CFDA Swarovski Talent Showcase at Fivestory Boutique

Excitement sparkled this week in anticipation for the upcoming CFDA Awards on June 3! The art, home décor, RTW, bejeweled Fivestory boutique hosted a glittering Swarovski party that featured Objects d’Art designed by the nominees of the Swarovski Awards for Emerging Talent.

Pamela Love, below Michelle Ochs, Carly Cushnie, Erin Beatty and Max Osterweis.

The art-inspired, limited-edition objects included a jet Swarovski BMX bike by Public School designers, a crystallized Ducati Formula-1 helmet designer by Tim Coppens, a set of crystal-encrusted arrows by Pamela Love, a live Cactus decked-out with over 600 crystals created by Suno, Todd Snyder customized a pair of New Balance sneakers, and Cushnie et Ochs designers got glitzy with set of kitchen knives.

Natalie Joos and display at Fivestory Boutique.

The Swarovski Objects d’Art will be on display at Fivestory till June 3—the big day! Quick recap on the 2013 nominees and honorees: -

Womenswear Designer of the Year: Alexander Wang, Marc Jacobs, Proenza Schouler: Jack McCollugh and Lazaro Hernandez.

Menswear Designer of the Year: Duckie Brown: Steven Cox and Daniel Silver,

Michael Bastian, and Thom Browne

Accessories Designer of the Year: Alexander Wang, Phillip Lim, Proenza Schouler: Jack McCollugh and Lazaro Hernandez.

Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent in Womenswear: Creatures of the Wind: Shane Gabier and Christopher Peters, Cushnie et Ochs: Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs.

Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent in Menswear: Public School: Dao-Yi and Maxwell Osborne, Tim Coppens, and Todd Snyder.

Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent in Accessories: Irene Neuwirth, Jennifer Meyer, and Pamela Love.

Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award: Vera Wang, International Award: Riccardo Tisci – Givenchy, Founders Award: Oscar de le Renta, Media Award: Tim Blanks Style.com, Board of Directors’ Tribute Award: Colleen Atwood – Costume Designer.

Fingers crossed for third-time nominee Pamela Love…

Photo: WWD – Jenna Greene

Nina Dobrev Celebrates Launch of Origins GinZing Moisturizer

Early this month, the Origins Flatiron store in NYC celebrated the launch of Origins latest ‘it’ product—GinZing™ Energy-boosting moisturizer. This amazing cream is perfect for summer! Origins state it’s, “like a shot of espresso for tired skin,” I am in! This may just curb my Starbucks addiction.

GinZing™ Energy-boosting moisturizer.

Actress Nina Dobrev, decked out in a Thakoon dress and Jimmy Choo heels and clutch, kicked-off the launch along with Jane Lauder, wearing a Missoni dress and Manolo Blahnik heels—the Global President and General Manager of Origins, Ojon and Darphin. “We wanted to create something fabulous and refreshing for summer, especially because I’m always exhausted from traveling a lot, this has coffee as well as ginseng in it to give you an energizing refreshed look. So it smells refreshing and energizes your skin,” Lauder enthused.

Jane Lauder and Nina Dobrev.

Origins award winning GinZing eye-cream has a cult following, and “GinZingers” have now become addicted to the high-performance energizing boost. Origins searched the world over for the highest-grade coffee beans, (hmm, I am going to start eyeballing my French press in a whole new light), they combined coffee beans with Panax Ginseng and skin-smoothing Chestnut seed, which produces an oil-free moisturizer, added with a dash of lemon, grapefruit and spearmint and infuses the cream with a zing—now that’s refreshing. The unique gel formula is instantly cooling, which hydrates the skin and creates a vibrant healthy glow—perfect for summer.

Actress Nina Dobrev launches Origins GinZing Energy Boosting Moisturizer.

Energize your skin and become one of the millions of loyal “GinZingers.” You may even be able to skip that morning latte. Available at Origins stores, department stores or online at Origins.com.

Anchor Distilling Gives Classic Flavors a Modern Touch

I am in love with Anchor Distillery, the spirits producers based in San Francisco in the old Anchor Brewery building, which changed the brewing world when Fritz Maytag(whose name and family were best known for their washers and dryers at the time) created one of the first artisanal style craft beer in 1965. In 1993, he set his sights on spirits, creating Old Potrero Whiskey,Junipero Gin and Genevieve Gin.

His spirits followed the same quality focus Fritz had in his Anchor brews, using 100% rye in his whiskey (the government only requires around 51% rye to be called a whiskey) with fresh botanicals and juniper in his gins creating two distinctly different gins to fit different flavor preferences. His Genevieve is soft, floral and fresh for those looking for a green, herbaceous spirit for sipping with their tonic and Junipero, which as the name suggests, is filled with a burst of fresh juniper.

