INSCHOOL: HIGH SCHOOL OF FASHION INDUSTRY STUDENT SHOW

Text, Vivian Kelly

Reported for In The Know, The Fashion List

Tartan Grouping

The High School of Fashion Industries Show for Spring 2012 far exceeded our expectations. Upon arriving, we only knew that we would be watching a show featuring approximately 50 students’ final projects, and that Saks Fifth Avenue’s Terron Schaefer would be receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Short Prom Dress

Prior to the show, we had the opportunity to interview some of the evening’s notables and to find out more about this remarkable NYC high school. Board Member, Miriam Driot, directed us to Daryl Blank, the school’s principal for the past 16 years. Mr. Blank talked about how the school has been moving in a different direction since it was founded in 1926. At the time its intention was to train students to enter the workforce upon graduation. By 1941, thanks to funds from the WPA [Works Project Administration], the school was enlarged and opened its doors as the Central Needle Trades High School. The focus remained on a curriculum geared towards vocational training such as sewing and machine work, and to attaining jobs in New York’s Garment Center. Mr. Blank explained that the Garment Center’s closing down has resulted in more students studying there specifically to become fashion designers rather than back scenes players at fashion companies.

After speaking with Mr. Blank, we chatted with the evening’s honoree, Terron Schaefer, Saks Fifth Avenue’s EVP and Chief Creative Officer. Mr. Schaeffer clearly enjoys discovering and working with emerging talent, such as Haider Ackermann, an unknown whose designs he believed in enough to buy and feature on Saks’ selling floor. This is a bold move as retailers are typically hesitant to take chances on unknowns in uneasy economic times. Both Mr. Schaeffer and photographer Albert Watson stated that they were thrilled at the level of talent in this year’s graduating class. Mr. Watson introduced Mr. Schaefer just prior to the show, which started off with classic outerwear, reminiscent of Miuccia Prada’s early shows in the Nineties. Highlights included a YSL-like palazzo pant and top in vivid purple and teal and a going to the prom segment of pastel dresses, both short and long.

For evening, there was a stunning black gown with an unusual thunderbolt neckline and a tulle skirt that Advisory Board member, Audrey Smaltz ,whispered “could have been worn at the MET Ball last week”. The show’s Michael Jackson themed finale, which included outfits based on what MJ wore in his most famous videos had the crowd on their feet and applauding enthusiastically.

Based on what we saw at the Industry Show last Tuesday evening,the High School of Fashion Industries has more than fulfilled its mission: “to provide challenging, creative, and effective vocational, technical and academic training for New York City students”.

Lilly Pulitzer- Accessories for Summer

Text, Vivian Kelly

Lilly Memorial Day Weekend Outfit

I love Lilly! I’ve been a fan since the late 1970′s when I bought my first piece from my Lilly collection at the New Canaan, CT shop; a colorful canvas belt I wore spring, summer, fall and winter. Colorful printed bikinis followed and then capris, shifts, planners, iphone cases and most recently, party cups and place mats.

The Young Lilly Pulitzer With One of Her First Designs

Peter Pulitzer at Play, Palm Beach

Of course, I love the product, but the other powerful draw is Lilly Pulitzer herself and the backstory to the company she built. She started her company unintentionally, a great example of “right time, right place” in action. She and her husband Peter Pulitzer had eloped and settled in Palm Beach to escape society for a while. The fun loving Lilly set up a grown-up version of a kids’ lemonade stand with oranges she picked form Peter’s orchards. To protect her clothes, she wore a bright shift dress made out of some colorful shower curtains. First Lady Jackie Kennedy saw it and asked to have one made up for her. A Life Magazine photographer snapped her in it and the rest is history.

Jackie Kennedy in Life Magazine, Wearing Lilly Pulizer

Today, the design team is made up of artists who actually paint the colorful prints and have fun picking out zany names such as “Conched Out”, “Chicquita Bonita”, and “Chum Bucket”. There are 31 prints currently available, and they’re not all pink and green.

