The Scoop With Anoop

Many recognize him from the hit tv show “American Idol” as a celebrity favorite and first ever 13th finalist. Now, Anoop Desai is shattering tradition and making pop culture history.

With the release of his debut album All is Fair, Anoop has already made a notable impact on the music scene topping the iTunes Pop Chart at 14. The album blends Pop, R&B, and Indian influences to create a unique independent sound. After collaborating with Grammy Nominated Producer/Engineer Ian Schreier (Gnarls Barkley, Velvet Revolver, Cash Money, Morrison Poe (Nile Rogers), Obie Trice, Big Pun, 9th Wonder, and Mystical), and co-writing/producing tracks with close friends Josh Hoge, Zach Crowell, David Mikush, and Brandon Rogers (“American Idol”) Anoop is ready to release even more songs with the deluxe addition of All is Fair on November 9th, 2010.

We sat down with Anoop to talk more about his album, geek chic style, and the meld of music and fashion.

What inspired the sound of your debut album?

I’ve always been a pop music junkie. From listening to the radio while I waited for the bus in elementary school to discovering Motown and southern rock, pop music has always affected my musical sensibilities. My debut album was crafted around this sensibility: catchy songs with lyrics that can speak to a variety of people in different situations but all, ultimately, based on my life and experiences.

What is your favorite song off the album?
The title track, “All is Fair (Crazy Love)” is a personal favorite of mine.

You have a very keen sense of style and you’re calling it geek chic. Tell us about it and what influences your look.
I’ve never tried to be someone I’m not, so I’ve taken from everything I’ve ever been a part of- from southern fratty to geeky glasses. I’m trying to meld them all into something that’s uniquely me but also accessible.

Who are your favorite designers?
Moods of Norway is my go-to right now!

How do you feel music comes together with fashion?
I try and dress the way my music sounds– colorful, tendy, and polished but always accessible.

Photo Credit: JSquared Photography

HEAR: The EC TWINS

From the U.K. to Los Angeles, international house music deejays The EC TWINS, otherwise known as Marc and Allister Blackham were born to spin and mix records. With house music running through their veins, these twins are shaking up the club scene all over the world.

The EC Twins started their careers as entrepreneurs constantly challenging themselves and keeping busy working their way up the music industry ladder in Edinburgh, Scotland. Within the past five years they relocated to Los Angeles, initiated a buzz in the local music scene with their high energy, unique style, and fresh beats as house deejays, and recently started producing their own tracks.

The EC Twins are not your average house music bumpin’ deejays, their U.K. flare is revolutionizing the club scene in the U.S. We recently sat down with the twins to talk music and style.

Tell us about your latest project, we understand you are not only DJing but you are currently producing too?
Yes, we have been locked away in the studio working hard for the past 12 months. It seems like we haven’t seen any sun whatsoever all summer. We produced for many years back in Europe but never under our EC Twins moniker. We decided to release our new productions under the name of “The E.C Twins” so that people become aware that we produce as well. Our first release, which is a remix of Paul Harris and Second Suns track “Doing It Well” has been a huge success and looks set to become even bigger. We plan on releasing a new track every month over the next 12 months, including remixes of other artists work alongside our original tracks. We are about to release our latest track “I Wanted” that will be followed up with an EC Twins remix of Paul Oakenfold’s latest single. We love to collaborate.

There are so many sub-genres of house music, which is your favorite and why?
Sub-genres in house music can cause controversy and can be difficult for some artists and DJ’s to embrace. However, we love everything house and play every single sub-genre whenever we can. It’s much more exciting that way. Disco, Tech, Funky, Deep, Soulful, Electro, Dub step, bring them on we love them all! Versatility is something we pride ourselves on.

What was it like playing at the Electric Daisy Carnival?
We have only been to EDC to represent one of our residencies MELODIC. We had a stage at EDC in 2009, but concentrated more on the production so we did not perform. In 2010 we went to EDC to support Second Sun with their performance of “Doing It Well”, but we have never actually played an entire set there. Obviously for us as artists, playing festivals like EDC and COACHELLA are the pinnacle of our live-performance dreams come true.

