Pierce Mattie Public Relations New York & Los Angeles

Retailer Barneys New York has chosen the Grove, Rick Caruso's 575,000-sf retail and entertainment venue, as the location for a new 9,200-sf store that will be among the largest of the retailer's stores and one of only two freestanding Barneys Co-Op locations in California. The Co-Op stores carry the latest styles and newest designers in men's and women's clothing and accessories.

The new Barneys New York Co-Op is slated to open in March 2007 on Bow Street at the Grove, across from the Whisper Lounge and an outdoor dining area. Construction on the two-level store will begin this fall following the relocation of Amadeus Spa and Tracy Allen Jewelers within the Grove.

Barbara Walters versus Star Jones Reynolds? Old news. How about Morgan Fairchild going up against Bo Derek? This one's fiction, of course. My Network TV said Friday that Fairchild, 56, is joining the cast of its telenovela "Fashion House," which debuts on the new network in September. Fairchild will play Sophia Blakely, the arch-nemesis of Derek's character, Maria Gianni, in the fashion business. "This has been fun," Fairchild, who's already shot some scenes with Derek, told sources on Friday. "She's very game," she said. "We're having a very good time doing our knockdown, drag-out ... fights. It's always fun to do it with someone who gets into it."

Fairchild said she likes to stay on the industry's cutting edge and was intrigued by My Network, which is launching in September on channels displaced by UPN's closing. My Network TV is showing a prime-time lineup of soap operas that air five nights a week, modeled after the telenovela format that is popular worldwide. "I'm always trying to find new ways to catch my audience off-guard," she said.

French designer Sonia Rykiel, right, appears at the end of her men's Spring-Summer 2007 fashion collection in Paris, Friday June 30, 2006.

Superbrand Louis Vuitton referenced 1960s screen idols like Alain Delon and Terence Stamp with a sophisticated collection that ran the gamut from velvet jackets to slim trench coats. Sonia Rykiel paid homage to French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg, who died 15 years ago but remains an emblem of cool for younger generations. Yohji Yamamoto, meanwhile, riffed on pinstriped gangster suits inspired by the Italian mobsters of film classic "The Godfather." Vuitton held its show against a video backdrop of a shimmering blue pool that left sweltering guests hankering for a cold swim. This heralded a Hawaiian theme that ran from hibiscus flower prints to Elvis Presley crooning on the soundtrack.

"I think it created such a lovely spring and summery vibe, without being in any way kitsch or silly," designer Marc Jacobs told reporters after the show. Indeed, if the show set a cinematic mood, it was less "Blue Hawaii" and more "Catch Me If You Can." Think Leonardo DiCaprio in a trim suit and trilby hat. Crisp cotton shirts were worn unbuttoned over loosely tied silk scarves, while a cotton pique jacket and matching waistcoat came accessorized with a large rhinestone pin that spelled "Louis."

Jacobs, looking exceptionally svelte as a result of his strict new diet ("no sugar, no butter, no milk all the things I adore"), said the label's new menswear designer Paul Helvers and his team had combined exotic influences with Victorian tailoring.

There are few magazines in this world that actually give me a hard on when I see them hit the stands. Can someone say jaded - jade a stone... speaking of stones; Jewelry W is however one of them! (that and maybe VMan) Yes I don't care if you are a man or women, bling bound or trinket found Jewelry W is one of those magazines you read and glare at over and over again. It also makes a great coffee table book when finished. The summer issue has hit the stands. Have you see in? I love it! Alison Burwell Editor knows jewelry! You can subscribe for your free issues here.

This summer diamonds are the most telling. And let's not forget gold; 18k+. With a full glossy ad coming in around 14 to 15k reaching around 75,000 subscribers. I hope Fairchild let's this publication last. As the Diamond industry booms and The World Diamond Congress comes to close. Let's reflect on The following speech that was delivered by Nicky Oppenheimer, chairman of De Beers, at the gala dinner at the World Diamond Congress in Tel Aviv on Wednesday June 28, 2006:

Diamond Cuffs - just some of the luxury hip bling to go on display

Lord have mercy - is this a trade show that Pierce Mattians would actually enjoy attending? Oh come on! You and I both know that trade shows have hit rock bottom. The days of mass expo display are OVER. It's all about your niche beat and serving the buyer. And yes - a show on luxury bling has arrived in Los Angeles. Edy, Maryam and Pierce - well... we will see you there at L.A.'s Envy Expo, are you jealous?

The Envy Expo is billed as ‘The biggest show to hit L.A.’ A ‘one of a kind’ lifestyle showcase.

Celebrities from the worlds of film, TV, music and sport will be in attendance with ‘meet and greet’ autograph sessions, allowing the public to see their favourite stars amongst the spectacular multimillion dollar showcase areas of pimped out rides, jewelry, electronics, fashion, Playboy models and live music performances including the first live performance in Los Angeles this year by legendary rapper ‘The Game.’

Airing on MTV and ABC, the Envy Expo is being hosted by DJ Skee of L.A’s Hype Radio and includes live broadcasts from the show.

“Its gonna be crazy” said DJ Skee “Just stay tuned and rock with me. Its about to get real major”

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Multimillion dollar Jewelry Expo presented by Ballin’ magazine.
• Mister Cartoon will be there along with his personal collection of lowriders and luxury cars.
• DJ Ben Baller and the Air Macks Crew will shut down the event with a shoe collection beyond compare.
• Live celebrity appearances throughout the day.
• $160,000 Scarface Sand Rail
• Over $3 million dollars worth of vehicles including Phantoms, Bentleys, Lamborghini’s and more!
• Women’s Expo: See the latest in high-priced fashion and accessories.
• Much, much more…..

Tickets are available online for $20.00 and will also be available at the door for $30.00 the day of the show. The Envy Expo has been put together by Next Level Media – the innovators and originators of the world’s most intense productions.

***

Whether it’s to touch up my roots or try a brand new color or highlights, I make the trip every so often to my salon to get my hair dyed. I thought I was safe until I heard about a new European study that suggests that using hair dye may increase the risk of lymphoma, a type of cancer. Could it be that my fun trips to the salon is putting my health at risk?

"Our data suggest that personal use of hair coloring is associated with a small increase in lymphoma risk, particularly among women who started using hair coloring products before 1980," Dr. Silvia de Sanjose of the Catalan Institute of Oncology in Barcelona and colleagues write in the July 1 issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology.

The results from the study showed that those who dyed 12 or more times a year faced a 26 percent increased risk. Since I’ve been coloring my hair since I was 15 and over the past three years have been doing so very regularly, according to this study, I’m definitely at risk. Should I be worried?

