EXCLUSIVE: An evening with Bluefly and the winner of Project Runway season 7

Sadly, another season of Project Runway comes to an end, but I got the incredible opportunity to spend the evening watching the finale at a party hosted by Bluefly and this season’s contestant Anthony Williams and season three contestant Laura Bennett. Can you say amazing? The party was held at Bennett’s fabulous two-story loft and her husband and kids mingled with the crowd. The environment was intimate, yet fun and fab – with an assortment of chic fashionistas, sushi, cocktails and cupcakes and Project Runway fan favorites! I spotted Anthony and Laura, of course, Seth Aaron Henderson, Maya Luz, Kevin Christiana, Kelly Cutrone(!), Epperson, and Althea Gibson, along with some of my favorite bloggers – Kristin from Fashion.Style.Beauty. and Dina from Eye 4 Style.

Throughout the show the crowd was treated to Anthony’s entertaining sidebar comments and the fabulous garments coming down the runway. If that wasn’t enough to satisfy your fashion fix, pieces from Laura’s final collection were also on display in her loft and if you thought they were amazing on TV, they were even more incredible in person. Project Runway has discovered some truly talented designers. But back to the show – we were on the edge of our seats waiting for them to announce the winner – even Seth Aaron had to get a glass of wine! But when it was revealed, he and his wife and children shared a moment and the crowd cheered! His looks were definitely the crowd favorite!

I chatted with Seth Aaron right after his win was shown on TV. We spoke about what he’s doing now – currently a mix of media and press tours to talk about winning the show, and between the time the show ended until now, he was sewing original pieces and doing trunk shows throughout Portland, Oregon, which sold out every time! And I’m not surprised – who wouldn’t want a Seth Aaron original?

What’s next for Seth Aaron? Well, he said that he’s currently looking for a manufacturer in Los Angeles, hired a sales rep, and is already planning shows at both New York Fashion Week AND London Fashion Week! When I asked him about his inspirations, he said that he doesn’t go out seeking inspirations – rather, it just comes to him. And I asked him about his Tim Burton-style pieces. He said he’s a huge fan of both Burton and Rob Zombie films as well, and loves his own ’dark’ aesthetic that he injects into his clothes. I love it too – it’s fun and fanciful and stunning - on the runway and off. I definitely can’t wait to see what happens next for Seth Aaron. I’ll be watching. And wearing, hopefully very soon.

Editor’s note: I chatted with Anthony Williams who is designing a handbag line (check out his gorgeous gold jeweled bag below) and Kelly Cutrone about her new YouTube TV channel with BFF Justine Bateman. Both were absolute sweethearts!

Michelle Obama and Rihanna cover Glamour Magazine’s “Women of the Year” issue

Two of our favorite ladies here at What’s Haute, are Michelle Obama and Rihanna, and both are Glamour Magazine cover girls! The December issue marks the 2009 “Women of the Year” and both ladies not surprisingly made the list. Mrs. O is the first First Lady to ever land on the cover of Glamour. She is receiving magazine’s Special Recognition award for mentoring young women. The First Lady stuck to her fashion-savviness for the cover shoot - she wore a red drop-waist flared cocktail dress from her own closet! She spoke with Katie Couric on being the first Black First Lady, her family, pet causes and of course, her relationship with her husband, President Obama. Read Michelle Obama’s Glamour interview here.

Rihanna, another What’s Haute fave, is one of the other Glamour cover girls. The chanteuse finally opens up about domestic abuse and her relationship with Chris Brown, the Believe Foundation that she started, her singing career, her edgy fashion sense and enviable fashion icon status. She wears a black and silver strapless animal-print mini dress from Balmain’s Fall 2009 collection and accessorized the look with studded cuffs.

Rihanna: “Fashion for me is another way I get to express myself creatively. It is one of the fun things I get to do: to play dress-up, and create outfits and looks that aren’t typical. I am an artist, so I like creating things. Shoes are my favorite thing.”

