a LIFE of STYLE

SUNSET OVER THE HUDSON RIVERNew York City used to be referred to as the concrete jungle, but anyone who has visited the Big Apple in the last five years knows that moniker is O-L-D.   The NYC of 2010 is a green, pedestrian friendly place with parks and public spaces friendly to tourists and residents.    So friendly in fact that for the first time in 50 years, couples having babies are NOT moving to the suburbs once that bundle of joy arrives.    No surprise considering that living in Manhattan puts everything at your fingertips - nature now included!PARK IN FULL BLOOM

The latest addition to Hudson River Park , just unveiled, as part of the staggering gentrification project happening under Mayor Bloomberg's leadership is Pier 62 & Pier 63 in Chelsea.   Breathtaking lawns, landscaped gardens and piers abound.  ACRES OF LAWNJust North of Chelsea Piers, the park unfolds out onto two newly created piers.  A carousel honoring animals found in the Hudson Valley region is one of the crown jewels of the park.  Think Hawks, Bears, & Trout -OH MY ( not the usual BEAR talked about in Chelsea mind you!).   Also on top of the list for many teens is the largest skate park in NYC, or any major city for that matter.   

While the space is overflowing with amenities like running paths, marinas, restaurants, etc - the true star of the Park is the Hudson river, and the amazing trees, shrubs, and flowers painstakingly planted for over a year before the park opened.   I'm sure one day it will be as big a tourist destination as Central Park itself.    CAROUSEL CRITTERS

If visiting for the first time, a great entrance point is 14th Street at 11th Avenue.    Walking North or South are equally enjoyable.ROLLING HILLS WITH CITY SKYLINE    In fact, the entire Westside from Battery Park to above 125th Street is now seamlessly connected.   As an avid long distance runner I can wholeheartedly confirm that! If you are looking for a true NY experience, walk the length of the Westside parks.   You will see the true meaning of the term "melting pot" as you cross from neighborhood to neighborhood.  ENDLESS LANDSCAPING FILLS THE PARK

TREES TREES TREESBravo to Mayor Bloomberg for his commitment to parks and public spaces and also his staggering Million Tree Project that has and will transform NYC for decades to come.

See you on the river!   To see additional photos and full size of photos shown above - click  PARK PICS.

BARB JUNGR'S LATEST ALBUMSome singers write their own songs and some work with writers who create songs for them.   The listening public usually has no idea who created a song, as what you hear is what you know.  

British chanteuse Barb Jungr is in another category altogether.  Ms. Jungr is a very talented singer who works with songs that have been recorded by major artists such as Bob Dylan or Bruce Springsteen and completely rearranges them.    To say Jungr "covers" a song really doesn't do her justice,  as that term refers to simply singing someone else's song.  Barb basically rewrites a song and truly makes it her own.  

There is a hint of the original song when you hear the chorus, but really just because you're familiar with the lyrics- not because it sounds the same.   No, Ms. Jungr gives you new little gems that are multifaceted and often have equal parts sparkle, as they do dark crevices that never existed before.  Jungr has been called the "British Piaf" and her work is critically acclaimed on both sides of the Atlantic.  

There is something about sadness, regret, and heartbreak that draws so many music lovers to listen to songs over and over again.   A universal attraction to the beauty of pain, and the sense of hope a great song can give you after just a few minutes.   As powerful as any medicine, a song can nurse you back to a state of mind where you can face the world.    In this sense, Jungr is just what the Doctor ordered.   BARB JUNGR & JASON JOBSON AT THE METROPOLITAN ROOM

I recently caught one of her sets at The Metropolitan Room in NYC.  The venue is a favorite of  jazz and cabaret fans and performers alike.  With 115 seats, the room is intimate enough to let the artist see the reaction of the crowd as a show unfolds.  After hearing Ms. Jungr live, I realize she is more than a singer - but a true performer.   On stage she has the power to take you up with a wind blown lyric,  and then drag you through the depths of a long lost dream with another.   Great performers have the ability to create this arc - Jungr has it in spades.

Let's all hope that some brilliant producer creates a one Woman show for Barb Jungr.   I can see her starring in a modern Rock Opera.  Think Tommy or Hedwig & The Angry Inch.  Barb Jungr would blow your mind with that type of material!  

How exciting and rare it is to see a performer that you know has amazing things to come!!   Keep listening to Barb Jungr - as great as her work is now,  I'm sure there is something huge just around the corner!   Click  JUNGR- to buy Barb's latest album released on NAIM label.

