HAIRDREAMS: ‘ART OF HAIR EXTENSION’

The leading hair extension company in the world with the top quality hair and the most type of bonds and tools in the industry is Hairdreams. Everyone you see with long locks, especially in Hollywood, likely has hair extensions. They have a European hair extension system, recognized worldwide as leading authority on the world’s finest hair extension craftsmanship.

Roger Heim, the managing director of Hairdreams, says “You get what you pay for. You need to look for good quality application especially at the bonding points. A lot of people use glue nowadays but you do not want to use glue in your hair! We use a bonding system called Thermoplast, a mix of different plastic components. They go in and hold the hair in place. When it needs to come out, you won’t be left with any residue.”

The LaserBeamer hand device used in approved salons, allows for up to eight strands of human hair placed in a record breaking 35 - 40 seconds or less! Quikkies, the latest trend, are instant extensions. They are self-adhesive, four-centimeter wide strips made from ultra-light microfiber gauze. Easy in. Easy out.

Extension expert, Cesare, at Hair by Cesare of Pasadena, California, says extensions transform people. “Most clients want full hair, a lot of fullness. They say they want to look like Kim Kardashian but if her hair is really thin, it’s not impossible but its hard to attach hair to hair that isn’t there! More doesn’t always mean better. I’m usually honest and admit that I will try what they ask for.”

These days the trend also has men getting hair extensions for thickness and to add more style. In fact, Chris Hemsworth just got Hairdreams to play the role of the Huntsman in the new movie out this summer called Snow White and the Huntsman.

For more information, go to: hairdreams.com

DESIGNER SHOE TRENDS: “COBBLER TO THE STARS”

His shoes include silver, mother of pearl and 18-karat gold leaf so when it comes to the "Cobbler to the Stars," celebrities turn to Pasquale Fabrizio, the man who repairs and creates shoes, boots and accessories for everyone from Mick Jagger to Rihanna. He also designed “the world’s first wearable glass shoe” with Murano glass from Italy on the heel.

Pasquale has now launched his own line ‘Q by Pasquale’ where each shoe is a work of art.

Fabrizio is the recommended cobbler to repair Christian Louboutins, personally recommended by the Louboutin company. Smithsonian also entrusted him to repair the ruby red slippers from The Wizard of Oz, arriving to him with armed guards (ask him to tell you THAT story!).

Fabrizio has made a name for himself in Hollywood as the man who knows shoes better than anyone. His love for shoes dates way back to his Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin days.

Pasquale says his busiest time of the year is awards season. He stays open around the clock to answer last minute show demands of the starlets changing their dresses at the last minute. “Everything is last minute. They reserve a lot of looks, dresses, colors, styles and they pick and choose at the last minute. Then it’s chaos 24 hours before when everybody starts showing up. We leave that day open for everybody in the entertainment business because a lot of it gets done literally within 24 hours and less.”

The celebrities reserve a few styles of everything and decide within the last 24 hours what they choose to wear that evening. “They have a selection of shoes. They’ll go with four or five different outfits, looks, and shoes but they’re not going to modify all of it until the last minute, until the celebrity themselves decide what they’re going to run with that night.”

STYLE TRENDS: ‘EYEWEAR TO THE STARS’

Celebrities from Brad Pitt, to Usher and Fergie, turn to Sama Couture Eyewear design house that makes hand made couture pieces we see on the rich and famous.

Founded in Los Angeles by eyewear designer Sheila Vance, Sama Couture Eyewear has established itself as the leading premium fashion brand among celebrities and fashionistas who want to stand out.

Brad Pitt told his team to purchase the glasses that helped him create his character for Moneyball exclusively at Sama. Debra Messing also got her glasses here for her role in the NBC Steven Spielberg show Smash. Other Sama clients include: Tom Cruise, Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston, Jay Z, Jessica Alba, Elton John, and Cher among many others.