The 2009 Glamour Women of the Year:
•Michelle Obama (Special Recognition)
•Rihanna
•Maria Shriver
•Stella McCartney
•Amy Poehler
•Marissa Mayer
•Serena Williams
•Jane Aronson
•Susan Rice
•Euna Lee and Laura Ling
•The Women of Iran’s One Million Signatures Campaign
•Maya Angelou

Always innovative, always Braccialini

Carla Braccialini started her handbag company in Florence, Italy with her husband Roberto in 1954. She is the epitome of a self taught designer and craftswoman and therein lies one of the taproots of her success. I was fortunate to interview Ms. Braccialini after her presentation announcing a charitable initiative between Braccialini, Parsons the New School for Design, and the wonderful charity Bottomless Closet. Braccialini is spearheading a program where Braccialini customers donate their gently used handbags to Bottomless Closet, with a story about how the bag was a part of their life. Those stories will in turn be passed on to Parsons handbag design students to inspire the creation of their own bags. The two winners bags will be featured by Braccialini as limited edition bags for their S/S 2011 collection.

One of the first things I asked Ms. Braccialini was how she translates her obvious joy, passion and creativity in to the creation of her stunning handbags and accessories. “It’s from the emotion of everyday life that I select my concepts.” She cautioned, however, that she always selects designs that she knows from her vast experience will be practical and “sellable”. She wants her bags to be enjoyed by women not only for their style but for their functionality. This theme of a handbag being a central and indispensable part of a woman’s life matters a great deal to Ms. Braccialini and she touched on it repeatedly throughout my time with her.

Season after season Braccialini’s loyal customers and the fashion media await the unveiling of that season’s “Temi” or theme bag. The beginnings of this glamorous tradition were anything but, “One day in the ’70s when I was returning home from work a thief stole my handbag in the piazza. It was then that I realized that my whole life was in that bag. For the next season I designed a bag that showed my conception of a beautiful, comfortable home. It was a huge sensation for Braccialini and it was followed by an anticipation of what I would do in the next season to top it.” Some designers might eventually grow to resent the fact that they had been pigeon holed into creating a specific piece season after season, or at the very least begin to run out of ideas after 30 plus years. Carla Braccialini embraced the challenge and like her experience with the thief turned it into an opportunity, “I like the challenge, and the pressure has made me a better artist, it has sharpened my talent.”

Carla Braccialini is a passionate woman and passionate artists tend to embrace risk. To her risk is creating her unique bags without compromise and risk disappointing the market. “I minimize risk, I confront the risk of dilution by considering the design over, and over, and over again until I am is sure that it is precisely a Braccialini bag.” Carla’s son Lorenzo Braccialini, who serves as the company’s communication director, also added in during the interview that Braccialini bags contain “codes”, meaning specific techniques or recognizable patterns and styles that their customers respond to and appreciate.

Another area Ms. Braccialini is passionate about is her company’s relationship with the environment. Braccialini’s new headquarters is being constructed as a super environmentally conscious building with many features that will maximize efficiency, sustainability and integrate the environment itself into the construction. Ms. Braccialini told me that Braccialini’s commitment to being environmentally mindful comes from her and is a direct representation of the way she has felt all her life. “It is a part of me, since I was little I have always felt this way.”

All of Ms. Braccialini’s three sons Massimo, Lorenzo and Riccardo work with her at Braccialini. With a woman of such tremendous character and personal strength one might for a moment consider that her children felt forced into working for their famous mother. In fact Ms. Braccialini went out of her way to ensure that her children knew that they could do whatever they wanted in their lives, “I only had one requirement for my sons, whatever you do, you have to be the best.” After being an admirer of Braccialini and having now met Carla and one of her sons, it is apparent that Braccialini are, and will continue to be amongst the best.

Shop Braccialini handbags at Amazon.com.

Tru Renewal by Ramona Singer: ‘Real Housewife of New York’ creates really great skincare

I’m sure I’m not the only one who indulged myself Tuesday nights by watching the Real Housewives of New York. It was a fun season with a great group of ladies! I was especially excited to see during one of the last episodes that Ramona Singer was launching a skincare line. I am as passionate about skincare as I am about cosmetics. After all, your skin is your canvas, and your makeup looks better when your skin is at its best.

