Kiki Does 7th Avenue
Thursday, November 13, 2003
The Baroness doing all the latex for the Victoria's Secret fashion show tonight.
FYI...The Baroness in "Page Six" today, regarding her doing all the latex for the Victoria's Secret fashion show tonight. The show airs on CBS November 19th. Please let me know if anybody has an interest in stories on latex, or using some pieces for a shoot. Her website is http://www.baroness.com
http://nypost.com/gossip/42593.htm
WE HEAR...
November 13, 2003 -- THAT Arnold Palmer made it official at a press conference announcing MasterCard as sponsor of the Bay Hill Invitational, when the golf legend introduced Kit Gawthrop as his fiance . . . THAT Victoria's Secret is going fetish this year by hiring The Baroness - New York's premier designer of latex stockings, garters, bras and corsets - to make edgy ensembles for the mannequins at tonight's fashion show . . . THAT tonight, the do-gooders will be uptown at the Safe Horizon Benefit at the Apollo Theater co-chaired by Chris Rock's wife Malaak Compton-Rock and emceed by "Law and Order" actress Stefanie March . . . THAT the second season of "The Restaurant" starts shooting next week at Rocco's on East 22nd Street, to air for six hours on NBC.
Wednesday, November 12, 2003
FASHION FORTY LOUNGE – PRESS LAUNCH PARTY
MEDIA ADVISORY
FROM: SPARK PLUG PUBLICITY
RE: FASHION FORTY LOUNGE – PRESS LAUNCH PARTY
Delivering "downtown cool" to the fashion trenches of the garment district comes Fashion Forty, a brand new lounge from the owners of Soho's 203 Spring Street.
You are invited to the press launch party for Fashion Forty on Wednesday, November 19, 2003, from 7:00-10:00pm. Arista recording artists, Automatic Black, who will be opening that week for Aerosmith at the Madison Square Garden arena, will have a live performance that evening. The opening event is being sponsored by RockStar Energy Drink and Earl Jean.
Officially opening its doors November 20th, Fashion Forty invites patrons to wrap up the day or usher in the night with sophisticated charm, well-mixed cocktails and an impressive tapas menu including paninis, bruschetta, crostinis & vegetarian dishes.
Dressing visitors in the creature comforts of deep-set banquettes and candle-lit sconces, the lounge features lofty ceilings adorned with diamond-shaped fixtures and a long, engaging oak-wood bar.
Thursday, November 06, 2003
Gen Art and Florida Citrus Grapefruit Award $5,000 Grant to Accessory Designer
Gen Art and Florida Citrus Grapefruit Award $5,000 Grant to Emerging
Accessory Designer Ayay for "Sass in a Glass" Design Competition and Unleash Next
Generation of Hot West Coast Designers onto the Fashion World at Fresh Faces in Fashion LA Show
(Los Angeles, CA. Nov. 3, 2003) On Thursday, October 30 at 8:00 p.m., before
a crowd of 900 people-including front row attendee actress Mena Suvari, press
ranging from The New York Times to Vanity Fair, entire cast of smash British
television show "Faking It" and typically fashion-savvy Gen Art supporters, Gen
Art and Nikon presented the runway debuts and standing installations from 12
of the most exciting new talents in fashion. The event took place at the newly
renovated Historic Gas Company Lofts at 810 S. Flower-a hip new live-work
loft building in artsy downtown Los Angeles by real estate development company
CIM group.
Actress and featured DKNY "New York Stories" model Michelle Hicks opened the
show by introducing Florida Grapefruit Juice's "Sass in a Glass" design
competition (which challenged designers to create their handbag interpretation of
"Sass in a Glass"). Following a short film presentation describing the
competition Ms. Hicks was joined by fellow jury panelists Tanya Sarne of womenswear line
Ghost and Cameron Silver of Decades Vintage Boutique to announce the winner
onstage. The winner was designer Ayay, who took home the $5,000 grant. Florida
Grapefruit Juice has also just announced they will produce a limited quantity
of Ayay's winning bag design, continuing the Gen Art mission of supporting
and promoting the designs of young new talent.
The other "Sass in a Glass" finalists were Em'Lala, Hand Maid, Hob Nob
Designs, Pastiche, Curliegirl, and Jixiki by Janine Hunn.
This presentation was followed by the "Fresh Faces in Fashion" runway
presentation, which included standout designs from japanese designer Ballroom
(women's contemporary), Brian Lichtenberg (edgy contemporary sportswear), and
menswear Obedient Sons (contemporary menswear). Stunning knitwear by Oligo Tissew for
Oliver Twist also prompted enthusiastic and appreciative shouts from the
audience.
4 chosen accessory designers also presented items in customized
installations, among them were Em LaLa handbags, Gabriela Artigas fine jewelry, Calleen
Cordero handcrafted shoes and iRonni Kapos jewelry.
