Take A Longer Look into London, Fall 2011

More sneak peeks into what Jonäno has to offer for Fall 2011

Here is my review of the exciting, Fall 2011 Line: Fall 2011 Preview

Children Become Eco-Friendly Eaters

The children may be getting ready to put away the backpacks and say their goodbyes to classmates and teachers, but just before they do, an opportunity has been presented to prepare kids and parents alike for the next school year in a very “green’ way.

In conjunction with their efforts to help increase the awareness of an eco-friendly world to young children, Kid Smart Publishing and Kids Konserve, have joined forces to design an eco-friendly lunch sack in connection to the pro-eco-friendly kids picture book “Jimmy’s Gone Green”.

"We hope Jimmy will encourage families to choose safe, earth-friendly products over those that may be harmful to both the environment and kids," said Monique Harris, spokesperson for KS Publications, Inc., the parent company of Kids Smart Publishing.

The reusable lunch sack, made with 100 percent recycled cotton and printed with vegetable-based inks, is free of BPA, lead and phthalate.

I appreciate the efforts this company is taking to inform and educate children of their responsibility to the earth, even better yet, their way in which doing it brings some fun to the process. I have always stated the importance of starting early in life in order to make any social difference, even if that means a picture book and a lunch bag.

To celebrate the release of the new Jimmy's Gone Green Reusable Lunch Sack, Kids Smart Publishing is giving away 100 FREE lunch sacks to the next 100 people who buy Jimmy's picture book, "Jimmy's Gone Green," at http://www.jimmysgonegreen.com/.

Eco Lovers ONLY Club

Wearing a member’s only jacket can take a total different meaning, now, in the world of eco-living. As opposed to be related to a sports team, the member’s only distinction now represents your way into the new exciting world of online eco retail.

LovingEco, is an invitation-only, social commerce platform, that offers unsurpassed and innovative eco-friendly products at exclusive price points (up to 70% off retail).

The company will offer various sales for a limited-time only to all members to give women the opportunity to shop for organic, fair trade, and eco-friendly products and clothing. The brands and the companies, whose products and fashion will be sold via the online store, will be chosen from co-founders Melinda Moore and Justine Lassoff.

What I love most about this, besides it interesting “members-only” distinction, is how effortlessly the company plans to merge fashion and beauty, which usually exist in the superficial world, and tie it into a mission to involve more women in making eco-conscious decisions.

Even better, 3% of net proceeds from each purchase is donated to the current 'tastemaker charity' to help support a social or environmental cause. Such charities include, Farm Sanctuary, Global Green USA, Stand Up To Cancer, The Environmental Media Association, Village Empowerment and Wholesome Wave.

LovingEco launched its website, www.lovingeco.eco on June 5, 201l, already offering great deals and sales, but before you go remember to sign up as a member, in order to not be left out.

Fresh Fashion Pt. 3: Finger Licking Fashion

Rounding out the top three of the series, is fashion that is closer to home than you may think. In fact most of the fabric, or should I say ingredients, is in your home as you read this.

These featured designs are fashions that serve many purposes and looks like it can be seen on the latest runway show, but can be bought at a local market.

Red Tomatoes

I have been aware of designers creating pieces that were considered edible fashion, or fashion which uses food as its predominant choice for fabric, but this designer and her designs take a very different and dare I say, normal, approach to the idea. And who would have ever thought “normal” would be so unconventional.

Bananas

The designer is Korean artist, Sung Yeonju, who used everything from tomatoes to bread, to design the collection entitled ‘Wearable Foods’.

Bread

What I love most about the designs, is that they can very easily come off as looking like an assignment from a challenge on Project Runway, however they actually look like beautiful, avant-garde pieces that I can see celebrities wearing on a red carpet.

Eggplant

 

As an added bonus, many of the fruits and vegetables that were used were organically grown.

Sung has designed more traditional, wearable fashion, however, it is these designs that make me want to follow her future as she continues to grow as a designer.

Fresh Fashion Pt. 2: Techno Fashion

Like any romantic fairytale, this one is no different. Fashion met technology and technology met fashion. It was love at first sight and the two have been inseparable ever since. This story book romance has come to life in a remarkable way, now that fashion has reached the point where it can harness renewable energy.

California based company, Silvr Lining (Yes, Silvr, not Silver), includes three different brands that incorporate not only high-end fashion, but high-tech as well. Their brand GO Collection, has taken the possibilities of merging fashion and technology to new heights while still designing aesthetically pleasing merchandise.

