Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts

Review: Earth Henna White Lace Temporary Tattoo Kit by Lakaye Studio

By REESE AMOROSI

The artists behind Los Angeles-based Lakaye Studio have earned a loyal following for their popular henna and jagua formulas and design kits. Now, in addition to their sienna and indigo colored stains, they offer White Lace Temporary Tattoo kits to make henna-inspired designs in white, and they can even be embellished with glitter.

Henri David Hosts 48th Annual Halloween Ball on Mischief Night


By A.D. AMOROSI

For Halloween aficionados along the East Coast observing that this year the holiday falls on a school night, Henri David offers up his 48th Annual Halloween Ball on Sunday, October 30 (Mischief Night), at Philadelphia's Sheraton City Center Hotel. Rest assured that this party isn't just for locals: David's event is renowned for bringing in costumed revelers from as far away as New Orleans and Los Angeles.

Lakaye Studio Brings Henna and Jagua Tattoos to the Masses


By REESE AMOROSI

Mehndi, the practice of temporarily staining the skin with plant-based dyes – usually ground henna leaves – is an ancient art with origins in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Many people associate mehndi with India, where pre-wedding celebrations often include ceremonies to paint intricate designs on brides (and sometimes grooms). In the 1990s, mehndi became popular in the West, largely due to being seen on celebrities like Madonna and Liv Tyler, and is now appreciated by a new wave of patrons and practitioners who often call the designs "henna tattoos." Along with using henna that results in a reddish-brown stain, Lakaye Studio offers jagua, a gel that develops into a blue-black color.

Reality Stars Rasheeda and NeNe Leakes Expand Their Brands

Rasheeda - PRESSED Grand Opening Invitation

By A.D. AMOROSI

Everybody in reality television says they're going launch a wine line, open a store or make a record. In the case of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta star Rasheeda Frost, she's already made six albums, so opening a shop comes next when her Pressed boutique debuts at Atlanta, GA's Phipps Plaza on June 17, 2015. Not to be outdone, Real Housewives of Atlanta star NeNe Leakes is opening a shop for her eponymously-named clothing line (the one she currently sells on HSN) and is touring the country in search of the perfect location.

Gene London: From Beloved TV Host to Hollywood Collection Curator

A.D. Amorosi and Gene London
A.D. Amorosi and Gene London
By A.D. AMOROSI

The world-renowned Philadelphia Flower Show is in full swing through March 8, 2015, and with it comes a classic Hollywood theme. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, hosts of the Flower Show, held a red carpet premiere on February 28 featuring clips of Philly-filmed favorites (Rocky, Mannequin, Blow Out, etc.) and an entrance garden with an Art Deco theater façade, chandeliers with hanging moss, rings of calla lilies and towering palms. The flowers are delightful, but the biggest star of that night, and of the entire PFS, is Gene London and his Hollywood Collection. London is a one-time local children's show host who, after his program's end, became both an expert on and collector of Hollywood’s rarest costumes.

MoMA Announces Multi-media Björk Exhibition for 2015

Bjork - Photo Courtesy MoMA.org

By A.D. AMOROSI

New York City’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and Icelandic composer, vocalist and artist Björk have announced a full-scale retrospective exhibition dedicated to the breadth of her career in music, film, costume, performance and computer graphics. The MoMA exhibition opens on March 7, 2015, and runs through June 7, 2015.

Interview: Oscar Lopez, Winner of 'Project Runway: Under the Gunn'

Oscar Lopez, winner of Project Runway: Under the Gunn
Oscar Lopez, winner of Project Runway: Under the Gunn
By REESE AMOROSI

Under the Gunn, the Project Runway spinoff starring Tim Gunn, recently named 40-year-old, Cuban-born designer Oscar Lopez as the winner of its premiere season. At the final runway show held at the Los Angeles Theater, Lopez competed against Asha Daniels (25), Sam Donovan (23) and Shan Keith (33), but it was his sophisticated 5-piece collection that wowed the show's regular panel – celebrity stylist Jen Rade, Marie Claire magazine's senior fashion editor Zanna Roberts Rassi, and designer Rachel Roy – along with guest judges Heidi Klum and Neil Patrick Harris. During my phone conversation with Oscar, I was charmed by his positive attitude, enthusiasm for his work and his melodic accent.

