Features — Page 51

Video Exclusive: Bergdorf Goodman’s Holiday Windows 2014

November 24, 2014 by admin 1 Comment

Images courtesy of nypost.com

Hark how the bells, sweet silver bells, all seem to say, throw cares away.

— Lyrics by Peter Wilhousky

You guessed it; it’s that time of year again. That time of year when temperatures drop dramatically, stores overstock with shiny, sparkling items that attract and tantalize the senses, and the streets of Manhattan become over packed with tourists, all signaling the onset of the Holiday season.

It is also the time of the year when department stores unveil their holiday windows. And no city decorates their holiday windows with more wow factor than New York City.

The unveiling of the holiday windows at Bergdorf Goodman is an annual feast for the eyes that not only conjures up images of fantasy and rapture but also detail fashion trends for fall/winter 2014. This particular season, David Hoey, Bergdorf Goodman’s Senior Director of Visual Display looked to “The Arts” for inspiration for this season’s windows.

Fashion Reverie was given the unique opportunity to attend the unveiling of the Bergdorf Goodman holiday windows and chat with David Hoey, Bergdorf Goodman Senior Vice President Linda Fargo, and Broadway star Nikki James. And we have it all for you on video. Enjoy!!

—William S. Gooch

*Image in slideshow courtesy of nypost.com

Wall Street Financiers Rewrite the Rules of Fashion

November 22, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of grind365.com

As we entered the new millennium, the fashion industry went into survival mode. An industry once reserved only for the chosen elite, fashion finally received a monetary wakeup call. During the economic crash of 2008, fashion began to expand its parameters and open its doors to those that appreciated great style along with having a healthy bank account to invest.

The fashion industry is now an open arena for almost anyone with style and deep pockets. Hence, the fashion industry‘s need to create space to compete as long as there is an understanding of the functions of a successful business. Huge corporations, such as H&M, Target and J Crew, have even re-strategized their company models by successfully fusing a corporate business plan with great and affordable, unique design. No longer are the industry’s reputable game changers revered as they once were and tastemakers are no longer reserved for magazine editors, high-end designers, and models. The new designer successes include those most likely not to attend a fashion school, but hold an MBA from Wharton School of Business, Harvard or New York University. These new kids on the style block are those that understand the importance of finance as it relates to manufacturing and the new world of fashion.

Images clockwise courtesy of Addison, tateossian.com, and Addison

Many corporate men have an interest in dressing well. From the boardroom to law offices, businessmen understand that having the right look helps propel them in making deals. However, in the last decade, many men who have focused more on their own personal style have found American menswear lacking in quality, design, and functionality. That said; the new crop of financiers/designers are using this missing link in American menswear as the impetus for their interests and investment in the fashion industry, proving that certain businessmen are more than just the boss of the boardroom, but purveyors of high style.

A new wave of menswear brands designed by former business investors, lawyers, and Wall Street bankers, have all entered the industry as poster children of how to develop and sustain a successful fashion businesses. Only a small portion of the successful fashion business plan includes design, so young designers graduating from Parsons and F.I.T., please take note.

Store images courtesy of Addison

Addison, a shop located in Manhattan’s West Village, opened in 2013. Creator, Gerald Tuchman, a former investment banker considers his latest venture a fusion of Savile Row, luxury, and contemporary menswear. Addison’s ethos focuses on custom suiting and rebel staples like the motorcycle jacket done in exotic skins and soft suede. Creative director Tuchman states, “My role with clients is to properly educate and to style for the individual. Fashion is a business and for any business to work, there needs to be sound decision making in many areas outside of the creative areas. Design is a small slice of the pie although it is the most visible.”

Image courtesy of tateossian.com

Another visionary of men’s style, Robert Tateossian owner of Tateossian London, is best known as the “King of Cufflinks.” He began his career in the fashion accessories business after seven years of investment banking. Tateossian claims he has always had a passion for design. A lover of style and luxury, Tateossian is a successful accessories brand creating seasonal collections for both men and women. Understanding that timing is everything, brand geniuses like Tateossian have remained highly successful in business for 25 years. Tateossian recognizes the recent upgrades in the menswear market and is riding the wave. Tateossian has attributed his success to the openness of men’s attitudes willingness to have more adventure and loyalty to the brands they represent. Tateossian states, “Men are attracted to element of branding; especially companies that have established themselves as the leader of their markets and design. This links closely to the fact that men are also very brand loyal and will stick with a company that offers consistent high quality products.”

Image courtesy of hook + ALBERT

Entreprenuers Adam Schoenberg and Cory Rosenberg are two young gentlemen with backgrounds in business and marketing that have recently transitioned into fashion. hook+ALBERT, their own creative menswear brand, applies whimsy and color to modern functionality. Co-founder Adam states, “American men are certainly more into fashion than ever before. For some men, they are starting to understand the value of price per wear and that they should buy quality, not quantity.” A great combination for naturally creative partners these two understand what consumers are interested in and how that style applies to the quality of everyday living. Cory contends, “Success in fashion is what you make of success. We look at ourselves as category leaders. Our divergent thinking has allowed our company to be behind some of the biggest category shifts in the accessories space-colored shoelaces, lapel flowers, colorful no-show socks etc.“

Still, during each fashion season, new brands will launch their newest collections with only a small percentage manifesting success or developing strong reputations in the industry. Regardless of strategy some of the old rules still apply and paired with a good business plan, marketing, packaging, and now more than ever great social media, success if not assured, is more plausible.

