Vogue
Daniella Kallmeyer: Moda Operandi
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You may remember her from The Fashion Show, a Project Runway-like reality series that aired on Bravo with hosts Issac Mizrahi and Kelly Rowland. While America voted for "cookie cutter" designer Anna McCraney, the judges panel (comprised of Mizrahi, Rowland, and Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion, Fern Mallis) voted for Daniella Kallmeyer, bestowing upon her the award for Designer's Choice, for her exquisitely executed garments. Since then, industry forecasters have concurred that her work is nothing short of extraordinary.
Daniella was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, grew up in Maryland, and later attended the prestigious London College of Fashion. Once in London, she learned how to push the envelope on her own designs. In a recent phone interview she revealed that London designers Les Chiffoniers and the late, great Alexander McQueen "helped me to build a stronger sense of ambition and reconfirmed my love of the industry."

The hard work paid off. Daniella's graduate collection became one of just 27 selected by a panel of industry professionals (including celebrity designer Giles Deacon), to be featured during an exclusive press show at London's Royal Academy. Following that exposure, designer Henry Holland and buyers of ASOS.com (As Seen On Stars), chose Daniella's collection to be sold in an exclusive limited-edition live sale (the inventory sold out). Shortly thereafter, Vogue.com mentioned Daniella as "One to Watch" - and she is indeed.
Moving across the pond to launch her post-grad career in New York, Daniella began working with Proenza Schouler and Sari Gueron. Now, she has begun to deliver on her own. It was evident to those of us who attended her NYFW Fall '10 runway collection, that she has staying power beyond her television accolades. In her Fall line, she has incorporated luxe leathers, fluid silks and beautiful knits, in an array of romantic colors. I loved each piece and was extremely impressed that she even designed her own jewelry to accessorize the models.
For now, Daniella's line is commissioned on a per request basis. However, I'm certain we'll be seeing her elegant collections in high-end boutiques and department stores in the very near future.
Isabella Oliver: 365 Collection Fall/Winter 2010
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The 365 Collection by Isabella Oliver brings style, comfort, versatility and quality to a whole new level of ready-to-wear. With particular attention to the needs and desires of the modern woman, each piece hugs your body in all the right places- accentuating all the right parts. It's no wonder why Isabella Oliver has been featured in Vogue, Bazaar, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Lucky and Marie Claire.
SBS style columnist, Samantha Jones, first introduced me to the line in our holiday style guide. I was left wondering, where has Isabella Oliver been all my life? I don't know about you, but to me it seems the last decade of RTW equates Forever21 and H&M. They are fantastic for one time wear, but never make it through the 1st washing. The mod-chic 365 Collection will not only make through cleaning, designers Vanessa and Baukjen kept that in mind; "We wanted o offer a collection that is effortless, stylish, comfortable and (mostly) easy care."
The Fall/Winter Collection features foundation pieces such as, The Long Sleeve Round Neck T, The Pippa Jeans (which have the amazing ability to be leg lengthening with their classic boot cut), The Sexy Pencil Skirt, and my new fave LBD- The Bustier Dress. Classic pieces include, The Sexy Blazer, The Wrap Cardi (aka- the multi tasking miracle wrap), The Athena Dress and The Classic Wrap Dress.
To top it all off, the coats and knitware are key must-have pieces. Although the pieces won't be arriving until September, plan on reserving The O Coat, "minimal detailing and an impeccable cut, finished with a hint of cashmere for that touch of luxe." In other words, irresistible.
The design of the garments makes them absolutely stand-out dependable pieces. Soft, structured, and figure flattering for any size. The combination of simple and chic, assures a sexy and sophisticated look day to evening. For an ultra feminine look, try The Dolce Vita Top, The Lace Corset Belt, with The Lace Pencil Skirt- unstoppable style.
FYI: Shop the End of Season Sale and receive up to 50% off on selected pieces and Free Shipping with orders over $89!