Last year, there were almost 64,000 diagnosed cases of lymphoma. Of those cases, only two were related to use of hair dye. Phew! From 1978 to 1982, the ingredients of some types of dyes were reformulated to eliminate some that were potentially cancer-causing. Experts say that it's still not known whether the newer types of hair dyes are free of risk and more research needs to be done. Good thing I know there are already some safe dyes out there like ISO’s i.color which has Vitamin C, proteins, and antioxidants in its formula – at least those ingredients are definitely healthy for you!

Until more research is done and there’s harder evidence that proves hair dye is cancer-causing, I think it’s safe to say I’m going to keep coloring my hair!

When Hollywood comes calling, Ruby Lane answers. The leading online retailer of vintage and antique goods has been providing props for some of the biggest summer blockbusters of 2006. Starting with Superman Returns and now onto Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, RubyLane.com has been offering unique, hard-to-find accessories that are making these Hollywood sets look more authentic.

Check out the pieces used for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest by clicking HERE. These huge cast iron pots along with the cast iron pot holder (pictured above) were used throughout many of the pirates’ scenes.

Pierce Mattie PR is proud to announce the newest addition to our growing family. Coming to us straight from Wisteria Lane is Desperate Housewives: The Game. Based on the hit television series, the video game, which will launch this holiday season, will allow players to live all the gossip, drama and intrigue of a true desperate housewife. The “lifestyle simulation” format lets the player(s) decide if they want to be naughty or nice, single or married, have children or not, and more, all while unraveling the secrets hiding behind closed doors.

Brenda Strong, who voices deceased housewife Mary Alice Young on the show, will reprise her role for the game that is being developed by Buena Vista Games, in partnership with ABC Entertainment and Touchstone Television.

We will be doing an introductory launch at our annual Holiday Market Event where editors will be among the first on the block to play the game. We will be releasing more details soon.

Quite a few years ago, around the time when John Singleton’s Higher Learning hit theaters, I was walking through my local mall when I heard a group of teens approaching me. “Is that her?” one asked. “Yeah it is,” someone said. “Ask her!” I heard another one say. Honestly, I almost took flight in fear that I was going to be attacked. However, I was relieved, flattered and tickled all in the same moment when one boldly stepped up and asked, “Are you that girl from Higher Learning?” The flattery came from the fact that the woman of which she spoke was Tyra Banks. The feeling was bittersweet though, because while I was glad to be mistaken for someone so gorgeous, I had always thought Ms. Banks was a bit fake.

In her various acting roles, personal appearances, and more recently on her talk show, she's had this way of trying to act “ghetto”, and it was always very clearly an act. I always wondered why she couldn’t just “keep it real.” Well, recently she greatly increased her reality quotient. Yes, she still does the attempted ghetto talk. However, she has taken a stand against the artificiality of her industry. She has decided that she doesn’t want any of her photos retouched. From now on, it’s totally up to her fake hair and make up to keep her looking great. At a time when more and more magazine covers and photos are beginning to look cartoonish due to all the retouching. It’s refreshing to see someone who will openly discuss her “flaws” tell photo editors to leave her pictures alone. Thank you, Tyra.

It was a memorable game: repeat champs France led by captain Zidane go head-to- head with the Italian Stallions. After a foul in the box, Zidane effortlessly (or should I say a little cocky) scores a penalty putting France ahead in the 7th minute of the game leaving Italy on the defensive hunt.

In a beautiful play following a corner kick, defender Materazzi rose above the French defender to put a ball squarely into the back of the 'ole "onion bag" tying the game.

Just before the end of the game, Zidane, known for his composure and amazing leadership, headed the ball towards goal and was saved by Buffon. Too bad -- this would surely have been the end of the Italians. Missing this goal seemed to infuriate Zidane, setting the stage for what turned out to be the worst memory of any World Cup.

In extra time of the sloppy and aggressive, but highly competitive match, Materazzi fueled Zidane's already boiling over emotions by saying something we can't wait for his publicist to reveal. Many speculate that it was a racial slur about Zidane's Algerian immigrant heritage. Whatever he said put Zidane in bull-fighting mode as France’s captain charged Materazzi and viciously head-butted his chest sending Italy's instigator plummeting to the ground in pain!

I wonder if Zidane's publicist either went into crisis mode or immediately wondered if his head was ok because it seemingly went right through Materazzi's chest.

No seemed to notice on the ref side, but players, Italy's coach and the 4th official saw it all. Zidane, who was retiring after what he hoped to be a grand exit, was red carded and given the golden boot of shame. He might as well picked up the gold World Cup and personally handed it to captain Cannavaro.

In a penalty shoot out, Italy defeated France winning their first World Cup since 1982.

Poor Zidane-- or should I really lament for his publicist. This game should have solidified him as the greatest football (for those who are seemingly confused, I'm referring to soccer) player of our generation. Instead, sports reporters worldwide have deemed this act as the ugliest act of all.

What does a publicist do? My suggestion is that she find out what Materazzi said and make THAT the new headlines. I'm curious to know and well, who isn’t?!

Zidane you're still my favorite and I look forward to seeing you play for New York where that aggressive "don't mess with me" attitude fits in well! Maybe you can start by teaching everyone that its football you're playing.

...Out of the mouth of babes

Many clients come to Pierce Mattie PR unprepared for PR. They know they want PR. They know they need PR. But they don’t know what they need in order to get PR. Here are 3 of most common items new clients are missing or not ready for when they start a PR campaign.

1. Product samples – Seems simple enough, you can’t get press without full-size live product samples, not sample size. Fashion editors need clothing samples to dress models for photo shoots. Consumer goods editors want to try the product out and see if it works. Clothing samples you can get back, but don’t plan on getting the consumer goods products (i.e. a skin cream, shampoo or laundry detergent) back unless it is a high ticket item (i.e. a luxury razor set, television or limited edition packaged product).

2. Case studies and/or clinical trials – Editors need to know a product works. They want to see information on the success end users have had using a product, especially if it makes significant claims like weight loss, a cure for a physical or mental ailment, a new cosmetic procedure or will have any dramatic effect on consumers’ quality of life.

3. Brand spokesperson – Many clients think that they hire their PR agency to be their spokesperson for on-camera appearances and meetings with editors. While the PR agency representative may at times be quoted in the news or on-camera speaking about their client’s brand, the person visible to consumers through media outlets should be on the client’s own spokesperson. Clients should have a company employee be the corporate spokesperson to the media whether it is the CEO, Director of Marketing or Director of Education. The agency manages the message and helps the spokesperson when things get “hot.” The spokesperson should be media trained and prepared before each interview by the agency with briefing materials on the reporter, bulleted key message points and an exit strategy should the interview become hostile.