Ross Vance, co-owner of Sama, says the trends today include the still popular aviators that are mirrored and vintage in style. “Mirrors are big with the celebrities either trying to hide behind the mirrors or to create a drama or attitude. We’re seeing a wonderful use of the mirrors. We make mirrors for Usher, the Super Bowl half-time act. Angelina Jolie in Venice for the festival is hiding behind 24-karat gold applique mirrors. It’s a really significant trend for the upcoming years in celebrities.”

Sama Eyewear is manufactured and assembled by hand. “The Magic Hour” design includes diamonds and sapphires! My absolute favorite style is the 18-karat gold glasses made with gold lenses. Truly, I have never seen a more beautiful pair of sunglasses and looking through the lens was like looking through rose-colored glasses. These are a must have if you want something special to adorn your face. (I haven’t stopped thinking of them since I tried them on!) They were so luxurious you don’t want to take them off and I don’t think its only because they were gold. I think it was the design, so graceful and flowing. I have tried on glasses from every designer and this pair felt like they were made for the face. I could see why celebrities flock to here. These glasses really shape in a way no others do. Ross says of the precious gem design “Magic Hour, is most comfortable on powerful women atop New York city board rooms and also on a fine luxury yacht in San Tropez. It has a glow, the Magic Hour and is based on precious, semi-precious, and fine gold jewelry translated into eyewear. The first time anybody’s done it and it’s absolutely spectacular.”

Sama is an ancient term meaning "there is no beginning, no end" and it eloquently expresses the unique design and production philosophy behind Sama Eyewear.

Mark Badgley and James Mischka, tapped Sama to develop, launch, and market the Badgley Mischka Collection of couture and sport eyewear and sunglasses. If you are ever in LA, you must check out their showroom on Santa Monica Blvd. It’s stunning and the perfect backdrop to try on these beautiful glasses. (Shhhh, ask Ross to show you his celebrity glass box with all the glasses the big names wear. Tell him I sent you!)

To check out their stunning creations, go to samaeyewear.net

FASHION TRENDS: THE 20’s

Old fashion trends are making their way into the 21st century. The 20s are in! The hats, the dresses, the shoes… Everything is 20s inspired. Many designers, such as Gucci, Marc Jacobs, and Carolina Herrera are showing this look.

Natasha Poly, Gucci model, says “the brand’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection is very 20s in a way. When fashion changed to become more manly and gave more freedom.” She says that the collection was very comfortable to wear but the material was strong.

In dresses, expect less skin with dress length lower than the knee. They will be sheer, flowy, and very feminine. Gucci's Spring/Summer 2012 collection also featured a lot of this dress style inspired from the flapper era.

When it comes to color trends for 2012, gelato hues are the colors to wear. Think soft pastels. These colors are important in everything fashion... even denim!

Prints will also be big this year. Put your leopard prints aside because 2012 is all about floral and African tribal prints. Combine all of the above and you’ll be a true trendsetter!

STYLE TREND:
VINTAGE SUNGLASSES FROM 1950's TO 1980's

There is an industry popping up for trendsetting celebs and fashionistas, 'vintage eyewear' - vintage sunglasses to be exact - and personal stylists just for your eyes! Personal eye wear consulting company called The Vintage Frames Company stocks up to 100,000 unique frames at any given time.

Based in Montreal, Canada, the frames sold come from the owner’s world wide travels and are hand picked by its fashion historian staff. They are original unworn 1950's to 1980's brand names. The staff works closely with artists to revive styles once popular in those times.

The Vintage Frames Company has worked with some of today’s largest celebrities from Lady Gaga, Jay-Z, Kanye West and P.Diddy. Known for their own sunglass high style, the Olsen Twins, Rachel Zoe, Kate Moss and Nicole Richie are amongst the many adoring celebrities who are influencing today's sunglass trends.

The shopping experience at The Vintage Frames Company is unique, as clients get a personal stylist for their eyes as well as a history lesson helping them understand the background and craftsmanship of their chosen frame.

