerable.
 So we urge Left Coasters to check out the free exhibition put on by The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and the FIDM Museum & Galleries at The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising titled "The Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design.”

This show features over 100 sketches and designs of some of the tv screen’s most memorable costume designs. And guest curator, TV costume design veteran Mary Rose particularly focused on selections from this year's Emmy-nominated costume designers and costume supervisors…like “Pushing Daisies" Costume Designer Robert Blackman, “Mad Men” designer Jenny Katharine Bryant of “Deadwood” fame, “Lost” designer Roland Sanchez, “Dirty Sexy Money” designer Roberta Haze, “Moonlight” designer Salvador Perez, “Greek” designer Mandi Line, “Dexter” designer Abram Waterhouse, “Scrubs” designer Carey Bennett, and for mini-series, HBO’s “John Adams” costume designer Donna Zakowska, and the glorious pic “Barnard and Doris” with we'd wear looks by Joseph Aulisi.

Plus-Project Runway finalist-Season 4, drape master and LA resident Rami Kashou has a few looks in the show.

WHERE: In downtown Los Angeles, at the FIDM Museum & Galleries at FIDM/The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.
The exhibit is on view July 29, 2008 through September 28, 2008.
INFO:http://www.fidm.com

Words, J. Ecochard, Images from FIDM website