SPF You!

By: Ellie Eckert

Now that Summer is only a few months away, it’s time to get the necessary items to protect yourself, and your skin. You may be thinking, what’s the harm in a sunburn? An individual’s risk for melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, doubles if he or she has had five or more sunburns. Unfortunately, getting sunburned can be hard to prevent, which was proved in recent polls by the Skin Cancer Foundation. According to the survey, 42 percent of people reported getting sunburned at least once a year. Forgo taking a risk with your health, and instead invest in the proper sunscreen for your skin.

It is necessary to understand UVA and UVB rays. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, “most people are exposed to large amounts of UVA throughout their lifetime, and although they are less intense than UVB, UVA rays are 30 to 50 times more prevalent.” In other words, UVA is relatively equal in intensity during all daylight hours throughout the year, and can even force their way through clouds and glass. If that doesn’t catch your attention, you might consider that UVA plays a major roll in skin aging and wrinkling. UVB, on the other hand, is the main cause of skin reddening and sunburn. These rays play a key part in the development of skin cancer. Unlike UVA, UVB varies in intensity based on season, location, and time of day. The Skin Cancer Foundation notes that “the most significant amount of UVB hits the US between 10 AM and 4 PM from April to October. However, UVB rays can burn and damage your skin year-round, especially at high altitudes and on reflective surfaces such as snow or ice.” Each rays are slightly different, and some consider UVB to be most harmful due to the damage it causes the outer layer of the skin. However, UVA rays penetrate into deeper layers of the skin, which can only mean that we need protection from both harmful rays, which is otherwise known as broad-spectrum protection.

When considering UVA and UVB, it is also necessary to factor in SPF, or Sun Protection Factor. According to theLibrary of Congress, SPF measures how effectively the sunscreen formula limits skin exposure to UVB rays that burns the skin, however it does not measure UVA protection. In simpler terms, SPF is a multiplication factor. If an individual can brave the sun for fifteen minutes without burning, then an SPF of ten would resist the burn for ten times longer (150 minutes).

Now that you know what you’re up against, it’s time to choose a sunscreen that best fits you. Doctor Ron Moy, who is a leading Beverly Hills dermatologist and President of the AAD (American Academy of Dermatology), has created a sunscreen that guards against both UVA and UVB rays to fight photo-aging and cellular damage. DNA Defense SPF 30+ from DNAEGF Renewal is clinically proven, and has received a three star rating for advanced protection. Do you hate the heavy, oily feel of typical drugstore sunscreens? Moy has perfected the “light to the touch” feel, using Vitamins A and E, so you won’t be left with the uncomfortable feeling left behind by some skin protection products. What are you waiting for? Check out all of the great details on this product atwww.dnaegfrenewal.com.

Protecting your face from sun damage can be a difficult task. Women often choose to part with sunscreen, and to instead apply their usual makeup regimen. Instead, you may consider Miracle Skin Transformer SPF 20, which is a 3-in-1 tinted treatment facial moisturizer(say that three times fast!) that hydrates, enhances, and protects with SPF 20. Skin is left feeling silky with a matte finish, and even protects against harmful UVA and UVB rays. You may not take my word for it, but Dr. Oz has featured this product as a miracle skincare product. Love what you’re hearing? Say no more. You can find this product online atwww.miracleskintransformer.com, www.beauty.com, or www.sephora.com.

If the greasy texture of most sunblocks is what is keeping you from applying a sunscreen each day, then look no farther. EmerginC SPF 30+ is a super lightweight, non-greasy, anti-aging sunblock that provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Making use of Coenzyme Q10, green tea, Vitamins A, C, and E, antioxidants, and other herbal extracts, you can protect your skin, and even choose between tinted or non-tinted formulas. EmerginC is available atwww.emerginc.com, as well as leading spas nationwide such as Miraval, Trump, The Wynn, and the Four Seasons, among many others.

Need moisture and repair, all at once? Try Cellure REBUILD AM Day Cream with SPF 15. This benefit-filled cream defends skin from surface damage all day. It protects from the ravages of daily UV attack, is never greasy or sticky, and acts as an ideal makeup primer, creating a perfect and lasting finish. In addition it delivers a high concentration of stem cell proteins and ingredients. A blend of vitamin-rich, plant-based oils boost resilience and youthful texture while Pro-vitamin B5 helps stimulate skin-soothing moisturization.  Available online atwww.cellureskincare.com plus the Cellure flagship store in Soho, NYC.