Brands include Dior, Cartier, Carrera, Persol, Ray-Ban, Porsche, Dunhill, Gucci, Laura Biagiotti, Balenciaga, Cazal, Gianfranco Ferre, Gucci, Nina Ricci, Persol, Ultra, Yves St-Laurent etc. They also provide services for designers from today’s top selling current brands with a historical look at eyewear's past. From this, many elements of past iconic styles are used as the basis of newly produced eyewear.

Corey Shapiro, CEO of The Vintage Frames Company, has a vast knowledge in fashion history so he and his team of skilled fashionistas travel worldwide to hand pick the most luxurious and rare frames often seen in magazines and music videos.

Much of the newly produced eyewear is in fact almost entirely influenced by past iconic styles. Head office is not open to the public, but they will do private appointments for eye-wear enthusiasts.

To check out the website visit:
www.vintageframescompany.com

To shop online visit:
www.vintageframesshop.com

To contact Corey Shapiro directly:
vintageframes@me.com

FASHION HOUSE TREND:
LIVESTREAMING PRODUCTS ONLINE

Design house Burberry is now one of the most tech savvy fashion houses today. Burberry is livestreaming its new products online globally now. This time recently for the launch of its new perfume called Burberry Body. Burberry is now a digital leader in the world of fashion with livestreams and new fancy Web initiatives. It was the first brand to stream in 3-D in 2010 when it hosted events in five cities around the world—and then took over the megatron in London’s Piccadilly Circus, which is viewed by over a million people a week.

Burberry’s shows are, now considered “the" event of the British fashion season. With Twitter and Facebook, these shows are now global events. Last season: Burberry trended globally on Twitter. Now people around the world watch and then want to buy the items no matter what city they're in. Burberry has created Runway to Retail, which allows you to buy items from Burberry's next collection online as you watch it streaming, as soon as it comes down the runway now.

MEN'S HOLLYWOOD FASHION TREND:
BLUE FACED WATCHES

There is a big trend now with male celebs such as Daniel Craig and Jeremy Renner who are wearing Hollywood’s latest trend: blue-faced watches. This is hot right now. Craig teamed up with Omega on a timepiece to benefit charity. It is a steel-case self-winding watch with an alligator strap and 60-hour power reserve. $1million of sales will go to Orbis, a charity that provides eye care in developing countries. This one goes for $7200 USD.  Meanwhile Renner wears Rolex’s version in Paramount’s upcoming Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (in theaters December.)  It is an 18-karat white gold watch, which has a blue ceramic bezel and a blue dial. It goes for $34,000 USD.

According to the GQ fall trend report, blue-faced watches are the hottest items for men this season. Jim Moore of GQ says, "It's not like wearing a bright color, it's just a color that looks good with everything, so it was great to see this sweeping trend. A lot of the styling on the watches isn't that different if the face was black, but the blue gives it a pop." One good thing about the trend is that it’s available in many price points and the color is basic enough to last you for years.

FASHION TREND:
TWEENS MAKE THEIR OWN DESIGNS

A prevalent trend for a while has been Hollywood moms’ daughters designing clothing’s lines. Now other kids are doing it too. Now there's a website that lets “tweenage” girls do just that, with the fashions then being professionally produced and sent to them to wear. FashionPlaytes (www.fashionplaytes.com) is already popular with celebrity moms and their fashion-conscious daughters. It's an interactive outlet for self-expression and an empowering alternative to store-bought clothes. The girls create their own wardrobes online. They can even design matching doll clothes. Your daughters can also create personalized labels, so they can proudly show off their creations with their very own designer label.

FashionPlaytes CEO Sarah McIlory is a mom of two, and had fond memories of designing clothes with her mother when she was growing up. When Mcllory became a mother to two girls, she wanted to pass on that experience to her daughters, but in a modern way.

For holidays and for any special occasion, FashionPlaytes gift certificates are a good tween gift. With a FashionPlaytes gift certificate, she can customize her outfit online, and have it shipped right to her. Gift certificates start at $20.

