FashInvest connects Fashion Innovators with Potential Funding Players

A little while back I shared the news of FashInvest. This conference is a unique forum for fashion start-ups to attend lectures and critiques by influential industry players and investors. They pitch their new business ideas, getting immediate feedback from venture capitalists.  Most companies presented online tools confirming the trend that online is where the money is in today’s market.

A total of 17 curated entrepreneurs presented their ideas to potential investors. My top pick is Fitted Fashion (Acustom).  Fitted Fashion is a revolutionary digital tailoring service that can scan your body in 3 minuets and produce a customized personalized pattern.  This can then be used time and again to reorder or shop online for the right fit.  CEO Jamal Motlagh shared that 85% of customers say they hesitate to buy online because of fit. If the technology is as accurate as they say, it just might be Fitted Fashion that walks away with an investment.

Kevin Ryan (CEO of Gilt Groupe), Julie Macklowe of VBeaute, and Steven Alan were highlighted speakers.  They imparted advice to people looking to start their own endeavour sighting a passion that the every day requirements of running your own business requires. “It is all day everyday – 24/7.”, Macklowe shared, “Money and profitability are 2 things you need to watch closely. It helps that I am my own investor”.  It certainly does!

Alan took more of a creative approach. “Don’t be afraid to make changes, or change course if need be. The process is organic, respond to your customers and what they are buying.”

There is a lot of innovation happening in the world of fashion right now and it was exciting to get a peek into the next wave. Although owning your own business can be one of the scariest things you can do, it is also seems to be one of the most rewarding.

Santacon is coming to town!

That’s right NYC, it’s that special time of year, when Santa’s unite! So put on your best Christmas costume and join in on Santacon!!!

What is Santacon? Pretty much what it sounds like… Organized by Santa, himself (it says so on the website!), you show up with two non-perishable food items to one of the starting points (North Cove Marina at the Wild Financial Center or the Brooklyn Bridge Park at the intersection of Old Fulton Street and Water Street) and join your fellow North Pole residents on a epic bar crawl through the city.

Details posted on nycsantacon.com. Follow them on twitter @santacon or follow me today @PrettyConnected.

I’ll be updating this post throughout the day with pictures.

Ho ho ho!

Pictures from my first Santacon!

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WWD 10th Annual Beauty Inc Awards

WWD Beauty Inc Awards winners. Photo Credit: John Aquino/WWD Beauty Inc

This morning, I had the great honor of joining Beauty Inc, a Women’s Wear Daily special-issue magazine as they announced their 2011 Beauty Inc Awards winners. WWD/Beauty Inc are the beauty industries bible, so to be in a room full of executives that regularly fill their headlines and are the talent behind the leading mass and prestige beauty industry is as you can imagine, a beauty bloggers dream. I was surrounded by greatness… literally! Seated in the Oscar de la Renta section, I sat next to Alexander Bolen, CEO of Oscar de la Renta and now Beauty Inc Awards winner for the Newcomer of the Year Award. And besides being a rising icon of this industry, he was also an incredibly gracious and lovely neighbor. Also at the brands table, was ever so chic, Erika Bearman, known to 96,445 of us who follow her on twitter as @OscarPRGirl. I hope she tweeted a picture of her outfit, it was gorgeous — back buttoned sweater paired with a long off-white skirt. And however she did her hair, I want a tutorial!

Highlights from the awards ceremony included a special tribute to Evelyn Lauder, for her commitment to this industry and courageous work in raising awareness and funds (over $350 million!) in the fight against bread cancer.  Appropriately, even with her passing this year, she and the Estee Lauder Companies were awarded the Corporate Social Responsibility’ Award, which was accepted by her son on her behalf. Beauty Inc. did a lovely piece on her this morning titled The Incomparable Evelyn Lauder consisting of quotes from those closest to her, sharing their most enduring memories.

Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones, gave an inspirational video speech after being awarded the Visionary Award, sharing memories from his trial and tribulations in the beauty industry. “If your going to be a visionary you need to start from the ground up. There are no short cuts”, this from the man that began his career in the industry at the age of 23 and now reigns as the Honorary Chairman of L’Oreal. To learn more about the man, who graces the cover of tomorrow’s issue of Beauty Inc visit WWD.com.

I’ll admit, I haven’t tried many of the winning products, however two awards I can absolutely vouch for are Bumble and Bumble’s Straight line — it could be my favorite shampoo, conditioner and straightening balm of all time and Sally Hansen Complete Salon 5 in 1 Manicure nail polish — it’s easy to apply, has great coverage and is exceptionally convenient. I’m also very partial to Dior Addict Lipstick, the color range they’ve developed is to die for and the formulation is very smooth and hydrating.

And without further adieu, the winner are:

• Visionary Award – Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones, Honorary Chairman, L’Oreal

• Corporate Social Responsibility Award – Evelyn Lauder & The Estee Lauder Companies. Inc.

• Creative Influencer Award – Peter Philips, Global Creative Director for Makeup, Chanel

• Eco Awareness Award – Pantene Nature Fusion

• Ad Campaign of the Year –

Prestige – Paco Rabanne Black XS

Mass – John Frieda Precision Foam Colour

• Newcomer of the Y ear –
Prestige – Alexander Bolen, Chief Executive Officer, Oscar de la Renta

Mass – Julia Goldin, Executive Vice President, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Revlon

• Product of the Y ear –

Prestige – Color Cosmetics – Dior Addict Lipstick

Skin Care – Lancôme Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector

Hair Care – Bumble and Bumble The Straight Line

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12/15 Join us for Under the Stars with Susan Miller and Todd English

I’m very excited to announce that I’m working on an amazing event, Under the Stars with Susan Miller and Todd English on December 15th and I hope some of you can make it!

Spend the evening with internationally known astrologer, and founder of AstrologyZone.com, Susan Miller (freak out!) as she guest lectures on “What to Look Forward to in 2012”. The event is hosted by renowned chef, restaurateur, author, and television star, Todd English who will be taking guests on a culinary journey with a zodiac tasting tailored to the evening.

Indulge in an open bar featuring cocktails inspired by the zodiac from mixologist and founder of Intoxicated Zodiac, Gwen Sutherland Kaiser and enjoy complimentary CND Shellac Manicures.

WHEN: December 15, 2011 – 6:30 to 11 pm

WHERE: CrossBar at the Limelight, 47 W. 20th St. at Sixth Ave, New York, NY 10010

COST: Pretty Connected readers get a reduced ticket price of $175 (original price $225) or two tickets for $325 and can be purchased online HERE

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