Tell us about each of your fashion style, as twins do you have different styles?
For many many years we were known for wearing tailored suits when we performed. In many ways it was costume to disguise our poor upbringing. When we began touring in places such as Singapore where the humidity is insane we had to re- evaluate our wardrobe choices. We wear anything from dressy costume level clothing, to t-shirts and casual clothing depending on the type of performance. Fashion has always been a very important factor to us and our crowd. Dressing up is fun, and at the end of the day that’s what we are best at (having fun).

Who is each your favorite designers and why?
British designer Vivienne Westwood holds a very important place in our hearts. Her history and unique attitude is something we always felt drawn towards. We met her many years ago while on tour in Milan, and since she liked our image she actually used us as models in some of her first men’s shows. Wearing her suits was a pleasure, and having them personally tailored by Vivienne and her team made us understand even further how talented she is. She doesn’t take things too seriously and adds a touch of theatre to her clothes, which we love.

http://www.eyecandytwins.com/

The Philadelphia Collection 2010

(PHILADELPHIA) August 30, 2010 – Last week, Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced details of The Philadelphia Collection 2010, a series of fashion and style events that will take place across the city, from Thursday, September 23 to Saturday, October 2.

The core of this new series brings together independently produced fashion events that have already been part of Philadelphia’s style calendar, and, under the umbrella of The Philadelphia Collection 2010, will be promoted together, with new events, within a cohesive marketing plan. The initiative is the result of a partnership between the Office of the City Representative, Center City District and The Philadelphia Retail Marketing Alliance.

“Philadelphia is rich in talent in the fashion and retail community,” said Mayor Nutter. “Our goal is to ensure a very healthy and robust retail and design industry, while stepping up the visibility of our existing retailers and designers. We are proud to create an event in which the entire city can be involved, whether it’s retailers hosting a trunk show or panel discussion, or consumers coming out to enjoy these great events.”

Retailers, boutiques, stylists, designers, modeling agencies and design schools are all represented as part of the schedule of events over the ten day series.

Featured events include Phashion Phest (now in its 17th edition); Macy’s Fall Fashion Show with guest Nigel Barker; two Nicole Miller events including an “EcoArts” event with Philadelphia’s own world-renowned architects Venturi Scott Brown & Associates; the Rittenhouse Row Fall Gathering; Boyds “La Bella Vita” event with the Italian Trade Commission; the FBH Fashion and Style Show; Ron Wilch’s “Taking the Streets” fashion show and live concert; and Student Window Designs at The Gallery at Market East, with The Art Institute, Unique Memories and TP Enterprise.

“Presenting these fashion events – whether established and familiar or new and innovative – under one marketing and promotions brand, The Philadelphia Collection 2010, makes it easier for residents, consumers, and visitors to get information in one place,” said Melanie Johnson, City Representative. “Retailers and other partners will have our brochures in their stores, and a new website will be ready very soon to help people decide which events they want to attend. We’re excited about the possibilities this marketing strategy will bring to the City and to our valued retailers and area design programs.” The website can be found later in the month at www.thephiladelphiacollection.org.

One of Philadelphia’s most iconic anchors, Macy’s, will be promoting the 10-day series throughout the region. “Macy’s is extremely excited and proud to be a part of this wonderful city initiative designed to highlight our impressive fashion community here in Philadelphia. As a national retailer, an event like this helps us to strengthen and build relationships with community partners in the industry, while learning more about what Philadelphia’s fashion talent has to offer,” said Ed Goldberg, Macy’s SVP of External Affairs.

Main sponsors and supporters of The Philadelphia Collection 2010 are the City of Philadelphia, the Center City District, the Philadelphia Retail Marketing Alliance, Philadelphia Style Magazine, 10 Rittenhouse Square, MY 106.1 FM, and the Philadelphia Inquirer. Additional support comes from Reinhard Model and Talent Agency, and Bart Blatstein and Tower Investments, with others pending.

A complete list of all events, free movies, workshops, trunk shows, and in-store events will be available on the website listed above.

About The Philadelphia Collection 2010

The Philadelphia Collection 2010 is a series of fashion and style events that will take place throughout the city from September 23 to October 2, 2010. The fashion series is designed to promote the city and all aspects of its fashion economy, including its impressive “collection” of retailers, boutiques, stylists, designers, modeling agencies, design schools and fashion/design students. Events are independently produced by local producers and retailers and will include fashion shows, trunk shows, lectures, movies, live music and more. Founding partners are the City of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Retail Marketing Alliance (www.philadelphiaretail.com) and the Center City District.

