Lingerie as Outerwear

By
Runway Magazine Editorial Team
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Sexy, naked and chic are three words that have been

describing this season’s hottest fashion trends, and the words leave much to the imagination. There is little doubt that images

of sensual lines, cool fabrics and the most tailored wardrobe pieces are rushing into your mind, and you aren’t too far off. In

fact, those three simple words are used to describe lingerie as outerwear, along with other lingerie-inspired outfits that graced

runways this season.

Before I launch into the world of lace and silk, the subject of anything inspired by lingerie brings to mind one of the best

pieces of advice I have ever received: buy lingerie for yourself and how you will feel in the piece, not for whoever will see you

in it. There is no doubt that fashion designers had that advice firmly in mind when they explored this season’s risqué trend.

Lingerie as outerwear is not a new idea, but it has seen new depths this year. While the old standbys have been revamped

and updated, there is an increasing trend to bring lingerie inspiration into the fashion palette and move away from

traditional lingerie pieces intended only for the bedroom.

Yes, corsets are still as popular as ever and designers such as Bottega Veneta have taken the corset and made it functional,

beautiful and ready to wear for both the office and a night out.It is the lingerie-inspired cocktail dresses and the pantless look

that is taking lingerie to the next level this year.

One of the hottest ensembles this year is the pantless look.

Designers from Dolce and Gabbana to Marc Jacobs brought new definition to the look with seamless lines, form-fitting

bottoms and a splash of the sensual. It has become a popular trend in Hollywood, and paired with oversized sleeved shirts or

tight bodysuits, the fashion-forward are proving that you don’t need pants to leave the house.

Although there is something daring about going pantless, designers appear to be going above and beyond with their

lingerie-inspired cocktail dresses.

Fendi has hit the mark with many of their cocktail dresses and

they played with an assortment of fabrics. A common theme

with the Fendi dresses is the short, baby doll-like cut that stops

high on the thigh. The dresses highlight enough skin to add an

edgy, feminine look but provide enough material to feel

conservative by some.

While many of their cocktail dresses are black on black, they

do offer a look at the softer side of lingerie with muted neutrals

and soft colors. Silk fabrics add a sense of luxury, while

feathers and sheer fabric bring playfulness to the dresses.

On the other side, Fendi also capitalized on the traditional

peek-a-boo style with their sheer cocktail dresses that feature

bold lines and highlights, and are perfectly matched to the

black bra and panties visible underneath.

Another designer that has mastered this season’s trend is

Sophia Kokosalaki. Although her cocktail dresses may seem

conservative to some, the mid-to-low thigh lengths are airy and

light. Silks and sheer fabrics are accentuated with lace and

the overall effect is captured in clean whites and soft neutrals.

Sophia Kokosalaki also plays with style, along with plunging

necklines that accentuate the wearer’s curves and feminine

allure.

Lastly, Proenza Schouler has taken the traditional slip dress and spiced it up with daring animal prints and hints of lace

and feathers. The lines are smooth and elegant and tend to be short, ending at mid-thigh, in a classic black and white palette.

There has been a definite shift in lingerie as outerwear and no look was left unexplored this season. Loungewear has

combined lace and sheer with traditional satins to create light and comfortable everyday wear. Corsets and garters add an

unexpected accessory to traditional outfits and peek-a-boo bras are being paired with oversized jackets and boy-cut shorts.

The best highlight of the lingerie as outerwear trend is also that no fabric is left unexplored. Lace, satin, sheer and silk are key

elements in this season’s most stylish dresses. There is an air of youthfulness to the designs, but they have grown up into

something more elegant than what has previously been seen with this trend.

DAWN OLIVIERI: The Interview

By
Runway Magazine Editorial Team
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Resilient yet tempered, honest and sincere, stunningly beautiful, and an undeniable raw talent are ways that actress on the rise Dawn Olivieri could be described. Her name has become synonymous in the entertainment business with strong, female characters, each one finely crafted by Dawn, which has trademarked her edgy and mysterious performances. Over the past five years Dawn has appeared in ten television projects most notably CBS’s “How I Met Your Mother”, HBO’s “Entourage”, NBC’s “Las Vegas”, SyFy’s “Stargate:Atlantis”, TNT’s “Trust Me”, NBC’s “Knight Rider”, TBS’s “My Boys”, and CBS’s “Cold Case”. In 2009, Dawn landed the role of “Lydia” on season 4 of the award-winning NBC series “Heroes”. In addition, Dawn was recently seen in the SyFy original movie “Hydra” as “Gwen Russell” which is available now on DVD, and is the voice of “Pepper Potts” in the new “Avengers” animated series. In 2010, Dawn’s film projects include the Hallmark film “Xtra Credits” which is in post-production, and she will be seen in the comedy “Drop Dead Gorgeous” and the thriller film “Dozers”.

