HOLLYWOULD: BABELICIOUS BEACH CHIC FOR SPRING 2009

RTW FOR MODERN MERMAIDS

Images, Words by Judith Ecochard













How Holly Dunlap manages to improve on an already terrific line of shoes, bags and ready-to-wear is beyond us…








But this is her best assortment of wearable glam hostess dresses, jumpsuits and ornate sandals and handbags to date.







And she thinks so too!







“It was a really Blue Lagoon collection…” with sparkling cool blue waters of the Indian Ocean… and flattering lime/plush green colors dominating a summery rainbow palette.







THINK: Fun, flirty, American attitude---and yes, all sizes will look great in the easy wear clothes. And you don’t have to live on the beach!
















THE LOOK FOR SPRING 2009: We love jumpsuits…and Holly Dunlap serves up our favorite one pieces. The short sleeves, safari-ish front pockets, a defining sash waist----all in lavender or pale bluish green----are made of a falls just right on the body- stretch silk/lycra fabric that is slimming but not clinging.


There’s a sleeveless, diagonal side tie multi-shade one too-that will look awesome when worn over tanned skin.














A few long airy dresses and cloud white sundresses with a touch of ruffles- round out this strong presentation.








Ethnic Indian print and tie-dye patterns are also cleverly used in shoes…but the hands down knockout is the jewel/shell encrusted precious clutch.



















YEAH HOLLY!!!!!

INFO:HOLLYWOULD






ADDED PLUS: A personal friend owns the famed House of Lavande vintage jewelry shop in Palm Beach...and lent the models some pieces. We chatted with the owner, Tracy Smith who started her own collection about four years ago. “I made a business of it as my collection grew.”



INFO: HOUSE OF LAVANDE-317 Peruvian Avenue, Suite 201, Palm Beach

UNCONDITIONAL: LONDONER’S NEW YORK DEBUT SPRING 2009

A “BED IN” - SEVENTIES VIBE FOR THE 21st CENTURY

MARITIME HOTEL ROOFTOP, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6th, 2008

Pics and Words-Judith Ecochard




Philip Stephens is a very popular London based designer we’ve heard about-from fashion forward types hailing from Dublin.








So even though you could cut the heavy, oppressive humidity with a knife on that Saturday, we eagerly trooped over to the hip Chelsea rooftop of the Maritime Hotel- for this contemporary men’s and women’s wear presentation.







Sweating buckets, we avoided the outdoor terrace-and stuck with reviewing the clothes on the models that were relaxing about the two rooms of the air-con suite.

This included two sleekly dressed peaceniks lounging about the bed.

Well hello John and Yoko----we'd love to Give Peace A Chance.

We also got a vibe that conjured up the classic British WWII comedy, “Gert and Daisy’s Weekend” about hardscrabble East Enders decamping for the safety of the posh countryside of English nobility.

The clothes were a fresh take on street wear chic mashed up with elegant 21st century threads like the blue sashed, hippyish long tiered gown-in white of course.











MOTO: “Modern elegance with a clever dash of grit.”











FACTOID: “Ethically” produced using organic fabrics and sustainable dyes.







CELEBS A’WEARIN’: MADONNA, CAMERON DIAZ, BOWIE, GWEN STEFANI, JUDE LAW, DAVID BECKHAM













BUY IT:
Selfridges, Harrods, The Shop at Bluebird and Concrete in London; Havana in Dublin; Printemps in Paris and Lille; Isetan and Beams International Room in Tokyo; Neiman Marcus in L.A; Curve in New York and L.A; Seibu in Hong Kong; Sprmkt in Amsterdam; Princess in Antwerp; L'Una et L'Altra in Rome; Off and Co in Munich; Citta Di Bolgna in Cologne; F95 in Berlin; Zuma in Shanghai. Amaze in Moscow; Trilogia in Reykjavik; Capital L in Sydney; Wasteland in Perth

SARI GUERON RELAXED LOOKS FOR DESIGNER LINE

SPRING/SUMMER 2009 COLLECTION

FOCUS STUDIO, 11th Avenue- NYC September 7th, 2008

Words, Images by Judith Ecochard

Many of Sari Gueron’s front row fans were dressed to the nines in her sparkling evening wear-- for this late afternoon presentation of her daytime outfits (with a few mini dress, cocktail numbers thrown in for good measure).

We assume this assortment of easy luxe- is going to be priced like an “affordable’ contemporary designer collection...a smart move in an iffy economy.

We really liked GUERON’s fashionable efforts…and think it might do better at retail- than similar collections, maybe more costly garb...we saw this week. It will certainly broaden the designer’s fan base.



HIGHLIGHTS: Ruffles big (surrounding a plunging V neck) and small (shoulder details), and see through lace that's sexy and fresh...set this line apart from plenty of what we saw all week. A bit of sequins and Swarovski crystals are thrown in for tasteful feminine embellishments, not glitz... very on trend, not retro.















Wearable silk dresses and tank tops in lime, slouchy comfy but not sloppy leaf print blazer over linen shorts, and the last look, a black silk v-neck cocktail dress-all added up to a cohesive, pretty and sellable spring wardrobe. (Image above).












The woman seated next to us was positively purring at the sight of Look #19, a teal blue short sleeve, see-thru lacey dress, with a dash of ruffle…over a solid black racerback slip (wisely used again-under a -a popping pink fushia lace dress).







Congrats Sari Gueron…we think this collection hit the spot.





















INFO SARI GUERON.

TIM HAMILTON 2009 SPRING/SUMMER

“FUTURISTIC STREETWEAR WHERE BOUNDARIES ARE ERASED”

Sunday, September 7th, 2008-Milk Studios, 6:30PM







Words, Images by Judith Ecochard




Tim Hamilton had an ear to ear Cheshire cat grin on his face-















- when we arrived at the spacious Milk Studios penthouse ,The spacious white interior space, adjoined by two outdoor terraces, was packed with a buzzy, hip group crowd sipping Bulldog gin…against a perfect NY skyline, backlit by the perfect NY sunset.






It’s a terrific collection. Truth be told, we had no idea how talented this designer is. A big WOW!

BACKSTORY: Toiled at J.Crew and Ralph Lauren, based in NYC…rocks out to Velvet Underground. CFDA Award nominee (2x)- launched own line 2006.








THE INSPIRATION: Frank Stella’s minimalist paintings, particularly his “Black Paintings from the 1960’s…“clinical and characteristically coy.”







THE PRESENTATION: We wouldn’t call these dudes prepsters but the male models- who smoked, drank, and chatted up interested parties (and there was plenty of that to go around)- while posing on white cubes or just plain hanging out on a stark white stage…were definitely well-groomed, outfitted in sporty attire.







Think: handsome separates with an edge…as the basics were covered… grey or stripped sweater/ hoodie, a black leather jacket, cashmere sweater and blazer, lots of tailored shorts, crisp cotton button down shirts, and a cool black on black, subtle stripped blazer, linen pants combo with a black/white gingham button down.







FABRICS: Showed thought…”a Daedalian edge. Burnished silks in shades of metallic shine alongside soft cashmere blends, glazed cotton –paired with checkerboard wovens and dry cotton twill.”

QUOTE: “I WANTED TO CREATE SHAPES THAT ARE GENDER AMBIGUOUS BUT INHERENTLY MASCULINE.”

We were channeling a David Bowie vibe during his B/W phase.

WHAT’S SPECIAL: The details: drawcords on the sides of shirts, perfect pleats, “hidden ruffled collars”---that were hidden but we were informed.

INFO: TIM HAMILTON

ÉDITÉ SHOWROOM: SPRING ’09 PREVIEW

LOVENIA



VASSILISA, BRADLEY SCOTT, LOVENIA-MORE GLAMOUR FROM EDITORIAL "IT" DESIGNERS

September 5th, 2008-Garment District, 1PM

It’s always worth our time to visit showrooms, particularly the well-edited collections repped by, ta-dah-ÉDITÉ SHOWROOM: SPRING ’09 PREVIEW

VASSILISA, BRADLEY SCOTT, LOVENIA

Words, Images Judith Ecochard and Edite Showroom

September 5th, 2008-Garment District


Colorful prints in a delicately ruffled diaphanous gown (reminded us of Ossie Clark) drew us to the racks containing other garments by the upscale label Vassilisia.






















A one year-old London based line created by Central St. Martens graduate Nadja Solovieva, Vassilisa is named for “THE BEAUTIFUL” Russian fairy tale princess heroine.







Glorious oversized silk scarves and dresses in, of course, intricate prints-are exceptional. Given the intricacies of the graphics, the collection is available in a limited edition (or bespoke).

INFO: VASSILISA








BRADLEY SCOTT:
We’ve written about Bradley Scott’s resort garments. And BTW and no surprise, major retailers have come a'calling.

We’re thrilled the Spring lineup is just as strong.

A playful polka dot pattern fabric- in sorbet smooth pastels or dove grey/white are fashioned in adorable (but not drippy girly) puffed short sleeve tops with wide bows, and chic slim fit skirt with a two semi-circles forming a the front hem.

An iridescent linen woven/weave textile is the standout fabric- cut for a short swing jacket and into a terrific short trench with black lapels and piping details.

Handsome high waist pants in black or white, nicely round out Bradley Scott’s line for any chic woman’s wardrobe.






LOVENIA

Heidi Handler’s delicate third collection for LOVENIA- is inspired by “the surreal light of Nice at twilight” and the “volume of Cristobal Balenciaga’s gowns from the late 1950’s.”

We’ve admired this designer for her stunning use of luxe European fabrics-including cashmere, linens (Italy), silks and laces (France) and cottons from Switzerland…in past collections.



But we feel Handler is really coming into her own with a fusion of sophisticated European experiences (after stints with French master Jean Cjharles de Castelbajac and the prestigious Masters Program for Fashion design at the Angewandte Kunst Schule in Vienna, Austria)... plus her American background.

And yes, the silhouettes of knockout group are poetic...but also ooze a modern sensibility. So wearing these gently draped and ruffled feminine dresses, are 100% 21st century.

INFO: LOVENIA

INFO: Édité Showroom.

Green GLAMOUR: The Class Trade Show LA, the be ECO CHIC Global launch Evenbt & Cynthia Gale's Geo Art Showroom

Text, Vivian G. Kelly & Laura C. Wood

Images of the be ECO CHIC show, Casi Densmore-Koon
Images of the Geo Art and of Cynthia Gale, courtesy of Geo Art by Cynthia Gale
Images of the ECO CHIC Global Launch Event, Casi Densmore-Koon
Image of the be Eco Chic invitation from www.beecochic.com


THE CLASS TRADE SHOW
TIME/PLACE: August 20, 2008 at the Santa Monica Convention Center

The event had some wonderful extras we hadn’t expected at a trade show such as an incredible massage courtesy of the OC SPA located in Huntington Harbour, California. If you can’t get there for one of the massages you can however order one of their adorable eco bags online for well under $100. This is a great price point especially in the eco market which tends to have a bit of a higher markup.


CROC CONNECTION
Also well-priced are OCEAN MINDED’s eco flip flops. Believe it or not, Ocean Minded is owned by CROCS, although they originally started out as a cause driven company to clean up the beaches and oceans. The sandals are actually made out of recycled Crocs and come in a bunch of cute styles under $50. Maybe it’s time to add a pair of these to your wardrobe to sit next to the Havainas you’ve already got sitting in your closet.

JEANS
We spent some time with the guys from NUDIE JEANS who are partnered with AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL. They’re a European company that’s looking to sell their jeans in the USA. Hats off to Class for bringing some innovative new resources.
In the meantime, to see more of their collection, go to their official collection,
www.nudiejeans.com


One of the highlights was finding URTH BAGS. We’ve posted an image of one of our favorites, the
Recycled Coconut Shell Bags- Sling
Dimensions: 21x10x13cm

Urth Bags are bags with a purpose. They desire owners who choose to live Eco-friendly lifestyles and are looking for a bag to share it with. Urth Bags are ready to be taken anywhere and for any occasion. They are durable, stylish and ready to be reliable companions to any lifestyle. They come in many different styles and are all made from recycled or biodegradable materials so you can feel good about owning one while making a bold eco-fashion statement.

Price: $68.00

Our other pick was Urth's
Recycled Juice Box Bag-Clutch
Dimensions: 9x4x1 in.
Price: $33.50
Available online at www.theocspa.com

GREEN THEME
Class Trade Show did stick to their overall Green Theme, they partnered with TRUE OFFSETS a Hawaian company that bought abandoned sugar cane fields and go there themselves and plant native Hawaian trees there. This is a great organization to hook up with if you want to reduce your carbon footprint for your event.

To find out more, visit their website,
www.trueoffsets.com


The be ECO CHIC Global Launch Event
Time/Place: @7PM, Thursday, September 4, 2008
The Milstein Hall Ocean Life at the Museum of Natural History
79th Street and Central Park West



WHAT IS “BE ECO CHIC”? - A campaign dedicated to raising awareness of environmentalism through fashion”.
It's realizing that we can live green without giving up our sense of style. Living eco can be chic.”

After watching the celebrity walkers in eco designer fashions by the likes of Donna Karan and Carmen Marc Valvo, we agree!

We were so looking forward to this event that we skipped the La Perla party [the line was ridiculously long] and took a bike taxi over to the Museum arriving just in time to watch supermodel ANGELA LINDVALL introduce the first look. As at the Vogue/CFDA/Earthpledge the season before, some of the world’s top designers participated and made an eco garment for the show. Some of the designers who participated were: Chado Ralph Rucci, Carmen Mark Valvo, Nicole Miller, Donna Karan [DKNY] and Christian Cota, one of our favorites of the week. The sponsorship was equally stellar: Mercedes-Benz, Lycra, Neutrogena, Aveeno, the Sierra Club, and the Eco-Mom Alliance, to name just some of the many sponsors who got behind this very well attended event.


To learn more about be Eco Chic, visit their website,
www.beecochic.com




A VISIT TO THE GEO ART by CYNTHIA GALE SHOWROOM and a chat with designer, CYTHIA GALE

We love Cynthia's I LOVE GREEN eco jewelry, but she does much more. Cynthia is famous for the product development she does for the Metropolitan Museum of Art as well as a lot of museum and gallery work for the Jewish Museum and the Museum of Natural History.

The I LOVE GREEN Collection

Said Cynthia, “As a designer you have to be out there interfacing and interacting with the people you’re selling to. The line extension includes some new pieces that feature more stones.
We’re not fans of treehugger.com but there’s “the sterling silver “treehugger pendant necklace on a silk robe cord.
They always incorporate fashion in the line, such as a big jade cocktail ring and the big bangles."



WHAT’S HOT: the resin bangles. There’s sand bamboo, banana leaf and bamboo set into the resin. You can currently get the antique batik for the $25 – 35 a bracelet. One looks great, three look even better. The spring bracelets will available in stores in March 2009.

WHERE TO GET IT:

Browse the collection at www.geoartnyc.com
Items from the Green Collection are also available at Practically Green, Down to Earth Goods, in Ridgefield, CT
Tel: 203-431-3000

The VERRIER showing of the spring/summer 2009 collection

Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images, Dan Lecca, Courtesy of Mercedes Benz

TIME/PLACE:
Saturday, September 6, 2008, @ 6:30pm
The Salon at the Bryant Park Tents, NYC


THE VIBE
Pretty in pink and girlishly sweet. The candy pink dresses that opened the show established the tone. There was some delicate Swarovski embellishment on the Waltz dress and some more serious sparkles in the gold and enamel starfish jewelry pins and necklaces by Sequin.

SILHOUETTE – most of the skirts were on the short side and a bit eighties glam, remember those fitted minis and pussycat bow blouses? Verrier didn’t show that blouse but rather in another bright eighties color [acquamarine] with a ruffled front and an indigo lace hooded jacket, lightly embellished with Swarovski crystals.

