The jewelry seen on the Red Carpet this past week was amazing! Although I was surprised to see some celebrities wearing minimal, if any jewelry at all. As usual, overstated, over-the-top, statement jewelry was the jewelry trend last night and the  favorite metal had to be Platinum (and I loved every minute of it!)

By far, jewelry from Lorraine Schwartz had to be the hands down celeb favorite of the night. From Heid Klum to Sofia Vergara to Emily Blunt to Lea Michele to Jane Krakowski, so many celebrities were wearing her intricate and embellished jewelry. My favorite had to be the necklace worn by Lea Michele, who just looked amazing all together, I don't think there was a single fashion or beauty don't with her last night!

Cartier was were worn by celebrities like January Jones (did you see that dress? Yikes!) and Dianna Agron. 

I was excited to hear that Naya Rivera's ring and brooch were from Le Vian. (Le Vian is my most favorite jewelry brand!) The ring was 14K set in strawberry gold and the brooch was a multi-colored Sapphire flower. The jewelry was simple and brilliant, her hair? Not so much.

Which celebrity wore your favorite jewelry of the night?

* Photo source: Just Jared

We've heard lots of stories of recalled children's jewelry this year that contained the toxic metal, cadmium. From Walmart to McDonald's to The Limited Too, it appeared that these retailers, until outted by the press, rarely (if ever) looked into what metals the manufacturers of these jewelry lines were using. And what about if you do jewelry PR for these companies and/or these jewelry lines? How can you market jewelry that could potentially cause cancer? Truth is, you can't.

As the demand continues for products that tie into health, it's surprising to me to hear that a bill submitted to the California Assembly this past week to ban jewelry containing more than 300 parts per million of cadmium from being made or sold in California beginning in 2012 (according to the LA Times) still had 15 that opposed the ban to 41 who approved it. I wonder if those 15 have children. And why wait until 2012 to start protecting our children from wearing jewelry that is harmful to their health?

What are your thoughts on the ban? Are there efforts going on where you live to stop jewelry from being made or sold that contain cadmium in it?

*Photo Source: TexasEnvironment.org

Leading fashion specialty retailer Nordstrom opened the doors to its new 122,000 square foot store in Santa Monica, Calif. today at Santa Monica Place. The three-level store features a great mix of clothing, accessories, shoes and cosmetics for women, men and children.

Customers can shop a well-edited selection of quality, luxury and designer fashion brands from progressive designers such as Alexander Wang, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Elizabeth and James, Halston Heritage, Current Elliot for Marni and Rag & Bone. To complement this offering, the store also offers Marc Jacobs, Jimmy Choo, and Dolce & Gabbana handbags, as well as footwear from Giuseppe Zanotti, Manolo Blahnik, Valentino and Burberry.

Continue reading "Retail Public Relations: Nordstrom Opens New Store at Santa Monica Place in Santa Monica, Calif." »

Between all of the blue/navy colored dresses, elegant to downright what-the-heck-were-you-thinking fashion, there were some pretty clear best dressed and worst dressed celebrities on the Red Carpet of the 2010 Emmy Awards last night.

Maria Menounos in a beaded Ralph & Russo couture gown? Stunning! January Jones in a bright blue Verace gown? Not so much.

While I did like the neckline of Kim Kardashian's Marchesa Eqyptian-inspired gown, it simply reminded me of the same Goddess type dress worn by Jennifer Lopez a few years ago at the Oscar's by Marchesa as well (and I like JLo's better.) *Yawn.*

I love the simplicity of Mariska Hargitay's Vera Wang gown, it was understatedly elegant. But dare I say it? Anna Paquin's Alexander McQueen dress with that Cleopatra-like top just didn't do anything for me.

Rita Wilson's Prada dress did nothing for her shape, but those shoes? I think I'm in love.

By far I think the best dressed celebrity of the night was Claire Danes in an Armani Prive gown. She simply looked breathtaking.

Who were your picks for best and worst dressed at the Emmy's? 

*Photo Source: Just Jared

Chanel just launched its newest men's fragrance, Bleu de Chanel, which is surrounded by much fan fare with Martin Scorsese as Director of the commercial that will debut on August 25th featuring French actor and the face of the fragrance, Gaspard Ulliel. I have to admit, I am loving how Chanel is transforming their fragrance commercials into works of art. From viewing the behind the scenes video on GQ in the UK, the commercial will speak volumes of the fragrance, which is said to be provacative and profoundly sensual.

Continue reading "Men's Fashion Fragrance PR: Bleu de Chanel" »

Have you ever dreamed of interning in New York for a beauty fashion PR firm but are not able to get off your college campus, which isn’t located in NY? Now you can!