The Interview

What do you like best about your work?

The endless possibilities…. What is your most memorable experience in show business?

There are so many special moments for me. Each time I have a breakthrough, I grow as a person as well as an actress. It’s kind of a funny question, because the most precious experiences I have as an actress happen while I am working, in the moment. Going back and logging it as an achievement almost seems indulgent. I prefer to show up, do my work the best I can, stay humble about the whole profession, and enjoy my life, doing what I love so much.

What is your favorite thing in your closet? My black, beat up motorcycle boots, I wear them everyday! (Florentini and Baker)

Who is your favorite designer? I am into vintage right now, so history is my favorite designer…

Who are your influences? Life… I’m like a sponge.

Where did you learn to act? It has always been there, I think I am just learning how to call on it.

What do you do for fun? I am an outside junkie, so anything involving fresh air, sign me up! I’m actually doing this interview in a hostel in Lima, Peru, so we could start with traveling. I shy away from gyms, but love getting a workout the old-fashioned way, sport style, so playing beach volleyball is a big one. Hiking, camping, and a little rock climbing is something I am just starting to get into. I love working with animals, painting, playing the guitar, photography, watching movies, and of course working! I realize how lucky I am to be able to say that.

What are your plans for the future? I don’t really plan anything, I find it limits the possibilities. What is your favorite movie and why? This changes constantly, but right now it is “Avatar.” It’s fantasy, mind blowing, but its message is so much more powerful. I bow down to James Cameron for such a work of art, I want to live there.

Where is your favorite spot on Earth? My head. In it I have dreams, my memories, my challenges, and everything in between. What time is your earliest call time? Time… it means nothing! If you work until 5 AM one day, 10 AM would seem like an early call time. What is the earliest TURN AROUND time? I worked on this one from from 8 AM until 6 PM one day, then had a night shoot on a movie I was doing from 8 PM all through the night, and had to go back into the other show the next day at 8 AM and work again all day. That was a tough one!

Are you a day person or night person? Night… What your advice to aspiring talent? Find what sets you apart. The real you. Truth comes from

The Seven Deadly Sins That Kill a Relationship

By
Runway Magazine Editorial Team
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Relationships can be fun and exciting in the beginning—and they can last for a lifetime if you avoid these 7 deadly sins. Any of these characteristics can be hazardous to yourrelationship and put it in a tailspin fast. Being aware ofyour behavior can help you avoid these relationship killers!

1. Clingy Clingy and needy will suffocate a relationship in no time.People are attracted to happy self-confident people. Itis a turn-off to be with a person who is consistently inneed of reassurance from a partner. Most clingy peopleare self-absorbed and require the continual adulation oftheir partner to make them feel whole. An underlying inferior complex is usually under the surface. People whohave recently experienced a break-up tend to exhibit this tendency.

2. Lack of Respect, Honesty and Inattentiveness All healthy relationships are based on mutual respect andhonesty. Without honesty a relationship has no chanceof ever coming to fruition. Mutual respect ensures thata relationship stays on track and solidifies the union. Without respect there can be devastating problems suchas conflict, or even abuse.Inattentiveness is a slow death to a relationship. Taking your partner for granted and not doing your part to maintainthe relationship is unfortunately one of the number onereasons people split up.

3. Jealousy Jealousy is a very negative and destructive force. It is ahuman weakness that must be kept in check at all times.Jealousy stems from a lack of self-love. It is not an easything to surpass, but it is the only way to overcome thetrust issues that arise in a relationship based on jealousy.This emotion is an unrealistic fear of loss and causes manycouples to split up despite their love for each other.

4. Unrealistic expectations What is it you expect from your partner? Do you suffer fromCinderella Syndrome? Do you expect Prince Charmingto charge in on his white horse and save the day? Wiseup— a man is not a plan. A man can contribute to yourhappiness but is not ultimately responsible for it. Make yourself happy and solve your own problems. By doingthis you will have a whole kingdom of Prince Charming’sbeating a path to your door. Being responsible for yourown happiness will make your relationship flourish.Love takes work, commitment and putting your partner’sneeds above your own. If you can manage that than youcan have a fulfilling relationship.

