I know, I know, it is only October, but, February is not too far off, and you know what February is. Yes that’s right, the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week New York. Now I know all of our readers out there would love to see the fashion shows in person, and you just might be able to! I am delighted to tell you all about a fantastic chance to go to Fashion Week. By entering this sweepstakes, you could win a FREE trip to New York City for two. It includes tickets to Fashion Week shows, roundtrip airfare for two, 3 nights hotel, select meals and a $1000 shopping spree.

Just go to this web address and enter http://rowentasweepstakes.com/

Good Luck!

One of the things that has always fascinated me about the modeling industry is their standards and how they differentiate from the real world. One of the biggest and most controversial issues is the issue of models being “too fat”. Model Flippa Hamilton found out first hand about this standard. Hamilton, who has modeled for Ralph Lauren for the past eight years was fired for her weight. Hamilton who is a mere size four and only 120 pounds was fired for being over weight. The company claims she’s now too fat to fit into their sample clothes. Ralph Lauren admits that Hamilton was fired, explaining the termination came “as a result of her inability to meet the obligations under her contract with us.”

Hamilton’s response: “I think they owe American women an apology, a big apology; I’m very proud of what I look like, and I think a role model should look healthy.”

I love Marc Jacobs clothing and accessories just as much as the next person, and would do almost anything for it, expect steal it. Some people however have no problem with this. For the third time in just over two months, Marc Jacobs has seen his Los Angeles store attacked by some low level thieves. The most recent incident took place on October 3. Two previous burglaries happened in late July and August. According to news reports, burglars have “smashed” the front window of the high-end fashion store on the posh 8400 block of Melrose Avenue in the early morning, “grabbed” expensive merchandise(yeah, like any of his stuff is cheap), and then quickly fled the scene.

The Beverly Press reports that there have been a “rash” of smash and grab burglaries in the swanky neighborhood where Marc Jacobs‘ store is located.

According to the newspaper, someone threw a cinder block through the Marc Jacobs display window in early October, but this time they were unable to steal any merchandise. Hopefully they will catch the thieves and things can return to normal for Marc Jacobs and his stores.

The moment at which a tattoo is conceived is the moment at which time starts to stretch and fade it. Luckily, for those who live with the lackluster aftermath of the recent tattoo craze, laser tattoo removal offers a refreshing dip in the fountain of youth. And with the tough job market that already has its foot in the youth-obsessed door, professionals are connecting the needle marks and requesting this service when they realize that their tattoos could work against them in the age department. Laser hair removal is no longer just about modernizing a look; it is about competing for jobs and building job security.

The great news is that the permanence of a tattoo can fade even faster than its popularity. Sabina Kozak of Sensitive Touch Medical Spa in New York City says, “We use state-of-the-art technology by Cynosure, a leading laser technology manufacturer. Our clients are thrilled with the immediate results of laser tattoo removal and some get pretty emotional when they see that how easy it is to get rid of them. As job competition shows no sign of slowing down, our clients realize that, if they are fortunate enough to land an interview or get a new job, they definitely need to look the part.”
As the traditional nine-to-five work day becomes a thing of the past, keeping tattoos hidden under suits is no longer adequate. Employers do not want their Sales Director to show up at the charity golf tourney with a Celtic cross sneaking down from the pant leg of her capris or a ring of barbed wire asserting itself from the sleeve of his polo shirt. A representative from Sabina says, “Events held outside of the office pose difficulties for those who are overly confident that they can keep their tattoos hidden. People are attending more events with their bosses and co-workers – from scheduled business trips to impromptu barbecues and summer get-togethers. Our clients recognize these events as opportunities for building business relationships and maintaining a competitive edge.”

To make matters worse, no one could have predicted that one day’s tattoo du jour would be next year’s tramp stamp. A representative from Sabina says, “Times change and laser tattoo removal lets clients stay current. We do not think they should have to lose out on a job or promotion because they are sending mixed signals about their professionalism. Plus, a lot of people are just tired of hiding their tattoos.”

For best results, clients should expect two to four treatments scheduled four to eight weeks apart.

Sabina says, “The cooler weather offers more opportunities to cover up and is a really great time to start treatments. New clients can achieve full results in time to show some skin on New Year’s Eve, not to mention months to spare before bikini season.”

While freedom of expression is a beautiful thing, professionals are realizing that all methods of standing out are not equal. With laser tattoo removal, they can exercise their First Amendment rights at the water cooler, not at the tattoo parlor.  – Erin Bartolo, Writer

On October 5th, ALFANI and GQ Magazine hosted a benefit for superstar, Ne-Yo’s charity, The Compound Foundation. The ultra swanky event was held at the Stephen Weiss Studio in the West Village.  This event was designed to raise money for The Compound Foundation which provides opportunities for youth in the foster care system.

The red carpet was swarming with celebs! The celebrities included: Tiki Barber, Adrienne Bailon, Angie Martinez, Jessica White, Marc Bouwer, Lydia Hearst, Damaris Lewis, Vivica A. Fox, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels

At 9PM  Vivica A. Fox and Darryl “DMC” McDaniels were all honored that evening for their warm contributions and ongoing support to The Compound Foundation. The evening ended with a stellar performance by Ne-Yo! He was only scheduled to do 3 songs but the crowd was so energetic that he did 6, ending with a medley of songs he has written for Beyonce and Rihanna.

