LYRA MAG.

Cutting Edge Technology FOR MINIMALISTS Text, J. Ecochard Last Friday, we attended a briefing hosted by the medical technology company Radiancy™ Ltd. Hailing from Israel- where seemingly all of these derma lasers come from (as befits a populace with the highest concentration of science PhD’s/capita anywhere) this firm is on the forefront of both at home and in office skin treatments. ETHNIC SKIN HELP-FINALLY Skin tones used to matter when it came to suitable skin re-surfacing laser treatments. Not anymore- according to the radiant dermatologist, Dr. Dina Strachan , MD-who’s Union Square NYC practice attracts patients of all ethnic backgrounds. One of Strachan's weapons of choice is the Whisper Erbium YAG Laser -that dramatically smoothes acne scars , fine lines and wrinkles (even in sensitive areas), and improves skin texture with minimal downtime. Naturally… Dr. Strachan’s before and after shots after only one treatment of the Whisper Laser- said it all. Even fair skins may see ...

Punk Prepster Ties, Scarves, Accessories and Sleek European Menswear Basics –Fall 2008. March 25th, 2008 Garment District, NYC Text, Images-J. Ecochard and courtesy of HE by MNG Previewing two hip fashion lines in showroom settings…gave us real time to take in some daring inspirations that’ll shake up staid menswear' basics. PSYCHO BUNNY : Who else but a ‘must be a Monty Python fan’ English bloke, Robert Godley would dream up this subversive logo (bunny and cross bones) to slap on well made twists on the classics. HISTORY: Brought across the pond by Ralph Lauren to design the über fashion label’s ties (FYI-ties launched Lauren’s eponymous label)- Savile Row trained Godley nails it when it comes to rebellious yet tailored items any conservative with a sense of humor- or edgy urbanist with a polished side- would feel comfortable wearing. FALL 2008 COTTON POLO SHIRTS: In a rainbow palette of saturated hues-this old school staple ($90) gets a welcome twist with the deranged Psycho ...

Text, Vivian G. Kelly Images, courtesy of Prescriptives Our search for a perfect cover stick such as ANYWEAR started way back in 7th grade, when the 2 most popular girls in school, Amy Thomas and her sidekick, Cindy, started the trend of using cover stick – all over their faces. A run of deep tan Cover Girl cover stick in the Old Greenwich and Riverside drugstores followed. While we did manage to snag one of the precious sticks, it went on more like stage makeup and looked artificial on our pale skin. Fortunately, that was countless generations of cover sticks ago, and lots of nifty technologies have been added to what was in principal, a great idea. The result years later, is Prescriptives’ new ANYWEAR multi purpose make up stick. It's earned itself a permanent place in our makeup bag, and here’s why. ANYWEAR’S WINNING QUALITIES - It’s small and easy to squeeze in anywhere. We love mini sized product, you’ll use it before the expiration date – no waste! You get TWO portable mini ...

Fall 2008-Fifth Avenue, New York City Text, Images by J. Ecochard The nasty lion that roared on March 25th for our press preview of Canali’s menswear and accessories- had us muttering about where the heck was global warming. But once we had our coats off and hands cupping hot cocoa in less than a New York minute, we were eager for the Grande tour. So how great is this winter collection ? Well judging by the hordes of editors poring off the elevators, salivating over the elite goods staged in elegant showrooms -and THEN channeling Cinderella stepsisters-in ridiculous attempts (IMHO) to squeeze into sample sized samples (while the staff collectively held their breath that seams wouldn’t bust)… WE’D SAY CANALI KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE BALLPARK- ITALIAN STYLE . And once again, women were weeping over the limited production capabilities of the exclusive company owned factories that conjure up the Canali line…and can barely keep up with world –wide demands. WHAT’S NEW: COLORS : LODEN GREEN -...

Text, Vivian G. Kelly Images of GUESS GREEN collection, courtesy of GUESS Inc. Images of 2003 GUESS ad campaigns by Ellen Von Enwerth, from www.bender.frognet.net Never mind “Earth DAY”, April is now considered Earth MONTH, and GUESS is right in step with their own green initiative - the GUESS GREEN program. In April, GUESS by Marciano will be offering organic cotton jeans and tops for men and women. Says Paul Marciano, GUESS by Marciano’s CEO and Co-Chairman of the Board, "Not only is GUESS GREEN fashionable and environmentally friendly, but it also meets the needs of the ever-growing population of people who are making an effort to live a 'greener' lifestyle." Since 1981, GUESS by Marciano has been famous for its fashion denim-wear and unforgettable ad campaigns. We still fondly remember our skinny GUESS jeans with the zippers at the ankles that blew our meager Grad School budget, but were worth every penny. Since then, there have been innumerable “designer Jean” l...

Text, J. Ecochard Images Courtesy of Elizabeth Charles and Youth World It sometimes seems like sunny LA has cornered the US market on relaxed shopping with small hands-on owner boutiques gracefully stocked with under-the-radar labels and friendly trained staff. New Yorkers are finally getting their due with (T.G!) the trend away from cold industrial space shells with shelves- to warm, welcoming retail environs. One of our hometown favorites is the newish Elizabeth Charles boutique on Hudson Street in downtown Manhattan. Curated by Wall Street refugee, the eponymous titled, intimate store sells previously unheard of designers ...and a few known favorite types… from New Zealand and Australia. We enjoyed a complimentary caffeine jolt on the first day of Spring 2008- as we browsed the well stocked but not over stacked racks carrying hot weather finery. HOT LOOKS: Functional fashion zippers on garb from young talent Kim Ellery, casual white summer tops from Kirrily Johnson, the cool modern...

Text, Vivian G. Kelly Images of Ports 1961 and Kico Kids, Richard Spiegel Image of Tia Cibani, Dan Lecca, Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz THE PORTS VIBE: Elegance with a tongue in cheek sense of humor We first met with the Ports’ congenial internal PR Director, Tony Alcindor, who took us through the 300 piece Fall 08 collection. Yes, that’s 300 pieces in the showroom as opposed to only 40 looks shown on the runway, which gives you an idea of how much designer, Tia Cibani, edited herself for the runway show. This Inspiration for Fall 2008: SCOTLAND, which translated to luxurious tweeds, plaids and plush cable knit dresses. ECO – FRIENDLY – We were delighted that Ms. Cibani is very animal friendly, no real fur here. Instead, there were some terrific faux fur capes in “silver fox” and “raccoon”. Our favorite was a large raccoon cape that reverses to herringbone tweed one. It’s a stylish fill-in for a light winter coat. Even better, there’s a matching clutch timed with oversize pompoms. While P...