Easter Wines For Any Palate, Cade, Fra Guerau and Spring Valley Vineyards

Easter Sunday brunch is the ideal time to celebrate spring, with budding trees, baby birds and an abundance of fresh flavors that are starting to appear at local farmers markets. For this Easter brunch consider pouring a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Rosé and pair with big salads and fresh soups, or a beefy red to match a roasted lamb or barbecued brisket.

If a citrus or herb filled salad or fresh pea soup is on your menu, Cade Sauvignon Blanc should be, as well. From the first organically farmed, LEED Gold Certified wineries in Napa Valley, this bright, fruity white is an ideal accompaniment to the flavors of spring, keeping sustainability and the environment in mind. The bonus, clean farming also creates clean wines allowing the true flavors of the grape and the land to shine through. Big citrus, melon, and mineral notes, pop on this beautiful straw colored wine, with layers of lemon, honeydew melon, apple and fig on the palate.

Some people shy away from Rosé, thinking that what is inside the bottle will be sweet. The days of White Zinfandel are long gone, and Rose wines are now more complex, balanced, and often rather bone dry. Fra Guerau Rosado, a part of the Heredad Collection from the acclaimed Ferrer family, comes form the Montsant region of Spain, which surrounds the ever-popular Priorat region. A blend of Garnacha, Merlot and Syrah, this Rosé pops with vibrant floral aromas with ripe strawberries, raspberries and red cherry, with just a touch of tropical mango and pineapple on the finish. A gorgeous wine to sip while enjoying shaved Serrano ham, smoked salmon and crisp chopped salads.

For the heartier Easter dinner, open a bottle of Uriah from Spring Valley Vineyards in Walla Walla. A blend of Merlot, ideal with lamb, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec, this bold, expressive red pairs well with everything from lamb chops to hearty steaks and grilled game. Lush and luxurious with sweet spice notes of anise, nutmeg and clove with abundant currant, cherry and plum notes. Delicious from the first sip to the last.

Introducing the Kenneth Cole Collection

This year is already off to an exciting start for designer Kenneth Cole, who is launching a new women and men’s sportswear line called Kenneth Cole Collection. With higher prices than his present line Kenneth Cole New York and improved design, this collection marks a fresh start for the company, who is gearing up for the big 30^th birthday next year!

The Kenneth Cole Collection, in stores this July, is all about showcasing key pieces that are functional and sharp. The mix of leathers, chiffons, fabrics, textures and hardware (buckles, studs, zippers) create striking looks for the active individual.

The confident, urban, sophisticated and working Kenneth Cole woman will browse through mesh long-sleeve tops, sheer lace button-downs, soft flowing dresses and baggy trousers. Accented with metal and exotic details, the men’s collection features bomber jackets, peacoats, cashmere turtlenecks, wool trousers, moto jackets, knit cardigans, slim suits and dressed-up sneakers.

Priced significantly higher than his original namesake line, the Kenneth Cole Collection, will range anywhere from $400 for dresses to $900 for outerwear, and men’s sportswear retails from $130 to $598.  Ingo Wilts, the company’s creative director who hailed from Hugo Boss, oversees both Kenneth Cole New York and Kenneth Cole Collection, which can be paired together.

Eager to revisit their heritage and reintroduce themselves to their customers, the company is excited to launch the Kenneth Cole Collection at Cedar Lake in New York. With the help of artist and director Sharif Hamza, they will show off their fashion fete with a life-size look book featuring 24 unique looks through video footage.

With a heavy presence on Facebook and Twitter and plans to sell the new collection via e-commerce, Kenneth Cole is on top of his game.

Video: Kenneth Cole Introduces Kenneth Cole Collection

Visit: Kenneth Cole

Photo Credit: Kyle Ericksen & Courtesy of Kenneth Cole

Ladylike Floral a Must Have for Spring

Ladies, it’s time to do some spring-cleaning in your wardrobes. No more excuses, spring has officially arrived and there couldn’t be a better timing to inject feminine floral styles into your wardrobe. From bold floral prints at Mary Katrantzou to Hawaiian prints as seen at Stella McCartney and Alexander Wang; it’s impossible not to fall for this trend.

