LYRA MAG.

Editor’s Preview-Flatiron District, NYC Words, Images Judith Ecochard Colorful graffiti graphics, eye catching hardware and performance details that are typical of hard core snowboard gear was on display recently in NYC last week. We thought that most editorial attendees probably got the closet experience to being on a mountain trooping up and down the subway steps--- …but there was enough of the cool factor on display…that their readers will wear this outerwear, whether hitting the slopes or the streets. WHAT: Olympic winner skier Sarah Burke ’s line with ROXY ---with gold and gun metal gray thick link chains and studs on feminine colors---are outstanding.  She swore to us she skied in this…and actually sees some boarding halfpipe action too...so these jackets and pants perform. We wipe out so much, we would be concerned about the hard metal giving us a bruise on a grueling face-plant. But snazzy…absolutely...and the saturat...

FFANY-NYC Words, Images Judith Ecochard Gentlemen who frequent high-end resorts, attired in contemporary classic personal attire that demands elegant kickers… ---inspires the new collections for Magnanni, a luxury European brand of casual and formal shoes. A family controlled business for three generations, Magnanni previewed select styles brought over from the small city of Almansa, Spain where the company owned factory/business is based. Details---including tassels, ribbons...weaves and perforations... --- and the rich patina of hand-burnished details were the standout characteristics that grabbed us, at once. Of special note is the insistence on crafting the footwear in the Bologna Construction method, a complex, labor intensive endeavor----that wraps around one piece of leather around one’s feet --- for the ultimate, glove like fit. Of course, sourcing materials that fulfill the demands of the aforementioned process is more costly…especially exotic leathers...

REEBOK SPORTS CLUB, Rockefeller Center, NYC BREAKTHOUGH TECHNOLOGY-DESIGN FOR MORE POWER, ACCURACY, PROTECTION AND CONTROL PT dome Indoor Like all passionate activists, soccer fanatics are very VERY particular about their attire and equipment. And in this sport, the shoes matter BIG TIME. Athletes’ abilities to play well ‘on any given Sunday’ is dependent on the feel of the shoe and the confidence that goes with knowledge of what added plus (+)- a ped covering can add --- ---factoring in skill levels… … and as a team sport, on their abilities to work cohesively together and maybe like each other… ( Les Bleus -the French team at the World Cup=NOT- Errrr - NON!). Tech breakthroughs, always have their early adopters…but when it comes to sporting goods equipment, we’ve noticed that without the major star power, it tough for a small company to serve up a smash hit from a word of mouth support- a groundswell of hallelujahs--without a major star athlete’s s...

PLAZA HOTEL NYC Words, Images of Backstage/Show Judith Ecochard Entering the Plaza Hotel always makes us want to stand up a bit straighter. There is something about its elegance and stately structure, jean clad tourists not withstanding…that oozes posh. Douglas Hannant seems made for resort…as his client base probably takes the long winter sojourns that require this attire.  But also, resort or pre-spring fills retailers demands for new merchandise in these days of lean inventory and customers used to seeing fresh merch every six weeks. We popped backstage just prior to the show to take in the terrific 1960’s hairdos by Edward Tricomi …classic locks with a twist--- straight, shiny and glam. In fact, a Slim Aarons photo of the Richard Neutra designed, Edgar J. Kaufman House inspired the RTW looks. Source- PHOTOGRAPHERS GALLERY And so, it was Pa...