"Ebony And Ivory"
Zang Toi with model
Yesterday, I paid to visit to Zang Toi’s 57th street atelier, to view resort 2008. Both "High Roller" (Zang’s main collection) and the lesser priced "Toi House" (which he started about six seasons ago and quite frankly hardly appears to be ‘less’ of anything) are a study in ebony and ivory. Coincidentally (or perhaps not), both his fabulously chic design headquarters and his fabulously chic apartment, (which was recently showcased within 6 pages of Elle Décor’s March issue, entitled "Hip & Classic") echo the timeless and always elegant color combo.
The playful, structured, and very body conscious separates which comprise "Toi House" (with wholesale prices ranging from $230 to $1,500) include a terrific mini toggle coat, flawlessly tailored jackets (one with black knitted sleeves that give it the trompe l’oeil illusion of layering), minis, and classic trousers made of bleached cotton canvas. Form fitting sweaters in solid black, ivory, or black and ivory stripes, round out the collection and look sporty, fresh and appealing.
The softer, dressier, and more expensive “High Roller” (which wholesales from $1,000 to $5,000) is fabricated in luxurious silk shantung, silk Dupioni, silk crepe Monaco, and silk organza; hand loomed silk, wool, cashmere sweaters add texture and impart a luxe sportif feeling which has long been a signature of Zang Toi. An ivory cuffed sweater, which has the effect of a vest layered over a shirt, when paired with a form fitting black satin floor length skirt, can be considered a new take on black tie.
Zang’s painstaking and laborious attention to detail (another signature), is evident throughout. To wit, in order to get the exact shades of ivory he desired, he covered some of the Swarovski crystals (which embellish several black jackets and sweaters), with ivory organza. And in order to get the fit of his dresses just right, he used ivory grosgrain ribbon darts.
So, now that resort is now complete, with July upon is, it’s time to think about spring 2008, which will be unveiled during New York Fashion Week in September. While Zang’s show format and venue may still be up for grabs, there is nothing ‘iffy’ about his theme for the next season. He’s very taken with the old English style: ‘think’ Chinoiserie (as evidenced in the 10 panels of hand painted silk organza he had done specifically for him), and a very ‘English’ color palette replete with yellow, peony pink (though he is not totally abandoning black). He is hoping that next week’s trip to Bermuda, to soak up English Colonial color and ambience, will be prolific in both inspiration and sketching.
-Marilyn KirschnerLabels: Resort shows, Zang Toi
+ 6/27/2007;
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Thursday, June 21, 2007
FASHION INTELLIGENCE
By Diane Clehane
This is a free preview of a new column for our subscribers chronicling the news and newsmakers in fashion, media, entertainment and pop culture.
DIANA IS GONE, BUT WE’LL ALWAYS HAVE PARIS
While Tina Brown deconstructs the last remaining bits of minutiae on Princess Diana in her new book, The Diana Chronicles, stripping away the last remnants of gloss that cling to the mythology of her ill-fated life and death, there is one area of Diana’s life where she still is – and will always remain -- an iconic figure. She is the last style icon. Ten years ago, long before we cared if Paris was going to jail, if Nicole ever ate or if Katie Holmes is systemically transforming herself into a Victoria Beckham clone, the publications I work for regularly were consumed with women like Diana and Caroline Bessette Kennedy – style icons, in my opinion, far more worthy of the attention. I am already sickened at the thought of how much coverage Hilton will receive after she gets out of jail next week. Did she find God in a Los Angeles jail cell? Who will dress her for her first post jailbird appearance? I’m not going out on a limb here by saying there are a number of designers and brands jockeying for that dubious distinction. The mind reels.
A decade ago, Diana, having divorced Prince Charles and lost her HRH title, cast off the trappings of her old life by famously auctioning off her dresses with the proceeds going to several charities. Can you imagine any of the celebutards doing anything like that today. Britney could auction off her lingerie … oh, wait a minute. Never mind. Paris could pack up her hair extensions and send them to Locks of Love.
Why do people want to emulate these sad stick figures? Why do people care about them? I’m begging you, stop the madness.
If Diana were still alive, I’d like to think women around the world would look to her for cues on how to age gracefully – and just by being herself, she would have provided them. Instead of vying for the honor of dressing one of the Olsens, designers wouldn’t have to shrink their samples to fit. “Every designer was inspired by Diana,” says Valentino, who often dressed her. “To me, she will always remain one of the most beautiful women in the world.” Sigh.
