Vanity Fair Covers March 2010 (T) and June 1917 (B) 96 years later

The issue of race in America has been a hot topic long before Martin Luther King Jr.’s infamous speech, I Have a Dream.” Speaking to millions on the Lincoln Memorial, he profoundly spoke about the urgency for equality. With the election of Barack Obama thought to be the beginning of a post-racialism in the 21^st century, this issue is even more poignant.  

March’s  cover issue of Vanity Fair sparked a heated debate on Yahoo’s Shine Site, wondering why the cover story of “New Hollywood” only depicted white up and coming actors. As opinions on this matter vary one Yahoo user furiously explained so what! “If BET or some other entertainment related business, magazine and so on did an article or show and it was only about Blacks or Hispanics or Asians there would no uproar from anyone. So what if Vanity Fair put a bunch of white girls on their cover. . . All these PC people need to take a break from their soap boxes.”

Inspiration is a funny thing. Designers at New York Fashion Week have been inspired by everything from Chinese zodiac (Vivienne Tam) to globe trotters (Elie Tahari). Jewelry designer Emily Armenta is no different. Her inspiration is Federico Garcia Lorca, a Spanish poet, known for his dramatic and passionate works.

Her duende collection is taken from the Spanish people’s name for Lorca. Duende is interpreted as a mystical concept with no definable definition. It can be “felt in the pulse of flamenco, in the wailings of lost lovers, and in the expression of unleashed passion.” And Emily’s jewelry line Armenta, captures this sentiment perfectly.

Her latest PR venture is her book “Complexion Perfection!: Your Ultimate Guide to Beautiful Skin by Hollywoods Leading Skin Health Expert,” which brings her skincare philosophy to a wider, more general audience. The book devolves the affects of harsh chemical treatments on skin and offers a variety of home remedies to bring your skin to perfection. She suggests an aspirin facial to revitalize skin. It seems unusual, but because it’s Kate Sommerville, we’re willing to believe it’ll work.

Yeager, nicknamed the Fit Chick, is no stranger to bikes. She’s the author of “Every Woman's Guide to Cycling: Everything You Need to Know, From Buying Your First Bike to Winning Your First Race,” as well as a columnist for “Bicycle” magazine. The fitness program, which includes eating reasonably (good-bye mini cupcakes), could help readers lose up to 100 pounds just by pedaling.

Worn often in the ‘60s and ‘70s, the Miami style was classically paired with Lilly Pulitzer sundress. The company brought back the revered style and celebrities and shoe lovers alike have brought the Miami back to mainstream popularity. And if shoes aren’t enough, Bernardo also offers handbags and accessories to complete your effortless look.

Since 1829, the House of Delvaux has been producing high-quality handcrafted handbags, wallets and accessories making it the oldest of its kinda in the world. Often compared to Hermes, the distinguished brand makes classic, elegant bags that continue to command attention from the elite.

I recall when Hyundai first entered the auto market here in the U.S. back in 1986. Both of my parents went out and purchased one due to its affordability (where are the days when you could buy a brand new car for $5K?) For years, Hyundai wasn't necessarily known for quality, not in the way Toyota has been branded at least, but the auto maker quickly became profitable making many in the automotive industry take notice and giving it staying power.

Previously, I would've only considered Kia to be their closest competitor (until they bought them out), yet with Toyota's recent PR Crisis over their massive recall and Hyundai ramping up production and an advertising blitz, Hyundai is beginning to emerge as real competition to the auto giant. Has Toyota's recall finally given Hyundai the opportunity to get an edge up on the brand? From a PR standpoint, my opinion is yes.

The book sprang to life when the two authors received a hair treatment they loved, until they discovered the secret ingredient was formaldehyde. Formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen, is the same chemical used as an embalming agent. The two were shocked and sought out to discover what’s actually in our beauty products.

One of the biggest trends for winter 2010 nails is adding different textures such as glitter or a matte finish on top of what you are already wearing. Zanna Roberts from Marie Claire was so curious about the trend for this upcoming winter.  It’s all about adding an extra glow to your finger tips, making your outfit absolutely complete. Some of the backstage trends that were spotted were neon hair extension streaks, going with MAC’s neon red and hot pink lipsticks on the models. We’re back to the 70’s with big lips, rosy cheeks, smoky eyes, hair pulled tightly back, pale skin is in and bronzer is out. Even the high end fashion editors that came to the show demonstrated these new beauty trends.  It’s all about wearing subtle colors of clothing with the contrast of big hair and bright makeup. Talk about sexy!