FASHION:
HAIR EXTENSION TREND 'GAGA' STYLE

Hair extensions aren't only about creating volume and length anymore. Stylists here in Hollywood are taking them to the next level - moving from the head to the body with clothing lines integrating hair extensions in their designs. Celebrity stylist Charlie Le Mindu is the first to do this. Lady Gaga has sported some of his avant-garde hair and clothing creations. He uses hair extensions exclusively from Hairdreams, a worldwide leading provider of real  hair extensions  for many years.

Hairdreams trend scouts identified two major themes this year when it comes to hair extensions: "crazy country" and "elegant future."  Crazy country has the hair mimicking the look of country side alpine meadows, deep valleys and mountains. The hair is soft, thick and wavy, combined with elaborate braids and colorful strands in bright colors. The "elegant future" is inspired by science fiction films. It consists of futuristic, jagged cuts with a touch of elegance. The hair is long, rich and shiny, highlighted with with a blue or turquoise for a futuristic touch. 

Also being sported in hair extensions: accessories of diamonds and feathers. 

I personally wear Swarovski Crystals in my hair. Three strands. They are delicate and beautiful.

For more information on Hairdreams visit: www.hairdreams.com
or give them a call: 888.434.2471

FASHION TREND:
DESIGNER HEADPHONES

Hollywood now has a new style trend when it comes to music. Stylish all-ear coverage over tiny ear buds are the big trend now. Dolce & Gabanna has teamed up with Skullcandy, a well-known reputable brand for headphones, and have made a line of great-looking headphones. They were first shown off during Milan's Winter Fashion Week. They are colorful and are now considered a fashion accessory. In the winter they can double as earmuffs.

There are many options. The plainest is the Dolce & Gabanna Lowrider ($49.99 US), Dolce & Gabbana G.I. ($89.99 US), Dolce & Gabanna Hesh ($64.99 US) and the Dolce & Gabanna Aviators ($194.99 US.)

Skullcandy is already a brand of headphones. Skull and bones will are on the heapdhones with the D&G logo on the headbands.

FASHION:
GUCCI SPRING 2012 SETTING TRENDS

Gucci is still setting trends and its new Spring 2012 line was shown on the runways of New York Fashion week recently. This new line is all about gold bling and a retro 20's style. Daywear has masculine silhouettes, mainly suits, cropped jackets, green geometric motifs, gold buttons and side zips that flare out at the trousers’ otherwise straight ankles. For women nighttime is 20’s style: flappers, fringed hems, drop waists and loose sleeveless tops.

What really stood out in the Gucci collection is the continuous hint of gold bling. Some of the pieces have gold chains. Thick plates of gold are included in the form of bag handles, embellishments and buttons inspired by Art Deco.

STYLE TRENDS:
SOCKS AND STOCKING SALES WAY UP

Fall 2011 is the season of the sock and the sexy stocking - a huge trend in fashion now includes fishnets and knee highs - all worn with high heels. The sock and stocking business has boomed in the last year that finding ankle, quarter top, crew, over-the-calf, knee-hi, over-the knee and thigh hi socks is now easier than ever before.

The biggest part of the trend for fall? The layering of the stockings with the thigh high socks for a sexy naughty school girl look.

The world’s greatest sock store, The Los Angeles Sock Market is the absolute best place to find all these items and more. It has all hosiery and footwear needs and this store is amazing with a dizzying array of stockings and leggings!

There are also stores in Las Vegas and San Francisco. Socks of every color, style, size and description - from booties for babies to dress socks for nine-to-fivers and the staff is so knowledgeable and seem to really like their jobs. They are truly “The World’s Greatest Sock Store” as the logo states. 

The stores high energy and pounding music make for a dynamic experience the moment you enter one of the shops, as you scan the thousands of pieces, as if you were at the Smithsonian taking in each exhibit in awe. Seriously, who knew there were so many socks and stockings and all things in between?

