Gotham Magazine

Dispatch: The Fall Fashion Week That Was, Volume I

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:41:00 -0500


Debbie Phelps and son Michael Phelps at Heart Truth

Dispatches feels a bit weak after eight straight days of hourly fashion shows, but will now wend back through my notebooks, penned in dark, tented rooms with throbbing music, to recall a few fun moments.

Heart Truth
Fashion Week began with The Heart Truth Red Dress Collection on Wednesday (February 8) evening at The Hammerstein Ballroom.

“He’s a great son,” Debbie Phelps, told Dispatches backstage before the show. Later, her son, six-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Michael Phelps, stepped up to smooch her as she strutted down the runway. Also backstage were Rebecca Romijn and Aisha Tyler, who practiced her walk with none other than Miss J. Alexander. And I ran into Patti Stanger, Bravo’s Millionaire Matchmaker, who told me that she had lost 30 pounds by sprinkling some magic powder on her food. The ladies wore red dresses by all different designers to raise awareness for women’s heart disease. Chaka Khan and Christie Brinkley stole the show. She’s fabulous,” said Tyler of Khan. "We exchanged numbers backstage.”

Day One
Thursday morning began with BCBG Max Azria (10 AM) at the Theatre at Lincoln Center. I had always assumed Azria’s high caliber front row guests to be a result of big bucks spent on advertising. But a friend mentioned that she comes to BCBG because it runs like a playbook for the season’s trends. Color-blocking appears to be big for fall. Max and his designing wife, Lubov, showed tan leather, and maroon (another trend this season). Mixing patterns is also apparently a thing. Key word for this collection: wearable.

At Richard Chai Love (11 AM, Stage) Dispatches noted the multitude of stripes, which later emerged as an overall fall trend, worn by models walking out from behind a stark white backdrop. And Chai did big cargo-style pockets sewed onto the outside of his coats—big gray pockets on one blue coat. Military, not war, is the trend. There were maroon moments here as well.


	Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra

I had never met Tadashi Shoji before his show (2 PM, Stage), but The Help’s Octavia Spencer certainly has—she wore a gown by Shoji at this year’s Golden Globes. Backstage, we were introduced to the designer who noted that dressing Spencer was easy, because she has inner beauty. True. He also told me about his inspiration for the collection: Shanghai in the 1920s. Indeed, Shoji showed a jewel green gown paired with long gold earrings and a sparkling four-tiered gold dress. And I saw a classic Mainbocher silhouette in one red velvet dress that was set off by shimmering black sparkle. Heaven.

Susan Sarandon and Padma Lakshmi did lunch before taking their places in the front row at Costello Tagliapietra (3 PM, Milk Studios). Tagliapietra often gifts front row guests with an over-the-shoulder bag made from the season’s most prominent print. The show was strong, and Sarandon told me she was pleased that she caught it. I loved the hilarity of the designers, both bearded, burly and lumberjack-esque, taking a bow at the end of their arty, light downtown show.

That evening (7 PM) Cynthia Rowley showed at the Frank Gehry-designed IAC building, which was made popular as a Fashion Week venue by Prabal Gurung, who also showed at IAC this season. Television screens spanned the long wall facing the bleachers in the lobby of the building, providing a cubist slant to the already spectacular setting. Cynthia showed a fun fingerprint pattern that the TV screens called up in black and white, which made the show look incredibly futuristic and glam. There was an unfinished elegance to her leatherwork. Rowley has hit her stride. She represents that rare, cool girl—who is actually cool.

NAHM

Day Two
On Friday, Ali Hilfiger and Nary Manivong’s NAHM line, showed at Milk Studios (11 AM). Affirming a distinct point of view, the designers used a hip print of Egyptian gods mixing cocktails. (The fabric was pulled from Hilfiger’s father Tommy’s personal vintage archives.) A big vintage floral print covered the wall that served as the backdrop for the show. Hilfiger sobbed as friends came up to congratulate her. Happy tears.