Elizabeth & James Floral pants and blazer, Charlotte Olympia Isla Palm Leaf sandals

Extravagant women will be seduced by head-to-toe print ensembles (as seen above) while the most conservative ladies will be able to mix and match the separates with a pair of jeans or a pencil skirt. Good news is that florals are also extended through accessories, which means that a touch of floral can be added to a mundane outfit to bring it to life.

To celebrate the floral trend, PinkMemo has handpicked 12 of the most on-trend must-have styles of the season.

Current Elliott Floral denim, Stella McCartney Hawaiian top, Proenza Schouler PS1 bag

Lela Rose dress, Mary Katrantzou t-shirt dress, Milly silk dress

Christopher Kane Clematis clutch, Mary Katrantzou scarf,  Roberto Cavalli flower appliqué sandals

What are your favorite spring styles? Check out our black & white footwear faves. All styles available on Net-A-Porter. Happy spring shopping!

Jonathan Adler Unveils His First Handbag Line

The move from interior design to fashion was seamless for Jonathan Adler, who has launched a colorful and nautical line of handbags. Priced from $38 to $250, the growing collection of totes and bags are made with canvas, rope handles, patent leather, wool, vinyl and jute.

Adler gives his customers an opportunity to walk out the front door wearing his eye-catching geometric graphics and bold colors. My favorites are the rope canvas totes – perfectly chic accessories for the beach!

Jonathan Adler did have one tough critic. Best friend and designer Liz Lange, who met Adler during their freshman year at Brown University, was a bit skeptical of the proposed handbag line. However at the celebration party inside Adler and husband Simon Doonan’s Greenwich Village duplex, it was clear her fears had disappeared.

“Now that I’ve seen the bags,” she said, “I think that maybe he could design shoes.” She toasted to her long-time accomplished friend and had fun dining on chicken pot pies with guests Celerie Kemble, Lela Rose, Marjorie Gubelmann, Lara Spencer and India Hicks.

India Hicks

Whether you are running daily errands in town or jetting off for a tropical adventure, Adler has you covered. His happy colors and unique touches make me want to scream hello spring and summer!

Visit: Jonathan Adler Handbags

CFDA 2012 Nominees Announced

The Council of Fashion Designers of America president Diane von Furstenberg announced the 2012 CFDA Award nominees at her studio last night.  It seems Hollywood star power will hit the awards ceremony on June 4^th, at Lincoln Center, to be held at the Alice Tully Hall—Johnny Depp will be awarded the Fashion Icon Award, with funny man Seth Meyers from “Saturday Night Live” hosting the evening’s ceremony.

Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen. Photo by Steve Eichner.

The 2012 Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Tommy Hilfiger.  Recently poised as the first ever Image Advisor for American Idol, Mr. Hilfiger will make his first appearance tonight on Fox as he joins the cast for several episodes as a mentor to contestant, and help define their personal style.  And, the nominees are -

Womenswear Designer of the Year, award nominees go to: Marc Jacobs, Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen for The Row, and Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler.

Menswear Designer of the Year, award nominees go to: Patrick Ervell, Billy Reid, and Simon Spurr.

Accessory Designer of the Year, award nominees go to: Alexander Wang, Reed Krakoff, McCollough and Hernandez for Proenza Schouler.

The evening underwriters Swarovski Crystals return for another year announcing the Swarovski Awards for emerging talent to: -

Emerging Talent in Womenswear, award nominees go to: Joseph Altuzarra, Chris Peters, Shane Gabier for Creatures of the Wind, and

Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty for Suno.

Emerging Talent in Menswear, award nominees go to: Antonio Azzuolo, Todd Snyder, and Phillip Lim.

Emerging Talent in Accessories, award nominees go to: Tabitha Simmons, Pamela Love, and Irene Neuwirth.

Japanese designer and founder of Commes des Garçon Rei Kawakubo will receive the International Award, The Founders Award, In honor of Eleanor Lambert will go to Andrew Rosen, and the Media Award, in honor of Eugina Sheppard will go to Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist and Garance Doré.

The 2011 CFDA winners…here!

Kevork Kiledjian Fashion Week Short Film

Kevork Kiledjian took NYFW by storm, delivering a collection inspired by actress Charlotte Rampling that celebrated female strength and sexuality. To capture the backstage and runway action, the french designer teamed up with filmmaker Aram Bedrossian to create this fabulous short film.