SINK YOUR TEETH INTO ANNELIESE

Best known for playing the comedic sidekick, Chelsea Daniels for six years on the Disney mega-hit and Emmy winning show, “That’s So Raven,” Anneliese van der Pol is breaking out of her tween image and into a sexier comedic actress with her new role as “Jennifer,” in the 20th CENTURY FOX/NEW REGENCY spoof comedy “VAMPIRES SUCK.” Fans are excited to see her on the big screen and in yet another comedic role. You are guaranteed to get some great laughs after watching her do what she does best spoofing Anna Kendrick’s “TWILIGHT SAGA” character Jessica.

Anneliese has paved the way for success from the beginning of her career as the youngest actress in US theatrical history to play the role of “Evita” in a professional production. She then went on to make her Broadway debut as Belle in “Beauty and the Beast,” being the 17th and, to date, final Belle. Her talent has kept her busy with constant productions, and given her the opportunity to work with huge stars like Grammy-winning artist India Arie, Jake Gyllenhaal, Ben Stiller, Christina Applegate, Debra Messing, and Greg Kinnear.

We sat down with Anneliese to get the scoop on her new film “VAMPIRES SUCK,” changes in her career, and what else… fashion!

Tell us about your role in “Vampires Suck.”
I play a character named Jennifer, portrayed in the original Twilight series by Anna Kendrick. This film is a very topical spoof so you will recognize a lot of the characters in it from recent films like “DEAR JOHN”, and of course “TWILIGHT.” The script is hilarious and I have some ridiculously funny lines. The movie stars a great cast, they were all amazing, and I had a blast making this film!

What was it like shooting a spoof for the biggest movie in teen history?
I know right? The popularity of the saga is stratospheric. It made us a little nervous while shooting to be making fun of such a well-loved series but I think everyone will find the humour in it.

Are you a fan of the Twilight movies and/or series?
I’m not a huge fan and I haven’t read the books but I do recognize their appeal. I think every girl longs for a gripping romance and I think Twilight is an engaging love story. It combines all that teen angst, true love and emotional drama and blends it with fantasy and that always makes for a rich and exciting movie. What girl doesn’t like a chick flick??

What’s changed with you since you were on THAT’S SO RAVEN on Disney?
I’ve been able to pursue an old love of mine since Raven closed…the theatre. I starred on Broadway and work shopped some new plays and musicals. I’ve been singing more and building up a strong repertoire. I’ve had a lot of time to relax and read scripts and think about what’s coming next in my career, which has been lovely.

Tell us about your love for fashion. Who are your favorite designers and why?
I do, I love fashion. Ever since the first grade when I refused to go to school in anything but my best party dress and the shiniest Mary Janes I knew the fashion bug had found me. I adore dressing up. The more glam the better! My wardrobe favourites at the moment are ultra high nude heels, my boyfriend jacket and Katherine Hepburn style slacks. Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors are the standbys for me when it comes to clothes. Their clothes are affordable and have style, femininity and that touch of luxury all rolled into one. I feel I can wear their clothes everyday and I always feel fabulous in them.

Spanx, a fashion do or don’t?
Spanx??? I have yet to try them. When I’m not feeling at my physical best I go old school and wear black on black on black. Sometimes I where control top tights. Does that count?

Who in Hollywood is a fashion icon in your opinion?
Fashion icons of mine include the Olsen twins. They’ve figured out a nice balance of edginess, class and vintage. They are brave and bold in their fashion choices and I think it pays off. I also think Kate Moss, Chloe Sevigny, and Cate Blanchett never miss. I know it’s cliché and I know she’s not a real person but Carrie Bradshaw’s wardrobe is the ultimate. If Patricia Field could dress me everyday I would be in heaven. If she’d like to live in my closet, I would allow her to.

Photo: Dimitry Loiseau/ DimitryL.com
Hair & Make-up: ValerieNoble.com

Southern Belles attract men

It’s no secret that men from all over the world are attracted to southern women— the secret lies in what these women possess. They have managed to be strong and confident, and yet still manage to remain utterly feminine with generous helpings of charm and grace.

