LYRA MAG.

Text, J. Ecochard + Caro Marketing Images from Bordeaux At the recent ENK show-we managed to make a quick pit stop on Pier 94 where the household names in denim and contemporary wear ruled the roost. And right before the massive passenger elevator, we came to a screeching stop at the Bordeaux display...a line founded by CEO/Creative Director, Ardy Raminfar , who’s inspiration is: “Bordeaux is not for everyone.” We don’t know about that-except positioning Bordeaux as an upscale brand….ya know, like the vino. Because the garb comes in wide ranging sizes that could fit every gal on the planet We think the collection appealingly works…and so were not surprised to get this release from Caro Marketing—which we quote from extensively: “ May 16, 2008 – “I don't have any sort of great little summer dress," Ms. Paltrow once told Vogue magazine during an interview. It seems the Academy Award-winning actress and young mother found what she has been looking for in Bordeaux’s Summer 2008 ...

A WELCOME WARM-UP TO A BEAUTY EVENT FOR MAKE-UP ARTISTS AND SPECIAL EFFECTS’ MASTERS PART I – The ORGANIZERS Text, Images by Judith Ecochard and courtesy of THE MAKEUP SHOW Saturday May 17th, Metropolitan Pavilion, NYC The Powder Group ’s Makeup Show adds to our notion of Heaven on Earth . We love make-up …the creativity, the new technology that’s revolutionized the formulations and application techniques, the artists in the biz--- the ability to help individuals “own their looks… and find what works for them.” In its third season, The MAKEUP SHOW is a professional gathering of vendors and make-up artists, exchanging ideas, testing out the latest gizmos, attending hands on, educational classes and instructive seminars helmed by the legendary names ( Sandra Linter! Sharon Gault! ) -and of course, taking advantage of that pros-only discount! Brand new for the show’s press outreach effort- is a Bloggers Preview- organized by the tireless founder/guru of the show, the energetic Michael De...

Time/Place: May 2008, the Penthouse @ the Chambers Hotel, West 56th Street, New York, City Text, Vivian G. Kelly Images from preview, J. Ecochard and Richard Spiegel Image of Lanvin Fall 2008 runway show, courtesy of Lanvin Image of Grace Kelly, a still from “To Catch A Thief” According to SANDRA WILSON, NEIMAN MARCUS’ ACCESSORIES DIRECTOR “THE WORD TO WATCH FOR FALL 2008 IS GLAMOUR. We saw a very modern, simple sophisticated and feminine look going down the runway.” In the background on the flat screen TV the stylish Fifties classic, TO CATCH A THIEF played on, a nice touch. Grace Kelly, as she appeared in this film, epitomized classic glamour. While there weren’t the eye-popping pieces of seasons past [Balenciaga’s sporty crayola colored sandal or Prada’s molded floral heel pump] there was plenty to like. Sometimes classic glamour is just the thing, there’s comfort to be taken from gorgeous timeless pieces like the ones Neiman’s showed during the topsy-turvy economy we’re presently i...

MONICA BYRNE, SMOKE AND MIRRORS, HENRY DUARTE, N4, K.Z.O., HYDEN YOO, MELISSA MC CLURE, CALLEEN CORDERO Fall and Holiday 2008 -May 14th Louis Fèraud Showroom, Seventh Avenue Text, Images by J. Ecochard We’ve been huge fans of Monica Byrne - aka fashion designer and- great lady-for several seasons now. A chance to preview her elegant largely evening collection at the Louis Feraud showroom in midtown-as part of a showroom event staged by the LA based Evolutionary Media Group- was a welcome invite. Byrne’s impeccable tailoring skills -bias seams, pleating, hand beaded and sequins trims, clever side seamed pockets à la Oscar de la Renta, sensuous sheaths--in a colorful selection of luxe jewel tone fabrics and feathers (big everywhere for Fall) are highlights of a very wearable and sophisticated collection. (Available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Ultimo- Chicago, Jimmy’s-NYC etc) PRINT EDITORIAL FAVORITE: The blinging “Josephine Metal Encrusted Slip Dress” gives chain mail a new outlet. It weig...

Text, Vivian G. Kelly Images, Dan Lecca, Courtesy of Lori Diamond Public Relations TIME & PLACE: April 2008, Bridal Fashion Week at the Intercontinental Barclay Hotel, 111 East 48th Street. An Amy Winehouse soundtrack made for an interesting contrast to the huge chandeliers in the Astor II’s gold and brown ballroom. Such was the backdrop for designer CHRIS KOLE’S cotton couture presentation, which enjoyed the support of COTTON INCORPORATED. This collection, the first in the US created around natural cotton and linen fabrics, made for a fresher, lighter collection than the usual bridal attire. Cotton moves differently than the typically weightier organzas, lace overlays and heavy duchess satin and silks used presented by other designers. We liked the concept of using only cotton, it worked best in dresses and gowns that had a little more structure to them and overlay detailing such as the organic cotton strapless A-line gown with Antique beading on the bodice and as an antique hon...

EDITORIAL FASHION PREVIEW HITS THE RIGHT LOOKS FOR AUTUMNAL WARDROBES Macy’s Herald Square, May 14th 2007 Text, Images by J. Ecochard The largest department store in the world, Macy’s Herald Square flagship- is an All- American, 150 years' old icon . So- we were feeling a bit patriotic riding the elevator up to the lucky 13th floor for an editor’s preview of Fall 2008. The sparkling tableaux vivants (with mannequins-not live models) were spread out over four spacious rooms-each highlighting major retail themes (women’s/men’s clothing and accessories)… set to hit stores this summer. And the glorious wrapped terrace, elegantly furnished and catered (yum-espresso brownies) and site of a live photo-shoot- had us making a mental note to never miss a Macy’s preview again! Fall 2008 Women’s It was nice to meet Nicole Fischelis , Vice President/ Fashion Director of Women’s Ready –To-Wear of Macy’s newly established Fashion Office. We feel her hard work that included sourcing gazillions of...