Today's Lilly Design Team

The only thing I don’t really have from Lilly is shoes. I’d deemed my pink and green Jack Rogers sandals “Lilly-ish” enough – until this morning. Before getting to this Follow Friday’s Twitter shout-out, I scrolled through my gmail, perusing goodies for sale on the daily Lilly Pulitzer e-mail. I opened the email to view the wedges in a gorgeous “Multi Mini Getaway Garden” print, but as I kept scrolling, I came onto two items that I can’t pass-up.

McKim Sandals in Daquiri Pink

They are….the McKim sandal [$88] and the Knotty Bangle[$28]. The sandal comes in “Daquiri Pink” but the Knotty comes in six colors. Right now, I’m torn between “Resort White” and “True Navy”.

Decisions….

In the meantime, Happy Memorial Day!

XOXO

Multi Mini Getaway Garden Print Wedges

My wardrobe these days, is mostly cream and white, but if I wear color, it tends to be solid pink or a whimsical bright Lilly print.

Sofia Bak Reports From Moscow

Introduction, Vivian Kelly

Moscow, photography by Sofia Bak

A long-distance fashion friend I hold close to my heart is the gorgeous street-style blogger, Sofia Bak Shershonovich. She is however, much more than simply a street style blogger. As you can see from the beautiful photos below, she’s also a talented photographer who’s doing one of the things I’m working on in my corner of the world – taking photographs of anything and everything that’s inspirational and beautiful.

Street Style In Moscow, Photo By Sofia Bak

Sofia is a regular at London Fashion Week every season, shooting street style photographs as a Vogue Italia’s contributing editor. When not doing that, she lecturing at universities throughout the UK, speaking to students about writing, fashion and Public Relations [which she did for over 5 years in Los Angeles before relocating to London].

Here is the beginning of an article Sofia wrote about her trip to Moscow, which was so descriptive that I felt as if I had come along with her for the adventure.

Enjoy!

Moscow in Pictures

Text and Photos, Sofia Bak

Sofia Bak

This one deserves a write-up. Undoubtedly, one of the most memorable experiences of my life. A real Russian banya. I’ve heard from a few people that Expedition’s sauna is the best in Moscow and they were right.

Banya (sauna) at Expedition

You get your very own banshik (someone with a medical degree who bathes you). My friend and I were lucky and had two… Naked (traditionally, not mandatory), you enter the sauna where you lay on the bed of pine, cold branches are laid on your head so that you can breathe while your body absorbs the heat. Banshiki lightly beat you with tree branches which have health benefits.

*to read the rest of Sofia’s piece, visit frolic72

Kanebo’s Coffret D’Or 3D Mascara– the lash solution

Text, Vivian Kelly

Applying Kanebo's Coffret D'Or Mascara

I unwrapped the envelope postmarked from Tokyo with great anticipation. I already knew that inside the padded envelope was a tube of Kanebo’s Coffret D’Or 3D mascara. A few weeks ago, during a Skype session, my Japanese friend, Yuki and I had engaged in a lively discussion about mascara. I greatly admired my Social Media Advisor,Amanda Razzano’s thick curly lashes and wanted them. For daytime, I’d rejected the idea of wearing falsies even though doing so is commonplace these days. Nor was I willing to try expensive and scary lash extensions. Last summer, I’d invested in Latisse when my dermatologist had offered an enticing 2 for 1 deal. After reading the fine print in the multipage literature included in the package about side effects such as changes to eye color, I chickened out. Rather than applying it on my lash line, I used it on my brows instead. Latisse works, and I now have somewhat thicker brows, requiring a minimal use of my “fling” brow pencil, one of the items in Daphne Guinness’s limited edition collection for MAC Cosmetics.

Coffret D'Or 3D Mascara in BR-26

Having thicker brows was great but my lashes continued to pose a vexing beauty challenge. I decided to go back to the basics, and search for perfect mascara. I’d shied away from that route after an unfortunate mild allergic reaction to Maybelline’s prize-winning pink and green “Great Lash” mascara.

Since then, I’d cautiously experimented at Sephora with my daughter and friend, Demi Schimenti, after the sales assistant swore that the testers were disinfected. While I loved the Dior Show Extase packaging and texture, the $28 price tag put me off. I recalled reading Allure Editor in Chief Linda Wells advising her readers to throw mascara out after a mere 3 months. Also, I was looking for dark brown, as the black was too stark in contrast to my pale skin and hair.