5. Setting the bar too high It’s shocking that so many people fall in and out of loveso quickly. Having high expectations from the beginningwill kill any real chance at a relationship. Not everyoneyou meet is a candidate for marriage— so stop picking outchina after the third date.Know exactly what you are looking for in a partner, but don’tset the bar too high. Enjoy the moment—unrealistic expectationswill eventually lead to self-induced discontent.

. Communication Disconnect The silent killer in a relationship is lost communication. Unfortunatelyby the time you detect the problem, it’s usuallytoo late. This is the fate of many long-term relationships.There are several ways to fight this. Creating new mutual interests that you can discuss is critical if you have nothingto talk about. If you are in a time crunch, then pick one day and really talk to each other. (Shut off the TV)Communication is crucial.

7. Mundane Routine Ever been in a relationship where everything starts to getstale, because it’s always the same? The same conversations,the same places and even the sex is the same.Well, the solution for this is obvious: Shake things up!Create new opportunities, go different places, meet newpeople and try something crazy together. The possibilitiesare endless; you just have to do it together.“Variety is the spice of life,” so add some spice!

Conclusion Knowledge is power. Being aware of your self-sabotagingbehavior in regards to the 7 deadly relationship sins canhelp ensure

Spring: Are you Ready?

By
Runway Magazine Editorial Team
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Spring. What a wonderful time of year to celebrate life. Are you ready for it – both spiritually and physically? Let’s take a look at what spring actually is and relate it to ourselves and our bodies. Springtime is the freshest part of the year – the season when the Earth warms and triggers our growth. As a lifestyle coach, this is the most exciting time of the year . Let’s take advantage of Earth’s spring cycle and begin our growth today. Let’s start with the basics.

1. Water. There is no better time than now to begin hydrating yourself. All chemical and electrical activities in the human body take place in a water environment. If you are in short supply of water, you will dehydrate and cause these activities to malfunction. Therefore, you must hydrate yourself every day. Begin by drinking one more glass a day than you usually drink. As your body begins to familiarize itself with this new hydration, eventually start drinking approximately 8 to 13 glasses a day. Remember that gender, age, environment and/or physical activity level all affect the amount of water you should drink each day. Within days you will notice your skin looking more pliable and radiant, you will not feel as bloated, and you absolutely will feel more energy.

2. Cleansing. I break cleansing into two categories – internal and external. Internal – Just as the seasons go through cycles every year, so should you. Think of your body as a machine – you take your car in to get an oil change every 3000 miles. When is the last time you gave your body a cleansing? I recommend cleansing twice a year minimally. Think about what you put into your body and what you breathe in everyday – probably not the healthiest elements. I love the SoCal Cleanse, as it helps release toxins from your seven systems of elimination. What’s great about this company is they are 100% organic. Why would you ever use herbs treated with pesticides when those same pesticides are what you are trying to rid your body from in the first place? Their packaging is also very progressive. When you are done with the container, simply bury it in your backyard, water it, and watch the flowers grow. External – Have you ever looked at the side of a building? Have you ever noticed how quickly your car gets dirty? Think of your own skin. Our skin is a living, breathing organ that performs better in a clean environment. I suggest you wash and moisturize your face twice a day. Always start with a mild form of cleanser and not soap. Afterwards, moisturize with upward strokes of the skin. I am a huge fan of Dr. Brandt’s Skincare out of Florida and really love his “Microdermabrasion.” This exfoliator lifts the dead cells away from the newer skin cells. The result? Always leaving beautiful, softer skin that will cause envy amongst your closest friends. Never exfoliate more than three times a week and always use the lightest pressure.

3. Exercise. Yes, but I don’t mean in the gym! Go outside and walk around your block. Climb that hill you drive past on your way to work every day. Play catch with your kids. As long as you are moving, your body is working (and loving it). You will start seeing your body tightening up with each stair climbed. Remember, this is the beginning of your life (and summer is just around the corner!).

