Gray Malin Exhibits À La Plage at Gallery 169

Over the weekend I had the pleasure of attending an art exhibit for a dear friend, Gray Malin as he unveiled his new collection, À la Plage at Gallery 169 in Santa Monica.

Lisbon Triptych.

The theme was beachy chic, and the crowd was buzzing with excitement as Gallery 169 hosted and toasted the photographer du jour.  Art lovers and socialites flocked to catch their first glimpse of the big debut.

No stranger to the press, Gray has been turning heads since he first caught social recognition for his Prada Marfa series.  An ultimate showstopper, his photography has been featured in several galleries throughout Los Angeles and has graced the pages of elite publications such as Elle Men, Details, and the Dallas Morning News.  He has even teamed up with Orlebar Brown to create a swimwear line for the UK-based resort wear company.

Artist Gray Malin.

For his latest venture, Gray decided to take things to a new level…a much higher level… With his new series, titled À la Plage, Gray journeyed to six continents over the course of eighteen months, shooting a bird’s eye view of some of the most exquisite beachscapes and lavish backdrops the world has to offer.  Snapping his camera from door-less helicopters, Malin risked everything for a good shot.  Sound a bit dangerous?  Anything for the sake of art….n’est pas?!

St Tropez Tahiti Club.

Lisbon Swimming Pool.

Dubai Paddle Boarders.

Dubai Beach Umbrellas.

Through his magical lens, Gray invites us to see the crème de la crème of luxury.  The ultimate connoisseur in beach chic, he adds pops of color and visual pizzazz for art lovers and design enthusiasts alike.

For more information on the À la Plage exhibit, click here.

Jewelry Designers HOLST + LEE Chat

Natalie Holst and Rochelle Lee, designers behind the fashion collaboration HOLST + LEE, recently brought their jewelry collection (and charming Southern personalities) to Bar Marmont in Los Angeles, where PinkMemo had a few questions for the darling duo:

Designers Natalie Holst and Rochelle Lee of HOLST + LEE.

Q: When did it hit you that you two could work really well together – and launch a business?

We’ve been the best friends for years before we started the business. We’ve always shared a similar aesthetic and loved all the same designers, so it was kind of a no-brainer when we began designing with each other. Truthfully, we started making jewelry for ourselves to wear, and it organically grew into the business we have today.

Q: Being from Texas and South Carolina – how does the South impact your style?

I think being from warmer climates draws us to color and brightness. Temper that with our almost 10 years in New York City and you have this blend of city chic and southern elegance.

Q: Where is the strangest place this new venture has taken you?

We would have to say to the runways of Mercedes Benz fashion week. It was so amazing to see our designs walking down the runway. Pretty bad-ass!

Q: Tell me about some of the artistic elements of your jewelry.

When we sit down to create a piece we make a story board and pull from images we love, artwork, music, movies….you name it. Then we will both start pulling pieces onto a table and just start creating, midway through we’ll switch, and that is our process. There’s a lot of back and forth and really bringing two eyes to the pieces.

Q. I know you recently launched pieces for men. What’s next for Holst + Lee?

Our long-term goal is to build a lifestyle brand. We are dying to do clothes. It’s actually what we had originally planned on launching with, but we found jewelry to be a really great place to start and get our vision out there.

Q. How did you decide whose name would be first in your brand name?

It was really just a phonetics choice. It flows better off the tongue the way it is.

Q: If you could have anyone rock your designs, who would it be and why?

We love the diversity of our clientele. We’ve had everyone from superstars to grandmothers sporting our goods. What we really want is for our jewelry to make people happy and to feel beautiful. But while we’re listing people I’d die to see it on, let’s just go with Ryan Gosling and do I really need to say why .

Talking Summer Hair with TreSemme Celebrity Stylists

Summer is almost here and with that comes summer hair trends! And recently I chatted with TRESemmé Celebrity Stylist John D. and TRESemmé Stylist Jeanie Syfu about their favorite summer hair looks and how you can get them at home using their favorite TS products, the best hair tricks they have learned along the way, and so much more!

RCR: What is your favorite summer hair trend?

JD: Summer represents a time of renewal and fresh starts, and I love any opportunity to feel good and look good. That said, my favorite summer trend this year is a good haircut! My favorite look that I love is what I call the “chopped bob”. It’s a great shorter length style (landing somewhere from the tops of the shoulders to the chin) that’s playful, fresh and full of styling options. I recommend cutting the hair with a solid blunt weight line across the bottom and then have your stylist chip into the ends to add some cool, deconstructed texture.

JS: My favorite hair trend for spring is a “statement haircut.” When hair no longer brushes the shoulders, it takes on a stronger shape and hair has more movement. When it’s taken even shorter (like celebs Charlize Theron and Michelle Williams) it exudes confidence, which is such a strong and beautiful statement for a woman to make.

