Whenever I’m asked my ethnicity and respond with ‘Armenian’, the usual reaction I get is ‘oh, like Kim Kardashian? Do you get that a lot?’
Yes, I get that a lot—and by the way she’s only half Armenian. Although clearly some type of poster child for all that is Armenia in the eyes of many Americans– so it should come as no surprise that when Cosmopolitan Magazine launches their Armenian edition in March, Kim Kardashian will grace the cover. The shocking part of course is that Cosmo is going into Armenia at all! Hrachuchi Utmazyan has been named editor of the publication, which will launch with an initial circulation of 5,000.
While it’s commonly known Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity, and the suspected landing spot of Noah’s Arc, it’s only in the past few years we discovered they we’re also the first to decent leather shoes and house the oldest known winery. Although those are rarely the claim to fame we account for and probably to Kourtney’s and Khloe’s dismay, neither are they.
“The Cosmopolitan brand has been very successful around the world and we’re pleased to be rolling out our 63rd edition this spring in Armenia,” says president and CEO of Hearst Magazines
Jason Wu Fall 2011 Collection. Photo Credit: Imaxtree
I have a sweet spot for Jason Wu, not only because he’s brilliant, but also because I had the honor of attending his first runway show back in 2006; when Fashion Week was held at Bryant Park and he was the new kid on the blog. I don’t remember every detail from the show, only that I walked in not knowing who he was, and walked out with an ever-lasting impression of his work. So in 2009, when Michelle Obama choose to wear Wu for her inaugural gown, it felt like such a warranted success. I haven’t been to his show since, so I felt very fortunate enough to be able to cover his Fall/Winter 2011 fashion collection and share it will all of you!
Jason Wu Fall 2011 Collection. Photo Credit: ImaxtreeJason Wu Runway at 2011 Fall/Winter Fashion Show
For this collection, Jason Wu was inspired by the photographs taken by Robert Polidori in his book “Parcours Museologique Revister,” which documented the restoration of Versailles. As you will notice from the video (posted below), his show began with more traditional sportswear; tailored pants, and jackets then segues into evening wear, before the grand finale of this long, bright pink, silk chiffon strapless gown. While the strong change in silhouette, palette and fabrication would generally make this collection not feel so cohesive, it was the progression of his clothing and the accents of embroidery and lace he embedded within the pieces that really converged it all together. I also really like this little, black, feminine bow-tie he’s introduced.
Makeup by MAC, Nails by CND
What always stands out about Jason Wu is his attention to detail. His ability to carry over this baroque theme went beyond the clothing. We saw it in the hair, makeup, nails—all the way to the stage. He had this incredible custom runway, which looked like antique mirrors.
Roxanne Valinoti for CND created the nails for the runway show. She fashioned a gold gilded burgundy manicure using two coats of CND Dark Ruby layered with one coat of Bloodline, and gilded with Gold Chrome on the tips. To create this look at home, simply put the Gold Chrome shade on first, then apply those French Manicure stickers on the tips and paint over it with the remaining colors. Then peel the sticker off to reveal the gold tips and voila!
Makeup face chart by MAC
These manicures matched the burgundy shoes we saw on the runway and complimented the slicked back twisted low ponytails (with a flash of gold leaf accent) hair look created by Odile for Aveda.
As for the makeup, the look was created by Diane Kendal for M.A.C. Cosmetics, I mean look at this gorgeous intense gold highlighted, deeply shadowed
Join Harboring Hearts Housing for their premiere fundraiser event: A Winter Cocktail, Thursday February 24th, 2011 from 8:30-11:00pm at the Rubin Museum of Art (150 West 17th Street, NYC).
Special performances by The NY Pops, followed by DJ Harley Viera Newton of Jay Z’s Roc Label, and electric violinist Sarah Charness of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Open bar courtesy of Barcardi, Barefoot Wines, and Nespresso, and treats from Honi Cookies, Stogo Ice Cream, and Tu’Lu’s bakery. VIP Ticket Holders will receive gift bags with goodies from Warren Tricomi, David Barton, Korres, Argo Tea, and many more.
Happy Birthday? Happy Anniversary? In this case it’s one and the same since today, February 20th is the day that the Metropolitan Museum of Art opened it’s doors in Manhattan in 1872. Originally, it resided in a rented space at 681 Fifth Avenue and moved several times before migrating to the east side of Central Park to the home we know today (at 1000 Fifth Avenue). The Metropolitan Museum of Art is now more than 2 million square feet and contains more than 2 million works of art divided into nineteen curatorial departments.
Whenever I’m asked my ethnicity and respond with ‘Armenian’, the usual reaction I get is ‘oh, like Kim Kardashian? Do you get that a lot?’
