LYRA MAG.

Outdoor Retailer, SLC SUUNTO & TIMEX words/images judith ecochard There are people...and then there are watch people. We know guys that have watch wardrobes that rival any stiletto struttin' fashionista Manolo fanatic. That includes the men (and women too)--- who are all about the performance/technical aspects of a timepiece---that really is a computer latched onto one's wrist. As opposed to those carrying their gigabit enriched screen devices...and nixing the wrist thing altogether. Anyone who scuba dives knows how a "watch" is really a life saving piece of equipment. SUUNTO---hailing from Finland, celebrated an anniversary (precisely)- with a new bold timepiece --- a CORE 75th ANNIVERSARY Edition digital watch that outdoor sports enthusiasts in mind. With an altimeter, barometer, altitude log, semi-automatic compass calculations, and compass functions built in...PLUS depth meter, and an audible storm alarm ...that sounds off after three hours of de...

Grand Hyatt, NYC Words/Images Judith Ecochard The American Apparel & Footwear Association 's annual American Image Awards ceremony is always an industry draw...with designers, retailers, media and business heavyweights coming together this year--- for an evening of a lot of laughs... Mark Weber, Donna Karan,Whoopi Goldberg Kevin Burke (l) AND of course, to pay tribute to honorees: The set by Ruben Toledo---should be donated to the Smithsonian Mark Weber-CEO of LMVH, Chaiman & CEO of Donna Karan Man of Year Neiman Marcus Retailer of the Year Ruben and Isabel Toledo Fashion Maverick William Rast Brand of the Year UGG Australia Footwear Brand of the Year David Koch Humanitarian Award AND to also donate 40% of the net proceeds from the evening to the Prostate Cancer Foundation Julia Koch and Robert Verdi Robert Verdi was a very quick witted host---full of wise/sly comments laced with well-timed comedic dose...

ACE HOTEL, NYC Lumberjacks in Manhattan Words/Images Judith Ecochard John Bartlett John Bartlett is one of menswear designer icons---and we were thrilled to hear bout his JOHN BARTLETT CONSENSUS (sportswear) and JOHN BARTLETT STATEMENTS (furnishings) brands for mass merchant Bon-Ton Stores. Designed for guys wanting a clean all-American fit, the presentation we saw at an Editors' preview ---had nice combo patterns and solids that fell into three categories...as Bartlett showed us--- Updated Ivy, with nice grown-up collegiate tailored pieces, classic argyle prints, charcoal slim suits with dress shirts and ties, duffel coats...  Military autumnal shades (rust, olive green, brown), with GI Joe details like epaulets and updated cargo /five pocket jeans. Makeup guy with back to camera---not that these dudes needed any --- and Lumberjack with great plaids, a yarn shawl collared cardigan and fair isle patter...

Grand Hyatt, NYC SHOE ALERT An industry powerhouse crowd of fashion industry people always dresses well---and largely in black, of course. A FLASH OF BRILLIANCE: We loved these Irregular Choice shoes on comedian/actress/tv host Whoppi Goldberg---who gave us lots of laughs delivering one the funniest intros to an awards winner(s) (the off the charts talented Isabel and Ruben Toledo)---ever. She brought them at the shoe label's downtown store ( 276 Lafayette Street New York, NY 10012-3304) ...commenting: "They're the best." Earns a salute from us. Mark Weber, CEO, LVMH Inc. Chairman and CEO Donna Karan International, Donna Karan and Whoopi Goldberg at the AMerican Image Awards

Outdoor Retailer, SLC Words/Images Judith Ecochard Talk about the “it” pants for the upcoming seasons… Khakis haven’t gotten so much fashion tongues wagging since those dancin’ Gap ads --- and the ubiquitous Dockers/casual Fridays phenom…but they’re back in vogue with that set ----with different fits (slim, flat front, military), cuffed or straight legs--- or the ultimate, we guess--- bespoke. The costs of that finery might cause a cackle or two for a whole host of humans that have always worn this durable American classic of cotton canvas/twill, itself a fashion statement inspired by the Brit’s Corps of Guide troops in India as the dusty tan uniform of choice to avoid sniper fire. Mountain Khakis, a Jackson Hole Wyoming based company got their take on this timeless rugged apparel ---100% right from the outset…with its Original Mountain Pant –made of proprietary 10.4 oz cotton canvas --- ...