LYRA MAG.

Timestamp: Monday, October 15, 2007 Text, Vivian G. Kelly Image, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz The E320 Bluetec has the honor of being the “First clean Diesel in CA” as we learned at a press conference at Smashbox Studios headed by Ernst Lieb, President and CEO for Mercedes-Benz USA. Apparently the Governor – that would be Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger agrees. He sent MB a congratulatory letter of support sanctioning the E320. MB has been making diesels since the 1036 when they debuted the 260D. Diesel vehicles attained popularity, a big plus being their long lifespan. On the minus column was their annoying lack of acceleration and a smoky exhaust. These problems caused the diesel passenger car to fall out of fashion. As in the world of fashion, cars too can be cyclical in terms of popularity. Thanks to Mercedes Benz’ initiatives, the diesel is back in vogue. The new E320 does away with past problems; it reduces fuel consumption AND has passed California’s stringent emission standards...

Photos and Text by J. Ecochard Although the pace of New York's Fashion Week never let up...as a major upcoming religious holiday kept things on deadline...there was a lot of WAITING , once models, press, make-up artists, dressers etc, arrived at their destination. That's just part of the biz...and alot of other businesses too. IMHO-Everyone needs to stop whining! Hangin' Out Waiting For Runway Test Drive- Lacoste Backstage, Bryant Park Tents Newcomer to the runway Ghita (but already sold in hipster boutiques like Intermix and Ron Herman) was a hit... with tastefully, sexy dresses in shiny metallics, sunny yellow, cloud white and acqua sea blues. Accessories like the chunky lucite bracelets and strappy white patent leather ankle booties completed the outfits that are destined for the chicettes frequenting the upscale beachy towns and marinas. Alex Wek gets a not really needed touch-up backstage while another runway lass simply glows- at Ports 1961 , Bryant Park Tents. Bac...

Text, Vivian G. Kelly Images of Jessica Alba, flynetonline.com, courtesy of Williamson P.R. Image of Tierney Bag, courtesy of Williamson P.R. Ms. Brueckner’s bags are more than on Jessica Alba’s radar screen – she’s already been sighted wearing one. It’s a refreshing to see something fresh and new on a celebrity. Ms. Alba is one of today’s most photographed starlets and we commend her for wearing something OTHER than a safe Balenciaga, Chloe or Vuitton “it” bag. While the former are indisputably great bags, they’ve lost some cachet by virtue that seemingly every fashion loving woman is toting one [or a made in China copy]. Ms. Brueckner’s new to the high stakes game of it bags; she only launched in spring 2006, but this celebrity sighting puts her in the game. So, what makes this bag different/exciting enough for a high-profile starlet to wear? Distinguishing characteristics of Andrea Brueckner’s bags: -structured ease -atypical stitching -natural tones The Tierney was inspired b...

Miss Sixty Misses THE Scene Text and Photos by J. Ecochard By now, FOH (front of house) commentaries on the major Spring 2008 Runway shows have been slathered all over the media universe. But we LOVE and learn more-from the behind the scenes/backstage world. It’s chance to see the clothes as people wear them, meaning not flowing pieces of cloth on unbelievably gorgeous models strutting down runways, but as garbs folded and fitted on bodies that are sitting down, slouching and just plain hanging out, checking Blackberries. Plus, seeing the first looks on models in the daylight…as they grab a quick smoke/drink, waiting for the shows to start…is also an eye-opener and functioning reality check. And it’s always great to see the 'veterans' relaxing and being made up, layer-by-layer…as if, they really needed it. Trust us, underneath all the Spackle; they really do look better than the average human. BUT hey, they’re supposed to…they’re models! At Van Cleef's Jewelery Soireé...m...