The company recently introduced Hop Head Vodka, a hop-infused spirit giving a nod to their beer roots, using Washington State hops infused into their light, fresh and fragrant vodka that is more like a gin than a vodka, but lacks the traditional juniper flavor—so falls into the vodka category. Presented beautifully, each bottle retails for about $30 and, though mixologists around the country have created innovative cocktails around the spirits, best enjoyed simply with tonic or soda and a lime. Selections available throughout Manhattan at various liquor stores including Park Ave Liquor.

Burberry Hosts Dinner During Frieze Art Fair New York

As Frieze Art Fair set the scene last week, the Brits at Burberry, along with W Magazine Editor in Chief Stefano Tonchi and Kate Fowle of Independent Curators International hosted a private dinner to celebrate the opening of ‘Do It: The Compendium’ curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist.

Giovanna Battaglia and Vladimir Restoin Roitfeld.

Emerging curators, artists, society notables, and art aficionados dined and admired the tunes of Burberry musician Roo Panes, with DJ set by British artist Eddie Peake. Guests included Tom Guinness, Vladimir Restoin Roitfeld, Tracey Emin, Amanda Ross, Anh Duong, Tali Lennox, Edward Enninful, and Uri Aran.

Tiffany & Co. Present The Great Gatsby Blue Book Ball

Tiffany & Co.’s Gatsby-themed Blue Book Ball last month in New York brought the cool elegance of the 1920’s to life. The event celebrated the legendary jeweler’s new collection of Jazz Age-style jewelry, in time for the release of the upcoming Baz Luhrmann film that hits theaters on Friday.

The Blue Book Ball took place within a 31-foot-high Tiffany Blue Box® covering Rockefeller Center. Over 400 notable guests were in attendance, including celebrities like Gwyneth and SJP channeling their inner Daisy Buchanan, and others like Jessica Biel and Hilary Rhoda live-tweeting the evening’s hashtag #TiffanyBlueBook and instagramming the revelry.

Designed in collaboration with Catherine Martin (costume and production designer of The Great Gatsby), the collection is marked by pieces that the literary classic’s dynamic dame herself would have worn—glittering butterfly and daisy brooches, Art Deco-inspired rings, and the spectacular Savoy Headpiece, featuring freshwater cultured pearls and brilliant diamonds set in platinum. It’s just a cool $200,000.

The Jazz Age collection is euphoria and glamour all wrapped up in a little blue box, and what girl wouldn’t want that? For more on The Great Gatsby, see here:

Photo credit: Getty Images & Carlton Davis.

The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Hosts A Candlelit Spring Ball At The Met

The Temple of Dendur in The Sackler Wing at The Metropolitan Museum of Art was transformed into a candlelit evening at the 6^th Annual Spring Ball for The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center at the end of April.

Co-Chairs: Karen LeFrak, Julia Koch and Shelley Carr.

Co-chaired by Shelley Carr, Karen LeFrak and Julia Koch and sponsored by Harry Winston, Inc., the event raised $1.5M for The Society’s latest Kidney Cancer Initiative, that was announced by Dr. Robert Motzer that evening.

Over 400, business, fashion and philanthropy notables were welcomed by President of The Society Dr. Annette Rickel who all mingled amidst a musical performance by Grammy award-winning artist Diana Krall, and enjoyed cocktails, dinner, and dancing with DJ D-Nice.

The Society honored Muffie Potter Aston, Tory Burch, Jamie Tisch and Caryn Zucker with the Service Award for their continued support of The Society’s programs—guests included Arie and Coco Kopelman, Avi and Gigi Mortimer, Zac Posen, Crystal Renn, Julia Restoin Roitfeld, Elvis Costello, and Graziano and Valerie de Boni.

Photo: Clint Spaulding/Patrick McMullan.

Proenza Schouler Exclusive Collection at Net-A-Porter.com

Lovely lads, Jack and Lazaro of Proenza Schouler have designed an exclusive collection for net-a-porter.com. So, jump for joy, and embrace such fashionable fortitude—every corner of the globe will be hustling online next month to purchase a piece of Proenza Schouler.

Since 2005, net-a-porter.com has sold the collection in over 70 countries, and in celebration of their established online relationship, Jack and Lazaro have designed a limited edition, ready-to-wear, first ever exclusive capsule collection.

The nine-piece collection is inspired by surf classics and favorites styles from pre-spring. Think Baja and board shorts, reinterpreted in luxurious styles that include a mini-dress, skirt, jacket, and a sweater and of course—shorts. Available online, and all mobile devices in May!

Spring Is Time for Spanish Wine

Spain has brought us more than bullfights and Raphael Nadal—the wines of Spain are some of the most expressive, dense and powerful wines in the world. From La Mancha to Rioja to Toro to Cataluna to Wine Enthusiasts “Wine Region of the World” for 2012, Ribera deDuero—the country thrives on great wine, many created with a base of Sangiovese (the key grape in Rioja with many offshoots dominating Ribera del Duero and Toro,) to Granacha and Carienna, to crisp white Albarino. Here are a few suggestions to try as well as an easy springtime sangria recipe to create for a crowd at your next rooftop barbecue. These wines are ideal for pairing with anything from grilled beef and lamb to fresh seafood, croquets and any of the many fantastic cheeses and Serrano hams from the region.

