Juicy Couture Fall 2012: L.A. goes mad for mod in NY!

Juicy Couture Fall 2012: L.A. Loves London at Chateau Juicy

It’s no secret that England is having a moment. The royal family is at peak popularity, the Summer 2012 Olympic Games are on the horizon, and people won’t stop talking about some show called … Downton Abbey (ever heard of it???). As for those cheeky Brit designers? Never been hotter! And then there’s the UK music scene. One word: Adele. Unless, of course, you’re a teen, in which case your music universe is now ruled by two words, but only one direction.

From the Sunset Strip to Sloane Square, an LBD is internationally chic.

The undercurrent of UK cool has likewise been on the mind of Juicy Couture Chief Creative Officer, LeAnn Nealz, who was in New York Thursday evening for “L.A. Loves London,” her Cali-based, casual-luxe label’s fall 2012 presentation. “We’re opening a store in London, and I’ve been working a lot in our London office,” Nealz told Videofashion inside “Chateau Juicy,” the posh Upper East Side townhouse transformed into a JC wonderland. In addition to Juicy’s latest retail outpost, Nealz also has an intimate connection with the UK. “My husband is actually English, so I spend lots of time there,” she explained.

While across the Pond working on the new collection, Nealz was inspired when an old familiar tune streamed from the office speakers. No, it wasn’t Adele (or One Direction), but “California” by Joni Mitchell! “So we were thinking ‘70s Sunset Strip with London mod,” said Nealz. The Pacific-meets-Regent-Street vibe was apparent: cabbage rose, plaid, and paisley prints were all in the Brit mix, while neon separates added SoCal sizzle. Soft, slouchy bags in bold hues and animal print boots at ankle and knee level were among the statement accessories. Nealz is especially excited about Juicy’s latest outerwear offerings. “I like the little fur poncho best,” she revealed, adding, “It’s all faux fur, which I feel very strongly about.”

A preppy fall look with Juicy attitude.

Among the JC-clad L.A. starlets paying a visit to Chateau Juicy: Anna Faris, Kate Mara, Emma Roberts, and Hunger Games actress, Leven Rambin, who amazingly didn’t show a smidge of fatigue after a grueling month of HG press touring! “It’s a little bit different from anything I’ve experienced before,” said the blond beauty of her crazy past month. “I’m just happy that people like the movie!” Decked out in a royal-hued Juicy frock, Rambin chose the dress for its, well, juicy color. “It looked like a blueberry—in a good way!” she said with a giggle (that’s Juicy, not juiced). Rambin was right in step with the evening’s theme. “I actually have a British boyfriend, so I really love London style!” she explained.

Be it City of Angels, Big Apple, London Town, or beyond, Nealz believes Juicy Couture style translates, and travels. “We’re very much a global brand. I just got back from Beijing—that was amazing,” she explains. “I don’t think it really matters where you are—you have exposure to everything now.”

Hunger Games actress Leven Rambin told us this was one of her favorite JC Fall 12 looks!

Superstar shades, faux fur poncho, neon separates, leopard print details: all in the Juicy mix.

Who needs the Biebs when we’ve got the Zee?! Joe & Co. get on the line at Bloomingdale’s to kick off season of giving

Jessica Szohr, Joe Zee, and Piper Perabo donate warm winter coats to New York Cares at Bloomingdale's 59th Street.

While Rockefeller Plaza was buzzing Wednesday night with bundled-up Beliebers, another star-studded holiday kickoff was underway just a few blocks east on 59^th Street. The always jolly Joe Zee brought a little holiday cheer and a lot of fashionable friends to the fifth floor of Bloomingdale’s to celebrate the second season of Zee’s hit show, All on the Line, and donate outerwear to New York Cares’ annual holiday coat drive.

“I love this charity!” Mr. Elle magazine told Videofashion. “This is the industry I work in, and this is a way I can take what I do and give back. I love the idea of paying it forward,” said Zee. Model-mom Veronica Webb shared his sentiment. “This is a really important event that we support every year—my kids do it at school, too,” said Webb. “There’s no better gift to give than warmth,” she added. Also heating up Bloomie’s outerwear department: actress Piper Perabo, who accessorized her fête frock with an armload of plush parkas. “I brought a lot—we filled the bin!” said the Covert Affairs starlet.

A svelte Valerie Bertinelli went the extra mile to make sure her much-loved but little-worn coat will find a more fitting home in NYC. “I flew that coat out here in my bag!” the actress told Videofashion. “I didn’t get a chance to wear it a lot in Los Angeles, because it’s just not cold enough,” she added. “Someone else will get better use out of it!”

While additional guests including Gabourey Sidibe, Jessica Szohr, and All On the Line cast members dropped off outerwear and sipped bubbly, we chatted with the man of the hour about AOTL’s sophomore lineup. “There’s a lot more fashion and a lot more guest stars this season,” Elle’s Creative Director told Videofashion. Expect to see designers Rachel Roy and Nicole Miller in upcoming episodes, as well as a cameo by Zee’s former The City co-star and Elle crony, Olivia Palermo. AOTL’s focus on real designers in real turmoil—and in real need of Zee’s boot camp—injects the fashion-reality TV genre with, well … reality. “We don’t just talk about inspiration; now we make inspiration. It really shows another side of the fashion business,” Zee explained.