 The brand designs fashionable organic sportswear made out of animal-friendly ultra-suede with integrated solar power panels that have the capability to charge personal mobile devices. 

 So much for the excuse, “my phone died and I didn’t have anywhere to charge it.” All you need now is a pocket and the sun, who would have ever thought?

Their most recent design is a pair of cargo pants with a pair of built-in photovoltaic panels on two easy-access side pockets. The pants, along with most of the brand, are pretty pricey costing at $920, however, the light weight, stain resistant low-slung drawstring trouser is well before its time so the price tag isn’t as shocking as it may seem.

These designs give everything that is needed for the eco-minded, tech-savvy, fashionista; a target audience that I am unsure as to whether or not had a concrete outlet to turn to in the past.

 I am constantly amazed at how fashion is evolving and the minds that are creating them as well. It really makes me want to sit back and wait to see what they come up with next, and what crazy thing will they do that time…

Fresh Fashion Pt. 1: Birds of a Feather, Walk Together?

*I am beginning a series of blog post, where I will highlight different and new designs/designers. In a time where originality can easily be stiffened by society, let’s look and applaud those who continue to break the mold and reshape it with their designs.*

One of the best things about fashion is the freedom that comes with it. There are no rules to personal style and essentially what you think is “cool” is cool.

I was recently brought to attention of an interesting, complex Israeli shoe designer by the name of Kobi Levi. It’s not so much his designs that are complex; it is his creative, innovative mind that leaves me puzzled.

One of his newest collections is a series where his inspiration comes from a rather peculiar place.

The “Bird Series” is nothing like I have ever seen before, so different, yet so…modern. It immediately made me wonder how no one has ever thought of this before.

Immediately the “Swan” stands out to me. A white pump can be stellar in most cases, however, the detail on the heel, takes a basic and transforms it into something fresh that would look great with another wardrobe staple, a little black dress.

While continuing to look through Levi’s past collections, you will constantly be amazed and see that the best part about his style is that the shoes are actually…practical and can be effortlessly mixed with the everyday girl’s closet.

Looking at his designs, I hope gives some inspiration to others to begin seeking other outlets and ideas when coming up with your next creative piece of art. Go somewhere you have never been, do something you have always wanted to do, or even go back and reassess things you may have brushed off in the past. You will be surprised with what you come up with next, who knows it may be something as close as what lies in your back yard.

Unfortunately for us, as of now, you will are unable to go to a store and pick up his creations. All of his shoes are made to order, so that requires you to “fly” some distance, however anything worth having is worth going to get.

In the meantime, checkout Kobi’s website and continue to be inspired: http://kobilevidesign.blogspot.com/

Eco Pop Up Shop in the Big Apple

One of the newest shopping crazes is the phenomenon of the pop up shop.

Often designers bring one of a kind samples to these short but so sweet events lasting from a couple of hours to sometimes (if we are lucky) as long as a week.


If you are in New York City, be sure to stop by this Thursday, April 14th for an evening of ethically driven flash in Manhattan.

There will be many, many delightful eco fashion and accessories items available for immediate sale for mindful men and women.

Cocktails will be served to attendees and there will even be an eco make up station sponsored by Kroma all natural botanical makeup. If you can't make it, be sure to visit Global Fashion Brand and check out Eco Pop Up Shop Designs online, retailing only the best in eco/ethical fashions.

The event will be held at the Nexus Townhouse (39 West 56th Street, 4th Floor) from 6pm – 9pm. Several eco brands will be on display and for sale including: Ailin, Chak Chel, Moonlight, Vella Mode, Boutique Ethique, Tammam, Elena Garcia, Tompkins Point and Jonano.

Also joining the sustainable roster will be two non-profit collections that are ethical in more ways than one: Care For Kenya and Project Migration. In short, Care For Kenya has partnered with Show Me Your Mumu with proceeds giving back to an impoverished women’s group in Kenya, and Project Migration’s collection will go towards providing clean water and medical supplies in East Africa.

Spearheading this focus on eco, CEO Kerry Bannigan says, “Earth Month is a great time to highlight ethical fashion... to celebrate the brands that practice fair trade but also to remind consumers of the trends and wearable products within sustainable fashion.”

The virtual pop-up store will launch on April 1st at: www.globalfashionbrands.com/earthmonth. The online pop-up store will feature independent ethical brands ranging from ready-to-wear men’s and womenswear to handbags and accessories. Keeping the earth in mind, 10% of all proceeds will go to the Red Cross, giving back to the relief efforts in Japan.