If you’re shopping for a PR agency, make sure you have everything they will need before you start working with them. You don’t have to have absolutely everything; most agencies with talent and creativity can start a campaign with just the essentials and lay the groundwork for additional programs that will be added later. Ask the agency in your first meeting what is critical to the campaign to begin and don’t sign a contract for services until you have everything that is “required.” Otherwise, you’re just paying the agency to spin their wheels and not get you the press your brand deserves.

Target announced its next designer for their Go! International series. This series has been a compilation of high fashion talent from abroad. First in this series, was edgy fashionista, the British Luella Bartley and this spring was French sensation, Tara Jarmon, and still to come this summer is France's ever popular Paul&Joe.

The world has been waiting, or at least I have, for the next installment in the series. None other than the one of the newest, talented, designers: Behnaz Sarafpour! How exciting! I mean really. Behnaz Sarafpour sold to the mass markets. I really love the idea behind this initiative. Not only do these international designers get more exposure in the American market but it also gives those who are unable a chance to get a taste of fashion at its finest. Not every American household can afford that pricey Marc Jacobs handbag or Gucci platforms, it's nice to see a balance in an industry in which does so seldom exist.

America needs to see what fashion really is, it's more than just clothes and labels, it is art, it is innovative creativity. I think this tends to be lost anywhere outside of Manhattan, LA or Europe. I know that my parents and family have no idea what I do and think I get to play in clothes and make up and accessories all day long. They see it as, dare I say the word, frivolous! Fun, it may be, but frivolous, never. Target, while trying to expand their numbers in fashion retail (which was the largest money earner for them in 2005) is doing much more than just sales. They are opening the eyes to all consumers out there who had no clue who Luella Bartley was. I hope this new breed of fashion savvy consumers will learn to truly understand the elements of this industry. No, we don't all get jobs like LC or get to walk in a Teen Vogue fashion show just because one of the models was a no show and being a fashion assistant is not always as glamorous as Anne Hathaway leads us to believe. Let's get back to basics when fashion was new and fresh and Mary Quant was making a statement while Kenzo kept fashion full of art. Let's think about how to make the industry a little more inspiring, ala Target. Who knows, this could be the beginning of a much larger fashion movement for us all!

From the inception of Jolie Magazine, the Ethnic Beauty Team has looked endearingly at its progression sometimes from afar and at other times feeling the joy of knowing that we have participated, if only a little, in its growth and recognition. Because the love flows both ways, Alicia Marie Rivers, EIC of Jolie offered us the opportunity to share our lives with her readers.

Nafi, Lauren, Venessa and I are thrilled and beyond excited to see what the September issue holds for us…We all know that editors EDIT, but we gave up enough good stuff to do three or four stories so we are certain to be pleased. Beyond sitting and talking with the EIC, we had the most amazing photo shoot here at Media Oasis…just wait until you see what we’ve done with the place!

Sometimes it is the small touches that make all of the difference. This is why publicists place great emphasis on sending thank you cards to their contacts and clients. But not just any card will do. Publicists want cards that make a lasting impression on their clients.

“Restaurant Week” is here, and of course in a city as fabulous as NYC, the “week” lasts twice as long! Next week is your last opportunity to taste some of the fantastic offerings of the city’s top restaurants for a fraction of the price, making it a great chance to experience something new all while giving back to the community.

Participating restaurants are offering a three course lunch for $24.07, a reminder that this is the city that never sleeps, and is always delicious: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Some places even offer three-course dinners for $35, which I sampled last night at Cité.

Besides the incredible food, you never know who will be sitting at the next table over when dining at the city’s finest restaurants. I was surprised to see a late night talk show host chowing down right in the next booth!

It'’s better to reserve early to take advantage of the amazing deals. For all reservations made through Open Table, a donation will be made to Citymeals-on Wheels and Share Our Strength. Experience the city, eat great food AND support the city'’s charities –- what could be better?

It seems like Naomi Campbell has yet other complaint against her ... Assault on another employee that resulted in physical as well as emotional damage. What's wrong with her? More importantly, why hasn't her publicist gone into overdrive on crisis management? My pr advice for NC:

1. Develop a pr campaign that removes attention from your erratic behavior and focuses on a caring side: set up a camp for overweight teenagers.

2. Set up a charity fund that donates to battered women showing the world that you really care.

3. Schedule SNL spoof on behavior.

4. Travel to third world countries and set up a fashion show for underprivileged youth.

5. Press announcement revealing spouts of delirium that causes emotional distress and breakouts.

In case you have yet to notice the latest Jimmy Choo ad campaign in the August issues of W and Vogue, then you have not yet been told the story of music industry legend Quincy Jones and Cover Girl model Molly Simms.

The new ads feature Simms and Jones lurking conspicuously around a black 1960’s Lincoln Continental somewhere in the desert. The last photo of the campaign (created by Hollywood playboy Brett Ratner) shows Simms (I’m assuming dead) in the trunk of the car, (looking flawlessly beautiful), while Jones is nearby, digging a hole with a shovel. If you’ve seen the movie Casino, you can surmise that Jones killed the sexy broad and was in the middle of digging her corpse a hole when we stumbled upon him somewhere in a (most likely Las Vegas) desert.

In reference to the new ads, Jimmy Choo president and founder Tamara Mellon says “We like to tell a story in our campaigns. I like to evoke the emotion out of people.”

What kind of emotion is the question. Choo’s last ad campaign featured a bronzed Nicole Richie, decked in drapey dresses and bathing suits, chunky cocktail jewelry and surrounded by hot men in tuxedos, reminiscent of the early 80’s. Ratner, who also created this previous campaign, was aiming for a Scarface theme, with Richie embodying Michelle Pfeiffer’s sexy, damsel in distress character. This campaign was effective; it exemplified the extravagance and glamour that should go along with owning a pair of sky-high Jimmy Choo heels.

The most recent “theme” is distressing to say the least. Quincy Jones, while a genius in his own right, is just not sexy. There is no interaction or connection of note between him and a dead model in the trunk of a car. How can one envy her and want her shoes? She was murdered, and not by Robert DeNiro or Joe Pesce (which would have made for a more compelling campaign), but by Quincy Jones, the guy behind “We Are The World” circa 1985.

I’m shocked. So shocked that I want to rip the Jimmy Choos off of a dead Molly Simms so I can have them for my very own.

So this week my favorite show, Project Runway, began its third season. I was unsure of what to expect but let’s just say that after watching the first episode, I think this season is going to be wonderful to watch! One question I have is why are so many of the new contestants 40-somethings? There are more than any other season—maybe the show is aiming for a new demographic…

You can definitely tell Project Runway is coming up in TV land. Tim Gunn is a little more fab than he already was, Nina has her won spotlight commercials and product placement has never been more prevalent in any other season! Not only do they have the TRESemmé hair salon and the L’Oreal make up studio but now there is the Macy’s accessories wall! I mean really—what are we going to have to look for next season—the Singer Sewing lounge??

