MEROCRAT - CONNECTING THE CREATIVE DOTS

The world of fashion is glamorous and gritty, ever changing, PHOTOGRAPH : TOMAASand truly more global than ever.  With sites like Linked-In and Monster, professionals can find jobs across town or across the world - literally.   While those platforms are perfect for resumes and networking for corporate positions, the creative talent that makes fashion fashion aren't so lucky.   At least not until now.   MEROCRAT is a platform created to showcase the talented work of professional make up artists, hair stylists, fashion stylists, models, and any creative role that lends itself to freelance or consulting work.  With large photos to flip through and a clean, easy layout, the site makes it so simple for those hiring the most important pieces of the puzzle to spend that advertising budget.  Nothing is more stressful than finding "the right" person for hair, makeup, etc.   The pressure to create a "perfect" campaign or for any promotional material to be top notch has never been more intense.  

While there are specific agency sites you can visit to see talent represented by that agent, Merocrat's concept is to streamline all information into one place.  Ultimately, a network of talent, an audience hiring, and a community to share insider information.   

The difference Merocrat offers is obvious from the moment you log in.  MAKEUP ARTIST : CLARISSA LUNA Immediately you can view portfolios of talent working in your city.  In a moment I was looking at the portfolio of the very talented Clarissa Luna.  The story Dark Beauty got my attention with her dramatic eye work.  Click and click and you get a sense of what an artist can do.  (Of course it's not all that they can do, but what they have done - and that is usually enough).   A minute later I was looking at the portfolio of photographer Tomaas, in another world, with his vision created through light and texture.  

One of the most exciting aspects about the site is that it is evolving as it grows.  As with all other on-line entities (this blog included), month after month the look will change.   While it might take an agency months or years to adjust to current trends in the your or any industry, a site like Merocrat has the ability to change almost instantly.  Each new profile created by that next member can help to morph the site over time.   This makes this site the ultimate resource for creative talent in the world of fashion and beauty.  To learn more click MEROCRAT.

CALORIE FREE JELLY BEANS?

Okay, these are not edible or jelly beans.. but I couldn't help but think of Easter when I was looking at the latest creation and cool collaboration from Lisa Hoffman.  Her scented Earrings are pierced little sculptures that were co-created with jewelry uber star - Tom Binns TOM BINNS FOR LISA HOFFMAN - BRONZE EARRINGS and available right now on Lisa Hoffman's website. 

Hoffman is known for starting a fragrance revolution when she created fragrance jewelry.  TOM BINNS FOR LISA HOFFMAN- RHODIUM EARRINGS Her collections of necklaces, earrings, and pendants enables the wearer to enjoy a favorite scent, without ever applying the fragrance to the skin.   Obviously a godsend for those allergic or hyper sensitive to perfume, they also give the avid wearer an ability to change scents as you change clothing - from day to evening.

Honestly,TOM BINNS FOR LISA HOFFMAN -SCENTED CUFFS -$300.00 even if you never wear fragrance - these earrings are just cool items.   This time of year they make a great Easter gift for your wife or girlfriend.   The kids get the Easter basket, but give your sweetheart these little jellly bean shaped earrings!    Blond, Brunette, TOM BINNS FOR LISA HOFFMAN- ROSEGOLD EARRINGSor Red - LH has her covered with 5 color and scent options from Shiny Gold to Silvery Rhodium.  The earrings retail for a bunny on a budget at $200.00  These are unique and really chic.   Click Tom Binns for Lisa Hoffman to learn more! 

STELLA HAD A LITTLE LAMB.. two actually

The collest woman designing fashion today has done something baaahhhhd. Britian's prolific designer - Stella McCartney Just kidding, couldn't resist a lamb joke!  Britain's cool kid, Stella McCartney, has justSTELLA McCARTNEY -ITSY BITSY-FALABELLA BAG - $1,990.00 added a new little bundle of sustainable luxury to her web-store.   Named after, and produced with wool from Itsy & Bitsy - two sheep living on Stella's organic farm in the British Countryside. ISTY BITSY NEIGHBORS CHEER ON STELLA! An animation of her popular Falabella Bag, Stella's first "it" bag, the ITSY BITSY Bag is a continuation of Stella's core beliefs of sustainable fashion and like all her products - Leather Free. STELLA McCARTNEY WOOL & CASHMERE JUMPSUIT This bag is destined to be a collectable, and with the cool shade of natural wool gray - it is about as neutral as it can be.  With the high pile of this plush wool - it might be useful as a travel pillow on that next flight or train ride!