Ruffles and lace aren’t easy to work with, but in this collection, they didn’t look at all old lady-like in the least bit. The strongest pieces were an ivory boucle bolero and a ruffled charmeuse blouse.

To read more about Verrier, visit their website,
www.verrier-fashion.com

MACQUA: BERLIN LABEL’S DEBUT IN NEW YORK S/S ‘09

CONTEMPORARY URBAN COLLECTION WITH GLOBAL APPEAL

September 10th, 2008 –
Eyebeam- West 21st Street, NYC

Words, Pics by Judith Ecochard





We were so totally jazzed by the Berlin fashion designers we saw this past July... that we were more than happy to check out the RTW collection of one of Germany's top up and coming labels, MACQUA.

And we're happy to say Meike Vollmar, the brains of the brand-got it (mix/match cool clothes) RIGHT.

















The fashionistas will soon catch on...after all, this was a strong outing of wearable, trendy short dresses, belted mini trenches and skirts, high waist trousers, and can wear with denim- tops with a shine…and the fiercest oversized satchels we saw all week.

We got a chance to chat with Vollmar backstage after the show. A striking, model like woman, Macqua’a color palette was inspired by a “trip to Morocco” this year.



The largely black/white and earth tones of the clothes were cut with a sexy swagger…which has earned the designer boatloads of accolades in her home country.





The results are polished daywear for trendsters living in the Mitte district (Berlin), the 13th Arrondisement (Paris), or somewhere off the “L” train (Brooklyn).


INFO: MACQUA


IMHO: USA Retailers should take notice...we think bloggers are already clued in.

TULEH- DAY TO EVENINGWEAR GLAMOUR-

“SOCIALITE” LABEL GROWS TO OUTFIT STRONG WOMEN/STYLE ICONS- FROM NANCY DREW, THE PRESIDENT’S WIFE, HOLLY GOLIGHTY… MRS. DALLOWAY

Sunday, September 7th, 2008 – West 26th Street, NYC
Words, Pics by Judith Ecochard

We skipped Fall 2008’s showing by Tuleh…but are meaningfully glad we trekked over to the Forbidden Zone-west of 10th Avenue- for this outing of forty posh looks.

Happily, the show started late…because we were.















Reviewing the handouts, we got a kick out of the decidedly literary/political slant of the ensembles’ names- with heroines from past and present.

As in the “The First Lady” (Michelle, we assume)- a belted bow dress …followed by several expertly fitted feminine frocks in solid colors.







In fact, all of the strong female personalities- that inspired the straight on, head to toe elegant (and a few rockin’ blouse/pants glittery) garb… by designer Bryan Bradley---would probably look terrific in many of these outfits.















THE SHOW:











We thought the stunning fabrics were highlights- including many bold toned, nature prints (Look # 8-the “Rachel Carson”- was a stark black tree branches in a blue to yellow, sky palette…and many luscious flower graphics).





Part of the collection was clearly aimed at Uptown girls who party down…
















but the strongest clothes were the ones destined for sophisticated ladies…who would relish the silk skirts, boxy suit jackets, sleek sheaths, and diaphanous, color saturated evening gowns that closed the show.

ACCESSORIES: The clutches and purses were knockouts and encrusted with large beads, corals, and silk rosettes.




NICE TOUCH: The xoxoxo’s Bradley received on the runway- after the show.




INFO: TULEH

The ADAM LIPPES Showing of the spring 2009 Collection

Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images, courtesy of Paul Wilmot Communications

TIME/PLACE: @ 2:00PM, Saturday, September 6, 2008
The Seminary at 20th Street between 9th/10th Avenue


As this was a Paul Wilmot event, there were a lot of heavy hitters in attendance: Linda Fargo, Robert Burke, Dawn Mello, Ken Downing, Bill Cunningham, to name a few.

HAIR/MAKEUP: Odile did the hair but we’d love to know who did the hats? They were adorable Rastafarian style pancake hats that gave a bohemian/carefree look to the easy colorful collection.

FUN & UNEXPECTED

There were some out of the ordinary pieces here, such as the sleeveless dress and a mini skirt with some bubble gum detailing worn with a simple white tank and some fun jewelry by AURELIELIE BIDERMAN for Adam Lippes.

TEXTURES/COLORS
There was lots of sheer voile as well as some prettily delicate pieces in an ecru crochet knit that looked best in the longer silhouettes,
Most of the color was restricted to the lemon yellow and fuchsia patent leather wedge sandals but Lippes broke out the color towards the end with a winning grouping of shocking pink chiffon tanks, dolman tops and a comfy dress.

BEST PIECE: the casually sophisticated cerulean silk chiffon laced back dress that you could well imagine a young woman wearing on her trip to the Greek Isles for a special night out, like LINA in “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants”.

To view more designs by Adam Lippes and to shop the collection, visit the official website,
www.shopadamlippes.com

BROOKS BROTHERS: SPRING 2009 COLLECTIONS-SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

THE TRADITIONALLY TASTEFUL & A FASHION FORWARD EFFORT BY THOM BROWNE FOR BLACK FLEECE

September 10th, 2008 Madison Avenue/45th Street

Words, Images by Judith Ecochard

Brooks Bros. is as American as apple pie.

Their multi-hued polo shirts and button down dress shirts-for men- are in closets across the country.

Womenswear by this label has been refreshed up a bit, as of late…but the real deal fashion news hit when menswear designer, Thom Browne, was signed on as 'guest designer" to helm the Black Fleece line of upscale garb.

For Spring 2009, Black Fleece serves up a modern twist on the Brooks Bros. classic seersucker suit-this time its double-breasted and long tail tux versions.

Glen plaids, and lightweight grey wool fabrics are cut slightly narrower than a typical BB’s suit jacket…and are set to retail from $1800 and up.

Ladies get some appropriate separates like a double knit grey cardigan, punched up with white piping and an organza paisley skirt paired with a bowed silk blouse.














THE REST:

Brooks Bros. had several themes going on during the presentation at the main store in Manhattan’s mid-town.










A JFK/Martha’s Vineyard’s vibe featured the aforementioned 100% cotton polos in saturated colors. A natty nautical section displayed sailor navy stripped tops, white cotton skirts and pants, and appropriate accessories like ribboned, canvas espadrilles.










A Round Hill, Jamaica vignette sported a rainbow room’s worth of summery shades of blazers, slim fitted sheaths and flattering side tie, wrapped dresses.















Like many brands, Brooks Bros. is making a real effort to capture the performance wear market with separates made of moisture wicking fabrics-for active types. Country club worthy, the tops and shirts will work as well on the 19th hole as well as the front eighteen.














Rounding out the collections, was the safari line of beige multi-pocketed jackets and woven linen tunics.

LA PERLA: SEXY LINGERIE, SWIMWEAR & RTW-LANGUIDLY LOUNGING AROUND THE POOL

EUROGLAM STYLES FOR 24-HOUR COVERAGE











Words, Images by Judith Ecochard

Empire Hotel Penthouse & Pool, NYC September 4th, 2008
7:00PM







The sun was slowly setting as we piled into an Empire Hotel elevator-jammed with more straight guys decked out in business suits-than is usual for a Fashion Week event.







Take a posh mash-up of lacy underthings (La Perla’s BLACK LABEL), chi-chi bathing suits that will never feel a splash of water (MARE swim line), serious strappy high heels (Stuart Weitzman), and fetching knit dresses/satiny gowns that ooze expensive elitism (PRET À PORTER) on gorgeous leggy models…and DUH…even we can do the math.






















THE SHOW:


The aforementioned models all looked seriously beautiful and maintained perfect composures in the posed vignettes- amidst all those hordes of Type A dudes.





The twenty accessorized looks from this luxe Italian company- ran the gamut from evening-wear (ivory chiffon gown with lace detail),





day looks (a chic black knit dress under a black cotton silk trench),






to La Perla’s signature, high, high-end lingerie separates (gold and black bustier top with black lace bra and matching panty… and a delicate black lace chemise over lacy black bra/panty).



















Up a few stairs, models looked amused posing around the pool in swimsuits like a solid white soutache interlace bikini beneath a tropically sheer fuschia printed wrap… and a sleek sea blue ruched bikini underneath a breezy matching cover-up.

We think La Perla’s expansion into ‘outerwear’ clothes is smart, judging by this presentation…since the brand’s lingerie is deservedly famous for its superb construction and high-end fabrics, exclusive to them.

INFO: LA PERLA










Pictured below: ENTOURAGE's Mrs. Ari Gold (Perrey Reeves)

GENERRA SPRING ’09 COLLECTION- BASICS WITH A EURO TWIST

MODELS LOOK COOL IN SWELTERING HEAT

September 5th, Penthouse-Garment District

Words, Images by Judith Ecochard

It was hot, hot, hot on the day we trooped over to a rooftop presentation of Generra’s RTW for men and women.








We were dripping with sweat by the time we climbed the last bunch of stairs (now that's a fashion look)- that made our review of the 20 ensembles- a fast one.







We were amazed the models barely had a droplet of moisture on their brows.




















The understated hip in the easy mix/match separates – played into a well edited, subtle tone collection of linen pants, slim cut denim, cotton twill shorts, cute dresses, and ribbed or stripped cotton tops.







Our favorite styles skewed military-as in a Khaki cotton twill jacket and army slub jersey polo for guys.








And two light weight leather motorcycle jackets and a grey-cotton-merino wool hoodie- replace the often boring cardigans as trendy cover-ups.
INFO: GENERRA

STEINUNN: SOPHISTICATED TEXTURES AND CONTRASTS FOR ELEGANT RTW

ICELAND’S EARTHY COLORS IGNITE A SUMPTUOUS COLLECTION

September 5th, 2008 Katie Murphy Amphitheater, FIT-West 28th Street, NYC

Words, Images by Judith Ecochard, and courtesy of Steinunn (by Mary Ellen Mark)


Steinunn Sigurd is a clothing designer that has a cult status amongst the international fashion set.





A knowledgeable veteran of the biz via her master-knitting prowess (she has worked for Tom Ford- at Gucci, Calvin Klein, and Ralph Lauren in this capacity…and headed up La Perla’s RTW line in Europe)…Steinunn crafts meticulous feminine garments with an almost intellectual rigor (IMHO)… that we find to be stylish and stunning.

For Spring ’09, a blessedly calm presentation of live models mixed in with white shiny mannequins- commanded the stage of a wood paneled amphitheater located at the famous fashion school, FIT.






















We were impressed by everything and made a mental note to never miss any future fashion week events by this designer!

Luckily we had a chance to chat with Steinunn about her modus operandi and inspiration for this glorious collection.







“I’m old school,” she notes-“I’m into world craft ...and texture is important.”

For this presentation of earthy colored garments, the red-walled volcanic crater Ljotipollur, off the coast of Iceland inspired Steinunn with its stark beauty and “saccharine shades”-as in ruby, charcoal black, white and moody greys.













The fabrics (like a super thin cotton voile, lush satin silks) and hand-applied embellishments like woven fringes- are immediately admired for their quality and “intricateness.”


“I’ve found an amazing factory in Yorkshire that does fabrics that no one has.”





In turn, Steinunn’s Parson's trained cutting skills-working with these often difficult textiles- enables her to turn out a knockout elegant collection of carefully tailored, superbly fitted dresses for day and night. Signature touches like cascading and/or layers of ruffles and fringes are applied just so- as to flatter the fitted silhouettes-in a restrained manner.



RETAIL: Kisan Concept Store- 125 Greene Street, NYC, Albertine, Takashimaya

INFO: STEINUNN

The Presentation of the CHRISTIAN COTA spring 2009 Collection

Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images. Richard Spiegel

TIME/PLACE: New York Fashion Week,
Monday, Sept. 8th, @ noon
The Altman Building, 135 west 18th Street
Mr. Cota was first a painter, before he became a fashion designer. The collection he showed this fashion week was only his 3rd, but retailers and press were already buzzing about him. Fashion heavyweights made the trek West hoping to find those “diamonds in the rough”. Mr. Cota is certainly one of those.
When something is as beautiful and unique as these pieces, price is not an object, as retailers went on record in a recent article in wwd.com entitled, “Buyers Feel Shows Lack Pizzazz” by Sharon Edelson that ran on Sept. 12, 2008.


Said Mr. Cota, “ I was in Santorini watching the play of light on the water. I was also very inspired by the Impressionists, Renoir, in particular.”

The hand painted dresses captured his inspiration and the digital print pieces are worth close inspection.
Mr. Cota’s muse, Charlotte of Monaco and elegant jet set women who spend time in luxurious locales such as Cannes will soon be flocking to Mr. Cota’s atelier to order some of his designs. Even if you’re not a super sophisticated jet setter, wearing these clothes will make you feel the part.

DEVI KROELL + TEMPTU MAKEUP=FLAWLESS PERFECTION

A BACKSTAGE PEAK OF INSIDERS’ CHOICE LINE

September 10th, 2008, Milk Studios-West Village, NYC

Words, Images by Judith Ecochard

It’s always gratifying to witness the innovative growth of a makeup brand formally geared towards Pros…morph into a consumer powerhouse brand.

We got to see the Temptu team in action, applying polished touches to the models at accessories designer Devi Kroell’s debut RTW collection during NY’s Fashion Week Spring ’09.

Led by makeup artist, Lisa Butler–Temptu’s served up impeccable visages courtesy of their airbrush system that we only wish we could self apply.



For those not in the know-airbrush makeup is applied via fine, colored mists-through a airbrush wand device- that somewhat resembles the airbrush machines that are used for commercial applications. Foundations, eye makeup and brows (with the cool Airbrow kit) can be perfectly ‘applied’ this way.

The results are long lasting, and frankly, flawless. No wonder airbrush everything has really taken off in the age of HD Television.

To complete the look of modern sophistication, a liquid black eyeliner was applied around the eyes, with a glossy lip as the finishing touch.


Well done.

INFO: TEMPTU

CYNTHIA ROWLEY: FITTED AMERICAN SOPHISTICATION

SPRING 2009 RTW FOR MODERN GAL GROWN-UPS WITH A NEED TO DRESS AND OWN THE LOOK

Words, Images Judith Ecochard

September 10th, 2008-West Chelsea, NYC


We have a Cynthia Rowley dress from one of her early summer collections-that snazzed up a drab but functional wardrobe on our European pack backing sojourn that lasted 4 months.







We have never gotten more compliments, in more countries, for any garb we have ever worn (and still wear)…including an Athenian declaring, “…you Americans make the best dresses.”

WE recounted this story for Cynthia Rowley in the flesh, backstage prior to her RTW runway show…she- a polished, very pretty and very cool fashion veteran.

Us-salivating over the amazing buffet courtesy of Bridgewaters To Go, gawking at the fab Bobbi Brown working her magic, and awed how relaxed Ms. Rowley seemed without a hair out of place and a warm smile for all.


We also promise ourselves (and CR) an update to our wardrobe with one of those yummy dresses from her Spring 2009 assortment!

Note to self: stay in shape.

THE SHOW:

The largely solid black and b/w assortment of sleek sheaths over racer back gauzy sheer bandeaus and fitted chemises, often with swirls of colors and Rowley’s signature eye of the beholder moniker-is very, very of this moment.

No back dated style references romped the runway!


The designer cited scuba as an inspiration for the silhouette style and fabric choices. We also channeled a riding vibe in a fitted jacket cut atop a beaded stripe dress too.







Fans of these sharply fitted but stretchy ensembles (plus there are satin split and slashed skirts and top, separates), perfectly paired with banded/ heeled sandals …should be Rivera yachters… as well as cool Williamsburg hipsters, urban office warriors, and achingly chic soccer mom types (not Sarah Palin hockey moms, however- ha ha!!!!).





