—Kelly Mills

*Slideshow image courtesy of online.wsj.com

Fashion Prediction: Can Your Style Reveal Your Future?

November 10, 2014 by admin 1 Comment

Image courtesy of davidicke.com

It’s said; a witch is nothing more than a woman of her wit. In fashion, it’s important to have all the wit in the world to predict next season’s hot color, accessory or designer. Back in the days of High Priestesses and Oracles, women with psychic powers were consulted first before Kings and Queens made final political and fashion decisions. Heck, it’s even said; Ronald and Nancy Reagan had a personal astrologist. Discredited today as a primitive psychology, Tarot and Astrology have a history that dates back to Egypt’s Old Kingdom and influences us more than we care to recognize.

In spite of all the social taboos and stereotypes associated with metaphysics the genuine purpose of these spiritual tools is to encourage love and dispel fear. Preserving this magic, many still believe the Tarot is very real. Today mysticism is more popular than the horoscopes in the back of fashion magazines. Many women and men are becoming more inspired to use sacred methods of divination to reveal the most unconscious and in depth parts of themselves.

Online mystic sites and YouTube channels are increasing and continue to generate loyal cosmic followers. Globally millions of online viewers tune in monthly to be inspired by just a handful of influential astrologists and tarot readers.

Image courtesy of virtualtarot.wordpress.com

Specifically, Ava & Trudy, a youtube duet with a monthly program, Virtual Tarot, are fashionable ladies fascinated with mysticism. Ava & Trudy claim to have dusted the cobwebs off the tarot deck’s rep by upgrading both its image and language. Moving faster into the new millennium, it seems very beneficial to consult with women like Ava & Trudy who can foresee cosmic trends within the milliseconds that they occur.

Virtual Tarot showcases monthly tarot-scope videos categorized by each astrological sign. Monthly astrology videos can be previewed on their channel www.youtube.com/avatrudy.

Fashion Reverie: How did you become interested in Tarot and Astrology?

AVA: I’m a very typical Pisces and I have Scorpio rising, two of the most spiritually oriented signs of the zodiac. I’ve always wanted to understand the fundamental nature of physical reality and the nature of our soul since I was a child. I found myself always searching for other means of spiritual understanding and insight that reflected my own western cultural background more. This quest led me to the Tarot.

TRUDY: I became interested in religion and spirituality and began to encounter angels at a very young age. When my first child became ill at the age of 18 months with leukemia, I once again began to experience angel encounters. After my son passed, at the age of 35 months, I became interested in the teachings of Carl Jung, and then gradually became interested in the ancient symbolism of the Tarot.

Image courtesy of youcardsinfo.com

Fashion Reverie: Tell us about the origin of Tarot and Astrology.

AVA: The Tarot originates from Egypt. It predates the written word. It comes from ancient Egypt and what exists today is uniquely western in character. The Tarot’s language uses symbols and reclaiming the sacred feminine is meant to present the authentic self.

TRUDY: Our mission is to bring the ancient symbolism of the Tarot to today’s modern woman in a relevant, fun and compelling way.

Fashion Reverie: What is the sacred feminine?

AVA: The Tarot was born at time when women were revered for their spiritual powers and natural telepathic insights. The Tarot still celebrates the sacred feminine with its goddess imagery and rich iconic symbolism. These symbols and images, when contemplated, may awaken our slumbering intuitive powers and provide us access to divine wisdom.

Fashion Reverie: You ladies are very fashionable you don’t look like the stereotype of a tarot reader or psychic?

AVA: Women naturally are more psychic. We realize that psychic wisdom has been made to be evil and a joke. We have to have the right look to also be taken seriously.

TRUDY: Fashion is a big part of our production because we also realize we are putting on a show. We also shop before every production! We understand that fashion is every thing. I always wanted to go to F.I.T. instead I got into advertising, but I love fashion and read every fashion magazine. We love vintage clothes and love to shop at the local vintage shops. It’s also fun looking for knock offs of luxury trends like the Zeline label at Zara. So, wait until you see our looks for Winter Solstice!

Fashion Reverie: Why did you decide to create Virtual Tarot?

TRUDY: Ava and I would read the Tarot for our friends. We thought it would be fun to send them video readings as gifts, but that was a lot of work and became very overwhelming. Then, we decided it was best and easier to simply make a YouTube channel that was general to all 12 signs of the zodiac. That way friends and family could enjoy anytime. Since then, YouTube’s platform has expanded our audience and we then saw the benefits of gaining followers and educating people about the Tarot.

Fashion Reverie: The Tarot is divided into different suits, which include four main categories: Pentacles, Cups, Swords and Wands. How do these suits relate to women and our own personal style?

AVA & TRUDY: To see what Queen you are- every woman should take our tarot Queen quiz: It does say a lot about your character.