In the giftbag for this year's high-energy show was 20 Nikon Coolpix cameras
for 20 lucky fashion VIP'sto receive at the event Also in the yellow
Nikon-branded giftbag was cosmetics by Vincent Longo, shampoo and conditioner by
haircare sponsor Ecru, Ugly Dolls (soft and endearingly ugly stuffed dolls-perfect
for the wackier fashionista), FreshLook t-shirts, Special K cereal, and
skincare by new company Body Breathe.
As in other seasons, Gen Art put together a host committee of fashion
industry professionals to lend their name to the support of emerging talent. Hosting
this year's event were fashion and entertainment industry luminaries retailer
Ron Herman, designer Zandra Rhodes, costumer and stylist Arianne Phillips, LA
designer Trina Turk, actress Rosanna Arquette, designer Lloyd Klein, stylist
Trish Summerville, and LA sales powerhouse Betsee Isenberg.
Designers for Fresh Faces were chosen by a Selection Committee of respected
editors and fashion professionals assisted in the curation of the show and
included: Alisa Loftin (Aero & Co.), Amanda Lutrell-Garrigus (Angeleno Magazine),
Amber Gabard (Blonde), Barbara Kramer at Designers and Agents, Evelyn Ungvari
(Diavolina), Al Stewart (DNR), John Eshaya and Nina Garduno (Ron Herman),
Marlien Rentmeester (Lucky), Ben Ospital (MAC), Sarah Stewart (Maxfield), Jade
Chang (SOMA), Lisa Love (Vogue) and Rose Apodaca-Jones & Kim Friday (Womens Wear
Daily).
Hot on the tails of the Gen Art Los Angeles Fresh Faces event, will be Fresh
Faces in Fashion Chicago taking place on November 13th, which will feature
designers from New York, Los Angeles and Chicago including L.A. rising star and
Gen Art alumni Louis Verdad, and NY alumni Milly and Kamkyl, as well as
Midwestern designers Calvin Tran and Doris Ruth. Accessory designers include Marie
Galvin, Molly Holtzer and Theresa Buffo.
The Fresh Faces in Fashion L.A. event is also supported by Acura, Absolut
Vanilia Vodka, Heineken, Ecru New York, L'Oreal Feria, Fresh Look Contacts,
Special K, and Vincent Longo cosmetics.
About Nikon
Nikon...If the picture matters, the camera matters™. Nikon Inc. is the world
leader in precision optics, 35mm and digital imaging technology and is
recognized worldwide for setting new standards in product design and performance for
its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Through
the Nikon Spirit Initiative™, the company plays an active role in supporting
aspiring and advanced photographers through a variety of philanthropic
organizations, educational programs, events and workshops. For more information, dial
(800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of
photographers to the web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.
About Gen Art
Gen Art, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2003, is the nations leading
arts and entertainment organization, dedicated to promoting and supporting the
best emerging talent in fashion, film, music and the visual arts.
Created to propel the careers of up-and-coming fashion and accessories
designers, Gen Art's fashion events have proven to be a successful launch pad for
big names, including Eduardo Lucero, Louis Verdad, Zac Posen, Rebecca Taylor,
Rami Kashou, Chaiken, Rebecca Dannenberg, Michelle Mason (shoes), Grey Ant,
Alicia Lawhon and Shoshanna.
for photos please visit
http://www.pbase.com/dudedelux/gen_art_fresh_faces_of_fashion
All photos on this site are credited to Marc Goldstein.
Thursday, September 25, 2003
Gustavo Arango enchants New York Fashion Week with his premier collection.
For immediate release:
September 23, 2003, New York, NY
Gustavo Arango enchants New York Fashion Week with his premier collection.
Described as a fantasy of color and fabric, designer Gustavo Arango’s Spring 2004 collection premiered to a packed house on Monday, September 15th, 2003 at 6pm. His collection featured 47 looks such as elegant silk gowns, stunning satin pant suits and pin perfect jackets. This premier collection from the young Columbian designer, who has made his home in Puerto Rico, captured the exotic elegance of the Caribbean and the sharp sensuality of New York. Show stopping elegance embodied such magical garments as an alabaster silk cropped jacket with gathered sleeves adorned with a bronze buckle, showed with its matching wide leg pant, in addition to a stunning hand painted chiffon dress.
(Pictured below).
Adding to the elegance of the show was the glamorous jewelry of Puerto Rico’s Reinhold Jewelers, featuring the work of designers Laura Gibson, Lazare Kaplan, Mikimoto, Stephen Webster, Faraone Mennella and William Levine.
With trend setting make up by Karlo for Shu Umuera and fanciful hair by Junior Melendez for Redken 5th Avenue, Gustavo Arango’s Spring 2004 collection has earned him the distinction as fashion’s new young talent sure to take over the industry.
Gustavo Arango’s Spring 2004 Collection can be viewed at Wire Image.com
www.wireimage.com
For more information on Gustavo Arango and his Spring 2004 Collection:
www.gustavoarango.com
Monday, September 15, 2003
Observations...
