Rectangular bottle, green writing, yellow moisturizer… it can only be one thing: Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion by Clinque. We all know it, most of us have used it — it’s the essential last step in the Clinique’s 3-Step Skincare System. Now it’s common to have a skincare routine but growing up this was my first introduction to a ‘cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize’ regimen. My story, coupled with the millions of people globally who share a similar experience is what makes this brand and this lotion so iconic.
On Tuesday night, Clinique invited me to Dramatically Different Party. Hosted at 620 Loft and Garden in Rockefeller Center, the party celebrated the launch of a NEW Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+.
Here’s a taste of the evening…
So why after so many decades did Clinique reformulate such a staple product?
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!
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.
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!
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
Women’s Wear Daily(WWD) reported this morning that Carine Roitfeld, Editor in Chief of French Vogue will be departing from the magazine in a few weeks to “focus on personal projects”.
You may remember Carine Roitfeld’s rumored character, Jacqueline Follet in the movie, The Devil Wears Prada, nemesis to Anna Wintour –I mean Miranda Priestly. Friend or foe, I wonder how this will all play out.
We will have to wait and see. WWD’s complete coverage of the story is not available until Monday. Stay tuned!
I got back to NYC from Burning man yesterday and it’s been a whirlwind ever since! Weeding through emails, trying to stay coordinated and create a calendar of events, but between Fashion’s Night Out and New York Fashion Week I’m at a loss. I just returned from a place where phones and computers we’re foreign and time doesn’t exist, getting back into the swing of things is a little bit more overwhelming than expected.
Fortunately, I did check my mail, and found an invitation for a private screening of ‘For the Love of Fashion Rag & Bone’, a short film by RJ Cutler (the Director of The September Issue) at the Crosby Hotel. Jetlag was not keeping me from this (that and it was sponsored by Starbucks Frappuccino, so I knew staying caffeinated would not be an issue). The film takes you on the journey with head designers of Rag & Bone Marcus Wainwright and David Neville in their final days prior to showing their Fall 2010 collection at NY Fashion Week. Not to spoil the ending but the collection is a huge success – to quote Anna Wintour “It’s very strong”.
Check it out for yourself, I found the video online for all of you to watch. Click HERE, enjoy!
Celebrated photographer Irving Penn died Wednesday at his home in Manhattan at the age of 92. Considered one of the most influential fashion photographers of the 20th century, Penn’s global notoriety began in 1943 when he started working at Vogue.
“In my career, I have met no one else who worked with the level of imaginative intensity and economy of Irving Penn,” said Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. “His photographs were as exquisite and electrifying in the last year of his life as they were in 1943, when he started contributing to Vogue. To have been a colleague and friend of one of the greatest artists of the 20th century is a privilege greater than I could have ever imagined.”
Growing up, both Richard Avedon and Irving Penn captured everything I loved about fashion and brought such beauty and elegance to every shot they released. When I read the headlines of Penn’s passing this morning, I could not help but feel very sentimental. His photographs have deeply moved me and I appreciate them so much. Rest in peace Irving Penn.
On September 10th, Anna Wintour’s plan to save the fashion industry came to life when NYC gathered for Fashion’s Night Out. Every retailer from all five boroughs was encouraged to join in the celebration. Anna Wintour affirmed her commitment to the boroughs involvement by pledging to kick off the evening at Macy’s in Queens, alongside Michael Kors. With over 700 retailers participating in the festivities, I had a whole lot of invitations with no idea what to expect or how to pace the night.