JOHN ESHAYA LAUNCHES JET

KAPOW!!  Take that stagnating economy.  Just when you could cut the gloom and doom of retail shopping with a knife - John Eshaya brings a ray of sunshine to L.A.!  Eshaya is no stranger to retail - to put it mildly.  Formerly the Vice President, Creative Director, & buyer for Fred Segal Melrose-  John's sense of style has been trend-setting Hollywood starlets and fashion industry insiders  for years.  Both crowds turned to him for advice and direction season after season.   It is no exaggeration to say John shaped countless collections you know and love.  From casual L.A. collections to Parisian runway looks,  Eshaya has had his finger on the pulse of fashion.

JET (John Eshaya Tees)  was a natural next step for this designer who is a bundle of non-stop energy.   The collection has been available for several years in major department stores, but now John has expanded the collection with the opening of his first retail store.   Exciting news for the Guys - the JET store has menswear as well!!  There are exclusive items made just for the store, and even kids clothes.  The big reveal ..... nothing in the store is priced over $185!!  This is really something to be excited about.

The next time you're in L.A. - JET @ Fred Segal Santa Monica should be at the top of your list.   This is destination shopping as you can spend the day in Santa Monica and discover a truly different side to the L.A. lifestyle.   In the Meantime - visit the website and start making your list.   Visit - JOHN ESHAYA now.

JET @ Fred Segal Santa Monica

420 Broadway / Santa Monica, CA

OVANDO at the W

OVANDO BLOOMS FOR THE HOLIDAY-W HOTEL

The most unique florist in NYC is Sandra de Ovando.  Her West Village shop has garnered attention from classic Fashion Houses like Hermes to trendy Hotels like the Gansevoort.   Just in time for holiday shopping, W- The Court Hotel has opened an Annex for the floral designer through January 10th.   Now you don't even have to head downtown to see her creations.. but you should.. because her shop on Bleecker street has the hauntingly fabulous feel of the laboratory of a mad scientist obsessed with orchids and succulents.  This is the best place to find a floral gift for the man in your life.   Ovando, originally from Mexico City - studied in Paris and there is an underlying masculinity in her work.   The result is hypnotic and sensual and I guarantee any recipient of one of her creations that have a huge range in price from $35.00 to the hundreds - will be most appreciative!  You can also purchase from the website.

Ovando -the W Court -130 East 39th St. (at Lex.)- (212) 924-7848

Ovando - 337 Bleecker St., NY, NY 10014 . T 212-924-7848

Gen Art Saves Christmas!

GEN ART HOLIDAY SALE

okay, when do you ever get a chance to shop at over 60 stores, get salon treatments, drink from an open bar, all while listening to a live DJ spin?  You don't...  but this year- Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus after all! Regardless of what the head honcho's at the banks and that Grinch in  Washington have done to kill your holiday cheer - Gen Art to the rescue !!!   

The organization that supports emerging talent has planned a sale like no other. Over 60 talented new designers are bringing their latest looks together at up to 70% off retail prices for your gift giving needs.   As if that weren't enough Ecru NY Salon is providing blowouts, Bailey's is serving up special cocktails, and Santa's Elves are giving massages..all while a DJ courtesy of Crunch spins holiday tunes.   hello! this is not a mall experience - so get yourself down to the Metropolitan Pavilion on 18th street -  on Monday Dec. 1st.   Tickets are only $15 for general admission from 6-10pm.  VIP tickets are $40 - which includes early shopping from 5-6pm (so you can choose the best deals!), express checkout, and a goodie bag.  Either way it is a great deal and a great deal of fun!   Gen Art events not only attract a cool crowd of fashion fans - but also celebs with a downtown edge.   You never know who will be shopping. 

For advance tickets or to join Gen Art - visit www.genart.org  or call 212-255-7300  Also, see the full list of designers and sponsors.

Metropolitan Pavilion / 125 West 18th Street  (between 6th/7th ave)  **tickets will NOT be sold at the door**

It's a Hippie, Happy Holiday at Barneys NY

In economic times of turmoil, it is not unusual for the fashion world to go a little topsy turvy.   There are studies about skirt lengths tied to the stock market crawl.   It has been said that fashion is the fastest art form (ok applied art) to respond to global politics.   This makes perfect sense as designers turn out their work every few months, as opposed to artists that can work for more than a year on a painting, or architects that spend several years bringing a project to fruition.

It is interesting to see the peace sign appear in collections at every price point this holiday season.   In reality, it is a holiday staple and since the U.S. has been at war - it is not some esoteric thought - but a real-life desire for peace.   Barneys NY has taken the concept over the top - as they always do!  The store has made peace & love the theme of their holiday season - tagged "Have a Hippie Holiday".    You can now wear it, sleep on it, and eat the sentiment!  There are gift cards, pillows, cookies - etc.  Stay tuned for the famed windows to be bell-bottomed  and fringed.... where's Cher?  Oh, I forgot - in Vegas.

While there is unprecedented good will growing in the hearts and minds of U.S. citizens and citizens of the world about the election of Barack Obama, we can hardly say that designers could have reacted this quickly to get these peace-full items in stores.   Lets just call it great timing!

 
I can't help but notice the similarity between Lucky brand's new bag and Chanel's resin chain bag that was a HUGE hit over a year ago.   This is a great example of trickle down design effect.   In reality, the Chanel chains were made of Rhodoid - which is the Rolls Royce of Resin.  The Lucky version is pieces of leather braided for a similar effect.   The leather reminds me of arts and crafts projects we did at summer camp.   Lanyard wallet making was always scheduled for rainy days.   Anyone else remember stringing wallets for gifts for your parents?

I won't say that Lucky is knocking off Chanel... lets be positive.   Lets say that Lucky has a great product development team!  How is that for good will!  There is one big difference.   Lucky bags are priced in the mid $200 range - and if you want one of the Chanel bags- you'll need to add a zero.

Peaceful Friday everyone!!!

TRIPLE 5 SOUL

With the proposed tax cuts for those earning less than $250K, you will have more funds available to frequent a cool store like Triple 5 Soul on Lafayette Street just south of Houston (or a department store near you).  555 Soul was founded in Brooklyn 10 years ago and was really ahead of the curve for urban street fashion.  The brand has evolved to a very cool, hip collection with a full range of categories for men and women.

It  used to be politically incorrect for retailers to get involved Politically - but this year is different.   Obama has become more of a movement!