The Quest for "it"

Carrera y Carrera Opens New Boutique in Dubai

Hi!

Carrera y Carrera continues its expansion plan worldwide with the opening of a new boutique in Dubai. This opening marks another milestone for Carrera y Carrera in its international development.

The opening in Atlantis The Palm was attended by Mrs. Nathalie Guedj, CEO of Carrera y Carrera, Mr. Arif Ben Khadra, Chairman of Levant, and Mr. Manuel Carrera, founder of the brand, who kindly attended press and customers and officially opened the boutique. He also offered a live master-class on the process of creating a jewel.

Billy Reid Opens in Austin, Texas

Hi!

Billy Reid has opened of their first store in Austin, Texas. The store located at 1122 West 6th street officially opened this past Friday August 31st.  Billy Reid continuously aims to create stores that embody not only the brand's authentic lifestyle, but that also reflect the community it is set in.

Antique furnishings and rustic wood tables are set against bright white painted walls, with eclectic sculptures from artist Butch Anthony hanging above.

Billy Reid is located throughout the South East including Nashville, TN; Atlanta, GA; Charlesston, SC; Florence , AL; Dallas Texas; Houston, TX;  and New York City.

Happy Shopping!

*photos courtesy of Michael A. Muller

Fabergé Celebrates the Opening of its New York Flagship and Partnership with The New York Botanical Garden

Hi!

Model & Socialite Olivia Palermo

Things are heating up in New York City! To mark the US launch of Fabergé, and the opening of its first boutique in the country, located at 694 Madison Avenue, the legendary master jeweler hosted an exclusive celebratory event in partnership with the New York Botanical Garden. Guests were treated to Russian inspired cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at 620 Loft & Garden a top Rockefeller Center with breath-taking views of the New York skyline and a showcase of Fabergé's one-of-a-kind jewelery creations.

Attendees included: Fabergé Creative & Managing Director Katharina Flohr, Olivia Palermo, DJ Alexandra Richards, New York Botanical Garden Committee members Nathalie Kaplan, Cristina Cuomo, Dalia Oberlander, Gillian Hearst Simonds, Whitney Fairchild, Jennifer Creel, Natalie Leeds Leventhal, Kimberly Guilfoyle, Christian Leone, Ashley Platt amongst others.

*photo courtesy of Charles Eshelman

Cleo Spa and Salon Opens in Gramercy

Hello!

 

Just prior to the long weekend Cleo Spa and Salon Gramercy, the latest elite location for owner Cleo Jung opened. The outpost, is designed with a  calming, Zen-inspired minimalist approach, with plush details.  A relaxing haven from the hustle and bustle of daily urban life, beauty and art  are able to harmonize here, promoting a sense of well-being for its clients. The cycle of renewal  is evident in the spa’s philosophy, the fine ingredients used in the natural treatments and its calming environment.  Jung takes a holistic approach to beauty and has created a spa habitat that can be incorporated into daily life for both men and  women.  

From head to toe, every detail of beauty care is addressed, executed by skilled professionals who are leaders in  their respective fields.  Facials using the finest ingredients, state-of-the-art equipment, manicures and pedicures featuring green tea and milk treatments, a hair styling salon, expert make-up applications and massage therapies (Swedish, deep  tissue, shiatsu, hot stone and aromatherapy) lets one drift away into the urban refuge that is Cleo Spa & Salon Gramercy.

Attendees enjoyed blow-outs, mini-massages and  express manicures and over Orange V Vodka “Cleo-politans” and Redemption Rye “Renewal on the Rocks” and nibbles by Sonnier & Castle.

Notables for the evening included: Hosts Ainsley Earhardt (see photo above far right) and Kimberly Guilfoyle as well as-- Courtney Friel ( see photo above center), Bebe Neuwirth, Imogene Lloyd Weber, Andrea Tantaros, Megyn Kelly, Stephanie Foster, Cassandra Seidenfeld ( see photo at left), Heidi Lee, Flo Fulton, Tara Compton, Tana Chung, Anisha Lakhani & Peter Davis.

*photos courtesy of Leandro Justen/Patrick McMullan

 

FLASHBACK PHOTOS: A Cocktail Reception For GUESS Fifth Avenue Flagship Opening

Hey There!

A cocktail reception for GUESS Fifth Avenue's Flagship Opening became an ideal way to end New York Fashion Week for Fall 2011.  On Thursday, February 17th, over specialty cocktails and the sounds of DJ Dexter Love, select attendees were able to view the new store and its offerings from top to bottom--no pun intended.  Many enjoyed edibles from crabcakes to eggplant on the main floor while a specialty bar serving sweet treats were available on the upper level.