Mother Nature is in grave danger. Just as any loving parent would, she nurtures us and provides what we need to survive, and like ungrateful children, for centuries, we have taken the best from her and given her our worst in return. We have sent so many toxins into our atmosphere that we have broken a pane in Mother’s skylight. Consequently, global warming is melting arctic glaciers, causing climate changes and natural disasters. If the 2004 blockbuster, The Day After Tomorrow’s prediction is correct, it’s only a matter of time before a catastrophic event buries the Northern Hemisphere in snow and ice. Are you putting together your apocalyptic survival kit yet? Don’t be so hasty! We’ve finally heard Father Time’s warnings and the human race realizes that life without Mom’s crib isn’t possible. So, it seems everything’s going green. From the legions of Whole Foods stores popping up around the country to the fleets of hybrid and ethanol-fueled cars taking over the roads, environmental consciousness has captured the attention of the consumer goods industry. Now, there are even green ways to glam up. Zia Natural Skincare uses wind-powered factories and just introduced their totally green Brilliance anti-aging collection. Other brands are beginning to follow suit, too. Not to be outdone, the fashion industry has also taken heed. Starting this November, Levi’s Red Tab line will include jeans made from 100% organic cotton.

There’s no denying it. Brandon Routh, the star of Superman Returns, has one of the hottest bodies ever before seen in tights. But if you loose the red and blue Halloween costume, what would a glimpse at the “Man of Steel,” wearing nothing more than a smile, be worth to you? According to an insider cited by In Touch, Playgirl magazine is prepared to pay upwards of $500,000 to have Routh pose nude in an upcoming issue.

“Brandon’s gorgeous, and the editors noticed,” the insider says. “He has the body and face of a Greek god.” Unforunately for adoring women everywhere, Routh has yet to accept.

“Brandon’s from the Midwest,” the insider says. “He’s not that comfortable with nudity.”

In Touch notes that the Routh did appear half-naked in a 1997 high school play in Des Moines, Iowa. Appearing half-naked and going completely nude are two completely different things. I would suggest Routh talk to former Hollywood heart-throb Christopher Atkins. Posing nude for Playgirl did little to jump start his career, but then again, he was naked virtually the entire time during The Blue Lagoon, so we had already seen it all.

So, I’ve been exploring options for weight loss lately and a few things have jumped out at me; full body liposuction, the Lap Band, wiring my jaw shut…just kidding! I realized after much denial that the only way to get the pounds to melt is through serious diet and exercise. A lifestyle change…it’s so easy to visualize, isn’t it? The reality is that it is hard and that reality is so clear cut that I have decided to audition for Reality TV!

The Biggest Looser is the greatest show since, well ever. Talk about inspiring. But, of course being inspired isn’t always enough to get you out of the bed at 5AM for a morning run. I need a chef and a personal trainer. If I had one, I’d be unbelievably gorgeous too! Just the thought of having the opportunity to participate in that American phenomenon makes me giggle.

My supportive team at Pierce Mattie Public Relations has even gone so far as to show me just what I could look like should I make it on and emerge victorious. I love it! It’s going on my refrigerator to prevent me from overeating…maybe I won’t eat at all if I keep looking at Janet’s abs staring back at me.

Anyway, ladies and gents- keep hope alive, send the good vibes my way and hopefully my on-camera interview was impressive enough to reserve me a space on that fabulous ranch where weightless is inevitable.

Ciao, bellas!

The world has been patiently waiting since mid-April for the unveiling of America’s Hollywood royalty, Suri Cruise, to much disappointment. Suspiciously no photos, sightings or confirmations that anyone besides the “happy couple” has even laid eyes on her have been brought to the attention of the public. My suspicions are as follows.

To hear the interview with Pierce Mattie's LA publicists; Edy & Maryam click here. Visit podcast invite

Pierce Mattie Public Relations and Rachel Bilson presented Chef Yossi to Los Angeles on June 15th at Hollywood’s hottest Southern food eatery, Memphis Restaurant, and helped raise close to $4,000 for the Los Angeles Mission. The party began at 8:00 pm and by 8:30 pm there were already over 115 guests in attendance. Even Edy and Maryam, who had compiled the guest list, were surprised at the lengthy line at the door. According to Edy, “I knew that the line would be long, but I had no idea that so many guests would show up so early.”
Yossi, Rachel, and other stylish stars enjoyed hors d’oeuvres prepared by Yossi’s catering company, Off the Shelf, while dancing to music spun by special guest Jake Hoffman. The Chef Yossi event has been featured in OK! Magazine, E! Entertainment, Angeleno Magazine, LA Splash Magazine, BiZBash, and Los Angeles Confidential.

A Creative Idea

The Chef Yossi event started with a simple goal: to familiarize the press with Chef Yossi, who is a personal chef to the stars and the creator of the first patented odor-eliminating product line for chefs. Edy and Maryam decided that the best way to accomplish this end in Los Angeles is to throw a party celebrating Chef Yossi the person.

The rumors have been put to an end. Are Oprah Winfrey and long time best friend Gayle King gay? “Absolutely not!” says the talk show host in the August issue of O, The Oprah Magazine.

When approached for the 100th time, Oprah finally opened up and spoke about her relationship with Gayle. "I understand why people think we're gay," she says. "There isn't a definition in our culture for this kind of bond between women. So I get why people have to label it - how can you be this close without it being sexual?"

In past interviews, Oprah has spoken about her and Gayle’s 30 year relationship as friends. Their friendship consisted of four times a day phone calls, living together at one point and eventually Oprah making Gayle her Editor in Chief at the magazine.

Oprah and Gayle have both stated they wouldn’t have problem letting the public know if they were in a sexual relationship. "The truth is, if we were gay, we would tell you, because there's nothing wrong with being gay," says King.

Winfrey ends the article by saying “Something about this relationship feels otherworldly to me, like it was designed by a power and a hand greater than my own. Whatever this friendship is, it's been a very fun ride."

JOICO Hair Care ivites you to join us for cosmopolitan cocktails, hearth hors d' oeuvres and gift bags full of prestigious products.

Learn about JOICO's patented Quadrimine Complex and other advanced technologies that take limp hair to luxurious locks and flat hair to fabulous.

Get more information, VIEW THE INVITATION

Sugar, spice and warm apple pie; the Food Network has all the ingredients it takes for some of the most sensual cooking on TV today. But ordinarily, the buttery confections from Paula Dean’s kitchen don’t conjure up thoughts of sex for me. Leave it to Details magazine to marry the two together.

