L'Occitane and WorldRiderZ Shopping Event

On August 28th, the L'Occitane Flatiron store hosted a shopping event and Refuel and Refresh for WorldRiderZ teamsters Stephane Etienne and Paul Torriero. L'Occitane is sponsoring WorldRiderZ in their round-the-world bike journey to raise awareness and funds to fight Chronic Kidney Disease. For their Flatiron stop-over, Stephane and Paul were pampered with mini-facials and treated to hand massages.

Images courtesy of L'Occitane

During the event, guests enjoyed champagne and macarons while shopping their L'Occitane favorites and exploring new products. The Flatiron boutique was beautifully decorated with Immortelle face care, featuring Immortelle Precious Serum and Divine Cream. I was able to stock up on my own personal favorites like the must-have Shea Butter Hand Cream and the incredibly hydrating Almond Shower Oil.  

The WorldRiderZ story centers on Stephane's son Ilhan, who was born with severe kidney disease. Stephane along with friend Paul, set out to raise awareness and funds by undertaking an incredible bike journey across 9 countries. The 25,000 km journey has included 11 hospital visits, numerous press conferences and filming a six-part documentary for the Discovery Channel. WorldRiderZ has been welcomed all over the world by key figures such as French Minister of Health Xavier Bertrand, Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salmon of Saudi Arabia, Richard Berry and the Dalai Lama. WorldRiderZ is now setting off on the second leg of their journey which involves crossing France, the UK, Canada and the US, traveling 15,535 miles over a three month span.

L'Occitane will also be donating 15% of the daily sales at key stop-off locations throughout Stephane and Paul's journey to fight Chronic Kidney Disease, including the London's Covenant Garden, as well as spots in Toronto and New York City. 

Thank you to L'Occitane for having me take part in an amazing event and cause!

- Marisol Reyes

Imitation of Christ Spring 2013 Presentation

The Imitation of Christ performance and installation was held on Saturday, September 8th at the Bortolami Gallery in Chelsea. Lead stylist David Cruz and his team created hairstyles from chignons and buns to loose curls and straight hair, using BaByliss PRO styling tools, including the Nano Titanium straightener, Nano Titanium curling iron and Portofino dryer. 

This wasn't your traditional presentation, but then again the invitation did specify that "This is Not a Fashion Show". It was quite the opposite and didn't seem to be about the clothes at all. Media and photographers were abruptly rushed out before the presentation started so I know I only got a glimpse of the whole production. Models of all shapes, sizes and ages were focused on staring at themselves in individual antique mirrors, dressing and undressing down to nude leotards.  

It felt like a version of Black Swan while staring into Snow White-like mirrors - utter chaos going on yet slightly eery and confusing. After seeing some images from the actual production, I'd add a little of Eyes Wide Shut in there. I think the theme was what you interpreted it to be, and from what I saw it looked like a female struggle between internal beauty and what the media depicts. It's about objectifying women and these women constantly looking in the mirror and looking for perfection, the way society expects  them to appear. 

 Imitation of Christ designer Tara Subkoff

All photos by Jason Setiawan

- Kim Weling

Mara Hoffman Spring 2013

For Spring 2013, Mara Hoffman takes us on a journey to the Hawaiian islands and its culture, taking inspiration from the word "Aloha". From surfing to lounging at the beach or resort can be visualized through vibrant colors and colorful prints on swimsuits and board shorts. Silk chiffon gowns and flowing dresses are beautiful and effortless. A cropped bustier paired with a quilt applique full skirt portrays a chic hula skirt look.   

Vivid prints include Aloha geometric abstracts in stone and sky, medicine wheel in white, navy and desert (inspired by herbs, flowers and healing remedies), shields in coral and turquoise, quilt print, desert sand and solid colors including vanilla, magenta, poppy, green and black. Neutrals and metallic accents balance out vibrant prints and bold color blocking. 

- Kim Weling

Son Jung Wan Spring 2013

Son Jung Wan Spring 2013 favorites include delicate and sophisticated gowns and dresses in watercolor ombre charmeuse, pastel jacquards and teal. Lace, eyelet and sequin embroidery are highlighted on neutral pieces. The collection also features over-embellished tweeds with sequins and jewel detailing and dramatic use of organza flowers.

               

                     

  - Kim Weling

Charlotte Ronson Spring / Summer 2013

Spring 2013 is by far my favorite Charlotte Ronson collection to date. The cool, girly chic looks combined with edgy details feature peplum mini dresses, shells, athletic shorts, flounce skirts and varsity jackets that are flattering for petites. My top picks include the ocean stripe peplum mini dress, calypso dot tulle draped dress with cut-out, midnight leather bralette, ivory daisy embroidered organza peplum dress with leather detail and midnight dot tulle varsity jacket.  

Accessories include floppy marine totes and duffels, herringbone stripe clutches and totes, crossbody bags and satchels, bucket bags and miaudieres.

    

    

    Source of images: zimbio.com, Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images North America                             

   - Kim Weling

Boy Meets Girl Spring 2013

Here's a quick look at the Boy Meets Girl Spring/Summer 2013 runway show, "Forever Young" presented by Lockerz.com, in conjunction with STYLE360, which featured a special performance by Wyclef Jean & Cris Cab. The collection is youthful, fun and edgy. 

- Kim Weling

Images and video by Jessie Diaz, curveswithmoves.com 

Angel Sanchez Spring 2013

Angel Sanchez Spring 2013 presentation took place on September 10^th. The collection was a mix of neutrals with a splash of color and fun details. Geometric features, asymmetrical cutouts and lace. The ensembles were very clean - no prints as you can see. However the origami and color blocking pushed the envelope and aesthetic far from simple. A youthful, fun collection for the elegant modern woman. 

- Photos by Natalie Alvarado, modaetc.com

- Natalie Alvarado, modaetc.com