Jason Wu showed in a behemoth industrial space on the West Side Highway (1 PM). From behind a giant red velvet door, models emerged showing looks with a vintage Shanghai feel. Wu presented militaristic Asian fabrics cut in a sleek modern way, with red piping; fur sleeves; and black beading with a kind of poured, sparkly glamour. And he employed Philip Glass-like repetitive choral music that gave the show, in this long, dark space, with laser-red lighting, even more drama. At show’s close, models filed out through a plume of smoke. Front row guests included Shailene Woodley, of The Descendants, who wore a Wu sweater and introduced herself to Elettra Wiedemann and Alexa Chung. "Hey, I'm Shai,” she said. She's only, like, 20.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHARLES ESHEIMA (PHELPS); NEILSON BARNARD (NAHM); RANDY BROOKE (TAGLIAPIETRA)

A Marni ‘Grey’ Clutch Brightens Our Day

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:52:00 -0500

This gorgeous clutch, perfect for transitioning into spring nightlife events, won't be found in the racks among the new Marni for H&M collection. A stylish investment, the Grey clutch ($600) is part of Marni’s spring 2012 collection. 161 Mercer St.

City Bakery Revamps Its Hot Chocolate

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:01:00 -0500

After twenty years of rave reviews, City Bakery's Maury Rubin decided to experiment with his famous hot chocolate recipe. Named the Honduran Hot Chocolate, the current iteration of the decadent drink is made with single-origin chocolate, meaning all of the chocolate comes a single farm. Rubin writes on the City Bakery Daily blog, "I'm comfortable to say it's quietly spectacular.” Rubin went on to describe the new chocolate flavor as “sweet rich and a little brutish” and its deep chocolate, red-umber color as “an extra treat.” 3 West 18th St.

Colorful Kicks by Lacoste L!VE

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:28:00 -0500

In March, Lacoste will release its spring/summer 2012 collection of kicks for sister-line Lacoste L!VE. As you can see from the preview images, the color of these shoes really pop, making them perfect for the Hamptons—so stock up. The line will be available at Lacoste boutiques and wherever Lacoste is sold. 134 Prince St., 212-226-5019

Absinthe and Oysters at Maison Premiere

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:04:00 -0500

Maison Premiere

If you missed the boat on Valentine's Day, there's still time to make up for it—head to Maison Premiere in Williamsburg to celebrate Mardi Gras this Tuesday. The romantic bar is styled in the fashion of an old New Orleans absinthe house. And yes, they have more than a dozen absinthes, in addition to a full bar and a list of old school cocktails you won't be able to resist. Did we mention there's also a raw bar with more than 17 varieties of oysters? 298 Bedford Ave.

Urban-Chic Accessories for Modern Men

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:01:00 -0500

Incase, the creators of accessories designed to protect your electronics, recently debuted its Terra collection: A campus bag, a carryall tote bag, sleeves for your laptop (in 13'' and 15'' sizes), and an 11'' sleeve for your iPad. This all-natural, masculine collection comes in canvas with orange accents or dark denim with brown accents. Apple Store, 1981 Broadway, 212-209-3400

Axl Rose Welcomes Fashion Week to the Jungle

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:46:00 -0500

Guns N' Roses

Guns N’ Roses rocked Hiro Ballroom last Thursday night, that is, until they got rocked by an audience member who threw a glass at them. The rock icons took to the stage as part of DeLeón Tequila and Nur Khan’s Electric Sessions to cap the end of Fashion Week, but left during their sixth set, in the middle of “This I Love,” to deal with said rowdy fan.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” lead singer Axl Rose shouted after stopping the show and asking that the house lights be brought up. “You’re going to throw glass at us? You’re a fucking cunt, bro.” While the projectile sailed wide past the guitarist’s head, it understandably riled up the band, a couple of whom rushed off the stage—along with security and some scary looking roadies—into the packed crowd to try and pinpoint the thrower. The crowd erupted in cheers when the pitcher was located and dragged away. All the while, Rose continued his rant, calling the offending audience member the C-word no less than 20 times.