We’ve all been guilty of ditching the sunscreen in order to achieve the “summer glow” that so many magazines promote. With skin cancer rates rising year-by-year, it’s important to know the facts regarding skincare. UVA and UVB rays may be slightly different, but they’re both working together inflicting destructive side effects to you and your skin. After hearing the harm caused by sun damage, will you take the steps to protect yourself and your skin?

00:37 | 1 comments | Read More

Gilded Age S/S 2013 “Get The Look”

photo credit: Javier Romero,Top 5 Management

Hair by Eric R Williams
1. Curl hair away from the face in different directions using the T3 Singlepass Twirl 1.25 iron.
2. Once you finish curling the hair use  REDKEN Rewind 06 Styling Paste to give hair texture and definition and control using your fingers to shape and mold the style.
3. Finish your style with a mist of REDKEN Shine Flash 02 glistening mist along with a mist of Forceful 23 for hold.

*photo credit: Juan Carlos Parra, Metrovelvet

Makeup Javier Romero
1. Try Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Conceal and Brighten under the eyes and to cover spots around the face using Revolution Flat Concealer brush from Royal & Langnickel.
2. Use Peter Thomas Roth Lashes To Die For Mascara to make lashes look longer, thicker and fuller without clumping, smudging or flaking.
3. Apply Peter Thomas Roth Max Anti-Shine Mattifying Gel on T-Zone using a Beautyblender sponge.
4.Too Faced Lava Gloss Eyeliner in Hot Chocolate can be used around the eyes applied by the Master Pro Sponge Smudger brush from Royal & Langnickel to created a soft grunge look.

*photo credit: Juan Carlos Parra, Metrovelvet

00:34 | 0 comments | Read More

Fashion Week Expectations- S/S 2013

 By: Inna Bosenko

It’s that time of year again! We bid summer a farewell and New York is preparing to get entirely caught up with Spring/Summer 2013 Fashion Week. Excitement is building up as designers put finishing touches on their hard work of a number of looks bound to parade down the runways at Lincoln Center and several other locations around the city.

I would like to start off by saying that I am entirely excited for New York’s Fashion’s Night Out on Thursday, September 6^th where fashion quite literally comes out to meet and greet her numerous fans. Last year, I had the pleasure of store-hopping down Fifth Avenue slowly realizing I was a part of a giant party taking over the streets. Check out http://fashionsnightout.com/ for the official countdown, schedules, and locations.  If you are in the New York area this week, don’t miss out on this fabulous event kicking off Fashion Week!

Let’s talk designers! Attending last season’s shows, I gained a few new favorites and solidified my undeniable loyalty to others. I will always be excited about the brands creating unique, daring and sometimes rebellious collections: Venexiana, The Blonds and my new ultimate favorite: Falguni and Shane Peacock, who’s Fall/Winter 2012 show left me stunned for days. Absolutely can’t wait to see what the ultra-talented Falguni and Shane present this season! Adding to my group of favorite designers making a prominent statement is Leila Shams. I discovered the Leila Shams presentation next to Lincoln Center last season and was completely stunned with the use of subdued color and texture in her collection, while having a clear coherent theme between every piece of every garment. Would love to see what inimitable inspiration she had for this upcoming collection!

Having a slight obsession with elegance, I always look forward to designers who are all about femininity and timelessness: Ralph Lauren, BCBG Max Azria and Diane Von Furstenberg. To me, these designers can never get it wrong, leaving us in pure anticipation for a new kind of genius they chose to incorporate into their collections this season. …still getting over the gorgeous rouge tones presented on the DVF runway this past February.

Check out http://www.mbfashionweek.com/schedule for a complete schedule of shows for this fashion week and follow @Fashion360Mag for fresh updates straight from the runways!

POSTED IN: NEW YORK SPRING FASHION WEEK

00:29 | 0 comments | Read More

Fall 2012 Color Trends

By: Inna Bosenko

Fall 2012 is going to be all about geometric shapes, unlikely combinations and sophistication. Fashion weeks in every city presented the audience with a very vibrant set of color and style trends. Let’s see what’ll be chic in just a few months!

