Introducing a new column of finds in New York. No special focus but from the eyes of someone that is a “discoverer”....

Friday, October 25, 2003

The Universal Flip-Flop…



What sandals remain in demand even as the weather grows colder? What could cause “A-list” celebrities to rifle through their goody bags for flip-flops at such prestigious events as the prime time Emmy awards and the MTV Video Music awards? The answer can only be Havaianas, the Brazilian “butter soft” footwear sensations. Although popular throughout other parts of the world for years, Havianas are relatively recent arrivals to American shores.

The flip-flops that are sold primarily in specialty boutiques are a staple in their home country, where they are worn by everyone from the workers in the fields to the President of Brazil. First created in 1962, Havianas, Portuguese for Hawaiians, are made from a special rubber, with a formula as secret as the recipe for Coca-Cola. The classic flip-flop style has been enhanced for special editions such as the Swarovski crystal encrusted design created by Deborah Evans for FunFeet Footwear for this year’s Emmy Awards.

Havianas were the footwear of choice at no less than five fashion shows during September’s NYC Fashion Week shows. These include Rosa Cha, Paul Hardy, Esteban Cortazar, Gawsie, and Genaro. New designs for spring include brightly painted florals, platform soles, and even a wedge style. - by Rhonda Erb


Friday, October 03, 2003 - No 3# Edition

Scoop… do you know why certain stores go to see the London Collections….they are provided with free hotel and air fare. We know that a certain Hong Kong store was treated to three nights at the Sanderson Hotel for two people and one free air ticket to London from HK. This practice is for lots of stores internationally. To complete the package some local press was also treated. Silly to have English merchandise in the stores and not have a mention in the press. I sort of knew the London Collections were over but I did not know how over! Wonder who accepted the freebie from the U.S.?

Speaking of journalists::

Ted Kruckell, ex PR and event guy, is doing an online column for Biz Bash. The gist of the column is to go to all the fashion events and then dish them…and can he dish! Wonder if the events will keep him on their guest lists after they have gotten a tongue lashing? Visit www.bizbash.com for some fun.

Join the army of “I hate Jen and Ben”:

Vera Wang is not only pissed at J Lo for the wedding fiasco and the dresses but one of Jen’s stylist took credit in the press for some of the jewelry she borrowed from the house. The stylist became the new designer for the house of fine jewels of Vera Wang….but only for a minute.

Retail Finds:

With everyone talking ballet slippers… think again about the French Sole Shop on Lexington and 71st street (#985)…they have filled the store with all different designers ….we loved the shoes from Reed Evins and Jaime Mascaro.

Macy’s new cosmetic area has spot lighted someone we think is very interesting. Bonita Cosmetics by Rosemary Garcia and aimed at the Latina woman. What a smart concept. How long will it take Revlon or L’Oreal to bring out a collection similar?

Seen on the streets:

A version of a birken bag with the front of the bag hand painted with a painting. Couldn’t catch up to her but maybe she was the artist or it was from a store. What a nice canvas ….well everyone wants to merge fashion and art these days and she did it correctly.

Street Guys….Caps are the new item of personalization. All have a personality of their own. The street guys are wearing then too large for their heads. Bills are either worn forward or cocked to the side. The bill is never bent or palmed. Newest are the grafitti fronts and net sides. Now to complete the look…t shirts as long as dresses worn over baggy jeans. The piece de résistance is a jacket worn over one arm and shoulder, sort of Count de Monte Christo. Oh I forgot athletic arm bands worn on the wrists or golf gloves.

Best program to watch on TV for these hot street looks is “The Wade Robson Project” on MTV at 11:00PM….you will have to give up Charlie Rose.

We love the new look of bold watch chains hooked into the belt loop and pocket of jeans or cargoes. There are lots of them at H & M in the men’s areas. While you are there buy some suspenders and attach them but don’t put them up. So here you go. Jeans, belt, watch chains, and suspenders hanging. Arm and Wrist covered too.

More Gossip:

At the hot place for Saturday lunch…Fred’s, now upstairs at Barney’s Felicia Taylor was spotted…I think having lunch with her parents. Did she have a little lift or just loose weight? Or both?

Beauty: And this time for guys:

As per Crain’s The Regency will take up the care of the new metrosexual man. The hotel will offer the Metro Man package. Just think of all the services that the guys from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy offer their guy and that is what your guy can get. Prices start at $750 for the first night. Carson Kressley will not be appearing.

Hair Color:



We like natural hair color. Try to avoid the chemicals. Robert Craig is permanent color but all natural…you can hit www.robertcraig.com or 800-917-2566.

What were they thinking?

I am mad at Coke….very mad! They have decided to give their graphics a lift and attach their new look of their bottle to the fashion world. So this American corporate giant institution goes to an English designer to design the new cover for their bottle. Why not approach an American designer? When they debut it in New York, which is reported in W soon… lets boycott it. I am switching to Pepsi as we speak.

Tech stuff…



WorldCard Office…small enough to travel with… this is a tiny machine will transfers anyone’s business card to your Palm, phone or laptop. $ 159.00 retail Check for retailers at www.penpower.net

I am sorry but you will have to correct:

WWD on September 18th on Page 10 spoke of the upcoming fashion show of Gilles Mendel, the furrier, at Cipriani being the first show that he will give. I know that the writers at WWD are young but this will be the second show and he gave the first also at Cipriani too.

Report from trade shows:

The Extracts Show and The Home Textile Show:

These are two special shows for beauty and home items that any store could stock even if they do not carry the category.

Finds:

Home:

Rani Arabella - www.raniarabella.com or 561 802 9900 - in Palm Beach,Fl. Beautiful elegant throws of cashmere, silk and cotton knits that are trimmed in leather or linen-style portofino. We like them as shawls too.

Sferra Bros. -www.sferrabros.com or 609 387 4010 - This old established company has reinvented itself. They purchased the trademark of National Geographic and designed a global collection of soft furnishings. They share with Lane Furniture the collection for the home. They have divided the collection into three parts: Indochine, Jaipur, and Spirit of Africa. Retail will debut in March.

Liz Victory - www.lizvictorydesigns.com or 212 535 7784 - 235 East 69th NYC. She is the couture designer of shower curtains. They are longer, fuller and only the finest of fabrics. Not Bed Bath and Beyond.

Umano Beads - Jewelry for your door knob. Yes even your knob needs an accessory. When not decorating you can hold them to relax with and not worry.

Rubaina M - 917 251 1515 or www.rubainam.com Organza geometric throw pillows. Modern and contemporary.

Cosmetics:

Wink - www.winkbeauty.com or 323 251 4362 - Their product is called double trouble. It is a duo for the lips or the eyes. Hidden in the top of the lip gloss is the matching lip pencil and the same packaging for their mascara where the handle hides the liner pencil. Great idea, stunning packaging and an $18.00 retail.

And the next time you are at the Javits Center for a trade show you have a wonderful place for lunch. The Restaurant at Splashlight Studios-529 West 35th St- 212 268 7247….better book as it is hot. Not open for dinner yet.

Past "Better bets" Columns

continue to DFR: Daily Fashion Report