	Lucia Barroso and Matt Damon

The skirmish ended as quickly as it started and, to the band’s credit, they picked up immediately where they’d left off. This drew an even bigger cheer from the venue, filled with fashion industry notables, influencers, rockers, and a fair amount of Hollywood elite. Up in the balcony, Chelsea Clinton and husband Marc Mezvinsky bopped their heads to “Welcome to the Jungle” while Matt Damon alternated between dancing (and kissing) his wife, Luciana Barroso, and pounding beers at the next table. Damon later tripped over a couch, ending up on his knees, but laughed it off and grinned wildly.

Down on the main floor VIP area, a pregnant and glowing Sienna Miller and boyfriend Tom Sturridge held court near Boardwalk Empire’s Jack Huston, and a very camera-shy Evan Rachel Wood and Jamie Bell. One table away, a casually-dressed Olivia Wilde sat with boyfriend and Saturday Night Live comedian Jason Sudeikis. Clad in a baseball hat pulled low, Sudeikis would occasionally lean in and whisper something in Wilde’s ear, causing her to crack up and beam back at Sudeikis.

Other VIP guests included Jimmy Fallon, Jared Leto, Kellan Lutz, Justin Timberlake, Hilary Rhoda with beau Sean Avery, Byrdie Bell, Cory Kennedy, Jessica Hart, Timo Weiland, Alexandra Richards, and DJ Mia Moretti.

Fat Tuesday at Char No. 4

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:03:00 -0500

This Tuesday is Mardi Gras, or "Fat Tuesday," which marks the end of the Catholic season of Lent and a great excuse to celebrate life in general. Take advantage of the special Mardi Gras menu at Brooklyn's Char No. 4 on Tuesday, February 21 (6 PM–MIDNIGHT), which includes a barrel-aged Sazerac, a bowl of spicy jambalaya, and a piece of homemade king cake, all for $24. Booking a table in advance is probably a good idea. 196 Smith St., 718-643-2106

For Your Reading List: The Darlings

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 10:54:00 -0500

In her debut novel, The Darlings, former lawyer Cristina Alger tackles subjects that she has experienced firsthand. From family ties and loyalties to the world of Wall Street and the economic crash, Alger's characters traverse sensitive yet timely issues under the microscope of New York's high society. Here, the author opens up about her switch from law to writing, the process of publishing her first novel, and her opinions on the current economy.

What sparked your decision to move from law and finance to writing?
I enjoyed my job and always saw writing as a side hobby. I found myself spending more and more time doing it, and I ended up showing the [book] to a friend who is a writer. She thought it was great and thought I should go off and find an agent. It was the first time I thought that I could, maybe, do this full-time and see if I could consider this a job and not a hobby. When I first left [law], I was a little bit nervous that I would miss the structure and miss having colleagues. Then I found that I loved it and it felt like I was doing what I thought was my hobby as a job, and I'm still marveled that that's the case.

How did you come up with the concept for the book?
When I started working on it, it struck me that I was watching history unfold. They were traumatic times for Wall Street, and New York generally. I started working on a story based on a family company, because I grew up in that environment. I thought it created an interesting stage for personal familly issues to play out. Eventually, I [plotted] my story with the Darling family and got very involved with the characters, building a larger story around them.

Where do you see the economy going in future years?
One of the things that I wanted to do in my book was show a changing of the guard a little bit, and have the characters that have stronger ethical values come out on top. I guess that was my sort of a hopeful way of saying that I hope that the turmoil of the market would allow for a little bit of reordering. Beyond that, it's anyone's guess.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF CRISTINAALGER.COM

Cutting-Edge Winter Skin Care

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental offers ultrasound in facial treatments


	Treatment room at Guerlain Spa

	Dr. Eric Schweiger, an expert in light and-laser-based treatments

	Rich creams rejuvenate dry winter skin

“During winter, when your skin gets dry and cracked, you actually get a breakdown of your skin barrier,” explains Dr. Eric Schweiger (nyccosmeticdermatology.com), an East Side dermatologist who specializes in laser- and light-based treatments. But with spring on the horizon, building that layer back up and restoring moisture is easier than ever, thanks to a variety of new products and in-spa facial treatments.