Besides providing a crash course on how to pronounce “Kevork Kilejidan,” it offers a rare glimpse at the incredible fashion team in action including stylist Charles Varenne, make up artist James Kaliardos, hair stylist Kevin Ryan and casting director Kannon Rajah.

I will never forget the energy inside Milk Studios, the backbone of the Kiledjian experience. From the perfectly crafted leather leggings and the red fur numbers to the heart-pounding soundtrack composed by Adam Crystal, the show was powerful from beginning to end.

Lying on each seat at the show was the welcome statement from Kevork – detailing his inspiration for the Autumn/Winter 2012 collection. He tells the story of stumbling upon an image of Charlotte Rampling, “She is the personification of my woman,” he says. “Confident and mysterious, balanced with an almost feline sensuality.” There is no doubt Kevork mastered this character on the runway and it leaves us anticipating what he will take on next.

Read Guilt Groupies featuring Kevork Kiledjian.

Visit: Kevork Kiledjian

The Del Rey: Mulberry It Bag at Moda Operandi

If you were Born to Die for Mulberry in a Lana Del Rey kind of style, then Moda Operandi will make you sing!  Today starts with the Mulberry trunk show for the Autumn/Winter 2012 collection, featuring styles hot off the runway from London Fashion Week—including Mulberry accessories.

The Del Rey: $1,580 – Bark Brown.

If you’re looking for that perfect satchel, in a classic style then check out Mulberry’s The Del Rey bag, inspired by the American singer Lana Del Rey.   Available in stores this September—Moda Operandi is the only retailer that can guarantee your chance to secure this prized possession, now.

The Oversized Del Rey: $1,580 – Black.

Pre-order starts today till March 19th, and with a 50% deposit you can secure your very own—The Del Rey. Hailed by fashion editors and stylists as the definitive ‘It’ bag for fall, Roopal Patel, Fashion Director at Moda Operandi enthuses that, “Lana Del Ray is a modern day muse with her own signature style! Her music and creativity inspire many. Mulberry’s Lana Del Rey bag is an iconic bag for the modern-day girl. It has the right balance of cool and chic! This bag is a timeless classic in the making.”  Black, brown or ink blue crocodile, decisions, decisions? Online shopping made simple by Moda Operandi!

Visit: Moda Operandi

Photo credit: Moda Operandi

Sitting Pretty at PFW: A Peek at Louis Vuitton’s Celeb-Studded Front Row

Fashion’s most eligible starlets came out to shine at the Louis Vuitton runway spectacular show this Wednesday, rounding out the end of Paris Fashion Week. Sitting front row and center was none other than everyone’s favorite New Yorker Sarah Jessica Parker, who was on hand, to discuss her latest career plans.

Catherine Deneuve and Sarah Jessica Parker

Looking très chic in delicate white lace, Parker revealed she is currently in the process of returning to a career in fashion following the brief stint as president and chief creative director of Halston (does this mean there’s an opening? Halston, call me). Don’t worry SJP; I can’t imagine you will be out of the fashion world for long.

Corinne Bailey Rae

Fan Fan Bing

Other fashionable attendees included Corinne Bailey Rae and Fan Fan Bing, both arriving dressed to impress in blue and white ensembles. Even Glee actress Dianna Agron made an appearance, attempting to avoid dropping any hints about her beloved character on the show, whose fate currently dangles in cliffhanger drama.

Delfina Delettrez

Another notable was attendee Delfina Delettrez, Fendi descendent and celeb fave jewelry designer, wearing her studded leather collar as featured by Madonna on the cover of MDNA.  This won’t be the last we see of the red carpet fixtures just yet, as the celebs say “au revoir” to Paris and “hello” to L.A. where fashion week begins this week.

Photo credit: Stéphane Feugère

Runway to Red Carpet: Behind the Lens of Frazer Harrison – part two.

Frazer Harrison Celebrity and Entertainment photographer from Getty Images, shares personal moments from Behind the Lens during New York Fashion Week and Oscar night.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Photo Frazer Harrison – Getty Images.

Q: Share your worst moment from the Fall 2012 runway season at New York Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week?

