LYRA MAG.

LUXE BRUNCH EXCLUSIVELY AT THE RIVEFRONT SPINDLER&KLATT CLUB JULY 19th, BERLIN Words, Pics by Judith Ecochard It was a rare sunny day during Berlin’s Fashion Week – and the glossy German read GALA (part of the European Gruner & Jahr Media giant’s empire ) threw a fabulous party for city officials, celebs, fashion week attendees, and anyone else who could score a coveted invite. The buffet was beyond delicious…with hot and cold tables, indoors and out, laden with fresh seafood, hot meat and chicken entrees, pastries, salads, and enough cheeses to make the French envious---- in addition to what can be considered upscale breakfast eats. The champagne flowed and there was even a special espresso bar for the caffeine addicted. We had a nice chat with Katja Reising - one of the several Maybelline NY make-up artists who graciously staffed the kiosks…and offered free touchups and full blown maquillage redos. We opted for (needed) the latter… Tips From Katja Reising: German pencils m...

Two day outdoor festival featuring noted environmentalist Jean-Michael Cousteau. We wish we could attend but urge anyone in that beautiful part of the country to attend what is sure to be a fun time for childfree hipsters and families alike. What : The two-day Outdoors in Mammoth Environmental Festival is themed “Summit to the Sea - Everything is Connected.” The event will be a fun and interactive opportunity for families to explore the mountains and discover the role they each play in building a responsible tomorrow. Through field trips and hands-on experiences, the event aims to spread realization that land and sea, humans and nature, and the present and future are all connected. The event will demonstrate that every individual - regardless of age - can make intelligent decisions that have a powerful impact on the environment. Where & When : Mammoth Lakes, CA - August 5 & 6, 2008 Why: An opportunity to celebrate Mammoth’s unique place in the mountains by raising awa...

SPRING/SUMMER 09 MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK JULY 19TH BEBELPLATZ, BERLIN Words, Pics -Judith Ecochard We’ve attended Strenesse’s runway show in New York (for the F/W 2006 collection)…so we knew to expect savvy, WELL-CUT ensembles by this Germany based label. THE BRAND : Gabrielle Strehe has worked her magic for years…with Strenesse’s successful debut on a Milan catwalk in 1995. Think ‘affordable’designer separates and daywear for a client who demands pulled together looks for the office …and will not tolerate sloppiness on days off either. STRENESSE BLUE : The secondary line is geared towards a younger client with means. Meaning, not club kids but like Michael Kors secondary line, tailored on trend, sophisticated dresses, tops, and pants. WOMEN: We loved the largely neutral tone collection. Punched up a bit, we found the printed red/white skirt paired with a pointed collared red blouse, with a sensible belt and chunky sandals, contemporary without looking too school marmish. These we...

UNRATH & STRANO- DASHING S/S 09 COLLECTION FROM SEASONED DUO Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Bebeplatz, Berlin July 18th, 22:00 Unrath and Strano is a clothing brand worthy of the debonair audience that turned out for the runway show. For S/S 09 their second “Celebrity” line and a few mens’ looks debuted on the catwalk---joining their designer priced collection. BACKSTORY: German Klaus Unrath and Italian (via Switzerland) Ivan Strano launched their eponymous line (1999) after stints with the glorious Vivienne Westwood labels. Both are skilled tailors who know how to drape, twist and fit the materials to perfection. THE SHOW: A largely red/black/white palette of colorfully splattered swirling, stripped and solid luxe fabrics that reminded us of the drama of Italian maestro Robert Cavalli. We loved the signature sleeves-one side cap, the other side sensuously twisted-for an interesting and sensuous look that reveals a women’s clavicle but is not too va-va-voom. There were a few overtly s...

“LOUD, PROUD AND SUPER COOL” MICHALSKY AND M67 MICHAELSKY JEANS BERLIN STREETWEAR NAILS IT JULY 18TH, OFFSITE UFERHALLEN, BERLIN Words, Pics by Judith Ecochard You can tell when A PRO produces a runway show!!!! Finally, a run of show line sheet. THANK-YOU. THE MAN : Michael Michalsky is a veteran of the London club scene, did a stint with LEVI’S…and worked his way up to the coveted role of global creative director at Adidas. His visionary collaboration with Yohji Yamamoto- kicking out the fierce Y-3 line…and his role as former creative light of the brand MCM…gave him the solid experience to successfully launch his own line in June 2006...and to give birth to an eyewear collection (and other licenses) this year. The scene prior to the show at another one of those mammoth industrial spaces in the former East Berlin-that we would never have gotten to without one of those can we bring one home, chauffer driven Mercedes-Benz cars-was shivering with anticipation. Seriously, every editor and...

AN ACCOMPLISHED SPRING/SUMMER 2009 COLLECTION MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK July 18th, 17:00 Bebelplatz, BERLIN Words, Pics-Judith Ecochard Marcel Ostertag's pulled together models wore an adroit pastiche of BOHO print dresses mixed up with chic beige separates... that reminded us of a Donna Karan show with dabs of McQueen/Galliano’s expert tailoring mixed in. THE DESIGNER: No wonder the runway performances were so FINISHED…Marcel Ostertag is a graduate of University of Arts/Central St. Martins College in London-with laboring stints at top-notch fashion houses Paul Smith, Dunhill and Burberry. THE COLLECTION : Joining the Menwear looks-a handsome bunch of black/grey/white separates… are some very well made playful summer… and serious urbanite polished looks for ladies that referenced the late 70’s (think Lauren Hutton/Ali McGraw). These are impact, structured looks-with precise cuts worthy of a bespoke Saville Road veteran. Ostertag also makes use of exotic materials like feathers-as ...