KARIM RASHID & OMNI + COLLABORATION

KARIM & IVANA AT TWO JAKESOmnimount and Karim Rashid have  teamed up for the launch of the companies new furniture line - Omni+.   Rashid contributed several designs along with the in-house design team at OMNI+ PRISM BY KARIM RASHID - $499.95Omni to create these modern, clutter cutting pieces.  The New York launch took place in Williamsburg, Brooklyn at the ultra trendy mid-century minded - two jakes.    Read more about the collection and the party - click OMNI+.

LIMELIGHT BACK IN SPOTLIGHT!

LIMELIGHT MARKETPLACE BY NIGHT PH: JASON JOBSONThe Limelight Marketplace opened last week with much anticipation, as New Yorkers lined up to see the unveiling of the infamous Church turned disco - now reborn again as an upscale shopping center.   In the 90's the Limelight was the epicenter of the avant-garde club kids of New York, and the millions of revelers looking for an escape - via dance music and the drug of choice.  Alcohol and less legal, more effective mind altering drugs flowed freely - enough to see the clubs owner deported after an infamous murder - but that's another story!   

In 2010, this landmark building is as beautiful and ominous as ever.   Developers gave the interiors and landscaping a first class renovation.  LEVEL AFTER LEVEL OF DESIGNER BOUTIQUES The space houses 49 high end and lifestyle retailers.  This is a unique retail setting to say the least!  The beautiful original stained glass windows makes the experience unlike any other shopping you have ever done!   Creative use of nooks and crannies through the catwalk mezzanines are as much fun to explore as the stores themselves.

The space feels like the New York version of
Fred Segal -L.A.'s uber cool shopping bazaar.   Shop in Shops and kiosks fill the gothic hall - LIMELIGHT MARKETPLACE ATRIUMa must visit for anyone planning a trip to NYC.    The food hall is sure to be a big hit the locals as well - as it will serve for a high end supermarket.   The  Limelight sits on the edge of Chelsea /  Flatiron / and Lower 5th Ave - which has seen the addition of countless multi-million dollar residential condos in the last 5 years.    A new destination for hip young couples with babies, there are parks to play in, but very few grocery options in walking distance.   

The Limelight Marketplace could also become a very important incubator of small companies that are experimenting with their first retail venture.   Again, there are very few options in NYC for such an opportunity.   I attended the opening and was so pleased to speak with many of the retailers who are excited to be testing the retail environment.

Barbra Scott has been making one of a kind flower arrangements for 20 years.   The secret to her success is the unique process Scott BARBRA SCOTT ROSESuses to make her arrangements last for up to a year.   That's right, the flowers are suspended in time with a silica gel bath that keeps them looking as if they were just picked yesterday. OM ORGANIC BODY LOTION

Over at Om Aroma I met owner & creator Angela Kim.   We talked about Angela's desire to start her own organic skin care company after allergies kept her from finding products just right for herself.  Om products are made in U.S, are paraben free, and completely organic! 

COSME PROUD MOISTURIZER Cosme Proud skin care has a different standard - as in a 24 Karat gold standard!  That's right 24k gold ions are used to draw impurities out of the skin as it moisturizes.   Stop by for an amazing demonstration and find out more about this unique treatment.  STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

Of course there are established retailers who are opening outposts at the Marketplace.   Mariebelle Chocolate, Olatz silks, & Petrossian Caviar are as luxurious as you can get and will have additional shops at the marketplace.   OLATZ SILK PAJAMASStop by the Limelight on the next trip to NYC and experience a truly unique shopping experience. What a great meeting place for friends.  You can plan the day over lunch or grab one of the amazing sweets in the bakery department!

For a complete list of shops & opening hours - click LIMELIGHT.

LORD & TAYLOR FEED PROJECT

THE OLDEST DEPARTMENT STORE IN THE U.S.Lord & Taylor was founded in 1826, making it the oldest department store in the United States.   The flagship location on New York's 5th Avenue has been a cornerstone of style for over 90 years.   In recent years fashionistas have flocked to other department stores with a flashier appeal, but L&T has a devout core following.  You know her, the old money, upscale shopper who is not so logo crazy.   The WASPY gal that has the beautiful clothes you can't pinpoint to one designer.  She probably bought it at Lord & Taylor.  

It's not just the ladies who appreciate Lord & Taylor, as it was just reported that the recently renovated Men's floor brought a 30% bump to that business.   Yes, that was during the recession.   The list of firsts that makes up  the L&T DNA is staggering.  First retailer to open on 5th avenue.   First store to install an elevator.  First store to decorate holiday windows as entertainment.  WOW! JASON JOBSON & LAUREN BUSH W/ FEED PROJECT BAG Add to that the fact that the store was the place that introduced pioneers of American fashion like Claire McCardle, Bonnie Cashin, Norell, & Pauline Trigere to name a few!  I can't say I always shop the store, but I make it a priority when I am  holiday shopping every year.   The store is a New York institution and the old world theme of the Holiday windows are a must see!   People from all over the world visiting NYC line up to see the windows each year.  

I was even more pleased to visit the store last week for the unveiling of the latest project from the FEED organization.   The New York based charity co-founded by Lauren Bush and Ellen Gustafson makes feeding undernourished children their priority.   The organization has gotten so much attention and made such a huge impact due in part to the very straight forward nature of the mission.   FEED produces organic, reusable shopping bags that are practical and useful for anyone who is trying to recycle and cut the use of plastic.  The added benefit is the money raised by the sale of each bag feeds a child.  In the first stages, one bag provided 100 school meals to children in Africa.   

FEED PROJECT BAGS AT LORD & TAYLOR $19 & $39This latest phase of the project is exclusive to Lord & Taylor and is raising money for children in Guatemala.   It is amazing to think that a country that is about 3 hours by plane from NYC has one of the highest rates of malnutrition in children in the world.    Part of the problem is lack of education.   I've spent time in Guatemala and I have seen first hand that the issue is multifaceted.  The Guatemalans are a largely indigenous people, speaking well over a dozen languages.   The culture has deep roots in Pagan beliefs.   For example, corn is almost seen as a spiritual food.  So naturally the people believe that feeding their children corn is blessed.  It also costs much less to feed children tortillas than fruits and vegetables.  Sadly, this leaves the children lacking many crucial vitamins and minerals.    Seeing children who look four or five years old but are actually 10 or 11 is not uncommon, as their growth is stunted from the malnourishment. 

FEED Projects has partnered with NEST - an organization that empowers female artists and artisans around the world.   The women have created wallets and tote bags from their traditional IKAT fabric.   The bags are colorful and fun and also the perfect accessory for going to the market, the gym, to school, or just about anywhere.   Priced at just $19 & $39, it is amazing to think this small purchase can provide nutritional supplements for 1 or 3 children for a whole year.

The folks at FEED are really smart to have made helping such a great cause so easy and fun to do!

The IKAT accessories to benefit Guatemala are sold exclusively through Lord & Taylor.   The bags may be purchased in-store or on-line.   click FEED PROJECTS GUATEMALA to buy one now.   What a great gift!

FERRAGAMO, FORD & WARHOL?

ANDY WARHOL SELF PORTRAITAndy Warhol's 15 minutes of fame continues to tick tick tick.. now 20 plus years after his death.  Andy put his stamp on film, music, & of course pop art.   Find out how the avant-garde artist is in the news with Tom Ford and Ferragamo.

Click POP-ART to read about this unique connection.WARHOL'S FERRAGAMOS