First Baccarat Pop-Up Boutique To Debut in the U.S.

A new Baccarat pop-up boutique has just opened in New York City on the 1st of November, and to no ones surprise, it has already become an extremely trendy place to shop in the West Village.  Being the first Baccarat boutique to make its debut in all of the United States, the 480-square foot transitory atelier is situated at 371 Bleecker Street and presents the brand’s one-of-a-kind, beautifully designed “Gifts in a Red Box” approach (curated glasswork nestled inside florescent ruby tinted packaging).

Amidst all the luminous objet d’art (a small decorative or artistic object) available there are stemware, barware, lighting as well as home decor fixtures.  Furthermore, there’s also stylish accents that include a new capsule collection by famed jewelry designer Marie Hélène de Taillac.  The short-lived retail haven will be open between 11 am through 7 pm from Monday to Saturday, and 12 pm through 5 pm on Sunday.  Even though the company has been doing business for around 252 years, the pop-up boutique will close up on December 31st.  Don’t miss this limited time event, with Christmas on the way this may be the perfect gift to display some Christmastime colors and fun for the holiday season.

A Fashion Blogger Guide to Fashion Week

First came the World; Then – came Fashion.

Let not those (very) religious take offence at what we are about to say but – fashion is religion; not the type of religion we pray to (although, sometimes we do, right?) but the one that inspires us to find the never-ending elegance, chic and style within and conduct ourselves with proper pride and mannerism. Fashion has millions and millions of followers and as such – it definitely qualifies as a sort of divinity (we are happy to obey).

In the midst of preparations for the Fashion Week, who better than designers themselves to give you advice on what to wear or what to do to scoop a lil’ drama; unfortunately, those same designers are too busy designing collections that will be catching eye (and pockets) of the glitterati. The second best would be fashion editors; unfortunately, they’re exceptionally busy as well at this time of year. So then, we come to fashion bloggers. Third (time’s) the charm? Sure!

Let’s see what these exceptional fashion experts are advising…

Don’t Try to Parachute In (they’ll throw you out)
A Fashion Week is an industry-only event; no one who isn’t a part of the fashion industry can attend and even those who are, need to register first. With the registration approved, you may be getting invitations from the brands and designers to attend their shows along with other special events.

NOTE: Festivals or Fashion Weekend are NOT a Fashion Week. Unlike the first two consumer events where anyone can purchase tickets to attend, Fashion Week catwalk and designer experiences are invitation-only events. So, make sure you register and get your credentials in time – you don’t want to embarrass yourself in front of Olivier Rousteing, right?

Get Your Business Cards Ready (be professional)

Getting to meet someone at the fashion industry is huge! This is an overwhelming industry with a lot of potential to help you get noticed (but you’ve already known that), so having your business cards ready is a must. Hand out your cards to photographers and bloggers, and be open to receiving a few (or a dozen). Also, follow up with those you find most interesting for references.

NOTE: Keep the business card standard; if too small, they’re easily lost. If too big, they can’t fit a regular wallet. Also, keep the design clean; you want to let people know what you do and how to reach you. List your conventional contact info on the back side of the card, as well as all your social media handles.

Make a Wardrobe Plan (in agreement with the weather)

One of the biggest questions for the first time NYFW attendants is, obviously, what to wear. What the naïve crowd doesn’t know is that changing several outfits throughout the day to make an impression is an overkill.

Regulars at the NYFW are fashion experts, designers, editors, models, celebs, socialites and such – and they’re there explicitly for the fashion alone, not the showoff (well, some of them are). Habitually, they’ll wear their usual uniforms upgraded with an accessory or two to add a little glamour but that’s where the story ends.

If you are hoping to increase your chance of getting photographed by street style photographers, be on point. Don’t go crazy with your combos just to stand out; rely on your fashionable ladies clothing for effect and keep your NYFW outfit true to your style. Also, don’t get discouraged if you don’t get published. Mostly, those who have already built a name for themselves make the cut while the rest – wait for the next time they might get lucky.

Mingle with Others (expand your network)
Whether you are a fashion or lifestyle blogger yourself, a photographer (or both), fashion reporter, an up and coming model, or any other segment of the fashion industry, find those from the same field as you are and introduce yourself. Expanding your network at events like these is phenomenal – not only because you are forming potential business collaborations, but because you are getting to meet amazing people who share your interests. Enjoy it!

