Brown Packages

The bounty of goods we purchased in New York has started to arrive.  Today we received our first deliveries.  One of the things we opened was the wonderful HUGE vintage one-off Chanel poster we purchased along with some colourful fabrics.  I was suprised to see these things arriving so quickly.  I am looking forward to the next delivery of special things we went to the other side of the earth to find for our clients and customers.

Day 2 NYFW: Norman Ambrose says Hello to Old Hollywood

By Emily Ehlers

What:  Norman Ambrose Fall 2011 Presentation 

When: Friday, Feb., 11th, 1:30pn

Where: Lincoln Center, The Box

Norman Ambrose chose to reveal his fall 2011 collection as an up-close and personal presentation as opposed to the usual runway show, and it was obvious why! The detail was impeccable. The models looked flawless as they posed in platinum sequin gowns, silk double satin evening coats with dyed mink cuffs, and knit cashmere dresses. The hair styling by Bumble & Bumble and makeup by MAC completed the look with loose, sophisticated curls. So glam!

Day 2 NYFW: Venexiana Brings the Glam!

By Candace Cabrera Moore 

What: Venexiana Fall 2011 Collection

When: Friday Feb., 11th, 9pm

Where: Lincoln Center, The Studio

{Kati backstage before the show}

Designer Kati Stern informed us that her inspiration for the rock and roll glam fall '11 collection was fabrics. Backstage, she showed us a sparkly sheath and said, "I love to design but I don't have a particular favorite fabric." Her fall trend predictions? "I see a lot of leather, wool, tweed and plaid." To go along with the fall vibe, Tela hairstylists created what they dubbed "the French top hat" look which put a spin on the traditional French twist. Napoleon Perdis did the make up in a big way- extra long eyelashes and red lips were all the rage as the models strutted down the catwalk. Besides the grandeur of the hair and makeup, the looks themselves were beyond. With sixty-nine looks to feast our eyes upon, we were oohing and ahhing at every one that passed. The one that tugged at our hearts just a tad more than the others? A delicious brown fur coat that oozed luxe glam. We also saw lots of sparkly sheaths with trains and flouncy cocktail dresses with full skirts. We just love Venexiana!

Day 2 NYFW: Swoonin' over Farah Angsana

By Emily Ehlers

{the invite}

What: Farah Angsana Fall 2011 Ready-to-Wear Collection

When: Friday Feb., 11th, 12pm

Where: Lincoln Center, The Studio

Farah Angsana wowed the audience this morning at the Lincoln center with a combination of glitzy bead-embellished chiffon hand draped gowns, wool coats, and strappy heels. Gowns in royal blue, teal, scarlett, brown and black all had one thing in common aside from fluidity; beaded embroidery. Our favorite was the finale, a white silk crystal encrusted gown with feather and organza ruffles, along with a silver fox stole that had the entire audience in a standing ovation and someone saying to me, "could you imagine entering a dinner party in THAT? Everyone would be envious."

Overpacked

I seem to have a rather persistent problem when it comes to packing a suitcase and that is I completely overpack.  Every single time I just can't help myself and the worst thing of all is that my carry-on luggage could be compared to everything 20 people would need for a 2 week holiday.  It is just ridiculous. 

However, after hauling my usual 10 tonnes of so-called 'I can't live without' luggage on a 20 hour flight from Brisbane to New York a few days I ago it was quite humorous to read an article by Amanda Fortini in the New York Times this morning in which she proclaims her obsession with the overpack too. 

I was comforted by the fact that she too has packing anxiety and as her friend kindly puts it - 'It's like you're traveling by ocean liner.  Will you be accompanied by a porter?'  I WISH I could be accompanied by a porter.  Usually my husband is around and has in the past helped me lug large seashells in my carry-on luggage from Hawaii and cushion covers, mirrors and a painting from LA but this time it is just me and my carry-on and let me tell you it is exhausting running for a connecting flight with 3 heavy bags.  I have vowed and declared that on our return flight next week I will only be bringing 1 bag into the cabin with me and the rest will be checked in.  It will be interesting to see how I go.