4. Breathe. That’s right, simply BREATHE. It is so beautiful out there. How many times have you watched the sunset drinking a lovely cup of tea? My favorite is Art of Tea’s French Lemon Ginger. Next time you have a chance, look at the stars and concentrate on your breathing. Is it fast? Is it slow? Is it shallow or deep? With proper breathing techniques, you can lower your stress and anxiety. You can even energize yourself for that next dance marathon. Breathe…just breathe! Spring is the perfect time to start YOUR life. Remember, water, cleanse, exercise and simply breathe – you’ll be ready to conquer the world by summer. – Robert Green is the founder of Body Factory (BodyFactory.com), a health and fitness destination that infuses diet, fitness and spiritual awakening in order

Spring 2010: The Season for Bold and Beautiful Nails

By
Runway Magazine Editorial Team
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For those of you ready to throw caution into the wind in a bare move of freedom from boring nail colors, you won’t be

short of options this spring. You can be sure your fingers and toes are ready to sparkle, make a bold statement or simply

complement your latest outfit. Whether you are searching for trendy, staying power, new age or the latest designs, spring

2010 offers some exciting new colors and styles for those looking for a walk on the wild side.

Demanding finish and color to the perfect manicure is nothing new, but it still has its value as new trends are emerging.

New colors are designed to mesh with personalities, and with the myriad of options, the French manicure is truly the lazy

approach to nails. Semi-permanent polishes and chip-resistant gels are being offered by the top salons, along with custom

colors and designs tailored to the client’s wishes- even if you don’t want to drop a lot of cash.

Color Trends

The New York Fashion Week offered a glimpse into the latest colors expected to take center stage throughout

2010. One bold move includes a black finish on long, pointy nails with a futuristic glaze on the hands from a

paraffin wax dip. Bare moon manicures get an updated look with bold colors to complement piping in shoes

and clothes, and custom sheer metallic washes combine colors for a shimmery, subtle finish.

Bring Back the ‘80s

Big hair, leg warmers and blue nail polish may have taken center stage for at least part of the ‘80s, but

the decade was not without merit in its approach to color. Spring trends are focusing on these strengths by

suggesting bold, bright and colorful polishes, flecks of sparkle and fun patterns. For those who mourn the day

of bright pink and purple finishes, such bold moves are back and dominating the season, along with orange,

green and burgundy.

Soak-Off Gel Nail Polish

While soak-off gels are nothing new, the trend is quickly sweeping the nation as customers are drawn to the

staying power and custom blend shades. Soak-off gel polish allows healthy growth of real nails – or added

length – while delivering true color for two to three weeks without chipping. The UV light drying technique

eliminates dry time, smudging and dents while the process eliminates drills and files. The downside is a color

change requires complete removal and reapplication – if you have the time.

The Season of the Sparkle

Bling, it seems, can never go out of style; it simply moves its focus to a new part of the body. For this season,

it has landed on toes with a process called Bling It On Pedi. This pedicure uses 500 or more carefully applied

Swarovski crystals to create custom designs. A one-hour application can last a month, but can cost as much as

five times that of the standard pedicure. Whether you are looking for animal prints, holiday hues or even logo

art, any of these options can be had for the right price.

No matter what your personality or wardrobe demands from your nails in 2010, there is a color and finish that

can fit your style. Whether you want length, bold, muted or simply shine, the options this spring are too fun to

miss.