Even for intensely dry skin, it doesn’t take highly invasive treatments to treat winter’s damaging outdoor cold and indoor heating. “I love my lasers, but if you can use a cream instead, it’s actually healthier for the skin for combating problems like redness in the winter,” says Dr. Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas (nyderm.org), a “derm-scientist” and creator of 37 Extreme Actives cream. This product—for which an extra-rich version, ideal for winter-parched skin, was recently introduced—uses natural ingredients such as extracts of bark, mushroom, and coffee seeds to reduce redness and irritation and deeply moisturize the skin.

Components along those lines represent one of the biggest trends in luxury skincare: using organic, traditional ingredients alongside more high-tech elements to create the most beneficial “cocktail” for the skin. The KeSARI line, for example, blends chamomile and saffron (a dry skin smoother and nourisher used for centuries) with retinol in a patented formulation that delivers the mixture gradually to the skin instead of in one extra-strong dose. The line is available commercially, and is also used in a (celebrity-loved) facial at Mzia Shiman’s discreet Midtown spa.

Many new products incorporate nutrients often recommended as dietary supplements in winter, like vitamins C, A, and D. “It’s part of people looking at their lives much more holistically than before and being aware that what you do on the outside as well as the inside makes a difference,” says Nicky Kinnaird, founder of Space NK, a collection of high-end skincare boutiques that carries moisturizer-driven lines like Natura Bisse and Zelens. Standouts in this arena include Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare’s new Vitamin D serum, which delivers that much-hyped element from the sun, even when it’s freezing and cloudy out; IOMA’s moisture and antidryness masks, which use red algae, known to help the skin retain water; and the rejuvenating Orchidée Impérial Prestige treatment at the new Guerlain Spa at the Waldorf-Asotria.

Another extremely effective ingredient that combats dryness is glycerin. “It’s a humectant,” says Dr. Schweiger, “so it attracts moisture, and is used in many moisturizers.” Glycerin is also one of the main components in Bioeffect EGF Serum, a product from Iceland that stimulates the renewal of skin cells as it replenishes moisture. Miracle Skin Transformer, the popular tinted moisturizer that includes SPF, uses ecophysalis, a natural form of glycerin that’s sourced in the Brazilian rainforest, for skin protection.

If your skin this time of year is particularly flaky, it might seem logical to use a treatment like microdermabrasion to slough off the dead cells, but doctors advise against that approach. “A common mistake is thinking the flakiness needs to be peeled off,” explains Dr. Alexiades- Armenakas. “The opposite is true: The most important thing is to build the skin barrier rather than break it down.” A microcurrent facial, which stimulates collagen growth with a special roller with hundreds of extra-tiny needles that reach only the skin’s upper layer, is an ideal alternative; The Ildi Pekar Salon, a hidden Midtown penthouse helmed by a former Tracie Martyn esthetician, offers the service.

Other cutting-edge facial treatments incorporate ultrasound waves. “They deliver heat to help build collagen,” explains dermatologist Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank. “You can boost collagen without stripping the top layers like microdermabrasion would.” Spas offering ultrasound within facial protocols include the Spa at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Exhale.

Whether you opt for at-home creams or an appointment with a facialist, timing is everything. “During winter we lose most of the moisture that evaporates from the skin at night,” says Dr. Frank. “The best time to put on a thick cream is late at night.” Bliss recently introduced a Youth Night facial, only offered after 5 pm with the intention of setting you up for a moisturerich sleep. And this treatment includes a plate of brownies as you leave.