Queen Quiz: virtualtarot.wordpress.com/which-tarot-queen-are-you/

Here are the descriptions of the 4 Queens below:

Queen of Pentacles image courtesy of Ava & Trudy

Queen Of Pentacles

“Coin Queens” use their fabrics and silhouettes with purpose. She is down to earth, an idealists and perfectionists. Pentacle Queens are lovers of all things green and earthy in texture including: organic cottons, gauze, hemp, silk charmeuse, linen and fine Mongolian cashmeres.

Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Anniston, and Lauren Bush

Celebrity Queen of Pentacles: (new) Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston, and Lauren Bush

Pentacle designer choices: Stella McCartney, Ralph Lauren, The Row

Pentacle accessory choices: FEED Bag, Toms shoes, Birkenstocks, Vegan diet

Queen of Cups images courtesy of Ava & Trudy

Queen Of Cups

The Queen of Cups, the queen of water, better known, as the “perfect woman” is most preferred by men. At her best, she completes her loved ones and they complete her. At her worst, she can become addicted to her feelings. Turning her into a “Drama Queen.”

Marie Antoinette, Kim Kardashian, and Elizabeth Taylor

Celebrity Queen of Cups: Elizabeth Taylor, Kim Kardashian, and Marie Antoinette

Cups designer choices: Lanvin, Emilio Pucci, La Perla, Marchesa

Cups accessory choices: Manolos, cocktails, bikinis and caftans near the spa

Queen of Wands images courtesy of Ava & Trudy

Queen of Wands:

The Queen of Wands represents the element of fire and she is a doer. She can play “one of the guys” and she often dresses like one. If she is in a relationship with a man, she’s the Queen who is most likely to play the androgynous lover and steal her boyfriend’s clothes. She especially likes his baseball caps, jeans, and sweaters.

Miley Cyrus, Jenna Lyons, and Rihanna

Celebrity Queen of Wands: Miley Cyrus, Jenna Lyons, and Rihanna

Wands designer choices: J Crew, Jeremy Scott, Balenciaga, Jil Sander

Wands accessory choices: Warby Parker glasses, Y3 Adidas, Chanel backpack

Queen of Swords images courtesy of Ava & Trudy

Queen of Swords:

For the Queen of Swords, Black is the new Black. This is the queen who likes to evoke danger and uses fashion to communicate who she is and why you should fear her. She adorns dark and light contrasted tones, with sharp angular shapes, to distinguish her razor sharp sense of beauty. She loves black leather; motorcycle jackets, and the sexy black dress.

Kate Moss, Megan Fox, Angelina Jolie

Celebrity Queen of Swords: (old) Angelina Jolie, Kate Moss, and Megan Fox

Cups designer choices: Balenciaga, James Perse tees, Givenchy

Cups accessory choices: Sunglasses, black stilettos, cat eye-wing makeup

Fashion Reverie: Do you think Tarot and Astrology can help people make better life choices?

AVA & TRUDY: Yes! We always say in Virtual Tarot- ‘Forewarned is Forearmed!’

—Kelly L Mills

*Slideshow image courtesy of tesauromoda.com

Fashion Reverie Spotlight: Teri Agins’ “Hijacking the Runway”

November 6, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of amazon.com

Fashion editor Teri Agins is the first to admit that she knew very little about singer Jessica Simpson when Simpson became a national phenomenon on the MTV reality show chronicling Simpson’s romance and marriage to singer Nick Lachey.

But when Agins, working on a 2005 story for The Wall Street Journal, heard the business numbers being discussed around Simpson’s jeans line, she was intrigued. (The jeans line ended up tanking because of cash flow and marketing issues behind the scenes.)

But Agins knew she’d hit on a story that went far beyond Simpson. The result, a new book called “Hijacking the Runway: How Celebrities Are Stealing the Spotlight from Fashion Designers,” (Gotham Books, $28).

Teri Agins image courtesy of zimbio.com

“I’m a business reporter at The Journal. I never did write fashion show reviews,” said Agins, who focused on how marketing had changed the fashion world in her 1999 book “The End of Fashion, The Mass Marketing of the Clothing Business.” “I really don’t care what the clothes look like. From a business standpoint, good clothes are the ones that sell. I have always looked at this through the prism of business.”

In doing interviews for The Journal as well as her book, Agins said it became apparent that regardless of what fashion elitists thought about clothing lines by celebrities, the lines were selling well, much to the chagrin of many on the design side of the fashion world.

“For designers who are competing with these (celebrity lines) it’s all so troubling. These celebrities come in and just leap frog everybody else. They have the notoriety and now they’re representing or manufacturing a product that is consistently selling and hello, that’s the goal of the game,” Agins said. “And, to be honest, a lot of these brands look good and are very affordable. There are some stellar designers who have to compete with that. The designers are behind the eight ball. They have to find a way to deal with this.”

“And just saying, ‘well these designers don’t really do the designing’ doesn’t mean a thing to the consumer. The consumer is buying because they like the look and the price is right. I interviewed some people who didn’t even know that Jessica Simpson was a singer. They didn’t care. They just like her shoes.”

Image courtesy of itsdf.blogspot.com

Simpson’s jeans line didn’t become a big splash—Agins said there were marketing and cash flow issues behind the scenes. But it was clear that the Simpson jeans line was the tip of a potentially huge iceberg. That this was a phenomenon was confirmed by a subsequent interview Agins did with Macy’s CEO Terry Lundgren.