Southern women are tough as nails on the inside but are very sweet— you won’t see them whining or complaining. They understand the art of taking care of their exteriors but know that real beauty comes from within and they tap into it often. Women of the south are extremely proud and dedicated to be the best that they can be. They want to look and act their best at all times.

Women everywhere can learn the art of southern charm and sparkle. These secrets have been passed down from generation to generation and are something that women everywhere need to know. Southern women carry themselves differently and therefore men respond differently. Here are a few secrets that every woman needs to know.

Relish and present yourself as a beautiful feminine woman. There is so much power in being a girl.

Let men know that you are interested in them but let them do the chasing. Relax and enjoy the process. Sit back and know that you are a catch. Realize that if a man doesn’t recognize you for the amazing woman you are -then ditch him.

Men like to feel special and cherished. Give sincere compliments and do little things that let him know that you appreciate him.

Confidence and independence are sexy. Men will run from a clingy needy woman. Remember a man can contribute to your happiness but he is not ultimately responsible for it.

Avoid panic and pursuit. Many women feel men pull away and go into panic mode. Sometimes a man will become frightened and need to pull away in order to assess his feelings. Let him go— he’ll come back when he misses you.

Remember that successful men are busy and have a lot of responsibilities. Southern women who land these men are patient, kind, endearing, flexible and can adapt to any kind of situation.

Disarm with charm… Remember that speaking softly, dressing in a way that

flatters you and basking in your femininity will disarm any man. Being too

masculine, aggressive or demanding will push men away every time.

Men will bend over backwards for a woman that he is crazy about.

Southern women carry themselves differently and therefore men definitely

Respond differently.

These tips have worked for the women of the south for generations. If you find that you don’t like the men you are currently attracting then perhaps you need to change your bait. Men love a soft-spoken well-dressed happy woman that flashes a big smile often.

Runway Hot New Products

The iPad


Spring cleaning task number one: Recycle all of those dated fashion magazines you have been meaning to get rid of. Yes, even the back issue featuring those John Galliano lace-up wooden pumps you’d gladly give up your apartment for. Besides, aren’t you tired of carrying around the slew of September issues come fall? With Apple’s iPad, the latest eBook reader and pocket PC, it is a very feasible task. The lightweight, glossy wide screen device puts over 10,000 books, newspapers and magazines (coming soon) at your fingertips. As a matter of fact, Runway will be made available via the Zinio App in the coming months. Not only is the iPad a great eBook reader, it is also a fully functional portable PC. It comes complete with iWork, ideal for creating spreadsheets, Word documents and diagrams on the go; as well as iTunes and Safari for Web browsing. On top of all that, photos and videos are delivered impeccably on the 9.7-inch LED backlit screen with Multi Touch display on IPS technology. It is available in three storage capacity’s: 16GB, 32GB, or for maximum storage, the 64GB model. Starting at $499, the iPad is available for sale via Apple.com or in Apple stores and has made Amazon’s Kindle the hyped-up product of the past. Check out the Runway Magazine app on iStore!

Pure & Petal Hair Perfume

This is Pure and Petal’s “Heavenly Clean”; just one of four scents created by chemical engineer Elizabeth Pyshnov when she decided one day that she wanted her hair to smell freshly-washed in between showers. After conducting market research, Pyshnov found that she wasn’t alone–in fact, 45% of women wished that their hair smelled fresh and clean longer. Have you ever tried to use eau de parfum on your hair, only to discover that the alcohol dries it out? So in 2006, after a year and a half in product development, Elizabeth launched Pure and Petal. The fragrances are healthy, containing natural essential oils, pro-vitamin B5 and silk protein (in lieu of harsh alcohol or silicone). In addition to Heavenly Clean, the fresh-out-of-the-shower scent (pictured), other scents include Linden Blossom, the sophisticated feminine scent; Summer Passion, the sexy, flirty scent; and Sublime Citrus, the radiant energizing scent. Each is available in a 4 oz bottle for $42.99 or the Limited Edition Gift set, which includes the 4 oz fragrance and 0.1 oz travel-sized fragrance. Purchase via www.purepetal.com.

Chanel Trompe L’Oeil: Chanel Temporary Tattoos

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel once said, “A style does not go out of style as long as it adapts itself to its period.” On October 6, 2009, Karl Lagerfeld took the late couturier’s advice with his own modern rendition of an 18 th-century barn raising. Except on Lagerfeld’s farm, Abbey Lee Kershaw isn’t wielding a pitchfork emblazoned with the Chanel logo. Instead, creative director Peter Phillips created the Les Trompe L’Oeil de Chanel, temporary skin art that prominently adorned the wrists and thighs of Lara Stone in look six and Kasia Struss in look 43. After seeing them on the runway, incorporating the tattoos into your daily wardrobe may seem like a challenge. However, compared to Karl’s other fashion endeavors (such as fur-lined motorcycle helmets) these tattoos are user-friendly and economical. Each package contains 55 designs including pearls, sparrows, chains, blossoms and the eponymous Chanel logo, and are available for purchase via Chanel.com for $75. To apply: Place chosen design face down on desired location, dab with water, wait thirty seconds and voila! Whether you are making a red carpet appearance this summer or vacationing in St Tropez, consider yourself branded.

Make Your Water Work for You

It’s summertime, and that means barbeques, vacations, and lazy days poolside. It also means that many of us are logging in extra time at the gym and cutting calories to achieve our ideal bathing suit bodies. The rise in temperature paired with all that exercise means you need to stay extra hydrated. But drinking the same plain water can get dull and boring. What if there was water that not only tasted good, but also provided nutritional benefits as well? The good news is that there is, and Runway searched high and low for some of the best hydration options.

SoBe Life Water offers a “lean machine” vitamin-enhanced beverage that is naturally sweetened with absolutely no calories. Additionally, it contains herbal extracts of ginseng and citrimax, which both aid in supporting weight loss. It is a great alternative to sugary soda or high calorie juice when you want something sweet. This tasty beverage also provides you with 100% of your daily dose of Vitamin C, as well as 35% chromium, 20% vitamin E, and 10% of niacin, vitamin B6, B12, and pantothenic acid. It also has no fat or sugar, and is very low in sodium and carbohydrates. If you’re looking to slim down this summer, this water will be your trusty sidekick at the gym, the track, or anywhere else. Recommended flavor: Fuji Apple Pear. You will be done with the drink before figuring out what fruit flavors taste better, apple or pear.

Skinny Water provides an excellent detoxification drink with no calories, carbs, or sugar. What it does have though is 7% of your daily value of calcium and 3% potassium. It helps to flush out toxins while adding beneficial nutrients. It also gives you a dose of EGCG, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps slow down the aging process, improves cardiovascular health, and repairs, strengthens, and ultimately maximizes cellular health. These four little powerful words have also been known to fire up the metabolism to aid in weight loss, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and protect cartilage. As if that wasn’t enough, Skinny Water also gives you a shot of citrus bioflavonoids, which also do many amazing things like fighting off allergies and the common cold. In addition, they improve the circulatory system. Recommended flavor: Peach Mango Mandarin, which tastes as tangy and delicious as it sounds.

Vitamin Water Zero simply tastes fantastic and has outstanding benefits. It provides you with a 40% dose of vitamins in the “B” family, including B3, B5, B6, and B12, as well as 120% of your daily value of vitamin C. This water provides you a quick alternative to taking the vitamin in its pill form, which assists in preventing the common cold. Naturally sweetened with truvia, a sugar substitute that comes from the stevia plant, you will want to stock up on this one so you aren’t stuck inside during summer with a cold. Besides all of these benefits, it gives you an extra kick with a pinch of zinc, which aids in digestion and strengthens immunity. As an added bonus, it also contains electrolytes which makes this the perfect before, during, and after work-out drink. Recommended flavor: Grape-Raspberry.

While Activate water may contain a measly five calories, it makes up for that with the healthy ingredients hiding up top. This water is unique in the fact that all of the vitamins are stored in the lid and you release the contents into the drink when you are ready to consume it. Not only is this an innovative approach, it was also fun! Because vitamins start to lose their efficacy over time as they sit in the water, this ensures that the supplements stay intact until you are ready to enjoy the product. Not only does Activate give you 100% of essential B vitamins which up your energy levels, but it also has the nutritional equivalent of 33 cups of blueberries, 8 bananas, and 29 apples, so it’s definitely a creative ay to drink your fruit. Activate uses the natural sweetener stevia as a sugar substitute. Recommended flavor: the deliciously refreshing Lemon Lime.