Samantha Jones: Bday Fête Chez Newhouse
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On a cold winter's eve, we all gathered at Stephanie and Jesse Newhouse's Soho loft to celebrate the birth of Scene B Seen's own glam beauty: Sam Jones. Sure, it may be Christmas time and there are plenty of holiday office parties to attend, but we prefer to kick it amongst our fashionable friends.
In addition to Ms. Jones, a.k.a The Leather Queen, being the Creative Director for Libra Leather working with some of today's top designers (yes, their leather graces the runways at NYFW), Sam has another MO, Moda Operandi that is. She pens the weekly column here on SBS, which features an insider look on the hottest emerging designers, the latest trends, and how you can own the look.
Needless to say, the guests were dressed with purpose and not a dull conversation to be had. Par for the course, of course, at a Newhouse soiree. My fave hosts were all smiles, happy to throw a stellar party for their good friend Sam. Yet, the fête was just the icing on the cake to their bliss... a little Newhouse is on the way. It's official: Jesse and Steph are expecting their first child.
So, raise a glass of champers to toast three cheers:
To Samantha- You're the most fantavulous friend and we love you.
To Stephanie and Jesse: Congrats and we love you too.
To the Newhouse Dynasty: One of the last great American family names lives on and we love you for bringing us Vogue.

To view more part picts by Richard Brill: please click HERE
*photo 1: Samantha Jones and Jesse Newhouse
*photo 2: Ian Meadow, Mike Albanese, Kelly Stanek, and Amanda Vlastas
Lauren Merkin: Who What Wear
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Talk about reinventing the wheel (or in this case, the clutch), handbag designer Lauren Merkin never ceases to amaze me. Since 2002 Merkin’s collection has a proven track record for being innovative, current, affordable, vivacious, and versatile. From her clutches to her shoulder bags, it’s apparent that each one of her pieces possess their own multifarious personality.
Lauren, along with her head designer, the talented Anna Harrington, create bags that appeal to fashionable women of any age. Every bag seems to “carry” a lighthearted and timeless aesthetic. (Not to mention that most of these BAD-ASS babies retail for about $200… Hello??? STEAL!!!)
Brooke Shields, Nicolette Sheridan, Gabrielle Union, Naomi Watts, Lisa Kudrow, and Diane Lane are just
several of the Hollywood’s A- Listers who’ve been seen rocking Lauren Merkin’s bags. Celebs and fashonistas alike cannot seem to get enough of this ingenious line.
Lauren’s color palate ranges from elegant nudes to opulent oranges. Her pop colors are seductively vibrant without being vehemently obnoxious, something that many of today’s handbag designers (with the same price point as Lauren Merkin) have trouble properly executing. Laruen’s bags are generally made from leather, however, she has designed a few clutches in silk, tweed, and cork, yes CORK! (talk about eco-friendly.)
Growing up myself with a Mother who was a high-end fashion maven, I relished watching her get dressed, then finishing off her ensemble with a bejeweled Judith Leiber or an outrageous Valentino clutch. Although economic times have changed it feels fantastic to accessorize with luxuriously affordable pieces from designers such as Lauren Merkin. Her bags are tailored to make a women look and feel rich without going for broke.
Lauren Merkin Handbags have been in publications such as Lucky, In Style, Marie Claire, and Vogue... just to name a few. Her bags retail from $200 - $600 and can be purchased directly on her website Lauren Merkin, Shop Bop, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdales.
Industry Background:
Lauren Merkin graduated with an MBA from Columbia. In 2002 she founded Lauren Merkin Handbags. Lauren runs her business strategically with a hands-on approach. All sales are done in house for a more personal and direct experience (and faster delivery).
Along with head designer, Anna Harrington previous owner/designer of Deadly Squire, Lauren continues to create
innovative, classy, sexy, designs that are loved by all.
