H&M Store Opening Party with Estelle at 86th and Lexington

Estelle




Fashion Against AIDS T-shirts

parmesan pudding on herbed foccaccia

truffles dusted with bittersweet cocoa

On May 27th, H&M celebrated the grand opening of a new store at 86th and Lexington, carrying apparel and accessories for ladies, mens, teens and kids. It was also the launch of exclusive Fashion Against AIDS t-shirts in which 25% of the sale price of this collection goes directly toward HIV/AIDS education and prevention efforts.

The entire store was 25% off for the night, so attendees happily shopped for spring/summer. I was lucky enough to find a mustard-colored jersey tunic dress and white v-neck dress in XS (the perks of being one of the first to shop in a new store!). H&M is great for finding inexpensive basics or trendy pieces and they do carry XS so you should check it out!

The music was pumping and Estelle mingled with the crowd and posed for pics. Drinks were sponsored by Belvedere Vodka, with refreshing Citrus Lemonade (Belvedere Citrus, lemon juice, sprig of thyme), Black Raspberry Caipirovska (Belvedere Black Raspberry, strawberry, muddled lime and mint) and Orange Basil Gimlet (Belvedere Orange, fresh lime juice, basil) drinks to choose from. Creative Edge Parties, my absolute favorite catering company, provided the hors d’oeuvres, which are always unique and artistically presented. Sashimi, chicken summer rolls with curried vermicelli and Vietnamese basil, parmesan pudding on herbed foccaccia, truffles dusted with bittersweet cocoa and carrot cake were just some of the hors d’oeuvres being passed around.

Farrah Delaunay Launches Bambou Handbag Collection

Bambou Handbag Collection


Brazaville Beach Bag in Pink


Casablanca Weekender in Green

Farrah Delaunay unveiled her first handbag collection, Bambou, at the Edward Tyler Nahem Art Gallery on May 20th, 2009. Delaunay highlights her heritage by incorporating West African indigo-resist dyed fabrics, resulting in colorful lambskin leather handbags. The line includes clutch, hobo, bourse weekender, carry all and beach styles. The bags feature braided handles, bold colors and prints in bright green, brown navy, pink, white and beige. The collection including the Dakar, the Kampala, the Lagos, the Casablanca and the Brazaville will be available at department stores and boutiques nationwide, retailing from $360 to $950.

Ernesto Neto at Park Avenue Armory

The Park Avenue Armory celebrated the launch of the annual artist commissioning program, with Ernesto Neto’s installation titled anthropodino, focusing on the idea of the human body (“anthro”) as a central concern. During the preview party held on May 13th, Leblon Cachaca provided cocktails including Tumeric, Black Pepper Clove, Black Cumin and classic caipirinhas.

The floor-scape architecture has a bone-like structure made of see-through tulle fabric. Pendulant sacks filled with spices heighten your senses as you smell the aroma of ginger, lavender and chamomile. The space can be explored by walking inside or outside of the structure. Other parts of the interactive exhibit required you to take off your shoes, including a giant pit of plastic seafoam balls, in which kids were having fun diving into, a soft, handmade rug that could be used as a colorful runway and a room filled with more pendulant sacks and floor sacks filled with spices and beads. It was like an aromatherapy meditation room, as you couldn’t help but feel relaxed. If you haven’t been already, experience the installation through June 14th.

Jewelry from Sabido & Basteris, Including the Fashionable Eco-Friendly Friendship Bracelet

Photos courtesy of Vital Public Relations

Italian-Mexican fine jewelry designer Victor Sabido Basteris has updated the classic friendship bracelet using eco-friendly, recycled silver filigree thread. The bracelets are available in a multitude of colors including rust, mocha, pale pink, ocean blue, mauve, copper and moss.

The inspiration for the collection stems from the beauty and vivid colors seen on the murals within the Mayan temples of Mexico.

Sabido & Basteris apply the latest technology to their innovative designs, while incorporating gold, gemstones, crystal and mother-of-pearl to the silver threaded necklaces. Each design is an exquisite work of art, and is even more stunning when layered together to create a new piece.

With Sabido & Basteris just launching in the US market this spring, I'm sure we will be seeing more of their colorful collection very soon. Learn more at sabidobasteris.com.

Margi Kent Fall 2009

Photos by Matthew Coulter

Los Angeles-based celebrity stylist and fashion designer Margi Kent unveiled her Fall 2009 Collection on May 6th at the Hosfelt Gallery in Chelsea. Kent’s collection consists of suits, separates, cocktail dresses, evening gowns and bridal wear. The color palette includes black, red, purple, copper and metallic tones. Her inspiration stems from her love of conceptual art, sculpture and architecture.

Some of Kent’s celebrity clients include Stevie Nicks, Meryl Streep, Demi Moore, Mariah Carey, Kim Cattrall and Teri Hatcher. Kent can custom design anything in her collection, tailoring to the smallest of sizes for the perfect fit. For more information, go to margikent.com.