LYRA MAG.

Text & Images, Vivian G. Kelly Time & Place: Wednesday night, November 19, 2008, the Agatha Ruiz de la Prada store at 135 Wooster Street, downtown Manhattan THE INSPIRATION: “Las Meninas” Spanish painter, Velazquez’s masterpiece, of the solemn blonde Infanta Margarita [daughter of King Phillip IV], trapped in a stiff costume, surrounded by her faithful attendants. WHY: The party was held in honor of one of a kind capsule collection Ms. de la Prada designed for F.I.T. Our favorite dress, and one our friend and guest, Molly Sutter of Limelight Ltd., ordered on the spot, was photographed and ran in WWD. The baby pink strapless with astonishing tulle detailing fulfills any mother’s fantasy of being a prima ballerina or the belle of the ball. THE CROWD: It was like being in Spain, with all of the Spanish being spoken. A famous face, Belem Hudson in attendance wearing a blue Agatha Ruiz de la Prada. PR maven, LISA SILHANEK, who looked great in a hot pink and orange de la Prada swea...

THE GREEN GALLERY-SHOWCASE FOR ECO GIFTS Words, Images by Judith Ecochard and from company websites Agent Red International Showroom, Garment Center- NYC The Gallery Los Angeles Eco Relations and Marketing recently hosted a Big Apple version of the Green Gallery…a showcase of eco fashion and accessories. Our time being limited, we zeroed in on two collections that we think are ‘fresh.’ ELLA VICKERS-RECYCLED SAILCLOTH COLLECTION Ahoy Mates. Eco-friendly and handcrafted in the USA, Ella Vickers an urban and sea-chic collection of functional messenger totes, padded Captains briefcase bags, wristlets, diaper bags Spinnaker Shower Curtains, and ocean durable duffel bags etc. made from crisp white Dacron Sailcloth and hi-performance Kevlar Sailcloth. Standing by her motto “ green is the new black ” the former first mate on an American Cup winner, Vickers launched her eponymous hauler line several years ago. Constructed from discarded sails and completed with marine grade components…each bag...

Men, in general, covet the practical, gift-wise. That’s why Sears Craftman’s tool sets, electric drills, and car gadgets are such popular offerings for special occasions. We think this realistic retail approach is a “wise investment” for wannabe Santas. Our pick: The leather goods company of Andrew Marc has two classic styles for guys that will last a lifetime. A banded collar motorcross jacket ($695) is a keeper whether a man is a Rebel Without A Cause (James Dean) or skews more towards an aspiring George Cloooney. Another masculine option is a black top coat with a nifty attached vest. ($795). Casual Cool has never looked so good. INFO: ANDREW MARC Words, Judith Ecochard, Images courtesy of Andrew Marc

WHERE: Thompson Hotel -NYC WHEN: Thursday, Nov 20th, 4pm to 9pm and on Friday, Nov 21st, 10am to 1pm WHAT: The 2nd Supima Emerging Designer Competition in New York for Supima®, the world’s finest cotton is looking forward to igniting creativity and supporting the fashion industry’s emerging talent, at time when there is a lot of uncertainly due to the economy. During this Open Call- for the selected 25 designers, Supima will be reviewing portfolios and garments from young talented fashion students, designers starting out in their career as well as seasoned designers all eager to showcase their work in a live runway show January 14th Gotham Hall... for an audience of buyers, editors, retailers and other industry heavyweights. INFO WEBSITE FOR DETAILS : SUPIMA.ORG THE JUDGES: Patrick Groenendaal , VP Design / Creative Director, Hampshire Group Glen Hoffs , Men’s Design Director, Brooks Brothers David Leung teaches design at Parsons and at the Kent State Program Lisa Santand...

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SHOES FOR EVERYDAY, EVERYWHERE Words, Images Judith Ecochard EX OFFICIO is a Latin term meaning " by virtue of office or position .” We are sure there is some connection between said definition and this Washington State based Technical, Outdoor, Hiking and Adventure clothing line. But we don’t get it. What we do ‘get’ is that the durable, easy clean Ex Officio BUZZ OFF Insect Shield Repellent apparel - that we lived in during a long stay in Africa…actually worked as billed. Mercifully . No surprise then- that we were eager to preview their new line of kickers for guys and gals…set to hit retail shelves in November ‘08 and March ’09 - respectively. We figured the new gear emerged from the same philosophy as Ex Officio’s technical travel clothing - that each item has to “be wearable for three occasions.” Because really, wouldn’t it be great to just need to pack one or two pairs of shoes in our carry-ons. To get off on the good foot - in a manner of speaking…wit...

Text, Vivian G. Kelly Images, Richard Spiegel Time & Place: Nearly 12 noon, Sunday of NY Bridal Week “This season, I was inspired by pictures of Grace Kelly on her wedding day. I wanted to capture the regal beauty that she exuded. I also wanted to take the collection back to a traditional time. Over the top luxury but in a subtle way.” MONIQUE LHUILLIER - We almost decided to call it a day after this show. The euphoria we felt after her show was not unlike the experience we have every season at a Ralph Rucci show. When something is this good, best not to spoil the moment by seeing anything else that won’t measure up. The retailer next to us was in agreement. THE THEME: Regally beautiful, as in Grace Kelly. VEILS: If you are hankering to wear one of these, they look perfectly apropos to the lovely strapless creations. There was also a teardrop back stunner in floral lace with a v-front in a design that was unmistakably RTW [Ready to Wear]. DETAILING There was some skillful folding t...

Text, Vivian G. Kelly Images, Courtesy of the Anderson Group Public Relations No woman welcomes “that time of the month”. We’ve had to make the walk to the bathroom secreting a Tampax in the sleeve of a cashmere sweater too many times. How about that time you swore you had left one or two Tampax in the glove compartment of your car and once you finally located it, the packaged was ripped and it was totally unusable? THE SOLUTION: Suzanne’s Fem Tote We discovered these while attending bridal designer ROMONA KEVEZA’S latest presentation. The model we saw there was a sparkly one that was right for black tie occasions. WHAT EXACTLY ARE THESE TOTES? They’re feminine product travel cases that look like an expensive cosmetics case, or even an evening bag. Unlike a regular old clutch, these cases have secured compartments made expressly for tampons, pads, and prepackaged hygiene wipes. There’s even an additional pair of panties for an unexpected emergency. WHAT THEY’RE MADE OF: A wide variet...