Jaeger LeCoultre Unveils Their New Master Memovox

Jaeger LeCoultre unveils their Master Memovox Boutique Edition timepiece, that was made in celebration for the 60th anniversary of the automatic version of its emblematic Memovox alarm watch.  Designed with a contemporary riff on the Memovox snowdrop from the 1970’s that allocates its predecessor’s radiant dial, classic double crown, and an uncomplicated alarm-time gauge disk along with an exemplary blue sunburst finish.  Protected within a 40 mm stainless steal case, the Master Memovox timepiece’s Calibre 956 movement utilizes a date function as well as a power reserve of 45-hours.  The timepiece also has its caseback engraved with the Master Control logo (which signifies that the watch went through 1,000 hours of testing), and is presented with a soft deep-blue cotton strap that is sheathed in calfskin.  Symbolizing pure elegance and an immense amount of classic brilliance, the Master Memovox Boutique Edition is priced at $11,700, is limited to only 500 pieces, and available strictly at Jaeger LeCoultre boutiques.

For more information visit:  JaegerLeCoultre

The Savile Row House of Huntsman Comes to Manhattan

Finally, the bespoke tailor “Savile Row house of Huntsman” has opened their first boutique outside of London at a seventh-floor atelier on 57th Street, Manhattan.  From generation to generation, Huntsman has provided stylish gentlemen with the perfect bespoke suit, tailor-made so well to the body that it felt like it was apart of them.  There are two kinds of men; the first kind is the man who picks his clothes based-off what size he is, even though the fit won’t match his body perfectly.  And the other, is the man who lets his clothes pick him, the one who gets the perfect length, the perfect cut, the perfect you.  With Huntsman’s new Manhattan location, you can visit professional tailors to custom design a suit that will fit like a glove and last a lifetime.

Huntsman’s Creative Director Campbell Carey, a man who rose up through the ranks as an apprentice cutter (a program that takes eight years to master) said “you’d be surprised how local our buyers are in New York.” Custom suits can take at least two fittings to become “a second skin,” he says.  “But they last forever.  I have gentleman coming in with their father’s and they’re still in mint condition.  We have seen suits from the 1920s, and as long as they’ve been looked after, they are still perfect,” Carey says.

What separates their suits from off-the-shelf and other high-end bespoke suits, is that each Huntsman jacket is constructed by hand from beginning to end through the same craftsman in Cheshire.  It has a total of six layers, all the way from British wool (which they work with 8,000 different options) to horsehair (to give it shape) to satin lining.  Huntsman’s most popular item, is the one button navy blazer with slanted double pockets.  Carey said, “it’s a less is more look,” in his thick Ayrshire brogue.  “It’s where we start with our clients, before guiding them to more personalized looks.”

What’s more, the heritage brand is at long last launching a ready-to-wear line of six cuts that begin at around $2,250 for a two-piece suit.  The next improvement is known as Made to Measure, which are factory-made but adjusted to fit the qualifications of a customer, and is priced relatively more.  But of course neither is comparable to the sheer quality of the bespoke suits for which Huntsman is most reputable for, which take from six to nine months to finish and are priced from about $4,500 and $7,500, respectively.  Roughly 30 measurements are needed to ensure the suit is perfect for you, with up to four fittings or more.

“Unfortunately, bespoke tailoring isn’t scalable, and there are no shortcuts, so we can only make about 1,000 suits a year,” states Carey.  “We always say that when someone sees a man in a Huntsman suits, they should say, ‘You look great,’ not ‘Your suit looks great.  The way the suit fits should be what people notice.  You wear the suit, the suit doesn’t wear you.”  Huntsman adds no label or branding that signifies the custom tailored suit was handmade in Cheshire.  “The suit maketh the man, as they say,” adds Carey.

Ready-to-wear suits begin at $2,250; bespoke suits are priced from about $4,500 and $7,500; NYC location: W. 57th St., phone number: 646-590-2695. 

