Red, White and Blue Your Wardrobe for the Fourth

What will you wear to America’s birthday party? From backyard BBQ’s and poolside soirees to beach bonfires and rooftop bars, your July 4th ensemble should be as bold and beautiful as the fireworks themselves. This summer’s must-have patriotic styles are effortless, chic and comfortable.

For those get-togethers by the water, find a bathing suit that has some American spirit. Whether it’s a Topshop retro-stripped bikini or an embellished Mara Hoffman bandeau with fringe detail, you can’t go wrong with a style that flatters your body and takes on the colors of the flag. Jonathan Adler’s towel collection is hot this summer – so pick one up, throw it around your waist, put on your Tom Ford sunglasses and hit the H2O!

If you haven’t treated yourself to a maxi dress or skirt, now’s the time to do it. M Missoni has a great selection, as well as Eight Sixty. For an elegant, breezy and simple look pair a solid maxi skirt with a sleeveless blouse. Equipment offers a plethora of blouses that carry you from the sun to the fireworks.

What better time to wear those bright red jeans, than this Independence Day. Pair a J Brand or Citizens straight leg with a simple white tank, a striped tee or a tied-up denim blouse. Add some texture to your wardrobe with crochet. It makes for standout tops, dresses and swimsuit cover-ups.

To dress the feet, opt for a simple Bernadro sandal or a patent leather Tory Burch flip-flop. If you’re going for a nautical look, stick to the season’s hottest espadrilles by J.Crew or Marc by Marc Jacobs. If your silhouette is already bursting with color, wear a nude wedge to add some height and keeps things subtle.

Accessorize your head with a floppy straw hat and your toes with Essie’s “Russian Roulette” or “Mesmerized.” Pop a white outfit with a turquoise statement wrap bracelet or drop earrings, like this Ippolita pair. Last, but not least, complete your July 4^th spectacular with a striped, straw bag that screams summer!

Have a happy 4^th full of family, friends, hamburgers, sparklers, stripes and American flair!

IMAFestival Kicks Off at Eataly

What could be better than a festival that promotes the best of  art, food, sport and technology—the International Migration Art Festival (IMAFestival) did just that with a series of events presented by EatArt and IMAO in New York City, on June 12-18.

Rossella Canevari, Giorgio Faletti ad Elena Manzini.

I had the pleasure of attending the opening night at Mario Batali’s popular Eataly to launch the exhibition “Sport Your Food” featuring artworks by chefs Massimo Bottura and Cristina Bowerman and artists Gregg LeFevre and Fulvio Di Pizaaz. It was a convivial crowd to say the least as many foodies, not to mention a strong contingent of Italianos gathered to celebrate their favorites chefs and artists.

Founded by Rossella Canevari and Elena Maria Manzini, the IMAFestival seeks to discover new talent while focusing on migration, cultural and social dimensions. “Art Your Food” is an international art contest whose theme is food and migration while “Sport Your Food” combines art, food, sport and technology.

For more information visit: IMAF.

Louis Vuitton Celebrates Kusama Collaboration With Pop Up Shops

Come July 10, it will be raining polka dots inside the Soho Louis Vuitton boutique, as the fashion house opens its first of seven pop-up shops across the globe! To honor the collaboration with Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama—also known as the polka dot princess, stores will reveal their spots in Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, Paris and London over the next two months.

For 72 years, Kusama has been perfecting the art of the dot. She has created unforgettable performance pieces that have recently been exhibited inside Paris’ Pompidou Center, London’s Tate Modern and now, New York’s Whitney Museum.

Rumor has it the stores stay open for four to eight weeks, giving you just enough time to get some early holiday shopping in! How does an array of silk pajamas, pendant necklaces, trenchcoats and polka-dot purses sound to you? I can’t wait to see the fashion creations of these two powerhouses.

Vuitton has had successful past collaborations, teaming up with talents like graffiti genius Stephen Sprouse, Takashi Murakami and Richard Prince. But it is the Kusama partnership that will mark the first ever “concept” store focused solely on the specially designed products, which creative director Marc Jacobs describes as “timeless and endless.”

