LYRA MAG.

Text, Vivian G. Kelly and Laura Wood Runway Images of Ecoganic runway show, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Images of Beau Soleil courtesy of Beau Soleil. Images of Eco Gem jewelry, courtesy of Hovey Lee The big news at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios [October 14-18] was the strong green initiative. Three months prior to the shows, a press release went out [from IMG Fashion] announcing that “the twice yearly event in Culver City, CA will be ‘greener’ in October, with a focus on sustainability, eco-friendly fashions and designers.” Below, we highlight jewelry, cosmetics, and two eco collections. Jewelry: Designer Hovey Lee’s Eco Gem collection at the Design Suites The Eco Gem collection is under the umbrella of the designer’s larger Eco-Jewelry Collection. We met Ms. Lee in her booth at the Design Suites, drawn in by her colorful gumball cocktail rings. Ms. Lee is committed to sourcing her raw materials from Fair Trade and ethical vendors who pay fair wages a...

Feminine Innovation By the Masters of Italian Leather Text, J Ecochard Images, Richard Spiegal An airy showroom on lower Fifth Avenue, NYC was the setting for Furla’s elegantly simple display of genuinely timeless handbags, shoes and accessories. There were several distinct collections for the ladies. We loved the go anywhere semi-structured bags in vibrant colors (sunflower yellow, dahlia orange, geranium red) that featured distinctive zips, fastenings and shoulder straps in polished calf or croc leathers. Given the powerfully colorful flower printed fabrics set to dominate summer wardrobes, these handbags should fly out of Fural's numerous retail outlets. Another line of larger, unstructured bags in soft plush hides had a bit of bling going on…with studs and chains adding edgy drama. These bags came in summery pearlized and metallic leathers in pastel and natural palettes including soft pink and pearl…and would add a bit of punch to the neutral toned garb we saw on the New York...

Timestamp: October 10, 2007 Location: 37 Wall Street Text, Vivian G. Kelly Images, courtesy of Tiffany & Co. We arrived at the tail end of the opening festivities in which Tiffany brass rang the NYSE opening bell and the Founding Ceremony, attended by Dignitaries including Chairman and CEO Michael J. Kowalski and Deputy Mayor Doctoroff. Also in attendance a gaggle of Wall Streeters who looked on while enjoying coffee and Tiffany Blue-and-white cookies dispensed from coffee carts with Tiffany Blue ® umbrellas no less. The ceremony kicked-off the opening of Tiffany’s 11,000 sq. ft. store, a great addition to the downtown area that’s still in the process of revitalization, post 911. The 25- Story Beaux Arts-style building was constructed in 1907 and underwent extensive restoration prior to the opening. Tiffany kept to the original classic setting and commissioned the architectural design firm, Yabu Pushelberg, to design a modern environment of glass and light. A focal point is ...

A Fashion Show That Deserves To Be A Harvard Business School Plan On What To Do Text, Images by J. Ecochard American photographers hanging around the media riser got a few chuckles during the pre-show models’ run thru for Hugo Boss’s Spring 2008 Collection in the magnificently ornate, former booking hall of the Cunard Line (at the Cunard Building, 25 Broadway, NYC) The October 17th fashion show was strictly choreographed by a headphone wearing German Producer…who’s heavily accent English brought back memories of Colonel Wilhelm Klink of TV show Hogan’s Heroes. However, this guy directed a show…with results of polished perfection … impressing jaded editorial fashionistas returning to the States after the season's European runway jaunts. Entering the dramatic, high ceiling, marine themed marble lobby, guests were greeted by straight-backed waiters wielding Moet Chandon Champagne poured from appropriately chilled Jeroboams. This being a European show, all were encouraged to keep...

Timeless Elegance For Spring 2008 Text: J. Ecochard Photos:Rich Spiegal We love the unseasonably warm autumnal weather (though, naturally- we're terrified as to WHY). So previews of Spring 2008 luxurious clothes, handbags and shoes…made us want to reach out and touch (grab, wear) everything RIGHT NOW. At the stately Italian Consulate on Park Ave. NYC, Fratelli Rossetti -, a decades old, family owned/managed Italian manufacturer of luxe leathers- displayed sophisticated gear for the resort and spring 2008 season. Quality driven Europeans, as well as clued in Americans, already flock to the company’ stores throughout Europe, Monaco, NY etc -for the well made, hand-stitched wing tip, and loafer shoes for men (in brown black, deep beige), and go with everything neutral/black patent leather or sumptuously detailed Swarovksi crystals’ strappy sandals- that ladies can actually walk in. New for Spring is the expansion of the more casual line of driving mocs and stylish not really...