JOAN RIVERS - ALL LAUGHSNo, I didn't ask Joan Rivers about her finances over dinner at the Friars club - but I wouldn't worry.   The undisputed Queen of comedy is as busy today as she was 20 years ago!  The second season of her hit show on TV Land Prime - "How'd you get so Rich" premieres May 5th.  Joan was all laughs talking about the experience, and how much fun she is having shooting season two.

Sitting at Joan's table is like being on the dais, all eyes are on you!  We were all at the Friars to honor one of Brooklyn's most famous entertainers - Lainie Kazan.  Kazan is known by audiences all over the world for her portrayal as strong willed mothers in Beaches & My Big Fat Greek Wedding.    Years before those roles, Kazan shot to fame as the worlds most famous understudy.   Of course she was the understudy for the one and only Barbra Streisand in the Broadway show  Funny Girl in the 60's.  JOAN & JASON AT THE FRIARS CLUB

During the tribute, Joan shared memories of performing at The Duplex in Manhattan back in the 60's.   These gals were young and hungry for fame.   Joan was already being Joan, and Lainie was wowing audiences with those golden pipes.    The whole evening was a treat - albeit surreal at times.   After all, when have you ever heard of attorney Gloria Allred, Actress Michelle Lee, & singer Leslie Gore on the same bill??!!   Michelle Lee thought it would be funny to drag her luggage up on stage - as she had mixed up the dates and just come from the airport.   It wasn't.    

What is funny is Joan Rivers' show on TV Land Prime.  Yes, TV Land has prime time programming and Joan Rivers is just the comic force to make it a destination for feel good, funny programming.  In HYGSR we see Joan crossing the country to meet people who are insanely rich - and most importantly - self made.  Often the rood to riches is from the smallest or at first glance silliest invention - last season we saw the college student who has made millions on the Snuggie!   But these folks are laughing all the way to the bank.   What comes through is the sense of happiness these people have from achieving something great on their own.   Really, it's Joan story as well.   Hard work and moxie has kept her on top of her game all these years.   Her comedy competition are girls 30 years her junior - and Joan is funnier.    On a more serious note, the documentary Joan Rivers - A piece of Work is hitting theaters this month.   The film was one of the biggest hits at Sundance this year.    The documentary shows just how much hard work goes into being so damn funny.   Don't miss it.

As for How'd You Get So Rich, don't take my word for how hilarious it is - watch the opening credits for the show - if you don't laugh - don't watch.   I know you will be tuning in.   How'd You Get So Rich debuts May 5th on TV Land Prime at 10 pm.  To find what channel TV Land is in your area - click - MY TV LAND



New York City is famous for so many things.   Broadway, Central Park, Wall Street, and of course FASHION.   Every major fashion house in the world has at least one boutique in New York.  AMERICANA PLAZA

At the height of luxury is a shopping oasis that lies 20 miles East of Manhattan on Long Island.  Americana Manhasset is a one of a kind outdoor shopping center.   Luxury boutiques arranged back to back single file style.   Designed by Peter Marino - the man who has shaped more luxury retail stores than anyone else in the world.   TULIPS BY THE MILEMarino is responsible for the look of Dior, Chanel, and Tom Ford to name a few.  In addition, Marino recently contributed to the most expensive SNAPDRAGONS AND VIOLAS IN MASSretail project in the world - City Center in Las Vegas.   Marino designed a portion of the Aria hotel & Casino.   There is nowhere else in North East where you can drive right up to an Hermes boutique.  

Every luxury fashion house has a boutique at the Americana.   PRADA WHITE WINDOWS Fendi, Gucci, Ferragamo, and Dior - they are all there.   Smaller than their NYC flagships, these boutiques have a charm and a sense of exclusivity in the intimate setting.  

While the boutiques might be smaller, the inventory is even more luxurious than your typical boutiques.    Due to the highly affluent area, companies stock the boutiques with the most expensive styles found in the collections.  

Plan an afternoon to visit the Americana the next time you are in NYC.  There are great choices for lunch and you can be back in the cityTORY BURCH OPENING NEXT TO HERMES before you head to the latest hot spot for dinner!