Tea with the Queen was inspired by Jen Kao’s clean- cut fall collection. The nails this year were kept short and sweet to go with the collection’s sheer, quiet colors.  Tea with the Queen is a French pink, sheer peachy color which is just what all these expensive Manhattanites are looking for to go on their nails. Get ready for the Hamptons girls! What is great about this color is that it looks fantastic on both plain skin color as well as exotic skins.  The shoe trend for this year’s show was open- toe boots so butter went with having clean and tight toes for the model’s pedicure. You can’t go wrong with having sexy, pretty and perfect toes.  Now us girls know exactly finishing touches for the perfect ensemble for a night out on the town.  Come on now we all want to be dressed from head to toe with sheik and trendy style. 

It’s Betsey herself at New York Fashion week! Butter London was thrilled to do Kelley Osborne’s nails with of course her dog Syd right on her lap. Betsey decided that she wanted all her models to look like they didn’t have a manicure. This year’s fall 2010 collection was a western theme so butter used their one and only Fash Pack lacquer color. Fash Pack is a dusty beige color which matched the look of the girls dancing down the hay- stack runway with a sexy and strong attitude. Betsey was all about her girls having the “messy look” with wearing her fun, crazy clothes. It was a very shocking choice of color for Betsey since everyone is use to her signature look of hot pink. Oh well, she wanted something new and refreshing this year. Celebs Celebs Everywhere!  The turnout was outrageous with some of the finest stars such as Melissa Joan-Heart, Gossip Girl’s most handsome Rufus Humphrey, Mathew Settle and Kelly Osbourne. 

Meet FitFlop. A sandal that works out your legs while you walk, it’s created with expert technology that literally tones your leg, calf and glut areas just by walking. The sandals also claim to improve posture (good-bye middle school scoliosis), develop muscle tone, as well as relieve pain from plantar fasciitis, chronic back pain and heel spurs among other benefits. The shoe also helps imitate the natural act of walking barefoot, though with more muscle load.

The finest in the fashion industry flocked to Pierce Mattie’s Media Oasis to bear witness to a crucial step in the evolution of a sartorial star. Over February 11^th and 12^th Miguel Antoinne, who has been blessing us with his menswear designs for four seasons, presented his strongest collection yet: Autumn/Winter 10. A treasured client of Pierce Mattie PR’s, Miguel’s new line was as eagerly anticipated by us as it was by the press. With bated breath we waited, and a pre-show visit to his showroom did not disappoint.

All hands on deck arrived early to steam fabrics, dress mannequins, and set the lighting to reflect the sleek masculinity of the collection. As the presentation drew nearer, no brows furrowed with concern about the adverse weather conditions affecting attendance – so strong was our belief in both Miguel and his creations.

Antoinne designed a collection on the edge; intended for the bad-boy gentleman. Inspired by the shadows that play off moon-lit industrial elements; colors are dark and sensual; a rich palette consisting of blacks, grays, browns and midnight navy with a faint hint of Bordeaux. Fabric finishes swing from matte to a subtle sheen with an impressive use of coated linen and Nappa leather. Depending on whom you asked, and there were many positive opinions flying around, the stand out piece was the distressed knit with cobweb detailing…or the cotton modal pants, tapered with cuffed bottoms…or…you get the picture. Complements were dished out like candy for Miguel’s take on layering; elongated shirts paired with cropped jackets, the contrast heightened by the use of opposing textures and clever color–blocking.

Self-assured yet humble, Antoinne exudes a quiet confidence in posture and appearance. No doubt aided by how sharp he looks adorning his own designs. Editors from top books and blogs, Another Magazine, GQ, Maxim, Nylon, offered praise and promised support. As Friday drifted into President’s Day weekend, laudatory remarks rang through the city streets to confirm Miguel as one of Manhattan’s most loved menswear designers.

If for some incomprehensible reason you were prevented from coming along, we suggest you plan ahead for Spring/Summer 11. Trust me; nobody wants to be that person devoid of a ticket to the hottest show in town. All hail Miguel Antoinne.

With the snowpocalypse bogging down much of the Northeast in the last few weeks, dreaming about a tropical destination is the only way we’re getting through this winter. White sandy beaches, crystal blue water and temperatures above freezing? We’re in.

The much talked about Saint Barthélemy aka St. Bart’s still remains one of our favorite island retreats. Celebrities and socialites alike continue to flock to St. Bart’s for secluded getaways. Stylist Rachel Zoe tweeted about this paradise while vacationing on the island this winter. Beyonce and Jay-Z have been seen cruising on yachts.

Naturally, the draw to St. Bart’s is the island itself. With an temperatures hovering around perfect all year round, the prospect of Vitamin D is enough to book a flight. A walk down St. Jean Beach promises beautiful scenery and people watching to die for. It also means photo shoots. Victoria’s Secrets recently shot on St. Bart’s, bringing supermodels and their celebrity boyfriends to the island.