Heck, we are neither of the aforementioned stereotypes---and we could see ourselves in any of these ensembles.

MAKEUP & HAIR:

The spacious, somewhat toasty backstage area was festive. Helps to have breathing room.

Bobbi Brown used “the same lip color on everyone…” a bright coral matte lip with a glacier lip gloss, a cotton candy watercolor cheek tint, and sheer foundation for a flawless and dewy look.







Mrs. B also credited “my head of pr” for getting her to sing the praises of CNBC for on-air promos. IMHO: she’s a smart businesswoman who probably doesn’t need the help of on-air talking heads.





For hair, the Tresemmé team used the “Anti-Frizz Secret Smoothing Crème” on nearly everyone to achieve the sleek look of pulled back hair with a ribbon- wrapped around a secured ponytail/bun.











Nails by Sally Hansen painted on the “Salon Nail Lacquer”on models' nails---a finish, that we were told, can last up to 10 days if speedily topped off with the “Shea Butter Rapid Finish.”

CELEB ALERT: WOMEN WE LOVE!!!

Jill Hennessy of Televison's Crossing Jordan, Law and Order,and rock group Mollycuddle's object of affection.

Tatum O'Neil & Julia Stiles






INFO: CYNTHIA ROWLEY

Bobbi Brown







Tresemmé





Sally Hansen




Bridgewaters To Go

MARCHESA-SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF THESE-SPRING 2009

COCKTAIL AND RED CARPET RTW CONFECTIONS FOR LUCKY LADIES

CHELSEA ART MUSEUM, NYC September 10th, 2008

No surprise, Marchesa delivered an exceedingly stunning collection!


We haven’t quite figured out why the labels Marchesa and notte by Marchesa, designed by the model stunning (both-IMHO)Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, continues to show their ultra GLAMOUR gowns at the Chelsea Art Museum.







We think the fluffy layers of tulle, silk chiffon embellished with complex ornamental embroideries, jet black beading on artfully draped white silk satin, and exacting details like just-picked cascades of blooming silk orchids delicately applied-









-begs for a bigger venue (the Met?) to allow the packed to scary capacity crowd more room in which to admire the high craftsmanship and THOUGHT- that is clearly, lovingly bestowed on each garment.







As usual, this was a presentation format with softly coiffed models atop white cubes, posing like sculptural entities.

























Our favorite, and we suspect the choice of many gawkers/viewers (including quite a few celebs) is the lavender Grecian cocktail length dress composed of gently draped tulle swirls, that looked like bushels of sprouting flowers were sprung from two hip pockets.












But really,everything about this strong outing...deserves ALL of the accolades it receives. BRAVO!!!!




INFO: MARCHESA

















More Marchesa knockouts= Belles of the Ball.

CATHERINE HOLSTEIN: COOL CHICK GLAMOUR FOR SPRING '09

RUNWAY SHOW PACKS IN THE EDITORS /BUYERS

September 6th, Bumble & Bumble Salon, West 13th Street NYC

Words, Images by Judith Ecochard

We wear clothes like this…meaning well made dresses, tailored shorts, and jumpsuits in bright prints and solids.








We were delightfully surprised at how sophisticated and polished this largely daywear RTW collection is. We thought of many ‘casual’ lines we have previewed that should take notes; easy, pulled together wear does not mean sloppy.

Jumpsuits-the Spring ’09 silhouette we think will be huge- are standouts…including a flattering belted black sample…and a subtle floral print one.













For dresses and skirts, Holstein had a clever tile square pattern working to great effect in many looks…including a winning yellow skort version.








A few other separates-either short peplum hemmed or long flowing tiered skirts-managed to be playful and polished, cinched in with belts …and often paired with fitted tees to balance out the ensembles.







The knitted turbans atop most models’ heads also managed to add to the chic ‘ness’-and lent an air of European posh by way of Babe Paley- in a decidedly American collection.







RETAIL: Saks Fifth Avenue







MAKEUP: At the after party at the swank Bryant Park Hotel, we got a chance to chat with reps from the mineral based skincare/makeup line Jane Iredale. The “Dream Tint” is the must have matte finish product-with healing algae extract. Plus, we are amazed at how well the mascara made our peepers pop without damaging lacquers or shellac.

LIZ Mc CLEAN: NYC DESIGNER ROCKS DOWNTOWNERS FOR SPRING '09

Bumble & Bumble, West 13th Street, September 5th

Images, Words Judith Ecochard

We got a tip from a photographer-that "this is gonna be one cool show"---- from the RTW designer/ former stylist, Liz Mc Clean.

Rock on.







Doc Marten clonkers at one end---flowey see thru black chiffon long gowns and edgy motorcycle vests atop easy mix and match separates anchored a collection for trendsters who love the 80’s Madonna vibe of leather mashed up with a few frills.














We really like jumpsuits done well, and Liz McClean delivered with a super army green silk one she paired with a lace cape.

A fun, fun show with wearable garb.







INFO: LIZ MC CLEAN

ANDREW MARC: LUXE LEATHER RTW FOR SPRING ‘09

CARRY-ALLS and COVER-UPS

September 11th, Garment District, NYC

Word, Images by Judith Ecochard

We have owned an Andrew Marc suede jacket-for like ever..,.and still wear it.

Perhaps these are not words a retailer wants to hear but it is a testament to the quality and the style savvy of the Andrew Marc collection since its launch back in the day.

Now backed by a deep pocketed corporate parent, G – III Apparel Group, Ltd., we think Andrew Marc is poised for international acclaim as an all-American, well-priced brand with trendy leather classics.











WHAT’S NEW:









Lightweight leathers for Spring ’09 are spot on chic. Featuring the ruching, bold zippers (on cuffs), track stitching and piping details that are signature Andrew Marc details…we saw a lot of looks we love for the ladies.

Motorcycle jackets for women are elegant and came in summery shades like coral red, and a yummy caramel shade with striking gold hardware. Not for Hell’s Angels biker chicks…though some versions (Collette, Alice, Florence) sport the hip asymmetrical zip front.

A nylon motorcycle jacket with the zipped collars- is an all weather option that we think is going to sell-out.







OUR FAV:

A “Florence” jacket with wide lapels, asymmetrical closures in white with mat gold grommets under the armhole-is a standout.

Iridescence cloth is used to winning effect…as in a wear forever trench and 'car-coat' length- that has ruched double wide collars, striking back seam shoulder details-and a neat bomber style buckle.



Totes, handbags and satchels are cleverly crafted and should make a big splash in the typical Andrew Marc retail outlets.

Inspired by the “Beatrice” double zip jacket with strips of leather-the Gallery Group of handbags in a hobo, tote, satchel and clutch shapes- come in bold colors (fuschia, tangerine) and easy blend in the wardrobe charcoal and tin.

Another group (hobo, tote, clutch) have fringe details-and of course, enough interior compartments for every electronic gadget we own.


The best selling contender, we think-belongs to the Motorcycle inspired “Adrina” tote-with a crossbody-foldover flaps, has double straps for ease of carrying, outer pockets galore including a hidden pocket –and lots of inner pockets to ban the hunt for everything.


FACTOID:

Andrew Marc’s stunning B/W advertisements are shot in color----then transformed by an in-house photographer who has been with the company 20+ years!

Chris Gbur- an articulate man-informed us he has “more freedom” with images when they are photographed in color. Casting-wise, he looks for models that “photograph well”—and the entire Fall '08 shoot is even available on YouTube.


COMING SOON: Shoes!


INFO:





ANDREW MARC

The ALEXANDRE HERCHOVITCH Showing of the Spring/Summer Collection

Saturday, 7:35pm, the Pavillion at the Bryant Park tents
Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images, Dan Lecca, Courtesy of Mercedes Benz

THE VIBE
This Brazilian designer showed a collection with a definite military influence – lots of epaulettes and double-breasted jackets and capes in khaki. He gave it an unusual twist by combining it with some floral prints and ruffles. All of this made for a turn to the unusual, which we’ve come to expect at this show.
The unusual look was pushed further forward by the hair and makeup, coiled braids and Vaseline and red eye shadow on the eyes.
THE ARTSY SIDE
There were glittering foil leaves on elaborate flamenco ruffles on epaulettes which made for a powerful looking silhouette in sharp contrast to the film chiffon and georgette dresses underneath.

BEST
The pink a line georgette dance dress with a back belt.

Mr. Herchkovitch is very low key, so much so that we almost missed seeing him at the end when he came out walking with his models in the finale parade rather than on his own.

To view more of Alexandre Herchovitch's designs, visit his website,
www.herchkovitch.uol.com

VICENTE VILLARIN: EMERGING TALENT'S EXCEPTIONAL RTW FOR SPRING 09 RUNWAY DEBUT

AN ELEGANT “LIGHT AGAINST SKY” COLLECTION DESERVES MAJOR RETAIL NODS

Words, Images Judith Ecochard

Designed by Joanne Cordero Reyes, the label Vicente Villarin (repped by Greg Mills, Ltd.) was an unknown to us-but was unforgettably fantastic--- a sophisticated brand for women-with sumptuous, airy fabrics tailored in feminine, flattering silhouettes.

We took our seats at the Bumble & Bumble salon next to assorted family members of the designer-all of who were impeccably dressed. This tipped us off that this collection would not be some tired retread of 80’s looks for tweeners that seemed to pervade many fashion efforts we saw.


Inspired by the “ stained glass windows and the (changing) light from the dome of Hagia Sophia” – the luscious 35 looks entranced us--- and such big buyer heavy weights from Barney’s and Neiman’s too.

Ken Downing from Neiman Marcus












There were many empty seats…the fashionistas missed something and should not make that mistake again. Sweet confections everyone would feel like royalty while wearing.



TOP PICKS:





We really thought every ensemble (dreamy fabrics, careful details, precise draping and pleating) for day and night time extravaganzas- all had merit. Some of the “blissful romanticism” reminded us of the Red Carpet staple, Marchesa.















Our favorite dresses skewed towards the artfully, HAND draped gowns with artful touches. This included Look #30 – a blush silk chiffon and lavender crinkle chiffon hand pleat strapless bustier gown with lavender Fortuny sash…and Look # 32, a knockout evening gown made of mint tinged chiffon, stitched into a form fitting bustier top with an accordion pleated body.



Frankly, we think this young designer is one to watch and buy.



INFO:
VICENTE VILLARIN



























MAKEUP/HAIR: MAC cosmetics with soft pink flush cheeks, Bumble did the gentle up dos. Very, sweet innocent looking in direct contrast to the LOUD, ROCKIN (Joan Jett, Bowie) soundtrack blasting out our eardrums during the runway show.







J. Mendel Shoes

GEN ART- FRESH FACES IN FASHION:SPRING '09

THE HIGHLIGHTS: LIALIA, HYDEN YOO, RICHARD RUIZ, JF AND SON
















(Pics of LIALIA-from Édité Showroom)



Hammerstein Ballroom, NYC September 4, 2008

Words, Images Judith Ecochard

We always look forward to seeing less than household named talent- given an opportunity to shine in the spotlight...with models...and professional hair and makeup working the magic.

Fortunately, GEN ART’s runway production for Spring ’09 was held the night prior to the opening of the Tents…so we got to get there in plenty of time to see the entire show-which was a bit more conservative in tone than other events by this non-profit-we've been to in the past.


IMHO: The show of 10 looks from each of the eight runway designers, went at a well paced clip - (TG)…with the first label, LIALIA -our top pick.

Sisters Julia and Natalia Alarcon –the design duo- started off with an impeccably cut, long pleated white pants that took about 9 yards of fabric to make!!!

We also loved the the bright sunflower yellow bow gown that finished off this strong collection of classic modern elegance that we felt, captured the posh style of 1940’s Hollywood glam. Not a miss in the bunch.
INFO: LIALIA













Another impressive collection –for-guys- was put on by Hyden Yoo-a Season 3 finalist from NBC’s The Fear Factor---who’s ( Fall 2008 lineup we’ve previewed.


The best relaxed tailored pieces we saw-all named after tennis stars- were the “Federer” Trench and the heather gray “Connor” blazer and pale grey “Ashe” number. Think tweaked traditional classics.

INFO: HYDEN YOO

Some other standouts from the show included:






























Japanese geishas inspired the feminine garb made from luxe silk crepe de chine or silk charmeuse... carefully crafted by Parson’s school trained, former tailor to the stars, Richard Ruiz. We loved the delicate prints that are exclusively conjured up by this obvious, mature talent...and the sexy dresses that stood out.


INFO: RICHARD RUIZ




















A mash-up of textiles (sheer, linen) and subtle use of embellishments (beads, sequins) in the urban chic, semi-fitted silhouettes -seen throughout JF AND SON separates crafted by design team Jesse Finkelstein and Robert Cordero...worked.In fact, some of the pieces are available on Yoox.com already.


INFO: JF AND SON

GLACIER OUTDOORS-ALL PURPOSE, PROTECTIVE & RUGGED GLOVES

DESIGNED FOR WARMTH, FLEXIBILITY, and PERFORMANCE

September 20th, 2008

Words, Judith Ecochard
Images from the company website.

We were hauling our surfboard through the massive hallways of the Salt Lake Palace a month ago, when we met the Glacier Outdoor bunch of guys.

As our hands are perpetually ICY COLD, we were intrigued by the design specific assortment of gloves made of premium windproof fleece and neoprene –that are made to keep outdoorsy types' digits- warm and dry without compromising movement.

Well, we’re not hunters (though the camouflage fingerless bunch makes a fashion statement) but the series designed for kayakers-appealed to us for surfing. As beginners, we knew we’d be spending a whole lot of time in the water.

Happily, the version we demo-ed, the 2mm Premium Quality Neoprene with pre-curved fingers and a durable Hypalon Palm ($34.99) kept our fingers dry...and with full range of motion.

Which made a huge difference in our comfort level.

Other gloves and accessories by this innovative company are geared towards warmth (fleece lined Neoprene) and sun protection (50+UPF). Dubbed the “Dr. Shade” line the fingerless Lycra sun gloves (there are other options, too)- are ideal for rock climbers as well as everyday drives in the car. ($12.99 and up).



It figures that ardent fishermen came up with such effective, practical solutions to keeping us warm.

INFO: GLACIER GLOVE or

800-728-8235

HANII Y-SPRING 2009: A COLLECTION OF HER OWN

A “SLEEPWALKING PARK”

Metropolitan Pavilion, September 8th 2008

Words, Images by Judith Ecochard












Hanii Yoon's - Hanii Y collection (she of the former Y&Kei design duo)-was a knockout that took many Fashion Week editor types by surprise.

We had checked out the San Francisco based, creator’s resort collection at CD Network’s showroom –that reps the line…so we had an idea that her superb use of saturated colors and stark black/white tones, nature based prints, and innovative fabric textures draped just so-might shine through in this presentation.











And it did.







Inspired by the supernatural light of Denmark’s long summer’s- this showing of 31 looks- outfitting models posed amongst tall pillars in a spacious, gallery white room was consistently strong.

The winners included crisp cotton linen sweaters (yellow, green), a wear forever tan leather trench coat, assorted cropped jackets (blue leather –our fav)…

and a hot pink wheat print dress with signature kimono sleeves.
















Elements of menswear fused with the delicate found its way in a navy cotton deep v-neck boyfriend sweater, a tuxedo shirt, an ivory double breast blazer, and indigo linen pants.

But the sexy high heel shoes were decidedly female.