Pierce Mattie PR is actively seeking Fall/Winter Social Media Interns to work remotely from their dorms. In years past our interns have gone on to be published authors, featured in the New York Times, received college credit and most importantly learned the ropes of beauty fashion social media from our in-house experts.

All Applicants Should:

• Be pursuing a degree in; Journalism, English, Public Relations or Marketing
• Able to spend at least five hours a week doing research and writing
• Be in their junior or senior year of college
• Have a strong sense of style in fashion &/or beauty
• Understand the scope of online networking and social media
• Have strong writing and editing skills

• Writing blog posts, penned under your own name
• Twitter & FaceBook activity
• Adhere to a weekly conference call w/ our Corporate Communications Director

About Pierce Mattie PR Launched in 2001 by lifestyle editor and expert Pierce Mattie. Pierce Mattie PR remains the industry leader in communications for fashion, beauty, jewelry brands alike with growing divisions in home furnishings and lifestyle products. Executives at Pierce Mattie PR are noted for being high energy, hyper-educated, tech driven and very strategic with their media campaigns. Pierce Mattie publicists have won numerous awards.  

HOW TO APPLY - PLEASE EMAIL TO Shannon@PierceMattie.com RESUME & WRITING SAMPLES

Just like the iconic Kate Spade bags or the Longchamp tote bag, JPK Handbags are the next hottest accessory to have. JPK Paris' handbags are fun, colorful, practical and stylish especially their Bucket Nylon Tote.The Bucket Nylon is known for their iconic shape, color, gold hardware, and thick leather shoulder strap.

JPK Handbags vary in different colors as their lining is a funky floral pattern of lavender, blue, and green. With tons of interior pockets, zippers, and snaps, you can easily organize your belongings.

Continue reading "Handbag PR: JPK Paris Accessories" »

While beauty pageants aren't held in the same regard as they did at one time, there is still one thing to be loved about pageants like Miss Universe 2010. The fashion. It's like being at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week watching a show represented by all aspects of the globe. I not only adore seeing the costumes, gowns and swimsuits donned by our very own Miss USA, but how fashion is interpreted from countries around the world. In a pageant seen by millions, this is a one-time chance to demonstrate unique style and taste to distinguish one country from another.

Continue reading "Miss Universe 2010 Pageant Fashion Tonight" »

Sass Brown professor of Fashion Design at FIT, designer and fair-trade fashion consultant has recently penned a new book due out this fall titled Eco Fashion published by Laurence King Publishers. We caught up with Sass to discuss her latest project.  

PM: What prompted you to write Eco Fashion? 

SB: I had two main motivations for writing the book. The first was that I felt the industry had reached a tipping point of sorts, where the level of design excellence was raised to a comparative level of the rest of the industry, and that was worthy of promoting. Second, despite the standard and success of many eco labels, I felt they still weren’t known by many students entering the industry, or for that matter professionals in the main stream fashion arena and hoped that the book would act as a means of exposing their work to a wider audience. 

PM: What is eco fashion? 

SB: Now that’s a loaded question.  The word ecology has a pretty defined meaning; according to the Oxford English Dictionary ecology is “the branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings.”  Eco fashion however is a lot more open to interpretation (and misinterpretation). Broadly speaking however, eco fashion is a branch of fashion production that respects the earth and the people on it.  That respect can be expressed in a multitude of ways;  recycle, reuse, redesign, sustainable fabrications, diversion of waste materials from landfill, fair trade, community development  and the reduction of CO2 emissions. 

PM: Can you share with us what was some of your greatest finds in doing research for the book pertaining to range of sustainable and ethical products? 

SB: There were so many talented and creative designers I came across during my research that I had simply not known about previously so the small lesser known designers (at least to me) are the ones I cherish the most.  Elena Garcia, an incredible designer based out of the UK that works with traditional Shibori indigo dye techniques and needle felting.  Her design sensibility is exquisite and her workmanship outstanding.  Christine Birkle based of Berlin, works with traditional Nuno felting techniques and designs exquisite items from pure silk, each laboriously hand felted using traditional methods.  Josh Jakus in the US, who works with recycled industrial felt and makes wonderfully conceptual bags and purses known as the UM bags. Royah, a women’s cooperative and atelier in Afghanistan, working to empower women in the midst of a war torn country and who produces exquisite designs based on the rich heritage of Afghanistan textiles. The list is endless but these are just a few. 

PM: Any countries doing better than others in creating eco fashion? 

