PUMPKIN PATCH

The fall harvest is in!  I must admit, I'm not a huge fan of Halloween - but I'm definitely in the minority in NYC.  Everywhere you look this fall there are pumpkins, gourds, and Jack-o-lanterns!   Its great to see what a sense of community has developed in New York.   What used to be thought of as a concrete jungle - is now almost one big square suburb. 

If you don't already know Union Square Park - put it on your list.    There is a great farmers market on Mon, Wed, Fri and Saturday.   There are wonderful fruits, vegetables and gourmet baked goods grown and baked in nearby farms from NY and NJ.   The goods are sold directly from the farmers so this really supports our local growers and artisinal bakers.

This neighborhood has become one of the most vibrant in New York.   What was always a crossroads of an area has become a very livable place.   The park has local establishments like Wholefoods and Barnes & Noble on opposite ends of the park.  

LOOK VERA WANG!

I know the title of this post sounds like an order, but Look is actually the name of the new Vera Wang Scent.  Thats right, the new one - the well known bridal designer has several.   I have been vocal in the past about my lack of enthusiasm for the Wang scents.   I just about lost it when I heard about the Men's launch.. ???  I can just see a guy trying that pick up line.. "Wanna smell my Wang?".. and what was that song.."If I could have Wang in a bottle.... YOU CAN!!".   Ok, I know thats too much.   I just don't get it.  (previous blog about Celebrity Scents)

The press release says that the new fragrance contains : mandarin, lychee, misted greens, heart of lilly, freesia, jasmine, and a vanilla-chypre dry down.  Wow... sounds like you might need a can of OFF along with LOOK.   

I must give Vera credit.   She keeps smart people around her to grow that business.   They launched fragrance.   They launched Jewelry - but that didn't go so well.    They then launched Ready-To-Wear... I know.. you just want her wedding gowns..   Then they launched Lavender - a bridge line.   If it sounds familiar, your probably thinking of Purple Label - but that is one of Ralph Lauren's collections for men.   Did I forget to mention, Vera worked at RL before launching her own label.. uh huh.   Then they launched Simply Vera at Kohl's.   I guess there was just not enough Vera Wang out there?  Well, lets look on the bright side.   It could be worse - the house of Wang could be launchiing a.... C.D.    Smelling Vera Wang is way better than listening to her speak..   Trust me, its nails on a chalk board.

Look is available at Bloomingdale's

Victor Alfaro is back in Fashion!

One of the hottest names in the fashion world in the 90's was Victor Alfaro.    Every magazine you opened, there was Victor's sexy evening clothes on one of the super models of the day.  In fact, you didn't have to open the magazines, his drop dead gorgeous runway collection graced as many covers as it did editorials.    Alfaro had a pulse on what was sexy and what women wanted.   He also had a magical effect on the industry itself.   Victor was on the short list of magazine editors and fellow designers themselves.   Sometimes we see designers who are press darlings, and then there are those that are awkward in the press, but talented - Victor Alfaro has that rare combination of talent and charisma.

There was a CFDA award, a big bucks deal with Italian Fashion House Gilmar (Marc Jacobs designed for them previously for their ICEBERG collection) , and a very public friendship with Madonna.   Then, just when he was riding high - he decided to pull the plug.   His career was soaring, but Victor was looking for more personal growth.  Always a man of action, Alfaro acted quickly on his instincts.  He took to the west coast to give himself a fresh perspective and new references.   All of us that live in NYC can relate to needing a complete change of scenery now and again.   Within no time - the next big project in Alfaro's life was happening.   His passion for Art and Architecture led to the birth of Vista Art & Design.   An interactive website that connects buyers and sellers with one of a kind artwork, home furnishings, collectible objects, and real estate.   This was a true labor of love and his research trips around the globe really inspired the creative bug that he thought he had put on the back burner.    Just as Alfaro had launched Vista - the Bon-Ton group approached.   The premise was perfect for what Victor was feeling.  The idea of bringing amazing looks to customers that had incredible value.   Bon-Ton also gave Victor the ability to design not just rtw, but shoes, bags, and cj as well.  This is an incredibly difficult task when you have your own collection at designer price points due to the lack of big volume production..  and Volume they have.   The fall collection is available at the Bon-Ton stores all over the place.. With over 250 doors, those of you outside NYC (we don't have any here!)  know them better than I do!   Get to a store near you or for the states that are Bon-Ton challenged... click above to shop the website.   Like most big stores this year, Fall looks are selling for prices you just can't believe!     

I had been calling for Victor to get back in the game!  Look at my post from late last year in Miami asking when, when when!   Fashion Rag Post - Alfaro/Miami/Art Basel 

Balmain is Badass!

The French Fashion House of Balmain is one of those companies whose name precedes it.   Simply say the word Balmain - and your mind is filled with imagery.   You think -French Fashion, Femininity, Floral scents, the boutiques of Paris - all that and more.   Reputations like that are priceless in the world of fashion.   After all, some houses can tread for years on the images and advertising from seasons long off their runway.    

Considering all this, it is even more adventurous that the House of Balmain chose designer Christophe Decarnin as the new creative director when he debuted 2 years ago!  Especially when the legacy of Balmain was classic beauty - the last major designer to have creative control was Oscar de la Renta - who is as classic as you get. The house was fresh of recent ups and downs (including a bankruptcy) - so some thought they would play it safe.   Wisely, the powers that be realized that safe was nowhere when it comes to the big bad world of globalization.   You must make a statement and make it NOW.  

Decarnin did all that and more.   Season after season he has rocked the runway and brought a sense of raw sexuality that is rarely seen on the Paris shows.    Some have even compared his looks to the East Village of NYC.    To be clear - there is no comparison, the quality and level of sophistication at Balmain are impeccable.   The Balmain show has quickly become known to be one of the hottest in the season and a very chic house is now as hot as they come with the ever powerful fashion editors.   They are now seen each season sitting front in center in key Balmain pieces.   Pledging  allegiance to a future leader of the fashion world.  These fall looks are in stores now.