As always, the Women’s Mafia is providing an un-paralleled experience for our members and guests to celebrate all things mega-glam and self-loving this Valentine’s Day with a Fashion Week Beauty Bar hosted by Jason Hayes, Hairstylist for The Rockettes, major motion pictures, Broadway and television shows like SNL and Gossip Girl, and Lora Condon, award-winning aesthetician, GMA makeup artist and “The Lash Dr.”  Enjoy special cocktails, valentine’s chocolates and make valentine’s for your sweethearts at this exclusive, private event.

The Love Lounge

The Official Fashion Week Valentine’s Day Beauty Bar

February 14th from 4-8pm

Love Yourself Packages:
The Sweetheart Deal – Glam Lash Extensions by Lora the Lash Dr., A Blowout or Updo by celebrity hairstylist Jason Hayes, and a Beauty Touch-Up – $90*
Brilliant Blowouts – $25*
Retro-Glam Updo’s – $45*
Glam Lash Extensions by The Lash Dr.  - mini-set lasts 4-6 weeks $45*
Beauty Touch-Ups – $25*

Hot House Flowers Beauty, Inc.
315 West 39th St. Studio 509-510. Between 8th and 9th Avenues
Doorman until 6pm, call 212.807.8808 after 6pm.

*A Portion of all proceeds benefits CTI/Suitability, a Non-profit dedicated to helping women become economically independent. www.suitabilityma.org

Private Industry Event by Appointment Only – 212.729.9619. The first 10 Press who book appointments can experience one complimentary service.

RSVP to Marcy@yellowskyagency.com, subject “Love Lounge.”

PLANETE CHIC NEW YORK FASHION WEEK
Fall 2012 collections

Planete Chic is focused on bringing both emerging and established  domestic and International fashion houses to the world’s leading Fashion Weeks in order to help promote designers in competitive markets.

Wednesday, February 8, 6-8pm
Open House Gallery , 201 Mulberry st, New York
Media/Press : 5:30pm – Show starts @ 6:30pm

New York Fashion Week Kick-Off Event featuring:

Espen Salberg
Born in Norway, after living in Italy for many years, he is Bali based since 2007. After presenting at Hong Kong Fashion Week past season, he is making its New York debut with ‘FIRMATO’ his Fall 2012 Couture collection

Shauntele
Shauntele presents a multidimensional femininity by combining tailored, body conscious constructions with details of soft draping. Alluring yet flattering silhouettes create a sophisticated balance between elegance and seduction. Her approach ushers in a new respect and understanding of modern woman’s duality. Both femininity and function meet to create versatile classics to be treasured as mainstays in any wardrobe. Launched in 2008, Shauntele’s clientele includes some of the most influential women on the Manhattan social scene, such as Ivanka Trump and actress Judy Reyes.

RSVP to planetechic@yellowskyagency.com

*This invitation is for one person and is not transferable.  RSVP required. Dress code to attend shows is ‘Elegant.’  21+ only

Philadelphia, PA. November 2011 – Nomad’s last open house was so much fun that they decided to have another one on Sunday, December 18th, from 4-7pm. This time, owners Tami Seymour and Elie-Anne Chevrier are super excited to announce that John Scioli, owner & proprietor of John’s Old School New Skool Barber Shop, will be bringing his shop to Nomad to offer haircuts and straight razor hot towel face shaves! Yes, pop in, sit in the chair for a shave & haircut and do some cool Yule holiday shopping from tons of new vintage in stock. Guests can do it all while listening to music, enjoying hot waffles and eating ice cream from Zsa’s Gourmet Ice Cream Truck!

Nomad is a hip new pop-up shop featuring the best modern, vintage and mid-century finds alongside original works and fresh designs from local jewelers and artisans. All of Nomad’s wares come from local independent designers and collectors, making it the perfect destination for the most thoughtful gift givers this Holiday Season.

Nomad is the collaboration of Tami Seymour and Elie-Anne Chevrier. Both have a combined passion for skillful design & craftsmanship, elegant simplicity and the art of reuse. Elie-Anne, formerly of the Museum world and currently owner of Modern, Vintage, Mid-Century, is a collector, mid-century connoisseur and all-around amazing treasure hunter. Tami is a designer turned stylist and photographer as well as the writer and photographer behind the popular blogs: helloseemore and Middle Diner. She has a never-ending obsession for creating and absorbing beautiful design in all its forms.