To RSVP for this event: GFB@amp3pr.com
and I will see you there!

Sharing a Bit of Metta and More

Just back from a quick trip to the left coast and wanted to share a little bit of sunshine with you. I was in LA for a runway event to raise money for the Tsunami Relief Fund and had time out to partake in one of my favorite pastimes...chillin' at the beach.


I love the simplicity of life wave-side and the rhythm of the surf, but best of all, I really love to people watch folks that also enjoy my favorite spots. They always are wearing a friendly smile and often some cool eco fashion, too.

Dutch designer Jane Stroink is one such eco designer whose craft can be found at the hippest beaches. Jane makes beach ready recycled blankets for her company, LADAK. I have always wanted to trek through the Ladak region of India and this blanket would make the perfect sleeping mat for that journey on my own bucket list.

LADAK blankets are each unique as they are crafted of recycled sweaters, blankets, jeans and parts of mattresses. They are then ornately decorated with ribbons and rich fabrics.

Each blanket is uniquely handcrafted and machine washable but best of all, 15% of LADAK‘s profits will be donated to an Amsterdam shelter for the homeless.

Jonäno Walks For Japan and More!!

It may be hard to imagine, but what would a pre-teen award show, relief in Japan, and organic fashion have to do with one another??

In most normal circumstances the answer would be nothing, however, in happy news, the unusual mergence has resulted in Jonäno being named the official eco designer for the runaway and event, F.A.M.E Caring with Style “The Art & Spirit of Fashion”.

[Flashback: Jonano at LA Fashion Week for Spring 2011]

The event is brought to you by F.A.M.E Los Angeles and serves the purpose to provide great entertainment, but also as a way to fundraise for the victims of the Tsunami and Earthquake that hit Japan earlier this month.

Jonäno will be presenting their Fall 2011 line, “London”, which was previously highlighted here: http://ecocouture.blogspot.com/2011/02/i-see-london-i-see-fall-2011-fashion.html

The “Fashion Show for Charity” will be held inside the prestigious Hollywood Kodak Complex, immediately following the 2011 Kids Choice Award on this Saturday, April 2, 2011.

Kicking off at 6 PM, the fundraiser will be celebrating life as the festivities will continually entertain, including fashions shows, live DJ’s and performances, celebrities, swag bags and much more.

Here is the official flyer for the event: http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=ei5djqbab&v=001AOTdCtwnZM_Td-xhnEuCgxxGf3uBDf2ckvnZ6xuwDmXjRJXerZZAhwUnBrSezuM8u1EdnzJbUPD2_1RjUTFCMF0HvCZSXeBlzkdG6Kum4J8%3D

The Art of Fashion

Parisian artist, Amylee has found a way to create sustainable fashion by combining fashion and art in her painting and drawing, fashion illustration, and collage.

Brightly colored canvases depict themes of women, film, and portraits, and inspired by vintage fashion with seventies wallpapers and prints.

Mixed media fashion as art combines plastic art pieces with couture.



For an up close and personal Amylee, visit the permanent exhibitions of her work:

• Galerie NEEL - Paris 2, place des Vosges, 75004 Paris

• Galerie NEEL - Cannes 3, rue du Commandant Vidal, 06400 Cannes

Spring Ahead With The Latest Trends

Yesterday marked the first day of spring, so it is about that time to put the heavy coats, hats, and gloves away and opt for something much more appropriate. But before you go and reach for your box labeled “Spring Clothes” keep in mind that this season has taken a slightly different turn and instead you may have to reach for the box that is slightly deeper in your closet because this season has taken a time trip.

The ‘60s and ‘70s have made a comeback as designs looked more to the past for inspiration. From outerwear to shoes, and everything in between, look through your old photos, but be sure to only take the good out of the past because something’s should remain where they were left.

Look for spring jackets with an A-Shape that resemble those of the Mod look in the ‘60s. The design flares away from the hips providing a subtle cover up for anyone still working on their beach body. Pair the outfit with some vintage finds like ladylike watches and large stripped totes.

Give your body a break and slip out of the skinny jeans. Don’t get rid of them for good but simply take the opportunity to easily step into some flare-leg jeans, preferably high-waisted ones. Wear these with some other in style pieces like wedge heels and oversized bangles.

As usual don’t be afraid to add color or even some prints, but don’t be surprised if you see more soft colors and nude pallets. Look for some more low-key colors as opposed to always going for the bright, vibrant options. Let your accessories stand out for you.

