LYRA MAG.

WORDS- J.ECOCHARD IMAGES FROM JESSIE BAYLIN'S WEBSITE New Jersey born, LA livin' and now Nashville based-singer/songwriter Jesse Baylin belts out tunes with a big heart and a raw feel that sounds as if she's spent loads of time in a bar...somewhat like pop-rock star Sheryl Crow. Baylin's voice is more refined than Crow's IMHO. With a bit of western swing, quick sips of sensuously jazzy swagger- and a hefty dose of the bluesy rocker edge...this gal's voice and vocal range could probably have her belting out some standards as easy as any rock and roll staples. We first caught Jessie Baylin and her kicker band at the industry heavy Tribeca Fim Festival’s/ASCAP Lounge (April 2008) –packing them in at the hip Cutting Room on West Broadway. Since she flew in and out for the 30 minute gig, Baylin’s been putting the final polishing touches on a new cd (her second)- Firesight -now available for purchase courtesy of record label Verve Forecast . We love it. We cli...

Text, Vivian G. Kelly Images in Cece Feinberg showroom, Vivian G. Kelly Image campaign photography and celebrity photographs, courtesy of Cece Feinberg PR Image of Vitamin A press clippings from www.boutiquetoyou.com A SHOW ROOM VISIT After viewing a few Jpegs PR pro, Cece Feinberg sent us; we hit her NY Office on West 37th Street, in the Heart of New York’s Garment District. She’s just recently taken on Vitamin A as a client, but the editorial credits are already rolling in. This line looks great on and off the rack and should definitely be showcased in a runway show at Mercedes Benz Miami Swim. For now, though, Vitamin A has taken a booth at the Miami Convention Center, and they’re on our go-to list for our annual trawl through the aisles at the swim expo. WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT VITAMIN A SWIM SUITS As many of the luxe swim lines we love [Gideon Oberson, Missoni Swim] this swim brand is based upon a jet setting lifestyle. The difference is that designer Amalia Stevens had “Laid Back ...

Place: THE ALDRICH CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM, Ridgefield, CT Time: Sunday afternoon, June 22nd, 3-5pm Text, Vivian G. Kelly Images of the event, courtesy of The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum Image of Stephanie Seymour, from the GAP Ad Campaign Images of Takashi Murakami and his work from www.cache.elo.com A HIGH-POWERED CROWD IN ATTENDANCE Until a trip to Art Basel, Miami, we’ve shied away from Contemporary Art – we just didn’t “get it”. Our trip to Art Basel though, motivated us to join the Aldrich Museum and walk through whenever they had a new exhibition. It helped that one of our daughters underwent docent training at school and was eager to talk about the exhibits she’s studied. Until this point though, we hadn’t had the opportunity to meet any of the artists whose work was on exhibit. Despite the rain, the event was packed and we knew this was “an important” event when we glimpsed supermodel and art collector, Stephanie Seymour, and her husband, Peter Brandt, newsprint manufactur...

THE ANNUAL HAMPTON GOLF CLASSIC IV BENEFITS SUFFOLK COUNTY’S MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION® HAMPTON HILLS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB, June 23rd WORDS, IMAGES Judith Ecochard Known for its chi-chi celeb packed social scene, wide open beaches, and upscale residences and shops- the posh East End of Long Island (aka the Hamptons) is also populated by caring individuals who donate big bucks for worthy causes. This past week, we attended a fun fun fun benefit that raised substantial funds for one of our favorite 501(c)3-ers. THE CHARITY: The Suffolk County, NY chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® - grants wishes for children afflicted with “life threatening illness” according to Karine Hollander , President and CEO. In her seven-year stint in the top spot, Hollander is proud (and grateful too) that her chapter is able to enable 125 wishes a year. “ We never turn down a wish…every medically eligible child has been granted one,” she notes. And there are no financial eligibility requirements either....

THE GALLERY LA’S MISSION STATEMENT: "Our desire is to raise global awareness of sustainable living and transform the world of fashion. We achieve this by promoting socially responsible designers who are agents of change. This is our Green Initiative and our reason for being." THE VIBE: cool and groovy and oh so green! After a whirlwind 48 hours in LA, we were delighted to plop down with an Adina organic Ethiopian iced espresso. Being that we were in the Gallery, the coffee served is of course USDA organic. Adina gathers their 100% organic ingredients from co-ops, collectives and small producers around the world, and insist that they are paid a fair wage that’s typically well-above market price. Served on ice, this organic treat is just sweet enough. www.adinaworld.com ABOUT MIKEY KOFFMAN Mikey is a guru on all things eco. Although she calls herself a “humanitarian” she is more than that – she’s one h—l of a PR and salesperson. We were very impressed by the show she put toget...