Momentarily setting all things business and fashion aside (it happens … occasionally …), we couldn’t let the stylish set escape the Upper East without sharing their holiday plans.

Valerie Bertinelli with Joe Zee Wednesday evening on Bloomie's 5th Floor to support the New York Cares holiday coat drive, and toast Season 2 of All on the Line.

Ms. Perabo is en-route to visit her 102-year-old (!!!) grandma before indulging in a seasonal guilty-pleasure: the theme soiree. “One of my friends has an ugly Christmas sweater party—everybody wears crazy appliqué sweaters,” she spilled. “It’s not beautiful, but it’s really funny!”  While Ms. Webb will be chillin’ in balmy Palm Beach, Jessica Szohr is headed for chilly Wisconsin to kick-it with her fam.

What’s #trending on wish lists for December 2011?

Piper’s dreaming of a white Christmas (“I want it to snow!!!”), generous gent’ Joe craves some well-earned R&R (“Time off and a vacation!”), while Ms. Bertinelli’s ultimate gift is anything but time off (“For Hot in Cleveland to be on the air ten more years!”). The TV Land star also summed up the essence of the evening. “The comfort of a coat on a really cold day—there’s nothing quite like it. It’s like a hug,” said Bertinelli.

If you’d like to give a “hug,” Bloomingdale’s on 59^th Street is accepting outerwear donations in the fifth floor outerwear department now through December 5 (visit the New York Cares website for additional opportunities to donate). And if you’re not already obsessed with Joe Zee’s All on the Line, don’t forget to check it out Fridays (that’s tonight!) at 9:30 p.m. EST on the Sundance Channel!

Selita Ebanks shines light on Costa Verde International School, Sierra Leone, & holiday giving, supermodel-style!

Selita Ebanks poses with artwork up for auction to benefit Sayulita, Mexico's Costa Verde International School.

She’s graced the pages of Sports Illustrated, strutted her stuff in some pretty fantastic lingerie, and she ran away with Kanye’s video—the girl even makes getting fired look good! But Selita Ebanks is more than just a supermodel—she’s also a superstar philanthropist.

Thursday night in the West Village, Ebanks was out to support the Costa Verde International School, a “green school” in Sayulita, Mexico, co-founded by Ebanks’s friend, photographer Anne Menke. CVIS aims to provide the Sayulita community with progressive education focused on environmental sustainability and responsibility in Mexico—a lofty goal to achieve with limited resources. Ebanks—looking cozy in a wooly DVF vest over her Rebecca Taylor frock—hosted the 401 Green Photography & Fashion Auction, where everything from Menke’s photos to a Mexican getaway were up for bid, with proceeds benefitting CVIS.

 Having collaborated with Menke throughout her modeling career, Ebanks was happy to shine some light—and funding—on CVIS. “[Menke’s] children go there, and it’s free admission for all the local kids. It’s such an amazing thing, to bring children from all walks of life together,” the Caymanian beauty told Videofashion. “I just had to help her.”

The curriculum at CVIS stresses community involvement—something instilled in Ebanks and her seven brothers (s-e-v-e-n!) since childhood. “It was really important to my Mom to allow us to see the world and reality. We didn’t wear rose-colored shades,” Selita told Videofashion. “We knew where our Thanksgiving turkey was coming from, so we would volunteer for Thanksgiving for the homeless, we would wrap presents for other kids.” Ebanks continues to make giving back a priority. “Community work and being aware of your surroundings is very important,” she added.

While guests sipped Gran Centenario Tequila cocktails and enjoyed music by Lovely Liar, Ebanks filled us in on another charity dear to her heart. “Shine on Sierra Leone is an organization I started working with three years ago,” Ebanks told Videofashion. The group, dedicated to lowering child mortality in the tiny, war-torn West African nation, is finally ready to open Sierra Leone’s very first maternity hospital! Ebanks couldn’t be more proud. “The team is going down on November 20, and there’s going to be a big ceremony. We are really humbled by it,” said Ebanks. “It’s just our first hospital, and I’m going to continue to work hard!” she added.

When Selita isn’t working, she still keeps busy doing good. This year for Thanksgiving, the supermodel is headed to Georgia, where she’ll be whipping up some southern hospitality in mom’s kitchen. “I’m cooking!” she emphasized. “It’s like a six-course meal she’s requested! She’s gonna put her feet up and be Mommy.” (awww …)

As for Christmas, Ebanks is sans wish list. “I’ve had a really successful year, especially with my philanthropy, so I’m happy,” she shared. Her holiday shopping list is also short and sweet. “I don’t really give gifts; I make donations to UNICEF in people’s names,” said the benevolent beauty. A supermodel-approved time-saving and life-saving present? That’s a gift that really keeps on giving!