To schedule an appointment via email:  usa@h-huntsman.co.uk

For more information visit:  Huntsman

Customize Your Own Pair of Salvatore Ferragamo Shoes

Salvatore Ferragamo has recently added a new made-to-order program that lets everyone get the chance to change things up and put their own spin on the brand’s classic yet stylized designs.  In what was first launched in September, the Tramezza Made-To-Order Experience offers many customizable options such as, Double Monkstraps, Monkstrap Boots, and leather Oxfords.  In addition, each made-to-order customer has the power to select their shoes’ detailing, color, material, and buckle finish, you can also monogram the soles to give you an unparalleled custom-making experience.  Not only are these custom-made shoes something new to Ferragamo, but the packages in which the shoes come in are something new as well: red shoeboxes that bear resemblance to petite, bespoke trunks.  The made-to-order services’s tiresome shoemaking process takes six hours of work done by a professional cobbler along with a four-day shaping method, and calls for up to 12 weeks of delivery after which to order has been placed.  A pair of custom-created Salvatore Ferragamo’s shoes begin at $1,500 and can go up to $13,500 for the crocodile-leather option.

For more information visit:  Ferragamo.com

Hugo Boss Restores Their Lineage of Sartorial Elegance

With news coming from the head of Hugo Boss, the famous German brand has now started a project that drops their luxury branding in order to restore it’s lineage in sartorial refinement for the sophisticated gentleman.  At least this was the idea of new CEO Mark Langer’s first remarks that he made to Handelsblatt, that we have gathered from Channel NewsAsia.  And we thought to ourselves, why would Hugo Boss drop their luxury branding to take up sartorial refinement?  After all sartorial refinement is just another meaning for “luxury”.

Handelsblatt, along with others, have come to all the same conclusion that Langer is in fact referring to the “women’s-wear” part of the business, which grew to an even greater extent under the assiduous watch of previous CEO Claus-Dietrich Lahrs.  Langer might also be hinting to the “luxury everyday” type of aspect for the business, like an art mastered by brands such as: Louis Vuitton, Rolex, or Chanel.

Another way to say this using watch analogy, would be like Hugo Boss was trying to use the Rolex approach, but instead went back to it’s Patek Philippe “desired by many, yet owned by few” kind of approach.  Relatively speaking, this seems like an excellent opportunity.

At the apex of Lahrs’s expansionist system, Hugo Boss opened over 400 stores worldwide, and presently the fashion brand reportedly has more than 6,000 points of sale in a total of 124 countries.  Due to a drawn-out current fall off, the situation became far too much for Lahrs to handle, causing him to resign in February after witnessing sales in the US and China severely decline.

Jacob & Co.’s Astronomical New Timepiece

This astronomical masterpiece by Jacob & Co. is even better that it’s predecessor (the Astronomia), but to fully understand this latest Astronomia model we must first understand it’s history.  The first Astronomia version functioned as a star chart that accurately kept track of time & rotations of, and around the Earth.  It featured an hours, minutes, and seconds display, a tourbillon, and a representation of the Earth & moon that rotates on spokes around a central axis (which is all palpable beneath a broad sapphire dome).  The Astronomia kicked off a craze toward conservatism in the latest timepieces, drawing in many supporters within the Swiss watchmaking enterprise, but because the watch is such an unconventional timepiece it has also come across some cynic’s as well.

Luckily Jacob & Co. has stopped most of this criticism with their new and improved version, the Astronomia Sky.  This timepiece includes a sidereal-time display that follows the movement of stars with zodiac signs.  There has never been another watch that brings in as much gravitas as the sidereal-time complication, which has only ever been attempted on the most prestigious and most intricate watches in history.  Luca Soprana (the watch development specialist who’s handiwork was unveiled by Jacob & Co. in 2014) said Jacob & Co.’s founder and chairman, “Jacob Arabo’s idea was really to create a sort of planetarium with all the stars and planets going around.”

The Astronomia Sky has it’s star chart resting under an upended dome over the movement, with a roaming oval signifying the stars above the Geneva latitude.  The dome gradually rotates at about one degree per day in regards to the orbit of the Earth around the sun that diversifies a sidereal day (approximately 23 hours, 56 minutes, 4.1 seconds) from a solar day.  Luca Soprana said “The best thing about working with Jacob, is that he is not a watchmaker at all. He is concerned with the aesthetical quality of the piece and asks for things technical people would never request. He asks for a totally different approach, and for me, its very interesting to work this way.”  This out of the world piece of haute horology is priced around $690,000.