RCR: What should every woman have in her hair care repertoire and why?

JD: I always say that a great head of hair always starts with a great shampoo and conditioner, which really sets the “foundation” of a great style. I recommend TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner, because they help smooth your strands for easier styling.

JS: I think every woman should have a good brush and a fortifying shampoo and conditioner. I love the detangling brushes by YS Park and a classic Mason Pearson boar/nylon bristle brush. It not only feels good on the scalp, but it breaks up natural oils and products in the hair before washing, stimulates the scalp to promote growth, and also works great for styling.  TRESemme’s Platinum Strength Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner effectively strengthens and cleans your hair, and, when used regularly, repairs up to two years of damage!

RCR: What is your, can’t live without hair product?

JD: The product I any live without… TRESemmé Fresh Start Dry Shampoo! This product is perfect for refreshing and reviving a tired style, and leaves hair full of volume and texture. Perfect for anyone on the go!

JS: It’s tough to choose just one, but I would have to say the TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Foaming Mousse! It’s lightweight and builds amazing, long-lasting fullness and texture to all types of hair. I start pretty much every hairstyle with it when I’m shooting.

RCR: What is the best hair tip or trick you have learned in your career?

JD: One of the best tips I can offer is that less really is more, especially when it comes to product! It’s always best to start with a little product and work more in as you see fit for your hair. You can always add more, it’s not as easy to take it away.  The best hair trick that I’ve learned in my career is (if you have mid-to-long hair) to invest in a good set of clip-in extensions. They are really easy to use, just make sure you get human hair (you can have your colorist blend them to your hair color) and not synthetic so they blend better, and keep the length close to your own.  When I’m shooting, leading a show at fashion week, or working on a celebrity I always use them because they give your hair that extra pop of glamour that isn’t obvious. Those are the best beauty tricks – when you can’t quite figure out what someone has done differently, but they look incredible.

See you on the red carpet!

Betsey Johnson Chats XOX, Betsey Johnson

Recently, I caught up with the one and only Betsey Johnson, who has a reality show XOX, Betsey Johnson premiering this Sunday with her daughter, Lulu. As you can imagine, this fashion icon isn’t short on energy, hugs (she never let go of me during our entire interview!) nor talent. She has helmed her own eponymous line for over forty year and does her classic cartwheel at the end of every fashion show. Still the reality world was unfamiliar to her until her daughter LuLu got the ball rolling. And the rest is reality show magic! She shared with me how she is feeling about the plunge into reality TV, as well as how she has maintained longevity in the otherwise crazy and sometimes-fickle fashion business.

RM: How did you get into the reality TV world?

BJ: It seemed like a silly dream to think about doing a reality show. But my daughter, LuLu, got it started. She spoke to an agent and he said, “You two should do a show.” And then we spoke to some networks and Style loved us! And we said yes! And the last 8 months we have been filming. And it’s terrifying!

RM: Why is it terrifying?

BJ: Because I don’t know that we are your typical reality show. I just do my work. LuLu does her life. So, I’m laughing and she’s basically crying!

RM: How would you classify this type of show?

BJ: It is a dramedy!

RM: To what do you credit your longevity in the fashion world?

BJ: Mother Nature, God and just being alive. I don’t know, I just love it! I can’t imagine doing anything else. I like the challenges. I like the monsters. You know, it’s always challenging, but that’s what keeps you going! I don’t know anyone in any type of field who can sit on that rocking chair and just rock away and relax.

RM: It’s that fire in you.

BJ: Yes, and it’s also the fire in life. It’s all in the world!

XOX, Betsey Johnson premieres this Sunday, May 12th on the Style Network at 8/7c. See you on the red carpet!

Style Chat With Jenny Packham

Jenny Packham is definitely one of Hollywood’s go-to fashion designers. Known for her ultra-feminine and glamorous pieces, Jenny’s looks have been worn on the red carpet by stylish starlets such as Kate Hudson, Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Aniston. Both Kate Middleton and Adele call Jenny their favorite designer. In fact, there is lots of chatter that this uber-talented Brit will be creating Adele’s wedding gown!

And I got the chance to speak with Packham, as well as the TreSemme and Laura Mercier styling teams, at an event in LA last week at the Chateau Marmont.

We talked about her most loved trends, what it takes to dress a celebrity and of course, I had to ask her about designing Adele’s bridal dress!

RM: How would you describe your design aesthetic?

JP: Glamourous. I do bridal wear and evening wear, so I am always trying to create individual, special pieces—and ones that stand-alone.

RM: Oftentimes, you are designing for celebrities. Is it different to design for someone like that versus the everyday woman?

JP: I love it when I get the opportunity to work one on one with someone because then it is a completely different way of designing. And I have to, really think about that person and what suits them, whereas with a collection I am building in things that I know different women will like. But it’s actually more challenging when I am working one on one with someone. But I love it!