Centre Pompidou Room

If you can’t make it to one of the pop-up shops, the entire collection will be available inside Vuitton’s 463 stores. On October 1^st, each will carry monogrammed leather goods detailed with Kusama’s signature “nerves” theme.

From pop-up stores and window displays to an iPhone app and a coffee-table book, there is one thing that is certain—you’ll spot it all from a mile away!

Visit: Louis Vuitton Kusama, Louis Vuitton

Chanel’s Little Black Jacket Exhibit: The Poster Child of Chic

Reason #2,374,589 I love New York: Tucked away in the streets of Soho is a little gallery that played host to Chanel’s Little Black Jacket exhibit June 8-15. Without much more to go on than an address, I headed out to find this little treasure last week, and it was so worth the hunt.

The exhibit was a collection of poster-size photographs by Karl Lagerfeld; all featuring one incredibly versatile garment in common, the little black jacket. Described as “timeless” by Karl and an upscale “jean jacket” by Carine Roitfeld, this coveted piece of clothing graced the shoulders of over 100 celebrities in the photographs. Georgia May Jagger wore it sexy, Sarah Jessica Parker looked royally chic, and Daphne Guinness wore it in true Daphne style.

The best part of the exhibit—it was open to the public, free of charge. Since Chanel and free never go in the same sentence, it was a really nice surprise.  Visitors were given three full-sized posters of the photographs to take home, and until the poster frames arrive, I’m guarding mine with my life.

Those who missed the exhibit can purchase a plane ticket to Taipei, where it will exhibit until July 8, or view the E-Experience here online. The photographs have also been compiled into a beautiful book, titled The Little Black Jacket, due in bookstores this fall.

London Calling Wimbledon Lovers

London is a busy city this summer, from the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee through to the Olympics—locals and visitors alike will line the streets in celebration. But, perhaps the best time of the year—year in and year out, in London, happens over the next two weeks as the oldest tennis match in the world welcomes guests to their sacred courts, to see who is the best player on their pristine grass courts—at Wimbledon.

Along with great tennis comes great cocktails, and as tradition goes, Wimbledon doesn’t stray from the classics, like drinking a Pimm’s while enjoying Kent strawberries and cream, on the grassy hill outside Center Court. If you can’t make it to London for the match-ups this year, pour one of these while dressed all in white and watching your favorite player defeat his opponent. 
My vote goes to Rafa…as it always does, though I know red clay is more his forte.

Original Pimm’s Cup Cocktail

2 oz Pimm’s No. 1

3 oz lemonade

Lemon twist for garnish

Cucumber slice or peel for garnish

Directions: Pour the Pimm’s into a rocks glass with ice cubes. Add the lemonade and (if desired) a splash of club soda or lemon-lime soda. Garnish with the lemon twist and cucumber.

Caipirinha

2 fl. oz. Cachaça

Half a lime, quartered

2 tsp. sugar or .5 fl. oz. of simple syrup

Directions: Place lime wedges and sugar in a rocks glass. With a muddler press down and twist the limes to release the juice (and the oils in the peel). Add crushed ice, then cachaça and stir the drink. Fill up with ice.

Spring Punch Champagne Cocktail

2 ounces VanGogh Acai – Blueberry Vodka

½ ounce St. Germain Elderflower
 Liqueur

Champagne

Fresh raspberry and strawberries

Directions: Add the vodka and St. Germain to a shaker filled with ice and shake until very cold. Strain into a champagne flute and top with your favorite Champagne or sparkling wine. Garnish with a few raspberries and a strawberry.

Love-Love Cocktail

1.25 oz Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur

1.25 oz pomegranate liqueur

Garnish: Lime Slice

Directions: Pour ingredients into rocks glass over ice and stir.

Amy Fine Collins and Yves Durif Celebrate Norisol Ferrari

Amy Fine Collins of Vanity Fair and renowned hairstylist Yves Durif recently hosted a soiree for designer Norisol Ferrari at the Yves Durif Salon at the Carlyle Hotel. The event showcased Ferrari’s gorgeous collection of Fall/Winter 2012, and featured informal modeling.

Amy Fine Collins and Yves Durif.

Designer: Norisol Ferrari.

Venezuelan born, Norisol Ferrari grew up in New York in the 80’s and was influenced by the self-defined style of the decade. She began her design career at Carol Little Furs where she developed her passion for fur and exotic leathers. Ferrari  launched her eponymous collection in 2009 to rave reviews. She has since developed a strong following capturing her audience with her independent spirit and personal style.

Visit: Norisol Ferrari

Ferragamo 2013 Resort Collection Debuts At the Louvre

Last week the finest of Italian couture took on the City of Light. Italian fashion house Salvatore Ferragamo made runway history, gracing the halls of the prestigious Louvre Museum with its first every runway show. The 2013 Womenswear Resort Collection, full of rich and dreamy color palates and textures, matched the grandeur of the Denon Wing’s stone arches and intricate detail.

The 120-meter catwalk was lined with nearly 500 A-list guests from around the globe, many of whom donned incredible Ferragamo outfits. Soaking up every second of the 19-minute summer spectacular, were Hilary Swank, Freida Pinto, Leighton Meester, Jessica Hart, Virginie Courtins-Clarins, Claire Courtins-Clarins, Carmen Chaplin, Su Lin, Nina Garcia, Wanda Ferragamo, Salvatore Ferragamo Jr., Bianca Balti, Terri Kwan and others.

Freida Pinto, Leighton Meester and Hilary Swank

Inspired by the elements of nature surrounding the Mediterranean and California coastline, each warm cream and beige look effortlessly told the story of the elegant, adventurous and chic Ferragamo woman.

Karolina Kurkova; Nina Garcia

From floral prints and luxurious fringe to mini dresses and embroidered suede boots, creative director Massimiliano Giornetti stole the hearts of many fashionistas, creating a collection that encompasses the gift of effortless chic.

Virginie Courtin-Clarins and Claire Courtin-Clarins; Terri Kwan

Guests were extended an invitation to tour the Louvre’s current exhibit, “The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne,” a collection of Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpieces sponsored by Salvatore Ferragamo, which is headquartered in Florence.

After the runway show, a VIP dinner took place inside the museum. I’m sure the exquisite crochet dress and bold butterfly necklace made their way into conversations!

Massimiliano Giornetti

What started with a pair of shoes in the early 1900’s has transformed into a fashion empire. Although years have passed, the impeccable craftsmanship, born from the hands of the late Salvatore Ferragamo, has never wavered. Who doesn’t love a little bit of Italian luxury?

Visit: Ferragamo

Seven Bar Foundation Dinner Celebrates Amazing Women

Gathering around a long table, surrounded by the beautiful gardens and views of the 620 Loft & Garden, were a group of chic, strong and talented women. Among those invited to the exclusive soiree – where candles, orchids and cocktails were plentiful – were Cheryl Casone, Donna D’Cruz, Kimberly Guilfoyle, Gillian Hearst-Simonds, Tatiana and Campion Platt, Vivienne Tam, Lauran Tuck and accomplished cellist Maya Beiser.

Lita Asscher, Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, Renata Mutis Black, Julie Macklowe, Silene Tordino,  Susan Shin

Julie Macklowe, Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos and Susan Shin hosted the Chef Patrick Phelan catered dinner, which celebrated the global partnership between the Seven Bar Foundation, a non-profit organization using microfinance to empower women and fight poverty, and Zacapa Rum.

Setting the tone for the evening was Seven Bar’s Founder Renata Mutis Black, who showcased in words and photographs the incredible process of her Foundation. Because of the microfinance fund, women entrepreneurs and small business owners in Guatemala can become self-sufficient, support their families and improve their quality of life. Zacapa Rum, crafted in Guatemala, also supports women. Over 350 artisans weave the bands that dress each Zacapa 23 bottle!

Kimberly Guilfoyle, Renata Mutis Black; Vivienne Tam, Alexandra Lind Rose

Throughout the night, the women sipped on Tekla Israelson’s minty and citrus Zacapa Rum creations, dined on Chief Phelan’s tasting menu and showed off their fabulous fashion ensembles, many of them wearing HONOR by Giovanna Randall.

Valesca Guerrand-Hermes, Tatiana Platt, Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, Campion Platt

Guests walked away with quite the goodie bag complete with a bottle of Zacapa Rum 23, Francoise Payard’s Zacapa Rum infused truffles and a vbeauté IT KIT created by host Julie Macklowe. This was a night to remember and a cause to always fight for!

Visit: Seven Bar Foundation

amfAR Inspiration Gala 2012 Honors Fergie and Robert Duffy

It was a night of fierce fashion, dancing and AIDS awareness at the third annual amfAR Inspiration Gala in New York. Co-hosted by Rose McGowan and Cheyenne Jackson, the black-tie dinner, held inside the New York Public Library, opened with an Olympic enthused runway show that caught everyone’s attention. First out were the Philadelphia Eagles’ cheerleaders, whose pom-poms invited a plethora of male models in swimsuits down the catwalk. Making his runway debut was four-time gold medalist, diver Greg Louganis!

Cheyenne Jackson, Rose McGowan; Harry Louis, Marc Jacobs

After the Hugo Boss sponsored red-white-and-blue menswear show, dinner, dancing and awards ensued. Among the guests who got their groove on with the fabulous Scissor Sisters, were Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez, Francisco Costa, Thom Browne, Larry Boland, Brian Atwood, Debbie Harry and amfAR founding chairman Mathilde Krim, Ph.D.

Babydaddy, Jake Shears, Ana Matronic and Del Marquis the Scissor Sisters

An elegant Hilary Swank in a Marc Jacobs lace detailed dress, presented one of the Piaget Awards of Inspiration to Marc Jacobs’ International president Robert Duffy. “In the tough business that I’m in, you never forget the people who are kind to you,” said Swank.

Fergie received the other Piaget award for her nearly 20-year dedication to the HIV/AIDS cause. She, along with the countless individuals involved in The Foundation for AIDS Research, are firm in “making AIDS history.”

Robert Duffy, Hilary Swank; Fergie

Going once, going twice…the Kohler toilet is sold for $13,000! This was just one item presented at the gala’s live auction, which contributed to the $1 million raised at the end of the night – a number chairman Kenneth Cole must be proud of!

Visit: amfAR

Photo Credit: Thomas Iannaccone

Wine From The Gods at New Wines of Greece

When you think Greek you mostly think of the food, like flaky Spanakopita (spinach and cheese pies) or incredible Greek salads filled with plump tomatoes, cucumbers, olives and lots of briny feta; you think sunshine and white washed walls on homes in beautiful islands like Santorini, and of course, you think of Homer and Socrates, and the great Gods of Greek Mythology.

Basket vines of Assyrtico in Santorini.

Perhaps the most exciting event happening in Greece right now centers around wine, featuring varieties that date back to the 3rd Century B.C. when ancient Greeks worshiped Dionyssus, the God of Wine—who inspired everyone from artists to farmers.

These wines are impressive, particularly white wines like steely, mineral rich Assyrtico (A seer’ tee ko) from Santorini to Malagousia (Mah lah gou zya’) from Epanomi in the north—filled with bright citrus and floral notes with balanced acidity and great flavor. Summer is the best time to enjoy Grecian white wines their refreshing flavors are perfect for patio sipping or pairing with anything from sushi and Asian cuisine to grilled white fish, octopus and calamari. Here, are a few to consider that are as approachable to the palate as they are to your budget.

Domaine Sigalas is known for their incredible wines from Santorini. Their Assyrtico embraces the true essence of wine with high acidity, metallic, mineral filled, grassy aromas and a crisp, vibrant citrus palate.

In 1994 Leon Karatsalos and Yiannis Paraskevopoulos found Gaia Estate, their Wild Fermented Assyrtico lets natural yeast create the wine through slow fermentation. The result is an aromatic wine filled with mineral, citrus and fresh flowers with a silky texture and a long finish.

Malagousia was a grape indigenous to Greece on its way to extinction when winemaker Vangelos Gerovassiliou resurrected the varietal in the 1980’s. If you like a Viognier this may be the new varietal for you. His Domaine Gerovassiliou Malagousia is filled with aromas of white flowers and fresh peach followed by lemon and herbal flavors with balanced acidity.

These wines can be found at Astor Wine and Spirits or throughout the next two weeks dozens of restaurants and retailers throughout the city have partnered with New Wines of Greece to highlight the food friendly aspects of these wines creating inspired dishes paired with some of these personality filled wines. Details on who is participating are available here.