For more information visit:  Jacob&Co.com

Meet Clare Cirillo

Meet Clare Cirillo; the young model & fashion blogger who is taking the NYC Fashion Blogging community by storm with her one of a kind blog “WhenInManhattan.com“.  Born and Raised in Westchester County, Clare recently graduated Fordham University with a Bachelors in communications.  Now residing in the West Village, Clare is always on the-go as she focuses her attention towards the fashion industry.  Her deep passion for fashion has influenced Clare greatly, whether she is styling simply stunning outfits or bringing inspiration & excitement with her amazing style tips.  We spoke exclusively with the always fashionable Clare about her incredible blog & all things modeling.

What are you currently inspired by?
“I’m currently inspired by street style—which I think is the reason I started my blog! Living in Manhattan I have always been inspired walking down the streets and seeing the different ways people wear clothing. I think the most important thing I have learned is that you don’t have to have a lot of money to look fashionable and express yourself. One of the things I try to advocate on my blog, is that you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on clothes! I usually have one expensive item (usually shoes or a handbag) and then go lighter on the clothing. SO many people on the streets of Manhattan walk around on a budget and still manage to look good, so its definitely obtainable to dress on a budget. That being said, street style is definitely one of my biggest inspirations. I am starting a new category on my blog next month about my favorite street style looks!”

How did your blog wheninmanhattan.com come to be?
“I started my blog about a year ago when I was still in college. I have always loved fashion and social media, and decided that starting my own blog would go hand in hand with my career as a fashion model. I not only love to be behind the camera, but I have always loved the fashion and styling that goes into creating the perfect image. My career is modeling—but eventually I want to be more than just a model. I knew that starting a blog and creating my own voice in the industry would eventually help with that aspect.”

What do you believe sets your style apart from other personal style bloggers?
“I think my career and education definitely sets me apart from other fashion bloggers! Career aspect—I am trying to do more behind the scenes pictures at photo-shoots and jobs to give people an inside scoop of what really goes on behind the scenes at a photo-shoot! Before modeling I always wondered what happened behind the scenes, so this year I will definitely be sharing more information on that. As far as my education—college has taught me so much information that I am going to eventually tie into my blog. I love writing, so I am definitely going to try to to do more of that in the upcoming months.”

Who are some of your favorite designers at the moment?
“Alexander Wang, Stella McCartney, and Johnson Hartig.”

What Fall trends have you been looking forward to?
“Fall is one of my favorite seasons. I love layering long shirts, sweaters, and jackets together. Mixing different textures together is also something I love to do and you’ll be seeing a lot on the blog in the upcoming months!”

Tell us about your career as a model. How did you get started?
“I got started really randomly! I was in college and my now manager saw a picture of me and thought I had potential. I remember flying down to Miami for my first photo-shoot not knowing what to expect. From there I continued to better my career as a model and grow in the fashion industry!”

Take us through a typical day in the life of Clare Cirillo.
“Recently my days have been craziness. Thankfully I’m a huge morning person. I try to wake up really early and work out first thing (usually around 7 a.m.) I usually get a smoothie from my favorite juice bar right after my work out. Then I come home, shower, and get ready for my day. If I’m not at work, I’m usually shooting for my blog, going on castings, meeting with my agency, or grabbing lunch with my friends or family. If I’m not too busy I usually go down to Soho and shop for my blog, or just go to get inspiration from stores. Then I usually get dinner with a friend, or pick something up and eat with my roommates. Living in the city and having no time, it’s hard for me to grocery shop and cook, so I usually am picking up Sweetgreen, Dig In, or something healthy for dinner.”

What is your favorite thing about living in New York City?
“What’s not to love?”

What’s one of the most interesting shoots that you’ve done?
“I love going to cool places to shoot. My least favorite shoots are in the studio, no matter how built up the hair, makeup, and styling can be, it’s always more interesting when we shoot on location outdoors. I’ve been lucky enough to travel to cool places to shoot, one of my favorites being in Big Sur. I love the outdoors, so being in one of the most beautiful places in the world shooting was definitely surreal.”