These four products provide mouthwatering ways to stay hydrated while scoring a healthy dose of vitamins and hydration. A water bottle is a must-have for all of your summer outings, as well as your sunglasses, sunscreen and beach towel. So why not try something new and healthy? These top four choices will keep your hydrated, healthy and revitalized throughout the summer season.

North Virginia Fashion Week

Revolutionizing excellence in fashion, business and community

Alexandria, VA– Nova Fashion Week (NOVAFW) is revolutionizing the art, business and social consciousness of fashion. An integral part of the growing Northern Virginia fashion industry, NOVAFW is exposing buyers and tourists from around the world to this “secret fashion Mecca” and all that Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland area has to offer both in fashion and international flair. NOVAFW will celebrate the region while creating both an impact and boon for its local economy. The event will take place from October 21-24, 2010 in Old Town Alexandria at Waterfront Park overlooking the National Harbor. A complete schedule is available on the event’s official website.

NOVA Fashion Week is a premier event for patrons, fashion aficionados, art and architect lovers, businesses and fashion industry insiders. NOVAFW offers an eagle’s eye view of the most sophisticated styles that Northern Virginia has to offer. NOVAFW utilizes the support of local and national based businesses to ultimately increase economic growth and opportunities for designers and business owners. NOVAFW builds and showcases a designer’s brand by highlighting fashion trends, and by supporting up and coming student designers in their pursuit to make names for themselves within the fashion industry.

NOVA Fashion Week is also an environmentally conscious leader in the region. Currently spearheading a campaign of informing the general public about what it means to be Fair-Trade, this exclusive event is also striving to help people learn about reducing their carbon footprint and become more eco-friendly using Waterfront Park in the heart of Old Town district of the city of Alexandria, as a walking hub and backdrop. Visitors can shop in the Old Town Boutique District, dine at several fine restaurants, and visit historical monuments such as the George Washington Masonic Memorial, the old Torpedo Factory and more.

The event’s proceeds will go to three amazing charities: The Lupus Foundation of America, Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, and Baby Haven. In setting the stage for the upcoming event, NOVAFW has revamped its website, which now enables visitors to donate directly to these charities, read about the latest happenings during fashion week, see sponsors and of course discover the latest fashion trends through its designers.

Prepare yourself for designs by Posh Couture, KAS Collection Inc, Tashia Senn, Natalia Sanz, Aidah, Project Runway’s Ra’mon-Lawrence Coleman, Elizabeth St. John, Andrew Harris and Durkl.

Current sponsors include: Comcast Cable, Live Wire 99, Bella Cosmetics, Redken 5th Ave NYC, Fly Open Skies, Petals DC, Skinfinity, the Paul Mitchell School of Hair Design at Tysons Corner, NewTwist Fine Jewelry, Union 206 Studio, Capitol Runway, Paint and Powder Cosmetics and Emmy Award Winning Makeup designer Suzanne Patterson.

For additional information, please contact Laurena Marrone at Grit PR & Consulting, [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> or 503.887.2644.

To learn more about NOVA Fashion week, please visit http://www.novafashionweek.com

Custo Dalmau Interview

Born from a motorcycle trip across America in the early 80’s, Custo Barcelona combines an influence of psychedelic California style and a love for graphic design, bold colors and extreme textures. The runway is where brothers Custo and David Dalmau experiment with creativity and emotions – not to showcase trends for the upcoming season.

Almost three decades after creating their first graphic tee, Custo Barcelona progressed to designing everything from suits to shoes to swimwear while staying faithful to their vision. Recently, the children’s collection CUSTO GROWING was launched for ages 4 to 14-years-old, providing fun, environmentally friendly clothing specifically built to last for kids. Last fall season, the Lowxury collection was introduced as a new staple for Custo Barcelona to provide items like reversible fur and jeweled dresses at affordable prices.