ROBERT VERDI TICKS OFF JILL HENNESSY, SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON EVA LONGORIA
Robert Verdi is making big bucks as Eva Longoria’s stylist – and he wants everyone to know it. Despite a report in The New York Post that the ubiquitous style maven is working on Longoria’s wedding to NBA hoopster Tony Parker gratis, the man responsible for putting the diminutive Desperate Housewives’ star in a bathing suit for her hosting stint at VMA’s a while back is simply beside himself at the thought that people think he’s working on her Paris nuptials. “It’s totally not true,” Verdi told me at the Gracie Awards held at the Marriott Marquis on Monday night where he was a presenter. “I’m not giving her a free ride.” The Post item reported that Longoria’s hair stylist Ken Paves, who famously tends to the tresses of Jessica Simpson, is also donating his services. “Doing hair is a lot different than what I do,” says Verdi. “I’m responsible for dressing 29 people for that wedding. It’s a huge job!” Besides, he snipes, “I’m at a point in my career where I don’t have to do anything for free!”
Jill Hennessy
"Photos Courtesy of Gary Gershoff/Wire Image"
There’s reason he should hang on to those paying customers. Verdi’s imitation of Mr. Blackwell fell flat with the Gracie crowd that included such A-listers as Ann Curry, Tina Fey and Joy Behar when he took to the stage after Jill Hennessy had just presented Curry with her award. The statuesque and popular star, who wore a flowing multi-colored DKNY dress for the occasion, served as target practice for Verdi who compared the actress’ dress to a Moroccan teepee saying, “Omigod, I love a girl that takes a risk. That was a risk.” The remark bombed. Hennessy got the last word when she returned to the stage to get an award for her work on Crossing Jordan and left the crowd cheering when she said, “I’ve come a long way from the Moroccan brothel where I got this dress.” Somehow, I don’t think anyone in the room will be calling Verdi for fashion advice when Emmy time comes around.
RED CARPET REPORTING: NO ABILITY TO RECOGNIZE STARS REQUIRED
In all the years that I’ve been covering the red carpet in New York and Los Angeles, I’ve seen it all (and it’s going to make great fodder for my next book). But at Monday night’s Gracie Awards the complete cluelessness I encountered was stunning. Extra correspondent AJ Calloway, who sauntered up to his crew doing his best P.Diddy imitation just minutes before the arrivals, gets my vote for the dim-wit of the week. Calloway, who once toiled for BET, could have used a cheat sheet to identify such hard to place faces as Jill Hennessy, Soledad O’Brien and country music phenom Taylor Swift, Myspace’s number one artist whose self titled album recently went platinum. He was constantly overheard asking his crew and the journos near him, “Who’s that?” every time one of the attendees sashayed up to the step and repeat. The only celeb he seemed to be able to identify without prompting was “The View’s” Joy Behar, who, when told of the dubious distinction cracked, “That’s our industry for you. Quality all the way!”
A few spaces down on the red carpet, Michael Lewittes, former Daily News gossip columnist and one time minion under Bonnie Fuller’s Star, was hard at work for Access Hollywood. Lewittes, who acted as if he wanted to be anywhere but at the awards show, wasn’t interested in speaking to most of the carpet crawlers but perked up when Jill Hennessy walked up. He then proceeded to upset the actress by asking if she was in the family way because of her tent-like dress. (It clearly wasn’t her night) “I went in for the kill,” he says. But didn’t get an answer. The Access crew further infuriated the actress by tilting down shooting her dress while she spoke to another reporter. “Do you believe these guys?” she asked me afterwards. Yep, I do.
If you have news, gossip, an event, or a new product you’d like to tell me about, please email me at DClehane@aol.com
-endLabels: Gossip, Jill Hennessy, Michael Verdi, Princess Diana
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Friday, June 15, 2007
TOCCA HOLIDAY/RESORT/SPRING PREVIEW 2008
What appeals to me about Tocca is that for over ten years, they have managed to keep an air of mystery around the brand, as though the lush fabrics, intricate detailing and whimsical prints were hand picked by gentle fairies for only the daintiest girly girls with banana curls and bows.