Color: Royal Blue
Designers are almost challenging the trendsetters to command attention with a head-to-toe royal blue ensemble. Such a vibrant color can be very intimidating, yet incredibly striking. Outfits done in this shade should accentuate the waistline creating a sleek body-fitting shape. It complements all skin tones and should be worn with minimal jewelry and accessories and the simplest shoes.

(Photo: Billy Reid, Imitation of Christ by Tara Subkoff, Lanvin and Ruffian)

Color: Sea Green
Whether it’s done in lace, knit, tulle or iridescent satin,this shade of green adds a sense of properness and sophistication to the look. An ensemble featuring this color should be understated, with light makeup, hair pulled back and remaining parts of the outfit done in simple black or white. Sea green has an aura of mystery about it, thus can be worn for any occasion: as graceful eveningwear or a purely casual every-day look.

(Photo: Charlotte Ronson, Tibi, Hermes and Tadashi Shoji)

Color: Pastels
Many are afraid of looking faded in a completely beige outfit, yet this season nude shades are incredibly contemporary and notable. Models strutted down runways in light, graceful and entirely pastel-colored garments. Pieces done in these shades had lots of movement adding liveliness to the look with the help of shadows. Pair such a feminine outfit with pastel shoes and accessories and add a pop of color with daring bright lipstick.

(Photo: Jill Stuart, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, Thakoon and Victor & Rolf)

Color: Black and White combination
Tossing these two colors into one outfit instantly adds a masculine touch. Designers offered modern structured silhouettes in these two hues incorporating other trends such as leather and layering. To rock this trend, pair symmetrical shapes in solids with leather pieces and dressy pumps. Don’t try to underwhelm the sternness of the look with any other colors; keep it strictly down to black and white.

(Photo: Derek Lam, Isabel Marant, Sonia Rykiel and Victor & Rolf)

00:29 | 0 comments | Read More

Three New Brands to Watch in 2013

 By: Devin Cole

With fashion week quickly approaching, the anticipation is palatable here in New York City as we wait for the frenzy of glamour that is about to descend upon the city. Fashion week is wrought with a wealth of different shows and parties to attend and often newer designers get lost in the mix as we plan our schedules. We are here to give you the scoop on some up-and-coming brands that aren’t to be missed!

#1 Gunas

Gunas, founded by head designer Sugandh, is a shining example of how you don’t need to compromise your values to have the wardrobe of your dreams. A proponent of conscious consumption and an avid animal-lover, Sugandh has created a line of accessories that is 100% cruelty-free and sweat-shop-free. The name “Gunas” means “Attributes and Qualities of Nature”, a tribute to the creatures that she works to protect. You won’t find a ratty pair of Birkenstocks on this savvy business lady though; her work easily rivals non-vegan accessory lines with its progressive designs.

Once Sugandh started her line she was pleasantly surprised to find that there are a lot of like-minded consumers out there who were thrilled that she was catering to the vegan market so stylishly. Her designs have been proudly brandished by celebrities like Sherri Shepherd, Jenny McCarthy, and Anne Hathaway. She has received critical acclaim from numerous publications including Marie Claire, TIME Magazine, Veg News, Fashion Me Green, and Accessories Magazine. This designer has an international perspective on fashion which gives her line a sleek edge that is usually only found in European labels. As a result, her fan-base has swept across the globe with customers all over Europe, in Canada, Singapore, Australia, and Germany.

 

A piece from Gunas’s VIBE collection.

After being shocked to find that a conscientious line could look so fashion-forward, I had to speak to Sugandh to find out more.  This eloquently spoken designer’s passion for her work quickly became evident in our short conversation.

Me: What was your inspiration for your 2013 collection?

Sugandh: Well actually we just started a studio in India this year. I have a lot of family that is back in India so I decided to start a studio. I just thought this year that it would be nice if I could dedicate my collection to animals that I specifically find in the Indian environment. So I looked at a lot of peacocks and exotic animals in general. So you’ll see a lot of texture, metallics, beadwork, you will see a combination of all of this

Me: What kind of music are you listening to right now?

Sugandh: I listen to a lot of trance, I love hip hop, and of course because I am Indian, Bollywood music. It is basically just a combination of anything.

Me: Tell me a fact about yourself that I won’t find in your bio.

Sugandh: Well I have traveled to over 25 countries and I speak and understand about five languages. Yeah, that’s not on my bio.

Sugandh’s designs will be featured at the Loveit show during fashion week!

#2 Rotten Banana

Head designer of Rotten Banana, Civic Lee, has gotten a lot of attention for his ethereal nature-inspired garments. The collection embodies the spirit of this kind-hearted designer who strives to spread love and joy to his customers. Lee was on the Dean’s List when graduating from Parsons and has continued to flourish ever since, being quoted among the Best 50 New Generation of Hong Kong. He also humbly accepted the honor of having his uniform design adopted by the historic Forbidden City of Beijing. As the first Asian Designer, they staged a poetic debut of cultural and fashion exchange <qi of LOVE> at the prestigious Salle des Illustrs, Place du Capitole, France

Now you can get to know Civic a little better before you go check him out during Fashion Week!

Me: What was your inspiration for your 2013 collection?

Civic: To visualize the invisible, joy is an intangible emotion that we visualize and design into our collection. Our customers can feel the joy when they wear our pieces.

Me: If you could give an essential piece of style advice to women what would it be?

Civic: The curve at the back of neck is simply elegance. It’s the part which most women neglect the subtle beauty of it. Be playful, Pull your hair up!

Me: What do you think makes your line different from others?

Civic: Even though Rotten Banana is a womenswear label, each piece of our collection is created in both men’s and women’s fabrics. We are pioneering techniques of structuring. We always drape our garments when conceptualizing each design. Our clients will experience the tailored forms that highlight their body shape yet maintain the fluidity of their feminine beauty.

Me: What kind of music are you listening to right now? Do you have a favorite song?

Civic: Jazz. Well, “New York State of Mind” just popped up in my mind.

Me: What is your favorite part about working in the fashion industry?

Civic: The constant interaction that I have with all types of people. I aspire to share my positive energy that inspires others to keep dreaming. Rotten Banana shares the joy to those who are tempted to give up. It acts as a reminder of why and how they have come this far.

Me: What is your least favorite part?

Civic: Getting lost in translation.

Me: Tell me one quirky fact about yourself that I can’t find in your bio (it can be anything!)

Civic: My name is Civic. Every time right after I introduced myself to new people, they would say it reminded them of the Honda they used to get around when they were younger.

#3 Kahri by KahriAnne Kerr

Khari is a contemporary women’s line founded by head designer KahriAnne Kerr. Don’t be fooled by her petite stature or her youth, KahriAnne designs with a sophistication that maintains a feisty edge. Not shying away from bold colors and prints, she creates what she calls “hip, funky, rocker, chic, contemporary women’s clothing”. Although she will not be showing at fashion week this season, she is definitely worth mentioning as a new designer to watch.

KahriAnne was never one to blend in and lived by her own style code. Born and raised in Iowa (not exactly the fashion capital of the world), she refused to be confined to her limited wardrobe options and began making her own clothes in high school. After winning “Most Promising Designer” at BYU-Idaho she started her own line in 2002. KahriAnne sold in boutiques in Iowa where her funky designs quickly flew off the shelves. She decided that it was time to take her brand to the next level and moved to New York City.

 

KahriAnne gives me a sneak peek of her 2013 collection, inspired by the 1920s, art deco, and music by Sia.  “Her newer albums are very funky and upbeat so I wanted something more colorful and fun.”

Showing no signs of her rural background, her audacious designs caught on in the big city as well. Receiving  the “Rising Star of Fashion Week” award from Lord & Taylor for her Spring 2011 collection, and winning the third episode of “24 Hour Catwalk” by Alexa Chung, she remained poised to become a contender in the contemporary women’s market. KahriAnne has sold in 20 boutiques in the US, Spain, Austria, Spain, and Israel. She has also dressed celebrities like Kanye West, BET’s Melissa Ford, and Keenyah Hill.

KahriAnne graciously invited me to her workroom in upper Manhattan to have a quick chat and get to know her better.

KahriAnne’s workroom

Me: what do you think makes your line different?

KahriAnne: I call my line hip, funky, rocker, chic, contemporary women’s clothing. I think my stuff’s a little different because I like it to be edgy but not so edgy that you can’t wear it. I think my line is very wearable but a little bit more unique than what’s already out there.

Me: Any other music that you are listening to right now?

KahriAnne: Well this year has been a good year for some of my favorite artists. New Garbage came out and I’m really excited for, in a few weeks, No Doubt. And new Cat Power is coming out.

Me: Is there any beauty product that you couldn’t live without?

KahriAnne: Pretty much all of them, I love makeup! Mascara, in particular.

Me: Any specific brands?

KahriAnne: Anything that’s cheap at the drugstore, Cover Girl, Maybelline, I’m not fancy.

You can purchase KahriAnne’s designs at www.kahri.com.

00:25 | 0 comments | Read More

Duckie Brown S/S 2013

By: Felipe Francois

Today was the second day of one of the most anticipated events in the fashion industry – New York Fashion Week. High fashion, fresh looks, and new faces will showcase in various venues around the city through the 13^th.

One of the designer lines featured in Thursday’s shows was Duckie Brown, a New York-based men’s fashion line. The line has been around for over ten years and was created by Steven Cox and Daniel Silver. As the fashion media and enthusiasts emerged from their long hibernation of last year’s fashion week, there was a sense of eagerness to fill their appetites with the glamour and satisfaction that Duckie Brown was poised to fulfill, and fulfill they did.

Some of Duckie Brown’s latest inventions were buffalo plaid drop-crotch sweats, flannel parachute-overalls, and function-defying belt loop accessories which seemed to deviate from the traditional menswear. On the other hand, Daniel Silver seemed to walk the thin line with precision, walking one step forward and taking two steps back from traditional menswear.

00:23 | 0 comments | Read More

Ivana Helsinki S/S 2013

By: Felipe Francois

A story about a solar eclipse in the 1940s in Finland was the inspiration for this season’s look at the Ivana Helsinki fashion show. Featured in the show was a short film about the events of that day about 74 years ago, an event so sudden and gloomy that many thought it was the end of the world. The film, however, incorporated high fashion and dramatic choreography to add to the effects. But the show didn’t end there.

Afterwards, the models walked down the runway one by one wearing varying degrees of styles and colors, from pretty florals to simple monotones to bold prints. To the delight of the crowd, some of those in attendance wore 3-D glasses to enjoy the effects of the first set of models’ legs, which were adorned with special paint in bright colors to create the illusion. The last set of models strutted down in floral dresses, some short, some long, some fitted, and some flowy while colors ranged from deep blues, dark and light greens, and burnt oranges.

Paola Suhonen who is the artist and creative mind behind the fashion line, explained that her line featured a lot of silk, and the lighter green styles were made with basic cottons, which act as a good base for the color.

The models took their last walk and the runway was filled with a medley of colors and patterns. “It was a moment of never ending light or eternal darkness.”

00:23 | 0 comments | Read More

GBK CELEBRITY GIFT AND STYLING LOUNGE

By: Marty Cake

Fashion Week isn’t only about clothes and models, it is also a time for the unveiling of many new products that are important in the fashion world but don’t get the same attention.  The GBK celebrity gift and styling lounge at the Empire Hotel is the place where many of these new and little know products get their opportunity to shine.  For those of you who didn’t have an exclusive invite here are some of the products I was impressed with.

Tweezerman:
The beauty tool experts have perfected all of the grooming tools necessary to stay on top of your game. Some of the products they gave away included stainless facial hair scissors- perfect for brow, ear, nose and facial hair and tweezers with precision point tips. They also sell an array of other tools such as eye lash curlers, eye lash combs, nose hair trimmer kits, and shaving brushes. Tweezerman should also be applauded for their charitable donations to cancer research.

Hard Candy makeup:
They pride themselves on bringing high quality affordable make-up for all occasions, their gift bags included lip gloss, eye shadow, and mascara.

Beyond the Rack gift card:
They were giving away $50 gift cards at Beyondtherack.com, which has all your high end shopping needs at great prices.

Pilot Pen:
Well known and dependable pen maker pilot has introduced the FRIXION erasable gel pen. For so many of us our dreams have been answered, no longer will the curse of poor penmanship affect our daily writing activities. It uses thermo-sensitive gel ink that with erasing friction will remove all traces of our unsightly mistakes, without damaging the paper. This pen is truly functions like a pencil, unlike prior erasable pens that have come along in past years.

