Zac Posen the Humble Prodigy

Zac Posen, 2011 Resort Collection at Bloomingdale's
Zac Posen, 2011 Resort Collection at Bloomingdale's

With his frail posture, guests would hardly notice Zac Posen if he wasn’t escorted into a crowd of fans, media, and shoppers at Bloomingdale’s 59th street. Displaying his Resort 2011 collection to the masses, Zac Posen’s presentation also brought attendees down to earth with a line of bags from lower-priced Z Spoke, all approximately $500. This comes from a line that charges $800 for a simplistic swan-detail knit cardigan while simultaneously releasing a collaboration with Target; the “frugalista” headquarters.

Z Spoke Handbag Collection by Zac Posen
Z Spoke Handbag Collection by Zac Posen

Zac Posen’s appearance was surrounded by recent rumors that he would design Bella Swan’s dress for the next installment of Twilight, in addition to new CEO Susan Davidson running his company. Although he refused to disclose details of any upcoming or prospective projects, the success of Zac Posen’s designs are in question.

Zac Posen 2011 Resort Collection
Zac Posen 2011 Resort Collection

According to Vogue UK, and other sources “Yucaipa, the company that owns Zac Posen, were becoming reportedly frustrated that the label wasn’t making enough return on its investment and decided on a new CEO to boost profits.” This is in spite of the fact that Zac Posen’s designs have been worn by such celebrities as Kim Kardashian, Natalie Portman, Rihanna, Kate Winslet, Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé Knowles and more. In addition, the diversity of his audience was also exemplified in the models posing in the Zac Posen Resort 2011 lookbook that was handed out that night.

Zac Posen Models
Zac Posen Models

When asked if he considered himself a prodigy after such early successes of garnering awards and praise since the tender age of 16, he vehemently shook his head “No.” A coy smile, “I just started my career; its taken me 10 years to learn the retail side, and now I’m working on the rest.” Taking into consideration the diversification of price ranges he has already implemented, one wonders what else Zac Posen can do to improve the performance of his company.

Zac Posen with Models
Zac Posen with Models

The event was DJed by Leigh Lezark and the Misshapes.

Zac Posen Dress
Zac Posen Dress

Bazaar’s Chic New Book Launch

Harper's Bazaar Book Launch at Saks Fifth Avenue
Harper's Bazaar Book Launch at Saks Fifth Avenue

Harper’s Bazaar hosted a party to release their newest gilded hardcover book, “Harper’s Bazaar Fashion: Your Guide to Personal Style”

Designers Tory Burch, Rachel Roy, Founder, Designer and CCO of WHIT Whitney Pozgay, as well as Editor-in-Chief Glenda Bailey attended the event, which was held on the fabulously decorated 4th floor of Saks Fifth Avenue .

Rachey Roy at Bazaar's Book Launch
Rachey Roy at Bazaar's Book Launch

Roy gave a rebellious touch to the mainstream event wearing electric blue chunky heels and a glittering silver dress almost masked by an off-white vintage duster-cardigan. She topped the eclectic outfit with smudged back eyeliner and red lips, resembling a rock star on the verge of waking.

Glenda Bailey of Harper's Bazaar Signing the New Book
Glenda Bailey of Harper's Bazaar Signing the New Book

While Roy wore her eccentricities, the woman who embodied the attitude was none other than Harper’s Bazaar Editor-in-Chief Glenda Bailey. Bailey took a more refined approach to the event with a chic LBD and rectangular gold jewelry reminiscent of Frank Ghery’s large metal slabs. As she signed the new book for party guests, excitement rushed from her bold red lips, and it felt like she possessed the energy of all guests in the room.

Harper's Bazaar Fashion: Your Guide to Personal Style
Harper's Bazaar Fashion: Your Guide to Personal Style

The book includes quotes from designers reiterating the philosophy that style cannot be learned and that an outfit is not complete until you make it your own. The book also showcases current style icons ranging from Rihanna to Julianne Moore, making it relevant to all ages, ethnicities and body types. The price of a fashion piece is also discussed briefly, informing the reader that the “it” bag of the moment can stay in a closet forever, so choose wisely no matter the price.

DJ Mia Morreti provieded the tunes.