I was quick to research Ramona’s skincare and got in touch with her regarding her products. She is super friendly, really informative, and such a genius for creating this wonderful line of natural products for all skin types. Her line is called Tru Renewal by Ramona and I was lucky enough to sample her amazing Ultra Repair Cream with Algae Enzymes for 6 weeks. I am happy to report that within just 2 weeks I had really noticeable results and was very impressed with this cream. It is light, water based, all-natural, and loaded with ingredients that are good for your skin.

When I asked Ramona why she decided to launch a skincare line, she very honestly said it was initially for selfish reasons. She never quite felt satisfied with the skincare lines she had tried, including many prescription brands, and saw the need for something that worked (and worked well) for all skin types, including Ramona’s ultra sensitive skin. I was intrigued by the algae enzymes and wanted to know more. Ramona explained: “Algae contains planktons which are the building blocks of all cells and life. This helps to rebuild your skin. This is the key ingredient that works on transforming the texture of your skin, and you will see a difference in 4 to 6 weeks.”

On to the great news about Tru Renewal - I do see major results! Within two weeks of using the Ultra Repair Cream with Algae Enzymes twice a day, I noticed tighter, firmer, clearer, fresher and younger looking skin. I actually felt my skin getting firmer instantly after use. I noticed lines in my forehead fading. I abandoned my entire skincare regimen and simplified my routine by replacing a multitude of products for this one cream. I just can’t say enough about it!

I can only hope that Ramona decides to increase her product line to include all-natural age-defying cosmetics! She is truly a woman who loves and appreciates beauty…both inside and out! Her skincare line takes care of the woman from within, and her new jewelry line helps a woman express her beauty on the outside. If you are interested in trying Tru Renewal by Ramona products, you can purchase them at online and look forward to testers and displays in many of Manhattan’s premier pharmacy and beauty supply shops. Ramona also has a gorgeous jewelry line available at both www.truefaithjewelry.com and HSN.

With all the skincare lines to choose from, who knew it would take a ‘Real Housewife‘ to come up with what we all seek most…something that really works!

Interview with Hillary Flowers

Some people you meet in your lifetime make you wonder if they have managed to cut a deal with the Universe for a few extra hours in their particular day? They accomplish so much and are effective in so many endeavors that it seems that they have discovered some secret. Hillary Flowers makes you wonder these things. Fashion designer, singer, store owner, event planner & promoter, and brain surgeon…okay I fibbed on the last one but you get my point. Hillary owns and operates her Lower East Side boutique that showcases emerging design talent during many of those hours. Her space features her own designs, as well as fashion and accessories from other aspiring designers. “I take great joy in offering designers an opportunity to test the market, to find out what works and what doesn’t work.”

Hillary is a fascinating combination of altruistic and shrewd. She takes great joy in the fact that she has a growing reputation in New York City but you never get the sense that for her it is about ego. A case in point, she loves it when designers move on from her store to bigger and better things. “I consider myself a teacher, mentor and guide.” “Why wouldn’t I be proud of some one I helped success?” Hillary gauges designers quickly when the come to try to rent space in her store “I look for people who possess certain qualities, you have to be a risk taker and have persistence.” For Hillary Flowers it is often times more about the spirit of the designer than the look of the collection.

Hillary is a talented designer in her own right and her designs are the #1 seller in her store. But she gets so much joy from helping launch new talent into the N.Y.C scene that she rarely speaks of her own work. Hillary is a non-stop marketer and a powerful ally for the new talent that lines her small but vibrant Clinton Street shop. If you really want to see what’s the newest of the new then her store at 40 Clinton Street is a must stop. And don’t be surprised if you see her blond locks up on stage at a club where you are spending your evening. Quite frankly with all of Hillary’s talents I wouldn’t be surprised to see her driving the Q train on my way back to Brooklyn one of these nights.

Ask the Expert: Common Skincare Concerns Answered

We are heading into spring, however it’s still that transition period where it is often cold, rainy and windy. It is a good idea to baby your skin a bit as the weather changes so you can make any adjustments in your cleansing and moisturizing routine.

I recently had the chance to send a bunch of questions over to Dr. Marsha Gordon, a dermatologist from the St. Ives skin care company. I wanted to share her replies with you, as these are great responses to very common skin care questions. If you want to purchase the St. Ives products she recommends, you can find them at drugstore.com and if you wish to read more of Dr. Gordon’s great skincare advice, click here.