It is snowing here in New York which is quite amazing as this time last week I was swimming in our pool with Harry and Max in 30 + degrees.

Costello Tagliapietra

By Shasta Moczulski, Fashion/Beauty Director

Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra for Costello Tagliapietra presented an ethereal, feminine collection with structure. This seems to be a common trend showing at the S/S 2011 Fashion Week.

The inspiration behind the line is said to be about taking more time to get ready, not just throwing on jeans and a t-shirt. The palette in this collection is mostly pale hues. Strong tailoring makes up for the absence of color. Wearable chic is what I would call this line. Women will be able to feel pulled together when wearing S/S 2011 Costello Tagliapietra, without feeling over dressed.

Photos: Imax Tree

Congrats to Lovely :: Store Opening today!

I might be on the other side of the continent, but I'm thinking of how wonderful it must be for Lanie at Lovely today! Her gorgeous shop is having its store opening today. Be sure to let her know what a great accomplishment this is by heading over to her blog HERE. She's carrying local Portland favs Elizabeth Dye and Sarah Seven, oh, and lil ole me! A nice slice of the Oregon fashion scene in NYC!

PROJECT RUNWAY’S KORTO MOMOLU PRESENTS THE KORTO MOMOLU COLLECTION

Celebrity Designer Debuts Fall 2010 Collection at New York Fashion Week

Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images North America

Project Runway’s fifth season standout contestant Korto Momolu (Cut • Toe – Mo • Mo • Lu) will debut The Korto Momolu Collection, a contemporary female apparel and accessories line

during New York City Fashion Week at the Union Square Ballroom on February 15, 2010.

Momolu gained national recognition after participating in Bravo’s hit reality competition series, and this will be Momolu’s first showcase and collection since appearing on the show.

“This is my return to fashion week after Project Runway, so it’s important for me to establish my voice,” said Momolu. Known for her intrinsic creations, Momolu opted for a collection of serene designs that reflect her lifestyle, cultural and design background. “The fall 2010
collection is an eclectic blend of rich fabrics, detailed beading and infusion of northern African influences. It holds true to everything I am as a designer, focusing on fit, structure and detail.”

Korto Momolu, a native of Liberia, West Africa, easily stands out from the rest and has already captured the attention of the fashion industry elite. The Korto Momolu Collection includes exquisite apparel designs and carefully hand-crafted accessories with prices ranging from $150.00 to $1600.00. Additionally, her collection will include a sneak peek at the
signature handbag and jewelry line exclusively designed for Dillard’s Department Stores and Dillard’s online, scheduled to launch in all stores on February 15, 2010, coinciding with her runway presentation.

Highlighted as one to watch, Korto has been featured by EOnline.com, Essence, LA Times, InStyle, African Vibes, Washingtonian magazine, Southwest Airlines Spirit magazine and more. Television and radio appearances include the Wendy Williams Show; BET’s My Black is Beautiful
and the Tom Joyner Morning Show.

For more information about Korto Momolu, please also visit her official website at www.KortoMomolu.com.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Schedule Announced -- Fall/Winter 2010 Designer Collections will walk on Bryant Park's final runways

From February 11-18, 2010, during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (MBFW), thousands of fashion industry professionals will come together in Bryant Park's iconic Tents for one last week before MBFW re-locates to Lincoln Center in September.

Starting off a New Year and new global fashion cycle, the retailers, reporters and editors are eager to see the Collections from the world’s established and up-and-coming designers, and how this creative community sets the tones and trends for what we will wear in Fall/Winter 2010.

"As we close a chapter in the history of our event, IMG is excited to be working with Lincoln Center, the CFDA and the City to create a new home for the fashion industry at Lincoln Center,” said Peter Levy, SVP and Managing Director of IMG Fashion Worldwide. “We are looking forward, with our partners, to rolling out our plans in the coming months."