Overall, for the next few months take the time to enjoy the comfy look that is in this season. Gone are the body-hugging dresses and six inch heels. But as I always say style is in the eye of the beholder and never let what is “in” for that season dictate your whole style. Trends are merely suggestions and it is up for you to take your own originality and play around with some old faves and new finds.

Basement Paintings - Neil Callander Exhibition Opening at Goose Barnacle in Brooklyn

I love to meet folks that have a similar wanderlust and love for unique yet timeless design. I'm just back from a trip to beautiful Burgos, Spain where I met David Alperin, Founder/Owner of Goose Barnacle, NYC's top rated men's specialty store.

I was impressed by GBs "store as gallery" concept; the curated shop carries Svensson, Sebago and Naked & Famous. GB doubles as an art gallery, whether it be art, clothing or handcrafted jewelry.

The shop will be hosting their Spring art opening to coincide with the seasons new apparel debut. Goose Barnacle debuts next Friday March 18, 2011, “Basement Paintings” by Neil Callander.

Described as a still-life series, “Basement Paintings” reveals objects designed for human intimacy, reflecting years of human contact. The name Goose Barnacle harkens back to Alperin’s Spanish roots, referring to a beloved Northern Spain shellfish delicacy his grandmother served him growing up.

Green Celebrities Celebrate Oscars

In lieu of The Academy Awards last weekend, celebrities walked the red carpet while wearing green, celebrating Global Green USA’s 8^th Annual Pre-Oscar party. The party was held to help raise support and awareness for Global Green’s initiative to fight climate change.

Izabella Miko

Celebrities that have attended the “organic” event, many have been A-list stars, some previous Oscar winners and some who were apart of the festivities this year. Among the guest list included, Academy-Award-winning director James Cameron and wife Suzy Amis Cameron, Dennis Haysbert, Elisabeth Rohm, Enrique Murciano, James Van Der Beek, Frances Fisher, Alison Brie, as well as Oscar nominee Lucy Walker.

As much as the party is for the goal of finding alternative solutions to climate change, fashion was at the forefront, as celebrities took the evening to show off some of their best versions of “ecoCouture”.

Global Green CEO, Matt Peterson with Guest

Global Green CEO, Matt Peterson, stepped out wearing a sleek black eco-tux where some of the design was recycled audio cassettes. Fellow guest Daphne Zuniga chose a vintage, sustainable, red, one-should cocktail dress. Actress Izabella Miko, an avid eco-conscious celeb, did not disappoint in an organic, body fitting red dress designed by a local LA designer.

Daphne Zuniga

Suzy Amis Cameron, wife of Avatar director James Cameron, spoke on the importance of green fashion and named London-based designer Samata Angel the winner of the second annual competition, Red Carpet Green Dress Imitative.

Suzy Amis Cameron, James Cameron, Samata Angel and Model

The night wrapped up with celebrities preparing for the Oscar festivities, but one thing is certain, I always love seeing any celebs support causes merely for their own personal gain as opposed to trying to create a media frenzy.

Whatever the case, much can be said about any award ceremony that rings in the celebrations in such a “green” hot way!

I See London, I See Fall 2011 Fashion Preview

Kate and William, move over! London may be where you are setting up for your royal wedding, but London has taken on a whole new responsibility come this fall.

During a successful weekend at “Moda Manhattan” in New York City, Jonäno debuted a sample of what is to come for their fall 2011 collection, respectively titled London.

As is every line, the name of the line comes from some social reference that designer, Bonnie Siefers, deems appropriate for that moment. What better to call a line than arguably the most talked about city this year?

Even a few of the items are named after popular references including a trouser named “Amelia” after Amelia Earhart, because of its aviator style design. The soon-to-be princess even is the namesake for an organic cotton velvet and veggie tanned leather skirt, symbolizing the one that Kate wore when she met her prince.

The line takes what they are known for, organic and eco-friendly material including organic wool blends, veggie tanned leather, and more, and elevates it to high extremes by incorporating bold prints, daring cuts, and a flare of vintage appeal.

The color pallet varies, with a lot of soft blacks and glacier grays and a few pieces available in amethyst purple and indigo blue to add a pop.

There are some early favorites that stand out, most which are made from chenille lace. This alternative to regular lace has a softer feel, guaranteed to combat the roughness that lace can leave on the skin. One of the many more risqué pieces is a body suit made from the material, which is guaranteed to turn heads.

It seems as if the material, wild peace silk, is the standout in the line. Pants, skirts, tops and dresses all have a few that are designed from the silk which is naturally derived as opposed to commercial silk.