The bag is sold exclusively on Stella's website, so you can buy it regardless of where you live!  Click images or STELLA'S LAMBS for more information.    

**While you are on the Stella Website, check out this super cool wool & cashmere jumpsuit aka all-in-one in the UK.   This super comfy fashion statement (hello frequent flyers) can be dressed way up or down, and is on a super markdown right now.  They are going fast, so click over now!**  #EasterGift  #EcoFashion

Bravo team SM for creating the first ever animal free runway fashion!!

OSCAR FASHION DRAMA - COAST TO COAST!

The 85th annual Academy Awards aka The Oscars came and went, leavingTHE OSCAR many, wanting something more.  Argo won best picture, Daniel Day Lewis won best actor for his performance in Lincoln , Jennifer Lawrence won best actress for her performance in Silver Linings Playbook, and Seth McFarlane won least memorable host!  While the event celebrates the best Hollywood has to offer, it has also become the most important night in the year for the entire fashion world.    Every designer on the planet hopes that some Hollywood starlet will grace the red carpet in his or her design.   The global attention can be priceless - if the dress is right!

CHARLIZE THERON IN CHRISTIAN DIOR COUTUREThis year, things were a little more subdued than usual.  The strapless gown trend was almost like a uniform and honestly - not so modern.  Think prom dress.     There were a few stand out looks that were a breath of fresh air in a sea of sameness.   Here is a look at my favorites from the night.   All share a simplicity and elegance.   After all, at its best, a dress should showcase the wearers beauty.   She would wear the dress - not the other way round.

Representing the strapless, two piece look is drop dead gorgeous Charlize Theron.   Charlize is to red carpet events what supermodels are to the runway - the dream!   As a face of Christian Dior Parfum, it's no surprise she wears Christian Dior Couture.   How she wears it NEVER disappoints.   Her short cropped blond hair and sun kissed skin were the perfect compliments to this ivory understated stunner.

Looking beautiful and chic was Dustin Hoffman's wife - Lisa Hoffman. DUSTIN & LISA HOFFMAN - LISA WEARS MORGANE LE FAY  Her scooped neck strappy black dress by Morgane Le Fay was beautiful and classic chic.   Dustin is a lucky man.   Ms. Hoffman is a jewelry designer and perfumer, and her killer collaboration with Tom Binns of wearable fragrance jewelry is hot among those in the know from coast to coast!  Click Lisa Hoffman Tom Binns to learn more.

The lady in Red that got my vote was Sally Field.  SALLY FIELD IN VALENTINO Her Valentino Couture gown in signature RED silk was beautiful and flattering.   I've rarely seen a dress with sleeves that was so modern and beautiful.   Field co-starred With Daniel Day Lewis in Lincoln and is one of the biggest stars in Hollywood.   Bravo to Ms. Field for her choice - sometimes more is more.

I must admit that possibly my favorite look of the night was worn by French EMMANUELLE RIVA IN LANVINactress Emmanuelle Riva.   Ms. Riva is sophisticated and accomplished and at 86 years of age - for me - was the classiest statement on the red carpet.   Her deep blue caped gown by Lanvin was French fashion at it's best.   Layers of fabric, exquisite draping, and richness that transcended a style or cut.  Designer Alber Elbaz (celebrating 10 years at the house) is a master at dress making, and with creations like this it shows.  What a treat. LISA HOFFMAN - TOM BINNS - FRAGRANCE PENDANTS    I was sorry she did not win best actress for her heart wrenching portrayal in Amour.  

 Now, when I mentioned Oscar drama "coast to coast" I was referencing the chatter that surrounded the Oscar de la Renta Fall collection show in NYC earlier this month.  Speculation was high as to the logistics and staging due to the public announcement that former Dior designer John Gallianohas been "in residence" at Oscar's atelier in NYC for a weeks before the runway show.   As this was Galliano's first public project since his firing in 2011, it was a hot topic.  Some said Galliano would take a bow with Oscar, or sit front row at the show - he did not.   I knew he would not.  Why would he?   Despite his massive fall from grace, Galliano was the most celebrated Couture designer in the world for 15 years.   His guest visit at ODLR was charming, but not life changing.   But the speculation did sell newspapers.   Oscar's collection has been sparkling a little brighter for the past few years, after the head of Galliano's atelier left that post and moved to NY for ODLR.   Galliano was not pleased at the time, but seems to have warmed to the idea.  That little detail was never mentioned in the main stream press.   They prefer the story that Anna Wintour of Vogue coordinated the whole "in residence" post - so be it.   

I have some films to catch up on - do you?   Pass the popcorn!

**Click photos to learn more about each fashion house**