LORAC’s “Visual Effects” mascara that I tested after Siren PR’s Cheryl Buscana sent it over, was nice but felt heavy, and better suited for a dramatic evening face.

I continued to ask friends and acquaintances which mascara they swore by. Kumi won me over on that early morning Skype chat when she dug into her cosmetics bag and pulled out her Coffret D’Or mascara and applied it, eager to show me how nice it was.

The mascara that arrived a few weeks later in the mail was dark brown [BR-26] and the wand’s brush long and straight. It went on smoothly, almost silkily and didn’t irritate my eyes at all – no clumping. Even though it wasn’t thick it added instant depth to my eyes without it being obvious that I had actually put makeup on. As I prefer a natural look, this was fantastic. At the end of the day, I had forgotten that I had anything on. The only reason I remembered was that when I washed off my Michael Marcus “foaming aloe cleanse” and noticed brown smudges around my eyes. An added bonus is that Coffret D’Or comes easily off and you don’t have to battle with a wad of cotton balls and baby oil to scrape it off. This brown tube with the silver disco ball decoration on the cap has earned a permanent place in my cosmetics bag.

*I wrote this article for my wonderful former Academy of Art University student, Ellie Lee, who travels constantly for her job, and shares info about beauty products she finds in her travels. Visit her site: travellishion

Madonna’s W.E., Cartier, And Carolee Jewelry

Text, Vivian Kelly

Wallis Simpson's Cartier Cross Bracelet

Finally! After months of talking about watching Madonna directed W.E., I unexpectedly found the film at RedBox, in Stop & Shop, and had the luxury of watching it over the course of several days, rewinding it to hone-in on the magnificent jewelry Edward gifted Wallis.

Edward and Wallis

: Poster for W.E.

We already know part of the story, which we were introduced to in the Academy Award winning The King’s Speech. Colin Firth played the part of the shy, stuttering Bertie to a tee. The spare heir found himself catapaulted into the terrrifying position of having to become King of England /Great Britain, after his older brother, King EdwardVIII [convincingly played by James D'Arcy in W. E.], gave up the throne to be with the woman he loved, Baltimore divorcee, Wallis Simpson.

In W.E., Madonna adds an interesting twist, telling Wallis’s story through the eyes of a modern day “Wally”[Winthrop], the lovely Abbie Cornish. The latter is a former Art Expert at Sotheby’s, who gives up the work she loves for her narcissistic husband, played by Richard Coyle, who regards her as nothing much more than a pretty and irrelevant bauble.

Wally and Wallis [Andrea Riseborough] play the role of mentee and mentor. Both experience happiness in two greatly different time periods, in varying degrees, predicated by the prevailing societal norms. Mrs. Simpson is ostracized world-wide by “society” for ruining Edward’s life. The couple is banished from England until they die. They pay a steep price for daring to flout convention to stay together.

As Wally points-out to Mr. Al Fayed, when she pleads with him to let her see the Duchess’s letter, Wallis has given up her life to be with Edward. As Wallis says to Edward, they are doomed to be society’s most celebrated refugees.

The real story though, is one of mentorship. Wallis Simpson acted as Wally Winthrop spiritual guide.Wally has it much easier than her idol Wallis, in that after enduring a horrific beating from her abusive husband, as does Wallis in her first marriage, she finds love with [Oscar Isaac] a handsome Russian security guard and finds herself able to have a child with the man she loves, unlike her idol Wallis. In addition to the storyline, there are gorgeous sets to enjoy and jewelry aplenty to ogle over. Edward gave Wallis extraordinary jewelry to mark just about every event in the 35 years of their marriage.

The Duchess’s 214 piece jewelry collection was originally sold in 1987, by Sotheby’s in Geneva for the record price of $53.5 million. Elizabeth Taylor owned the Duchess of Windsor Prince of Wales Plume Pin. You can get a nice version at Carolee for $95.

Enjoy the images of some of the spectacular pieces [below] that Edward gifted Wallis in his attempt to make up for the pain of their life-long exile.