To see the map of the shopping center before you visit - click AMERICANA

JOAN RIVERS & LAINIE KAZAN AT THE FRIARS CLUBJust when I thought I had seen everything in NYC, a friend invited me to one of the most unique nights out I've had in a long time.   The world famous Friars Club has hosted some of the funniest moments in comedy over the years as they Roast their own during the legendary tributes.    I was lucky enough to be invited to sit at  Joan River's table as the Friar's paid tribute to songbird Lainie kazan.   Lainie has a carrer that spans several decades.   Two of her most famous roles were playing head strong mothers in Beaches and My Big Fat Greek Wedding.   Her big personality landed her those roles, but it was her big voice that made her a favorite to any Broadway and Cabaret Club fans.   Joan was all excited about the upcoming premiere of the second season of her hit show on TV Land Prime - "How'd You Get So Rich?" - more on the show later this month.   FRIARS CLUB TOWNHOUSE

While I expected laughs by the mile at the Friars,  I didn't expect all the fashion!   As we made our way to our table in the Milton Berle room ( hey I was with the most famous celeb in the place - of course we were in the VIP room!), I felt like I was walking through Saks 5th Avenue.    To my left - Bottega Clutch, to my right Chanel quilted classic.   Ooh were those Louboutins?   Is that the new Ferragamo exotic clutch??  Yes and Yes!

JOAN RIVERS & JASON JOBSON Of course Joan looked like a million bucks - she always does.   Done done done.. I've never seen that Woman not camera ready!   She had just flown in from Las Vegas that afternoon and was out on the town!  

The biggest fashion surprise was to find a look from a really talented designer that you and your friends probably aren't talking about - Gareth Pugh.   MARGIE STERN IN GARETH PUGHThis British designer shows in Paris and has an avant garde approach to his collection.   Comparisons to Alexander McQueen started as soon at Pugh showed his first collection.   Since the announcement that Gucci Group will continue the label after McQueen's suicide, there has been rumors that Pugh is the possible replacement.

Super Chic Margie Stern was head to toe Gareth Pugh - accessorized with Joan Rivers jewelry of course!   Bravo to Margie for having the taste level to get Gareth and to put it all together.    This collection is for someone who doesn't need the logo recognition of the uber brand army.   Margie and I sat next to each other at dinner and she told me she discovered Pugh at a little boutique in Paris.   That's when you know you have style!

Laughs by the mile and a first rate fashion show!  What more could you want with Dinner?    I hope I get invited to the Friars club again soon!   

To see Gareth Pugh's latest collection visit - Style.com

UNVEILING SEX & THE CITY PART 2!The sequel to the most fashion conscious movie in recent history is heading to a theater near you in May 2010!   I watched as a giant crane draped the canvas featuring Sarah Jessica Parker as the most famous Sex Columnist in the world aka Carrie Bradshaw.  

Back in December I was surprised to find the girls in Las Vegas at the opening of City Center.   click- SATC to read all about it - and watch the trailer to Sex & The City 2!

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO - 1938"Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery", or so the saying goes.  Actually, an English cleric and writer - Charles Caleb Colton, known for his eccentricities, coined the phrase in the early 1800's.   While the sentiment of the expression still rings true, you have to ask yourself - when does flattery cross the line to copying?  

Some designers have made their fortune by "borrowing" ideas from others.   Jackie O. made Oleg Cassini world famous after her savvy move to bring her designer tastes state side.   Jackie loved Givenchy in Paris, and Mr. Cassini "interpreted" many a look from the French fashion house.  Ironic because Cassini was French born - but based in U.S. - so they were "American designs".   MURKUDIS & "HIS" FLIP FLOP - MARCH ELLE 2010

American designers have been notorious in the past for tweaking their own collections before fashion week, after seeing what was on the runway in Milan & Paris.  This all changed when New York started showing before the Europeans.   (Thank Helmut Lang for that move).   While the move does ruin many a fashion employees last weekends of summer, it did force designers to take a stand, trends of Europe be damned!

Coco Chanel never minded copycats.  She famously quoted Mr. Colton when asked about her feelings on the matter.   Chanel's key rival - Elsa Schiaparelli  (excellent website!) took Coco's opinion as an opportunity to flatter her own creations.     When the press asked Schiaparelli how she felt about copies compared to Coco Chanel's opinion, Schiaparelli replied - "my designs are inimitable".   Which really was a mouthful - considering how intricate and colorful her designs were.  It was an obvious slap at Chanel. 

The whole matter is on my mind because of a shoe design I saw when thumbing through the latest edition of one of my favorite magazines.   I did a double take when I saw a Berlin based designer who "created" a colorful platform sandal.    Kostas Murkudis says this "flip flop" was inspired by "Chinese Imperial boots" from the 19th century.   Hmmm.   strange because to me they look like they were inspired by Salvatore Ferragamo's mulit-colored platform sandals from 1938.    

