OK, getting older is a natural part of life. And as much marketing campaigns promote 50 as the new 30 or 60 as the new 45, in real time none of us are going to escape the aging process. However, getting older does not mean that life has to pass you by or that muffin tops and receding hairlines should be the expected look for a mature man in the second half of his life.
For most men the true indication of their exact age is their thinning hair and receding hairline. And though the market is chocked full of hair products from Rogaine to hair follicle transplantation treatments that have some positive effect on treating hair loss, few live up to their branding claims.

Christo’s Fifth Avenue salon
Well-known celebrities from Marcia Gay Harden, Debra Messing and Kelly Rutherford to Eve, Matthew Modine, Larenz Tate, Nia Long, and Miss New York can all testify to leading New York hairstylist Christo’s incredible hair products. This transplanted Cypriot for over two decades has serviced an A-list clientele from his Fifth Avenue salon. Christo has also been featured in publications from Glamour, Teen Vogue and Marie Claire to The New York Times, the Boston Globe, and the Chicago Tribune.
Christo has added another laurel to his many accomplishments by recently launching a men’s scalp stimulating hair care line. “For years, I’ve been searching for the perfect solution since my hair started thinning in my late 20’s. I began researching for the latest and most advanced ingredient formulations that effectively stimulate scalp and hair follicles, not only for myself but also for my male clients alike. Now, I am thrilled to introduce an impeccable formula like CHRISTO NYC MEN,” explains Christo.

Image courtesy of Christo NYC
Christo NYC Men contains a five-part, easy to follow system that includes a scalp stimulant, a hydrating paste, a hair and scalp stimulant shampoo, a hair and scalp stimulant conditioner, and a styling gel. The scalp stimulant increases microcirculation within the scalp to allow essential nutrients to invigorate hair from the roots. Prevents premature graying and thinning hair and is also safe for color-treated hair. The hair and scalp stimulant shampoo uses natural extracts work to remove buildup and normalize pH to promote thick and healthy hair and is good for all hair types. And the hair and scalp conditioner uses specialized ingredients expand the hair bulb to prevent hair loss and thicken the entire hair shaft.
Some of the natural and essential ingredients in the hair care line include vitamins A, C, and E which help prevent premature graying while promoting growth of new blood vessels to stimulate circulation and hydrate the scalp; aspalathus linearis (red tea) and pomegranate extract which provide powerful anti-aging antioxidants and promotes healthier new growth by increasing micro-circulation to the hair follicles and scalp, and eucalyptus, peppermint, spearmint, clove and sage extracts which soothe and hydrate hair follicles and scalp.
What is also unique about this men’s grooming line is that most of the products only have to be used a few times a week, and results can be seen in just a few months. And at price points ranging from $26 to $46, Christo NYC Men is not only a frugal purchase, but a purchase that renders positive results.

Christo image courtesy of zimbio.com
Christo NYC Men launches in October 2013 and can be purchased at curlisto.com.
—William S. Gooch





Jovani Fashions is on a mission. Deemed as one of the go-to brands for the perfect prom dress for that young consumer who wants to turn heads and make a statement at one of the most important social events of the year, Jovani has now positioned itself as a brand that is extending itself into markets that go beyond just pretty prom dresses. “Right now we are trying to expand consumer’s perspective of the brand beyond just prom dresses. We really want consumers to realize that the brand goes beyond prom, and that we are multifaceted and have merchandise that extends to affordable couture to great cocktail pieces to a variety of great garments for special occasions,” details Social Media/Marketing Coordinator Felicia Garay-Stanton.

With the proliferation of fashion e-commerce sites, many consumers have difficulty discerning what differentiates one site from the next, let alone offers great product and service. And though the digital age offers more accessibility and sometimes a wider range of product, quality of product and customer satisfaction sometimes gets lots in the shuffle.

When reselling and buying luxury items online, consumers are always leery of sites that purport to have authentic merchandise for top design houses. Shop Hers has found a great way to ensure that shoppers are buying accurate product. “Shop Hers created partnerships with luxury brands and they are our trusted source. So, when merchandise comes in, we go to our brand partners or they come to us and authenticate the merchandise. If an order comes in that is not authentic or is damaged, we cancel the order and send the merchandise back to the seller. Buyers are very excited to know that an order has been canceled and we are sincere about customer service,” explains Shanfeld.
And like all good sites, Shanfeld understands the importance of educating her shopper about great brands, new trends, and merchandise that might be off the radar of many consumers. “It was so important to me include luxury brands that have not had market saturation. When I think of luxury, immediately Balenciaga, Valentino, Lanvin, Balmain, and a host of others come to mind, but I also think of Jenny Kanye, Myne, Adam Lippes, Citizens of Humanity, and Kimberly Orvitz. All these brands have similar luxury price points. I am also thinking of educating the consumer who is not knowledge about Jenny Kanye or Zero + Maria Cornejo. … I didn’t want to be obsessed with just the heavy hitters because I see the value in a variety of luxury brands. And so do my shoppers. Many other sites that purport to sell luxury brands only take consumers down the same paths with the tried-and-true names. We have created a platform that takes our readers down multiple paths and fashion points of view,” extrapolates Shanfeld.
As Project Runway nears the end of its 11th season, many pause to wonder about the success of the many designers who have appeared on the show. Christian Siriano from season four is quickly becoming a household name with a lucrative contract with Payless Shoes and garments sold in Bergdorf Goodman’s, Neiman Marcus, and many upscale boutiques, as well as recently opening his signature store in New York City. Austin Scarlett from season one recently launched a well-received bridal collection. Irina Shabayeva, Korto Momolu, and Daniel Vosovic regularly show during New York Fashion Week. And season seven’s Emilio Sosa is one of the designers for Broadway’s much anticipated Motown: The Musical.
Fashion Reverie: How would you describe your design aesthetic?
FR: Would you say you combine hard and soft in your silhouettes and construction?
FR: How was Zac Posen different as a judge than Michael Kors?