Featured Philadelphia Jewelry Designer J. Rudy Lewis is creating new work this season that is catching the eyes and being acquired by top stylists, celebrities and even Royalty. His “Victoria” cuff seems destined to appear on Charlotte Bronte’s arm – that is if Bronte was on her way to CBGB’s. His “Free Forms” collection explores the concept of art as jewelry throughout time -“pieces of jewelry have been found in ancient archaeological excavations all over the world.” Lewis is a student of the history of art, always observing and incorporating fragments of the past into his modern work. Like his “Five Journey’s” Cuff, hand forged and fabricated from sterling silver with 18k yellow gold detail set with natural rough rose cut diamonds, that looks to have just been found buried in the desert. With J. Rudy Lewis every piece tells a story.

Nomad also features these exciting local Designers, Collectors and Vintage Dealers:

Stable Tables – Hand-made farm tables and benches made from reclaimed wood from old barns and buildings.

Helix and Hive and The Necessary May Speak –Art and science come together with Multi-media artist Kristin Swoszowski-Tran’s collection of stylish glass and ceramic terrariums, handmade candles, bath products and accessories, such as; belt buckles, pendants, and rings.

Mockingbird Moon – Kim Grant’s tabletop gardens, collages of found objects and photographs bring the exterior world indoors and feature natural imagery inspired by her rural environs.

P.F. Wilfong & Co. – Furnishings, Goods and Findings.

Cotillion – Fantastic treasures, antiques, art, designer accessories, clothes and more.

MVM – Modern, Vintage, Mid-Century Elie-Anne, showcases elegant furnishing for the discerning collector.

Wing & Wood – Custom Furniture and Woodworking with a sustainable future in mind.

A portion of sales at Nomad will be donated to the James Turrell project: Chestnut Hill Friends are building the first new meetinghouse in Philadelphia in 80 years as a spiritual home for their members and as an inviting place for visitors. Incorporating a Skyspace by world-renowned light artist James Turrell, which will be open regularly to the public, this environmentally-friendly 21st Century building and surrounding gardens and woods will not only accommodate the vibrant local Quaker community, but also offer people of all faiths a place to gather for quiet reflection, fellowship, education, and social action. www.chfmnewmeetinghouse.org

Nomad is a pop-up shop located in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia dedicated to showcasing the best collections of modern, vintage and mid-century furnishings, accessories & jewelry by local independent designers and collectors. Open daily November 25 – December 31st, 10am – 6pm, with the possibility of continuing in January. Follow Nomad’s journey on twitter and facebook for updates and events and visit www.hellonomad.com.

My current Rebecca Minkoff handbag is the best-quality handbag I have EVER had. It still looks new after over 6 months and it goes with everything. Get yours this week!!!

www.rebeccaminkoff.com

www.benminkoff.com

If you want to be heard, sometimes you’ve got to wear your message on your chest! Designer Johnson Hartig did just that, using his Spring/Summer 2012 collection to voice his strong opinion about taxes. He sent models down the catwalk in T-shirts and skirts emblazoned with the message “TAX THE RICH MORE!”  Backstage after the show he said his collection was very political. “If the richest people pay just 10% more a year in taxes it would solve a lot of this nation’s problems,”  Hartig said. Known for juxtaposing vibrant screen prints with gothic looks and vintage-inspired silhouettes, Libertine took a more serious and somber tone this time around.  Models donned head-to-toe black looks screen-printed with vertical white lines vaguely resembled prison stripes. Not what you’d expect for a spring or summer outfit, but Hartig has never been one to play by the rules. The Los Angeles-based stated that his reason for using a mostly black-and-white pallete was that his screen prints worked better on black and white. Yet one couldn’t help wonder if his urgent message to Washington, D.C., influenced the dark tone of the show, which took place in a large cavernous space in Midtown. A belted cream-colored coat with ’60s flower prints was one of the standout pieces. Another highlight was a crimson silk full length dress with horizontal white stripes. A pink-haired model donned a graffiti cape-like black coat with that could easily fit into Lady Gaga’s wardrobe. Eye candy came in the form of buff male models wearing only printed tighty-whities.  Fashion and politics at least have this much in common: when done right they provoke us to stop and to think.

There were no shortages of “ooohs” and “aaahs” from the audience at Venexiana’s brilliant Spring/Summer 2012 catwalk show Saturday night at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. High fashion designer Kati Stern sent out an absolutely stunning and ambitious collection of 72 exquisite evening and cocktail dresses punctuated with sparkling sequins, Swarovski crystals, beading and cast in flowery tones like tangerine and fuchsia.

The black and white polka dot sweetheart strapless gown would easily pleasethe designer’s punk-rock-princess fans. A green banana organza dress with Swarovski detailing and cascading ruffly offered sweet grandeur for her high-end clientele, which included front row attendees bestselling author Jackie Collins and  Real Housewives of New York stars Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen. For some dresses, perilously plunging back-lines were held together by a single strand of crystals. For others, the backs just plunged deep, leaving me to wonder how they even managed to even stay up on the models’ frames. A former architecht, Stern has obviously figured that out and made it work tremendously in her designs. Another masterpiece was a swanky one-shouldered sequin gown that looked so fluid when the model walked, as if it was painted on. It, too, featured a thrilling backless cut.