New Tim Gunn Series 'Under the Gunn' Premieres January 16 on Lifetime

Tim Gunn, host of new Lifetime TV series Under the Gunn
Tim Gunn, host of new Lifetime TV series Under the Gunn
By GLAMOROSI

As much as we love Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, Nina Garcia and the rest of the Project Runway cast, we've always thought that what the show really needed was more Tim Gunn. Now, with the January 16 premiere of Lifetime TV's Under the Gunn, our wish is granted. For this new competitive fashion series, Tim Gunn is host, and successful Project Runway contestants Mondo Guerra, Anya Ayoung-Chee and Nick Verreos act as mentors.

Lady Gaga’s Work of ARTPOP: Release Dates for New Album, App and Single

Artwork from the new Lady Gaga release, ARTPOP
Artwork from the new Lady Gaga release, ARTPOP
By A.D. AMOROSI

Despite injuring her right hip and cancelling the rest of her Born This Way tour, 2013 has been an auspicious year for Lady Gaga. Not only has it allowed her to work on her tour documentary, prepare for her dramatic film debut in Robert Rodriguez’s Machete Kills (due in September) and start recording her duet album with Tony Bennett. Gaga finished off ARTPOP, her hotly anticipated third album. On Friday July 12, she gave a release date for the album and its app (November 11, 2013), and its’ first single (August 19). She also sent out one of its first promotional images (above) complete with her ARTPOP forearm tattoo.

Indochino “Traveling Tailor” Brings Custom Made Menswear to the Masses

Fabric selections at Indochino
Fabric selections at Indochino "Traveling Tailor" pop-up
By GLAMOROSI

This week, Indochino - the Vancouver-based, made-to-measure, internet-based, men’s fashion salon - began its Philadelphia journey. Their goal: to take what company co-founders Kyle Vucko and Heikal Gani revolutionized in regard to connecting e-buyers with custom-made suits, shirts and chinos fashioned from only the finest materials, into a more personal realm. With that, Indochino introduces the “Traveling Tailor,” offering online buyers the opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with the brand by customizing that experience with stylists and fitters. In Philly, Indochino’s “Traveling Tailor” has settled into the grand space at 1518 Walnut with a pop-up shop from May 10-27.

Philadelphia Businesses Band Together after Fatal Fabric Row Fire

A view of Jack B Fabrics after the fire
A view of Jack B Fabrics after the fire
By A.D. AMOROSI

Early Saturday night on April 6, a three-alarm fire struck the 37-year-old Jack B Fabrics shop along Philadelphia’s Fabric Row on Fourth Street just off of South Street in the Queen Village area. Firefighter Capt. Michael Goodwin died after the third-floor roof he was on collapsed while he was bravely battling the blaze. The 53-year-old Goodwin, a 29-year Fire Department vet, was captain of Ladder 27 in South Philly and was due for a promotion to Battalion Chief (one he’ll receive posthumously, according to Philly.com).

'Bad 25' Celebrates Anniversary of Michael Jackson's Classic Album

Bad 25 celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Michael Jackson album
By A.D. AMOROSI

Though his death is still shocking and sad to the world that loved him, the enterprise of Michael Jackson thankfully lives on.  Three years after his passing, the platinum-plated singer and dancer is being celebrated with Bad 25, a 25th anniversary deluxe box set of his landmark album Bad, a documentary also called Bad 25 from Academy Award nominated director Spike Lee, and a book from Jackson’s designer and friend, Michael Bush, called King of Style: Dressing Michael Jackson.

Reality TV Stars Shine at the Mirror Mirror Awards in Atlanta

Kandi Burruss, Cynthia Bailey and Derek J at the Mirror Mirror Awards
By GLAMOROSI

On Monday, September 10, Rolling Out Magazine and CVS held their first Mirror Mirror Beauty Awards in Atlanta, GA. The event, held to honor leaders in the beauty and fashion industry, feted a host of trendsetters including TV reality stars Cynthia Bailey, Kandi Burruss, Derek J, Chilli, T.I. and Tiny.

Katie Holmes Named as First Celebrity Model for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

Katie Holmes is the first celebrity model for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics
By GLAMOROSI

For the first time since the brand debuted over 20 years ago, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics has signed on a celebrity model: actress Katie Holmes.