RM: What is the key to achieving effortless style?

JP: I think just taking it easy and having your initial ideas, and then calming them down, and not trying too hard—to know when to stop.

RM: What are some of your favorite trends that we are seeing right now?

JP: With bridal, I love that people are going for beautiful details. For brides, I have never really understood the great, big dress look. It’s not my thing.

RM: There has been a lot of talk of you designing Adele’s wedding gown. If you were going to design her dress for her, what could you see her in?

JP: (laughing) I’m sorry, I didn’t hear that.

RM: Fair enough!

For more of our fun chat, click here. See you on the red carpet!

The Perfection of Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is one of the world’s most finicky grapes. It is difficult to grow, affected by rain and mold and mildew. But, when grown in proper conditions, which often include cool nights and warm days with fog filled mornings, giving way to strong winds in the early afternoon—keeping grapes dry, it can be glorious. From Sonoma to Santa Barbara, to Willamette, Australia, Chile and New Zealand, all the way home in Burgundy, the Pinot Noir variety exudes layers of juicy red berry fruit with anything from hearty earthy, mushroom notes to fresh cherry pie, cola and spice. Here are a few tasty options to add to your list this spring.

Benovia is a relatively small, family owned winery in Russian River Valley, one of the best areas for Pinot, creating wines filled with luscious ripe cranberry, strawberry and raspberry with intense spice and cedar wood notes. The climate in Russian River is so perfect for Pinot, as is the soil, creating wines with texture, personality and a lengthy finish.

Pali Wine Company, with their tasting room in Santa Barbara and sourcing fruit from throughout the state brings high quality, appellation specific wines to all with their affordable pricing ($15-$20 for their wines, impressive when you account for the issues found when growing Pinot.) Fruit forward and juicy, their Huntington Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara fruit is a lively, yet balanced wine perfect for pairing with spring salads and seafood dishes.

For Oregonians Pinot Noir only comes from Willamette Valley, and with good reason, similarities the wine has to classic Burgundy will convert any palate to follow many of the 200+ wineries that now dot the region located just 40 miles outside of Portland. Domaine Serene sits a top the Dundee Hills, one of the most mineral rich parts of Willamette with volcanic jory soils adding depth, character and definite earthiness to their expressive Evanstad Reserve Pinot Noir.

The British Fashion Council Returns to LA

Last Tuesday, the British Fashion Council and over a dozen of their most prized designers, hopped over the pond and into Southern California to kick off the fourth season of London Showrooms LA.

Selena Gomez and Marios Schwab

Celebrities and models flocked to the kick-off cocktail event at the Thompson Beverly Hills, where they mingled with designers Maris Schwab, Holly Fulton, Shaun Samson, Peter Pilotto, Christopher De Vos, Todd Lynn, David Koma, Christopher Shannon, Koji Maruyama, Michael Van Der Ham, and Lee Roach—and showed their support for BFC’s efforts to support emerging talent.

Christopher de Vos, Teresa Palmer, Julianne Hough and Peter Pilotto.

Rose McIver, Zelda Williams and Christa B. Allen.

Models Agnyess Deyn, and Liberty Ross made an appearance, and actress Selena Gomez showed her support by wearing Marios Schwab.  Based on the fashionable crowd, and avid enthusiasm, it appears that this British invasion was a brilliant success.

Photos: Donato Sardella

A Fab Week at Lucky FABB West

Last week, I attended the Lucky FABB West Bloggers Conference in LA at the SLS, and I had so much fun! I, along with my style & beauty blogging gals Sydne from Sydne Style, Jen Chan from E! Online, Jamie from Queen of the Quarter Life Crisis, Devon of Devon Rachel, Shauna from Penny Chic, Romy of Romy Raves, Jennifer from My Beauty Bunny and bebe PR Girl, all enjoyed the 2-day event.

We listened to the advice of blogosphere stars such as Eva Chen of Eva Chen 212, Hillary Kerr from Who What Wear, Tina Craig of Bag Snob, Emily Schuman from Cupcakes & Cashmere, Geri Hirsch of Because I’m Addicted, and Elle and Blair Fowler of Elle and Blair. Drew Barrymore also stopped in to chat about her Flower beauty line, and Betsey Johnson debuted her new reality show XOX Betsey Johnson to the fashion-loving crowd. When I inquired to the forever vivacious and colorful Betsey about what we will see on the show, she said, “It’s not your typical reality show. I do my work, and my daughter LuLu does her life. It’s a dramedy!” It premieres on the Style Network on Sunday, May 12 at 8/7c.