Even in Mr. Murkudis was inspired by the Chinese, once someone as famous as Ferragamo has created a shoe before you and has been known globally for it - you just shouldn't go there.   To me, that would be like creating a dance song today about voguing.   Madonna didn't invent voguing, but she damn well did put it on the map globally -so why would you ever go there?

So why would you Mr. Murkudis?  

NINA WARTHEN FOR MICHAEL DAWKINSOne of the hottest commercial and print models in NYC is also one of the nicest!

Nina Warthen is beautiful, but you know that part just from looking at her.  What you can't tell is what a sweet person she is.   We caught up with each other while shooting the 2010 Campaign for Michael Dawkins.   Nina shined wearing Michael's gorgeous jewelry.   The shoot was a blast and Nina made the day so much fun!   I've worked with Nina at some of the biggest fashion houses in the business like Valentino and Missoni - no shock there - she is a knockout!

Who's Hotter Than...

NINA WARTHEN

To book Nina:

Print - IMAGES MANAGEMENT - 212-228-0300

Commercial -CESD TALENT - 212-477-3838

ST. JOHN COLLECTION - FEATURING KAREN ELSONST. JOHN is legendary in the American fashion and textile industry.   As the leading Knitwear company in the world, you'd be hard pressed to find another American brand as involved in the production of their collection as St. John.   Every detail is precise.  Their patented Santana knit, created by spinning the finest wool with rayon,  has a global following of women who appreciate the comfort and elegance of a St. John wardrobe. 

The company was founded in 1962 by the husband and wife team Robert and Marie  Gray.   Inspired by a knitting machine, the SJK story reads like those you hear all the time from Italy or France.   The DNA of fashion's most iconic houses like Chanel or Missoni are not so ST. JOHN - EXCLUSIVE ABSTRACT PRINT JACKET - $1,295.00different from that of St. John's.   Based in Southern California, the story is one that reminds you of good old American know how.   The company incubated at a time when "Made In America" was a symbol of quality around the world.   The Grays took that concept and watched their dream grow.   ( I only wish more fashion companies would have invested in America and kept production state side as well).

It is hard not to think of CHANEL when you see the formula that the Grays followed.   The attention to details, the quality of raw materials, the innovation of new technology.  The concept of staple pieces in a wardrobe is also a common theme to both collections, making them timeless.   The decision to produce their own fabrics to increase quality control and delivery timing also made those fabrics exclusive to the company.

ST. JOHN - ICONIC IN BLACK & WHITEAmazingly,  50 years later  the company is more dynamic than ever.   Reacting to the global downturn, changing the way they do business, continuing the quest for innovation, and basically - evolving the brand.   That might seem like a basic concept, but beleive me - it is no small task to keep a brand relevant and reactive to the changing tide of the fashion industry.   Every major fashion house has ebbs and flows of popularity.   The real challenge is to know how to navigate through the slower periods, and how not to bastardize the brand during the boom times.

The business that St. John carved out in American Sportswear puts them on a very short list.   For several decades, the collection has been a staple and a cash cow for major department stores like Saks 5th Avenue and Neiman Marcus.   The genius of the knitwear items that are timeless and season-less - and most importantly : are of the highest quality, are aspirational, and can fit women well outside the ever shrinking "sample size" of most runway ideals.   ( I can remember being in Saks 5th Avenue stores around the country in the mid 90's and literally seeing rooms full of St. John options).ST. JOHN - LITTLE BLACK -GOWN - $1,595.00

For 2010, the brand continues to evolve.   The latest ad campaign features exotic beauty Karen Elson.  Her Crimson hair and ivory skin are captivating.   Elson looks like she walked out of a Victorian dream.   Several shots from the campaign feature Elson in black evening options that are stunning!  The ads are impossible to miss, as they are sensual and chic.  The art direction feels like a cross between Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" and a red carpet event.   The colors are that rich.   GORGEOUS!

TIM BURTON'S QUEEN OF HEARTSThe use of black could be a nod to the company's recently launched Caviar Collection.   The concept was to dedicate a newly formulated dye to achieve a true black standard as a core reference for the collection.    The items are a must for any international travelers wardrobe.    With St. John now distributed in 45 countries, the brand is about as international as it gets!

Browse the newly re-launched website and read more about the legacy of ST. JOHN - and shop the new ad campaign.