The San Francisco Sock Market was the first one, founded in 1986 on Pier 39. It has proven to be one of the longest lasting and most profitable stores on Pier 39, which boasts some of the highest visitor attendance and money per square foot figures in the country.

The store is set up like a “stock market”.

The sales associates wear shirts reminiscent of brokers on the floor of a stock market, and signage around the store point to, “over-the-counter socks, blue chip socks, and preferred socks”.

For little ones they sell “new issues” and during the holidays and they offer “Sock Certificates” instead of gift certificates! So creative and fun when it comes to gift giving!

Unlike a traditional sock store, or a sock section of a department store, they sell socks and stockings you have never seen. It’s a candy store of fashion! I could have spent hours in there! Everything from high fashion to gift items for professionals, such as doctor socks, lawyer socks, for dentists, mechanics, carpenters, pilots, etc and there are toe socks, hiking, biking, running, golfing, tennis, and walking socks.

The sock market also has hundreds of animal socks; birds, reptiles, mammals, and insect socks in addition to 72 breeds of dogs and cats. It also has flower socks, patterned socks, pop art and old master socks! If you are a baseball, basketball, football, hockey or soccer fan, they have your team logo sock.

The Los Angeles Sock Market opened in November of 2004 on Citywalk at Universal Studios, in Los Angeles. It has done over $1.2 million dollars each year since then. The store chains outdoor sign at Universal won a national award for retail signage and visually and physically stops traffic. Owners Ted Hersh and Bruce Dobkin are men full of life, thus one can understand their excitement for their stores and the enveloping good feeling you get when you enter!

Like the Las Vegas Sock Market at the Shoppes at the Mandalay Bay Hotel, both their present locations are festival marketplaces, targeting the constant flow of tourists passing through the shopping center. They get a lot of foot traffic and people just dropping in, taken by the excitement of the store and the owners find many of their clients end up being impulse buys from tourists who buy for themselves and as gifts.

The store is the ultimate category killer. Everybody wears socks and no other store in the world carries the selection they do, or shows it in such a unique way.

Los Angeles Sock Market 1000 Universal Center Drive, Universal City, California, California 91608 (818) 509.1340

EMMY FASHION:
THE GLITZ AND GLAM

RED was the hot color of the night. It was everywhere! They all looked great! There were lots of strapless gowns, lots of trains, all gowns, lots of silhouettes, lots of fitted gowns and lots of fishtales. They really stepped it up for the Emmys this year.

Julianna Margulies, may have won best dramatic actress for The Good Wife but her off-white Armani Prive gown, with a rock hard bodice, and could be mistaken for acrylic ‘buttons’, was a real miss. On top of it  - she did not look comfortable. It was the weirdest choice of the night. She said she chose it just the night before. Of all the dresses she can have – why her or her stylist said – ‘Yep, this is the one!’ – is beyond me. “Top Chef's" Padma Lakshmi also wore a bronze Armani Prive – both very expensive because they are made to measure just for your body and are one of kind. This is the highest level of couture.

Gwyneth Paltrow's Emilio Pucci black sequined two-part gown was also questionable. It had no shape and showed her six- pack. She later said she did not realize how sheer it would be on stage.

Lea Michele wore a tight-fitting Marchesa classic red gown with rosette cap sleeves. Kate Winslet wore a cap-sleeve Elie Saab. Sophia Vergara was also stunning in red. Electric blue is a bring trend on the runways in New York this month - Claire Danes wore it in a strapless Oscar de la Renta that looked quite good.

IPAD: BERNIE MADOFF'S CLOTHES COVERS

John Vaccaro, a New York entrepreneur, is selling iPad covers made from Bernie Madoff’s clothing that was auctioned off. Talk about marketing brilliance. Madoff was sentenced to 150 years in prison for swindling billions in the largest Ponzi scheme in U.S. history. Last November, his clothes and personal possessions were sold at auction by the U.S. