55 Secret Street

New York Fashion Week Spring 2010 Preview: Prabal Gurung

Photo by Jennifer Altman, The New York Times

Another collection I am looking forward to this season is by Prabal Gurung.  Sure, he's one of the "It" designers this season, but I can really get behind a guy who is inspired to make "clothes for the thinking man's sex symbol" and uses novelists Arundati Roy and Zadie Smith as examples.  Formerly the designer for Bill Blass, which closed last year, Gurung earned raves for his first collection last February during the Fall 2009 shows.  Raised in Nepal and India, he has been quoted as saying that he is in no big hurry to be the next big thing, but he may as well get ready:  His bold, polished looks in vibrant colors and luxurious fabrics constantly earn comparisons to Yves Saint Laurent.  Even though he is very grounded ("You have to go to Nepal to understand what real difficulty is.  The East Village — it’s not that bad.") I don't think "the next big thing" is too far off.

My Little Brown Eye... The September Issue

 

The September Issue, the documentary about the making of the September issue of Vogue, was released last week in New York and will openly widely on September 11.  I will head out to see it tomorrow after breakfast and make my own decision about the mixed reviews I have read. I was an assistant editor at GQ in the late 90's and I always tell the story of the one time I shared an elevator with Anna Wintour (at the former Conde Nast building at 350 Madison Avenue). No, she didn't speak to me - but she didn't toss me out either). [The September Issue]

Here's Johnny! Johnny Wright that is, the official hair stylist to First Lady Michelle Obama.  And Senior White House Advisor Valerie Jarrett.  And White House Social Secretary Desiree Rogers.  [W]

Rollasoles are ballet slipperesque shoes that are already available in vending machines in bars and pubs in England.  As far as I'm concerned, they should be sold on every street corner in New York City.  [Rollasoles] [New York Daily News]

Fashion's Night Out on September 10, 2009

 

Fashion's Night Out is September 10, 2009 - the first evening of New York Fashion Week - a series of events all over town - from parties to makeovers to serious GWP (gift with purchase) - to celebrate fashion and restore consumer confidence. Personally, I am very confident when there is a good deal to be had so I am expecting to have a good time. Over 300 retailers in every New York City borough are participating from Macy's (Rachel Roy will hold a fashion show featuring her new line Rachel Rachel Roy), Neiman Marcus (all 40 Neiman Marcus stores across the country are participating), Saks Fifth Avenue (Donna Karan and Carolina Herrera will be on hand to celebrate the openings of their respective new in-store boutiques).  Several stores will also have in-store sweepstakes with the chance to win prizes like a made-to-order wedding dress by Carolina Herrera  to a chance to a makeover on the Today show with none other than Bobbi Brown.  There is even free transportation around town to some of the participating stores (check the website for details).

Personally, along with a little shopping, I am looking forward to hearing Isaac Mizrahi sing. Yes, he sings!  He will be doing his cabaret act at Bergdorf's and I hear that Padma Lakshmi will be cooking - in the Men's store across the street.

Also, a limited edition t-shirt will be sold with 40% of the proceeds going to the National September 11 Memorial Museum at The World Trade Center.  There will also be a citywide clothing drive to support the NYC AIDS Fund.

 

Secret Weapon: Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Conditioner

I had been eyeing Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Conditioner for a while before I finally decided to give it a shot.  Coconut milk? Jojoba oil? Egg white protein? Sounds pretty good.  I use moisturizing conditioners almost exclusively to cleanse my hair, which is chemical-free again.  I will use the occasional clarifying shampoo if I feel I have excessive product in my hair, but for the most part, sodium laurel sulfate is like kryptonite to me so conditioner it is. 

I alternate the products I use frequently, but I find that this conditioner is quickly becoming a staple for me.  I find it is truly moisturizing without being too heavy and it doesn't hurt that it smells great and is not insanely expensive.  If you're not a fan of coconut like I am, you may like the Shea Butter version.

Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Conditioner $6.99.