In an article entitled “Food Network or Spice Network,” the magazine compares the “climactic” smiles of celebrity chefs enjoying their sinful dishes to those of famous porn stars enjoying their happy desserts. And while I still think this is a bit of a reach, I can definitely understand how Giada De Laurentiis could keep you moaning for more…Italian that is. Then again, Rachael Ray can always show you how to have a good time for $40 A Day or less.

For more on this story, check out the August issue of Details on newsstands now.

Usually the key to losing weight is healthy diet and exercise. But involving God? What does religion have to do with losing weight? Now I like to think I’m a pretty spiritual person, but I don’t think that my religious beliefs have anything to do with how healthy I eat.

I was watching the TODAY show yesterday and guest Gwen Shamblin, author of “The Weigh Down” seems to think that spiritual nourishment is the way to go if you want to lose weight. Shamblin claims that changing your focus off of food and onto God will help change your life and eating habits.What?!?

There are even other organizations like First Place, which incorporates Bible study, Scripture memorization, prayer and balanced eating and exercise plans to help people lose weight and live a “better” lifestyle. Or Thin Within, which teaches that food may provide some level of comfort for a little while but can’t provide a spiritual life.

All three programs focus on lifestyle changes physically, spiritually, and emotionally to lose weight. They all also seem to have the mantra, "eat only when truly hungry and stop eating before you’re full." Anyone could’ve thought of that one!

These places sound eerily like a brainwashing cult to me. Did I also mention that for these programs you have to pay to participate? Whether it’s buying the book, taking classes like Shamblin’s Weigh Down Workshops or buying Thin Within Support Group Kits, you’re putting out a lot of money for “eat only when hungry and stop eating when you’re full.”

Brad Pitt should really stick to his day job.

This past week we saw a barrage of images and TV clips displaying a dressed-down Pitt surveying the disastrous remnants of hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. If you were lucky enough to see more than just b-roll of the Pitt-ster, you would have heard how disappointed he is in the lack of change in horrendous conditions still throughout much of New Orleans, even a year later. Pitt says that he was shocked at the “staggering” conditions still in disarray. Shocked, eh?

Well, of course you would be shocked, Brad. You’ve spent the better part of 2006 on a private jet with Angelina Jolie. Had you gone to New Orleans soon after the disaster like the true altruist you claim to be, then maybe you wouldn’t be so shocked a year later at what a mess the place still is. And if your next thought was to start pointing fingers at the federal government for not coughing up sufficient funds to clean the place up, don’t even think it – you probably have more money than the federal government, so why don’t you cut the city of New Orleans a check yourself? In his defense, Pitt did mention that he was going to start sharing some of his vast movie star wealth with those in need. But are you cutting that check before or after you leave to start filming Ocean’s 11 Three?

In case that contrast isn’t clear enough, I can spell it out – Pitt did his sympathetic PR trip to New Orleans, showing that he is just as concerned about the world around him as Angelina. As soon as his most recent insanely large pay check cashes though, he will probably go buy a private island for his new family to vacation on.

Let us not forget that this is the man that just a year ago orchestrated that uber-hyped and over-stylized W Magazine spread with the woman he left his wife for. A year before that he was playing architect on a home that was worth over $20 million. If not in Majorca dressed as Achilles, he was on a yacht throwing back champagne cocktails with George Clooney a year before that.

Brad’s better half has made it a point in the last five years to anchor her celebrity for good causes. Angelina’s relief work and dedication to helping the lost children of the world is a sincere and heartfelt ambition. I hate to think that Brad is just in New Orleans because that is what his current relationship dictates, but I’m at a loss for any other explanation. It’s a plus to see a celebrity think of those in need as opposed to themselves for a bit, but it is becoming a bit trendy.

Next up: Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie head to Lebanon to patch up both their friendship and Hezbollah-torn Beruit in the Simple Life 5.

So this week was the Council of Fashion Designer’s of America (CFDA) election for a new president. The two contenders for the position were Joseph Abboud and Diane Von Furstenburg. Personally, I had forgotten about the election until I saw a girl on the subway with a t-shirt that read “DVF for President!” I assume it was an intern. I found it surprising how much press this election received. I wonder if outside of the island anyone else knew that this grand election was taking place…probably not. We are in our own little fashion bubble after all.

The president of the CFDA will promote the cause of American designers globally, fight against fashion piracy and mediate between any creative egos and the disputes they may cause. It seems as if both of the candidates were in agreement about most of the issues so it really boiled down to whether or not you prefer a wrap dress or a well tailored suit. In the end, the more popular designer won. Yes indeed, DVF is the new CFDA president. She will be working closely with new director Steven Kolb. I am interested to see what, if any, changes she will make. Let’s just hope for fashions sake, she can maintain peace amongst the creative alter egos the fashion world houses. I have faith in her—congrats Ms. Von Furstenburg, we look forward to seeing your progress.

Beauty products company Estee Lauder Cos. on Friday said it promoted John Demsey, global brand president of Estee Lauder, to the position of group president of Estee Lauder Companies.

Demsey will continue to oversee the Estee Lauder brand as well as M-A-C Cosmetics, Prescriptives, Sean John and Tom Ford Beauty. He will continue reporting to Chief Operating Officer Dan Brestle.

If you think beauty can't go more than skin deep, swallow this: Health officials on Thursday said drug companies could start gussying up their pills with pigments like those that give cosmetics a pearly sheen. Does that mean my RX's will start to look like Jelly Beans or nail polish lacquers?

The pearlescent pigments can be used in any drugs that are swallowed, including pills, tablets and liquids, the Food and Drug Administration said. As a result, drugs may never look the same again.

The pigments can produce sparkly metallic, satiny and shimmery finishes, as well as different hues of red and gold, depending partly on the color of the underlying drug.

The FDA's publication of a final rule approving their use came eight years after EMD Chemicals Inc. of Gibbstown, N.J., first petitioned the agency. The chemical and pigment maker is part of the German drug company Merck KGaA. That company is entirely separate from U.S.-based Merck & Co. Inc.

Keri Russell may have been a tomboy growing up, and TV audiences know her as a college coed on the TV series "Felicity." But now she's gone glam as a CoverGirl.

The 30-year-old actress joins Christie Brinkley and Queen Latifah as a spokesmodel for the venerable beauty brand. The new TV ad for Outlast Double Lipshine debuts this month, and the print ad will be in August magazines.

Being a makeup model isn't what Russell expected in her career. This is only the second commercial she has starred in, other than promotions for her various movie and television roles.

"When I first started, I did do a commercial for a deodorant or something. I don't even think it aired. This is the first thing I've done like this. It's a lot less stressful than doing a film. This takes two days, not a few months or the whole year of a television show," she told the press.

North Korea announced a scientific breakthrough Friday, and it had nothing to do with the missile tests that startled the world this week. Researchers developed a new cosmetic agent to make skin supple, state-run media boasted.