ORGANIC BY JOHN PATRICK SPRING/SUMMER 2009

ALL-AMERICAN, ECO FRIENDLY COLLECTION FOR MEN/WOMEN

Desmond Tutu Center, 180 Tenth Ave. NYC September 9th, 2008


Words, Images Judith Ecochard

John Patrick’s inspiration for his latest offerings, the iconic Grant Wood painting, “American Gothic”—is one of hope.





“People don’t think about the 30’s as an optimistic time,” he commented in the run-of-show handout. “But when the chips are down that you really see the American character. Hope is our DNA…and it’s that kind of crazy resourcefulness I want to celebrate.”




Is Patrick psychic or what…given the tumultuous financial markets this week…with Hank Paulson to the rescue!!!!!!







THE COLLECTION:


We loved the tableau vivant staging that had groupings of models (70 looks!) posed on bales of hay in a Dorothy in Kansas, farmhouse setting.









Think wearable, soft palette, comfy basics made from organic cotton, recycled polyester and knits from Patrick’s cottage industry workers in Peru.





We think the guy’s organic cotton seersucker jackets with cotton twill pleat shorts, and a feminine drop waist garden and a vintage rose print dress…plus some of the airy Victorian style blouses are no-brainers to any wardrobe.









What is also special-besides the eco divineness (YEAH)- is that these pieces are ageless and modern---hipsters and middle America look pulled together and clean/fresh in the clothes. And the collection is largely made in the USA.

INFO: JOHN PATRICK ORGANIC

NUJ NOVAKHETT: ELEGANT DESIGNER RETURNS TO NEW YORK’S FASHION WEEK

POLISHED SOPHISTICATION FOR SPRING/SUMMER ‘09

September 4th, 2008 Garment District

Words, Images Judith Ecochard

We missed Nuj Novakhett these past few seasons.

Fortunately her deft tailoring, fashion flattering structural silhouettes, impossibly luxe /lush fabrics…and superb eye for details are better than ever.




We wouldn’t miss a Novakhett presentation for anything!











INSPIRATION:

This stunning designer was spending time in Europe when she attended a few “go-cart “(?)---or maybe a few vintage race/Formula One events.



This got her thinking: “…what happened to the time when women really dressed up for these outings?”

THE RESULTS:





We don’t know if our “pit ho” (their words) gal pals who flock to Nascar Speedways here in the States, will don these impeccably stylish separates and dresses…but judging by the stores that carry this line (Harvey Nichols, LA’s Satine that sold out in a week…), plenty of females appreciate what Novakhett conjures up.





“Everything is linked-so even the models lining up are like the start of a race.”





We saw a blend of sexy secretary, posh day-to-evening looks…and glorious details like the black piping on a sand chiffon ruffle ‘secretary’ blouse, the b/w checked pattern on flattering cotton bustier with matching puff pie skirt, a gathered off-shoulder electric blue silk/cotton mini dress, and an Antique white Waterfall crepe draped dress that fit the model to perfection.

WELCOME BACK!

INFO:
Marked Showroom
(213) 622 9760
NUJ NOVAKHETT

















THE TEAM

THE LAST SHOW – RALPH RUCCI: the showing of the spring 2009 Collection

Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images, Dan Lecca, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

TIME/PLACE: 6:30PM, at the big Tent at Bryant Park, NYC

Welcome back to New York, Ralph!
It’s Ralph Rucci’s time, in fact, the last few years, he’s become increasingly appreciated – finally – by the powers that be in fashion. Proof of this, Mercedes-Benz has selected him as the recipient of the MERCEDES-BENZ DESIGNER PRESENTS 2009 AWARD, a fitting honor, as Ralph himself says that dovetails nicely with his return to the New York runways after showing for 2 seasons in Paris.

When we interviewed Mr. Rucci years ago for a feature that ran in Lucire Magazine,
We asked him what single piece you had to own if you could only have 1 piece of Ralph Rucci. His answer was, “a trench coat”.
This answer still holds true years later, his silk faille rain jacket is a basic for the girl who appreciates quiet luxury and the silver mylar rain jacket’s just the thing for the woman who likes to be noticed.


WHAT’S SO SPECIAL?
Rucci is about construction, and perfection. His clothes are of the ilk of that perfect little “nothing” dress that Hubert de Givenchy so famously designed for Audrey Hepburn for the many films they collaborated on together.
RUN IMAGE

By constructed, we don’t mean that his silhouettes are boxy or masculine. There’s elaborate cutout work, slashing and hand sewing and the clothes fit in all the right places.
There was a black wool cutout jacket that was as far removed for the Gothy Elvira cutout/cobweb pieces as the Earth is from the planet Pluto.


COLOR
The palette, at least for evening, was 99% black, according to Ralph, as he said in an interview found on www.myitthings.com/FashionWeek
In accordance with the gloomy and scary world situation we’re currently in.
Metallics have been on the scene for some time now but they looked new when done in ivory and coral silk radzmir. We’ve been bombarded with paillettes on dresses, but Rucci used matte pailettes, and that made all the difference.

THE CLASSICS
There were the trenches and the inset dresses in black we’ve come to expect as well as a black matte jersey caftan that a woman could wear when she’s working on working her way down to her perfect size.

THE ARTIST

The white silk and paillete tube dress was interesting and reminded us of a Mark Rothko and the hand painted gowns that followed were of Rucci’s own design and showed his prowess as the multi media artist he is.


We’ve never not come away from a Rucci collection disappointed and there was a twist here – a strong Red Carpet element. The final few dresses were something stylists like Phillip Bloch sitting front row may be seriously considering dressing his celebrity clients in come Oscar season.

The Ralph Rucci Showroom is located at 536 Broadway, Sixth Floor, NYC
Tel: 212-819-9066

HICKEY FREEMAN-MENSWEAR SPRING ‘09

A MADE IN THE USA LABEL THAT’S “COOL”

September 4th, 2008- 111 Broadway, NYC

Words, Images by Judith Ecochard and courtesy of Hickey Style website.

Clean-cut tailoring, infused with a “renegade Americana spirit” was the order of the day for the handsome Spring ’09 collection presented at the spacious downtown Hickey Freeman store.

The label is geared towards the customer “who gets it but misses the traditional…” according to the dapper lead designer, Aaron Levine.

Luckily for us, we got to chat with Levine for an insider’s preview of these well made separates and suits-some of which fall into the stylish ‘hickey’ line.






To start off with, Levine noted the slimmer silhouette for jackets, the staple in any man’s wardrobe.







“We’ve changed the shoulder. We’ve toyed with it optically …with a naturally rolled shoulder that sits on top and looks slimmer, elegant-and is more comfortable.”









Other fashion twitches include shorter pants, or a “dead Englishman, old country gentleman look that hits at the ankle.”

We think most guys we know won’t wear their pants this length…but Hickey-Freeman’s pants are unfinished anyway, so to each his own.









Other winning looks include a military inspired Teflon coated but super soft, hi twisted cotton Trench coat with grosgrain trim, removable lining, and reverse pleats (no vents) on the back (pictured up top).











Fabrics used by H.F. are exceptional. One look we love that “ captures Fall and brings it into Spring,” –is a wide whale cord jacket that’s deftly tailored into a versatile and unbelievably lightweight jacket.







Details that matter like seersucker accents and a watch pocket are the polished touches that any guy will appreciate.

INFO: HICKEY FREEMAN and HICKEY STYLE


WE LOVE: The hot new B/W advertising campaign!

GEREN FORD SPRING ’09 COLLECTION-MODERN CLASSICS

GEREN LOCKHART, Designer






“LONG DAY, LONG NIGHT, ONE DRESS”

Bowery Hotel, NYC September 3rd 2008

Words, Images Judith Ecochard

What a great way to kick off the more than seven days- S/S ’09 Fashion Week in the Big Apple.

Geren Ford, a fun, flirty RTW label designed by Parsons/Otis School of Design schooled Geren Lockhart-held a well-attended presentation on the airy second floor terrace/wood paneled bar-lounge at the hip Bowery Hotel.















Already a label of choice for young celebs (Kate Hudson, SJP, Charlize Theron), this collection sports bold colors (teal, fuschsia, eggplant), smooth silk and woven fabrics- “evoking the adventure of life traveling through such amazing cities as Capri, Buenos Aires, and Sydney.”

We loved the luxe ease of the garments that women of all sizes can wear. In fact, Lockhart uses the gals in her office, not fit models, to tailor her clothes.













Winning silhouettes include slouchy shorts, swingy rivet tank tops, gently pleated skirts with layered pedal hems, and cuffed capris.

Our top look-the long sleeveless dress in a poppin’ royal blue.













MAKEUP/HAIR: Smashbox Cosmetics’ Lloyd Taylor went for a “natural bohemian” look using “Flamingo Orange” shadow atop dark smokey eyes. The sexy, hippy LA girl vibe was channeled in the Bridgett Bardo-ish updos that had front strands teased and front combed. Try this coif at home? Hairstylists told us it “would take an hour.”

INFO: GEREN FORD







RETAIL: $92-$640 at Henri Bendel, Nordstrom, Barney’s, Harvey Nichols, Vakko and Shopbop.com.

LEIFSDOTTIR-SMASHING SPRING ’09 FEMININE CLOTHES WOWS THE PRESS

A SECOND RTW COLLECTION THAT BLEW US AWAY!

Words, Images Judith Ecochard

September 11th, Garment District

During last February’s W’08 collections à la Big Apple- we lucked out at the presentation from the fab feminine contemporary women’s line, Leifsdottir-a collection backed by Anthropologie and masterminded by Executive Designer, Joanna Uurasjarvi.

We’ve worked diligently on the correct pronunciation of all of the aforementioned names-in time for the S/S’09 showings!

We entered a packed showroom this past week- that confirmed it… Leifsdottir’s fabulous frocks- was not just beginner’s luck.

We chatted with the clearly happy Uurasjarvi to get the scoop on this assortment of we’d wear it now garb.


















INSPIRATION:

“I was shopping in Tokyo and found a 1944 photograph of two women sitting underwater-putting on lipstick-in a back issue of National Geographic. I just stumbled on it.” J.U.

See, nothing heavy, just a trigger for a very creative imagination and excellent teamwork.





THINK: “UNDER WATER GLAMOUR.”












Highlights of this collection…and in fact…signatures of this newbie brand… are the outstanding fabrics…able to be sourced at reasonable costs (thank the mothership Anthropologie for that).
















“The fabrics surprise me too,” exclaims Uurasjarvi…as we both ooh and ah over the “Jellyfish Lace” and “Oyster” textiles comprising a fetching short sleeve zip jacket and cotton/linen pencil skirt, respectively.

“We’re clever at fabrics…. they are amazing…and there are a lot of good surprises…” including a limited edition organic tee collection with sea creature images.

And in the other details too.





















For example, a built in slip inside a blue wave sea fantasy timeless dress…or a pearl button as an inside closure mechanism instead of a cheapo metal eye and hook.

All in all, we think Leifsdottir delivers a price value for dressy apparel, suitable for travels or the office…that looks great even on a dry cleaner’s hangar!!!!!

No wonder Bergdorf’s, Bloomies and other upscale boutiques carry the line (and now satin shoes too). If they’re smart…IMHO…a few other majors like L&T-could punch up their retail merchandise with this line.

HAIR/MAKEUP: Tousled and naturally curled coifs, touch of pink of cheeks. “Mermaid chic, really fresh.”

SPENCO: HIGH TECH INSOLES FOR CASUAL, DRESS, AND ACTIVE FOOTWEAR

DYLAN HOTEL, Midtown NYC September 17th

Words, Images by Judith Ecochard




After pounding the pavement covering NY Fashion Week-we jumped at the chance to learn about Spenco’s cushioning and supportive insoles for our hurtin’ peds.

Ugh, we need these.

WHAT IT IS:

SPENCO®, a complete line of innovative inserts for all types of footwear, was founded in 1967 by Dr. Wayman Spence (Spenco Medical Corporation), a visionary ‘healer”/ footcare specialist. With the mission of developing insoles “…with a foot problem in mind…” Spenco now manufactures a huge assortment of orthotics, gel inserts of varying sizes, and other foot aids…keeping in mind that we are “…all different with different needs and feet.”

THE PRODUCTS:

There are several major groupings of inserts, staggeringly so by our count.

To start off, we got a review of the SPENCO RX™- “Doctor” oriented line, available at podiatrists’ offices and upscale individual pharmacies. These inserts feature a special, air-injected proprietary cushioning SPENCO® Material-and is geared towards real medical needs like diabetes, arthritis etc. Assorted arch/ball of foot cushions as well as full length, customizable options exist-serving up “…proven technologies for maximum support and comfort.”

Available at shoe stores and individual pharmacies – are the SPENCO® Gel inserts featuring the exclusive multi-density Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) gel that “creates targeted support and cushioning with 44% return for all day comfort.”

Contoured design supports the heel, arch/metatarsal portions of our peds while the antimicrobial top cloth, cuts down on foot odors. Extra heel cushioning and cupping options make these very affordable ($6.99-$14.99) inserts no brainer additions to everyone’s wardrobe-especially if one spends time on their feet.

Athletic types are probably already familiar with the SPENCO® Polysorb® Replacement Insoles that “combine lightweight contoured polyurethane bonded to a layer of air-injected Spenco® Material for shock absorption and energy return for overall foot comfort.”

Runners, hikers and specifically targeted backpacker products all sport additional bells and whistles to provide extra oomph for all endeavors.

We particularly admired the SPENCO® For Her™ insoles with Q factor™ technology that address the skeletal and muscular differences females have (like wider pelvises).

Natural strides are key to avoiding repetitive strain injuries to the foot---and the “For Her” groupings of cushioning insoles targets a gals’ tendencies to roll out (supination) and then over pronate (shifting weight to inside of the foot).

New this year is the SPENCO® Men’s dress insoles that feature all of the aforementioned cushions but also feature “ultra-fresh Silpure” for odor control…topped with a masculine brown micro-suede covering.

INFO: SPENCO




FACTOID: Wayman Spence sold his first athletic insert/insole- to a little known company-back in the day---NIKE!

TRAIN/PLATFORM 2-S/S ’09 COLLECTIONS -

JEAN-PIERRE MOCHO-CHAIRMAN OF LA FEDERATION FRANÇAISE DU PRÈT À PORTER

Sunday, September 14th, Terminal Stores and La Venue, 28th Street/11th Avenue

Words, Images by Judith Ecochard and courtesy of TRAIN NY

Coming on the heels of New York’s Fashion Week and economic markets in topsy-turvy mode, it actually felt ‘calming’ for us-to take in the carefully edited group of women’s RTW and accessories collections- at the ‘affordable’ designer priced TRAIN™ and contemporary bridge - PLATFORM 2™- New York Tradeshows.

Organized by France’s FFPAPF-“the leading European fashion force and owner of PRET À PORTER®,” this bi-annual Big Apple glam fest of nearly 100 brands and exhibitors from 21 countries- managed to surprise us with the consistently high level of elegant sophistication fused with on trend sensibilities.

No wonder American retail arbiters from chic boutiques like Fred Segal- are joined by an international cast of buyers from Harrods, Galleries Lafayette, etc…not wanting to miss the “latest.”

Image courtesy of English Eccentrics S/S '09

The quality of goods was outstanding and included ‘household’ names like French shoe companies Repetto, modern designers from the Nexus Showroom and the 2fer line (USA), and contemporary offerings from the revitalized 25 years old brand, English Eccentrics (UK).

A highlight of the afternoon was our freewheeling chat with the Basque native Jean-Pierre Mocho, Chairman of FFPAPF-and responsible for a whole host of fashion tradeshows in Paris and Tokyo-in addition to Big Apple events. Plus the grab ‘em before they disappear, spiral MODEM books-listing everything we need to know about fashion…arrive on our shores, courtesy of this Federation.