It would be difficult for me to pick a favourite look since Stern served up a delectable assortment of dresses with no detail or luxury spared. The designer stayed true to her signature look, effortlessly mixing rockstar “couture” with romance and high fashion glamour. One could easily picture this wardrobe for a modern-day Scarlett O’Hara — a brazen, tough girl with an appreciation for luxury and a burning desire to be the the best dressed and most wanted at the ball.  Influenced by the 1920’s flapper mode, models wearing smokey eyes with exaggerated lower lashes, glossy nude pouts and finger waves paraded down the catwalk to a thumping rock ‘n roll soundtrack. Venexiana’s final look, a strapless white silk taffeta gown with china blue flora print and a dramatic train, took my breath — and everyone else’s– away. And isn’t that the reaction we all want when we wear a beautiful dress, anyway?

Photo Credit: Zimbio
PhotoCredit Jacki Collins, Alex & Simon Van K: Jaja Nwokeabia

The liquid gold runway at the Cynthia Rowley show was an apt metaphor for her Spring/Summer 2012 line.  The collection was fluid and playful, with one magnificently created piece flowing seamlessly into the next. The key motif for the evening was floral, from intricate patterns etched in gold to vibrant, colorful illustrations.  The color palette was primarily blues, yellow, black, white and gold with an occasional splash of aubergine, orange or red for contrast.  Models were styled with long textured, carefree hair and fresh faces, a clean look on which to display the dynamic collection. Accessories were not necessary – aside from the wild and whimsical gold shoes and the poppy alt-punk soundtrack at the show.

From sleek printed leggings in the suiting collection to a flowing mid-thigh skirt paired with a structured neutral sweater, the lush prints and patterns kept reappearing in varying formation, offering many surprises in this modern and forward-thinking collection.  My personal favorite was an exquisite black structured dress emblazoned with a lacy gold pattern – divine!  Cynthia Rowley is able to transcend place and position with her lush designs and it will be exciting to see what influence she has on the upcoming season.

My only quibble?  Within the bevy of models, there was only one Black model and one Asian model.  I hope in future collections, Ms. Rowley’s models will be as diverse as her design.

Image credit / More images

ASTONISH MAGAZINE & ASTONISHWORLD LAUNCH EVENT
Guests Previewed The First Print Edition of ASTONISH Magazine and New Ready-to-Wear and Couture Collections by Designer Phuong My

Featured Guests & Host Committee:
ASTONISH Publisher Ryan Chua, ASTONISH VP of Operations Brandon Leong, EngieStyle Founder Engie Hassan, Jewelry Designer J. Rudy Lewis, Financier & MyModel.com Founder David Cote, Publicist & Women’s Mafia Founder Marcy Clark, Philanthropist & Seven Bar Foundation Chairwoman Renata M. Black, Seven Bar Foundation President Kim Hoedeman, Designer Sabina Les, Yellow Sky Agency Founder Alejandro Beitler, Music Producer & Airgo Music Founder Jimmy Greco, Rock Artist Ming Vaadka, Producer Patrick Terry, R&B Artist AC Lincoln, Gossip Queen & Radio Host Flo Anthony, and Lita Asscher of Royal Asscher Diamonds, Grammy Nominated Artist Emily King, DJ Poet of The Black Eyes Peas, Jazz Legend Kim Kalesti, GenArt Founder Ian Gerard

Event Partners:
Sakiri Vodka Founder Sath Nop, Biso Wines Founder Mike Bazzini, John Sweiss of Bite Size New York, Lisa Mecray Rogers of Luxx Chocolat, DJ Jay McElfresh, DJ Von Kiss, Eric Alt Salon, Makeup Artist Valerie Vonprisk, Kett Cosmetics, Yaby Cosmetics, Pamela Quinzi Shoes, Kitty Andrews Millinery and The Gansevoort Park Avenue

New York, NY. September 2011. On September 7th, the eve of New York Fashion Week, 300 guests received a coveted invitation to the launch party for ASTONISH Magazine and ASTONISHWorld at the elegant Gansevoort Park Avenue Hotel. Press, Fashion Glitterati, the Bloggerati and celebrities of music and film were treated to a raging event and an unforgettable Fashion Show by fast-rising designer Phuong My. Guests were greeted with advanced copies of the premier issue of ASTONISH Magazine, a game-changing new high end fashion publication that features emerging photographers, stylists, designers and models. Once inside the Penthouse, fashion insiders, models, artists, press and VIP guests enjoyed hip cocktails by Sakiri Vodka, fruity Lunae Moscato by Biso Winery, Mediterranean delectable’s by Bite Size New York and gourmet confections by Luxx Chocolat, all whilst dancing to the tunes of DJ Jay McElfresh.