“Alternative Apparel” for the Social & Environmentally Conscious

Alternative Apparel at Macy's
Alternative Apparel at Macy's

 

Alternative Apparel recently featured its easy worn-in clothing line sold at Macy’s Herald Square. The line has a vintage feel that borrows elements from hipster brand American Apparel. Both the material and shapes have a very cozy and traditionally American feeling. The twist, or alternative, is that the line offers an extensive eco-friendly and socially conscious policy.

For starters, their social responsibility policy vows not to utilize forced labor, child labor while respecting equitable compensation, and environmental protection. Alternative Apparel explains, “This translates into the use of recycled and organic materials, the use of low-impact dyes, energy conservation in manufacturing facilities, and various other specific actions.” They create their pieces from organic pesticide-free cotton and include “Eco-Heather, Eco-Fleece, Eco-French Terry and Eco-Vertigrain.” They even provide an Eco FAQ for easy answers.

Alternative Apparel Models at Macy's
Alternative Apparel Models at Macy's

An interesting concept they utilize in respecting human rights and such, they retain their manufacturing site in China. In short they state “China is a country with a history of human rights infringements and more recently, damaging environmental policy violations. However, our manufacturing in China is in full compliance with our fundamental Social Responsibility policies.”

POSHGLAM’s “BOO-bie” Benefit

There were far scarier things to think about than carved vegetables and annoying children during the month of Halloween, and last week fashion blog POSHGLAM addressed one of them: breast cancer. They held a  fundraiser to benefit St. Luke Roosevelt Comprehensive Breast Cancer Services Program in Manhattan, gathering guests to Eli Klein’s cozy, yet modern Art Gallery in SoHo.

Elin Necklace from the Grandoise Lux Collection by Mali Beads
Elin Necklace from the Grandoise Lux Collection by Mali Beads

The event was hosted by POSHGLAM founder Kimberly Stone and featured tables with fashion jewelry by Mali Beads and Monique Leshman. They pledged to donate 20% of sales from that night to St. Luke’s in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Delectables by Fig & Olive
Delectables by Fig & Olive

Some say that diet affects breast cancer, so health-conscious New York City restaurant chain Fig & Olive provided plenty of vegetable-packed dishes as well as fresh meats including carpaccio and shrimp. The treats were coupled with unique cocktails made with Alizé and Bouvet champagne, as well as Stella Artois, and non-alcoholic beverages from Neuro.

Read more at POSHGLAM

Kim Kardashian Sells Out? Fragrance Now at Macy’s

Kim Kardashian Greets a Fan at Macy's
Kim Kardashian Greets a Fan at Macy's

Fragrance salespeople offered a piece of Kim Kardashian last night at Macy’s Herald Square. Standing at the top metal barricades holding back curious tourists, desperate fans, and the media who arrived late; they monotonously announced “Buy the Kim Kardashian Perfume, meet her and take a picture.” Although the pitch was weak and unenthusiastic, the crowd literally bought it. The $119 price of the Kim Kardashian bottle was greeted with a “psh” or two, and even a JAP (Jewish American Princess) who asked if she could return it the next day, in her aloof valley girl accent. Whether the rest were inspired by the idea, or wanted to tell her obviously loaded ass off, the Kardashian momentum never ceased.

Line to Meet Kim Kardashian at Macy's
Line to Meet Kim Kardashian at Macy's

The zoo began once a Kim Kardashian fan screeched wildly from beyond the metal bars. Like a primal call to war, people started pushing for a glimpse of Kardashian and opening their wallets almost instantaneously. Ever since the fragrance launched through Sephora this past February, these seem like natural reactions.

With the luxe beauty retailer carrying the Kim Kardashian name, the NY Post reported earlier this year that there would be a split. Yesterday’s launch at Macy’s is a  manifestation of this foreshadowing.

The Kim Kardashian Perfume itself is strong and makes a heavy statement. Described as a woody floral, Kim Kardashian fragrance highlights crisp top notes of indolic jasmine, tuberose and gardenia, tonka bean, jacaranda wood and sandalwood. The scent also evokes the power Kim Kardashian has over her fans, media, and now; the mass retail fragrance markets.