The fashion scene noticed Custo Barcelona from the influx of celebrities wearing the garments. What lures customers to come back for more is not only the sophisticated bold colors and graphics, but also the ability to provoke different moods and emotions through their clothing. Celebrity fans include Charlize Theron, Shakira, Christina Aguilera, Taye Diggs and Miss Universe Stefania Fernandez.

The S/S 10 collection was packed with funky patterns and graphics, fringe, and colors such as teal, fuchsia and yellow. Instead of actual fabric, pieces were created out of perforated yarns that made them uniquely transparent. Since the Dalmau brothers never cease to surprise, the F/W 10 collection was just as fascinating for New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. It shifts to an opposite color palette of bronze, steel, gold and black, with extreme textures and a dark energy. Named ‘Hairy Metal’, this collection revolves around graphics inspired by melted silver, mercury and red-hot iron contrasted with fake fur, wool and hair in every imaginable form. A new depth is reached for the fall/winter season from the graphic effects crossed with clean lines.

RM: Custo Barcelona fashion has been called not just a specific design, but also a specific lifestyle. What lifestyle do you feel your designs represent?

CB: An adventurous lifestyle.

RM: What are the muses that inspire the graphics in the F/W 2010 collection?

CB: Different animals, industrial structures, and a play on the rocker girl.

RM: Are there any modifications in production or manufacturing with this collection? Any new fabrics in use?

CB: For the first time we used a synthetic faux fur that is reversible and machine-washable, which is really amazing. You have two coats for the price of one and can throw it in the washing machine. Amazing!

RM: Custo, are your designs ever influenced by the architecture you studied in Barcelona?

CB: I would say they are more influences by travels and people then by architecture.

RM: How did you come up with the name and concept of ‘Hairy Metal’ for your 2010 fall/winter collection?

CB: It was the best way I could describe the combination of cold metals with long hair and synthetic fur.

RM: Do you have a favorite swimwear design, or designer, this 2010 season?

CB: I think the Custo Barcelona Swim Collection is pretty good, but that’s just me. The silhouettes are sexy and the prints are vibrant, the perfect combination for the beach.

RM: What is unique about the new children’s collection, CUSTO GROWING?

CB: The Collection itself is unique. You have a miniature replica of the Custo Barcelona adult line for the little ones, and since most children like to dress like their parents the response has been very good.

RM: The S/S 2010 was created around the concept of movement and lightness, while the contemporary Fall/Winter collection revolved around psychedelic animal prints, contrasting bright and dusky colors, and strong lines. What was your thought process between the two collections?

CB: Summer is about wearing lights fabrics and showing skin so this is the message we projected on the runway. Designing for fall requires a different mind-set. You have to think of yourself wanting to keep warm and staying fashionable so finding the right mix of fabrics and textiles is the key.

RM: Can you reveal to Runway readers any hints about what to expect from Custo Barcelona next spring/summer season?

CB: Always expect the unexpected. We use the runway to experiment on new styles, techniques, fabrics and combination, but they will have to stay tuned in for more details.

RM: Custo Barcelona was first shown in New York Fashion week when there was a time of openness and optimism in the U.S. fashion markets. Do you feel the industry is more difficult to break into now then it was when your collections first emerge?

CB: There is much more on the market today from when we started, but then the communication is also greater today.


Pre and Post Sun Products for Your Skin Type

The benefits of using sunscreen and post sun products for your skin are well-known. You may have been turned off from using pre and post sun products because you were using the wrong ones for your skin type. Just like your daily skin care regime is based on your skin type, your pre and post sun products should be too.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin types are highly intolerable to many product ingredients. This intolerance can lead to breakouts, redness and burning when using sunscreen. Another characteristic of sensitive skin is that it tends to burn easily in the sun, so do not skip your sunscreen!

Instead of skipping the sunscreen, use one specifically for your skin type, like Bare Minerals SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen. Just like other Bare Escentuals products, this one is excellent for sensitive skin because it is formulated without harsh ingredients like parabens, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes and petro-chemicals. It does, however, have calming ingredients like aloe vera extracts as well as vitamins to soothe sensitive skin while protecting it from the harmful effects of the sun. As a bonus, this product is a 2-in-1. It doubles as a foundation, and there are three colors to choose from that give you light coverage.