Meredith Khan's Made Her Think Collection: Who What Wear
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Have you ever wondered where to find those "one-of-a-kind" edgy pieces that celebrities and other stylish chicks rock around the streets of New York and L.A.? Well look no further. Each and every piece of jewelry from Meredith Khan’s Made Her Think collection practically begs you to conjure your inner rock star.
Galvanized by the joys of both life and death, her jewelry combines the essence of just the right amount of neo grunge with vintage Victorian charm. Meredith’s designs radiate a dark ruminate romanticism that plays with the apperception of what could be described as a medieval allure.
Launched in 2004, her work has blessed the pages of Vogue, Allure, In Style and Elle. Needless to say that most of today’s celebrity stylists (i.e. Britt Bardo)
continuously incorporate Meredith’s pieces into their photo shoots/editorial endeavors. Angelina Jolie, Blake Lively, Mary-Kate Olsen, Rihanna, and Diane Kruger all love wearing Meredith’s Made Her Think Collection and with very good reason; her designs are beautiful, yet BOLD with each piece carrying a vintage one of a kind element to it.
Meredith came into my studio to work on her LEATHER handbag collection (which btw is ridiculously sexy, with the same Goth Allure aesthetic as her jewelry line) and I instantly fell in love with her.
She’s inadvertently creating an “ACCESSORY INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION” whether she knows it or not.
Made Her Think Jewelry is reasonably priced so, even in this economic climate, we can still afford to properly accessorize without dipping into your rent stash. I assure you that since I received my Talon Knuckle Buster ring I’ve been stopped at least a dozen times and asked “where do I get one?”
You can purchase her pieces @ www.madeherthink.com, www.shopbop.com and www.funkylala.com.
Industry Background:
Meredith Khan attended FIT in NYC where she studied fashion design. She then began designing clothing for Old Navy. In 2004 Meredith’s cultivated her Made Her Think line. She is currently expanding her line incorporating leather handbags into her collection.

The Luxury Spot: Yoga Done Their Way
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My dear friends at The Luxury Spot, are always up to something, especially mixing their glam with loads of tomfoolery. So, it was of no surprise that a good olden yoga class was plain unacceptable for the crew and their guests. The following is an account of how The Luxury Spot does Yoga.
Each month TheLuxurySpot.com hosts a free Vinyasa yoga event taught by the world-famous Dia Hollenbeck Minkow. This month’s event was held on August 12 at the fabulous Dex Studios in midtown Manhattan. DEX Studios is the go-to source for all things beauty and fashion. Tyra has taped shows there, Vogue has shot covers inside, and the beauty team is the best NYC has to offer.
Since space was limited for this exclusive FREE yoga event, guests were handpicked for invitations. Press, models, and NYC trend-setters were the lucky few that got limber and enjoyed sumptuous Greek yogurt provided by Chobani Greek Yogurt. Guests in attendance included notable socialites and cast members of The Real Housewives of New York. While the glistening bodies mingled post-event, ZICO coconut water was poured, and yogis were treated to over-stuffed gift bags. Gift bags included The Natural Dentist mouthwash, ROHTO Eyedrops, eatwhatever mints, Chobani Greek Yogurt, and ZICO coconut water. Guests left feeling healthy, bright-eyed, and minty fresh!
That's what I'm talking about. It's like being treated like a Greek God doing Yoga... and you walk away with a gift bag.
TLS.com: A downward-dog to you.
*Photos courtesy of The Luxury Spot


Ellen's Run, HEAT, Steven Klein, and Lindsay Lohan: It's A Family Affair
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Saturday Night in the Hamptons is always a sure bet for fun, glamour, and drama. We certainly got all three.
The elegant evening began at Steven Klein's gorgeous estate at West Kill Farm for HEAT, a celebration for the new Ellen Hermanson Breast Center Southampton Hospital. The benefit also honored the memory of Annie Toglia.