The private event welcomed celebs sporting pieces from Guess inluding: Julie Alexandria of MTV's Seven wearing a Lou Lou Romper and Hondo shoes;  Nasim Pedrad of SNL wearing a Joanie Striped Blazer, Randie Top, Foxy Flair Jeans and Rapine Shoes; Reshma Shetty of Royal Pains wearing Fit and Flare trousers, Electra Boyfriend Blazer, and a genuine Guess tee. To follow are select photos from the evening.

Top to Bottom: Resham Shetty, Julie Alexandria, Nasim Pedrad

*photos courtesy of Henry Dziekan/Wire Image

 

Fashionistas Declare Green (energy) Color of the Season at Duracell Mobile Smart Power Lab

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 Fashionistas Tinsley Mortimer, Robert Verdi, Carson Kressley and the ULTIMATE fashionista Designer Richie Rich (see photo above) all donated their energy yesterday morning for the Duracell Mobile Smart Power Lab.  The temporary pop gallery at Gansevoort Plaza in New Yor City's Meat Packing District also welcomd Designer Charlotte Ronson, The Styliners' Joey Wolffer, and of course--Santa Claus among others.  Each celeb kept it GREEN, boarding a Duracell Power Rover*** in style.

Duracell is using people power to illuminate the 2011 numerals in Times Square on New Year's Eve.  New Yorkers and tourists alike have the chance to literally help power the 2011 numerals by visiting one of two Duracell Smart Power Lab locations, hopping aboard a Power Rover and pedaling. With each push of the pedal, human energy is captured, converted into usable power, and then routed and stored at Duracell Battery Centers. The journey will end at One Times Square, where the stored power will light up the 2011 numerals as the New Year's Eve Ball drops and the clock strikes midnight. 

***-The Duracell Power Rovers utilize rotary generator technology. As consumers begin to pedal, energy is captured inside the power rover. The amount of energy captured is determined by the power and speed of the cycling. 

*photos by Stuart Ramson

HAMPTONS WEEKEND REPORT: Jogo by Pooneh Opens!

Reported from the weekend of  July 31, 2010

Hi,

The recent Bridgehampton opening of Jogo by Pooneh meant a splash of spicy color for the local Hamptons dwellers as they made their way to enter the much anticipated store opening.  The newly opened space boasts a white pickled floor and airy ceilings, which on this day were complimented by soothing yet upbeat bossa nova and samba rhythms.  Models in jewel toned bikinis accented via gilt buckles and applique played "Jogo beachball." ("Jogo" means "play/game" in Portuguese).

Haley Binn, Kimberly Guilfoyle and Susan Shin, officiated the opening celebration which also served as the kick-off for August 21st Best Buddies Gala.***  A generous portion of the proceeds from the evening was donated to the organization, whose mission is to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. "JOGO BY POONEH" is a celebration of passion for life, color, opportunity and for giving back," explained owner Pooneh Mohazzabi.  

Attendees included Jason Binn, Gigi Stone, Countess Luann de Lesseps,Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen, Melody Weir and Soraya Whelton.  Over acaí-infused cocktails, attendees admired stylish selections that included: cotton shifts, sheer beach cover-ups, colorful lace-up sandals, and silky caftans tied with gold cord adorned with dangling charms and stones.

The storefront was revved up with live dancing lessons, samba that is, courtesy of the Grupo Irek band whose native garb and Brazilian dancers in emerald and ruby headdress greeted guests.  Kosia Asiamah, both coiffed and crafted the hair and makeup of the days entertainment with an indigenous feel of Latin American flair.

***-This summer's Best Buddies Gala takes place at the home of Anne Hearst and Jay McInerney.  

*photos courtesy of Adriel Reboh/Patrick McMullan

A. Turen Grand Opening

                                                                Hi!

The Lower Eastside has a new jewelbox of a boutique in A. Turen.  Last night's opening complete with edibles from several LES (Lower Eastside) eateries*** was a HUGE success. New comer designer Ashley Turen is destined for great things with her new vintage inspired shop that carry's her own intrisicly unique clothing as well a selections of jewelry and other accessories.