Green Glamour

By
Runway Magazine Editorial Team
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Whether you are walking the red carpet or just want to look like you are, it’s easy to be green and glamorous! These eco-friendly ideas will help you look great and be eco-conscious. Start with a blank canvas and a great foundation. Using natural cosmetics will help you to look as good as you feel! Tarte cosmetics are one of my favorites because it’s natural but performs incredibly well, so you don’t have to sacrifice while keeping your skin healthy. www. tartecosmetics.com Recycle your bag! Some of my favorite bags are made out of recycled materials. Ecoist.com created amazing bags made from recycled candy wrappers that are truly eco-chic! The Diva Clutch is just one of my favorites that will make you stand out where ever you go. Ecoist also plants a tree for every single bag sold. www.ecoist.com Support world art by checking out one of Escama’s handbags created from recycled aluminum can tab tops. Made by South American artisans, the purchases help support these artists and their communities. With a hip, rock and roll feel they are edgy and eco-friendly. www. escamastudio.com Harvey’s bags utilize recycled seatbelts in their Treecycle line, which is one of the staples of my wardrobe. Their new Lola Ruffle bag is made with repurposed seatbelts, and is very girly and red carpet worthy. www.seatbeltbags. com Bold, beautiful and made from recycled billboards, Vy & Elle (www.vyandelle.com) and GG2G (www.gg2g. com) both make stand-out bags from old billboards. In a variety of shapes and styles, they are perfect for day or evening. Bags are just one of the ways you can create eco-friendly vibes on the red carpet. Jewelry is an important part of any green glamour look. Did you know that your old wine and beer bottles can have a beautiful second life? Smart Glass creates unique jewelry make from recycled glass bottles. www.smartglassjewelry. com. Designer Mark Edge creates stylish jewelry from vintage materials. www.markedge.com. When in doubt, go vintage for old Hollywood glamour! For a red carpet gown made from organic and recycled materials, nobody does it better then Linda Loudermilk. Linda Loudermilk has been dressing some of entertainment’s biggest eco-friendly names to keep them looking green in couture style. www.lindaloudermilk.com One of the most important things about a spectacular outfit is the shoe selection. Your Manolos should watch out, because vegan footwear and shoes made from recycled materials walk environmentally easy and gorgeous at the same time! Olsen Haus shoes are high fashion vegan with some styles made from recycled materials such as TV screens. After reducing my feet to bloody stumps for the sake of fashion, I was amazed to find that Olsen Haus has everything I need and want in a shoe: killer design, vegan, eco-friendly, and as an added bonus, they are comfortable! Be sure to check out the metallic Atlantis sandal and cutting edge Fate linen and metallic multi-strap sandal. www.olsenhaus.com Stella McCartney is well-known for her high-end vegan designs. They are not only a celeb favorite, but a runway staple. The Spray Paint satin pump adds a touch of shine to a red carpet look and I am in love with this spring’s must-have, the gold multi-strap Quinn vegan sandal. www.stellamccartney.com To complete any green and glamorous look, arrive in green style without the gas-sucking SUV’s and old-school limos. The hottest vehicles are green now. Whether you arrive in the new GM Volt plug in hybrid, a Prius or even a sporty electric Tesla, you can really make a splash arriving in an eco-friendly vehicle. Michelle Harris is the host of the modern, organic living television series, “Alive & Well” with Michelle Harris www.aliveandwell.tv Twitter: greengirlca

TOP SPAS USA

By
Runway Magazine Editorial Team
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The Ritz Carlton, Key Biscayne

Melodic colors dance from the light of softly scented candles on the walls of this 20,000 square-foot four-star spa located in South Florida. The Ritz Carlton, Key Biscayne, is on a seven mile-long barrier island just south of South Beach. Key Biscayne offers the best of both worlds with its family getaways and romantic retreats. By blending comfort with charming shopping villages and golden beaches, this resort and spa has become the destination for people of all ages. The Ritz Carlton, Key Biscayne is deemed one of the top four spas, not only because of their remarkable ocean-inspired spa treatments or parade of activities, but also because of their Signature Coco-luscious line. The Coco-luscious line is a series of organic therapies that integrate the many health and beauty benefits of coconut. The line consists of a body treatment, facial, manicure and pedicure. Its healing oils moisturize the skin and heal it from sun damage, while the delicious tropical scents ease the mind into island mode. With over 20 treatment rooms and more than 60 oceaninspired therapies, The Ritz Carlton, Key Biscayne can be a destined haven for many of its guests. Unlike other spas of its kind, the Ritz Carlton, Key Biscayne provides private lounges and a full service salon dedicated separately to men and women.

Townhouse Spa-New York

The Dunton Hot Springs Spa (below right) isn’t the only facility combining the old with the new. The Townhouse Spa is an actual restored townhouse located in Manhattan, New York. This 6,000 square-foot townhouse-turned-spa has overlapping men and women spas that emerge out into separate floors. The Townhouse spa explores the true nature of being an “uptown girl” as well as a businessman or woman. The special treatment Uptown Girl includes a variety of sources to make a woman feel like a true celebrity. From hair extensions to eyelash extensions, there is no uncertainty that once you’re done with the treatment you will feel like a new person. Each floor has treatment rooms for facials and massages, steam rooms, showers and locker resources. The men’s floor has the Townhouse Spa Men’s Lounge, where the old boy’s club meets contemporary society. Men can watch sports and movies, or play video and board games in luxurious leather sofas and armchairs. The women’s floor is dedicated to eyebrow threading, make-up stylists, steam rooms, multi-purpose treatment rooms, private suites and much more. The Townhouse spa also offers a new exclusive spa treatment titled the “Magic Wand” which helps treat cellulite. The Townhouse Spa isn’t holding back from making every person feel like a Hollywood celebrity.