“All of us at IMG Fashion are excited about the outstanding and stellar lineup which has come together from around the world to share in this historic Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week,” said Fern Mallis, SVP of IMG Fashion. “This will be a significant season, as we reflect on 17 years, 31 seasons and close to 2,500 fashion shows in Bryant Park that have launched many careers....from Designers to Editors, Models, Producers, Celebrities, TV Commentators and Reality Shows. We all also look forward to the change - and September's move to Damrosch Park in Lincoln Center."

Saluting and showing in Bryant Park, and Associate Member shows on Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 's schedule are: BCBGMAXAZRIA, Richard Chai, Duckie Brown, Toni Maticevski, Ports 1961, Anne Bowen, La Perla, Farah Angsana, The Heart Truth’sRed Dress Collection 2010, Cynthia Steffe, Project Runway, Yigal Azrouёl, Michael Angel, Christian Siriano, Nicole Miller, Charlotte Ronson, Venexiana, Lacoste, Georges Chakra, Andy & Debb, Adam, Academy of Art University, Prabal Gurung, ARISE Magazine African Collective - III, Lela Rose, Luca Luca, Malandrino, DKNY, Rebecca Taylor, Calvin Klein Men’s Collection, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Diane Von Furstenberg, TonyCohen, Y-3, Tuleh, Custo Barcelona, Vassilios Kostetsos, Carolina Herrera, Carlos Miele, Jill Stuart, Donna Karan Collection, Tracy Reese, Monique Lhuillier, Yeohlee, Tadashi Shoji, Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation, Perry Ellis, Elie Tahari, Badgley Mischka, Vera Wang, Pamella Roland, Max Azria, Dennis Basso, Diesel Black Gold, Thuy, Tibi, Narciso Rodriguez, Toni Francesc, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Milly by Michelle Smith, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Anna Sui, Brian Reyes, Ralph Lauren, Isaac Mizrahi, Trias, Calvin Klein Women’s Collection, Naeem Khan, J. Mendel and Tommy Hilfiger.

The Bryant Park Tents’ three venues include the Salon, the Promenade and the Tent. Over the course of eight days, the runway venues, lobby and backstage sponsor lounges will be bustling from 9 AM to 9 PM, when approximately 100,000 people come to attend shows, meet and greet the media, retailers and fashion professionals.

Title sponsor Mercedes-Benz is joined by DHL, American Express®, Maybelline New York, W Hotels Worldwide, TRESemmé, The Heart Truth Campaign, Starbucks Frappuccino® Coffee Drink, Peroni, Chambord, Martini Gold Mixers and O.N.E.™ One Natural Experience as well as the following media outlets The New York Times, Vevant, Women's Wear Daily and Getty Images. Each of these sponsors will be providing hospitality, services and amenities to make the hectic week of shows as effortless and pleasurable as possible for all attendees.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is an IMG owned and produced event.

Photo by Brian Ach/Getty Images North America

Nicole Scherzinger performs in The Blonds at the 2010 People's Choice Awards

Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls wore a crystal embellished, black faux snake stretch jersey one shoulder mini dress by The Blonds while performing with Cobra Starship at the Peoples Choice Awards in Los Angeles a few nights ago on January 6.

If you don’t know who The Blonds are you’re truly missing out as they were recently announced winners of The Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation. Special made to order pieces for the likes of Katy Perry, Rihanna, Shakira, Madonna, and Britney Spears are all part of The Blonds world. The MAC Viva Glam advertising campaign featuring Fergie, dazzling in a silver chain and crystal corset, specially made by The Blonds is also included on their list of Hollywood glam. From Elle Magazine and Vogue to America’s Next Top Model and E! News – The Blonds have been featured everywhere.