"They analyzed in a scientific way why the hand skin of those who are making bean paste is smooth and fair," state news agency KCNA reported. Armed with the data, scientists made an agent that helps fight wrinkles and lightens moles and freckles, it said.

Bean paste is a staple of Korean cooking, and the North Korean scientists who designed the cosmetic agent might be onto something because beans are used in some skin care products around the world.

However, few North Koreans other than the elite get enough to eat - let alone have the income to splurge on beauty products.

Smokey Sue demonstrates dramatically the quantity of tar which is collected in the lungs when a single cigarette is smoked. The tar normally inhaled directly into the lung is collected in a transparent tube, and thus shows very clearly the quantity of tar which reaches the lung with each cigarette.

You have to be retarded to smoke. I have said this over and over again. And yet still some of my team has cancer sticks in their mouths at lunch. It makes me so upset that I had to blog on this.

Curbing tobacco use and taking other steps to eliminate some of the most common risk factors for cancer could save millions of lives over the next few decades, health officials said Monday.

Tobacco alone is predicted to kill a billion people this century, 10 times the toll it took in the 20th century, if current trends hold.

The Association of Travel Marketing Executives (ATME) recognized some of the most progressive companies in travel and marketing and awarded its Lifetime Achievement Award during the 26th annual ATLAS Awards. The ceremony, sponsored by Discover Network, was held during the 2006 ATME Annual Conference on May 22-24 in Las Vegas.

The ATME Atlas Awards were first awarded in 1980 to honor leaders and innovators within the travel industry who have displayed breakthrough thinking and leadership in marketing. Categories recognize executives and companies for innovative tactics, results-oriented programs and broad marketing vision.

ATME presented the ATLAS Lifetime Achievement Award to David Neeleman, Founder and CEO of JetBlue Airways. This prestigious award is presented to individuals who consistently distinguish themselves as marketing leaders and have advanced the travel industry worldwide.

with Dr. Stephen Greenberg

There's no doubt that plastic surgery has been given a lot of press coverage. In fact, outside of Tom Cruise jumping on Oprah's couch and Jennifer and Brad's divorce, stories about plastic surgery lead the headlines last year. Recently, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) presented the Top Plastic Surgery Hot Topics:

1. Only the rich and famous; think again—A groundbreaking study found 71 percent of people considering plastic surgery had annual household incomes of less than $60,000. Only 13 percent reported an
annual household income of over $90,000.

Nutrition researchers have made an amazing discovery about the link between eating and brain power. A 4-year study of more than 2,000 people published in the Annals of Neurology shows there is a specific diet that appears to significantly reduce your risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Cosmoprof North America, an international professional beauty industry show, took place this weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada. Over 20,000 industry professionals, including distributors, salon owners, spa professionals, importers, and retail buyers, visited Cosmoprof North America.

Cosmoprof North America is also attended by 700 exhibiting companies from 30 different countries. Some of the international organizations that attended the event included Italian Association of Cosmetic Industries, Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade, and Brazilian Association of the Cosmetics, Toiletry and Fragrance Directory. There are 4 main pavilions which highlight the following sectors: Cosmetics & Personal Care, Packaging, Contract Manufacturing & Private Labels, Wellness & Spa, and Professional Hair, Nail & Tools.

View image

Where can you drive down the street see mostly naked models, be hypnotized and find a cure for alcoholism? Sunset Strip, of course and I am not referring to a Friday night. As I drive to and fro work, I am consistently entertained by the billboards on Sunset Blvd. I am greeted daily by a male model’s derriere, a cartoon character exclaiming, “I pooted!” and information on a new type of cure for alcoholism?

Like many other Angelenos, while driving I am so consumed with getting to my next destination I rarely look at anything but the persons’ bumper in front of me. But, while in traffic on the Sunset Strip, I took the time to look up. The first thing I see is the beautiful bare backside of a male model, if traffic wasn’t running so slowly I wouldn’t have even noticed the chick in the background beginning to undress and the logo for Joe’s Jeans. I will have to say that this is probably my favorite billboard, who doesn’t enjoy a man’s butt first thing in the morning, definitely something I can handle before my Starbuck’s.

Ohhh this question is a good one. Isn't it New Yorkers? Los Angeles will never be the financial capital that the big apple is - that's a given. But let's look at beauty and fashion. Did you guys notice at The Project show last week that most vendors were from... LA? And two weeks ago Greenhouse flipped the space over to launch LA's cult spa; Lather. While 5th Avenue staple Avon Spa announced that it would be closing its doors.

Recently I have found my time being spent jetting back and forth between NY & LA to help mentor both offices. I do have a little confession.... the trendy, the obscure, the oh so fabulous organically original things I have seen in beauty treatments and brands, textiles and fabrics with flattering patterns... they are coming out of LA!!! Are NY business owners becoming too stale? Is the red tape of the east coast starting to strangle their creative blood. Your thoughts?

Confessions of a hyper sun exposed esthetician - on trips to Canada and the UK I often would stock up on L'Oreal brands packed with Mexoryl SX including Biotherm, Lancome, LaRoche-Posay. Now the borders unite and finally we can get these great UVA blockers in the USA.

The Food and Drug Administration Monday approved a new over-the-counter sunscreen that has a new active ingredient not previously approved for use in the United States. The agency approved Anthelios SX, a moisturizer from L'Oreal that contains ingredients designed to protect against sunburn from and exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) rays from the sun.

Anthelios SX contains a combination of three active ingredients, including avobenzone and octocrylene, standard ingredients in sunscreens already approved for sale in the U.S. The new active ingredient approved for use in the U.S. in the product is ecamsule. Ecamsule has been marketed in Europe and Canada as Mexoryl SX since 1993, the FDA said.

Octocrylene is designed to block UVB rays from the sun, while Avobenzone blocks long UVA rays. The newest ingredient, Ecamsule, or Mexoryl, is designed to block short UVA rays. Anthelios will be available sometime this fall and will be sold by L'Oreal's LaRoche-Posay division.

Receive $200 off a two-night stay at The Lodge at Woodloch June 26 to July 31, 2006.*

Experience an extraordinary new respite for mind, body and spirit: The Lodge at Woodloch. Nestled in Pennsylvania's lake region - The Lodge is easily accessible from anywhere in the Northeast. A stay here allows one to learn and grow, strengthen and beautify, relax and reflect. It's all possible at The Lodge at Woodloch - where every day is a fresh awakening.

Pick up Pierce Mattie brands; Jane Iredale, SamPar & Bella Bronze

Are you ready to shop till you drop? There is a hidden place where the girl in the know will go... it's Shecky's!