Golden Door Resort and

SPA-Escondido, California

Are you seeking a spa to provide you with the quintessential tranquil yet harmonious environment, while separating you from the rest of the world? By intertwining the exploration of life and a unique philosophy of personal health and fitness inspired by the ancient Japanese Honin inns, the Golden Door SPA offers a journey of complete inner well-being. In the peaceful pocket of northern San Diego, the Golden Door SPA is immersed in an atmosphere of rare privacy, embraced by an incisive relationship with nature. With over nine treatment rooms, 40 guest rooms and premier fitness facilities, the Golden Door provides its customers with a true sense of inner focus. The Golden Door Inner Focus retreat program helps individuals begin a path of adventure and self-awareness. Participants learn tactics of decreasing health struggles such as weight loss and smoking. After this weeklong retreat and a Golden Door Signature Citrus Blend Sea Salt Scrub treatment, you will have completely experienced the Golden Door journey of self-acceptance and comfort. The Golden Door stands apart from other spas of its kind because of its classic European spa techniques, luxury spa retreats and its deeply rooted inspiration for personal health. With over four locations worldwide, the location in Escondido is most preferred for its hiking and outdoor activities, fitness programs, luxury and that one-on-one time many crave.

Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado

The phrase “Don’t judge a book by its cover” has never been more relevant, particularly when it comes to this 19th-century influenced spa located in the San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Rockies. Dunton Hot Springs is an extraordinarily restored ghost town- turned-spa resort that offers guests a ticket to the past, along with a unique perception of adventure and relaxation. All within the convenience of your cabin terrain, guests can experience a variety of breath-taking adventures and massages. From the dusty trails reserved for horseback riding and archeological day tours, to the authentic Pony Express therapy room, this exclusive spa resort merges both archaic and contemporary elements to create therapeutic healing. Specializing in complete natural treatments that help nurture the body and mind, Dunton Hot Springs spa treatments also revitalizes energy flow. For example, the Meridian Balancing Treatment re-establishes energy flow to regain balance and peace, using a customized acupuncture point prescription. With over ten unique spa treatments and cabins, guests will surely have a hands-on approach when deciding where to stay, what to do, or which treatment to get. Some treatments, similar to the cabins, have specialized themes and can change according to the individual. The Pain Treatment, for example, modifies the body’s response to pain by stimulating the release of the body’s natural painkillers in the brain through acupuncture. Each diagnosis is individualized according to the specific body type. Whether by a dedicated treatment or by sitting in a steamy natural hot spring, the Dunton Hot Springs

HU Column: The Video Store Just Moved In

By
admin
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You have no idea how many press releases and column ideas arrive in my mailbox on a daily basis. Some of them actually warrant to be posted on the site while others find a new life in my trash folder. Today’s topic speaks to one of HU’s prime beliefs of “Convenience over annoyance” otherwise knows as Movies on Demand.

Now, before you think I’ve lost my mind or that I believe compact discs are considered cutting edge, bear with me a moment. Sure, you’ve all seen the not so subtle ads on cable touting its Movie on Demand service, but here’s where the plot thickens.

In what could be seen as a shot across the bow to home video stores like Blockbuster (or in my neighborhood, Hollywood Video), Hollywood studios and cable companies are actually working together to bring you the best of the best in movies the day they arrive on DVD. Suffice it to say, this collaboration could put chains like Blockbuster on financial life support and it’s doubtful that it’ll receive a bailout or a public option.

With Movies On Demand you don’t even have to get showered and dressed to travel to your local Redbox or burn the calories required to walk all the way to your mailbox to retrieve your red little envelope from NetFlix. Best of all, you’re not subjected to the whims (and often understocking) of your favorite monolithic video store when you want the latest copy of the latest action film or tear jerker. Yes, I consider Jackass III to be a tear jerker.

Over the next few months, the new Movies On Demand service will make the latest DVDs available for viewing the same day they appear in stores. That’s right, no more waiting. No more excuses and best of all, no more parking or wondering what psycho is parked next to you. That’s convenience.

Some titles, that will be available or are available now are 2012, Alvin and the Chipmunks 2 “The Squeakuel”, BandSlam, Armored, Astro Boy, Brothers, Crazy Heart and many more.