SB: There are countries that excel in particular areas of eco design, for example the UK has a plethora of really great recycle and redesign companies.  They have long had a fascination and respect for vintage, so it only makes sense that they would excel in this area of design.  Brazil has a good number of artisanal women’s cooperatives that work with traditional handmade techniques such as crochet and fuxico.  Germany excels in urban design and accessories. 

PM: Did your research determine if the cost in operating a fashion house with such sustainable practices was more expensive than those that did not practice eco fashion? 

SB: I didn’t go into pricing in the book but I did feature a range of designers who work at varying price points in markets.  Many run relatively small companies, meaning they likely pay a premium for their materials and organic cottons for example are more expensive than non organic cottons.  However, the real cost of fast fashion is hidden, the cost to the environment and sometimes to human rights of those that produce the items are not reflected in their pricing. Those costs are realized in ethical brand pricing. 

The book will be in stores by the beginning of September and can be pre-ordered through Amazon or Barnes & Noble.  My publisher is Laurence King at British so the book is available through them in the UK and it has also been translated into Spanish and Italian. 

http://www.laurenceking.com/product/eco+fashion.htm I have a website which is in development right now but will be up in a about a week, which features designers from the book, as well as an events calendar and eco resources. 

I will also be doing a talk and book signing at The Kate Murphy Amphitheater at FIT on October 25^th from 6 to 8pm.  http://fitnyc.edu/335.asp 

Today the Kardashian sisters announced their global partnership with leading international designer Bruno Schiavi and his apparel company, Jupi Corporation. Kim, Khloe and Kourtney will collaborate with Schiavi on a complete brand launch encompassing apparel, home and accessories. The initial range to include a women's RTW collection, handbags, belts, wallets and lingerie expected to be in-stores in 2011 in the US, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and Germany.

"The Kardashian sisters are an inspiration to women of all ages and loved for their sense of fashion and style. I am extremely excited to be working with Kim, Khloe and Kourtney across so many fashion categories – taking their brand to women in key markets around the world." Bruno Schiavi, Jupi Corp

As an expert on body image and self esteem-building through his highly popular international brands, that include the BL Body range inspired by NBC's hit weight loss show, The Biggest Loser as well as Dr Rey's Shapewear range, Schiavi is a natural choice to work with the high profile sisters. The Kardashians celebrate healthy and curvaceous body image, the importance of high self esteem and family values whilst still being fun, theatrical and sexy.

Continue reading "Fashion PR: The Kardashian Sisters Partner With Bruno Schiavi in Global Fashion Collection" »

As we are nearing the end of summer, we cannot believe how quickly this year has flown by. It feels like just yesterday that we were penning our business goals for the new year. Has your company reached all of the objectives you have set for it thus far? More importantly, do you have a clear picture of what you are launching, strategizing and gearing up for spring/summer 2011? Your PR plans should be assembled both with traditional media as well as a ramp up of your social media programs. Here is a just sneak peak of what we at Pierce Mattie have been up to this year!

Jewelry PR: Diamond Ideals in Destination Weddings
It’s another happy marriage for national bridal publication, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, and Pierce Mattie PR client and established diamond retailer, Diamond Ideals. Gearing up for summer weddings with their June 2010 edition, the publication features a destination photo shoot in Puerto Rico that featured two elegant pieces by Diamond Ideals. To see the pictures go to: Diamond Ideals Featured in Destination Weddings

Beauty PR: It’s a Hit for JOICO
Press hits that is! From consumer publications like W, Glamour and InStyle to the trade hits in Modern Salon, The Colorist and Salon Today, our client JOICO (who is celebrating 8 years with our firm this year) has been having a very successful year in the press. See images of their coverage so far this year: JOICO Consumer and Trade Press 

 

Fashion PR: 191 Unlimited on True Blood
Pierce Mattie Fashion PR client, 191 Unlimited, made its HBO debut on the highly popular vampire series True Blood last month on character Sam Trammell. Not only did the lead wardrobe stylist dress Sam in one of 191 Unlimited’s shirts, but she did it again in this past week’s episode with Joe Manganiello’s character, Alcide Herveaux. Sam also wore the same shirt in this episode as he did in July. 