Shecky's Summer Beauty Bash on August 10th, 2006.

•Enjoy complimentary cocktails
•Shop and score fabulous treats from over 50 hot beauty & fashion vendors
•Take home Shecky's best Goodie Bag ever (worth over $125!)
Spoil yourself with all-night shopping, freebies, and pampering!

Before Jennifer Lopez began hawking frocks and perfume, before Sean "Diddy" Combs and his Sean John threads, before Kathy Ireland led the charge into supermodel merchandising, there was Jaclyn Smith.

Two decades ago, capitalizing on her "Charlie's Angels" fame, Smith signed a deal for a Kmart clothing line. Given Smith's image as the elegant Angel on the TV series, it was seen as roughly akin to Posh Spice marrying a pro bowler instead of a glam soccer star.

"At the time, people said, 'Don't do Kmart.' But something in my head said, 'Yes, I want to it,'" Smith recalled. Among those against the idea was cosmetics maker Max Factor, which didn't relish the idea of its pitchwoman attached to sub-couture clothing.

But the 1985 partnership between Smith and Kmart proved lucrative for both, with her line a mainstay for the retail chain since its introduction.

In a sneak peek of what could be fashion's future, leggy models draped in dresses by designers like Oscar de la Renta and Versace strut their stuff on the runway.

But this is no Paris or New York fashion show. Rather, the scene is a Toronto biotechnology conference and the dresses are made from a new fiber called Ingeo, made largely from genetically engineered corn.

The Biotechnology Industry Organization used the fashion statement last week to burnish its battered image as an environmental scourge.

Biotechnology is quietly playing a growing role in an apparel industry waking up to its customers' concerns about the environment and the country's reliance on the foreign oil used to make synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon. But the trend is raising concerns among some environmental purists who oppose genetically engineered crops of any kind.

True Religion Apparel, Inc. today said it is continuing the retail expansion for its growing lifestyle apparel collection with the signing of a new store lease in Miami Beach's fashionable South Beach community. The Miami Beach, Florida location follows on the heels of a proposed store in New York's SoHo district and is expected to open concurrently in December 2006, in time for the Christmas shopping season. The store with 2,000 square feet of selling space will be located on Collins Avenue, among other high-end stores such as Intermix, Nicole Miller, MAC Cosmetics and Barney's. The store will carry the entire True Religion line of clothing, including Men's, Women's, and Kid's denim jeans, jackets, western shirts, T-shirts, skirts, fleece hoodies and pants, as well as the increasingly expanding line of sportswear, including knits and wovens.

Neiman Marcus over the next few months will be opening four pilot boutiques catering to a younger shopper, but none of them are in Dallas. The Dallas-based luxury retailer plans to open the first Cusp boutique in late July at a Tyson's Corner mall in McLean, Va. A store will open in August in Los Angeles, and another will open in February in the Georgetown area of Washington, D.C. A fourth store will open soon after that. But there are no plans for a pilot boutique in Dallas, said Ginger Reeder, a spokeswoman for Neiman's. The Cusp stores are geared toward a younger female shopper -- 21 to 45 years old. And will feature a highly edited mix of contemporary, ready to wear fashion, including shoes, handbags and jewelry. Does this sound just like Barney's Co-Op? YES! However we all know that Neiman's has 'the real deal' of global brands including; Zac Posen, Zac Posen, Nanette Lepore, Barbara Bui, Gryson and Car Shoe.

I love my job, but it can be difficult at times. It’s actually pretty stressful, especially when you really need to get your client featured in a magazine, and you can’t get in touch with the editors, understandable when you think of the hundreds of pitches they receive via email and phone. I’ve even had an editor-friend that I hang out on a normal basis tell me that he receives so many phone calls that he doesn’t even listen to his voice messages. He simply presses delete once he hears the name and calls back when he has time.

If only magazines a more straight-forward way to getting in touch with them. Maybe even have story pitching sessions on their website? Just when I thought that sounded way too good to be true, it was brought to my attention today, by the people at Jossip.com, that JANE magazine is starting just such a program.

According to Jossip.com, “Starting today, Thursday July 27, Jane magazine's editors will be online waiting to hear your pitch ideas.” Brandon Holley and her editors will be online taking story ideas from readers in an effort to "getting connected with the readers." I ask you, could Holley be anymore genius? Not only will they get ideas straight from their target audience, but it is an amazing PR campaign. In a way, readers become honorary editors/writers, which will give them pride in the magazine and keep them coming back each month. Way to go JANE.

When you practice yoga or Pilates, like many of us at Pierce Mattie do, be careful which mat you’re using. I hope it’s not a communal one!

In the last two years, there has been a 50 percent increase in patients with athlete’s foot and plantar warts, according to Greg E. Cohen, a podiatrist at Long Island College Hospital. The culprit - dirty exercise mats!

Even though there’s no “official” link between unclean yoga mats and fungal, bacterial and viral infections, dermatologists and podiatrists have noticed a rise in the number of skin infections in their patients who practice yoga and use public mats. Scary!

Although many gyms provide disinfectants so we can wipe down machinery, not all of them provide the same cleanliness with exercise mats. So, ask your gym if they provide antiseptic solutions for their communal mats or if they clean their mats daily, it will save you a trip to the doctor’s office!

Keep healthy in more ways than just practicing yoga – use a disinfected mat! Try investing in your own mat or yoga wipes to avoid the risk of getting infections. There are so many yoga-mat wipes and disinfectants now available, so please exercise with caution!

This week, Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) released The WWD 100. This is based on the top 100 brands women consumers know best; it is the ninth year the survey is published. WWD commissioned Synovate, a market research firm based in New York to conduct surveys among global opinion panels. The focus group was comprised of women ages 18 to 64 with an income of at least $35,000. They were given a list of 788 brands in 12 categories (denim, swimwear, sportswear, etc.) to determine whether they were “very familiar,” “somewhat familiar,” or “not familiar at all.” Along with the top 100, there are several sub lists of top ten categories including, top 10 ready-to-wear, top 10 young contemporary, etc.

So let’s get to the numbers! A few of the big names making the list are as follows:

At 100, Chloe (one of my favorites) barely made it in. This Paris fashion house recently went through some change when Phoebe Philo resigned to raise her family. It was a shocker and a sad day in the world of fashion when this happened, but luckily, the house has not been defeated. I look forward to seeing it higher on the list next year. Mossimo ranked in at 85—this is a fete in itself, not so long ago this once prestigious brand went bankrupt until Target bought the license—now it is to be sold to the large corporate umbrella of the Iconix Brand Group. Way to go Mossimo! Generating $580 million in revenue, The Limited came in at 40 after a major transition and upgrade of stock. Not only does The Limited cater to every type of woman but it has undergone a facelift and recent offerings include skinny jeans, eyelets and lace—a different style from the traditional black suit we are so used to seeing them carry.