Style Watch: Gucci's Art Deco Revival

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

“The skyscrapers of New York, with their shiny surfaces and reflections, were the starting point to work with gold and silver, especially for the eveningwear,” says Gucci creative director Frida Giannini, who was newly captivated by the towering Chrysler Building while visiting New York this past summer. “The idea was the decorative architecture from the ’20s, as it often resembles the high jewelry from those years: for example the Chrysler Building’s Art Deco details, from the doorways to the door handles, and its tones of gold and metal. In the collection this translated to reflective surfaces that allowed me to play with black, white, and of course gold, which is true to Gucci’s signature glamour.”

At one time the world’s tallest skyscraper, the Chrysler Building remains an emblem of the Art Deco era and the machine age, a time of modernism in design and progress for women’s rights. As a beacon of exquisite style and THE LOOK Gucci’s dress mirrors the New York City skyline. “I was inspired by Art Deco because it is one of my favorite moments in terms of art history and literature,” she says. “It was also a period when women became much more free, thanks to pioneers like Nancy Cunard and Louise Brooks— they revolutionized the female wardrobe and dared with their intelligence, wisdom, and innate elegance.”

In this light, Giannini designed a woman after Cunard, Man Ray’s muse in that era. “His work allowed me to retrace some moments from the ’20s, specifically women in the context of design, décor, and haute jewelry,” the designer noted. Giannini, like the Gucci woman, channels a boyish bravado when dressed in updated tuxedos or track pants, and her supremely powerful presence is complemented by the sinuous curves of beaded fringe dresses, graphic mesh bodysuits, and enamel tiger adornments. Such accents, borrowed from the house’s archives from the ’70s, reveal how the Gucci muse could with this collection harnesses her physicality into strength.

“The idea was not to channel the ’20s directly but rather to take references from that era and make them current with a strong sense of personality,” said the designer. “I wanted to create a sculptural glamour for the Gucci woman.” 725 Fifth Ave., 212-826-2600

Men’s Pick: Italian Leather Sunglasses

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:23:00 -0500

For his annual White & Tiara Ball to benefit his Elton John AIDS Foundation, John asked Italian sunglasses brand Super to design a special edition spectacle (ABOVE) finished in Italian white leather with Carl Zeiss electric blue faded lenses. If you're a fan of the look, shop the rest of Super's collection online, or find them at Steven Alan. 158 Franklin St.

Drinking and Styling at Woodley & Bunny

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:48:00 -0500

It comes as no surprise that city-dwellers are decamping in droves to Williamsburg’s Woodley & Bunny for salon services. In addition to staffing a team of talented stylists and maintaining an extremely well edited beauty apothecary, Woodley & Bunny offers killer complimentary refreshments. Regular options for salon clients include coffee, tea, espresso, wine, and beer from local breweries. Weekends bring mimosas, prosecco with strawberries, and Bloody Marys made with fresh, local ingredients. Woodley & Bunny, 196 N. 10th St.; 718-218-6588

Style Find: Rough-Hewn Rings by Aesa

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:08:00 -0500

A beautiful alternative to traditional gemstone rings, Aesa’s unusual 3D Hex Ring comes in ox silver and aqua or 10-karat gold and quartz ($684). Assembly New York, 170 Ludlow St.

New York's Top Florists and Floral Designers

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Pink ranunculus from Belle Fleur

Banchet Flowers
Owner Banchet Jaigla favors clean, trendy designs and bouquets that go beyond roses and hydrangeas. Her flowers and vases are imported from countries such as Holland, New Zealand, and Thailand. Customers can surrounded themselves with Jaigla’s creations (and warm up with a drink) at the neighboring Flower Bar event space. 809 Washington St., 212-989-1088; banchetflowers.com

Belle Fleur
Meredith Waga Perez creates refined, feminine arrangements with a modern sensibility; she recently developed a line of home fragrances, bath and body products, and candles celebrating her love of flowers. Her creations focus on European blooms and, according to Perez, “The color palette remains monochromatic and the silhouette is clustered and robust.” 134 Fifth Ave., 212-254-8703; bellefleurny.com

