Robert Verdi's hosts The Future of Fashion at the Luxe Lab

Drinks from Blueprint Cleanse

Absolut Berry Acai

Maidenform LIKE MAGIC bra

Rock & Republic jeans (left) and ShaToBu shapers (right)

Popcorn, Indiana popcorn

Carrera racing sunglasses


Ginger + Liz nail polish

After attending back to back morning shows at Lela Rose, Luca Luca and Binetti, I made my way to Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab for a much needed indulgent, retreat. This was the first time I have visited Robert's Luxe Lab and I had an amazing time. The week-long retreat during fashion week welcomed celebrities and media to experience brands that are shaping the future of fashion in new and innovative ways.

The first thing I did was try the healthy, tasty food and drinks from Blueprint Cleanse. With different juices available, I tried the spicy lemonade (water, lemon, cayenne and agave), which reminded me of one of my favorite drinks, the basil lemonade at Union Square's Republic. Then I tried a cosmo made with the new Absolut Berri Acai.

Nicole from Maidenform was on hand helping with bra fittings and introducing the new LIKE MAGIC bra, which adds 2 cup sizes!

Then Ashley took me through some of the partners at the lounge, including Rock & Republic jeans, which is one of my favorite denim brands. I can't wait to try one of their new dark washes in a skinny fit! I wasn't familiar with ShaToBu but I think it's the next big thing in shapewear - who can't love a shaper that helps you burn up to 12% more calories daily, just by wearing it and walking or climbing stairs?

I am now addicted to Popcorn, Indiana's kettle corn. I tried the original kettle corn but there are a few flavors, including aged white cheddar kettle corn, smoked cheddar cheese kettle corn, sea salt and movie theater.

Ashley also took me through the Carrera racing sunglasses and then to the beauty/spa area - Phyto, who was providing blowouts, nail polish and manicures by Ginger + Liz and makeovers by Jouer cosmetics. Jouer's products are stackable and lock into place - this is perfect for keeping your eyeshadow, bronzer and lip gloss all together, especially if your makeup bag is full or don't carry one around.

I had a fabulous time at the Future of Fashion lounge and will be sure to enjoy testing out all the goodies I left with. I also can't wait to get my Maidenform push up bra and Rock & Republic jeans!

- full bottle of Absolut Berri Acai

- Popcorn, Indiana movie theater popcorn and basket

- Maidenform camisole, boy short and regular-rise thong

- Jouer Instant Chic Kit - Suntan bronzer, Fawn tint, Peach eyeshadow and Starfish lip gloss

- Ginger + Liz polish in Swagger

- Phyto sample packets of intense hydrating shampoo, intense hydrating mask and daily hydrating botanical cream

- ShaToBu high waist to knee shaper

- L.L. Bean tote

Thank you to Robert, Ashley, Patrick and team for all your hospitality and introducing me to all these amazing brands! I can't wait to watch more episodes of The Robert Verdi Show Starring Robert Verdi this season! Absolutely hilarious!

- Kim Weling

I interviewed Robert Verdi while at the Luxe Lab. See what Robert had to say about The Future of Fashion, his new hit show on Logo TV, styling tips for a petite frame and his biggest fashion pet peeve. I momentarily ran out of filming space so I had to break up the interview into two parts.