Bling it on: Resin and Made Her Think give embellished jeans a backbone

Chantel Valentene and Meredith Kahn with Becka Diamond (Photo: Nothing:Something:NY)

Remember BeDazzler—the “As Seen On TV” gizmo that revolutionized rhinestone technology, and gave embellished denim a bad rap? Made Her Think jewelry designer, Meredith Kahn, remembers BeDazzler all too well.

When Kahn and Resin Creative Director, Chantel Valentene, decided to collaborate on a denim capsule collection, they aimed to give blinged-out blues a chic makeover. “We didn’t want to do anything that was too gimmicky or too tchotchke,” Kahn told Videofashion Wednesday night at What Goes Around Comes Around. The Soho store hosted a fashionable flock of Made Her Think/Resin friends and fans, out to celebrate the launch of Kahn and Valentene’s collection (now for sale at WGACA).

The scene at WGACA. (Photo: Nothing:Something:NY)

“The whole idea was not to be garish or flashy—we wanted it to be more sophisticated, natural and organic,” said Kahn. “There’s a sensuality to it.”

“We thought about vertebras and dissection. It’s kind of animalistic!” added Valentene.

The defining detail of the collection—a brass stamp that emulates a spine (evidence)—does indeed lend a subtly visceral, certainly sexy edge to each piece; just enough adornment in all the right places. “It was inspired by Meredith’s handbags with these amazing gold disks,” Valentene told Videofashion.

How did these New York designers get together in the first place? Fashion Collaborations 101, ladies and gents: love your cohort. “I like her stuff, she wore our jeans, so it happened!” Valentene shared. Kahn confirmed: “(Resin) puts a lot of my jewelry in their look books, and they have these great fits and fun colors—our brands look really great together.”

Guests check out the latest looks. (Photo: Nothing:Something:NY)

While festivities got underway, Kahn steered clear of the Kanon Organic Vodka libations—she’s due with baby number two in August! Her bump begged the question—could baubles for baby be on the to-do list?! “I definitely am interested in doing baby jewelry!” said the mom of three-year-old doll-face, Grayson. “Maybe a little jewelry line for gifting purchases that they can then have when they grow up,” she added.

As for Valentene’s summer project, the self-described “denim nerd” is all wrapped-up in her own baby, Resin. “[the Resin team] are all chemists,” she explains. “We sit down and go over formulas and dipping. It’s a process!” How to dress up those denim duds for a hot summer night? “I’ve been bringing back the chain wallet this season,” shares the FIT alumna. “A lot of vintage chain purses—I hook them on my belt loops, because I hate purses.” (To wit, the Brooklyn native was sans-handbag.)

To shop the Resin x Made Her Think collection, visit What Goes Around Comes Around, 351 West Broadway between Broome and Grand Street.

When you wish upon a star: stylist Crystal Streets debuts labor of love

Crystal Streets, in Naheem Khan, with her LYRALOVESTAR collection

When celebrity stylist Crystal Streets discovered she was pregnant, she couldn’t have dreamed she’d be giving birth to a beautiful daughter and a second career. The House of Glam star had spent years dressing VIPs like Mariah Carey, Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Lauryn Hill—a hectic job which left little time to pursue her goal of creating her own brand. “When I got pregnant, for me, I had a year off!” Crystal told Videofashion Wednesday night at New York’s Patricia Field boutique.

LYRALOVESTAR Ciara bangles

The petite Ms. Streets was headlining the “Shop and Rock” party at the iconic East Village store, debuting her self-proclaimed “pregnancy project” –the LYRALOVESTAR jewelry collection. “It’s my first trunk show—it’s another dream come true!” she shared.

Crystal’s lifelong obsession with the night sky plays out in the celestial-inspired jewelry line, but the moon and stars aren’t her only muses.  “Lyra is an ancient Greek star constellation—and it’s also my daughter’s name!” explained Ms. Streets. The stars on Crystal’s client roster join the stars in the heavens as design influences. Dainty, Swarovski-embellished “Ciara” bangles are named after the pop singer, whom Crystal worked with for four years, and Crystal’s fellow Philly native Patti LaBelle is a fan of the amethyst-accented “Sitara” charm hoops.

After showcasing her first collection at New York Fashion Week last February, Crystal is excited to return to Lincoln Center this September. “It’s a no-brainer,” she said. “I’ll be back at Fashion Week.” As for a dream designer collaboration? “Naeem Khan—we would be a great dynamic duo!” Crystal shared. (It must be noted: Streets was looking chic and sassy in her Naeem Khan mini!)

LYRALOVESTAR Sitara hoops

Crystal, and the rest of the party, got starry-eyed when the legendary Patricia Field arrived at her Bowery flagship. “It’s a jamboree!” exclaimed the celebrated designer and stylist. “These events give my store a slice of energy—it’s a nice way to bring in new talent,” Field told Videofashion. As for Crystal’s collection, the outspoken Ms. Field gave LYRALOVESTAR a proverbial gold star. “The aesthetic is really good, and the make is really good. [The collection] is quite evolved for someone new,” said Field.

To find out more about Crystal and shop the LYRALOVESTAR collection, visit www.lyralovestar.com!