“This was back in 2005 and Terry told me then that he believed the celebrity hook was going to the next thing in fashion marketing. At that time Macy’s had already had a lot of luck with Donald Trump’s suit line which had come out in 2004,” Agins said.

And Agins said the other part of the equation was the rise of celebrities, including those made famous from reality shows.

“In the 21^st century, celebrities have such a big footprint in pop culture,” Agins said. “You think of the reality shows, the fashion [television] shows like ‘Fashion Police,’ all of ‘The Real Housewives’ shows and then you had television shows like ‘Sex and the City’ and it’s very clear that fashion is now front and center in pop culture.”

“And who’s making the fashions come alive by wearing them? It’s celebrities.”

In “Hijacking,” Agins follows the trajectory of celebrity fashion lines, going behind the scenes to talk with fashion business executives like Vince Camuto. Camuto’s name is ubiquitous these days thanks to his eponymous fashion and accessories line.

But Camuto is also the mogul behind the current (and profitable) Jessica Simpson lines of shoes and clothing as well as the line of shoes and handbags by socialite Tory Burch. In “Hijacked,” Agins traces Camuto’s fashion lineage back to his beginnings as a shoe merchandising whiz (he’s the founder of Nine West shoes).

Tory Burch Images courtesy of popsugar.com, celebritystylecafe.com, and deal.com, respectively

“When you see who’s behind some of these lines you realize that, from the business end, these are big business. The Camuto Group is a very sophisticated company. This is not just some fly by night operation,” Agins said. “You also see the importance of infrastructure. You’re talking about things like branding partners, things that most people have never thought about.”

In addition to the behind the scenes stories about the rise of accessories, and the power of celebrity-fronted lines and the business operations that create, market and fund them, “Hijacked” also includes an 18-page index of celebrity fragrance and clothing lines.

“People keep asking ‘Is this good or bad for fashion?’ Well this is what it is. This is the world we’re in,” Agins said. “People say ‘Well Jessica is not a designer.’ Well no, she’s not. But Jessica is just fine. She’s not trying to impress anyone. She’s not trying to be Balenciaga.

“I don’t think she’s getting into the CFDA. But she’s doing a good amount of business. According to Camuto, her brand generates about $1 billion at retail in more than 22 product categories annually.”

And, Agins added, the quick success of the Simpson and Burch lines are forcing the fashion elites to take notice.

Image courtesy of boomsbeat

“Both of these women [Tory Burch and Jessica Simpson] have seen their brands rise to become billion dollar brands in less than 10 years,” Agins said. “No one has done that on 7^th Avenue or in Europe—have a brand come out of nowhere and in 10 years become a billion dollar brand.

“These two have just leapfrogged over everybody. So I rest my case. Hijack.”

—Karyn D. Collins

Roxanne Lowit’s “Yves Saint Laurent”

November 5, 2014 by admin 1 Comment

©Yves Saint Laurent by Roxanne Lowit, to be published by Thames & Hudson in November 2014. Photo © 2014 Roxanne Lowit. All rights reserved

What makes a legend? In today’s climate—depending on the industry—it might be something as trivial as sexual gymnastics in a home video, or a digitally mastered vocal performance. Andy Warhol’s famous “fifteen minutes of fame” has turned into a couple of years of media recognition, if not more.

Even in fashion the rules of the game are changing. Legendary designers are being forced out of their fashion houses, media darlings and celebrities create fashion labels that are blockbuster hits even though the clothes are bland and disposable, and “Best Buy” photographers and videographers gain notoriety for just being at the right place at the right time.

Still, that kind of industry saturation will pass. Only those artists that really have something important to say and produce work that is timeless will become legends. Roxanne Lowit is one such artist.

Roxanne Lowit at the book signing of "Yves Saint Laurent.: I mage couresy of Paula Rosado PR

Roxanne Lowit at the book signing of “Yves Saint Laurent.: Image courtesy of Paula Rosado PR

Known for her work over three decades photographing Yves Saint Laurent’s collections backstage and many of his campaigns, Lowit set the standard for backstage fashion photography before other photographers understood the magic that existed on the other side of the catwalk.

Lowit’s special kind of genius is rare these days and sadly missed. However, for those familiar and not so familiar with the Golden Age of Paris Fashion in the 80s, Thames and Hudson has released a brilliant art book that chronicles Yves Saint Laurent’s genius as seen through the lens of Roxanne Lowit.

Roxanne Lowit was gracious enough to chat with Fashion Reverie during the launch of her book of photography Yves Saint Laurent at the Steven Kasher Gallery.

Fashion Reverie: How did you come to work with Yves Saint Laurent?

Roxanne Lowit: I simply went to an Yves Saint Laurent’s show in Paris that I got into through Jerry Hall, Antonio Lopez, and Pat Cleveland. I happen to go backstage and started taking pictures. I ended up on the Eiffel Tower with Yves Saint Laurent and Andy Warhol taking pictures, and I guess you could say the rest is history.

Fashion Reverie: What was it like being a part of what many consider the “Golden Age of Fashion” in Paris?

Roxanne Lowit: It was a fantastic, creative time. No one had to tell you whose clothes were on the runway; you knew the designer by his collection. Things were very different back then.

Fashion Reverie: Yves Saint Laurent was known for being very shy and reclusive. How did you get into his inner circle?