Jason Binn Debuts Du Jour Magazine for the Elite

Jason Binn debuts Du Jour magazine
By A.D. AMOROSI

Anyone who holds an interest in the luxury lifestyle - let alone the publishing business - knows Jason Binn. He began his publishing career as Ocean Drive magazine’s co-founder in 1993, started Niche Media Holdings in 1998, and created a magazine empire. His list of publications such as Art Basel Miami Beach, Aspen Peak, Boston Common, Capitol File, Gotham, Hamptons, Los Angeles Confidential, Vegas and Philadelphia Style presented a tony universe of glitz unparalleled in its glossiness. Who would give this up? Binn of course, but not without good reason and a great second act.

HSN Launches 'True Blood' Forsaken Beauty Line

Deborah Lippmann's Forsaken Lip and Nail Duet inspired by True Blood

By Glamorosi

At midnight on August 9, 2012, HSN debuted Forsaken, a beauty and home collection inspired by HBO’s hit vampire drama, True Blood.  The line includes cosmetics from celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann, perfume from Givaudan, and home fragrances from D.L. & Co.

Some of the products carry names that fans of the TV show will recognize:  Sookie Sookie is a nail polish duo ($25) inspired by the series’ female lead who is half fairy-half human, and contains two polishes: "Human Nature", described as “mortal putty taupe”, and "Fairydust", a polish with “ethereal shimmer”.  The Bad Things mini trio ($25) is titled after the series’ theme song (sung by Jace Everett), and contains three lacquers: "New Flesh" (clean nude),  "Strange Love" (vampy magenta), and "Bad Blood" (sheer black cherry). Other names evoke the mood and vibe of the show; Lippmann's Forsaken Lip and Nail Duet ($38) features "Bite me", a blackberry creme lipstick, and "Let it Bleed" a blood red lacquer scented with the Forsaken fragrance.  The packaging for the entire line is black and red with Gothic-style flourishes.

In recent years vampire lore has provided inspiration for several cosmetics companies. In 2012, NYX ( a company named for the Greek goddess of the night) released The Crimson Amulet Collection with a limited edition palette that includes eye shadow, lipstick and blush inspired by Dark Shadows, the Tim Burton-directed movie based on the 60s/70s cult classic TV series of the same name. In 2009 DuWop Cosmetics partnered with author Stephanie Meyer to create blush and lip gloss for their signature Venom line in colors inspired by her Twilight saga. DuWop cosmetics were also used by makeup artists on the set of Twilight: New Moon.

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OCD Collection: New Shoe Line with Downtown Cool and Uptown Chic

Watermelon Pumps by OCD Collection
By Glamorosi, August 2012

Several months ago graphic designer Jessica Burnie "started looking for a pair of really eye-catching heels, and was depressed to find generic shoe after generic shoe."

So, the Toronto, Canada native took matters into her own hands by picking up her paint brushes and designing her own line of custom shoes under the banner OCD Collection. The name is a clever double entendre with initials that recall obsessive-compulsive disorder, but in this case stand for "Oxygen, Coffee, Design".

Monarch Ballet Flats
"I designed and painted my first few pairs for myself", says Burnie. "Like I hoped, when I wear my shoes I'm constantly stopped by passersby, shopkeepers and other strangers to ask about my shoes. Friends, family and randoms ask where they can get them. They're more popular than I could have ever imagined".

It's easy to see why people are having such a positive reaction to Burnie's designs: OCD Collection's shoes are vivid and unique with downtown cool and uptown chic.

Spiderweb Ballet Flats
OCD Collection's Summer 2012 shoes showcase designs inspired by nature, man and machine with colorful interpretations of butterflies, fruit, TV characters and motorcycles. Fall 2012 designs are just beginning to appear online, with shoes featuring spider webs and skeletons.