A: This Fall photographically went very well. No dramas to speak of.  All the drama was in front of me. During the Joanna Mastroianni Fall show, front row guest, Zelda Kaplan, passed out and had to be carried over the runway while the models were walking down it. Unfortunately, medical teams could not revive her. Though a very sad thing to see, I don’t think that she would have wanted it any other way. I’m sure if I died on the riser they would still carry on shooting, till the end of the show. The show must go on as they say!

Q: Who looked stunning on the red carpet for this year’s Academy Awards?  
A: Michelle Williams, in a red Louis Vuitton and Penelope Cruz, in a blue Giorgio Armani were outstanding!

Cameron Diaz. Photo Frazer Harrison – Getty Images.

Q: Did you have a particular shot that you wanted to capture on the red carpet, if so, who was that and did you get it?

A: I would have liked to get better stuff of The Dictator (Sacha Baron Cohen) but he sort of skipped my section) – I could only manage to snatch a side shot of him. I wish also that Angelina had worn the same dress but in a color, then she would have won the best on carpet but for me that black didn’t work no matter how much leg you throw in there.

Q: What was the most interesting celebrity moment on red carpet?

A: Well, it wasn’t really an A-lister celebrity moment, but it was a classic moment for me, we nearly died laughing. Former actress Dolores Hart, now a Benedictine nun known to many as Mother Dolores, prioress of The Abbey of Regina Laudisthe the 1960s starlet who starred opposite some of the Hollywood greats Montgomery Clift, Robert Wagner, and Elvis Presley came up to one of my colleagues during the red carpet arrivals and embraced him by the cheeks in a very affectionate way after which he replies, “That was amazing, I feel Blessed.” Most of the photographers couldn’t believe there was a nun on the carpet in the first place, and then to see her come over to us and be so forward with a photographer was a true Oscar moment.

Q: For all those street style blogging photographers that want to shoot fashion and celebrities for Getty Images what piece of advice would you share?

A: Work hard, practice, get out there, and don’t be afraid to ask people for what you want. If you ask you never get.

Read part one.

Let Your Palate Take a Trip To South America With Wine From Argentina

Mendoza, Argentina is one of the most mystical, magical places in the world. It has an air of adventure, pristine beauty, and overwhelming generosity felt from the minute you step foot off the small puddle jumper plane on to the mineral rich earth that feeds the luscious black Malbec grape. This magic and mysticism could be from hundreds of winemaker in the country who ventured to Argentina from countries like Spain and Italy with a dream to make their own wine, create their own brands, develop their passions and control their own destiny, difficult in their homelands where a class system is still in place in many areas. This mysticism and passion is captured in the wine of the country. From brands like Luigi Bosca, Luca, Bressia, Vina Alicia and more the quality, passion and dedication to the vines shines brightly through the wine.

Luigi Bosca is one of the oldest wineries in Argentina dating back to 1901 when the Arizu family began producing high quality Malbec. Now run by the third and fourth generations of the Arizu family, they proudly cherish their tradition of 100 years of winemaking, while continually working to improve techniques and methods, always working to maintain their “wish to express the thorough version of the essence of Argentine wine.” Luigi Bosca Icono Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon blend is created from 90+-year-old vines, some of the first the family had planted. Filled with dark Morello cherry, black plum and blackberry with layers of violet and a hint of spice, common among Argentine Malbec.

Walter Bressia of Bodega Bressia

Walter Bressia is considered to be one of the finest winemakers in Argentina with his award-winning Bressia wines often earning 90+ scores. He is also one of the kindest and most generous of winemakers, working tirelessly over the past 20 years to expand the reach of Argentine wines throughout the world, helping his neighbors as much as himself. Though he has an incredible hand with making red wines, like his Profundo and Conjuro blends, his Lagrima Canela Chardonnay-Semillon blend will make anyone into a white wine fan. “Cinnamon tear” in Spanish, his Lagrema Canela is filled with tropical fruit flavors of banana, mango and quince with sweet baking spice, like cinnamon and nutmeg, on the finish. A delicious wine to be enjoyed on its own sitting on a patio watching a sunset, or over a dinner of crab cakes, lightly grilled white fish or roast chicken.