Roxanne Lowit: It came naturally. We looked at each other and immediately clicked. He knew what I wanted and I knew what he wanted, and we respected each other’s work.

Fashion Reverie: And what did he want?

Roxanne Lowit: He wanted to be happy and make people happy by wearing beautiful clothes. He was very fragile and very strong at the same time. He had that dichotomy.

Fashion Reverie: And what did you want?

Roxanne Lowit: I wanted Yves Saint Laurent to be happy and look beautiful in my pictures. I wanted to capture his soul, his humanity, and the beauty of his models. And I also wanted to capture the magic, frenetic excitement of backstage. He knew I wanted that and he allowed me to capture that on film.

Fashion Reverie: You photographed some of Yves Saint Laurent’s most famous collections, from the Opium collection to the Picasso collection to the Ballets Russe collection. Which collection was your favorite, and why?

Roxanne Lowit: My favorite collection was the one that featured the tuxedos. I was not associated with Saint Laurent when he first started featuring tuxedos for women his collection, but the collections where he included that look and silhouette were some of my favorite. I loved this look because it empowered women. He was ahead of the curve and did so many things first. From his sheer, see-through blouses to art-inspired collections; he was a design genius.

The Opium collection stands out in my mind because there was a fabulous party on a Chinese barge docked at the South Street Seaport, and then we all ended up to Studio 54. Roses were strewn for blocks and blocks in the South Street Seaport area.

Fashion Reverie: What was it like photographing some of Yves Saint Laurent muses, from Betty Catroux, Loulou de la Falaise, Pat Cleveland, Katoucha Niane, and Catherine Deneuve?

Roxanne Lowit: They were always elegant, well done and put together. They were so much fun to work with and be around. And their fashion sense was amazing off and on the runway.

Fashion Reverie: Why this book of photographs at this time?

Roxanne Lowit: I thought the timing was right. There are two movies about Saint Laurent that have come out and there is a book about Loulou de la Falaise that recently was published. I felt that the timing of my book aligned with all the new buzz around Saint Laurent.

Fashion Reverie: What other designers that you have worked and collaborated with hold a special place in your memory?

Roxanne Lowit: I have been a part of so many teams and collaborations that it is difficult to pick just a few. However, when I worked with Gianfranco Ferre when he was at Dior that was a special time. Carla Bruni was my model for two years when I photographed the campaign. Galliano was great to work with when he was at Dior. I photographed the Dior book with him. Things were just different then compared to now.

Fashion Reverie: What was the difference?

Roxanne Lowit: The designers were more accessible without all the walls up that you see now. Now everything is corporatized and mostly about merchandizing. Things were more creative.

Fashion Reverie: During that Golden Era of fashion how was photography different?

Roxanne Lowit: Well, I pioneered backstage fashion photography. When I started shooting backstage, no one was backstage except for the designers, the models, and makeup and hair. I was free to do what I wanted. Then merchandizing became such big business that non-fashion people began telling the designers what to do.

Fashion Reverie: What’s next for you?

Roxanne Lowit: I have a lot of archives and I want to do some more books. I have so much work that I could do an encyclopedia of fashion photography. And our young people really need to see this work and be educated about that very special time. Maybe my images and help facilitate that education.

—William S. Gooch

Travel Tips for the Global Fashionista

November 4, 2014 by admin 1 Comment

Emirates Airlines Cabin Crew Tips for the Global Fashionista

Fashion leaves no time for jetlag or the faint of heart. And if global fashion trotting is your raison d’etre you want to look when you get on the plane and when you get off. Fashion for the big fashion glossies globetrot a good portion of the year from New York, London, Milan, and Paris to Dubai, Shanghai, Sao Paolo, and now Seoul, Korea.

And at all times, an editor or fashion globetrotter must look their best. Emirates Airlines is a global brand with an excellent reputation for first-class transportation, luxury experiences and a very attractive staff. Since Emirates airlines flight crew is so darn chic and good looking, Fashion Reverie thought they might have a few pretty good tips of how to be the best globalista we can be this season.

For those that need a pick-me-up at anytime or place, consider these tips from Emirates cabin crew. They offer some great suggestions for maintaining strength, energy, and a healthy glow when the life of a globalista gets tough.

—Kelly L Mills

Emirates Airlines Cabin Crew Tips for Travelers (including fashion editors)

MAKEUP

If you do wear makeup, make sure your look is natural and light. If you decide to sleep on one of Emirates lie-flat Business Class seats, use a makeup wipe to remove your makeup and keep your skin fresh.
Lip gloss should be avoided while flying as it is sticky and needs to be applied more frequently than lipstick.
Placing foundation over your lips and eyes can make the color stay on longer as well. Apply eye shadow afterwards and your looks will last on even the longest of flights
Waterproof mascara should be avoided as this dries out your lashes and is harder to remove after a flight or with a makeup wipe before sleeping onboard.

Image courtesy of Emirates Airline

HAIR

Keep hair tame while travelling on long flights by tying it back into a bun, braid or a low pony tail. This will keep it from tangling and keep it looking fresh when you take it down at arrival.
Pack a small brush or comb in your purse or carry on to straighten hair in the airport.

NAIL and SKINCARE

Wearing light or natural nail polish is the best when travelling since a small chip in the nail won’t show as much. It is great to pack a clear top coat in your suitcase if you are travelling for a few days so that you can keep your manicure looking fresh.
Use hand and face moisturizers to help combat dry skin at high altitude. Apply hand lotion throughout your flight and you will have a hand ready to shake while networking at the Onboard Lounge.

EXTRA HINTS & TIPS

Always carry a sewing kit and spare buttons with you
Roll on perfume fits nicely into purses and other small carry ons

Emirates Airline Tips & Tricks for Long-Haul Travelers

Image courtesy of Emirates Airline

Circulation and Bloating (bloating more relevant to nutrition and diet)

Alternate your seat between a lie-flat and upright position to avoid fluids pooling under your eyes and causing bags.
When the fasten seat beat sign is off, walk throughout the cabin to get circulation going in your legs.
At your seat, motion each letter of the alphabet with your foot to get the blood flowing and avoid ankle swelling.
- Get rid of under-eye puffiness by blotting an ice cube or wet napkin below your eyes.
- Wear loose nonrestrictive clothing and avoid stretchy fabrics

Hydration and Nutrition

Stay hydrated in order to combat the dry plane air. Adding electrolytes via coconut water or by dropping a powder like Emergen-C
Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they are a major cause of dehydration.
Nuts contain anti-inflammatory fats that fill you up for longer, which means you won’t opt for processed snack foods. The Omega-3 acids in nuts, such as peanuts and walnuts, will make your complexion glow.
Avoid sodium in processed snacks such as chips and pretzels to keep from bloating while on board.

Image courtesy of telegraph.uk.co

Avoiding Jetlag

Consider the time zone and which direction you are flying. There is some evidence to suggest that flying westwards can cause less jet lag than when flying eastwards.

Freshen Up

In order to prevent your hair from falling flat, especially where you have slept on it, use an inflatable neck pillow.
To stop hair from looking static, rub a drop of water on your hands and smooth over your hair. You can also use a pea-sized amount of hand cream or lip gloss to smooth down fly always and get frizz under control.
Splashing water on your face at least once throughout the flight will help to wash off grease and oils and rehydrate the skin making for a fresher look upon landing.
Take the “red” out of a red-eye flight by lining your eyes with pencil and using mascara on only your top lashes. Avoid the bottom lashes so you aren’t adding darkness near the eyes.
Upon landing, apply a tinted moisturizer to your cheeks, fix your eye brows, and apply Chapstick or lip gloss. Cream-based makeup infuses your skin with moisture and won’t leave powder all over your bag. Plus you don’t need a brush!

Protective Products

Hydration sprays are very good to use, due to the dry atmosphere in the cabin
An eye gel that can be placed over make-up as well (If oil free) to brighten the eye area and give it a fresh appearance
Men can also use anti-fatigue men’s eye serum to energize tired looking eyes and have a tightening effect on the eyes leaving them looking fresh
In the case that the flight is medium to long haul, it is recommended to remove make-up and use a clear hydration mask, to keep the skin hydrated
If possible use mineral based make-up products if you are not removing make-up
Avoid waterproof mascaras as this will dry out the lashes on board
To avoid the lips from drying out, use a lip balm throughout the flight
Travel size dry shampoo, can give a clean fresh appearance to hair, especially if you have a meeting directly from the flight
One step cleansers (No water needed) or facial wipes to remove make-up or just to freshen up
Pack a good hand/body cream to avoid that cracked skin appearance
Blush will change your ‘out of bed’ look to ‘ready for my meeting ‘ look. You can use a little bit of lipstick on your cheek area if you don’t want to carry a blush by blending shades of over the cheek area.
Make sure all products you bring on board comply with TSA regulations and are less than 3 ounces

*Image in slideshow courtesy of jezebel.com

New York International Bridal Week Fall 2015 Preview

October 7, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

It is that time again!! It seems only yesterday that Fashion Reverie was posting reviews of the bridal collections for spring 2015. Now, we have survived another Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and we are on to New York International Bridal Week fall 2015.

Though everyone loves a spring bride, at any time of the year a beautiful wedding can be a fantasy come true. And the fall bride is no exception. With all the layered embellishments, sequins and beading that evoke snowflakes and icicles, fall/winter bridal gowns can be some of the most detailed and beautiful gowns on the market. And Fashion Reverie will keep you informed on the latest bridal styles and trends from bridal favorites Theia, Ines Di Santo, Amsale, and Monique Lhuillier to bridal mavericks Austin Scarlett, Inbal Dror, and Delphine Manivet, to the more traditional designs of Oleg Cassini, Anne Barge, and Alfred Angelo.

Remember, with all the hustle and bustle, and stress of modern life, brides start planning their weddings sometimes over a year in advance. So, what you may currently be looking at in bridal magazines is already out of step with what you will find at the upcoming nuptials of friends and family.

Fashion Reverie always aims to keep its readers ahead of the curve. So, luxuriate in the froth and fantasy of Bridal fall 2015.

—Staff

Fashion Reverie Video Exclusive: Nigel Barker’s Photo Booth

September 22, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of redrosevintage.com

Are you ready for your close-up? Well, you can be if you follow Nigel Barker’s lead.