Taking a cue from the French Provencal countryside during the 1970s and 1980s, the Tocca Holiday/Resort/Spring Preview 2008 Ready to Wear Collection pays homage to an era of old glamour and understated sophistication not seen since those glorious nights on the French Riviera.
Chairman and Creative Director Edoardo Mantelli – one of the elusive men behind Tocca - indicated that he and his team enjoyed collaborating on the many new designs utilizing cotton, precious silk, poplin, double gauze and chiffon fabrics, and that his favorite piece is a cream silk dress with multicolored polka dots from the Spring Preview, which will be in stores next January.
I searched for a few exceptional words to convey what Tocca does to my senses and to describe how it feels to see and touch such rich wardrobe desserts. When I looked up ornate in the thesaurus, I found that the synonyms sit well with so many aspects of Tocca, yet I wouldn’t quite use the word ornate to describe the collection. The words that immediately to come to mind – dreamy, elaborate, adorned, feminine, and lacy – work much better.
Tocca Holiday had some standout pieces amidst the four black cocktail dresses – a silk, sleeveless chemise in three colors – golden camel, dusty blue and light pink. If you are really feeling festive, slip into a strapless option which gathers gracefully below the neck and has a long, draping bow in the middle. If flattering patterns are more your style, choose between fashion fuchsia/white and black/white sleeveless party dresses.
Resort was quite a departure from past frilly and flowery styles. Preppy pale blues and yellows were chosen for casual beach dresses of striped classic ticking complete with a tie around the waist. Navy shorts tied at the knee, and a piercing teal was used to create delicate eyelet pieces as well as comfy yet flattering jersey tops. There were still some flowery prairie dresses, but I was focused on a yellow silk dress prominently displayed on its own. The low neckline and empire waist made this the perfect summer event dress.
Polka dots have been peeking out in the voile designs in the past few seasons, and the pieces featured today in the Spring Preview were crisp and mature, as opposed to this years which were more playful. Luckily, the hems have risen on a number of the dresses and the bows and ties are still free flowing.
Although I did spot a few items that could be worn to the office – a cascading mauve silk shirt paired with trousers a shade lighter from the Spring Preview being my favorite – as we have come to expect from Tocca, each piece is interchangeable for a downtown dinner, drinks at a hotel bar, or an uptown charity event.
-Kerri MullonLabels: Resort shows, Tocca
+ 6/15/2007;
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Thursday, June 14, 2007
Recharging the ‘Battery’
As a transplanted upper East-sider now living downtown in Battery Park City, I find it especially interesting to witness what has become a bona fide rebirth of this historic area. Long associated with maritime and finance, it is being 'rediscovered' by world class, global fragrance and fashion houses.
Indeed, there have been signs of (fashion) life for quite some time. The top of Larry Silverstein’s 7 World Trade Center, with its magnificent harbor and city views, has been used for fashionable parties and perfume launches (including one by Valentino), as well as a show venue by several menswear and womenswear designers. Not the least of whom is John Galliano, who recently staged his resort 2008 Dior fashion show in this space before a crowd of fashion and Hollywood luminaries.
And for the first time in its history, the Fragrance Foundation held its May 31st Fifi Awards at the massive all glass Winter Garden at the Financial Center. Speaking of fragrances, on Wednesday morning, Payot and Prada Beauty hosted a Beauty Breakfast at the Ritz-Carlton Battery Park Spa, with its sweeping Statue of Liberty Views.
Add to the equation the trend of high end retailers setting up shop in the financial district. This October, Tiffany & Co. will open a 7600 square foot store at 37 Wall Street, (in a lovingly restored beaux arts style building which had been a former Trust Company of America headquarters). And that’s not all. According to www.fashionweekdaily, June 13, “in an effort to preserve the area’s natural history and original grandeur, the Tiffany & Co. Foundation will make three separate grants of $1 million each to three major downtown not-for-profit organizations: Friends of the High Line, The Battery Conservancy, and the New York Harbor Conservancy”.
And then there’s Hermes. The storied and venerable French house, which is synonymous with luxury, will soon unveil its brand new 4,000 square foot store at 15 Broad Street, located across the street from the New York Stock Exchange. On Thursday evening, June 21st, there will be a party to fete the opening.
So remarkable is this real estate coup (which is credited for bringing the “zing” of luxury to Wall Street) that the broker who is responsible for this deal, was honored at Tuesday night’s Retail Deal of the Year Awards celebration. The New York Post’s Lois Weiss (in Wednesday’s ‘Between the Bricks’ column) reported that Joel Isaacs of Isaacs and Company, “shepherded the God of Merchandising to 15 Broad Street to become the Deal That Most Significantly Benefits Manhattan.”
In the meantime, Hermes finds itself the much deserved center of attention these days. In the July Issue of Harper’s Bazaar, there was a 4 page montage like spread entitled, “The Secrets of Hermes” showing photos of fashion icons like Grace Kelly and Kate Moss carrying their prized Kelly and Birkin bags; Naomi Campbell showing off her orange Lindy bag; interviews with Jean Paul Gaultier, the creative director for the house since 2003 and Pierre Hardy who has been designing accessories, shoes and jewelry since 1988; and Queen Elizabeth wearing her Hermes scarf tied under her chin, as she is known to do.
Undoubtedly, nothing can beat the Hermes scarf in terms of its longevity and versatility. And therefore nothing is better for packing and traveling (which comes in handy during the summer months when many of us pack and go to parts unknown). The weightless silk square, regardless of color or pattern, can be used in a myriad of ways and can be called upon to make even the simplest and most basic clothes look new and fresh. You can wear it on your head (pirate style, turban style, or tied under the chin a la Queen Elizabeth), wrapped around your wrist, tied on the handle of your handbag/tote, or tied around your neck (long, short, or everything in between).
And finally, since I’m talking about Hermes, I just had to mention that perhaps the most inappropriate and ludicrous place to flaunt a Birkin Bag is in prison (of all places). Though this is precisely what Kathy Hilton did on Tuesday when she and hubby Rick paid a visit to daughter Paris behind bars. Clad in a classic white shirt and black pants, her enviable luggage colored Birkin (which looked brand new) was unquestionably a fabulously chic accessory. But since she had to surrender the costly and rather large item to prison security before entering, what was the point? How silly of me, she knew it would be a photo-op! And quite frankly, what would you expect of parents who want to celebrate the prison release of their daughter (serving time for violating parole of driving under the influence) by having one big party? Talk about inappropriate!
-- Marilyn KirschnerLabels: Battery Park
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Friday, June 08, 2007
Reem Takes the ‘Fifth’
When a friend asked Reem Acra to design her wedding gown several years ago, she complied and as they say, the rest is history. What began as a luxury bridal company has turned into a burgeoning evening wear business (http://www.reemacra.com/) and Ms. Acra has begun to expand the collection to include daywear as well. She has not only garnered an enviable list of loyal fans and clients around the world (including stars and celebrities like Marcia Cross and Angelina Jolie), but her designs are sold in the best and most exclusive stores around the world. In fact, Reem has described her style as: “multi-cultural European mixed with a New York modern approach..very couture”.
It is truly an international business, which is why her recent move from a showroom in the east 30’s to her spectacular space in the landmark Crown building (at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 57th street - truly the crossroads of the world), with its roster of international tenants, could not be more symbolic or more fitting.
But more than that, the new building and the new location has proved highly inspirational and the results of which were apparent in her 27 piece resort collection unveiled Thursday morning. The formal presentation took place in her fabulously appointed second floor showroom (which had been the Kennedy Gallery and was completely gutted and quickly redesigned by herself and her brother).
According to Ms. Acra’s program notes, “the color palette was inspired by my cab ride to the new showroom from my home in Chelsea. I was taken with the wonderful pop-of-color the flowers on the boulevard of Park Avenue created. I especially loved the effect the marigolds, geraniums and grass greens had against the sleek, sophisticated taupes, bronzed golds and blacks of the building’s facades. All prints reflect my new view of Central Park and its evolving landscape.”
The well edited and flawlessly conceived lineup of cocktail dresses, blouses and skirts, and evening gowns (with nary a pant in sight) hit all the right notes and offered variety in terms of silhouette, shape, length, color. Point/Counterpoint. There was volume and there was narrow; there was tailored and there was draping; there was bold color and there was black and white; there were solids and there were prints.
Fabrics used were very couture like silk taffeta, silk gazar, silk satin, silk chiffon, double face wool crepe, tulle, and jersey and while some dresses were unadorned, others boasted her trademark (lavish yet restrained) embroidery, including her signature embroidered ‘necklaces’. With those pieces, the jewelry is already built in to the clothes so you don’t need to add anything else. Just think, you don’t have to fumble around your jewelry box to get the perfect accessory. Talk about modern, e asy, and quick. One- step dressing!
