LYRA MAG.

Narciso Rodriguez Men's Fragrance By J. Ecochard Master of minimalist seamed fashion Narciso Rodriguez- is gearing up for a (no doubt) fly off the shelves launch of his complex, heady men’s fragrance line, aptly titled for him . Though the official debut at Saks Fifth Avenue is not until October...the overall two-year development process is understandable, given the depth and originality of la odeur -a swoon inducing mix of exotic Egyptian musk oil and patchouli, aromatic violet and lavender, sensual amber and spicy pink peppercorn (by celebrated perfumer Francis Kurkdjian ). This is a unique, virile aroma made for grown-ups (think Clive Owen in Croupier … though he's already 'taken' by another brand). Plus for for him is not a light-hearted masculine version of Narciso's luscious ladies’ scent, for her . Accordingly, the packaging is striking... cleverly made from clear and smoky gray glass that is tinted from the inside (inspired by Chinese snuff bottles...

NEIMAN MARCUS FALL 2007 ACCESSORIES PREVIEW: OBJECTS TO COVET Text by Vivian G. Kelly, with contributions by J. Ecochard Photographs by J. Ecochard, Richard Spiegel TIMESTAMP: Tuesday, May 8, 2007 WHAT: NEIMAN’S BI-ANNUAL ACCESSORIES PREVIEW THE PLACE: MIDTOWN MANHATTAN IN THE QUIETLY LUXURIOUS CHAMBERS HOTEL LED BY: KENNETH J. DOWNING, Senior Vice President, Fashion Director for Neiman Marcus. As his title implies, Ken sets the direction for the store after attending countless fashion shows around the world every season. We love him [and Neiman’s Accessory Director, SANDRA WILSON who was also on hand] for their eagle eyes in identifying and translating the season’s trends in a wearable way. Ken and Sandra and the rest of the Neiman Fashion and Buying Team are merchants who appreciate the art form of fine design, a rare quality in a retailer. The pieces on display in the penthouse represented the best of the latest trends as they’re all exciting, wearable and have that bit o...

Text-Written/Edited and Photos by J. Ecochard The new trends in beauty, like those detected on the Fall 2007 fashion runways, are geared towards a more sophisticated customer... with less over-the-top glittery frills ... but with more polished panache for around the clock wear. At the annual trade show, The Make-up Show NYC 2007 , (sponsored by beauty innovators - The Powder Group ), the latest, multi-tasking beauty products soon to appear on retail shelves… did double duty as either skin care treatments -or as tools to mitigate the microscopic effects of HD television. And yes, the goods really do work to neutralize the march of time, dermis-wise, like wrinkles, blotchy, uneven tone and sagging skin. Two minerals based make-up lines, Iredale Mineral Cosmetics and Color FX , offered 100% pure, talc and scent free, anti-inflammatory mineral powder foundations in assorted global shades. They offer great coverage for all skin types, an SPF 18 or SPF 15 ‘natural’ UVB and UVA sunblock...

Or Just Another Excuse To Shop Text by J. Ecochard Dating back to the birth of Hallmark, the gift-giving American tradition…of conjuring up a celebratory day... is still going strong. Quel surprise! But even if you are not a mother…you can indulge a bit on May 13th. After all, owning a pet (or pet rock) and being a female qualifies. For the arty types who turn up their noses at mass production, online boutique The Nomad Eye proffers one of a kind hand crafted jewelry, clothing and accessories with a modern style. Or if mom bemoans her boring wall space –an altered digital image, with vibrant splashes of red, by French artist Cyrille Margarit adds pizazz to empty expanses. www.artman-agency.com Tired of watching mom’s archeological search for her MP3 buried deep in her bag? Adorable, shimmery gold metallic quilted cases from Fashion Nation should eliminate the search. Or snag a pair of fit anywhere, rainbow colored star speakers to attach for pump up the volume accoustics. www....

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...