Backstage, Engie Hassan and the team at EngieStyle worked with designer Phuong My and her atelier to fit and finalize garments on models. Eric Altimore and the pitch-perfect team from Eric Alt Salon managed hair while key makeup artist Valerie Vonprisk worked with teams from Kett Cosmetics and Yaby Cosmetics to create a signature fresh, high-fashion face. Phuong My’s looks were finished with shoes by Pamela Quinzi and custom hats by milliner Kitty Andrews. EngieStyle provided jewelry by the Royal Asscher Diamond Company and Jewelry Sponsor J. Rudy Lewis for featured looks and VIP guests.

Super Model Lorianna Izrailova in Phuong My Couture, Runway Photos by Jodi Jones

After Yellow Sky Agency PR seated the VIP guests, DJ Von Kiss played music as Phuong My thrilled the crowd with 25 elegant, structural and inimitable ready-to-wear women’s looks and then 10 couture looks that showed off her mastery of manipulating shapes. An ovation of applause greeted designer Phuong My and ASTONISH Publisher Ryan Chua alike. Designer Phuong My embodies the magazine’s essential mission of showcasing the best emerging Fashion Artists of today.

The highly anticipated first print edition of ASTONISH Magazine hits major US newsstands on September 27, 2011. It is the answer to an industry starved for smart, unique and visually stimulating Fashion & Art content. Its goal is to inspire, reinvent and revolutionize the fading publication industry with stunning imagery, insightful social commentary and interviews with emerging artists and industry professionals. ASTONISHWorld offers a unique experience for fashion students, photographers, designers, stylists, models, makeup artists, hairstylists and bloggers to participate in the magazine and connect them with fashion industry leaders in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Russia, Japan, China, and Korea. Become a part of the movement at www.astonishmagazine.com.

#  #  #

Guest, ASTONISH Publisher Ryan Chua, Publicist Marcy Clark, Jeweler J. Rudy Lewis, VP of Operations Brandon Leong and Model Lorianna Izrailova

ASTONISH Publisher Ryan Chua, Magic Johnson's son EJ Johnson, Doug Melville of Red Carpet Runway and VP of Operations Brandon Leong

Models with Milliner Kitty Andrews

Team ASTONISH

ASTONISH Men's Editor Kristen Irby with Designer Ninh Nguyen

Model Lorianna Izrailova, Gen Art founder Ian Gerard, Astonish Publicist Marcy Clark and Model Ash Mirza

Engie Hassan and the EngieStyle team

Grammy Nominated Singer Emily King, Trum Thuy, Event Producer Marcy Clark, R&B Artist AC Lincoln, Jeweler J. Rudy Lewis & Jazz Legend Kim Kalesti

Author and Beauty Expert Lora Condon with Montana USA, Men's Wear Designer Alexander Tedford and stylist Jaymz Crow

Event Sponsor J. Rudy Lewis and his associates at the J. Rudy Lewis Jewelry Design Atelier

Guests from Women's Wear Daily

Douglas Melville of Red Carpet Runway & VIP Guests

Gossip Queen & Radio Host Flo Anthony, with Philanthropist and Film Producer Dhonna Goodale and The Salon Guy

ASTONISH VP Ryan Colby with his model clients

The Salon Guy Stephen Marinaro Interviewing Engie Hassan

J. Rudy Lewis being interviewed by The Salon Guy

Luxx Chocolat founder Lisa Mecray Rogers with guest and Tatyana Titkova

Members of the NYC Fashion Bloggers with J. Rudy Lewis and guest

Financier and MyModel.com Founder David Cote, Philanthropist Lisa Goldman, guest Jeff Zee

Socialite Guests of Engie Hassan

Ashley Crossman, Alejandro Beitler, Mike Bazzini

Event Produced by Marcy Clark of the Women’s Mafia and Yellow Sky Agency PR. More photos and Video Links:

August Young – Photographs
http://augustyoungphotography.zenfolio.com/p874270276

The Salon Guy – pictures and video
http://www.thesalonguy.com/media/astonish-magazine-launch-party-with-designer-phuong-my-for-ny-fashion-week

Sunny Norton -  Photographs
http://sunnynorton.smugmug.com/Events/ASTONISH-MAGAZINE-Launch-Party

More coming soon at www.ASTONISHMagazine.com. Say you are with the Women’s Mafia to secure your coveted subscription to ASTONISHWorld and join the movement!

Media Contact: Marcy Clark
Yellow Sky Agency
212.729.9619
Marcy@yellowskyagency.com