Some Asked Me:Do you think the music played makes a difference in how you perceive the fashions, or the image that the designer is able to pull off?
Most definitely the image the designer is trying to pull off. At the Baby Phat, the look was sort of flapper meets 'round the way girl, and the music definitely established the theme. The show opened and closed with a 20s jazzy-swingy sound, and the catwalk presentation was all 21st century hip-hop. At the Rosa Chá and Atil Kotuglu show's, I think the music was just something to listen to besides the sound of heels clicking on the runway.
Sunday, September 14, 2003
The September 13th Report
I arrived at Bryant Park for the 3 p.m. atoll Kotoglu show at 2:30 p.m. It gave me time to wander around the kiosks underneath the huge white tent in Bryant Park. Fiji Water was a major sponsor and had refrigerators with bottles all around, and they were giving them away for free. Ortha-Norva, the birth control patch, also had a kiosk, but they weren't giving away any birth control. LOL.
The Style Network had sponsored a cafe with Manhattan-priced eateries. Individual pizzas, sandwiches and wraps, and salads cost between $6 and $7. I wolfed down a chicken and garlic pizza, because it had taken nearly 15 minutes for them to make it and I had to hurry and get on line for the show. (In retrospect, I don't know why I rushed. Each fashion started 30 minutes or more late. I call it FPT: Fashion People Time. LOL.)
There were also 2 very beautiful and envy-inducing black, convertible Mercedes-Benz cars on display in the lobby. Between the two car displays, was a kiosk handing out free copies of WWD, The Daily, and other fashion rag sheets. I have definitely developed an interest in the business side of fashion, and I found myself reading the Sunday New York Times Style and Fashion section cover to cover. Did you know that Calvin Klein is retiring?
I sat in the second row for the atoll show. The runway went around the tent like a giant U, and the seats were in the middle of the U. It was almost hard to remember that I was sitting in a place that is normally park every other week of the year (aside from Fashion Week in Feb.). I felt very special to have had a seat, because many people had to stand.
I found Atil's clothing surprisingly wearable in shades of gold, silver, and dark green. He played a lot with metallic, alligator, and satin/silk fabrics. What's surprisingly about a lot of fashion on the runways is the lack of women wearing underwear. Some of us do not want to show cleavage from three different advantage points.
Saturday, September 13, 2003
FASHION WEEK (END) CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS
I attended four fashion shows so far during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. I went to GenArt on Friday, and Atil Kutoglu, Rosa Cha, and Baby Phat’s shows on Saturday night. I saw Poet from Oz at the Gen Art Show. I saw Beyonce; Jay-Z, Mama Knowles; Venus Williams; Malina Williams (Soul Food); Robert Verdi (Full Frontal Fashion); Russell Simmons; Tyson Beckford; Toni Braxton (wearing a black, lace, spaghetti ballgown); Wyclef and his wife; T-Boz; Sanaa Lathan; David Copperfield; Andre Harrell; Cuba Gooding Jr.; and Ivana Trump (wearing a tight black turtleneck and a plaid, B&W mini) with her new boy toy at the Rosa Cha show. Rosa Cha has the most amazing yet obscene swimwear I have ever seen. Many of the bikinis were bottomless!
Venus Williams is an AMAZON, and she is extremely beautiful and statuesque. Venus has a 1,000-watt smile. She was very accommodating for the press. She was wearing a black halter mini-dress decorated with a few bold flowers. Beyonce sat in the same row as Venus, and the media swamped her. It was crazy. She looked frightened and I felt scared for her. Eventually, her bodyguard got the press to back off. She looked very bootylicious in her jeans and low-cut white blouse. She looked a lot shorter and prettier in person. Before sitting down, she shook hands with Venus Williams. A few moments later, dressed in a gray t-shirt and a gray baseball cap, Jay-Z made his way down the row. He also spoke with Venus Williams, and eventually sat beside Beyonce. They did not hold hands or anything that would signify them as dating.
The Baby Phat show was nice enough although I don’t really care for Kimora Lee Simmons’ fashions. The show started an hour late, and it was very unorganized when it came to letting in guests. We had to wait shoulder-to-shoulder in a packed crowd for 40 minutes to get into the show. The gift bag was filled with only one can of Def Jam energy drink. The pre-show stuff could have been organized much better. Everyone I saw at the Rosa Cha show was also at the Baby Phat show. Finola Hughes (the soap actor), Andre Leon Talley of Vogue, Naomi Campbell (who was a show stopper on the catwalk of Rosa Cha's show!), Seal, and Damon Dash were also at the show. Jay-Z sat between Beyonce and Damon. Damon wouldn’t shut up. He bent Jay-Z’s ear during the whole event. He wasn’t even a quiet talker. He gesticulates often.
Well, that’s my report for now. More thorough report of the day's events to come.