If Movies On Demand lives up to its claims, we can all say good bye to most movie rental businesses as we know it. By removing the actual physical element of receiving a DVD in person or via the mail, you never have to worry about a movie being out of stock or being unavailable.

Blockbuster may be seeing the writing on the wall, but it’s not going down without a fight. Despite facing bankruptcy and the backing of one of its major shareholders in billionaire Paul Icahn, the home video staple is taking steps to stave off Blockbuster’s presumptive demise.

On Monday, the video chain gained a modest boost in stock price due to speculation of studio deals designed to give it a four week head-start for rentals over competitors Netflix and Redbox. In addition, Blockbuster’s projected to have 10,000 of its own kiosks available this year, with DVD purchases available starting in June.

While Wall Street debates if these steps will save the video rental icon or merely hasten their demise as we know it, remains to be seen. After all, once upon a time, music fans were at the mercy of record companies and music chains? Wherehouse music, anyone?

What is known is that as companies fight for our entertainment dollar, it has to adjust to the times, whether it’s cutting out the middle man, increasing selection or cutting out the time that I actually have to get off the couch.

This is just another step in a fully digital lifestyle for all of us and if you don’t mind, I am going to go see what titles are available. If you want more info on this check out http://www.cablevideostore.com/

Hollywood Unwrapped by Jeremy Meyer is an opinion column. The opinions expressed in this column are solely the opinions of the columnist and are not necessarily the opinions of Runway Magazine or any other outlet that publishes this column.

Puma’s “Clever Little Bag” Will Replace The Shoe Box

By
Runway Magazine Editorial Team
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Puma and the Fuseproject design firm have released a “clever little bag” design to replace the traditional shoe box, just in time for Earth Day. After three years of planning and designing, the bag is just the first of many projects that will overhaul the brand.

“Rethinking the shoebox is an incredibly complex problem, and the cost of cardboard and the printing waste are huge, given that 80M are shipped from China each year,” Béhar tells FastCompany.com. “Cargo holds in the ships can reach temperatures of 110 degrees for weeks on end, so packaging becomes an enormous problem. This solution protects the shoes, and helps stores to stock them, while saving huge costs in materials.”

The “clever little bag” combines the two packaging components of any shoe sale–the bag and the box–with high-tech ingenuity. Inside the bag fits an interior cardboard scaffolding, which gives it shape and reduces cardboard use by 65%. No tissue paper or plastic elements inside, no laminated cardboard (which interferes with recycling), and the bag itself is made of recycled PET. Very clever indeed!

Puma estimates that the bag will slash water, energy, and fuel consumption during manufacturing alone by 60%–in one year, that comes to a savings of 8,500 tons of paper, 20 million mega joules of electricity, 264,000 gallons of fuel, and 264 gallons of water. Ditching the plastic bags will save 275 tons of plastic, and the lighter shipping weight will save another 132,000 gallons of diesel.

Look for the “clever little bag” to be rolled out next year.

Novozymes features fashionable biotechnology in Milan

By
Runway Magazine Editorial Team
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Leading Danish biotechnology company Novozymes has developed a solution to improve quality of fabrics while reducing water usage and CO2 emissions. The technology which can replace chemical additives with all-natural enzymes was exhibited in Milan at the Danish design initiative SHOWHOW between 14. – 19. april 2010.

SHOWHOW is an initiative by Danish Design Center that was introduced during the Design Week in Copenhagen last year. With Italy’s growing interest in sustainable solutions the exhibition now moves to Milan to showcase Danish efforts within the arena of sustainable fashion, food and mobility.

Elemental textiles has the potential of decreasing environmental impact from textile production by saving 70,000 liters of water and 1 ton of CO2 per ton of knitted fabric during the process of creating sustainable clothing. The full savings potential of this technology adds up to 630 billion liters of water and 9 million tons of CO2 per annum – and it is cost neutral to implement.

Black Eyed Peas VIP After Party Column

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The Black Eyed Peas had their concert in Los Angeles with LMFAO and I had gotten an invite to the official Bacardi VIP party at the Conga room inside the new LA Live complex.

I’ve got to say that sometimes I’m surprised at how much I really love this job! To be the person that brings you into an event that you aren’t able to attend is awesome!

It was a mad house inside LA Live where the group had been performing. I have never seen so many people in such a small space before and they were all there because of the Black Eyed Peas or for LMFAO.