 

Plastic Surgery PR: Dr. Elliot Jacobs on the CBS Early Show
Pierce Mattie client and board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Elliot Jacobs, was recently featured on the CBS Early Show discussing important do’s and don’ts for anyone considering having liposuction. You can watch the clip here: CBS Early Show

Pierce Mattie's Trend Forecast for 2011 Vol. III
Vol. III of our trend forecast for 2010 with an outlook on 2011 has overwhelmingly become the most requested piece of information in our office! Some of our writers included; Cosmetic Cop; Paula Begoun, Handbag Guru; Ben Harnett and Jerry Ehrenwald from the International Gemological Institute on jewelry. This book is exclusive to the press only, if you work in media and have not yet received your electronic copy please let us know. To learn more go to: Pierce Mattie’s Trend Forecast

From Pierce Mattie’s Social Media Archives
Here are some of our blog posts we feel are worth a look:
• Can Social Media Increase Sales Through Feel Good Engagement?
• Transparent Social Media, Your Fake Rolodex & Followers Who Would Love to be Leaders.
• Do Smaller Beauty Brands Utilize Social Media Better Than Those That Are Well Known?
• Forget The Department Stores – Let's Go Direct To Consumer

Team Announcements
We’ve added new staff members to the Pierce Mattie PR team! Whitney Lanum joins us as an Assistant Account Executive; Jenna Rose as an Account Executive and Jamie Sylves as a Senior Account Executive. Welcome aboard!

Social Media
Be sure to stay updated with us at all times via our social media profiles:
• You can follow us on Twitter: @PierceMattiePR
• Read our blog: www.PierceMattiePublicRelations.com
• Join us on LinkedIn: www.LinkedIn.com/in/PierceMattie
• Become a fan on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/PierceMattiePR

Federal Realty Investment Trust today announced that beauty retailer ULTA will join Barracks Road Shopping Center in Charlottesville, Virginia, late fall 2010 in 13,600 square feet next to recently expanded Bed, Bath and Beyond.

"We are excited to announce that ULTA will open its first location in the Charlottesville market this fall at Barracks Road Shopping Center," said Deirdre Johnson, director of asset management for Federal Realty Investment Trust. "With over 485,000 square feet of local boutiques, national retailers and eclectic restaurants, ULTA is a tremendous addition to Barracks Road as a full service, one stop shopping destination for beauty essentials."

ULTA delivers the very best in beauty by bringing together an unparalleled selection of brand-name cosmetics, fragrances, skin and hair care products, such as Dermalogica, Smashbox, Pureology, Chi, Vera Wang, and Neutrogena with a full-service, in-store salon. Designed to accommodate the busy lifestyles and growing needs of women, ULTA encourages guests to escape, learn and be entertained while in-store beauty experts offer advice without unnecessary sales pressure. To further set the stage for a satisfying shopping experience, ULTA stores are illuminated with natural light so guests can easily see the true shade of the products they are testing, and the knowledgeable staff is always on-hand and provide the latest beauty information.

Continue reading "Retail PR: ULTA to Open First Charlottesville Location at Barracks Road Shopping Center This Fall" »

Fashion PR: The world's largest fashion trade event, MAGIC, will once again celebrate some of the biggest names in women's fashion at WWDMAGIC this August. Amid more than 1,000 exhibiting companies from around the world, the WWDMAGIC show will also showcase WWD (Women's Wear Daily), the foremost authority on style news and trends, as the fashion and retail industry's daily newspaper celebrates its 100th birthday in 2010.

The WWD@100 Anniversary installation at MAGIC, on the Concourse in Central Hall, arrives as the paper celebrates 100 years as the voice of the industry. Featuring imagery from WWD's incomparable archives, showcasing a century of iconic fashion and style, attendees will see unforgettable moments in fashion from a century of WWD fashion news and get a glimpse of what today's hottest brands have planned for next season. Attendees will also take home a limited-edition gift from WWD.

Continue reading "WWDMAGIC Celebrates in Style in Las Vegas" »

Celebrity Fashion PR: In addition to the current Kate Moss for Topshop collection, Topshop has launched a range of simple yet luxurious essentials for Autumn Winter. Combining a mix of vests, tees and dresses this collection aims to satisfy all fashion basic needs.

The new collection continues to use the same fine jersey that has been seen in previous Kate Moss collections and continues to play on the greens, greys and beige colour tones. Key pieces for the collection include the charcoal grey long sleeved maxi dress and a long sleeve shift dress with pocket detailing available in both black and beige.

Continue reading "Kate Moss Launches Essentials Collection for Autumn/Winter 2010" »

THE CAMPAIGN – This Fall, Armani Exchange takes you to a futuristic city at the edge of darkness with images that capture hard-edged style and the provocative thrill of the future unknown.

"2020/Speed Style" delivers an intense mood of rugged elegance and cool sensuality, where runaway lovers escape from the fiery streets above and take refuge in a mysterious urban underdome, where nothing exists except the seductive intrigue of speed and style.

THE LAUNCH – "2020/Speed Style" will launch in August, 2010, with a series of color images that break in major national media—print, outdoor ads, and online. The in-book media program will consist of two-page spreads featured in magazines including GQ, Details, Out, Men's Health, ELLE, InStyle, Glamour, Nylon, V Magazine, Interview, and People StyleWatch.

