LYRA MAG.

Summer Beauty 2007 – MAC style MAC Cosmetics debuts two luminous faces for summer aptly named, “Strange Hybrid” and “Moonbathe”. Text, Vivian G. Kelly Images, Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics We have MAC to thank for getting us into the swing of summer with two new collections of luminous colors. “Strange Hybrid” brings to mind fields of flowers, and “Moonbathe” reminds us of solar eclipses and summer evenings strolling down the beach by the light of the moon. Below, Luc Bouchard, a Senior Artist for MAC Cosmetics and member of the M.A.C Pro Team , gives step-by-step instructions on how to apply the key products in each collection. He even provided a face chart for each look; making it a cinch to recreate these warm weather looks at home. First though, he walks us through how to create the perfect canvas on which to apply these great new colors. Says Mr. Bouchard: “the key to a beautiful summer look is to keep it transparent and fresh. A modern bronzed look has to be a bit more urba...

Everyday Earth Day Finds Text by J. Ecochard The ‘Green’ movement has gone mainstream...as the crowd of fashion designers, cosmetics companies, and even hedge fund/venture capital types pile on the eco-gravy train. Though so called “natural” products can be as synthetically chemical as ever, there are truly organic clothing and body treatment goodies that manage to be just as stylish and effective as their toxic counterparts. So fashionistas and beauty gourmands can celebrate Earth Day 2007 (April 22) and indulge the senses with a clear conscious -without a hint of compromise to their exacting standards of chic and luxe. Love the denim but shudder at thought of all the pounds of chemicals draining into fresh waters…all in the name of a trendy dark wash rinse? A portion of socially conscious label Edun's collection of sleek jeans, hip jackets and T’s to live in forever, from designers Ali Hewson (Bono’s wife) and Rogan Gregory , are made of organic cotton while providing econ...

Found! A luscious new handbag line at LA Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Smashbox Studios, Culver City, CA. La Chica Chic Brazilian Bags & Belts Text by Vivian G. Kelly Photographs courtesy of Cristiane Valdez, La Chica Chic “La Chica Chic’s concept, explains founder and designer, Cristiane Valdez, is that it is a quintessentially Brazilian line of handbags, belts, and accessories.” I met with the vivacious designer while touring the Designer Suites at LA Fashion Week. I was on my way to the Rene Furterer [Parisian essential hair care line] table but resolved to return later, drawn by the metallic gold “Fru Fru” bag on display and the designer’s effervescent personality. The rest of the bags in the booth were boldly flirtatious and very Brazilian in spirit. Hours later, Ms. Valdez was still energetic after two straight days on her feet. She filled us in about the line she has dedicated her life to for the past five years.A native Brazilian, originally from Sao Paulo Brazil,sh...

Isaac Mizrahi Fall 2007 –Menswear Timestamp: April 10, 2007 New York City Text and photos by J. Ecochard The tagline… “What becomes a legend most?”… is a memorable advertising ditty that poses an apt question. With reference to fashion designers, who will succeed-and how does one quantify success? Is it strictly defined by financials, number of licensed goods or points of distribution? Does the frequency of Red Carpet garb appearances on celeb bodies count? Isaac Mizrahi, by any of the aforementioned measures…is the fashion equivalent of a a grand slam, home run and embodies one of America’s finest comeback stories. Cool, hip designer launching inexpensive quality line at ubiquitous chain store ( Target )-check. Posh women’s custom tailored eveningwear line in NY’s premier luxury store ( Bergdorf Goodman ) -check. Isaac’s Style Book, a glossy how-to magazine plus fun, fun, fun cable TV schmooze fest gab show ( Style Network )-check. Website featuring affordable, feminine daywear (...

VPL Fall 2007 Text and photographs by J. Ecochard Former lingerie designer Victoria Bartlett turned out a well-constructed complete line of fall ready-to-wear, military inspired garb for women on the go …or on the march so to speak. Inspired by the modern suffragists movement dating back to the mid 19th century, the runway looks were decidedly this century with easy to wear jersey wools tops in army green, charcoal black or gunmetal gray paired with slouchy wool pants, warm leggings, petal hemmed fluid jersey wool skirts, fitted wool tunics, cropped capes, and jackets with utilitarian pockets, draw string closures and military epergnes. Best of all perhaps, were the fabulous plush oversized leather bags and leather boots and wedge, stacked heel shoes designed with cobbler Jean-Michel Cazabat. And in an ode to Lisa Silva of NY’s Guardian Angels…black berets gave a revolutionary nod to the times’ that are a changing. Click here for VPL Posted and Edited by J. Ecochard

Text by Vivian G. Kelly Photographs by J. Ecochard What: Neiman Marcus’ Spring 2007 accessories press preview Where: The penthouse at the Chambers’ Hotel, West 56th Street, NYC Why: Because we always want to know what the best accessories are! And, Sandra, Ken, and Mark always get it right. Neiman’s Accessories Director, Sandra Wilson, and Fashion Director, Ken Downing, led us through an Ali Baba’s cave of the best accessories they culled from their travels. Thanks to them, their customers have a highly edited choice of the latest trend pieces to choose from, season after season. As usual, Mark Lundeen, who is responsible for helping choose those wonderful bags in the Contemporary Department we all crave season after season, was in attendance as well. Said Mr. Downing, ““It’s the season of the dress, what’s new is wearing the flat with it. As it is a season of shine, we suggest bags in patent, and clear PVC and metallic being led by silver, first and foremost. You...

A visit with Marketing Manager, Kim Harlan at the Red Engine Jeans booth. Timestamp: March 21, 2007 at the Design Suites, behind the tents at LA Fashion Week, Smashbox Studios, Culver City, CA. By Vivian G. Kelly Photographs courtesy of Red Engine Jeans The Design Suites were a most welcome addition to LA's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week this season. The mini tent housed a number of accessory, beauty and fashion designers most notably: La Chica Chic [Brazilian handbags], Mark Nason [luxury rock and roll boots], Rene Furterer [French haircare products] Crimes and Misdemeanors [sixties’ inspired dresses with a modern twist] and RED ENGINE JEANS. There are so many designer jeans lines today that it’s hard to find a point of differentiation between them. The Red Engine Jeans company caught my interest because in a time where it seems everything is made in China [or Italy or Turkey, if you're lucky] these designer jeans are actually made in LA. They are conceived, created, cut, sewn...