The night raised close to $50,000 for The Compound Foundation!

On the heels of a life-altering trip to Ghana, West Africa, where they fell in love with African fashion and textiles, Cindy Gaston and Edna Bissoon are pleased to launch HEMMA, a collection of luxury womenswear that incorporates the same, traditional techniques that have been used to weave fabrics for African nobility for centuries. HEMMA affords each client an opportunity to dress with undeniable contemporary style while indulging in the textures and richness of royalty. The name HEMMA derives from the word “ohemma,” meaning queen in the Twi language of Ghana.

About the Hemma Collection

“Hemma garments are inspired by a melding of Western and West African designs, using a luxe fabric that encourages women to feel confident about their bodies. The premiere collection consists of very classic styles that can be easily incorporated into your wardrobe and worn as separates,” explains Cindy Gaston. “Our initial offering includes two-piece suits, day dresses, corsets, and cocktail suiting. We draw our inspiration from many places, with a particular admiration for labels such as Diane Von Furstenberg and Chanel. Like these amazing collections, Hemma will be known for always making a powerful statement and creating timeless garments.”

The inspiration for Hemma

In the spring of 2007, partners Cindy Gaston and Edna Bissoon studied abroad in Ghana, West Africa. While Cindy, pursued a career in law, and Edna, medicine, they also independently designed. The pair was inspired by African fashion and textiles, in particular intricately hand-woven Kente. Drawing from its rich history, they began incorporating Kente into their designs. At the same time, they were dedicated to volunteering as teachers at La Yahoushua, a local middle school. Edna Bissoon expounds on their African experience. “The people of Ghana were more welcoming than we could have expected. Their accepting nature and generosity allowed us to gain an intimate look into this rich history and culture, which has provided us with boundless inspiration.” She adds, “The culture and locals prescribe that you live life completely awake to the beauty and opportunity surrounding you—Hemma emerged from this awakening and strives to spread this message to each client.”

Philanthropic efforts continue

As they bring Hemma to the world, Cindy Gaston and Edna Bissoon also nurture their passion for education. 5% of Hemma sales will be donated to La Yahoushua middle school in Ghana, the very place where the designers built lasting relationships with students, and were inspired to create the Hemma collection.

About Kente

The origin of Kente cloth has a long history in Ghana dating back to the 17th century during Chief Akenten’s reign. At that time, the caravan trade routes of the Sahara were flourishing with the exchange of goods including dyed silks from the East.  Impressed by the textile, he moved to develop the Kente band weaving system for the royal class.  Overtime, the technique of weaving Kente has become extremely specialized, so much so that each color and pattern has its own meaning. All of the Kente used by Hemma is authentically created with the same techniques established centuries ago, including the weaving of the patterns still done by eye on handmade wooden looms. The fabric is so intricate that it takes approximately 1-2 months to weave 3 yards, enough for a size zero suit in our collection.  Traditionally, the intricately woven Kente was the designated attire for the heads of state and their families but occasionally served as gifts for foreign rulers.  Kente was previously only worn to special ceremonies and events and is still worn by royalty today. Hemma strives to bring Kente to the public and make all of our clients feel just as luxurious.

Designer Hernan Lander is holding private viewings for press and buyers at his midtown studio following his triumphant runway show at Gotham Hall during New York Fashion Week. Lander highlighted iFashion Week’s “Emerging Designers” Fashion Show.  He wowed the audience at Gotham Hall, just a stone’s throw from The Tents. The young Dominican-American designer is continuing to create what he considers cutting edge clothes with a feminine spirit.  Working from his studio across the street from Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Landers is giving buyers and the press a close-up viewing of his collection at his studio on Thursday, October 1, and Friday, October 2, 2009. With his masterful draping of jersey and silk wool, he created combinations of classic Grecian images with off the shoulder styles and form fitting dresses accentuated with flowing materials.  His color choices, he said, were African-inspired — desert colors of sand, wood, black with explosions of gold metallic detail.

The iFashion Week{end} which ran from September 10-19, 2009, produced by SEG Corporation and iConcept Media Group, featured five emerging designers from across the globe, including two Project Runway alumni, Teri Stevens and Kinley Collins.  iFashion Week{end} provides a platform for the discovery and promotion of new talent in the world of fashion. This event marked the commencement of a seasonal fashion showcase that aims to introduce new talent, trends and fashion translation.  Runway shows, cocktail parties, presentations and other events were held at various locations in New York City to usher in the new generation of high fashion designers.

“I let the fabric talk to me,” says Lander.  “I wanted to create a collection that was easy to wear and easy to play with,” he says.  “When you’re wearing solid colors you have more choices for combinations.”  Lander honed his craft collaborating with prominent New York designers, such as Rogelio Velasco and Ralph Lauren.  He was working for the Donna Karan Collection until December 2008, when he stepped off to live his own dream.

Lander says his latest creations, combining femininity and glamour with a sharper edge, is perfect for the strong woman who knows who she is and what she wants. “The inspiration behind the Spring 2010 collection comes from the contrast between the industrial and the natural feeling you can find in Africa,” he says.