OCD Collection's painted shoes come in heels and flats, and are made to order. Burnie will work with you to customize a pair with your choice of heel height, toe shape (square, rounded or pointed), and colors.  They are currently available in the new OCD Collection shop on Etsy,  and also on their stand-alone website at ocdCollection.co

Motorcycle Heels by OCD Collection

All photos ©Jessica Burnie 2012

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Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi at the Earl of Sandwich in Atlantic City

Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi and fiancé Jionni LaValle
By GLAMOROSI

On July 25, 2012, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi was at the Jersey shore, this time in Atlantic City, for the opening of a new Earl of Sandwich location in The Showboat Hotel and Casino. Guests who purchased sandwiches also received an autographed copy of Ms. Polizzi's Gorilla Beach (the sequel to her New York Times best seller A Shore Thing), and a sandwich created by the reality TV star and entrepreneur, also called "Gorilla Beach", was unveiled.

Glendi Fashion Show at Opa Restaurant - Philadelphia PA

On Thursday, June 9, A.D. (my husband) and I headed out to Opa, a new-ish Greek restaurant in the Midtown Village section of Philadelphia. We were there to attend an outdoor fashion show that served as the premiere of Glendi Thursdays, a series of events at Opa that will showcase fashion, art, music and photography. Glendi means "party" or "celebration" in Greek.

Before the show we enjoyed a fantastic dinner. A.D. had the grilled octopus with chick peas (shown at right) and wine braised rabbit with olives, capers and pasta; I had Saganaki (seared cheese) and chicken with couscous and sun dried tomatoes. For dessert we shared baklava with homemade fig ice cream. A.D. had a delicious cocktail called Antho made of cucumber vodka, lemon and fresh dill, and I had a sparkling rosé.

Our waiter was friendly and knew the menu inside and out. He told us about the decor too - Opa was made to resemble what you would see in downtown Athens. It reminded me of 60's cool (the pendant lamps and geometric wallpaper) and 70's rustic (the wonderful tree branch canopy over the bar). We had the best table in the house - right next to the window - where we could see the whole restaurant (before it got packed).

We also had full view of the downpour and lightning storm that started just as the runway was being set up on Sansom Street. But, as Cinefest's Thom Cardwell - who co-hosted with NBC10 correspondent G-N Kang - told the crowd, the Greek gods weren't going to allow a cancellation on Opa's big night. The storm passed and the oppressive heat and famous Philly humidity went with it.

We took our seats at the end of the catwalk and took in the scene which included familiar faces from Philly's fashion and entertainment scene such as Good Day Philadelphia (Fox 29) host Mike Jerrick, Philadelphia Inquirer style maven Elizabeth Wellington and Where Magazine editor Kristina Jenkins.

The show was produced by Noel Zayas Events along with Antoine Johnson, whose House of Talent PA agency provided the gorgeous models, some with cool braided mohawks by Francesca at Follicle Salon. My favorite clothing designs were the bold, feminine pieces by Carmelita Couture including two fabulous frocks I am absolutely *in love* with: a flowing leopard gown and a colorful chevron stripe gown.

For their last walk of the night the models rocked the runway in Opa t-shirts, and then the final model strutted her stuff in a shiny orange sequin bikini by Aci Nae.

Opa
1311 Sansom Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215.545.0170

Photos by Reese Amorosi for Glamorosi

To read more posts about food, tea, fashion, gardening and events: http://Glamorosi.blogspot.com

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Roberto Capucci - Philadelphia Museum of Art

Roberto Capucci, Reese Amorosi, A.D. Amorosi
L to R: Roberto Capucci, Reese Amorosi, A.D. Amorosi
By REESE AMOROSI

On June 2, 2011 my husband and I had the opportunity to meet legendary designer Roberto Capucci at a reception at the Philadelphia Museum of Art where city officials proclaimed Roberto Capucci Day. I was astounded by his Art Into Fashion installation at the museum - the beauty of Capucci's sculptural clothing designs brought tears to my eyes and made my hair stand on end. It was awe-inspiring.

Reese Amorosi with Roberto Capucci design Angelo d' Oro
The photo above shows Roberto Capucci, me (Reese Amorosi) and my husband A.D. Amorosi, and was taken by Mr. Capucci's interpreter. The photo at left was taken by A.D. and shows me standing with one of my favorite pieces, a gold and white gown titled Angelo d' Oro (gold angel).

There are only a few days left to see Mr. Capucci's designs in person; the exhibit runs through June 5, 2011. Tickets are required.

Philadelphia Museum of Art
26th and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19130
215.684.7822

To read more posts about food, tea, fashion, gardening and events: Glamorosi.blogspot.com

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