Duchess of Windsor Diamond and Sapphire Panther Pin by Cartier, 1949

Wallis Simpson's plume shaped diamond brooch

*If you’re smitten with Wallis’s jewelry, there are some excellent and affordable copies available at Carolee.

H&M’s Hawaiian-inspired resort wear: fundraising for Clean Water

Text, Vivian Kelly

H&M for Water Palm Print Bikini Bottom

: H & M for Water Retro Palm Print Bikini Top

Mark your calendars for May 31st.

Just in Time For Summer, H&M launches its 10th anniversary collection—H&M for Water Hawaiian-inspired resort wear. This marks a decade of H&M fundraising for clean water, together with wateraidamerica.org.

If you ever saw an episode of the Seventies hit TV series, The Brady Bunch, you’d remember the one where the Brady family went to Hawaii. The guys wore those floral and palm tourist shirts and Marcia and Cindi looked adorable in their floral prints. This was Hawaiian print done right.

The Brady Bunch In Hawaii

Since then, though, the Hawaiian floral shirt has had a bad rap as “ugly American tourist wear”. Before you completely write-off Hawaiian retro garb as too ugly to even consider wearing, have a look at H&M’s latest“for Water” Collection. It has the retro feel of the Seventies’ classic but won’t make you feel like you’re auditioning as an extra for a part in Hawaii 5-0 [original or remake].

There are beachwear items for men, women, and children in bright colors and fun prints. All made of organic cotton and other sustainable materials. Sustainable fabrics have come a long way since March 2008, when Contributing Editor, Laura Wood and I went to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week LA when “the Green Initiative” was all the rage.

It’s also well priced , with prices ranging from $9.95 to $49.95. and 25% of all sales proceeds go to WaterAid.

If you’re all set clothes-wise, think about picking up some of the accessories like the chic transparent bag, which always seem to come back into vogue every few years.

H&M For Water Transparent Bag

On my shopping list – the pretty bustier top and matching skinny skirt in a red floral print.

H&M For Water Floral Top - FE Pick

If you can’t make it to one of the 200 stores selling the collection, you can shop online at H&M.

For more information on WaterAid visit: http://www.wateraidamerica.org/

Woolmark, WWD & Christian Siriano On “The Virtual Experience”

Text, Vivian Kelly

Earlier this week, I attended The Fashion and Market Report co-hosted by Woolmark and Women’s Wear Daily at the Millenium Hotel. The draw for me was the list of big gun fashion speakers: Christian Siriano, Linda Fargo, and Rachel Roy.

I made it just in time to hear one of my favorite fashion personalities, Christian Siriano, talk about the importance of the virtual experience for his Company. His presentation topic was called, “Virtual Experience”.

Christian Siriano for Payless - the Sasha Strappy Sandal

Yes, said Siriano, he uses social media, particularly Twitter, as another way to interact with his customers. There’s the Twitter fan who buys his shoes at Payless as well as the $1500 customer who has questions about the Christian Siriano dress she bought at Neiman Marcus. He has even taken suggestions from his Twitter fans when it comes to what he should design for them. Last season, he said, he got so many inquiries and requests for a white dress that he decided to go forward and to make a white dress. The experiment was a success, as the dress sold well at retail.

Mena Suvari in Christian Siriano's Latest Ad Campaign

On another social media front, Siriano had success with the clothes from the video he collaborated on shot at the Soho Grand, starring his friend, Mena Suvari.

Click HERE to hear Christian’s Entire Speech.

About Woolmark International:

The Woolmark is the world’s best known textile fibre brand. The Woolmark brand is owned by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), a not-for-profit company owned by over 29,000 woolgrowers. AWI’s vision is to be a significant contributor to a vibrant, stable and profitable wool industry providing the world with the best natural fibre. The company works throughout the global supply chain – from woolgrowers through to retailers. The fibre has long been a favourite of designers, but younger consumers, born in an era of ‘disposable’ fashion know too little about the natural benefits.