2011 Martin Codax Albarino: $13, Albarnio from the Rias Baixas region of Spain. Stainless steel fermented then aged on the lees (yeasts) for 4 months creating a wine that is crisp and light on the open, leading into a nicely rounded and balanced palate filled with lemon, green apple and herbs.

2007 Campo Viejo Reserva Rioja: $15, the Tempranillo grape is grown from the most recognized Spanish region and still one of the best regions for approachable, food friendly wines—ideal for everything from barbeque to hearty grilled pork and game. The Reserva has to be aged at least 3 yrs, and at least 1 year in oak. This one is 18 months in oak and 18 months in bottle before released, creating deep black cherry, blackberry, cedar, vanilla and caramel notes.

2007 Morlanda from Priorat: $48, one of the hottest regions in Spain producing killer Garnacha and Carinena based reds. This one blends 50% of both from the mountain fruit on the estate to create an intense, concentrated succulent and powerful red ideal with grilled meat or lamb.

Spring Sangria

1 bottle Rose of Tempranillo or Garnacha
1 bottle Moscato (borrowing a bit from Italy for a touch of sweetness)

1/2 cup triple sec or Cointreau

1/2 cup apricot brandy

2 tablespoons superfine sugar (optional)

1 cup orange juice or lemonade

6 ounces lemon lime soda or club soda

Garnish with fresh berries, lemon, orange and lime wedges and fresh mint

Birkin + Hermes at Heritage Auctions Spring Luxury Auction

This giant yellow glossy book arrived in the mail, replete with a rare Hermès Diamond Blue Jean Crocodile Constance bag on the cover—screaming Spring Luxury Auction. Now that got my attention! All I can say is, I LOVE Heritage Auctions.

Hermès Extraordinary Collection 18cm Diamond Blue Jean Porosus Crocodile Double-Gusset Constance Bag: 56185, opening bid $40,000

Hermès Ultra Rare 30cm Matte White Himalayan Crocodile Birkin Bag: 56124, opening bid $40,000

If you go barmy over a Birkin, the Heritage Auctions Spring Luxury Auction, which includes Fine Jewelry is going to set your wallet on fire. Last week the HA team hosted a private preview in Dallas, this week in Beverly Hills from April 19-21, and the preview in New York will run from April 26-27, with the live and online auction on April 28—fine jewelry will auction on April 29^th.

Chanel Natural Lizard Jumbo Double Flap Bag: 56231, opening bid $1500

Bulgari Stunning 18K Yellow Gold Melone Minaudiere Evening Bag: 56294, opening bid $25,000

The extensive collection of stunning luxury accessories features exquisite and rare items from names such as Hermès, Chanel, Cartier, and Van Cleef & Arpels. Four of the world’s rarest Hermès bags are up for auction, along with two Limited Editions owned by Kim Kardashian: Hermès 40cm Limited Edition Veau Doblis & Barenia Grizzly Birkin Bag with Permabrass Hardware—opening bid $10,000 and the Hermès 50cm Orange H Swift Leather Kelly Relax Shoulder Bag with Palladium Hardware—opening bid $7,500.

Bottega Veneta Shiny Black Crocodile Tote Bag: 56379, opening bid $1000

Judith Leiber Full Bead Pink & Gold Crystal Cupcake Minaudiere Evening Bag: 56319, opening bid $1000

What more can I say! If you cannot attend the live auction in New York, you can simply start bidding now. Good luck.

Who: Heritage Auctions

When: Online bidding now, live auction on April 28

Where: Fletcher Sinclair Mansion, 2 E. 79^th Street, 10075

Visit: HA.com

Seven Days of Wonder: Rotation Skin Therapy

We all have fifty thousand skin care products lurking in our bathroom, and we’ve all done it—layer them on top of each other, trying to reach the perfect pinnacle of radiance, tone, luminosity and wrinkle reduction. Reality? Irritation, sometimes lots of it. And, unbeknownst to the most well intended skin care neophyte—some ingredients can actually cancel each other out. Say it isn’t so! Put vitamin C on top of vitamin A (aka retinoid) and POOF! You might as well have flushed your very expensive creams down the “loo” as the Brits would say.

Enter skin care line: Seven Days of Wonder—rotation skin therapy. What we do intrinsically for our hair (rotate those shampoos ladies!), Seven Days of Wonder will do for skin care. Eureka! It’s a bonafide miracle. The skin does not have a chance to accommodate.

Monday: Smoothes And Resurfaces, Tuesday: Softens Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Wednesday: Lifts and Firms, Thursday: Silken and Hydrates, Friday: Energizes and Radiates, Saturday: Lightens and Brightens, and Sunday: Protects and Repairs.

This skin care line has me raising a well Botox’d eyebrow; I am thinking that they may be on to something—I am most certainly going to give this a try.  Visit: 7 Days of Wonder.