All the guests donned the theme colors, black, white, and pink, drank Liv Vodka cocktails and local estate wines, while dancing to Dj Donna D'Cruz's beats. After a warm speech by Julie Ratner, Ellen's sister- who graciously and tirelessly and remains committed to Ellen's Run, the one live auction item was up for bid. An opportunity for two guests to enjoy a day on the set of Sex and The City 2 with Kim Cattrall.
As one gentleman was up to $18,000, Ms. Cattrall took auctioneer Patrick Tully's mic and proposed, "If you bid really high, I may just take you to lunch."
The gavel dropped with a $20,000 donation to the Foundation, the gentleman out bid himself from $16,000 - $20,000, and all were delighted. Until later, Mr. Tully revealed that a caller vowed to double the standing offer, and promptly gave his Black Amex number... $40,000.
However, the excitement did not stop there. The crowd slowly dissipated, until a rush of lights began firing, as Ms. Lindsay Lohan entered the tent with dates Adam from MTV's The City, her Brother Michael, and a small crew, headed to the bar. She appeared quite happy, until she made a bee-line to the far corner of tent...
Enter Michael Lohan. Ms. LiLo quickly turned snitty. Who could blame her? Was he stalking her? The whole country knows she doesn't want to talk to him. Did he think she would welcome him with open arms if he followed her to an exclusive event?
Her friends surrounded her, as she sat with her back to the crowd, but Michael sauntered up in his signature camel-ball jeans and knelt down to confront his Daughter. About what, we do not know. All we overheard was, "I didn't, Dad. I didn't."
Little Bro swooped in to relieve the tension, whilst Lindsay got up and headed back to the bar, rightfully in a tizzy, definitely not wanting to be photographed; just wanting to be left alone.
We caught up later with Lindsay at Pink Elephant, sans Papa Lohan. She appeared to be somewhat more relaxed, even introducing herself to yours truly. While the thin blond starlet caught a few smokes, I did not see her drinking any booze.
Conclusion: Hey, Michael Lohan! Back off. Not only did you piss off your Daughter, but you also pissed the guests off. A pleasant night honoring two wonderfully courageous and inspirational woman, as well as the many many women that face the challenges of breast cancer, ended in the remaining guests gossipping about Linsday.
Seen: Andre Balazs, Daphne Guinness looking like a svelte cool Cruella Deville, host Candi Pratts-Price with husband Artist Chuck Price, Bernadette Peters, Tory Burch, Fabiola Beracasa, Philipa Fino from Vogue, Dr. Lisa Airan, Richard Johnson from Page Six, Stephanie Newhouse with husband Jesse Newhouse, Derek Blasberg, Vanity Fair's Alex White Calvin Klein, Kelly Klein, Donna Karan, photographer Russell James, and Steven Klein's sister Hope Klein and their charming parents.
*View more party picts by David X. Prutting (PMc): GofG

*Photo 1 courtesy of Hampton Daze by Photos by Jenna Mackin & Jessica Mackin: Steven Klein, Lindsay Lohan, Bret Kropp, Chau Ngo, and Britten Heft
*Photo 2 courtesy of Hampton Daze by Photos by Jenna Mackin & Jessica Mackin: Kim Cattrall
*Photo 3 courtesy of Zimbio: Steven Klein
*Photo 4 courtesy of Hampton Daze by Photos by Jenna Mackin & Jessica Mackin: Lindsay Lohan
Perez Hilton: Boldly Takes Iconic Namesake- Cocoperez.com
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August 13th: The Queen of All Media, builds on his empire and takes aim at all things fashion with today's launch of Perez Hilton's new website, cocoperez.com.
Perez Hilton has been a busy girl this summer. Actually, he's been a busy bee all year! Let's see, a book- Red Carpet Suicide: A Survival Guide on Keeping Up With the Hiltons, a syndicated radio show- Perez Cast, Perez Hilton Presents- a recently launched concert series, a record label "imprint" with Warner Brothers, and now... cocoperez.com.