Some topics discussed:

TRAIN/PLATFORM 2-THE BASICS

With TRAIN in its ninth formation…and the lesser priced, goods wise- PLATFORM 2 on its fourth jaunt, we sensed that these tradeshows presented an enviable selective group of outfitters-some familiar and some not.
Mocho concurred, noting, “…we think we are building an image…we have an idea of new designers that are suitable and trendy.” The ability to manufacture and deliver product (important for newish designers) is also carefully vetted, as is the “wearability” factor.

“Some designers believe in their garment more than the market,” Mocho sagely observed.

IMHO: Nearly every booth we perused along the spacious, city block long, former train terminal building, served up stylish items that should happily clad individuals who are a notch (or several) above mass market types. (Think Tilda Swinton vs. Hannah Montana).

For us, the observation that although one “cannot generalize about where the garments are made,” according to Mocho…”the quality manufacturers are outside of China…” was no surprise.

We can think of only PORTS 1961- that has garments made in family owned Chinese factories-at a detailed level…that is an exception.



THE VENUE:

“We create an ambiance to exhibit here-people want to come to New York and it is interesting for us. We (TRAIN) was the first event in this space…the first to come here and create demand…and now there is a lot of fashion and art galleries in the area.”

And we can see why.

The former 18,000 square foot terminal space is a glorious high ceiling, solid brick structure that was a former train terminal. Most recently, a portion of the building was a mini-storage facility, that is now carefully rehabbed as “La Venue”-a lease-able event space that stills sports the original old beams, wood plank floors and soaring arch ways from the good ole’ days-fused with high tech underpinnings, like WIFI.

No wonder we saw so many Skype users.

We loved the flow of the four ‘room’ space that is easy to navigate, has plenty of facilities (restrooms, restaurant), and provided us and no doubt, the exhibitors, with precious breathing room in which to conduct business in a professional manner.

So civilized.

THE FUTURE:

With the competitive landscape of competing tradeshows, “...what we did in the past is not valid,” says Mocho. Some changes have occurred with respect to “different products’ that include “more in quality and higher standards” in response to buyers’ demands.

“What I am fighting for is to keep the leading fashion city as Paris…we have the lead…we want to keep that lead to attract buyers here (NYC).”

After all, French fashion, like their food/wine-has an alluring, ne plus ultra pull. Accordingly. A French backed tradeshow with high-level international brands- is like a well-edited runway show. Guaranteed refined and up-to-the minute garments.

Which is great when there are many, many tradeshows one can attend...no time wasted!

ECO ALERT:

We’ve had discussions with many Gallic types- and find it curious that the French people in general, feel less motivated to use eco/organic/recycled textiles than American garmentos.

Happily, FFPAPF has an “Ethical” section - consisting of ‘green’ clothes from small collections…at their Paris venues.

We hope that fashion exhibitors at every tradeshow we review- gets onboard with the LOS movement-like practically every brand we saw at the massive Outdoor Retailer Tradeshow this summer.

ART EXHIBITS:

As we have mentioned before, Europeans seem to have no problem with the art/fashion/commerce merge that causes a few hiccups with certain types across the pond - for some reason.


We enjoyed taking in the Moto 777’s Shadows and Reflections art creations, sponsored by TRAIN. Conceived by Benedicte Toft Andersen and Alexis Robiou-the exhibits incorporated silk screens, pop psychedelia, and everyday trash…but was anything but.

Backstage at the DIESEL BLACK GOLD Showing of the spring/summer 2009 Collection

Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Backstage images, Vivian G. Kelly
Image of Marlene Dietrich from www.sitemaker.umich.edu

We squeezed in a few moments backstage at this much-anticipated show, thanks to Jono, the owner of JONO PRODUCTIONS, definitely one of the most pleasant PR professionals in the business.
Once backstage the various looks that makeup star VAL GARLAND created for Diesel Black Gold captivated us.
Val was unavailable but we were lucky to grab KERI BLAIR, a Senior Artist at MAC who is based in New York who sketched out the looks for us.

EYEBROWS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
These looks were definitely all about the eyebrow – think a super skinny one like film star Marlena Dietrich used to wear.

LYRA MAG: Can you take this from Runway to Real Way?

KERI: Definitely. Add a pop of color; you don’t have to put on nearly as much as we’re doing back here. This is the kind of look that when you’re feeling racy, you add on as part of your repertoire. It goes with the sick side of your personality.

LYRA MAG: What colors do you need?

KERI: Black liquid gel liner and a navy blue pencil, to create the shadow, or you could use magenta instead.

LYRA MAG: There are a few looks going on here. The one we’re calling “the Marlene [Dietrich] is pretty wild.

KERI: Oh that’s nothing. Have a look at the one that is Alice Cooper inspired [see image].
That one’s even more Avant-Garde


All the products you need to create any of the looks seen at Diesel Black Gold are available at www.maccosmetics.com


To view more looks from the Diesel Black Gold Collection, visit their official website,
www.diesel.com

OHNE TITEL’s spring 2009 collection presentation

Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Image of spring 2009 collection by Maz Redpath
Image of Cesare Paciotti shoe, Vivian G. Kelly
Designer portrait by Pej Behdarvand
Image of Jimmy Paul, from Bumble & Bumble website

TIME & PLACE: @3:30PM, Monday, September 8, 2008
The Bumble & Bumble Academy, 415 West 13th Street, the Meatpacking District, NYC

Backstage there were some heavy hitters in the beauty world doing hair and makeup – JIMMY PAUL for Bumble & Bumble, and Marc CARRASQUILLO for ck Calvin Klein Beauty.

THE HAIR & MAKEUP LOOK – Pool deluxe
Said Jimmy Paul, “ It’s a woman getting out of a swimming pool. Think, wet-looking.
To achieve this look, all it takes is lots of Bumble & Bumble Straight and the new Bumble & Bumble GEL, which will be launching soon.
There were packs of extra long hair extensions on the table, but fortunately, there weren’t any hair emergencies, so they didn’t come into play.


THE SHOW

We’ve already previewed the gorgeous Gladiator shoes that CESARE PACIOTTI made especially for the show. What we didn’t know then though, was how comfortable they were, at least, according to one of the models, who was wearing a vapor grey fitted jacket with embroidered leggings.
FABRICS & COLORS. We loved the pale vapor gray and it looked right worked as sheer layered pieces as did the celadon. What didn’t work so well for us were the multicolored plaited tweedy looking pieces which seemed heavy by contrast.
What Ohne Titel DOES do however is to take some risks, and let's face it, there can't be any big rewards if you're not willing to take some risks. We look forward to seeing the Fall 2009 collection.

To see more of Ohne Titel's designs, visit their website,
www.ohnetitel.com

To find out about more Bumble & Bumble products, visit their website
www.bumbleandbumble.com

To see more of what ck Calvin Klein Beauty has in store, visit
www.sephora.com

To view more shoes at Cesare Paciotti, visit the website,
www.cesare-paciotti.com

The ROCK & REPUBLIC Showing of the spring 2009 Collection

Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images, Dan Lecca, Courtesy of Mercedes Benz
TIME & PLACE, Saturday night, September 6, 2008, at the big tent at Bryant Park

THE THEME: “Redemption”
Ashley Olsen also braved the rain to come out and see what was new at Rock & Republic. Like us, maybe she experienced a bit of a letdown and left a bit puzzled about the conservative direction Michael Ball, the Creative Director and CEO is taking Rock in.
He started the company on a back of a pair of jeans [now legendary] that he designed for his girlfriend back in 2002.
[View the 3 images from the fall 2007 collection in this post we found on www.nymagazine.com and see if YOU can’t see the difference too. HINT: one model is wearing a hat and the other 2 models are wearing sunglasses.]

THE SPRING 2009 SHOW: “REDEMPTION”
The hair and makeup by EUGENE SOULEIMAN and JEANNE LOBELL respectively were rock and roll all the way.
The clothes themselves were subdued and restricted to a black and white palette.

SILHOUETTE
Tight and short – okay that’s definitely rock & roll as were the black leggings and fitted shirt that the Olsens would probably incorporate into their wardrobe as basics.

DETAILS
Ruffles – these were a bit off-kilter and a bit oversize.
Studs – these were used conservatively in the cocktail dresses and gave them a bit more edge.
ACCESSORIES
Next to the toned-down clothes, the accessories really popped and shone. Best in show goes to the ATHENA shoe in black patent with a Lucite heel and to the black stamped leather clutches you could wear with just about anything.
Also of note was the white nipped in jacket, a nice separate which would look good with the Rock jeans you already own.

THE MEN
As the women, offerings for the guys were super simple. It’s hard to go wrong with a pair of skinny white jeans or a white dinner jacket and a pair of slim black pants that boasts a very rock & roll name – “the slim fuck pant in angst”.

To read more about Rock & Republic, visit their official website,
www.rockandrepublic.com

A VERY SPECIAL ANNE KLEIN TRUNK SHOW: MEET ANNE KLEIN’S NEW VP OF DESIGN, TED KIM

Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images, courtesy of BPCM [bismarck phillips communications & media]

Ever since designer Isabel Toledo parted ways with Anne Klein, we wondered what the company would do next. While Ms. Toledo is unquestionably a talented designer, her designers were just too couture for the more mainstream Anne Klein customer.
When we saw the images [shown here] designed by Ted Kim, we breathed a sigh of relief. Designer Ted Kim’s new collection has that modern clean lined all-American sensibility that speaks of his background at Michael Kors.

Says Mr. Kim to WWD about his first collection for Anne Klein, “It’s Anne Klein with a facelift and a tummy tuck.”


Mr. Kim has had stints working on the Donna Karan signature collection as well as Max Mara’s Sportmax collection. The new spring 2009 collection will be his first collection for Anne Klein.
If you’re in Dallas on Saturday, September 13, change your plans and head over to Neiman Marcus North Park for what we think will be a very worthwhile event.

THE DETAILS

WHEN: Saturday the 13th of September, from 1pm to 4pm at the Neiman Marcus North Park, Dallas

WHO: TED KIM, Anne Klein’s new Vice-President of Design

WHAT: An intimate shopping event at the Neiman Marcus North Park where he will show his collection for the first time ever to the public.

www.anneklein.com
www.neimanmarcus.com

TEREXOV the spring 2009 collection

Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images, Dan Lecca, courtesy of Mercedes Benz

TIME/PLACE: Sunday, September 7, 2008, @2PM
The Bryant Park Tents

THE VIBE – sophisticated, soigné and unfussy
You can see the YSL influence, the sophisticated but simple dresses in butter soft leathers and satin, and slinky viscose
FOR DAY:
A beige short sleeve mini dress or a long sleeve viscose dress over a silk skirt or better still an orange long sleeve dress that goes day to evening, no problem.

Regardless of which of these you fancy, pair them with a pair of peep toe Leboutin pumps as in the show and you have just the right element of polish.

FOR COCKTAIL

The White satin blouse and candy stripe poodle paillette dress or a fuschia evening coat.

A very modern bride might elect to wear the white lambskin leather knee length dress and belt and take a trip to City Hall rather than go all out in a Reem Acra or Monique Lhuillier gown.

EMBELLISHMENT
The pink ruffled coatdress was beautiful but the v-neck periwinkle chiffon gown with a maps of the world print got our vote for best evening gown.
For a black tie though, we’ll go with the lemon yellow chiffon gown with a ruched defined waist.

To view more designs from Terexov, go to the official website,
www.terexov.com

MICHAEL ANGEL: Showing of the Spring 2009 Collection

TIME & PLACE, 9:30AM, Friday, September 5, 2008
The Salon & the Bryant Park Tents, NYC

We sat with friend, and designer, R. Scott French who cued us in a bit before things got started.
Mr. Angel hails from Australia and was inspired by Fleetwood Mac, meaning, Stevie Knicks, the bands beautiful lead singer.

WHAT THIS TRANSLATED TO:

Semi-opaque dresses in ombre and zebra prints, both long and short.
The ombre tended to look more elegant in a more muted gray palette, but were a touch too psychedelic in the purple ombre that he showed later with the exception of a simple satin tank dress.



WE LOVED: the one shoulder chidden vertical gray ombre A-line dress, perfect for cocktails.
While there were some nice structured pieces such as the long silver lame and gray tube gown, it was the numbers in the more flowing chiffon fabrics that really shone. The beaded pieces looked stiff by comparison as the silver lame skin tight jeans that should come with the disclaimer, “ only to be worn if you’re a rock star”.
Chiffon is a tricky fabric and can easily look like too much fabric, but it worked well in a free flowing strapless gown that would look equally well on a size 0 Rachel Zoe or a size 12 woman.

Towards the end there was a tissue wool steel gray column gown with interesting swarovski crystal mesh strap detailing that looked like an epaulette on the shoulder.

TREND: get your legs in shape – short and super short hemlines are what we can look forward to.

To view more designs from past and present Michael Angel collections, visit his website at
www.michaelangel.net

GQ; Levi’s & Bloomingdale’s Soho Toast “Best new menswear Designers in America 2008” Launch Party

TIME & PLACE: @ 7pm, Wednesday, September 10, 2008
The Lower Level, Bloomingdale’s Soho, 504 B’Way, NYC

Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images, Matthew Carasella, Courtesy of GQ Magazine

Image #1: Daiki Suzuki and Angelo Urritia of Engineered Garments

Image #2: Jim Moore, creative director, GQ and Simon Spurr of Spurr

Image #3: Engineered Garments new fall collection in collaboration with Levi’s

We ran over to Bloomies’ Soho to have a look at the collection ENGINEERED GARMENTS created in collaboration with Levi’s.

WHO
Design Duo DAIKI SUZUK and ANGELO URRITIA, the designers of the Engineered Garments line.

WHY THEY WERE BEING FETED BY GQ

The duo won the FIRST ANNUAL BEST NEW MENSWEAR DESIGNER IN AMERICA PROJECT & $50,000.

WHO WAS THERE
A Nice sized crowd including Jim Nelson, GQ's Editor in chief, Steven Kolb, executive director, CFDA, and JIM MOORE, Creative director, GQ.

We spoke with Jim Moore about the contest he helped put into play.

LYRA MAG: We went to the GQ event in February at Rockefeller Center. It was great, it made us aware of a lot of good menswear designers such as Spurr and Gilded Age we were previously unaware of.

JIM MOORE: Yes that went very well. This event tonight is a culmination of a 1-year event when we picked out the next crop of designers. What’s different about this young crop of designers is that they have talent AND a business plan.


LYRA MAG: How did this award get started?


JIM MOORE: We started 1 year ago with 30 studio visits. From there, we narrowed it down to 6 and we featured those 6 in the fall issue.
Now the process has restarted and we’re busy looking for the next crop of talent.


LYRA MAG: When did they start designing this 9-piece collection?

JIM MOORE: They won in mid February and immediately went to San Francisco to meet with Levi’s and started designing it.

LYRA MAG: How do you think it will do at retail?

JIM MOORE: It’s already sold out. We had to hold some pieces back for this event.

LYRA MAG: That’s impressive. Why do you think it hit?


JIM MOORE: These designers have a keen eye for Americana. They’re passionately obsessed with Americana. Think: tweedy, rugged, Russell Athletics.

LYRA MAG: Thanks, Jim , for your time

ENDNOTE:
We walked through the other room before leaving and the collection was just what Jim said it was – rugged and All-American.


To read more about the Engineered Garments for Levi's, pick-up a copy of the GQ September 2008 issue, p. 158, or log onto
www.GQ.com

TRACEY REESE – the Inaugural Black Label Collection

Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images, Dan Lecca, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

TIME & PLACE: 12:35 noon,
THE INSPIRATION:
“A brilliant progression of nature and form with delicate, yet sophisticated pieces that emanate modern romance and strong femininity.”

COLOR PALETTE SURPRISE

Although we glanced at WWD’s Friday edition, which showed a biscuit colored A-line dress, we were astonished to see a complete lack of pattern in what was an extraordinarily toned down show for Ms. Reese.
Instead, there were colors like Calvin Klein might have used: “cement, onyx, eggshell. Finally midway through there were some prints, “Cubist abstract” and a sweet but refined orange and cream strapless A-line dress with a bow on the bust line, which reminded us of a pink dress Shalom Harlow wore in Isaac Mizrahi’s “Unzipped” documentary way back in the mid-nineties. That dress worked back then and it looked just as good with Reese’s spin on it today.
The designer went back into classic Reese mode at the end, and the vibrant purple charmeuse princess dress with Swarovski crystals looked great.
The crowd approved of Reese’s “upstairs version”, she got a standing ovation.

BEST IN SHOW - the Oleander roses double peplum strapless if you like dresses, or the Oleander roses pintucked blouse with a pink appliqué mini skirt. Whichever you choose, you’ll need the pale oleander roses trench to wear over it.

The TONY COHEN spring 2009 collection

TIME & PLACE, Monday, September 8, 2008
The Salon at the Bryant Park Tents

Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images, Dan Lecca, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

LOVE YOUR SHOES!
While we’re not certain how practical they’d be, we loved the Geisha style strappy block heeled sandals in caramel leather that gave an interesting twist to the mushroom colored dresses and separates.

SWAGGING
Just about every designer this season seemed to use an abundance of silk and chiffon and wanted to try their hand at swagging, this designer being no exception. It seems that the Ancient Greeks were a source of inspiration for many.

WHAT WORKED: the ombre trench coat in mother of pearl silk nylon over a silk satin pleated trouser and some long navel grazing gold chain necklaces by ERICKSON BEAMON.

While the shapes and ruffles and skinny pants were not unlike what YIGAL AZROUEL showed a few days ago, that’s where the similarity ended. Yigal clearly put the time and effort to tailor every item that came down the runway, including the pants which fit like a glove.

BEST PIECE
The last, a flowing brown gown with draping accents.

HAIR NOTES
We liked WARD’s edgy side parted Studio 54 crimped hair.
To see more of Erickson Beamon’s jewelry, visit their website
www.ericksonbeamon.com

1407 BROADWAY-ICONIC GARMENT CENTER PALACE CELEBRATES

A PACKED PARTY FOR THE LIGHTSTONE GROUP

Words, Images –Judith Ecochard

Smack dab in the middle of NY’s famed Fashion Week, the designer’s haven, 1407 Broadway, gave itself a pat on the back, in honor of 58 years of existence.

WHEN: Wednesday, September 10th, 6:00PM-9:00PM

WHERE: The spacious and elegant marble lobby that’s an entire city block long, crafted by the renowned architect of Ely Kahn of Buchman & Kahn. Polished to perfection, the floors and walls of this garment industry mecca gleamed… and were ‘accessorized’ by columns holding busts of America’s most acclaimed fashion mavens- like Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren etc.

WHO WAS THERE: The Lightstone Group, founded by David Lichtenstein (1988) –and one of America’s largest private owner of real estate-drew a well dressed crowd of men and women, sipping cocktails and bopping to a DJ spinning the classics.

We think the liveliest guests were the vivacious (and stunning-duh) America’s Next Top Model’s Winners Caridee English and Jaslene Gonzales-who stopped by prior to a night on the town.

We spoke with the Gonzales-who was so excited to be strutting the catwalk for one of her favorite labels, Custo Barcelona-the very next night at the Bryant Parks Tents, the hub of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in the Big Apple.

“I’m young and restless,” she noted. Yeah!

Naturally, we asked what she was wearing…Paule Ka…one of our fav French designers…with her makeup/hair styled by her close friend Juan Rivera.

The GOTTEX spring 2009 Collection

Images, Dan Lecca, Courtesy of Mercedes Benz

The GOTTEX spring 2009 Collection
TIME/PLACE: 8:25pm, Monday, September 8, 2008
The big Tent at Bryant Park

THE THEME: Anchors Away! Just add in some 24 carat gold detailing.

THE INSPIRATION: Glamorous ports around the world from St. Tropez to Porto Cervo, and the lush colors of the Mediterranean Sea.

THE COLORS
Black is never boring when it comes to a swimsuit and white always looks right, and they also work well together as shown here.
Add in some huge floppy hats, gold ankle strap heels and an armful of gold bracelets and you can’t go wrong.

Gideon’s a master with prints and the digital anchor print looked fabulous trimmed in 18 carat gold – especially a high waisted 2 piece suit with multiple gold straps.

COLOR SHOT
Color came lest, shocking pink hooded jackets make for a fun cover up complete with a huge scrawled Gideon Oberson logo.

For a trip to town, there are the adorable lycra mini polo dresses to choose from that match the shocking pink bikinis with looped gold ribbons on the sides of the bikini and along the front.
Don’t like pink? No problem, you’re bound to like the lime green or orange. It wouldn’t be a Gideon Oberson show without at least one model exiting the stage with her arms spread like a butterfly, her chiffon “wings” wafting after her.

They may “only” be swimsuits, but we agree 100% with Mr. Oberson that “dressing for the beach is no different than dressing for a night out”.
To view more of Gideon Oberson's designs for Gottex, go to the official website,
www.gottexmodels.com

MARC by MARC JACOBS: Showing of the spring/summer 2009 Collection

TIME & PLACE: @ 4pm, Tuesday, September 9, 2008
The NY State Armory, 68 Lexington Avenue, NYC

Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Photos by Ed Kavishe/fashionwirepress.com



THE INSPIRATION
We arrived late, rushing over from the ARAKS show downtown, but we did manage to catch the finale parade and get a good look at the last set of looks.
What we saw reminded us of the MUDD club kids in the eighties and Boy George in his heyday – maybe it was the slouchy fedoras they wore.

COLORS & PATTERNS

Gray is a major player here and so are stripes. Both worked well for the playsuits , tanks, and trousers that are just the right thing for laid-back urban hip daywear. We can easily picture NYU and Columbia U. students snapping these clothes up.

ACCESSORIES
Marc’s always had a winning hand when it comes to designing accessories, and he hit it in this collection. While the slouchy hats aren’t for everyone and not everyone will want to wear a fanny pack [again] as we did in the eighties, the shoes were a slam-dunk.
Even if you don’t really wear color, you can pick up a pair of the cobalt blue sandals and participate in this trend.

Although according to Neiman’s Ken Dowling [as per a recent article in WWD], jewelry is THE new accessories, lamentably we haven’t seen a whole lot of it on the runway. Marc was an exception and we loved his neon bright “nutty knots” necklaces, especially in the hot pink.

THE Y-3 SPRING 2009 SHOW

Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Photos by Ed Kavishe/fashionwirepress.com
As a Colleague remarked upon entering the fluoresent lit space, “Y-3’s a high tension show”. Y-3’s one of the hottest shows of the season, but the endlessly repeated Japanese Anime/Jazz track was strangely calming.


Adidas runs the press for Y-e and there’s a definite sporty element to the line, from the hoodies to vest that opened with huge “Y-3” lettering that kicked things off to a navy pair of track pants with a sheer lifeguard orange hooded long coat.
Even an ivory canvas suit tlooked sports minded with the 3 Adidas logo bars on it and the old school green styled Adidas the model wore.

DETAILS
Many of the jackets and vest had giant Y3 chrome key chains dangling off the zipper.

COLOR PALETTE
For a spring collection, there was a great deal of black, which made the few red and orange ruffled pieces stand out.

Black always looks right at night and the horizontal layered tank dresses would work for the athlete out on the town after a tough day’s practice.

ACCESSORIES – best was the oversized round bag in black and white patent leather and the smaller sportier pieces work for daytime as does the round laptop tote bag.

FAVORITE PIECES MEN’S
The cobalt blue bathrobe coat with white piping and the sheer hooded jackets in baby blue and orange.

The core DNA is sports, so it was fitting that the most dressed up piece was a red polo cashmere sweater paired with a long black ripstop swagged ballgown skirt, and that there were logos on just about everything.
The bridal gown in crushed cotton voile would do well for a laid back wedding in the tropics.

PUZZLING
Men will certainly wear the suits but we doubt they’ll embrace the skirts shown, even if they DO have Adidas stripes on them.

The DUCKIE BROWN spring 2009 Collection

Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images, courtesy of Dan Lecca, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

TIME& PLACE: DATE: Friday, September 5, 2008
The Salon at the Bryant Park Tents


Hours before the show started coming out of Perry Ellis, TIM BLANKS said, “the most important menswear show coming out of New York is Duckie Brown.” It seems most of fashion’s heavy hitters are in agreement, there was Michael Roberts from Vanity Fair sitting front row
THE VIBE – EDGY, in a slouchy way.

HAIR & MAEKUP - the pompadours and scowling expressions added to the edgy vibe.


IT’S IN THE MIX

There’s as usual a compelling mix between the unexptected like some day glow lemon yellow knee pants followed by a well cut gray suit

TREND – Although it looked like at first glance, there would be primarily black, there was a predominance of gray.

FUN ACCESSORIES – the Florscheims, the 1/2 gloves – maybe they were driving gloves?
BASICS: the hooded shirt/anoraks you could wear with just about anything, the glenplaid or solid gray suit with a slightly wrinkled jacket.

WHAT’S FOR the EDGY GUY ONLY –
The boy shorts. It may not be for everyone, but we know that there are edgy guys out there who can pull it off.

To view more looks from the Duckie Brown Collection, visit the official website,
www.duckiebrown.com

The PERRY ELLIS spring 2009 Collection

TIME/PLACE: @11:30am, Friday, September 5, 2008
Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images, Dan Lecca, Courtesy of Mercedes Benz

The blue and white pinstripe that served as the backdrop was a perfect match to the blue and grays that dominated as a color palette.

TREND: Gray is the new black

The company’s calling the fresh shade of blue, “boy blue” and it looked good as an underpinning [blue striped shirt, a vest, or floral print shirt] paired with the loose and easy linen drawstring pants and Bermudas the Ellis customer has come to expect.

BEST: #15 the linen glenplaid leisure jacket which looked like a relaxed fit safari jacket.
Also of note was#19, the burnt orange fine gauge T-neck which was the only real color pop in the show.

OF SPECIAL INTEREST
Texture, the crinkled and crushed textures looked right as the Ellis customer is a guy who spends a lot of time out on the water sailing, - hence the deep tans and aviator shades [Perry Ellis, not Rayban].
Stripes were of course, prevalent and looked well on a poly-stripe [pink] lace-up “hippie anorak”.
The Ellis customer likes a little bit of fashion, but never in an uptight buttoned up way. We would though like to see them take a few risks, you can’t push a label forward without taking a few risks, just think of how far Duckie Brown has come in a few years by doing just that.

To shop and view more designs from the collection, visit the official website,
www.perryellis.com

YIGAL AZROUEL, the Women’s spring 2009 Collection

Images, Casi Densmore-Koon

TIME & PLACE: Friday, September 5, @ 12 noon,
540 West 21st Street
THE VIBE: Sexy Rive Gauche, the neat hair and black lined cat eyes contributed to the effect.

TREND: a neutral monotone palette with a lot of gray.
You can find your essential black highwaisted pants here made more interesting thanks to the flattering tapering at the ankle.

SOME SURPRISES
After many outfits in a neutral palette, Yigal brought out some colorful peacock and paisley prints in green and black, and upbeat Beach Boys style music.

SIGNATURE SEXY
There was a black halter piece and interesting folded fronts that weren’t quite ruffles [that would be too prissy here] and twist front details as in the wrap front gray tankini that was superbe! Accessories were stiletto ankle boots that vamped up the easy day tunics and caftans. Here’s a look that flatters women from size zeros to fourteens.

FAVORITE PIECE
The lemon lime sleeveless dress with an asymmetric ruffled hem for the woman who lives in the posh 16th arrondisement in Paris. Her hip sister who’s living in the Marais district would be the neighborhood’s femme fatale in a shiny black swagged dress.

HIP BRIDE – the white fitted halter dress with some interesting swagging that closed the show.

THE KOI SWANAGATE SPRING 2009 SHOW

TIME/PLACE: Saturday, SEPT. 6TH, 11:35AM, Bumble & Bumble, West 13th Street
Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images, Casi Densmore-Koon
Image of model backstage, Judith Ecochard

THE THEME: Butterflies! As last season, a large part of the soundtrack was devoted to nature – a soothing backdrop of classical piano music with chirping birds and
rolling waves was a nice way to begin a frenetic day.
The 1st model came out in a spectacular oversized butterfly Swarovski crystal necklace that drove home the theme, in case you hadn’t gotten around to reading the run of show.

THE TEXTURES: As light at a butterfly’s wings, lots of light weight cashmere, silk and linen.
THE SILHOUETTES & Colors: more of the shorter length we’ve been seeing alternated with long.
Raw unfinished hemlines played off nicely with refined touches such as a baby pink fur belt/waistband.



The butterflies were not mercifully in your face, they also appeared discreetly on muted pastel prints and as the wings [or shoulders] of a draped linen blouse with floral embroidery. For those who want a print, there’s the short silk dress with fuschia satin trim, chiffon petals and silk Manolo Blahniks.

THE EDITE SHOWROOM PREVIEW EVENT– the spring and summer 09 collections

Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images, Richard Spiegel & Casi Densmore-Koon

Co-owner, Rachel Paletsky, showed the collections in an easy format, 4 racks of designer clothes and shelves of accessory designers.
Our first chat was with STEPHANIE VERRIERES one of the designers of VERRIERES ET SAKO [The Sako portion of the equation had never been to New York, and was taking in some sights].

LYRA MAG: Was your inspiration more of the femmes fatales of the Filmes Noirs films as it was for fall?
STEPHANIE VERRIERES: We’re building on what we started last season, but incorporating more chiffon and colors than before. We’ve added midnite blue and surreal [teal] blue.

LYRA: Any new silhouettes?

STEPHANIE: We’ve done really well with the high waisted skirt that appeared in Sept. IN STYLE magazine. The skirt was one of the grouping of pieces made of the linen stretch we’re liking right now.

LYRA: What’s your favorite thing from your new collection?

STEPHANIE: Maybe this bamboo top with a bib because there are many different options on how to wear it.



GRETCHEN LEATHER GOODS – What a bag!
The vibe: the Bauhaus Inspired handbags are part of Anne Hofmann’s “Artist Series”. Ms. Hofmann is an established presence in the leather goods business and has a lot of experience under her belt. Gretchen bags are handmade in Italy, and you can see the handwork they’re famous for in the detailed stitching on the circular handbags.
The tones on tone green and purple bags are highly editorial – these kind of bright colors make for a great photo. There are plenty of colors to choose from as well as more muted black and cognac. They also have the added distinction of being highly saleable, retailing in the $300 – 800 range.
In addition to bags, there are driving gloves and belts to accessorize your spring wardrobe.

WHERE TO BUY:
Gretchen will be available in BIG DROP as of 2/15/09.

EYE-CATCHER – the Cleavage bag in tone on tone green

To see more designs from Gretchen, visit their official website,
www.mygretchen.com

BIONDA CASTANA FOOTWEAR
This luxury footwear line has already caught Vogue’s Andre Leon Talley’s attention enough so that he’s mentioned it in his “Life With Andre Column”. This season, there’s something for everyone, from black gladiator high heels embellished with studs for the downtown rock chick to café au lait patent leather peep toe sandals for the soigné uptown woman. This is absolutely a line to watch and keep on your radar screen.