Realizing that everybody would like to have 15 minutes of fame and have their photo taken by a famous photographer, fashion photographer extraordinaire Nigel Barker brings the Nigel Barker Photo Studio to the masses by introducing the “User Experience.”

Through interactive video footage, everyday consumers are transformed into celebrities. Nigel Barker offers advice on how to pose, subtle lighting tips and much more, facilitating better photographs. Consumers will enter a traditional booth with expert tips from Nigel Barker, resulting in great photos!!

Fashion Reverie was given unique opportunity during New York Fashion Week Spring 2015 to interview Nigel Barker about his new photo initiative. Enjoy!!

—Staff

Fashion Model “Blackout”?

September 3, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of superselected.com

It’s 2014, but people are still talking about the lack of black models on the runway.

At a time when celebrities and political figures have become the preferred faces to be featured on major fashion magazines, First Lady Michelle Obama, Beyonce, Rihanna, Lupita Nyong’o, Halle Berry, and even Kanye West (with Kim Kardashian, of course) have appeared in recent years on the cover of Vogue. The same women, along with popular supermodels like Joan Smalls and Liya Kebede, have also been tapped to be the face of major cosmetics campaigns from Lancome and L’Oreal to Estee Lauder.

So what’s the problem?

A panel of black editors said the problem is that those examples are still the exceptions rather than the rule when it comes to seeing black faces on the runways and featured in major fashion spreads. And these editors, speaking during a panel discussion last month at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Boston, predicted that things probably won’t be much different when the spring 2015 shows begin this week.

Panelists clockwise: Alicia Quarles, John-John Williams IV, L. Londell McMillan, and Elizabeth Wellington

The editors, all African Americans, said that their panel’s title—“Fashion Blackout” was an apt description for how black models are still frequently left out of the picture when it comes to fashion.

And, the issue of black models on the runway during New York Fashion Week, is really part of a bigger persistent problem: in 2014 black models are still often not considered for prestigious and high profile modeling jobs including major fashion photo spreads.

“It’s terrible. It goes beyond just models during Fashion Week. It’s quite evident that there are very few of us anywhere,” said John-John Williams IV, fashion and pop culture writer for the Baltimore Sun. “If it comes down to spending power (African Americans) have shown they buy. We like to buy designer clothes. The hip-hop community definitely does a good job of doing product placement for so many designers. First Lady Michelle Obama is one of the leading style trendsetters in the country.

British Supermodel Jourdan Dunn

“But then you see so many instances where there are no models of color at all. I don’t understand why (designers) don’t think it’s important to have images that reflect these future and current clients.”

Alicia Quarles, who does red carpet fashion reports as a correspondent for “E!” and “The Today Show,” pointed out that there are some, particularly in Europe, who regularly use black models.

“Givenchy embraces us. He embraces hip-hop. Designers like Olivier Theyskens embrace us. There is a new crop of designers that get it,” she said.

But panelists said many designers don’t even think about racial diversity when they’re creating and presenting their collections.

“They’re designing for what they think of as beautiful. You can’t legislate that. You can’t legislate what someone thinks is beautiful,” said Elizabeth Wellington, fashion writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Wellington said she thinks the fashion world will see more change as a new generation of designers grows into prominence and power.

Philip Plein Spring 2014 campaign. Image courtesy of huffingtonpost.com

Philipp Plein Spring 2014 campaign. Image courtesy of huffingtonpost.com

But panelists said a bigger problem was the lack of diversity reflected in editorial decisions made by fashion editors, whether it was casting models for photo shoots or selecting images for magazine covers.

“First, I approach it as a story. Let’s take something universal like (shift dresses). That’s a universal topic. It’s a dress, right? It’s not a black issue or a white issue. I make sure and include people in my story who are people of color,” Wellington said. “If I’m doing a back to school story I make sure I include people of color.”

Williams said it’s also a matter of paying attention to casting decisions for photo shoots. After he took over the fashion coverage for the Baltimore Sun, Williams said he began questioning the model choices being sent to him by the modeling agency the paper was working with. They were all white and blonde with blues eyes.

“The agency assumed that’s what we preferred because that’s what the previous editor had always selected,” Williams said.

That’s why having the right people in positions that make editorial decisions is so important, said L. Londell McMillan, owner and group publisher of The NorthStar Group, which publishes Jones Magazine and The Source.

DSquared Holiday 2013 campaign

McMillan is better known as an entertainment lawyer whose clients include Lil Kim, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan and Michael Jackson before his death. But he said his experience as an entertainment lawyer gave him an important fashion outsider perspective on the issue. For McMillan, the deliberate use of black models in Jones Magazine’s fashion spreads is not only a personal decision to address a problem he saw, but also a smart business decision.

“We have to invest in ourselves. If we don’t invest in ourselves and don’t really go to the market and support each other we’re going to continue to ask the question (where are the black models?),” McMillan said. “I think we have to ask the question, but we have to take action, too.”

McMillan noted that it was also important to understand how the magazine business is targeted and segmented. “We have to make the case, the business case, that (using black models) is important,” he said.

That also means that editors have to be prepared for pushback from readers when black models are featured.

Dior fall/winter 2013 show. Image courtesy of rolling out.com

“A lot of people have a hard, hard time seeing themselves in (a fashion story) when there’s a black woman on the cover,” said Wellington. The Philadelphia Inquirer writer said she has received letters complaining about her featuring a dark-skinned black model on a cover who had natural hair.