This "sister" site to perezhilton.com, Hollywood's most hated website has been delivering the juiciest celebrity gossip since 2004, will be a place for Perez to serve it up even hotter, and dish it out. Musing on celebrity fashion faux-pas and kudos, it will have a different look (a conservative layout, feature celebrity fashion scoops, Coco TV, a photo gallery, and Presented by Gap), but it will still have the Perez attitude and flavor.
Hilton blogged:
The fashion world should be scared. Anna Wintour watch out! Actually, Anna Wintour's days are already numbered now, so she should be cowering in fear. I don't know if she'll make it past the Fall. Eventually, I will have a larger audience then Vogue.
Perhaps Perez Hilton channelled his new site's namesake, Coco Chanel, to declare that saucy statement.
Although Hilton does not have a formal background in fashion, I think it just may work to his benefit. It will give him an objective, yet opinionated, look into the world of fashion that his readers relate too. Hilton confessed:
Even though I dress like a clown, I know what looks good on women, the same way I know what sounds good musically. I'm not trying to be a taste-maker. I'm just trying to have fun with fashion the way I have fun with celebrities and the way I have fun with fashion in my own life.
*Photo 1: An Evening With Women: Celebrating Art, Music, & Equality at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on April 24, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
*Photo 2: "OMFB" 31st Birthday Party held at The Viper Room on March 28, 2009 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Angela Weiss/Getty Images)
The Box We All Must Open
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The evening began by meeting my fantavulous and vivacious hostess of the evening, event planner and publicist extraordinaire- Christine Coppinger. Dressed to kill and a megawatt smile that lit up her eyes, Christine chatted me up on our way the ever so exclusive The Box.
Now all I had heard thus far was: a) you could not just show up and expect to get in, you had to have rezzies at a bottle service table or be on the list, b) there is nothing like it in Manhattan, and c) expect the unexpected.
Okay...
Hence, I decided to not try and figure out what this place was. Sure I grew up in the tri-state area and went to the underground galleries and lofts of the East Village and Soho in the 80's (thanks Mom and Dad) and spent many high school evenings partaking in the the "scene" that was NYC back in the day (sorry Mom and Dad). However, it's long since the days of keys, cards or those little tiny ziplocs manufactured for one reason, to grant entry into the latest hot spot.
So, like a transplant from Kansas City, as Christine gave her name to one of three door guys dressed in vests, one with a bowler hat, and general 20's gangster style, I belted,"I feel like we're going into a speakeasy during the prohibition!" Hopefully, they either could have cared less who I was to even care what was coming out of my freshly glossed lips, or ignored me out of courtesy to Christine.
Regardless, the door opened for us and Christine pushed aside the velvet curtain...
Fantastic.
Two gorgeous crystal chandeliers lit the deep oak bar, garnished with two male bartenders in similar garb as the door dudes. Everywhere was an unmistakable decor of another time. I felt like I was in Doris Duke and Mrs. Astor's estate sale, amidst a flea market in an Upstate New York town; minus the must and Guerlain Shalimar perfume scent.
Faded velvet cushions, a mini wooded rocking horse, dodged photographs from the year one, and I swear there were a few lace doilies around. My eyes were in heaven and awe.
Christine led me around, giving me the lay of the land, and informed me there was to be a show. We walked into the main room, adorned with banquettes and and tables- reservations and bottle service only. And at the far end: a closed curtain adorning a stage. I looked up to see sheer curtains hanging above the balcony.
We headed upstairs where I discovered the uber privee booths and immediately envisioned Moulin Rouge-
men in silk top hats and women in lace and gabardine dresses with beaucoup cleavage, leaning over the banisters cheering on -La Revue de la Femme.
I absolutely adored this place and nothing had really happened yet, despite the fact that it was just before 2am.
We headed back downstairs, found a spot at the bar and dutifully sipped our champagne.
To read what happens next, please visit The Luxury Spot
*photos courtesy of Raven-O
** Special thank you to Christine Coppinger, and The Box for being an impressive, unique, and stellar venue.