ALL ABOUT THE BLONDS

Phillipe and David Blond, a.k.a. The Blonds, met in New York City eight years ago and have been designing together ever since. Phillipe Rollano was born in Pierto Rico, raised in New York, and studied design at the well known Fashion Institute of Technology. He went on to do freelance illustration for DDC Lab and various publications before becoming one half of the design duo, The Blonds.

As for David Trujillo, originally from Key West took on Fashion Merchandising and Design at the International Fine Arts College in Miami. For ten years David dressed the windows and interiors of high-end retailers such as Macy’s Herald Square and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Together, Phillipe and David have created collections that have taken the design world by storm. Featuring glitz, glamour, crystals, chains, sequins and more, their pieces have garnered rave reviews all over the fashion industry.

The Freedom Collection from REVOLUTION Organics

INTRODUCING THE FREEDOM COLLECTION

FROM REVOLUTION ORGANICS

THINK: Free up space, free up time, and free up your beauty routine with chemical - free color.

WHAT THEY ARE: New products to set your skin free. REVOLUTION Organics is revolutionizing cosmetics with the introduction of its first color collection. Created with the brand’s trademark certified organic ingredients and without harmful synthetics or chemicals, the debut products deliver 100% healthy color with the benefits of skincare. REVOLUTION Organics’ Freedom Glow Beauty Balm and Freedom Gloss represent a breakthrough fusion of naturally moisturizing, nourishing care and vibrant color for a streamlined beauty routine that leaves you gorgeously healthy.

Freedom Glow Beauty Balm ($34)

100% natural and created with 85% certified organic ingredients, this beauty multi-tasker delivers an instant healthy glow anytime, anywhere. The all-in-one balm infuses lips, cheeks, eyes, and décolletage with a natural, dewy radiance. Perfectly portable and ideal for on the go, the easy-to-use formula provides skincare and color in one for a hydrating hint of tint. Free of chemicals, synthetics, and artificial ingredients, the balm contains only 100% pure, natural and organic ingredients. Formulated with cold-pressed organic olive oil and deeply moisturizing organic coconut oil, The Freedom Glow Beauty Balm comes in three glowing shades to complement any skin tone:

Sunkissed: Fresh Peach Glow

Blushed: True Rosy Blush

Bronzed: Warm Golden Bronze Glow

Freedom Gloss ($26)

This healthy, good-for-you gloss is rich in vitamins and antioxidants to leave lips beautifully moisturized and gorgeously glossy. Formulated with 100% natural and 85% healthy certified organic ingredients, the product delivers all the benefits of a lip treatment in a gorgeous gloss. The formula is free of chemicals, mineral oil, petroleum, artificial ingredients and parabens. Instead, Freedom Gloss uses organic plant proteins and extracts to give lips a healthy dose of antioxidants and vitamins. Vitamin-rich organic jojoba oil nourishes and conditions, while organic shea butter hydrates and moisturizes. Organic aloe vera and olive oil soothe and soften as organic beeswax protects skin. Packaged in recyclable, biodegradable, eco-chic material, Freedom Gloss infuses lips with all-natural mineral-based pigments, delivering good-for-you color.

Vibe: Fresh Warm Peach

Freedom: True Strawberry Red

Innocent: Soft Baby Pink

Truth: Sheer True Pink

Integrity: Shimmering Golden Rose

THE BACKGROUND: REVOLUTION Organics evolved out of founders Alexandra Zanella and Melissa Shabinsky’s mutual desire to simplify their lives and make healthy, responsible choices. To help women like themselves reduce their beauty consumption, Shabinsky and Zanella developed concentrated, essential multi-taskers to do the work of dozens of standard beauty products. All REVOLUTION Organics products are free of chemicals, parabens, synthetics, artificial ingredients, and fillers, including water so each pure, concentrated organic product delivers more so consumers can use less.

WHERE TO FIND IT: The Freedom collection is available on SaffronRouge.com, BigelowChemists.com, and C.O. Bigelow Apothecary located at 414 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10011. Phone: 212-533-2732.