For any eco-friendly lover, the collection will not disappoint. I believe it to be a collection that represents a new turn for Jonäno, one that will attract new clients and please the existing ones.

"Feminine" Fashion Trend

Trends in the fashion world come and go. What is hot one day may be a fashion faux pas the very next. However, the latest fashion trend is not a daring color that every designer is incorporating in their line, or a new style of handbag, but instead designers are taking risks and joining part in what is being called the “femiman” trend.

For the past three seasons, designers have been abandoning the idea of males and females staying within their particular gender roles and have begun to incorporate models that fit more of an androgynous style and model in both male and female garments.

Probably the most popular, Lea T. graced the Fall/Winter 2010 ad campaign for Givenchy, lighting the fashion world a buzz. I recall hearing about Riccardo Tisci’s latest muse and seeing the images on various news programs and magazines, questioning if this was the future for fashion.

Lea T.

(Second to Right)

A year later, I would have to say…yes! Fashion is more than just clothing or self-expression; it is a way of life. And as we all know, in the world of fashion, life imitates art. Within in the fashion world, there has always been a very progressive state of mind and whether it took time or not, the rest of the world eventually caught up.

Earlier this year, a young Serbian boy by the name of Andrej Pejic, strutted the runway at Jean-Paul Gaultier’s spring 2011 couture show, closing it dressed in a gorgeous wedding gown. Since then, Pejic has been named as the face of Marc Jacob’s spring 2011 campaign and has gone on to also walk in Gaultier’s men’s line for Paris Fashion week.

Andrej Pejic

Designers and model’s alike seem to be embracing the idea of this fluidity within the relationship between gender and fashion and it now poses the question of how long until this idea walks right off of the runway and into everyday life. I suppose only time will tell if this unconventional style will soon become the norm for designers, and even more so for the fashion-goers all around, both male and female.

Emma Debuts Eco-Line

It seems that nowadays for an entertainer, being a “triple threat” has taken on a whole new meaning. Gone are the days where being able to dance, sing, and act were all it took to earn major kudos. Instead, celebrities from every medium are trying their best Donald Trump impersonation and becoming business moguls.

Next to join the growing list is star of the Harry Potter franchises, Emma Watson, who will be a debuting an organic clothing line this spring.

After working on a successful eco-friendly line with fashion company, People Tree, she has decided to branch off and design her own line with fame designer Alberta Ferretti.

The line, whose name has yet to be revealed, is said to be inspired by some of her favorite classic 60’s film actresses.

Watching the young starlet grow beyond our eyes has been a joy and she has done so gracefully in front of the cameras. Overtime she has stepped into her own as a growing fashion princess and while doing so, has always made public support of organic and green living.

I have to admit I am always a little leery when stars decide to add fashion designer to their belt, because I often believe that they are simply putting their name on it and question how involved they really are. However, I have a feeling this will not be the case.

In the meantime, we can still check out some of Emma’s fashion sense, with her last collaboration with People Tree, at their website, http://peopletree.co.uk/

Socially Responsible Safety Dance

Looking for a way to join the party this Valentines Day?

Come prepared (pardon the pun).


There is a new socially responsible condom on the market, and by the way, that little pocket on the front of the jeans is commonly known as a condom pocket. What I learned in Brownies and Girlscouts...be prepared, has served me well over the years.

Let’s face it; birth control is complicated, and definitely not stylish. The Pill liberated women since the early sixties, but also shifted the burden to the softer sex, and does not protect against nasty STDS. There is a new choice on the market with Sir Richard’s Condom Company, founded by Mathew Gerson and Mark Kreloff. For every condom you buy they donate one to a country in need. HAZZAH!!!












They are made from latex (a renewable resource) and boxed in stylish, recyclable boxes, and they come in extra large, ultra thin, classic ribbed and something called “pleasure dots.” Find them at stores as diverse as Whole Foods and Fred Segal, as well as their website.

Fash Investing

A few days ago I failed to purchase a piece of wearable art while traveling abroad in a trendy part of Istanbul. It was a stunning architectural purplish grey silk tunic with patches of the thinnest leather I have ever touched…like butter really, however the piece was slightly out of my travel budget. It was also one of those pieces I would probably only wear two or three times a year, though these would have been events to remember, I’m sure, and for me what I wear lends part to how I experience events and interact with the world. It was to die for and I terribly regret not buying it.