To view designs from Edite’s showroom, visit their website,
www.edite.us

ANGEL SANCHEZ’s Spring/Summer 2009 EVENING COLLECTION

Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images at event, Casi Densmore-Koon
Image of Cece Cord, from www.celebritydogwatcher.files.wordpress.com

Angel Sanchez is an experienced eveningwear designer who delivers well- constructed luxury evening wear with that little something extra that keeps his clients coming back for more.
It’s not just the clothes his ladies love, but Angel himself.
Designers do well when they stick to their M.O. and know whom they’re designing their clothes for. In this case, well-heeled socialites, such as CECE KORD, who was walking about the studio who looked casual, yet pulled together in a pair of jeans paired with a white shirt.

ABOUT ANGEL SANCHEZ
This designer, as the late great Gianfranco Ferre, started out as an architecture student and later moved into designing beautifully structured clothes for women. He worked for 10 years in Venezuela designing couture before coming to New York and working on demi couture.

A FEW WORDS WITH THE DESIGNER
LYRA MAG: What’s your favorite piece in the collection?

ANGEL SANCHEZ: The white gown with the yellow trim. It’s layered but graphic, very Balenciaga.

LYRA: This new space is beautiful. What do you like best?

A. SANCHEZ: I love the glass wall; I had it put in so I could see into the atelier from my office. It makes me feel as if I’m always connected to the atelier during the day.

LYRA: What are you most excited about?

A. SANCHEZ: The three dresses in my atelier. You must see them, make sure you go very close, to see the detailing.

ART & DETAIL

We walked over to examine the trio of pastel dresses. On closer inspection, we discovered that the embellishment was a mosaic of tiny-jeweled squares, which proved Mr. Sanchez’s couture skills.

While we were admiring the gowns, fashion stylist, LINDA ELEFANT filled us in about Mr. Sanchez and his designs.

“Aside from designing amazing gowns my clients and I have been wearing for years, Angel is a genuinely nice person. He’s equally charming and courteous to everyone, from the cleaning lady to the president of the company. How often can you really say that you see that in this business?”


WHERE TO GET IT:
Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman

6199 MAURICE & ILANA SUNDERLAND- the spring 2009 Collection presentation

Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images, Casi Densmore-Koon


We had our first celebrity sightings, AUDRINA PARTRIDGE, from MTV’s hit show, “The Hills”, and LINDSAY PRICE, from “Lipstick Jungle”. Both actresses looked great, and gave the photographers something to get excited about.

That aside, the clothes [men’s and women’s both] were chic, simple and the best kind of ready to wear – day to evening.
As Calvin Klein did so famously in the 90’s, these designers stayed in the area of mineral neutrals: Pewter, onyx, garnet, and taupe.
THE MEN’S
The 3 button suits with a narrow collar looked well, slim and narrow, like a well cut suit James Bond might wear.

THE WOMEN’S
This is where the designers really shone. Dresses were either sheath, short sleeved or with a long slightly belled sleeve. All fitted nicely over the body and were fabricated from a rich looking silk jersey.

DESIGNERS RATING DESIGNERS:

Lindsay looked great in a coral poodle skirt dress, and while she may not be a designer in her “real life”, she’s a woman who knows what she likes.

LYRA MAG: You play a fashion designer if “Lipstick Jungle”, what’s your take on this collection? What do you look for when you’re sitting at a fashion show?

LINDSAY PRICE: I love the shapes they showed here, they’re immensely flattering. That’s what I always look for when I’m looking at clothes.

THE PATRIK RZEPSKI, SPRING/SUMMER 2009 SHOW

Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images, Casi Densmore-Koon

We were already favorably pre-disposed to like this collection before it even started. Waiting outside, Mike from SOMA Magazine talked enthusiastically about this designer’s “simple, clean, and elegant women’s clothing”.
What came out were pieces that were reminiscent of Helmut Lang at his best, circa 1996 down to the hair, makeup and accessories– strong natural brows, minimal makeup and unfussy high ponytails.

BASIC BUT NOT BORING
Look here for simple dresses in solids with knock-out details like belt buckle fastenings on the back of a black silk tee dress and long leather ties on the back of a multi layered halter dress. Plunging backs and defined waists added further interest.


INTERESTING DETAILS – the combination of sheer and opaque in a pair of leggings and of the layered dresses.

WE LOVED:
The eighties style footie leggings, and the sweater leggings with zippers down the back.
Helmut Lang is no longer designing Helmut Lang, so we’re glad Patrick Rzepski’s around to take over in the millennium.

To have a look at SOMA Magazine visit,
www.somamagazine.com

KEITH LISSNER’s spring/summer ’09 Presentation & Cocktail Reception

Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images, Casi-Densmore-Koon


Date/Time: Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Place: Banchet Flowers, 809 Washington Street

The shotgun space was a great place to hold a fashion presentation. In addition to this winning collection, guests enjoyed the DJ’s open format music which included, some Clash and early eighties retro rock selections and the gorgeous pink roses decorating the stainless steel shelves.

DESIGNER INTERVIEW
LYRA MAG: We love your pearl print dresses in rose and blue. What was your inspiration?

KEITH LISSNER: 100% British, I was thinking, “What would happen if Sue Cappleman goes to the Royal Ballet?”
In other words, it’s a cross between 70’s punk and the Royal Ballet of England.
We loved the combination between the raw and the finished.
The Raw: unfinished, raw edging on the hems

The Polished: a well-executed silver bustier with Fortuny pleats on a lemon chiffon dress.

GEREN FORD: hair/makeup & accessories from the spring 2009 collection presentation

Text, Vivian G. Kelly & Richard Spiegel
Images of Event, Casi Densmore-Koon
Backstage images, courtesy of Geren Ford

Time/Date: @ 6:40m, Wednesday, September 3rd
Place: The Bowery Hotel

The guests lounged about drinking champagne in what was a very relaxed presentation - a nice first outing this season.

While we liked the eco shorts and shifts [essentially, a separates collection] what really impressed us were the hair/makeup and accessories.
Unlike most first-time starters to New York Fashion Week, this designer didn’t forget the accessories.
There roughly 15 models posed on blocks, all had great patent leather shoes styled British punk style with little ankle socks and little woven clutch purses that reminded of Tomas Maier’s Bottega Venetta.


The hair & makeup: Rock glam all the way. The teased 1980’s manes and smoked eyes would have looked right at home in LA back in the days of early glam rock.

ITTY BITTY BRA – FINALLY, a bra for us less endowed girls who are Itty Bitty & Proud of it

Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images of booth, Vivian G. Kelly
Images at Event, Richard Spiegel

We came across the Itty Bitty Bra stand at the Curve NY Lingerie Show purely by accident back in August. We were rushing to leave the Javitz Convention Center after the Curve Lingerie and Swim show and ran into PR Maven, Joseph Pastrana, a friend from LA’s MANNFOLK PR who’s now based in New York.

We stopped to chat and have a look. Although we couldn’t make the event at the Alex Hotel’s at Ringo restaurant on 205 East 45th Street. Joseph put aside one of the bras for us to try as we’re the ideal candidate, as we range between a AA and an A cup, depending on the time of the month.

ABOUT ITTY BITTY BRA®
The Irvine, California based company is run by President and CEO, Jane Hodgdon.
Says Ms. Hodgdon, “We have developed a product that will not gap, pucker, or slip. We are concentrating on the AA & A & B’s.”



WE TRIED:
Style IBB07Nude in a 34B.
Prior to trying this simple smooth lined bra, we would have sworn [and put money on it] that we have never been more than an A cup.
This signature bra has a patented cup design for smaller cup sizes, and is light on the padding and feature a hidden under wire which keeps it from gapping, slipping or puckering.

This is hands down the most comfortable fitting bra that also LOOKS realistic, as we’ve never subscribed to the idea of falsies aka false advertising.
For the rest of you women out there who are “bra challenged” but as us, don’t have to wear a bra other than when you’re wearing white or a sheer fabric when you’re in danger of nipple alert.

SELLING POINTS:
It really fits.
The affordable price point - $50
It comes in the right colors: nude, black, white, pink

WHERE TO GET ITTY BITTY:
Fred Segal, Santa Monica, CA and on the web,
www.ittybittybra.com

To see more of Mannfolk PR's clients, visit,
www.mannfolkpr.com

POLARMAX/TRANSDRY™, PRIMALOFT®, COOL MAX ECOTECH™

ECO FRIENDLY TEXTILES-ACTIVEWEAR WORTHY ALTERNATIVES

OUTDOOR RETAILER MARKET, SALT LAKE CITY, AUGUST 11th

Words, Images Judith Ecochard and courtesy of respective companies.

There was a lot of exhibitors at the OR Tradeshow... showing innovative materials and products set to hit the market.


But the segment of this all encompassing industry that elicited our most gee whiz moments…goes to the fabric manufacturers.

PolarMax™ Top



And what particularly impressed us were the number of eco fabrics (made from sustainable crops, organic, and/or recycled materials) that performed as well as the more ‘toxic’ variants available…and at reasonable price points too.


TRANSDRY™:
Cotton Inc’s exhibit featured one of the most exciting technological breakthroughs in textiles- TransDRY™ …that will probably change the way active types will view cotton and performance wear-FOREVER.

A revolutionary (patented) product, TransDRY™ is completely natural, is 100% made from domestic cotton textile, and is the perfect soft fabric for people allergic to wearing synthetics (or just hate to like our perspiring bro’).

What impressed us about this natural alternative, under development for FIVE YEARS, are its moisture management abilities to spread perspiration over a large area- and dry quickly. In other words, TransDRY™ has “a one-way transfer performance” capability that moves the wet stuff from the inside of a garment to the outside -so obviously; it’s more naturally comfortable too.


For some more reasons why TransDry™ is so ‘cool’ – we got an education (that we’re summarizing) via Cotton Inc.’s strategic partner- Longworth Industries’ Director of Marketing, William ‘Trey” Harris.

To begin with, TransDRY™ is a truly hatched from a sustainable fiber (green)- grown domestically by U.S. farmers, cotton- that’s been specially processed at the fiber stage.

As mentioned prior, TransDRY™ has classic moisture management properties that are comparable to purely (or predominantly) synthetic fibers/yarns/fabrics…meaning it’s highly anti-microbial, non-chafing, and wicking. But better in a very meaningful way-it’s flame retardant. And the military is first on the customer list for garments made from this textile.

Notes Harris, TransDRY™ provides the military “with a true moisture management next-to-skin garment (high priority often necessity) that does not have the risk of synthetic melt/drip when exposed to fire or flash over (a very big concern for soldiers considering that the highest rates of recent injury are burn related, and eliminating the exacerbation of these injuries by the introduction of molten synthetic materials is understandably a very high priority).”

IMHO: Military=most important customer base.

BACKSTORY: Longworth, a company that makes base layer garments and performance wear (from Polarmax and XGO) that’s totally made in USA production facilities-is gearing up TransDRY™ tops for the military this winter – and lucky for the rest of us… is aiming to launch retail garments made from said textile- in Fall ’09.

We see TransDRY™ being used by every manufacturer of children’s clothing and Firefighters’ garments worldwide, eliminating the funky, albeit protective chemicals that currently coat the fabrics used.

COTTON, INC.

PRIMALOFT™:

Launched in the early 80’s as a viable alternative to down because it retains its thermal efficiency when wet- PrimaLoft® and PrimaLoft Yarn® is used in many industries that manufacture performance wear, high fashion, sleeping bags-camping and home furnishings. It’s stellar characteristics as a lightweight and insulating fiber that offers superior warmth- appeal to many, many major top performing big and small name companies (from Arc’Teryx to Timberland.

We liked the new Primaloft Eco Yarn that’s a blend of 50% virgin PrimaLoft fibers with 50% fibers made from post-consumer products (plastic bottles) and post-industrial plastic waste. It’s silky soft…but has the same technical wicking qualities that active types demand for their base layers as insulating lining in footwear.

Another new fabric has Primaloft mixed with merino wool for the best moisture management capabilities-that is washable and dryable. Notably, Lorpen socks debuted a line made from this comfortable and soft textile with a “no-feel” toe seam and wrinkle free fit…at OR.

DRIZONE™ PRIMALOFT® PACKABLE MITTS


As Sierra Designs opined..."a dry set of mittens can mean the difference between a whining belay and kicked-back enjoyment. ...For warm digits we rely on green-conscious post-consumer recycled PrimaLoft Eco-lofty heat like down, but it performs in the wet, too."
Also launching at OR was a comfy, light as a feather fabric made from 100% organic cotton and Primaloft that’s breathable and dries quickly. We expect the hundreds of happy garment makers to quickly adopt this fabric for their performance wear lines.

INFO: PRIMALOFT

COOLMAX ECOTECH™

The “quick dry benefits and comfort” of the original COOLMAX® fabric went greener…or “from plastic bottles to wicking wonder.”

We got the scoop on the socks (made by Injinji and DeFeet) using this innovative textile from the new INVISTA™(parent company) CoolMax™ spokes’ dude, Andrew Skurka-who road tested/hiked across Iceland in an eco pair (or two).

Interesting for us was our chat with Bruce Rowley, Global Brand and Communications Manager of CoolMax Ecotech who enlightened us on a host of factoids about eco anything. Like…

“It doesn’t take more energy to recycle---it takes 70% less (energy) to recycle than to process virgin polymer.”

INVISTA waited for a “reliable source for recycled material” (from PET plastic) before launching CoolMax Ecotech…though the “technology’s been out there.

And…costs additions to clothing using CoolMax Ecotech™ are minimal.





We actually demo-ed a polo shirt made for this innovative fabric---and frankly, we could not tell the difference between the eco version- feel and performance wise- and the original CoolMax tee we have.

In other words, INVISTA “did it right.”

INFO: COOL MAX

HORNY TOAD: CATCHY NAME WITH CLOTHES THAT GRAB (EYEBALLS) TOO

SOCIAL/ECO AWARE LIFESTYLE BRAND FOR MEN & WOMEN
OUTDOOR RETAILER MARKET, SALT LAKE CITY, August 11th
Words and Images by Judith Ecochard

Okay-the name Horny Toad did conjure up the creepy old dude that tried to pick us up way back in our hitch hiking days.

But lo’ and behold-Horny Toad is actually an active wear line that proves “everyday is an adventure.”

In a good way.

“ACTION, FUNCTION and STYLE”

Hip, sporty and fun –Horny Toad’s S/S 09 offerings are casual and with punched up dressier selections too. We think even the slovenly lazy among us will want to wear the clothes.

For gals, HT has a super simple Little Black Dress with a fetching scoop neck, ruching details, an elevated waist and a shaped waist any body size (XS-XL) will look good in.

Top-wise a “Samba” tee in comfy Tencel/cotton/spandex is a sleek example of the durable performance wear HT makes-that multi-tasks as a shirt we can wear with a suit too.

We also liked the skort -also made with a Tencel/cotton blend, that simple in cut but gussied up in paisley pattern.

A year round frock made from Flexcell is cleverly darted to give it sophisticated shape.

HT also harks back to the 70’s with its proprietary “Jitterbug” fabric- with a bunch of refreshed styles made from the waffle knits of yore.’

Guys get a return policy like no other…”if you don’t get a compliment after three wearings, you can return it.”

This equal opportunity offer applies to the street/play crossover shirts that always look presentable even if it’s been lying on the floor. Made from an easy care the button-down tops have a front pocket detail, and Margarita and Marachi band recipes embellished on the inside back yoke. The relaxed fit is not sloppy either.





Striped Polo shirts with side vents are also dummy proof match-able with laid back to the knee zip front shorts, or anchoring a more polished outfit- under a summer blazer with cotton/linen pants.



WHAT’S NEXT: Horny Toad is now the proud partner/owner of NAU an eco-friendly line of “super clean, high tech fabrics” garb that is suited for the urban meets outdoor lifestyle we live. NAU=Maori for “welcome.”