We caught up with Ashley who was kind enough to share a little about her techinque when it comes to designing the HOTTEST women's day wear around, " I'll take something that is either used or worn or something that's just been sitting in your closet that you've layed your eyes on too many times add I'll new life to it, by re-working it a really in a creative artisitsc way, I'll use layer upon layer of paints, almost like a Monet approach-- a way of taking something old and making it new again."

Well it was all NEW to us Ashley!The store, the corwd, the scene was spectacular and fresh and we expect to see more  unique creations from the former NYU student as the store settles itno the neighborhood.  Wishing Ashley Turen well were Entertainment Lawyer Mike Heller along with his sisters actress Rachel Heller, and Elizabeth Honig, America's Next TopModel Winner Caridee English, Adrienne Bailon,  Izzy Gold, and many more.  

The festivities continued for several hours giving attendees an ideal summer night experience and the opportunity to build a sincere affinity for the store.  Congratulations Ashley,this is only the beginning!

***Guests enjoyed fresh pina coloadas as well as cocktails athe adjoining neighborhood bar as well as delicious passed hors d'oeuvres from Lower Eastisde favorites such as Katz's Deli and neighboring watering hole Spitzer's. 

*photo by The Quest for "it"

Second Time Around From New York to Boston!

Hi!

Perhaps you've heard about the recent Grand Opening of New York’s first Second Time Around store that kicked off in style (Tuesday June 23rd) thanks to host, Alex McCord of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New York City along with co-hosts Tracy Stern of Tracy Stern Salon Tea and Fashion Blogger Tia Walker.

Second Time Around is a family-run chain of contemporary, designer, consignment clothing stores with 19 stores up and down the east coast. The boutique is appropriately located at 262 Mott Street, in the heart of Nolita, and in the middle of some of Manhattan’s most unique boutiques.

Alex McCord hosted the event with elegance and style in a pink Carlos Miele dress which she acquired from the store. Co-host Tia Walker was dressed in Leigh Bantivoglio, also a product of the store. Second Time Around was full of Manhattan’s most beautiful people as they sipped VOGA Champagne, replenished their thirst with Salon Tea and Jana Water, and ate delicious cupcakes from the Cupcake Stop. Guests of the event included Bravo’s Real Housewives of New York City, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Jill Zarin’s daughter Ally Zarin, Designer John Bartlett, Bravo’s Project Runway Kevin Christiana, America’s Next Top Model Kimberly Leemans, Actress Annabel Vartanian, Art Consultant David Chines, Jeweler John Magzalciogu, and Celebrity Stylist Derek Warburton.  Also present were Douglas Marshall, Robert Fowler, Jared M. Clark, Lifestyle Consultant Peggie Walker, and many more with President Jeff Casler.

*photos by Will Raggozino/Patrick McMullan

The John Varvatos Brunch & Soho Store Re-Design

Hi!

What a TREAT to spend a sunny and fairly warm afternoon at the newly re-designed Soho location of the John Varvatos boutique.  Saturday, March 28th,those in the know headed down for the perfect brunch complete with skewers of fresh fruit, various mini-quiches with asparagus or roasted tomato, KILLER Mimosas and Bloody Mary's and a variety of delicious chocolate desserts.

Over brunch attendees marveled over the newly re-designed space.  The boutique situated in a prestigious landmark building at 122 Spring Street in  Soho has been conceived by Mr. Varvatos and designed by Gray Davis and Will Meyer of Meyer Davis Studio Inc., the boutique creates a luxurious environment dedicated to Varvatos' elegant tailored clothing and suiting collections.  We spoke with John Varvatos, who gave a little bit of background about the brunch, sharing "we  just remodeled the store and it's kind of personal to me this store, everything from the furniture to the artwork and everything...we've been  lucky that our business in a difficult time has been really good. We've had a lot of great customers that have supported us over the years as we've grown so we've invited a bunch of them today to have a Bloody Mary, or cocktail, juice and celebrate the opening and thank them for their support over the years."

The 5,000 square foot store is divided into two stories which allow for a natural thematic separation within the space.  The street level, with its generous display windows along both Spring and Greene Streets, offer an eclectic mix of sports wear, accessories and footwear.  A dramatic lighting fixture composed of more than 1,200 vintage bulbs hanging above the stone stairwell beckoning clients to the sumptuous new downstairs area.

Attendees including: Alec MCCord of The Real Housewives of New York City, Pauley Z of IFC's ZRock,Johannes Mahmood, Jared Clark, Kim Bates Suzanne Fuller, Tia Walker, Robert Fowler and others enjoyed the simply PERFECT afternoon affair.

*photos courtesy of John Varvatos