The thing is, if not born to money, it usually takes us some time to realize that good clothes are worth investing in, even if more expensive, and by good I mean well made, but also original, timeless, art-like. This is a real part of sustainable style, for classic and timeless art pieces that are well made are wardrobe investments.

These pieces delight us when we buy them, and continue to bring joy to us as we recall the occasion when we found the piece and the events to where we wore the garment. As a fashion enthusiast, I am passionate about collecting textiles and fashion, and although I did not make an investment on my recent trip to Turkey, my philosophy is Life is Long and more opportunities lie just ahead.

Vintage: Value, Values, and Enduring Design

The 12th Annual New York Fashion Conference is being held December 2nd through the 4th, and it's not to be missed. I have attended this intimate educational gathering of who's who in the arts, crafts and fashion world previously and share with you that you will certainly bump elbows with memorable names and be given the opportunity to ask questions from the audience. Founder Lisa Koenigsberg dares to ask, "What do we value in fashion and design? The rare? The classic? Or, the new? Do we value that which is eco-sensitive or the beautiful-but-scarce? Do we value a maker’s history of integrity, a corporate commitment to quality, a dedication to a tradition of craft? Or do we prize an object or garment irrespective of who made it or what went into creating it?"

Anna Sui Gowns and Storto Gloves


This years theme is Vintage, and the deliberate deconstruction seen in recent styling raveled edges and raw seams and the use of uncut stones, new new questions arise: How do we now define superior craftsmanship, fine materials, and creative design? Is the challenge of the 21st century reconciling the whimsical and the aesthetic with the sustainable, the fashionable with the serviceable? What does luxury mean in the 21st century? How do we define value today? These topics will be covered and more.

The event takes place once again at CUNY Graduate Center, Fifth Avenue @ 34th Street.

Presenters and panelists:

* Larry Pettinelli, president, Patek Philippe USA
* Hal Rubenstein, fashion director, InStyle Magazine
* Catherine Moellering, EVP, Tobe, a division of the Doneger Group and publisher of the iconic Tobe Report
* Designers Anna Sui, Koos Van Den Akker, and Fr. Andrew More O'Connor, founder, Goods of Conscience
* Hamish Bowles, European Editor at Large, Vogue and curator, “Balenciaga: Spanish Master”
* Jewelers Todd Reed, Prince Dimitri, Gregory Kwiat, CEO, Fred Leighton and Partner, Kwiat, and Adam Heyman, principal, Oscar Heyman Bros.
* Daniel Storto, avant-garde couture glove designer
* Women of style Patsy Tarr and Tziporah Salamon
* Amy Leonard, senior vice president, product development & sourcing, Levi Strauss
* Jess Lee, vice president, Polyvore, interactive fashion Web site
* David Wolfe, chief forecaster, Doneger Group
* Lincoln Schatz, photographer commissioned by Esquire to capture the 100 most influential people for its 75th anniversary
* Edward Maeder, former curator of costumes Los Angeles County Museum of Art and founding director BATA Shoe museum
* Juliana Cairone, owner, Rare Vintage
* Jan Glier Reeder, consulting curator, Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art
* Karen Augusta, founder, Augusta Auctions, America’s top auction house specializing in couture and vintage clothing
* Phyllis Magidson, curator of Costume and Textiles, Museum of the City of New York
* Laura Crow, award-winning designer for Broadway and off-Broadway
* John Davey, collector, vintage Hollywood costumes and couture
* Authors Joan DeJean, The Essence of Style and The Age of Comfort, Sandy Black, Eco-Chic: The Fashion Paradox; Pamela Keogh, Are You a Jackie or a Grace?; and Mitchell Owens author of a forthcoming book on Pauline de Rothschild
* Sara Reiter, chief textile conservator, Philadelphia Museum of Art
* David Ornstein, promoter, Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show; founder, Daybreak Vintage Clothing in Albany, NY. a costume house for movies and theater
* Patti Geolat, founder and CEO Geolat, Dallas TX, a widely-known authority on the appraisal and sale of fine jewelry
* Ann Lange, vice president, jewelry department, Doyle New York
* Angelina Chen, director, CIRCA New York buying office
* Edward Lewand, jewelry appraiser and expert
* Jonathan Scheer, president, J. Scheer & Co., a firm specializing in conservation, cleaning and preservation of wedding gowns, exhibition couture, and historic textiles

For tickets and further information, please contact: Lisa Koenigsberg at lisa.koenigsberg@artinitiatives.com; telephone: (646) 485-1952 or fax: (212) 935-6911.

See you there!