Bloom Flowers
Bloom ventures beyond its breathtaking luxury arrangements with an array of lifestyle items including furniture and gifts. Though its products are varied, Bloom “is a point of view–one which is both modern and elegant,” says owner Kim Perrone. 541 Lexington Ave., 212-832- 8094

Elan Flowers
Surprises abound in Elan Flowers’ designs. The eclectic garden arrangements incorporate unexpected elements such as pods, berries, pinecones, cabbage, and kale. Says Samantha Greiff, manager and designer, “We like using elements that people have not seen before,” to create conversation pieces. 148 Duane St., 212-240-9033

Flora New York
The architect David Hu designed Flora’s Tribeca boutique to brilliantly showcase Jeff Chen’s spectacular floral designs, which marry simplicity with Asianinspired, mixed-media elements. 85 Franklin St., 212-274-1887

Lewis Miller Design
Lewis Miller Design creates large-scale floral arrangements for parties and other functions, dreaming up memorable decorations out of its East Village studio. The top-tier florist has worked with some of the biggest clients in New York, including Gucci and The Whitney Museum. 441 E. 12th St., 212-614-2734

MagnaFlora
MagnaFlora’s new Park Slope atelier “specializes in unusual blooms,” one-of-a-kind arrangements, and flowers from overseas. For Valentine’s Day, creative director Mauro Gomes elevates the traditional gift of roses by offering Black Baccara roses from Holland. “The quality outdoes anything,” he says. 411 Third Ave., Brooklyn, 212-401-7840

Michael George
In 1980 Michael George accidentally discovered the style that would define his career. After washing tulips, “they twirled like bar straws or pencils in a glass” when dropped in a vase. The simple arrangements with twirled stems and monochromatic flowers became George’s signature and influenced floral design worldwide. Five Tudor City Place, 212-883-0304

Miho Kosuda
Simple, uniform flowers define the style at this fashion-industry favorite, a small mother-daughter operation run by Miho and her daughter, Carol. 310 E. 44th St., 212-922-9122

Polux Fleuriste
Now a floral design studio, Polux Fleuriste produces some of the most spectacular arrangements in Manhattan. Call ahead to meet with the mastermind behind the lifestyle and floral concept, Anouchka Martin, for a vintage aesthetic and designs that “embrace both the rough and delicate textures of flowers.” 110 Clifton Place, Ste. 2D, Brooklyn, 347-767-6780

Gorgeous Green Nail Polishes

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:10:00 -0500

Fall’s teal-colored nail polishes will take on a decidedly pistachio hue this spring. We love Priti NYC's Dusty Miller ($13), Dior's Waterlily ($23), and RGB's Dew ($16). Try out the look at your favorite salon, or check out Tribeca’s newly instated and much talked about Ten Over Ten. A green manicure might be the perfect pick-me-up for the February blues.

Blue Bottle Coffee Takes Manhattan

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:29:00 -0500

The nel drip

If Blue Bottle Coffee's Williamsburg location and stand on The High Line just aren't enough for you, have no fear—the gourmet coffeemakers will debut a new Chelsea location, near Milk Studios, this Saturday. (If only they’d gotten it together in time for fashion week.) In addition to the coffee bar, there will be an upstairs area where you can wait for a perfectly calibrated, made-to-order cup from a nel drip, a brewing method that was created in 19th century France and popularized by the Japanese. 450 West 15th St.

Fashion Photography Exhibit: Juergen Teller

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:05:00 -0500

Lara Stone, photographed by Jeurgen Teller for Marc Jacobs

What better way to close out New York Fashion Week than to visit to the Juergen Teller exhibit at the Lehmann Maupin Gallery? In addition to his fashion adverts for Marc Jacobs and other editorials, you'll find gloomy landscapes and unseen work. The exhibit is open through March 17. Lehmann Maupin Gallery, 540 West 26th St.