--Marilyn KirschnerLabels: Reem Acra
+ 6/08/2007;
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Thursday, June 07, 2007
Jason ‘Wu’s’ the Crowd
Photo: Randy Brooke
Tapei born, Parson’s grad Jason Wu was 23 years old when he burst on the scene for spring 2007 and has been garnering his share of attention ever since; he is unquestionably, one to watch. On Wednesday afternoon, he showed his short (20 pieces and many of them were SHORT: dresses, skirts, shorts), sweet (yet not cloyingly sweet), yet sophisticated resort collection, in an inviting and very civilized café style setting. Guests (including Constance White, Laurie Schechter, Patrick McDonald) were seated at small round bistro tables and were served champagne while they watched the quick and to the point formal runway collection.
Not only was the clothing easy on the eyes; the venue of choice, The Park, (located 10th Avenue and 17th street), with its trees, greenery, and light airy atrium feeling, was correspondingly pleasant as well and the perfect setting to show an easy, breezy, and airy resort line. Of course, the weather outside (sunny blue skies albeit cool and breezy) didn’t hurt. All I could say it’s lucky for him that he hadn’t scheduled this for Monday (as did Luca Luca and Oscar de la Renta), when Hurricane Barry hit these parts causing flooding and traffic delays around town.
Photo: Marilyn Kirschner
Hallmarks of the line were its chicly neutral color palette (ivory, ecru, mauve, lilac, grey, navy, black); soft and drapey fabrics (chiffon, organza, silk charmeuse) which played off the stiffer silk twill, silk faille and silk taffeta);
Photo: Randy Brooke
lingerie touches; and the light handed, delicate details (hand appliqués, feathered edgings, petals, tulip ruffles, multi layering, pleats and micro pleats, pin-tucks, and trickling mirror finished sequin embellishment). Nothing was forced or overdone; it was all subtle and easy.
Photo: Randy Brooke
Standouts include the black chiffon shift with hand appliquéd chiffon petals and feathered edging; the silk twill and organza color block dress with multi layered skirt; an ecru silk twill one shouldered dress with plaid binding; a silk plaid sheath shown under an ecru silk twill ¾ sleeve coat pleated coat; the lilac organza top shown over silk plaid Bermuda shorts; and several dresses with asymmetrical hems including the layered silk organza ‘Degas’ dress with a black taffeta bow back.
--Marilyn KirschnerLabels: Jason Wu
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Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Oscar’s ‘Full’ of Himself
No silly, I’m not referring to Oscar de la Renta’s ego; though the debonair and popular fashion veteran is certainly entitled to feel mighty good about himself after winning the Council of Fashion Designer’s Women’s Wear Designer of the Year Award (in a tie with Proenza Shouler).
What I AM referring to is Oscar’s penchant for full, wide- legged, cuffed, floor sweeping pants at yesterday’s resort show. Most often counterbalanced with something leaner on top (a narrow cotton hand knit or cashmere and silk sweater), they, along with wide legged jumpsuits; wasp waist, petticoated dresses; full skirted cocktail dresses; filmy caftans, were indicative of his love of volume. But since Oscar always wants to give his ladies a variety of choices and options, he also proposed a lean silhouette by way of stretch cotton pencil skirts and abbreviated jackets and narrow stretch silk pleated dresses among other things.
Coincidentally, like last year, the resort show was a formal runway presentation held just hours before the CFDA Awards; not exactly the most convenient situation considering the pouring rain (which probably accounted for the many empty seats- I estimated the venue as 75% full). And many attendees were surely preoccupied with getting themselves home or to a hair salon, in order to get ready for the big event later on.
Speaking of convenient, just a few days before, the show was wisely moved from a gallery in Chelsea (located in the far reaches of the west side) to a decidedly more elegant uptown space, 583 Park Avenue. The venue was not only more in keeping with Oscar’s unapologetically elegant and uptown design aesthetic, but it was a bit more convenient- not only for his upper east side fans and customers (Aerin Lauder, Alexandra Lind) but for top editors like Anna Wintour (with daughter in tow), and Glenda Bailey (wearing an ivory crochet coat from spring), as well as top retailers (Bergdorf Goodman’s Linda Fargo and Neiman Marcus’s Ken Downing).