What’s Haute: What do you recommend to combat winter dryness?

Dr. Marsha Gordon: To combat winter dryness I place a large shallow bowl filled with water on the radiator. The dry heat of the radiator evaporates the water, humidifying the room. In addition, the tried and true method of washing with a mild, moisturizing body wash followed by pat drying and the immediate application of a rich moisturizer is a great way to seal in moisture. Lastly, I recommend applying a moisturizer both morning and evening during the cold, dry months.

WH: In the interest of saving money, more women are looking to create a spa experience at home. What products do you recommend?

Dr. Gordon: Try drawing a warm bath and soaking for 10 or 15 minutes, followed by an invigorating scrub with one of the St. Ives In-Shower Exfoliating Body Polishes. The Oatmeal and Shea Butter Body Polish is an especially moisturizing choice. When you have time, dim the bathroom light bulbs, light a candle and put on your favorite music to create an even more relaxing experience.

WH: How can we keep our skin younger looking longer?

Dr. Gordon: Avoid sun and smoking. They are two huge enemies to young looking skin. Since our skin is often a reflection of our general health, be sure your diet includes fruits and vegetables, high quality low fat protein and not too many sugary sweets. Also, try to find time for sufficient rest and exercise.

WH: How often do you recommend exfoliating?

Dr. Gordon: The answer depends on both the sensitivity of your skin and the product you exfoliate with. In general, exfoliated skin should feel smooth and soft, not inflamed and tender. Less is more. I recommend the St. Ives Elements Microdermabrasion Scrub, which is mild enough for most people to use daily.

WH: What skin concerns to women come to you with the most?

Dr. Gordon: The two most common concerns are skin cancer or a changing mole and aging skin. Since both skin cancer and aging skin are, in part, caused by sun damage, I recommend using a sun protection product, like the new St. Ives Elements Mineral Moisturizer, on facial skin every day.

Special thanks from What’s Haute to Dr. Gordon and St. Ives for the interview!

Interview with Camilla Skovgaard

What does it take for a designer to move beyond convention, and more importantly, to get everyone else to follow them? Convention is a tricky word, especially when it comes to shoes, for in shoes a great deal of the design potential is lost because…people have to walk in them. I learned during my interview with white-hot rising shoe design star Camilla Skovgaard that accepting that a great portion of shoe design is what you do after you satisfy the demands of the foot and the physics of simply walking.

One look at Camilla Skovgaard’s footwear and you know she’s not satisfied with creating normal pumps and peep toes. The unusual combination of coming from a background in Arabic couture and being as naturally experimental as any shoe designer I’ve ever met, meshes to create designs that are stunningly unique but unquestionably “work”. Skovgaard does not let the very demanding reality of shoe design hold her back. In fact I became convinced, as we spoke underneath the Bryant Park tents, that she seems to gain energy from the challenge. “Every idea is compromised” explained Skovgaard. “This leather is not available or this mold is not yet possible.” Yet Skovgaard shepherds each of her creations through the harsh process so she is satisfied with not only the look of her shoes but the fit and finish as well.

Camilla Skovgaard’s unique designs, her unmatched determination and her boundless energy all combine with constant creativity to create a designer who is really a force to be around. “I am always designing, I don’t have moments of inspiration, it sort of just keeps happening.” It is this constant energy and unfettered drive that has allowed her to master other elements of her business as well. “I am now an expert at international shipping, I can tell you anything you want to know”, she said with her typically lustrous smile. Skovgaard describes her aesthetic as intellectually sexy and you would have to agree looking at her magnificent Fall/Winter collection which was featured in last week’s Matthew Williamson show.

The last topic we touched on during my time with Camilla was the first thing on everyone’s mind these days, the economy. Despite a few concerns about vendor payments she expressed that her biggest concern was where and how you spend your revenue. “In this economy, you have to be so careful. I’m really trying to feel my way through the decision.” She certainly has momentum and said that the buyer interest had been very strong during her time in New York. Based on the passionate and focused young woman I met it would take a herculean challenge to derail the Danish dynamo.

Click to shop Camilla Skovgaard shoes.