Kelly Osbourne kicked off the festivities by welcoming all of us to the event, so I had to ask her a style-related question! After introducing myself to her and Lucky Editor-in-Chief, Brandon Holley, in the packed ballroom, I had to inquire: What is Kelly’s red carpet prep before big events and what’s the best beauty or fashion tips she has learned along the way that she could share with us? Her response: “I like to hula hoop before a big event in my dressing room!” That’s fun! And she wasn’t the only one with interesting quips. Barrymore, in emphasizing that it is important to stay true to yourself no matter what, also said in the same breath, “I love a good fart joke!” She also mentioned that she embarrasses herself quite frequently with the things she says. Love her candor! And, the best part of Lucky FABB? I won a Rebecca Minkoff Hag Bag from Covet! No doubt, it was my Lucky day!

See you on the red carpet!

Springtime for Rose Time

There is nothing better than a sip of fragrant, luscious and layered glass of Rosé when the season changes from winter to spring. Rosé is the white wine for red wine lovers, giving you complex, very dry and elegant flavors while bringing a crisp, cool and refreshing feeling to the palate. Here are a few delicious Rose wines to add to your springtime sipping.

Lasseter Winery Enjoue Rosé, created by John Lasseter the founder of Pixar, who with his family, fell in love with southern France and the wines of the region. A few years ago they left Los Angeles for Northern California and started a winery in Sonoma to create their versions of the great Rhone wines they had enjoyed while visiting France. This one, made from a blend of 73% Syrah, 24% Mourvèdre and 3% Grenache—traditional Rhone varieties, is filled with bright strawberry, cherry and orange zest with a slight earthiness, gorgeous with light fish dishes, chilled gazpacho or spring salads.

Adelsheim Rosé of Pinot Noir a delicious wine from one of the legendary wineries of Willamette Valley, OR, which celebrated their 40^th anniversary last year. Adelsheim knows how to make the variety of the region—Pinot Noir, shine, both in their traditional Pinot Noir wines and this Rosé. Filled with fresh pomegranate, strawberry and juicy ruby red grapefruit, this is a wine enjoyed perfectly on its own on a sunny afternoon, or served with anything from smoked salmon to prosciutto and melon.

Alexandria Nicole Cellars is based in Northwest Washington making wines from vineyards located throughout the state including their a Squared Rosé—always a reason to celebrate. This light yet extremely flavorful Rosé blends Pinot Gris with a touch Mourvèdre and Syrah creating a pale salmon pink colored wine filled with layers of rhubarb and strawberry, cherry and a touch of citrus fruit for a crisp, balanced wine.

Chasing Beauty: Expose on the Modeling Industry

In the kingdom of fashion, models are the queens who grace the pages of every prominent editorial worth mentioning.  From prints to billboards, they have captivated audiences since the billion-dollar industry first began.

The girls of Chasing Beauty.

We sat down with Brent Huff, director of CHASING BEAUTY, a documentary exposing the truth behind the modeling mirage (premiering on iTunes Tuesday, April 2nd).  He gave us the inside scoop on the illustrious world that has fascinated us since the catwalk was invented.

Ali, Dawn Ann, Crista & Brent Huff.

What makes you an expert on the inside world of the modeling industry?

BH: I was a very successful model of 16 years.  I was represented by the famed Ford Agency in New York, and I also modeled in Paris and Milan.  I’ve worked with top designers such at Versace, Armani and Calvin Klein.  I’ve also appeared in dozens of magazines including GQ, Vogue, Esquire, etc., and I am married to former top model Shawn Furman Huff.

The film’s tag line is “the ugly side of being pretty.”  Who came up with this and why did you feel it necessary to tell both sides?

BH: Everyone sees the pretty side of modeling in photos. But, are these images that are portrayed by fashion models realistic?  Not many girls are 5’11″ and wear a size 2!  All the photos you see in magazines are photo-shopped and shot by the top photographers in perfect light.  I wanted to take the viewer behind the catwalk of what really goes on in the modeling world.  Can physical beauty be quantified?  Do pretty people do ugly things to stay beautiful?  Eating disorders, drugs, and too much plastic surgery?

If there was one thing you could change about the modeling world, what would it be and why?

BH: My biggest concern is these young girls who are being taken advantage of sexually, at a young age.  It is particularly bad in Paris, and there are some unsavory agents there that have been exposed but are still in the business.

For those who still aspire to enter the world of modeling, are there any tips you could offer from an insider’s perspective?

BH: Don’t put all your eggs in the beauty basket.  Don’t let other people dictate your self-worth.  But if you can handle the rejection and have what it takes it can be a very exciting career where you travel the globe and meet some wonderful, creative people.  Audrey Hepburn said it best, “Happy girls are the prettiest.

Taylor Reynolds.

Raising eyebrows with every pivot turn and strut down the runway, we will always be in awe of the modeling biz.  If you’re interested in getting a better grasp on the industry, be sure to check out CHASING BEAUTY on iTunes where Brent Huff will be pulling back the magic curtain, revealing the truth behind the femmes of fashion.