After spending the day in the sun, pamper your sensitive skin with a post-sun treatment like Korres Yoghurt Cooling Gel. It can be used on the face and body and refreshes hot, tired skin. The yogurt in this product helps to hydrate the skin naturally and also relieves any stinging associated with excessive skin exposure. Apply it after cleansing the face and be prepared to say, “Aaaahh.”

Normal Skin

Those with normal skin types need to maintain balance by protecting their skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Normal skin types have an even skin tone, which has a smooth texture and is free of the many skin woes that plague others. But just because you have normal skin now does not mean you should take advantage of it. Instead, you should protect it and make sure it stays in pristine condition by protecting it from the sun and other environmental stressors.

Kinerase, a high-end product line used by celebrities like Courtney Cox, has a fabulous daily moisturizer with sunscreen called Kinerase Daily Defense Lotion SPF 30. Sunscreen alone fights aging by fighting the sun’s harmful effects that cause premature wrinkles, sun spots and dryness. Kinerase takes this anti-aging battle one step further with their Daily Defense Lotion by adding the active ingredient, Kinetin, a powerful antioxidant. Kinetin aids the skin in retaining one quarter more moisture than skin retains on its own. Perhaps this is why Courtney Cox has a beautifully dewy complexion.

Normal skin types need extra hydration after sun exposure to maintain the proper balance in their skin. Hyaluronic Acid is one of the best ingredients for moisture retention. Use a product like Dermalogica’s After Sun Repair, which has Hyaluronic Acid, an ingredient to help maintain that proper moisture balance after your skin has been exposed to the sun. Hyaluronic Acid is known to hold 1,000 times its weight in water. That is some serious hydration! You can use After Sun Repair on your face and body to soothe hot skin and to treat any sunburned areas. The product feels cooling and soothing on skin and helps to moisturize dry, parched, sun-exposed skin.

Dry Skin

Dry skin can be easily characterized by its tight feel. Many dry skin types have pores that seem invisible as well as fine lines and possibly even flakiness. Sun exposure exacerbates dry skin conditions, so proper pre and post sun products are essential.

Pevonia Botanica Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30 is reviewed by consumers as one of the best sunscreens for dry skin. What makes this sunscreen so special? Not only does it deeply moisturize without feeling greasy, but it also protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Those that use it regularly like it for its lightweight fragrance, moisturizing effects and lightweight feel. You can use it daily underneath your makeup as well as all over the body.

Dry skin can become even more tight and dry after being in the sun all day. Fight the moisture loss by using a post-sun product designed to put the moisture right back into parched skin. One like Laura Mercier Intensive Moisture Mask helps to moisturize with a unique formulation of wheat protein and natural plant extracts. This product also fights signs of sun damage like uneven tone and brown spots by brightening skin with ingredients like root and saxifragra extracts.

Oily Skin

Those with oily skin types often try to avoid any type of lotions or sunscreens. Although this may seem like a way to beat the look of greasiness and shine, it isn’t. Oily skin needs both moisture and sunscreen just as much as any other skin type. Fight the shine with pre and post sun products that work with your oily skin type, instead of making it worse.

Cellex-C SunShade is the perfect sunscreen product for those with oily skin types. Not only is it oil-free, it has anti-inflammatory ingredients to help soothe oily skin that also suffers from acne. It can also be used by oily skin types who are on acne medications such as Retin-A. Cellex-C SunShade has an SPF of 30 and protects skin from premature aging woes caused by the sun.

Peter Thomas Roth Oil Free Moisturizer is a unique moisturizer for oily skin. If you have oily skin and have been avoiding moisturizers, this is the product to get you started. The product itself is lightweight and absorbs into the skin quickly. The lotion-gel does not feel sticky or greasy, yet it moisturizes oily skin wonderfully. It has azulene and allantoin as well as vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant to help soothe and protect skin after the sun.

Paris Fashion Week: Spring/Summer 2011

Paris Fashion Week brings each season’s hectic schedule of fashion shows to a close, capping off a whirl-wind tour of International fashion weeks that starts in New York, moves through London and Milan, and ends in Paris. As with each, PFW occurs twice a year, taking in the Autumn (Fall)/Winter and Spring/Summer seasons.

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