Accessory Find: Diamond Ear Cuffs

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:13:00 -0500

Kruger, wearing Repossi ear cuffs

At the premiere of her new film, Farewell, My Queen, in which she plays Marie Antoinette, actress Diane Kruger sported these chic ear cuffs. Upon further research, fashion website Refinery29 revealed that the cuffs are by Italian jewelry brand Repossi, and are made of white gold and diamonds. Similar styles are available in the Colette e-shop and start at a cool $12,468.

New Kosher Eatery: BB Prime

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:29:00 -0500

With Prime Ko, Prime Grill, and Solo under its belt, Prime Hospitality Group has New York’s kosher dining scene covered. Its newest Upper East Side venture, Prime Butcher Baker (BB Prime), attempts to tackle an untapped aspect of kosher cuisine: high-end one-stop markets. Specializing in dry-aged meats and parve baked goods, BB Prime also offers ready-made foods of both Sephardic and Ashkenazi flavors, prepared in the shop by one of five chefs. After closing time, foodies may reserve the 12-seat chef’s table ($3,000) to enjoy chef-prepared kosher foods and an unlimited supply of wine. 1572 Second Ave., 212-616-1502

Valentine’s Day Plans: Tiki Time at 1534

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:00:00 -0500

If the cold weather and your single status have you feeling down on the 14th, fear not, cocktail lounge 1534 is hosting a summer-themed Valentine’s Day fling. Expect Tiki-inspired drinks and appetizers that cater specifically to those unattached. (9 PM–1 AM) 20 Prince St.

Coming Up: An Oyster Night at Peels

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:38:00 -0500

Peels

East Village eatery Peels will host a book signing and oyster event this Monday in celebration of Shucked, the new book by Erin Byers Murray. The book chronicles Murray's oyster shucking adventures in Duxbury, Massachusetts. Murray will be at Peels on Monday, February 13 (5:30–7:30 PM) signing books, and there will be a tasting menu complete with oyster shooters and “hog and rocks,” a combination plate of Island Creek Oysters and housemade spicy andouille sausage by chef de cuisine Jason DeBriere. 325 Bowery

Tote-Worthy: Nautical Sacks by Fleabags

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:26:00 -0500

Inspired by ports and bays, the new collection of handbags from Brooklyn-based brand Fleabags is absolutely lovely—and a must for the Hamptons. In addition to totes ($315–$415), Fleabags also make cute clutches ($115) that double as iPad cases.

Anniversary Louboutins

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:01:00 -0500

To mark his 20th anniversary as a designer, Christian Louboutin has released a celebratory capsule collection that includes 20 new shoe designs and six handbags. The appropriately named Pilule bag (ABOVE) is shaped like an actual pill capsule with 500 mg stamped on the side. The collection will be available in New York and other major cities at the end of February, and a retrospective of Louboutin’s work will open at the London Design Museum in March. 965 Madison Ave.

Essential Accessories for Men

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:06:00 -0500

Smythson’s new spring collection is chock-full of office and leisure essentials for men, like this Gresham Tan 24-hour travel bag ($1740) and passport cover ($185). The collection also includes new leather accessories for favorite gadgets. 4 West 57th St.

Special Report: Fall 2012 Fashion Week

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:26:00 -0500

From the Runway
A play-by-play of the day's best looks, most anticipated shows and fall trends.



Backstage Beauty Up close and personal with striking fall beauty trends.		Street Style Candid shots of New York Fashion Week's most inspiring stylesetters.

Castor & Pollux Hosts a Florist Pop-Up

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:29:00 -0500

West village boutique Castor & Pollux will host a flower pop-up shop by florist Amy Merrick this Saturday (12–7 PM) Sunday (12–6 PM), and on Tuesday, Valentine's Day (12–7 PM). Pre-ordered arrangements start at $100, or walk into the shop for a wrapped bouquet for $25. 238 West 10th St.; e-mail amy@amymerrick .com to place an order

Power Accessory: Mighty Fine Pens

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Cross Year of the Dragon fountain pen


	Ailing pens come here to be healed

	Visconti inkwells, for a well-appointed writing desk

	Vintage desk pens from the 1930s, used for parts to repair other pens

With luxury personal papers, customization can be taken to the nth degree. Need a notepad with the tail number of your Gulfstream? Top stationers will be happy to oblige. As for specialized writing instruments, the variations of limited-edition, collectible fountain pens are legion. But in the past year, fine-pen customization has reached a new level of precision with the introduction of a service that designs nibs suited to an individual’s writing style.