CIRCA and Iconic Jewelry

Text, Vivian Kelly

Romancing the Stone – Andrew and John at The Persian Shop, are masters at it, as are the images in the tabloids of the latest celebrity engagement ring. In the Sixties and Seventies, women devoured the details of that period’s “it couple” Liz & Richard. When Richard Burton gave Liz Taylor jewelry, it was NEWS, especially when he gifted her the incredible 33.19-carat, Asscher-cut Krupp diamond she had set in platinum, and wore years after Richard’s death in 1984.

Liz Taylor, showing off her Krupp diamond to Richard Burton

Today’s power couple, Brad and Angelina, have revealed their modern day Krupp. Angelina Jolie’s Robert Procop designed Engagement Ring, made up of emerald cut diamonds is less flashy than Liz’a Asscher rock, thanks to the understated quality emerald cut diamonds have. Angelina’s ring is a tad supersized, but she’s a superstar so it really is perfect on her.

Angelina Jolie's Engagement Ring

I headed over to the Circa New York City office on Fifth Avenue to sell a few pieces and to glean some more tidbits of gemstone information, hopefully about emerald cut diamonds, from their highly knowledgeable Circa Jewelry Experts. I love going to Circa because it’s an education each and every time I go in to sell a piece. It’s good to be in the presence of someone who is as passionate as gems as I am and who can answer just about any question I have.

Circa offers fair pricing for the things I’ve sold there over the past year and the fact that my pieces will be resold to someone else puts them in the “recycled” category and thus, sustainable, which is good.

Back in September, during NYFW, Circa had a booth next to the Mercedes-Benz VIP lounge. I was late to a show off site because I had to stop to study the vintage pieces in the display cases. The display had museum worthy pieces and the mini catalogue and website provide commentary from Circa jewelry experts that explain just what makes these pieces so collectible.

Jewelry buffs – enjoy the images!

Mrs. Bernie Madoff's platinum, diamond and emerald bracelet, purchased by CIRCA Jewelry owner, Chris DelGatto at auction

Gayle Grenadier's Italian chrysoprase 18-karat yellow gold earrings above.

The platinum, diamond and emerald bracelet above, was purchased by CIRCA owner, Chris DelGatto at auction in Palm Beach. It used to belong to Mrs. Bernie Madoff!

End Notes:

If you must have a ring inspired by Angelina’s, Jacob & Co. has one that is remarkably similar. Additional options are listed in a recent article on gemandjewelrydoctor.com.

Henri Bendel – Colette Malouf & Count Me Healthy

Text, Vivian Kelly

Henri Bendel = the Ultimate Accessories Emporium

Colette Malouf - the "Night Fever" Collection

We went over to Henri Bendel’s to attend a press event for Colette Malouf’s new spring 2012 “NightFever” line of hairpieces and jewelry. Colette wasn’t there, but her PR Rep could not have been nicer and we played for a while trying on different headbands and a gold mesh bracelet from the “Night Fever” collection I’m in love with now. We’re arranging a studio visit at the studio in the coming weeks, at which time we’ll be speaking with Colette about her creative process.

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Colette Malouf her Gold Mesh Creation [above

“Headband” and “Hair Accessories” are really not the right words to describe Colette’s unique creations. The word fantasy is much more on target. Who else, as stated, would think of designing a beautiful flower out of copper mesh? Prior to this, I’d associated wire mesh with aisle 13 at Home Depot, and with significantly less enthusiasm attached.

The U-Pin [plain and jeweled] is one of my favorites on the line as it 1. comes in many different colors 2. Is so easy to use [once you've watched Colette's video tutorial] and 3. Reasonably priced and sturdy in construction.

I met Colette last year at a Shiseido-Colette Malouf event. I became a fast fan after she showed me how to do a perfect “stick twist” in under 20 seconds. Watch the video as she shows how to do it.

Junior Editors Jocelyn and Juliette were in a girly feeding frenzy at Henri Bendel and wanted to see everything. Together, we flitted through the various boutiques on the 2nd floor admiring hot pink patent leather sandals in the Beach Cabana boutique, more of Colette’s accessories, Henri Bendel brown and white striped enamel bracelets. We stopped to really look at the small Count Me Healthy bracelets. The friendly Sales Associate explained the “health + beauty message” creator Chelsea Charles had in mind when she created these adorable bracelets.

