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 “Metropolis” 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 Montana, Fiorucci (the groundbreaking label/emporium that employed style guru Patricia Fields back in the days), and BCBG. After hitting the sunny Left Coast- she also worked as Fashion Director for print reads, television, commercials, and music videos…while her line “Nobody By Elisabetta Rogiani” and the “Elisabetta Rogiani Collection” made her name familiar to celebs and industry heavy weights.
OUR PICKS: As country jocks and urban Pilates enthusiasts we see ourselves wearing the comfy and sleek graffiti-ish “Women Warrior” crop top graphic prints and sexy lace edged cropped pants, a lacey hoodie, and a front silver zipped short sleeve cover-up... ANYWHERE.
A never seen before blue plaid performance fabric is also striking and on our want list too. For now- Rogiani’s summery yellow, turquoise offerings currently on sale had editors from Self Magazine trying on and selecting pieces. Needless to say, the cotton-y soft Supplex/Lycra blend in every garb is stretchy but still retains it shapes—and breathes!!!!
FOR GUYS: Look for solid white and black mesh mix separates for guys…set to launch for Spring 2009.
WHO WEARS IT: The list is loooooong and includes Gabriella Reece, Cameron Diaz, Halle Berry, Jennifer Lopez, Katie Holmes, Lucy Liu, Pamela Anderson etc.
THE VENUE: The East 63rd Street Equinox sports spacious workout areas, numerous classes and luxurious spa facilities. Happily, we got to indulge in an upscale beauty purveyor Peter Thomas Roth Lip treatment (Lemon Sugar Scrub, Hydrating Mask “Lip Putty,” plus “Pink Bombshell” Lip Gloss) and a hand massage with top of the line June Jacob Spa products.
ECO COMMITMENT: According to Equinox’s store manager, the super friendly Tyme Ferris, Equinox is “going green” –with all the new clubs and a push to adopt and retrofit older spaces using “natural and eco-friendly” products and materials.
SPECIAL THANKS: Newish Hypublicity coordinated well-and us wine snobs swished and sipped the the yummy Arnaldo-Caprai Umbrian Wines with a hearty SALUT. Noshes by nearby Brio Tuscany Grille and a goody bag stocked with marine based Phytomer serums, Peter Thomas Roth cleansers… and the did not make it past the first subway stop home Xoçai Chocolate made the event special and HEALTHY.