THE 3D LAUNCH – Armani Exchange is among the leaders in the fashion industry to use 3D images for the main seasonal campaign. Always on the cutting edge of technology and style, Armani Exchange continues to create innovative programs that directly target the A|X Generation. The Armani Exchange 3D campaign brings together three marketing trends – exclusive content, online entertainment, and social networking – in a unique and interesting way.

The A|X Fall 2010 3D advertising campaign will run in GQ, V Magazine, and Interview with exclusive A|X 3D glasses for viewing the creative. These ads will direct readers to a specially designed 3D page on the A|X "Life" section of the brands website, where users will be able to view an exclusive 2D and 3D music video based around the A|X Fall 2010 advertising campaign on A|X:TV. This breakthrough A|X3D campaign will also be featured in store windows, on video screens in the top 10 markets in both North America and in international markets.

THE LOCATION – Shot over three days on location on a soundstage in Brooklyn, NY, the campaign's set was constructed to create the stylistic underworld of "2020/Speed Style." Panels of diffused dramatic light shadow the darkness to create the look of a mysterious sanctuary. These distinctive details provide the futuristic backdrop to cutting-edge street chic styling and accentuate the provocative energy and intense mood of intoxicating danger. The campaign also features a Ducati 1198S Motorbike as a prominent character, adding an erotic and surreal visual aesthetic to the cinematic-style images.

CAST & CREW – Shot by photographer Matthew Scrivens and created by an in-house team under the direction of Tom Jarrold (CMO for A|X). The cast features Tamiris Souza Freitas (One Model Management), and Arthur Sales (Major Models).

CREATIVE MEDIA STRATEGY – Armani Exchange maintains presence in national publications and plans to go deeper into digital marketing, online and outdoor media. A|X will be more aggressive with significant spending being allocated to impact an online presence with units on social networks, celebrity blogs, as well as fashion and music websites. We are currently working on several additional online initiatives that will continue to support the brand message and build upon existing A|X programs (A|X:TV, A|X STYLEPAD, and A|X Mobile).

Continue reading "Fashion PR & Marketing: A|X Armani Exchange - Now in 3D Fall 2010 Advertising Campaign '2020/Speed Style'" »

Fashion PR: Today two renowned American apparel icons, the Levi's® brand and Brooks Brothers, announce the launch of a new collection of jeanswear for men, Levi's® Jeans, Made in the USA for Brooks Brothers.  Available at Brooks Brothers stores nationwide, online at www.brooksbrothers.com and in Brooks Brothers catalogs beginning July 29, the collection is the latest in an ongoing series of special collaborations for both brands and re-affirms a shared commitment to products that are "made in America".  

"From presidents to pop artists, pioneers with a distinctly American optimism have been devoted to the purpose and timelessness of Brooks Brothers and Levi's products," offers Carl Chiara, director of Men's and Women's Brand Concepts and Special Projects for the Levi's Brand, The Americas. "Levi's jeans and Brooks Brothers suits have been staples of American menswear through world wars and civil wars, booms and busts, and the continued transformation and redefinition of the American frontier; It may have taken us over 135 years, but we are finally joining forces and are excited to be doing something together!"

Lou Amendola, Brooks Brothers Chief Merchandising Officer, added, "For generations, nothing has conveyed the image of iconic American style more than a pair of Levi's jeans worn with a Brooks Brothers button-down shirt. With our exclusive jeans collection we have created something that is both authentic and timeless. It is our shared commitment to quality and craftsmanship combined with equal measures of innovation and tradition which have allowed both brands to stand the test of time."

Levi's Jeans, Made in the USA for Brooks Brothers features a carefully crafted assortment of sophisticated and classic jeans for Brooks Brothers' customers.  Offered in a range of timeless finishes and washes, the line consists of the original and iconic 501 jean, the celebrated 505 jean (the zip-fly "sibling" of the 501 jean) and the modern and streamlined 514™ Slim Straight jean.  Each of these jeans is crafted in a factory in Los Angeles using imported materials and will retail for $148.

Brooks Brothers collaboration with the Levi's brand is a truly natural and authentic fit. Brooks Brothers was a pioneer, introducing America's earliest ready-to-wear fashion emporium in 1818 just as the invention of the blue jean in 1873 defined the product category, both for the Levi's brand and  all denim-makers to follow.  Since then both companies – driven by a respect for quality and integrity that is embodied in Brooks Brothers' "Golden Fleece" and in Levi's Two Horse® Design – have amassed a long history of serving the needs of pioneering men in the USA and around the world.