When I got into the venue, I made my way to the Bacardi VIP lounge, whose area was to the left of the stage giving me and everyone else a clear view of all the action. If you were not able to see from the floor, you could go upstairs where they pretty much had a sky box to see everything. I did see some of the performance from there, but you know as well as I do that being on the floor is always the best thing. It’s similar to being at a Laker game. If you have a seat a few feet up, then you get a much better view than if you where on the floor. However, being on the floor gives you a VIP feeling that doesn’t compare to anything else.

I walked around scoping the place out before hitting the bar for a quick Coca-Cola. I was informed by the nice bartender that I needed some kind of card before she could serve me. I asked nicely if I needed to get a card if all I wanted was a Coke? She smiled and informed me that she needed it for everything. Now, I had to go searching for the right person to provide me with the golden ticket as I like to call these liquor cards.

Let’s not forget about the official cocktail for the tour called the “BACARDI V.I.Pea”. Highlighted with a Black Eyed Peas garnish dropped into the bottom of the cocktail glass, the newest specialty cocktail in the Bacardi family will be the official cocktail of the tour.

While I figured out who had the cards, I found a great little table set up with food. Now, I needed to figure out if I needed a card to get some of this, too. I didn’t see anyone, so I enjoyed myself with some pizza, chicken fingers and fries. You know what I always say: “If they have food and drinks, I’m not going to complain!” I also can’t complain when a beautiful woman walks in. While looking around, an angel showed up. When she smiled, it could light up the room.

The woman I am talking about is Swedish film actress and model Ms. Malin Maria Åkerman, who you may know from the movie “Watchmen” or perhaps from her guest appearance on HBO’s Entourage.

We talked briefly about what she’s doing right now. Ms. Ackerman informed me she’s in a movie that was set in New Orleans and is very excited about it. I knew I should have had a recorder with me but didn’t. All she really wanted to do was enjoy her evening and not really be bothered by a pesky columnist. I have to say that Ms. Åkerman is one of the nicest actresses I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with in a non- Hollywood capacity.

I also had the pleasure of meeting her husband of three years Roberto Zincone, who’s an Italian musician. What did you think, that this Swedish bombshell was single? No, they always have someone. Fortunately, he was a pretty cool and down to earth guy.

I finally ran into one of the publicists who gave me those magic cards that I needed to take full advantage of the bar and the Bacardi that was available. So, while LMFAO was getting ready to take the stage, I myself was ready to enjoy the bar and what I believed it had to offer.

When LMFAO was on stage performing a few songs, the crowd was going nuts and really enjoying themselves dancing and having a great time on the floor.

It had to be kind of ruined by someone with sticky fingers. I was pushed around by a man who said we had to move. I checked him out and he wasn’t dressed like house security, which I found odd. Some of the other VIP’s didn’t want to move either. I think it had to do with him giving us orders without actually having the power to do anything except scream at us. I asked him what he wanted and he said that he needed us to move. I wondered for a second and then found out that New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush was there.

We still refused to move even though his bodyguard wasn’t nice or professional. What many people don’t understand is that a bodyguard isn’t allowed to manhandle you if you’re not a threat to his client. His rough treatment of myself and other VIPs constituted grounds for assault, but I wouldn’t allow his grandstanding to ruin a great evening.

I was able to get a quick word in with Mr. Bush and let know know that I thought he was a great guy despite how his bodyguard acted. He just wanted to enjoy the show just like everyone else.

LMFAO was still on stage and were accompanied by a huge entourage. Suffice it to say, many were attractive and only added to the quality of the performance.

The group continued their energetic performance and were later joined by Taboo and Will.I.Am from the Black Eyed Peas. Upon their arrival, the party kicked into another gear as members of both bands entertained the crowd in a high octane performance that kept the audience out of their seats.

At the end of the evening, a nice girl wanted to dance with me and if you know me, you understand my white behind can’t dance if my life depended on it! Although, I let her in on the secret, she stubbornly dragged me on to the floor to teach me to dance. As Kevin James from the move “Hitch” learned, I needed to “stay in the box”.

Mercifully, my stint on the dance floor came to an end with the DJ telling us to go home. Nevertheless, it was a great evening filled with celebrities, VIP treatment and even me getting In touch with my inner “Boom, Boom, Pow!”

Hollywood Unwrapped by Jeremy Meyer is an opinion column. The opinions expressed in this column are solely the opinions of the columnist and are not necessarily the opinions of Runway Magazine or any other outlet that publishes this column.

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