LYRA MAG.

O ff The Runway Influences: Those catwalk and presentation shows that cobble up 6-8 weeks of media coverage-two times a year-serve as indicators for what's trending-in many different industries. True...many companies subscribe to the same color forecasters...but also- it's creative visual types-who are smart thoughtful, insightful and arty ...soak up inspirations from many areas. Travel, art exhibits, a book, a political awakening (movement)...sparks can ignite from within and in reaction to outside stimulation. PART ONE: Clean+Polished+Beautiful Plenty of not a hair out of place polished tresses-notable long hair extensions and down the back braids-parted in the middle low ponytails--- and clean makeup seen from big designer runway shows to smaller presentations. Paola Hernandez -beautiful knitwear/women's wear presentation-featuring Elisa Monte dancers-hair by Cutler, MAC makeup-was flawless. LOVE-modern clean hair-off the face-focus on a classic weara...

Merkin Hall, NYC The last snowstorm (ha) of early 2015 couldn't keep the faithful away from celebrating what we consider to be the best in digital campaigns anywhere…courtesy of the fashion industry…which included apparel, footwear and accessories. Host with a comedic edit function-Robert Verdi…streams us all... Saying negative stuff = about that segment of the workforce…is a pastime for many-(not as as bad as politicians OKAY)---but even naysayers have to acknowledge--- the fashion industry sets a super high bar when it comes to social media savviness-effective marketing and ways to creatively tell and sell a brand's story-whether that brand is a company, an object or a person (objectified, or not). gather consumer data via touch screen applications-smart real time inventory management too No surprises at the winners-including the label (and person) Rebecca Minkoff who has a buzzed about downtown interactive store where dressing room mirrors are touch scree...

In Our Inbox---e-commerce retailers take note---smart smart smart, imo! This Fashion Week,  American Express  with  Rebecca Minkoff  brought the popular live + digital event series  “American Express UNSTAGED”  to the tents of Mercedes - Benz   Fashion Week! For the first time,  American Express  brought an industry show to consumers at the  Rebecca Minkoff Spring 2014 runway show  set to the music of Janelle Monáe and hosted by Kelly Osbourne of E! Fashion Police. The memorable event was live streamed for fans across the globe at  RebeccaMinkoff.com  with additional exclusive content available on  www.amexunstaged.com . To complement this unique partnership with Rebecca Minkoff, American Express is offering fashion-loving Card Members the opportunity to buy a specially priced  Rebecca Minkoff Craig Camera Handbag in Plum ! American Express Card Members can tweet  #BuyRMinkoffBag ...

Intrepid,  Sea, Air& Space Museum , West Side Highway/46th Street/NYC The 35th annual American Apparel Footwear Association 's (AAFA) Image Awards paid tribute first and foremost to the men and women in our armed services ...past and present...with the record evening's proceeds ($1.3 million+) ---benefiting the charity partner, Wounded Warriors. the Intrepid-a decommissioned battleship-now an amazing museum ... honors its fallen heroes This event is always memorably incredible---and this year's tribute to celebrate the "exemplary leadership, innovation and outstanding achievement in all sectors of the apparel and footwear industries forward-from education to design, to manufacturing and retailing..." was also a poignant reminder how much this industry is so intricately connected with our military...outfitting our troops from head to toe in mandated-  Made In America  life-saving uniforms, protective/durable footwear and gear. several loca...