FALL/WINTER 2008 PREVIEW OF THE METROPOLIS COLLECTION AT THE BUZZY EQUINOX MANHATTAN CLUB. JUNE 19TH, EAST 63RD STREET NYC Words, Images Judith Ecochard and from Elisabetta Rogiani’s . website. THE EVENT : Runway ‘models’ that included ‘real world’ gals (OK, they’re fitness instructors in fab shape) strutted the catwalk in the appealing and smart-wear performance ensembles by Los Angeles resident Elisabetta Rogiani . The show featured the Fall/Winter 2008 Collection , coined “M etropolis ” that will be sold at the well-stocked Equinox Health Club retail shops from coast to coast. TIP SHEET: Elisabetta Rogiani herself is in fab shape-and no doubt is inspired by her own work outs to design a stylish collection that focuses on “ quality, durability and femininity-believing that ‘Simplicity is the Essence of Elegance.’ ” BACKGROUND: Rogiani’s training is in Italian couture. A native of Terni (Umbria), she schooled at the acclaimed KOEFIA ROMA ACADEMY, and toiled for top names Claude Mont...

TRENDY AND UNIQUE ACCESSORIES, CLOTHES, JEWELRY FOR INDIVIDUALS June 19th 298 Mulberry Street, NOHO Words, Images by Judith Ecochard and from the Début website When the latest issue of that fashion bible Vogue-references the tough economy and a return to minimalist basics…we think that’s when retailers should do the opposite. After all, it’s only the fresh and unusual that’s going to generate the buzz-and get buyers motivated to shop. The basics-we can get anywhere. This past week, we stopped in to the new museum-like retail outlet for under-the-radar designers, Début . The place was packed with friends, hipsters, fashion industry types and the supportive family of LISA WEISS - the well attired (what else?) owner of the barely month old establishment. What we liked besides Weiss’ enthusiasm was her passionate and very personal- point of view-to “not be like every retail store…to make a statement.” Case in point- are the bold, handmade one-off necklaces, earrings, and bracelets by t...

Text, Vivian G. Kelly Image of Lizanne Falsetto, courtesy of Think PR Product image, from www.think™products.com WHILE in LA last month, we dropped into THINK PR’s stylish and unique new LA digs, 2 floors of space on a quiet street in Beverly Hills, complete with exposed brick wall and a patio to give press previews and hold launch parties. THINK PR [no, they don’t actually make the bars, but they do the publicity] introduced us to THINK THIN™ bars as “ a healthy and delicious alternative for the woman on the go”. The timing was perfect, and as we were already contemplating what to eat on the plane that wasn’t either: 1. Messy or 2. Unhealthy ABOUT THINK™ PRODUCTS THINK™ Products are an operating unit of Prime Health Dietary Supplements, Inc. and was founded by LIZANNE FALSETTO, a former international fashion model. There’s money to be made in bars, lots of it. So far, Ms. Falsetto has grown think THIN™ into a $20 million-dollar-a-year independent natural foods company, starting with ...

BOBI*EROTOKRITOS*EBERJEY*SOUTHPOLE*GOLA*RADLEY*BENISOM *BORN UNIQORN Words, Images Judith Ecochard June 18th East Village The Think Pr team in NY-are often manning the tables at worthy charitable events… In fact, we first met the busy bees years ago at a Humane Society fundraiser –for “ Club Sandwiches Not Seals ” protest (the annual sanctioned, slaughter of Canadian Baby Seals)- at graphics superstar Peter Max’s Lincoln Center lofty studio. We admire Think’s dedication to worthy causes… and always look forward to our bi-annual review of this multi-brand showroom. Our touchy feely moments with many Fall 2008 and Cruise 2009 designer merchandise----got a nice ramp-up with a new client that we LOVE: Radley leather goods from the UK. Plus, we are impressed with Think’s breadth of BIG NAME international lines in addition to the (eco) basics, and smaller niche brands. BOBI Luxe silky smooth jersey (100% cotton) at very, very affordable prices (under $100 each)… takes on a whole new meanin...