By the way, with the soggy downpour courtesy Hurricane Barry, wrecking havoc all morning, the most essential item of clothing was a great raincoat and there were many on view. While Anna opted for a sharp black patent trench, many others decided upon classic or not so classic khaki (like The New York Times’s Anne Christensen who wore Burberry’s short flared sleeved Mac with large buttons).
As for the collection, it was signature, consistent Oscar all the way, and indicative of why he took home the coveted Women’s Wear of the Year Award. The neutral color palette (white, natural, and navy, black) was enlivened with hits of yellow and tangerine- the latter looked especially fresh in the form of a patent leather drawstring jacket worn with a white stretch cotton pencil skirt, natural python Larrabee bag, and tangerine patent flat sandals. Stripes, oversized polka dots (this time embroidered), bold florals, and Ikat prints (what else is new???) provided a respite from the solids.
Getting back to the resort show, ODLR continued his experimentation with sleeves (in terms of volume, length, and silhouette) and is obviously taken with blouses, which were shown with skirts and pants. Noteworthy is his new ‘schizophrenic’ blouse: from the front it appears to be a classic button down shirt but the large bow in back gives it an unexpectedly feminine touch and added volume and dimension.
A selection of bags (from sleek clutches to oversized takeaway totes), belts (like the wide corset like patent leather version), hats (both tailored menswear inspired and whimsically large brimmed), and shoes (either pancake flats or sky high heels) all by Oscar of course, perfectly accessorized each of the 64 outfits in high style.
By the way, Anna Wintour showed up at the CFDA Awards held at the New York Public Library, wearing a knee length black and white embroidered floral dress by Oscar de la Renta. Others going the short route (and choosing Oscar), were wife Annette and her daughter Eliza Reed Bolen (who also works for the designer), both in short black cocktail dresses. They were proof that one need not wear floor length gowns in order to make a grand entrance. In fact, on the contrary. Sorry to say, but Oprah Winfrey’s complicated and voluminous Ralph Lauren gown was unflattering and looked unwieldy. And considering the heat, those who dressed up too much looked hot and bothered (like Allure’s Linda Wells in cumbersome feathers).
But hey, the CFDA Awards are not your typical red carpet event, and there are going to be many different ways to dress and many ways to creatively interpret ‘black tie’. For example, Bruce Weber turned out with a trademark red and white cotton bandana on his forehead; Vogue’s Grace Coddington showed up in her trademark black pantsuit; Zang Toi and his date, Rachel Smith, Miss USA, made a visual statement clad in matching black and white paisleys. Though Zang’s was a shirt and Bermudas, and Ms. Smith’s was a grand ballgown.
Interestingly, even though this was the 25th anniversary of the CFDA, it seems that silver (which signifies the years) was eclipsed by every other color of the rainbow (red, pink, black), and by its metal counterpart gold. Though one woman did pay homage to honoree Ralph Lauren and the anniversary date by accessorizing her floor length white cotton shirtdress (emblazoned with Ralph’s signature polo player) with a silver ‘tie’.
And speaking of shirtdresses, Charles Nolan’s lacquer red short sleeved shirt dress gown, worn on his model date, was an example of taking something simple yet adding drama through color, cut, and fabric. But in a sea of gowns, I have to say that one true standout was Amy Fine Collins’ colorful vintage Geoffrey Beene gown with its abbreviated bolero. Other than this year’s inaugural Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award (which was awarded to Robert Lee Morris), what better way to pay homage to the late great designer!
- Marilyn KirschnerLabels: CFDA Awards, Oscar de la Renta
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Friday, June 01, 2007
CON ‘SCENTS’ OUS OF OPINION
The 35th Annual “Fifi” Awards Ceremony and Celebration were held last evening. Initially conceived of as a way to honor the “fragrance industry’s creative achievements”, this glamorous event which is considered to be the “Oscars” of the global fragrance industry, has come a long way since that first ceremony, held at the Plaza Hotel and attended by only 250 industry insiders. It is now attended by well over 1,000 members of the international fragrance community with celebrity presenters from the worlds of fashion, theatre, film, and TV and last night was no exception. In addition to five- time Grammy Award winner, John Legend, who was the headline performer, guests in attendance included Sean Combs, Paula Abdul, Jane Seymour, Zac Posen, Carol Alt, Daisy Fuentes, Evelyn and Leonard Lauder, Becki Newton, Tracy Reese, Padma Lakshmi, and Donna Karan who was presented with the Fragrance Foundation Board of Director’s Hall of Fame Award for her “extraordinary ingenuity and dedication, which has contributed not only to her company’s success, but to the fragrance industry as a whole.”