BLINKZGEAR bags:
These are highly versatile bags that allow you to change the front covers which is attached via zipper. This gives you the opportunity to have as many new bags as you would like. The bag is water resistant, wipes clean and is extremely durable.

00:22 | 0 comments | Read More

TADASHI SHOJI S/S 2013

By: Alexis Schroeder
Images by: Rebekah Schott

Simply put, WOW. Tadashi did it again. He took us on an ancient tour around the world all in a matter of minutes and without leaving our seats. Brilliantly, he catered to our anticipatory butterflies with a trance like edgy cool beat. The shows ambiance of breezy blues and blacks that swirled on the walls catered to a mystical oasis setting.

The music took us from Lincoln Center to an upscale exotic paradisiac.  As the show was about to begin, the rhythm subtly pounded throughout the waves of people.  Our first stop on Tadashi’s Spring/Summer collection docked in Venice for vintage Venetian cutwork and embroidered lace.  His desert bloom embroidered banded lace sheath dress was just the right amount of youthfulness, yet sophistication.

As we made our way through the ancient cities, we ventured to Xi’an, China.  Here, after procuring elegantly printed chiffon inspired by the caves of Dunhuang, he mastered the craft of combining materials, creating ethereal gowns.  Models look as if they were floating down the catwalk surrounded by explosions of color.  Particularly, the rose dust chiffon and lace piecework strapless tea length circular skirt dress was an elegantly playful woman’s dream.

Other colors included in his palette consisted of jade, China blue, pale iris, ivory, black, nude, terracotta, and paprika.  Working with light, airy materials he draped his models in lace, gazar, printed chiffon, tulle, silk georgette.  Capturing the audience in wanderlust, Tadashi married antiquity with modernity amalgamating ancient culture with that of the 21^st century.  Truly inspiring his crowd, he not only created clothing that was perfect for Spring/Summer, but he captured our hearts with this purely innocent and cultured collection!

00:21 | 0 comments | Read More

Mathieu Mirano 360 Part 1

By: Alexis Schroeder

Returning to the tents at Lincoln Center this 2013 Spring/Summer Fashion Week, and despite his young age of 20, New York native, Mathieu Mirano, has sparked critics’ attentions. After leaving Parsons a year early, he seems to have us in the crux of his abilities.  A few weeks after leaving school Mirano was featured in Women’s Wear Daily showcasing his “quickly made nine piece collection which is just beyond I [Mirano] could have ever dreamt for myself.”

With his “great support system, wonderful team, incredible parents, and endless inspiration” excitement ensues as he prepares for this fashion week.  As he “gets as much sleep as possible, eating well, strength training and cardio every day,” this young prominent designer readies himself to take on fashion week hoping to leave behind a lasting impression.  While growing up, Mirano delved into the artistic world at an early age.  Certainly being a trained pianist and gymnast, experience in the fine arts, and his “determination to join Cirque du Soleil put his creative juices to work from the beginning.

Even though matriculated, but never graduated from Parsons, this designer has matured his mind in a very artistic way, which will be exciting to see develop and evolve over his career.   Coming from a background of travel and a family of scientists, Mirano draws much inspiration from geology and biology, particularly this season.  He hopes to have designed a collection for the woman in her “twenties, thirties, or forties.  She doesn’t take herself too seriously, especially with all the humor in the clothes.  Her confidence is high and wants to be noticed.  Above all, she has an appreciation for the craftsmanship and artistry in the clothes.”  Even if that description doesn’t quite fit your personality, with his exuberant enthusiasm how can you not lose yourself in his clothes?

After trying desperately to get him to spill the beans on his inspiration before his big reveal on Monday, September 10 at Lincoln Center, it was a fruitless effort.  I can say however, it is certainly not to be missed as his collection is filled with a brilliantly rich color palette, a combination of materials and embellishments and the “embroidery is stellar!” I think I can speak for all of us, when I say…BUTTERFLIES!

Undoubtedly, Mathieu Mirano is the next up and coming designer we should all keep our eyes on.  Because of his young age and his relatively newness to Mecca, or for the not so much fashion die-hards, New York Fashion Week, he has the potential to bring a freshness and excitability that we are all anticipating!

00:16 | 0 comments | Read More