LYRA MAG.

G lashütte Original is proud to introduce the 2010 Pre BaselWorld collection. In 2010, the retro-sleek  Senator Sixties Panorama Date handmade timepiece   is enhanced with a Panorama Date, a patented function of Glashutte Original. Complete with a handsome Louisiana Black alligator band, the modern elegance of  German design from the 1960s reflects the era of its origins--- and stands apart in a world of its own. AND: The PanoMaticLunar XL gets a new look in 2010, with a galvanized matte gray dial and stainless steel case. Minimal, clean…AND timed on with the Caliber 90-02 automatic movement. NICE TOUCH: Its finely finished elements, the three-quarter plate, swan-neck fine adjustment, Glashütte ribbing and sunburst decoration, characteristic of the fine art of mechanical watch making at Glashütte Original, are clearly visible through a sapphire crystal caseback. Frankly, we prefer men’s watches…and would wear either of the above...

“WE OWN WARMTH” Outdoor Retailer, Salt Lake City, UTAH Words/Images Judith Ecochard Well, we did come off as a tad whine-y in our reply e-mail--- when we made an appointment with Columbia Sportswear…a premier outdoor performance wear/footwear brand. BECAUSE: The rechargeable battery Bugathermo heated boot for men that launched in August 2009---with custom settings, Omni-Tech® (waterproof), Omni-Grip® (multi-terrain traction) and Techlite™ (lightweight performance that’s also shock absorbing and stabile) …just seemed more suited to our needs than the female equivalent…the Snow Hottie™ …that’s perfectly urban friendly stylish…but we need the heat in the backwoods! WELL: We were dazzled with the new attire and kickers set- to launch in the mid-summer…all designed to keep humans warm…even gals like us with no body heat to trap in a manner of speaking…we need it as an added feature. WHAT: OM...

We just saw Scarlett Johansson in Arthur Miller's "A View From A Bridge"...with one of our fav Liev Schreiber... ...and she did okay! Another role...as the face/body of Spanish label Mango , a hip and affordable line of attire and accessories for edgy urban gals/guys...in the Spring/Summer campaign 2010 dubbed "retro-marine." We think she looks great...in the pics by Mario Sorrenti... and hairstyling and make-up--- by Bob Recine and Stéphane Marais, respectively.

In Our Inbox... By CUSTO DALMAU...a lush collection of graphics based around figurative, dreamlike and surreal images like jewels, diamonds, lips, perfume bottles, butterflies and feathers. Colors of gemstones, with intricate textile applications.

Honorable David Dinkins and Fay Ann Lee January 26 th , 2010 - Asia Society 725 Park Avenue, NYC Words - Judith Ecochard Images J. Ecochard and Courtesy of Patrick McMullan A packed and well-dressed mix of celebs, Kathleen Turner in Shanghai Tang ...politicos, actors and accomplished attendees turned out for the Big Apple opening of the romantic movie, “Falling From Grace.” IMG's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week's Fern Mallis about to say hello... We were very impressed with the mash-up of NY types as the film itself, is a reflection of how citizens hailing from various ethnic backgrounds mesh in love and work, conjuring up the similarities and striking cultural differences…in a comedic and dramatic way that grabs. Actor Gale Harold Mugs for the camera PLUS: Director, writer, and actress Fay Ann Lee conjured up “Falling For Grace” ----including distributing it herself (wow) as a proactive response to the lack of good roles for Asian American actors. Actor Clem Cheug & Frien...

Sustainable urban+outdoor apparel - integrated designs for the modern mobile life. Outdoor Retailer Fall/Winter 2010, Salt Lake City, UTAH Words, Images Judith Ecochard NAU is an ideal apparel line for our lifestyle--- (and no, we don’t get freebies). WHY: The multifaceted, minimalist and modern attire under the NAU label are stylishly urban sleek but have all the technical features that we expect from most of our performance wear that we swath on ourselves when pursuing challenging outdoor activities. Sustainable textiles (i.e. certified organic cotton, recycled poly ) are extensively used and the manufacturing process itself incorporates true environmental practices/awareness. There are many, many active wear labels bumping up the style quota via color choices, fabric selections that allow for flattering silhouettes, and multi-use functionality. And the outdoor industry is a leader...

All the creative and STYLISH designs we saw…to answer the challenge to churn up a fashionable and versatile piece for gals…that can seamlessly go from rural mountain tops to urban streets… ...were truly fabulous. We would wear them all--- and are sure we would get boatloads of approving comments from the New York Fashion Week crowd we will soon mingle with. No doubt, all the contestants will be getting a bunch of valuable contacts via their efforts. But this 2 day competition, modeled on the Project Runway drama on Lifetime Televison…did have a winner…. Faith Anderson , a ( happy ) design student from Philadelphia University. We admired the architectural lines and slim, flattering silhouette (fitted waist) of Anderson's insulated outerwear jacket, "Pretty Straight." Plus--- the dramatic high collar and removable hood ward off the elements as do the fabric choices… a Cordura nylon outer layer, glow-in-the-dark...

FLEXIBLE AND DURABLE TENTS FOR CONFIDENCE ON THE GO Outdoor Retailer Fall/Winter 2010 Salt Lake City, UTAH Words, Images Judith Ecochard A tip from a bunch of military guys, shopping the show for the Special Forces…gave us the impetus to check out NEMO®…a small (we were told -12 peeps!!!!!!!) New England based company that produces “the tents all the other companies are checking out.” Up and Away...suspended from the ceiling... We got a quick look -see the last day…and noticed that a Nemo’s “Tenshi” two person, all mountain tent was anointed “Editor’s Choice…” by the very respected Backcountry Magazine (MSRP $649). And Nemo also got the nod from Backpacker Magazine. WHAT’s SO COOL: NEMO’s AIR SUPPORTED TECHNOLOGY® (and we are quoting straight from the catalogue): “…is a system of low pressure inflatable tubes, which we call airbeams, and lightweight pumps that provide a high performance alternative to traditional poles. Airbeams are made of two layers like a bicycle tube and tire. A...

“Enduring Comfort” for Casual Needs Outdoor Retailer Fall/Winter 2010 Salt Lake City, UTAH Words, Images Judith Ecochard There is a reason we review so many sock lines…because if our feet are cold or clammy…our day is RUINED. And what covers our peds can make all the difference. We made the acquaintance of a 100 year old brand Bridgedale, a company with a history of production in Newtownards, near Belfast in Northern Ireland…on the last day of the massive tradeshow, Outdoor Retailer. What got our eyeballs immediately was the number of ‘task’ and gender specific—performance fit socks …meaning day hiking, back packing/trekking, multisport etc. for men and women. What’s new for Fall 2010 (ships this summer) are the pretty snazzy line of bamboo/Cool max® super comfy, moisture wicking line of casual wear socks for gals on the go. Crew height, the sock were tested out in the South Africa (where Bridgedale has a factory) and are specially knitted (specific fit) to stretch, support and breath...