This year, for the first time, the venue of choice was the imposing Winter Garden at the World Financial Center. Perfectly mimicking this all glass structure was the brand new award itself, the culmination of an extensive design competition in 2006. Denis Boudard’s crystal design, which was meant to “embody the blending of glass and fragrance because in this industry one cannot exist without the other” (according to Mr. Boudard), simulates a “drop of perfume dissolving into and sending ripples through a slender sheet of crystal”.
This years winners are:
FRAGRANCE OF THE YEAR – WOMEN’S LUXE
Juicy Couture – Liz Claiborne Cosmetics
FRAGRANCE OF THE YEAR – MEN’S LUXE - A TIE!
Terre d’Hermès – Hermès
Unforgivable by Sean John – Sean John Fragrances/Estée Lauder
FRAGRANCE OF THE YEAR – WOMEN’S NOUVEAU NICHE
KenzoAmour – Kenzo Parfums
FRAGRANCE OF THE YEAR – MEN’S NOUVEAU NICHE
Viktor & Rolf Antidote – L’Oréal USA
FRAGRANCE OF THE YEAR – WOMEN’S PRIVATE LABEL/DIRECT SELL
Dream Angels Desire – Victoria’s Secret Beauty
FRAGRANCE OF THE YEAR – MEN’S PRIVATE LABEL/DIRECT SELL
Banana Republic Black Walnut – Inter Parfums USA
FRAGRANCE OF THE YEAR – WOMEN’S POPULAR APPEAL
American Beauty Wonderful Indulgence – BeautyBank Inc.
FRAGRANCE OF THE YEAR – MEN’S POPULAR APPEAL
Antonio Antonio Banderas – Puig Beauty USA, Inc.
FRAGRANCE HALL OF FAME
Angel by Thierry Mugler – Clarins Fragrance Group
EDITORIAL EXCELLENCE IN FRAGRANCE COVERAGE – WOMEN’S SCENT FEATURE
· ELLE – "Making Scents, Shop Talk" – December 2006
EDITORIAL EXCELLENCE IN FRAGRANCE COVERAGE – WOMEN’S SCENT BITE
ELLE – “Vision Quest” – September 2006
EDITORIAL EXCELLENCE IN FRAGRANCE COVERAGE – MEN’S FEATURE
· GQ – “Stop and Smell…Haitian Vetiver?” – December 2006
TECHNOLOGICAL BREAKTHROUGH OF THE YEAR
Crescent House Publishing LLC – Scentsa Fragrance Finder, Expert content by Jan Moran and Michael Edwards
RETAILER OF THE YEAR – A TIE!
· Macy’s
· Sephora
BATH & BODY LINE OF THE YEAR
Juicy Couture by Liz Claiborne Cosmetics
INTERIOR SCENT OF THE YEAR
Banana Republic Chilled Sangria Candle – Inter Parfums USA
BEST PACKAGING – WOMEN’S PRESTIGE – A TIE!
Armani Privé Cuir Amethyst (unisex) – Giorgio Armani Beauty
KenzoAmour – Kenzo Parfums
BEST PACKAGING – MEN’S PRESTIGE – A TIE!
Armani Privé Cuir Amethyst (unisex) – Giorgio Armani Beauty
· Viktor & Rolf Antidote – L’Oréal USA
BEST PACKAGING – WOMEN’S POPULAR APPEAL
Secrets D’Essences Voile d’Ambre – Yves Rocher Inc.
BEST PACKAGING – MEN’S POPULAR APPEAL
Driven – Derek Jeter – Avon Products, Inc.
BEST NATIONAL ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN – PRINT
Juicy Couture –Liz Claiborne Cosmetics
BEST NATIONAL ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN – TV
J’Adore – Dior Beauty
-Marilyn KirschnerLabels: FiFi Awards
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2008 Oscars: The Final Word
american master of fashion series: interview with ny fashion designer ralph rucci 56k & isdn