If you could travel anywhere right now where would it be?
“Everywhere in Europe.”

What are some of your favorite things to do when not working?
“Go hangout with my family in Westchester, NY!”

What is something most people don’t know about you?
“I’m a huge homebody! I love being home with my family. I’m thankful enough to have all my family really close to the city, so I see them a lot. And whenever I get the chance I go home to Westchester to escape the city.”

What are some of your favorite outfits that you’ve posted so far?
“I love sharing what types of outfits I wear to go meet clients in. My “model off duty” outfits are really minimalistic, simple, and usually form fitting. They are a good indication of my everyday look and style. So all of those types of outfits are my favorites because they really are what I wear when I’m out and about, and aren’t anything too over the top.”

What are some of your greatest passions outside of Fashion & Modeling?
“I love to run… I hope in the upcoming years to complete a marathon! Running has always been a passion of mine, it keeps me sane! Everyday I try to run with my beat headphones on, it’s my escape from my insane life. I also love photography. I’m not very good, but love capturing special candid moments. I don’t think it’d ever become a career of mine, but anyone that knows me, knows I take pictures constantly.”

Where to next?
“Stay tuned…”

Where can we follow you?
“My Instagram is @clarecirillo where you can find everyday updates of my life, and my fashion blog is www.wheninmanhattan.com!”

Digital Femininity: Chanel’s Spring Summer 2017 Collection

Chanel shows are always spectacular, but there can only be one at a time, and their latest Spring/Summer 2017 collection takes center stage this time around.  With an unbeatable style, Chanel has made this line the go-to ready-to-wear collection of Spring/Summer 2017.  The collection offers a futuristic vibe that transforms the wearer into something extraordinary.  In this collection Karl Lagerfeld remodeled the Grand Palais into a Chanel ‘Data Center‘.

The collection adopted the thought of ‘intimate technology’, which was depicted as an ode to feminine softness.  The popular trend of the season’s fashion weeks, ruffles, was seen decorating lustrous blouses during the collection.  ‘Digital Femininity’ also Features blue, pink, yellow, purple, red, and a few pastels & electric shades that has brought a fierce passion to the line.

Karl Lagerfeld united the intimate technology theme with Chanel’s current feminine style.  Gentle silk, lace, and crepe georgette were placed side by side with present-day details of touch fasteners, rubber, and vinyl strips in company to Chanel’s well known designs that relate to electronic cords.  Showcasing silk dresses that bear digital-inspired motifs and sequins in the electronic cable style makes for a surprising yet intriguing choice by the high fashion house.  Introducing an innovated style, models carried futuristic robot clutches, wore big pendant necklaces, and were finished up with a cap worn to the side.

Featuring the house’s classic tweed jackets topped with silk and lace negligees, just as well the effeminate lace was spotted on shell guipure petticoats and a fashionable pair of silk pajama styled trousers.  This simply incredible look represents the constantly changing world and how far technology (not to mention fashion) has come through the ages.

For more information visit:  Chanel.com

Ulysse Nardin’s Translucent Executive Skeleton Tourbillon

The Ulysse Nardin Executive Skeleton Tourbillon, is quite the revealing timepiece as it’s transparent design masks no secrets or surprises.  This Ulysse Nardin is one of the latest additions to the Swiss manufacture’s Executive collection, while the watch features an ultra lightweight titanium case protecting an intricate layout within, and finished by a bordering black ceramic bezel.  A watch that lets it’s movement double as the dial and triple as a sleek design, what could be more striking?

The translucent design gives the dial an incredible amount of magnitude and dimension, with the manually wound movement (which encompasses a 170-hour power reserve) that’s apparent if you glance below the rectangular bridge that encloses the hour and minute hands.  Magnified roman numerals comprise the hour marker areas at 3 o’clock, 9 o’clock, and 12 o’clock, while the Tourbillon is located at 6 o’clock.  And to add a little more innovation to this transparent masterpiece; is the braided leather strap, the titanium clasp, and the ceramic buckle.  The Executive Skeleton Tourbillon is priced at $38,000.

For more information visit:  UlysseNardin.com