AND finally, topping the list at the coveted number one most recognized brand was none other than Hanes-- Look who they’ve got the Hanes on now! With an estimated $2.3 billion sales this year, this division of Sara Lee (yes the same corporation who makes the cakes) is now spinning off into it’s own independent company called Hanesbrands, Inc. Hanes is not only number one this year but has been for the past three years.

What makes a brand so popular and recognizable to female consumers? According to WWD, product placement in movies, media and on the red carpet, along with advertising and celebrity endorsements attributes to popularity. Hanes alone spent $75 million on their most recent ad campaign—and we all know the song (see above in case you have been living under a rock.) Now we can see that product placement really does pay a part in the grand scheme of things when consumer brand awareness is concerned—so yes, our job really does make a difference! Think about that the next time you go out and buy something because a certain beauty director at your favorite magazine says it’s her favorite product.

Recent reports have noted that the shaving and grooming industry has more booming lately. A New York Times article noted that “worldwide sales of grooming products exceed $200 billion ... that figure, men spent over $16 billion” on grooming products. I can’t help but noticing how many men are flocking to shaving specialty stores like The Art of Shaving and others. A couple of years ago it was: soap and water or the standard Barbasol. I wonder when women are going to get on board with this: can you imagine it? Special: $20.00 Deluxe Shave Legs. I think it’s something to think about – I mean women spend at least 2 times more time shaving than men and cover about 10 times the surface area: legs, underarms, bikini, even arms. So I decided to investigate what’s available for women on the market – shaving tools/creams/etc. I personally use Whish, our client, and love the product but made some calls and inquiries to surprisingly find out that there aren’t any other products like that. Google must find something! I Googled “women’s shaving cream” and of course came up with a gazillion responses for those cheapo aerosol cans (about 4.99 each) for a total of 2,890,000 hits. I couldn’t seem to find anything luxurious though – like what Fresh, Eshave, Hommage, Jack Black, Clinique or Khiels offer for men. “Search a little deeper,” I tell myself as I’m now on the PROWL to find something else for my dry legs. I did come across Whish through Skinterra. They described the products: “Finally, there is a shaving product for women deserving of our endorsement.” It’s true though – Whish body products are exactly what’s missing — that rich, creamy shaving cream that comes (get this) in a JAR just like his! They have three scents now: pomegranate, almond and lemongrass. It’s so cute and they have a body brush as well. There are customized crystal body brushes made with Swarovski crystals for those glam divas that just can’t say no to sparkly products. Finally women can get a taste of what he does every other day – brush and all. It’s so cute – I wonder if anyone else will catch on!

Los Angeles is heating up, but not in a good way. This past week, Los Angeles experienced a record breaking heat wave, which caused rolling blackouts. The sudden spike in temperature means that it is more important than ever to apply sunscreen religiously to prevent premature aging and skin cancer.

Unfortunately for Angelenos, the world’s most effective sunscreen ingredient, Mexoryl, is banned by the FDA and is unavailable for purchase in the US. Mexoryl blocks out Ultraviolet A radiation, which causes premature aging of the skin. Mexoryl is used in virtually all sunscreens sold in Europe, Asia, and South America.

So why is the US lagging behind when it comes to sun protection?

A new report recently came out that Americans are too fat now to receive X-rays and other medical care that can be beneficial.

64 percent of the US population is now obese and of that 64 percent most are unable to receive full medical care because they are either too big to fit into scanners, or their fat is too dense for X-rays or sounds waves to penetrate.

Reebok has a new line in the works, and can you guess who the face attached to it belongs to? If you’re thinking of an athlete, you’re totally wrong. If the person on your mind is a rapper, try again. This line’s celeb endorsement will come from the voluptuous vixen, Scarlett Johansson. Though it hasn’t been said whether or not she’ll be involved in the design process, she’s signed to a multiyear contract in the development and marketing of “Scarlett ‘Hearts’ RBK.” Scheduled to debut in spring 2007 at high end department stores and boutiques worldwide, the line will consist of “fashion-forward, athletic inspired footwear and apparel.”

Cosmoprof North America is the premier trade show for entrepreneurs to debut their beauty products. As I made my way through the maze of face moisturizers and flat irons for the hair, I thought I had seen it all. Until I stumbled upon a black booth with a shaggy white carpet, all the ladies were wearing shirts that asked, “Is Your Betty Ready?”

Not only is the question personal, but my Betty is taken care of by a really nice Russian women that has a waxing salon on Sunset Blvd. so what do you want to do with mine? Betty Beauty wants to color my hair down there, whether your Betty is brown and you want it blonde or your Betty is starting to gray and you want to keep it black, there is a Betty Beauty color for you.

View image

After the fifteen minutes were up on his near launch into the cosmos, I never thought I would here about Lance Bass again. But, this week he proved me wrong. Yes everyone, the news is out, Lance is gay and no one can stop talking about it. Evidently, he is in a “stable relationship” with Reichen Lehmkuhl, who won season four of Amazing Race. Having Reichen by his side, must have spurred Lance to come out of the closet. Since, Reichen is just too sexy to hide away. The former member of ‘N Sync says, “I don't think it's wrong, I'm not devastated going through this. I'm more liberated and happy than I've been my whole life.” If I bagged Reichen, I would be saying the same thing.

View image

The year was 1995. The look was plaid pleated skirts, patent leather Mary Janes, and thigh high socks. The inspiration? Clueless. Not long ago, girls everywhere were buying everything at Bloomingdales in attempts to copy Cher’s Channel wardrobe. Nearly eleven years later a new summer movie has influenced trends. 2006’s version of Clueless? A surprising answer, Pirates of the Caribbean.

View image

Last week I read a story in The Wall Street Journal about Stihl, maker of chain saws and yard tools, advertising that they are not sold at Lowe’s or The Home Depot as a way of demonstrating they are a premium brand not sold through mass retailers.

While I understand the goal of the ads, I can’t help but be struck by the negativity the ad creates. By saying where the product is not sold, the consumer is left wondering if the product is not good enough to be sold at either of those mass retailers. After all, consumer perceptions are that you can get great products at great prices at Lowe’s and Home Depot as they are trusted retailers and brands unto themselves. There are more questions raised by the ad in a consumer’s mind than answered.

I understand that Stihl wants to tell consumers that their brand is premium, but I’m not convinced this tactic does that. It tells consumers that maybe the product is not a bargain or a mass retailed product, but not that it is premium. To properly convey premium, the product must be associated with other products, things, services or people that consumers identify as premium, luxury or high end. After all, you don’t see other premium brands out there saying “Not sold at Wal-Mart, K-Mart or Payless.”