“Some people wrote and said that was beautiful, that was so brave,” she said. “But there were a number of people who couldn’t see themselves in those clothes because they were worn by a black model.”

Quarles said the bottom-line is that fashion writers and editors are journalists first and foremost. ”Our job is to deliver that diversity, to represent the world we live in,” she said. “You have to have people in power who can make those changes, who see that this is important.”

—Karyn D. Collins

Editors’ Essentials for MBFW Spring 2015

September 2, 2014 by admin 1 Comment

Image courtesy of vogue.com

Multiple fashion shows a day, long waiting lines, backstage interviews, antsy PR reps, crowded schedules and tight deadlines; these are all the challenges that confront fashion editors during New York Fashion Week (NYFW). The harried schedule, lack of down time and constant adrenaline rushes can leave editors undernourished, fatigued, and not looking their Fashion Week best. It is quite difficult to stay bright eyed and bushy tailed when your schedule is jammed pack with five to seven shows a day.

True to form, Fashion Reverie has compiled some great editor’s essentials that can you get through your busiest Fashion Week. And many of these essentials are inexpensive and fit into your man bag or purse.

Image courtesy of Blink PR

Surf Collection by Ecco Vessel

Everyone gets thirsty during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (MBFW) and water and/or a great libation is not always handy. No one wants to be seen carrying a water bottle from the gym. During NYFW you can stay hydrated and be stylish at the same time carrying the Surf Collection by Ecco Vessel.

Eco Vessel’s new Surf collection; available in a plethora of sunny hues, the Surf collection is a glass bottle covered in a silicone sleeve. These sleek yet sporty bottles retail for $19.95. Eco Vessel’s water bottles and food storage containers are made of high quality, non-leaching materials and are designed for safety, ease of use and convenience.

There is nothing worse during NYFW than dry skin, hair and nails. Remember editors there are lots of Photographers around so you need to always be ready for your close-up.

Image courtesy of Blink PR

L’or D’afrique

You can always look fresh with L’or D’afrique organic products including Argan Oil, Hydrating Moisture Conditioner, Intense Hydrating Set, and Purificante Cleansing Shampoo. Embracing the all-natural elements of the earth and incorporating them into beauty routines all over the map, L’or D’afrique is a must-have product collection to bring out your inner beauty and health.

With all the many events and shows going on during MBFW, it is essential that you have the right toiletries at your disposal, especially if you are from out of town and don’t know where to purchase those special items. Nabila K’s Voyager Garden Travel Kit contains all the items you need to have the daily freshness. The sweet, aromatic scent comes in convenient 2 oz. bottles and includes shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, liquid and hand soap and body lotion. And at just $28, it is a real find.

Images courtesy of EFG PR

PUNCHCASE

OK, ladies are tried of trying to find your cell phone or our wallet in your oversized bag? PUNCHCASE has just the answer.

Created for the modern, multitasking woman, PUNCHCASE transforms an ordinary cell phone cover into a clever wallet/purse that securely holds your smartphone or e-tablet, while giving you complete access to it. Available in three styles (cross body, wallet or pouch) for under $100 each, PUNCHCASE is perfect for the tech savvy fashion lover at any age.

The PUNCHCASE “Braxton” is best uber-mini, crossbody ever. Keep your phone cozy with your essentials- credit cards, ID, money and there’s room for a little bit more. Handsfree. Dimensions are 6” x 4” x 1.5”. And the PUNCHCASE “Tate” will hold and give easy access to your smartphone without having to remove it from your wallet! Tate also holds credit cards, ID, cash, coins, earphones and your fave lipstick. Don’t sacrifice your individuality for functionality. Dimensions are 5.5” x 4” x 1.75”.

Images courtesy of Blink PR

Out of Print I-Phone Cases

Tired of the same boring I-Phone case in black, white or neutral. For MBFW jazz up your I-Phone with Out of Print new book-inspired iPhone cases. The cases are available for all iPhone 4/4s/5 users and feature images of some of your favorite classic books such as Alice in Wonderland, The Great Gatsby, and The Call of the Wild.

Image courtesy of fossil.com

Fossil’s Knox Bag

There are some new bags in town and just in town for MBFW. Whether you in the market for cross body, shopper, clutch or tote, Fossil has the answers for all your Fashion Week needs. And these Knox bags come in variety of colors and color-blocked combinations. Price points range from $298 to $80.

Image courtesy of Citizen Ciao

Citizen Ciao Weekender

Hey Guys, Fashion Reverie didn’t leave you out. These days male fashion editors sometimes carry just as much stuff in their man bags as the ladies. If you are looking for a bag that is masculine and can carry all your stuff, the Citizen Ciao Weekender is just the bag for you.

It is sturdy, masculine, but with just enough of slick sophistication for the male fashion editor. And it retail $55 exclusively at citizenciao.com, also a percentage of proceeds go back to helping homeless kids receive a quality education and placed into shelters. Support projecthopealliance.org.

(Hey, a little fashion inside tip; a lot of the Conde Nast and Hearst fashion guys carry these types of bags or tote bags that are similar. When in Rome!!)

—William S. Gooch