“The idea that something has been handcrafted to be ultimately and totally for you and no one else is truly what luxury is all about,” says Jan-Patrick Schmitz, the CEO and president of Montblanc, which developed the technology for custom nibs at its werkstatt in Hamburg in 2010. Here craftsmen evaluate the physical and aesthetic characteristics of a client’s penmanship to create the ultimate couture writing instrument. Sophisticated computerized technology that took years of research now allows the company to offer the Bespoke Nib Service to New Yorkers.

How does it work? You’re asked to provide several writing samples on a digital pad that records handwriting speed, pen angle, pressure applied to the page, rotation (how much your hand moves back and forth when writing), and the swing range (how often you move your wrist). After the report is reviewed, the personal handwriting data is transmitted to Hamburg, where the sample is analyzed and a craftsperson grinds a nib exactly to the computer’s specs. The process takes several weeks to complete.

As for the advantages of a custom nib, Schmitz says it makes the experience of writing feel like moving through butter. The ultimate splurge: ordering custom nibs for several different fountain pens, each intended for a specific activity such as writing thank-you notes, reviewing paperwork, or signing important documents. Schmitz himself owns several pens with custom nibs, one of which has been designed just for his signature—thick, lavishly swooping letters rendered in a brilliant, bespoke orange-colored ink. “Your handwriting is an expression of your personality and character,” says Schmitz, “so having a personalized ‘signature-only’ pen will be a wonderful thing for fashionable, self-confident New Yorkers to experience.”

It will be interesting to see if the city’s business elite will give up their Montblanc Meisterstück power pens for this latest innovation. Or maybe they’ll just add it to their writing-instrument mix, along with the company’s bespoke Personal Code Ink, which contains an invisible botanical code that allows forensic scientists to verify whether that person’s ink has been used on a document.

Like any luxury product, fine fountain pens require tender loving care. New Yorkers can be reassured that, in addition to the luxury firms designing innovative and servicing innovative fountain pens, there’s an “only in New York” institution that merits a visit if you have a pen in need of TLC—the Fountain Pen Hospital, in Lower Manhattan. The low-key storefront on Warren Street could quite possibly be this city’s greatest red herring, as the time-worn navy awning and vintage signage give little clue to the antique treasures inside. Basement cupboards are filled with rare fountain pens and writing accessories from the 19th century. “When we opened in 1946, there were no ballpoints, rollerballs, or felt tips,” says Terry Wiederlight, the Fountain Pen Hospital’s third-generation president. “We sold fountain pens and employed five repair people to fix the pens when they dried out or the nibs broke.”

Today the store maintains and repairs these instruments. In addition it has become a collectors’ mecca, attracting visitors from all over the world. “They’re so passionate,” says Wiederlight of the people who come in search of the latest, rarest treasures. One highly coveted collectable is Krone’s Abraham Lincoln pen, made of ebonite and embellished with a cabochon amethyst that contains the president’s reproduced DNA in the form of a porous glass powder obtained via a patented technological process. Pieces by Visconti are also in demand. The firm recently created an elegant pen, fashioned of satiny ivory resin sheathed in rose-gold filigree, which commemorates the recent marriage of Prince Albert of Monaco to Charlene Wittstock. The Fountain Pen Hospital also has offerings from Italian pen maker Montegrappa, and the ne plus ultra of luxury writing instruments, Montblanc. Montblanc, 598 Madison Ave., 212-223-8888. The Fountain Pen Hospital, 10 Warren St., 800-253-7367