Timestamp: 11:40am, Tuesday, October 15, 2007 Text, Vivian G. Kelly and Laura Wood Images, courtesy of Think Public Relations Is your palette jaded? Even the most discerning foodies will be sure to love the delicacies at Boule, modeled after the traditional French patisserie but with a modern edge. The walls are painted in “Boule blue”, a color that was custom created just for them, which matches their signature gift, the Boule hatbox. The box makes a great gift, very couture in nature, as you choose precisely what goes in the box. It makes an ideal gift [especially for the upcoming holiday season] just about anyone on your list would enjoy. It's rare to find a gift that's suitable for business associates, teachers and friends. In addition to year round pastries are seasonal offerings purveyed from local farmers’ markets, which help to promote LA's local food movement. The ingredients to goodies such as the macron [a meringue cookie with creamy puree in the middle] ...

Time & place: Friday October 26th between 12:00 and 2:00 pm, at FAO Schwartz, Fifth Avenue Text, Vivian G. Kelly Image of doll, courtesy of Mattel Image of Reem Acra, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week A Platinum Label™ version of the Reem Acra Bride Barbie® doll featuring Barbie as a blonde, will launch on Friday October 26th at FAO Schwarz’s Fifth Avenue Flagship. Renowned bridal and Ready-to-Wear designer, Reem Acra will be on hand to sign the doll between from 12:00 – 2:00pm. This is not Ms. Acra’s first collaboration with Barbie® and Mattel. There’s already a Reem Acra Bride Barbie® doll available for collectors who know and appreciate Ms. Acra’s stunning bridal designs The earlier brunette version wears a gown with a dramatic bustle trimmed with ribbon bows and faux pearl details. A delicate embellished print bodysuit, ending in a three-quarter sleeves, adds to the sophistication of the dress. Accoutrements include pearl-like earrings, a “faux diamond” engagement ring...

Text, Vivian G. Kelly Images, Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Randolph Duke and Kevan Hall are LA’s undisputed masters when it comes to designing a to-die-for evening dress that keeps them on red carpet celebrities’ must-call list year after year. As Matthias, a freelance makeup artist who touched us up at Smashbox Cosmetics' makeup booth remarked, “celebrities can’t take too many chances, their primary fan base is in Middle America, and anything TOO radical just won’t fly with their fans.” He was talking about makeup, but his observation could also apply to a celebrity’s choice of red carpet attire. Neither Mr. Duke nor Mr. Hall eschews ornamentation entirely in their collections, but whatever they come up with, it’s always tasteful, count on it. Both deliver glamour and sophistication, each and every season. This season, Randolph Duke kept to a mostly black and white palette with some stylish navy blue thrown it. He kicked off the show in true larger than life Holl...

Sunday, October 15, 2007 Text, Vivian G. Kelly Images, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Location: Smashbox Studio, LA - Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week The Pre-show – Different station, different city, but it was the same good vibe that was present in Miami at the Ashley Paige for Girls Gone Wild show held during Mercedes Benz Miami Fashion Week back in July, Then, the DJ played the soundtrack from “Urban Cowboy”. Now the DJ played a lot of Johnny Cash, getting crowd in the right mood to remark favorably on what was to come. The Chick by Nicky Hilton runway show The DJ matched the pretty college co-ed theme with tunes like the Jackson Five’s “ABC” and Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely?” Although this Hilton sister is not nearly as much in the limelight as her sister Paris the photo pit was as packed as at a hot Bryant Park show, which is not really standard issue in LA or Miami. Pre-show, one photographer shouted into the pit, “Where’s Paris?” Another shouted back, “In another...

Location: Green Naftali Gallery, 516 W. 26the St., the Forbidden Zone Timestamp: New York Fashion Week Text, Vivian G. Kelly Images, J. Ecochard Designers Tina Lutz and Maria Patmos' motto is “no five minute trends”. This translates into the fact that this duo creates some wonderful tops and dresses that you’ll never get tired of and donate. The season they were showing was spring, but the clothes are seasonless, which makes them a favorite with the fashion cogniscenti. They use exquisite fabrics and textiles such as cashmere made in Italy and silk and cotton blends. The designers pride themselves on making knits that are constructed like wovens. Some designs are even reversible. We love that the designers of this hot indie label have a reputation as social activists and collaborate with world-aid groups The indigenous women of Bolivia, who have an ongoing association with the label, made the macramé pieces in this collection. On the art side, the installation at the gallery...

“The End Of False Hope™” Text by J. Ecochard Oct 16th 2007-NYC We’re always intrigued by start-up skincare lines…that tend to garner cult followings amongst professionals, before they hit the big time. Kiehl’s for example. And so, we were delighted with our group tête à tête with the flawlessly peau-ed Leila Bell and Sharon Brown McEntee, co-founders of the five years in the making (!) Intelligent Aesthetics™ ... a “TruthBased Skincare™ scientifically sound, natural treatment line. Highlights of our hour-long meeting included sampling and sniffing the collection of cleanly packaged products smartly aimed at major visage conditions like oily or dry (or both), aging skin concerns, rosacea, acne etc. What separates Intelligent Aesthetics from other brands is that the entire line blends “medical grade ingredients with personality, quality and efficacy…” according to Leila Bell. “The scents are not artificial…and all ingredients have a purpose.” Indeed, good-for-you goodies like willow ...