Count Me Healthy Heart Bracelet in Rose Gold

The idea* is simple – track your particular health goal by pushing a bead to one side each time you accomplish a portion of your health goal. For instance, if you aim to drink 8 glasses of water daily, push a bead to the side for each glass you drink.

Similarly, if you’re trying to lose -10 pounds, push aside one bead for each pound you drop. It’s easy to see you could stack up a whole armful of these but they’re delicate. The Associate had on 3-4 per arm and they looked pretty, not costum-y, as if she were on her way to participate in a belly dancing class.

We all agreed that of the various plated bracelets available, the rose gold one was our favorite.

If you haven’t picked up anything for Mom yet for Mother’s Day – you can make day by gifting her one of Colette’s delicate hair accessories or her first Count Me Healthy bracelet at Henri Bendel or on their respective websites.

Happy Shopping!

*More about Count Me Healthy

*A list of heart-healthy superfoods can be found in the WomenHeart’s All Heart Family Cookbook authored by WomenHeart Champions Kathy Kastan, LCSW, MA., ED., and Suzanne Banfield, PhD., and additional members of WomenHeart. To purchase, and for more information on WomenHeart, please visitwww.womenheart.org.

Mother’s Day – Last Minute Gift Ideas

Text, Vivian Kelly

New Dior 3 Book Set

For you last minute offspring who haven’t picked up a Mother’s Day Gift yet, it’s okay to order it NOW and to tell Mom you haven’t forgotten her and that it’s in the mail.

A nice meal is…nice, as are flowers but they’ll be forgotten after a week.

Get something that will LAST. In that category are:jewelry, bath and body, fragrance, shoes and books.

Bath & Body: Slatkin & Co. candles are always an easy option. For Under $10, you can pick up a few votive sized ones in “fresh cut flowers” at Bath & Body Works, which are seemingly in every mall nationwide.

Laura Mercier -My top pick if you want to invest a little more as in a getting “a set”. I demoed la petite patisserie trio in “fresh fig” Kaplow Public Relations sent me. This trio treat includes cleansing Crème Body Wash, whipped Soufflé Body Crème and Eau de Toilette.

Fresh Fig Gift Set - La Petite Patisserie From Laura Mercier

Prior to trying the above, I hadn’t seriously considered trying a fig fragrance. I proceeded cautiously, trying a spritz of the eau de toilette in the crook of my arm. Even in the tropical climate I was in, it was not overpowering – at all. You’ll smell fresh Celeste Figs blended with, Apricot Nectar and Ylang Ylang resulting in a unique scent. The trio costs $45 in total, the washes are 3 oz. each and the fragrance is 0.5 oz. It makes for a pretty package and in gift-giving, presentation is huge! An added bonus here is that everything is under TSA 3.2oz. regulation size so Mom can take this with her on vacation.

Jewelry:

Yes, you CAN buy her a piece that is stylish, and won’t wipe you out until the 4th of July.

How about some earrings? I found these at the JoyFlower boutique on Etsy.

These are pretty, and a switch from the usual pearl studs, which Mom probably already owns. For $35 they’re a nice purchase.

Double Pearl Silver Drop Earrings at Joy Flower, Etsy

My friend, the talented Alexis Gopal, part of the Artisan Group, created delicate “tree branch” earrings that work worn with jeans and a tee or later in the day at cocktails. These are – hard to believe – also $35. If Mom is a more adventuresome dresser, these are a great choice. Celebrities such as Penelope Ann Miller concur – they loved Alexis’ designs which were in the Academy Award and Golden Globe goodie bags.

Golden Tree Branch and Sapphire Blue Glass Earrings at Alexis Studio Design

The Best for Last: Books!

I’m crazy about Assouline Publishing’s new Dior 3-book set.

Author Caroline Bongrand has done a wonderful job in the three retrospective volumes presented in a collectible slipcase, which is in itself a fabulous “object” to display on your coffee table or bookshelf. Inside, she captures the most memorable images from each decade of the Dior brand’s rich history. Mom is sure to be captivated by the gorgeous images and information provided about Dior Fashion, Jewelry, and Perfume. Maybe she’ll be asking for Dior perfume come Christmas time!