GIVING BACK: In addition to being eco friendly (some separates 100% organic content) and fair labor committed, HT works with several NGOs/non-profits dedicated to helping adults with developmental disabilities.













Plus “Good for the Earth Good for the Soul” limited edition t-shirt collection is a specialty line of organic cotton tees that feature music lyrics and artwork from a few of the musicians and artists Horny Toad digs – that reflects ongoing collaborations between two independent singer-songwriter musicians: Chris Pierce and Brett Dennen. Partial proceeds benefit non-profits.


Image courtesy of Horny Toad

SALT LAKE CITY’S POWDER PALACES IN THE SUMMER-ALTA LODGE/SNOWBIRD/SOLITUDE

POST OUTDOOR RETAILER MARKET, SLC-AUGUST 12TH

Wors, Images Judith Ecochard and from respective websites


When we got an evite to visit the famed and fabulous snow meccas-in Little/Big Cottonwood Canyons, just outside of SLC- for a summer’s eve, meals, and a mountain hike with wildflowers all a’bloom-we felt like we hit some sort of press junket jackpot.

Hands down, there is no place else ON EARTH - starting from many USA locales- where one can hop on an AM plane, land, take a short drive – and be riding the slopes in the champagne powder snow junkies dream about. By 1PM.

We’ve never been to the unpretentious ‘resort’ Alta (we snowboard)- and haven’t been to Snowbird or Solitude, two other Utah destinations across the Wasatch mountain range from each other…in years. A sign it’s time.


Our journey began with very clear driving directions to Alta from the Salt Palace Convention in downtown SLC-that we managed to screw up anyway. The high altitude!


A bit embarrassed (it really is like three major turns tops) we felt like we were home as soon as we pulled into the ‘have everything you need’ Alta Lodge. The gracious manager Joni Dykstra was so welcoming- we not only felt like we were at some super nice relative’s home, we also almost managed to forget that everybody else was waiting for us.


Not that we were worth the wait…but the view from the top of next door Snowbird’s mountain reached by the Tram…was. A picture perfect sunny day, we had 100 mile vistas and even got an eyeful of the Great Salt Lake. Yup, the name was not pulled out of a hat.

We also got the back story on the Lodge and the new ski facilities that adds extra wows to the strong pull these resorts already have -for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and anyone else looking to relax without the pressures of must-do destinations.



ALTA LODGE:
Alta Lodge is a refreshed classic that’s been family owned since 1959. With 57 rooms that’s small enough to be intimate, but large enough for groups, this traditional mountain charmer is also noted for its fresh food, free kid’s programs, special weekends (early season tune-ups, wine pairings, yoga retreats etc), and of course can’t beat it locale by the chair lifts.



The original building (dated 1933) also serves it up with a private club-the Sitzmark Club- that attracts congenial, low key types devoted to the all things snow, nature and Alta. (Translation-guests, even newbies will feel right at home while sipping alcoholic beverages -in a cozy setting coined “the best après-ski nook.”).



Saunas, and enclosed hot pools WITH THOSE VIEWS are ideal water options for winding down a day of activities.



Plus, the Lodge can be booked for weddings and special events-the staff is that accommodating …and the setting regal and romantic.

Our room was spotlessly spacious with nice touches like ski boots warmer/ dryers, Aveeda toiletries and an awesome view of the mountains. There was free wi-fi –though we were perfectly happy to be off the information superhighway.

INFO: ALTA LODGE



SNOWBIRD:



Snowbird, a full scale resort with rentable condos, and an upscale service laden hotel- the Cliff Lodge- offers fun at its Activity Center and surroundings (alpine slide, mountain biking, fly fishing, horseback/ATV tours etc) for families and the child-free…during the months when the legendary knee-deep powdery fluff has finally melted away.



We haven’t been to Snowbird in years so we were awed- completely-by the in the mountain tunnel/people mover right off the speedy Peruvian lift- that whisks skiers and boarders to the back bowls. Nice.

And as mentioned, the view off the top of the Tram is amazing.

Afterwards, we were treated to a gourmet feast at the Steak Pit, Snowbird’s oldest restaurant that is an excellent combo of laid back/ luxe. We felt appropriately attired in our hiking gear…but were treated to top notch, service and food…that totally hit the spot. Yummy…and the epitome of the easy grandeur - healthy environment - we’ll keep coming back to.

INFO: SNOWBIRD








SOLITUDE:

Thanks to our super nice and organized leader, Adam Barker who is a team member of the Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau, we took a guided hike across the mountain range to Solitude, a burgeoning resort that boasts the same snow and glorious setting Utah is famous for.

When we arrived, architectural-wise, we were reminded of a pleasant alpine European village, with everything travelers need within walking distance.

Hungry types (we were) will be more than happy eating at the Creekside Restaurant. Matt Anderson, the talented chef –grilled up tasty burgers and a fresh off the farm salad that fused gourmet ingredients with American sized portions.

And though we didn’t have time for a game of high altitude, 18 hole Frisbee golf, or a heart pounding mountain bike or Diggler scooter ride down the single track trails, we did learn about-and made a mental note to check out- the no lift line layout of the resort-that allows the more advanced skiers/boarders to avoid the beginner and intermediate areas.
To the probable relief of everyone.





INFO: SOLITUDE



SPECIAL THANKS: KEEN-for those comfy Hybrid kickers, SMITH OPTICS-for sunglasses with twist and lock- interchangeable lenses that work and look fierce, PROBAR®'s unprocessed nuts/fruit bar that were delicious, and CLOUDVEIL- for a much needed performance top (in a lovely pale turquoise-our fav color) ...we will make a point to check out the whole line of tech clothing at next year's OR.

OVERLAND EQIPMENT: AMERICAN MADE CARRY-ALLS

FASHIONABLE EVERY DAY BAGS FOR SPRING ‘09

OUTDOOR RETAILER MARKET, SALT LAKE CITY, August 10th

Words, Images Judith Ecochard

From it’s humble beginnings in a garage-Overland Equipment uses a lot more than the original one single sewing machine that stitched up its first ever bag.

With nine haulers in various colors ready for Spring (part of an extensive line of products), we previewed the three latest, reasonably priced totes that are spacious enough for leisurely weekend excursions and/or weekday office grinds.

Hana:
We liked this tote’s six pocket front organizer with a key clip and fleece lined phone pocket so we don’t have to waste minutes searching around.

Other places to stash stuff include two roomy side pockets, an external back pocket and an internal zippered pockets. The understated and durable lightweight bag is available in Bracken, Cowhide, and Black. ($65).


Cascadia:
Cascadia is the ideal tote for us as we are always carrying our laptops around and appreciate the bag's securely padded sleeve with fleece-that fits a standard 15.4” laptop or smaller. External pockets for power cords and an interior organizer for documents and wallets make this tote worthy of being our portable office. Available in easy match shades… Cowhide, Gargoyle, Burgundy, and Black. ($75).




















Calistoga:
For food shopping or as an extra bag to pack, this origami shaped, natural canvas tote folds flat but opens up big.




The flat bottom is sturdy enough to keep groceries upright, and the two side handles allow for easy hauling. Available in Natural/ Copen, Natural/ Cowhide, Natural/ Celery and Natural/ Almond.
($25).

INFO: OVERLAND EQUIPMENT

EX OFFICIO: 21 YEARS OF OUTDOOR CLOTHING DELIVERS MORE FOR S/S '09

ADVENTURE, DESTINATIONS, AND UNDERGARMENTS FOR MEN AND WOMEN

OUTDOOR RETAILER MARKET, SALT LAKE CITY, AUGUST 10th

Words, Images Judith Ecochard

On a lengthy camping trip to Africa a few years back, we wore-almost exclusively- EX OFFICIO tops and pants with built in insect repellent and UV protection of SPF30+. The garb worked and held up under rugged conditions.





Jump forward to this month -we were bowled over by the broad range of multi-tasking stylish garments cut from technically performing fabrics. Design-wise, the inspiration was the fabled Silk Road cultural trade routes though we think we could confidently walk anywhere in these threads.

ADVENTURE: “Durability is Sustainability”

ExOfficio’s moisture-wicking, quick-drying and odor-resistant ExO Dri™ knit tops makes a welcome appearance with new styles and vivid colors; its signature ultra-light, ventilated and sun-protective DryFlylite™ shirts; and a broad assortment of Insect Shield® shirts, pants and accessories that protect against mosquitoes, ticks, flies and fleas through 70 washings.





For the Amphi apparel, “ventilation is key” for outfitting those spending time fishing, paddling or pulling anchor. These separates go from wading in the river to pulling up a stool at the saloon without ever having to change. We liked the hoody made from the new Neptune Knit – that’s 100% polyester with a high/low
texture for maximum moisture management that is treated with Sun Guard 30+ for UV protection and Nanoplex for stain, bacteria and odor resistance.





The Roughian collection is made to wear in any kind of weather. Featured pieces include the men’s and women’s Take Over pant and short made with Take Over Canvas, a light-weight, quick-drying nylon that is treated with Teflon® for water and stain resistance. For gals, we thought the digger-length Take Over Short that has a drawstring and ribbed waist, which can be worn up or down for a low-rise look…was particularly cool looking.





Next up, we admired the seriously multi-pocketed Gobi Safari jacket that’s apart of the Explorer’s line. It is fully equipped with breathable fabric blends, sun protection and strategic ventilation...and comes with matching Gobi Pant and
Gobi Vest for men and women made of Explorer Blend™, a lightweight 60% polyester/20% cotton/20% nylon blend treated with Teflon® for stain resistance.




Destinations: “Different adventures, all in one day, all in one outfit.”

ExOfficio’s Destination apparel “…is all about doing more, packing less and looking great.”












The Seek’r separates get our A-Okay as sophisticated clothing that we can see wearing anywhere. For women the Savvy™ collection is made the super easy care, wrinkle resistant Scrunch Cloth, (60% rayon/38% polyester/2% spandex). New to Savvy™ this season are the Savvy™ Dress-up sleeveless wrap dress, Savvy™ Button-up long sleeve jacket, and the Savvy™ Skirt, which can also be worn as a dress. Light opal, lapis and spice are the new Savvy™ colors that have been added to last season’s colors, black and white.

Next we previewed a few selections from the Trip’r line-that we are told “…is for travelers who MacGyver their budgets to see the world.”

For men, Trip’r offers an assortment of performance shirts in a bunch of colors/patterns-including its namesake the Trip’r, which is made of ultra-light Dryflylite.





For the ladies, Ex Officio went ‘eco’ with garb made from Soytopia™ (56% organic cotton/37% soy/7% spandex) and ExSential (37% organic cotton/ 34% nylon/ 25% soy/ 4% spandex). New pieces include the Soytopia™ Dress, Soytopia™ Capri, Soytopia™ Tank, Soytopia™ Amulet and the ExSential Overlay Hoody.

Underwear: “17 countries, 6 weeks, 1 pair.”
We don’t know if ExOfficio’s Give-N-Go® performance underwear (94% nylon/6% spandex) lives up to it’s aforementioned motto…but it is super comfy…and we tossed it into the wash without a thought.





Made to wick moisture and dry in a few hours, it also features the AEGIS Microbe Shield® finish to fight odor and bacteria. Cuts for women include the Give-N Go® Thong, the Give-N-Go® Cross Over Bra and Give-N-Go® Sleep Capri offered in white, black, berry and Bambu print.

INFO: EX OFFICIO
RETAIL: Available worldwide in many sizes-collections range from around $15-$20 (undergarments) and top out at $250 for sturdy winter trench coats.










A new line of shoes.....

COOL GADGETS FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS:

JEEP® CAMPING EQUIPMENT, ULTIMATE SURVIVAL, SPOT, ENERGIZER, and ESSENTIAL GEAR

COMFORTS AND PEACE OF MIND FOR ADVENTURERS

OUTDOOR RETAILER MARKET, S/S ’09 - SALT LAKE CITY, August 11th


Words, Judith Ecochard
Images courtesy of respective companies

JEEP® CAMPING EQUIPMENT

Manufactured by American Recreational Products, the Jeep® branded tents, an oversized sleeping bag, and airbed- we previewed at the gargantuan Salt Palace Convention Center booth- lived up to its MO as “the quintessential gear from the brand consumers trust to safely have fun out there.”





Made from rugged, advanced fabrics, the hot new line of tents that we tried out come in three sizes: “Hiker” (for two), “Sport Dome” (for four)…and the “Family Dome (for five).

We set up the latter (12’ x 10’ x 84 inches)-that has the patent pending four corner ventilation system –meaning the fresh air flows in at ground level out, perfect for hot weather-in a buddy’s backyard with the help of a very knowledgeable six year old. And even without this whiz kid’s help-it would have been an easy set/take down.





We liked how the two patented bay style windows gave us a clear view (the kind we go outdoors for)- the ability of the dome to resist the windiest of conditions (safely grounded)….and a spacious gear loft that securely holds all that stuff we camp with. The flaps even convert to canopies for some shade.


And naturally, kids will prefer sleeping in the tent-way more fun- than inside under a solid roof.

INFO: JEEP GEAR
RETAIL: WalMart’s worldwide.






ULTIMATE SURVIVAL TECHNOLOGIES:

When we got an evite by Ultimate Survival, we figured the company that produces life-saving gadgets for our military-would have some gear worth learning about.

We got an education on the one ounce Sparkie™, the new mini- fire starter from this company that features one- handed firing operation’s in a compact design in all kinds of weather.




We tried the Sparkie™ and think it’s practically idiot proof to use. Holding the rubberized grip wrap for maximum control, we were able to press down on the device with our thumb, and then with a quick turn upside down… lo and behold, it fired up.

“This is a product that everyone who goes outside should carry,” says Nancie Weston,
Director of Commercial Sales for UST. “The ability to make fire is essential, and we designed Sparkie™ so hikers and backpackers no longer have to sacrifice quality survival essentials to save on weight.”

We also made a mental note to stash the new Startflash® Ultra™ signal mirror in our backpacks. It’s virtually as reflective as glass, is unbreakable, floats and features a new scratch-resistant coating. It gives us a piece of mind-since cell-phone reception often doesn’t exist in the mountains.
ULTIMATE SURVIVAL
















SPOT

Another way to get public emergency responders’ attention and/or to just send an “A-okay” message to friends and family…is the SPOT Emergency Response device ($169). This orange unit that has a distress alert system is ‘hooked in’ to’ 48 LEO Orbit Satellites...and features a “911” button for help, as well as a separate button that’ll send out a message to a pre-programmed list of contacts.

Weighing just over 7 ounces this gizmo, the world’s first Satellite Messanger sends the users’ GPS location…and can eve let someone else track someone’s “progress” via Google Maps™ too.



We think helicopter parents will probably want these handheld personal safety devices for their kids as well as for their own- off the grid jaunts . Very cool.

INFO: FIND ME


ENERGIZER®

We strolled into the Energizer set-up at OR and were dazzled by the genius light/signal device that the ‘battery’ company-manufactures.

It figures that the military established specific criteria for the 21st century torch-the Hard Case ® Tactical®…there are so many special features to this great Christmas stocking stuffer.


We were chatting with Niky, the super smart rep for over twenty minutes and still could not absorb all the unique aspects- this must have gadget boasts…like….

Ruggedly constructed, with a shatterproof lens and virtually indestructible LEDs - survives a 20-foot drop.
Built-in clip allows light to be attached securely to MOLLE vests.
Five different lighting modes provide the right light for any
situation…
- Bright white, high-intensity beam for ultimate visibility
- Red LED for light-discipline and combat conditions
- Blue LED for medical purposes
- Infrar