Furla and Saks Unveil an Exclusive New Collection

Furla, the designer handbag company known for its reasonably priced bags, has teamed up with Saks Fifth Avenue to offer an exclusive line of exotic and textured leather bags. 

This higher priced collection will be Furla’s first foray into the designer arena and features six different bags ranging in price from $1,200 to $1,900.  Saks was one of the first major department stores to carry Furla’s line in the Eighties, so choosing which store to unveil this new line in was an easy decision for Furla’s CEO Tommaso Bruso.

With a good mix of sizes, styles and materials to choose from, this new line is sure to be a hit with consumers. Furla’s six-piece collection will be available beginning November exclusively at 20 Saks Fifth Avenue stores and online at Saks Fifth Avenue.  

Priti NYC Bon Voyage Summer 2011 Collection

You have picked out the perfect summer dress, hat and sandals for the beach but you’re missing that colorful pop to pull it all together – to make everything look “Priti.” The latest nail polish obsession, Priti NYC, is featuring its Bon Voyage Summer 2011 collection. This eco-friendly, non-toxic brand welcomes the summer’s brightest colors. Dress your nails in lively pinks like Park Princess Dahlia and Jersey Beauty Dahlia or cool blues like Blue Wedgewood and Sky Waltz Delphinium.

Priti, a word in Sanskrit meaning “any pleasurable sensation, with love, out of satisfaction, affection…” was founded by Kim D’Amato. Inspired by a desire for all natural products during her pregnancy, Kim launched the eco-friendly line in 2005 that continues to be featured in magazines like Elle, People Style, and Allure. This quick drying, durable and glossy polish, priced at $12.50 a bottle, is safe for children and moms-to-be. As the company says, “Women everywhere can now help keep our planet Priti – and look good while do so.”

Visit: Priti NYC

Reem Acra, Arbiter of Elegance, Launching Capsule Collection for Shopbop

Just last week we were waxing poetic about Reem Acra’s sumptuous Spring 2011 bridal collection. Today, the Lebanese designer continues to amaze us: with ready-to-wear, accessories, bridal, and haute couture collections already under her belt, Acra is expanding her grasp on the fashion world with a capsule collection for Shopbop.

Boasting the elegant details that we have come to expect of Acra’s designs— which have been seen everywhere from the red carpet to innumerable bridal parties— the collection will launch exclusively on the site in July. Styles will range from accessories to more elaborate cocktail dresses and evening gowns. When asked about her latest venture, Acra said, “The Shopbop woman has the sophistication to understand this type of fashion and shop confidently online, from wherever she is in the world. She looks to both Reem Acra and Shopbop to express her individuality and distinct personality.”

The collection promises to be the perfect fusion of luxury detailing and elegance. We’re already planning on bookmarking it as the newest of our favorite midnight-shopping destinations.

Visit: Reem Acra

French Swimwear Label Eres to Open in Barneys

As far as we’re concerned, the real first day of summer (no, it wasn’t June 21st) is when, after long, arduous searching, you finally find the perfect swimsuit. Like your favorite pair of jeans, it can take ages to find just what you’re looking for – there’s the choice of one versus two-piece, solid color or print, and the quest for the right color to offset a newly acquired tan.

Lucky for us, Barneys New York has teamed up with French luxury lingerie and swimwear brand Eres to make the hunt a lot less daunting. Barneys is now the exclusive retailer for Eres in New York, and in mid-July, the label will launch its first dedicated in-store space that will house a full range of lingerie for fall-winter 2011, and swimwear for this summer as well. From classic one-pieces and triangle bikinis to more fashion-forward prints and silhouettes, you’re sure to find at least one style to make your beach jaunts all the more memorable – not to mention stylish.

Cora Sheibani’s Swiss Sparklers

We have all found ourselves in the following situation: you’re at an event, and across the table sits a woman wearing a bauble so fabulous, you have to know where she got it. This happened to me very recently, at the rehearsal dinner of a friend in Rio de Janeiro. I spotted a ring that looked like a gold birdcage perched on the finger of the elegant redhead in front of me, and I knew I at least needed to know who made it.

On the left – the ring being ogled, and its relatives

Turns out, it was the elegant redhead’s sister, a woman named Cora Sheibani, based in Switzerland, who has been designing her own line for the last nine years. She has an amazing website (Cora Sheibani), where you can gaze at the piece that originally caught my eye. Filled with unique pieces, mostly rose gold, with colorful stones, Sheibani has that rare combination mixed between vintage, modern, and timeless.

Sadly, before you reach for your wallet I must warn you that the website is not used for e-commerce, and shows just a small selection of Sheibani’s work. It is meant as an introduction, so: introduce yourselves, and know that aside from what is on the site (mostly rings), Sheibani makes the most stunning necklaces, earrings, cuffs, bracelets, cufflinks and studs.

Baubles! Prices range between $3,250 – $78,000

According to Sheibani, “All pieces are unique (except for the early circle rings), although I make different variations of a piece (for example, I use a different color gold, or a different stone, but with the same design”. It’s nice to know, in this day and age, that no-one will be able to entirely copy you should you get to own one of these fabulous pieces.

Though Sheibani says that “most pieces are not part of any “collection”, but just evolved out of an ongoing creative process”, on Sept. 20, Sheibani will launch a brand new collection in London, called “Clouds with a Silver Lining”. You guessed it – a foray into white metals after years of gold-fever. The line mainly includes brooches and pendants, almost all hand made in Switzerland, with some made in France.  The big question you must be asking right now is the very one I asked myself: how can you get them? Sheibani sells mainly to private clients who call and come by for an appointment in Switzerland. However, she does have occasional shows in London, Paris and New York. The best way to get notified for the next time she is in your city is to contact her via the site.

Sofia Vergara Fêtes Harry Winston’s Latest Collection of Timepieces

Harry Winston’s dinner Wednesday evening was a night of elegance and refinement – not to mention fabulous bling. Co-hosting the intimate event were television bombshell Sofia Vergara and Harry Winston president and CEO Frederic de Narp.

Sofia Vergara, Shalom Harlow

Their guests, who included Rachel Roy, Selita Ebanks, Zani Gugelmann, and Marchesa’s Keren Craig and Georgina Chapman, were invited to Sant Ambroeus in the West Village for champagne and a candlelit four-course dinner in honor of the jewelry line’s Midnight Collection of timepieces.

Rachel Roy, Maxwell

Despite their moniker, the Midnight watches are elegantly versatile for both daytime and night. As Vergara said, “I love it. I’m going to wear it at midnight and midday…I am never taking it off.”

Keren Craig, Georgina Chapman, Sofia Vergara. Photos via: WWD by Steve Eichner

Vergara paired her new favorite accessory with a white strapless Marchesa cocktail dress that called to mind the sophistication of old jewelry advertisements.  Personally, we’d be wearing our watches with anything from trousers and a crisp white tee to an evening gown – how about you?

VISIT: Harry Winston

Nicholas Kirkwood’s Daring Keith Haring Inspired Collection

When art inspires fashion extraordinary creations emerge, and Nicholas Kirkwood has certainly set a new standard. The opening of his new luxury boutique last month in London marked the start to years of innovation and imagination but also unprecedented passion. He uses “shoes as his canvas” says Visionarie co-founder and editor Cecilia Dean – a testament to his latest collaboration with the late 80s artist Keith Haring.

Haring’s colorful and playful patterns, synonymous with New York City street art, flawlessly finds its way onto women’s stilettos and thigh-high Swarovski crystal coated roller skate “boots.” Kirkwood says the “bold colors, defined shapes and edges… made it perfect for a shoe.” The pop art shoes, a museum worthy collection, enters a new realm of footwear that fuses sculpture with fearlessness.

Kirkwood has come a long way, crafting his first collection by hand at his parents’ dining room table and now opening an inspiring haven for shoppers and artists alike. With celebrity supporters like Julianne Moore and Sarah Jessica Parker, his dream to have someone say ‘those are Nicholas Kirkwoods’ while walking down the street, is certainly in sight.

Kirkwood’s shocking shoes are sold at the London store where even the floorboards are inspired by Haring’s rhythmic patterns. When asked what would be another dream collaboration Kirkwood mentioned, “From the past, Leonardo DaVinci. And maybe Jesus. We could make shoes for walking on water.” Honestly, it might just happen.

Visit: Nicholas Kirkwood

Versace Designs Limited Edition Collection for H&M

Patience. On November 17^th, H&M will launch a limited edition collection in collaboration with Versace in over 300 stores worldwide as well as online. MAJOR.

Margareta van den Bosch, Creative Adviser at H&M and Donatella Versace

With names such as Karl Lagerfeld, Roberto Cavalli, Matthew Williamson, Stella McCartney, Jimmy Choo and Alber Elbaz on their checklist, Versace was indeed missing from the clever coterie of designer collaborations.

As Donatella Versace phrases, “The moment is right to be rehashing iconic Versace pieces, I can feel it in the air.” In addition to the collaboration for November, Versace has also developed a pre-spring collection for H&M available exclusively in countries with H&M online sales beginning mid January – everyone will be able to have a taste of Italian glamour.

Margareta van den Bosch, Creative Adviser at H&M said in an interview: “Versace is one of the most important brands of recent times and their collection for H&M will be glamorous and extraordinary — everything Versace stands for.”  Just in time for the festive season your NYE dress might be in the bunch, but fear not, according to Donatella there won’t be a polyester piece in sight.

Leather, studs, glistening chain mail, prints, silk scarves and plenty of dresses!  This iconic brand known for its bold colors and its famous Miami print with a wild palm and sea motif, made by late brother Gianni – will personify bold and sexy.  Nothing in this collection will make Lady Gaga cringe, on the contrary, as van den Bosch says it’s “not for the shy.”  The only question is, are you ready to spice up your wardrobe?

Viktor and Rolf Inspired by British Sindy Doll

Not to be confused with Barbie, British Sindy – “the doll you love to dress”, inspired many a young child (myself included) during her heyday in the Seventies and its seems the glamorous girl next door also influenced Viktor and Rolf.

Rolf Snoeren and Viktor Horsting transformed the concept of Sindy’s glamorous mini wardrobe into a divine couture collection for Resort 2012.  I love this collection with A-line silhouettes, accentuated high-waists, flared pants, denim, and trenchcoats that utter Seventies opulence perfectly.  This collection showcases a memorable montage of key trends so beloved from the era, and the three-piece pantsuit has been added to my wish list.

Photos: via WWD – Giovanna Pavesi

My brunette Sindy doll wore many a stylish outfit, and perusing this collection, I think Sindy would be very happy to purchase the Viktor & Rolf Resort 2012 Collection.

Visit: Viktor & Rolf

Veuve Clicquot Annual Polo Classic on Governors Island with Hugh Jackman

On Sunday, June 5^th, the fashion flock kicked off the summer season making the cross-harbor voyage to Governors Island to partake in the Fourth Annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic with the dashing Hugh Jackman officiating as Master of Ceremonies.

Clad in their Sunday’s best were co-hosts Nacho Figueras and his wife Deflina Blaquier, fashion idols Donna Karan and Marc Jacobs and friends Naomi Watts, Isla Fisher, Wyclef Jean and the man of the hour, representing team “Black Watch, “ Nacho Figueras and his competitor Rico Mansur, Captain of Team Veuve Clicquot.

Amid the sea of signature yellow umbrellas, lounge chairs and free-flowing champagne, the convivial crowd glowed in pretty frocks and an impressive array of fascinators, worthy of a recent royal occasion. The shoe du jour, critical for the stomping of the divots at half time or an opportunity for a close-up with Nacho was a stylish wedge.

Following the VIP Marquee Champagne luncheon from Chef Gabriel Kreuther of The Modern, Wyclef Jean took the stage for an impromptu performance, encouraging donations for the event’s beneficiary Hope, Help & Rebuild Haiti (HHRH), an Urban Zen Foundation initiative, founded by Donna Karan.

The match ended with Team Black Watch defeating Team Veuve Cliquot 6-5, as the guests made their way to the ferry after a lovely day in the country albeit one with a Manhattan skyline.

Visit the SHOOT Gallery for more photos!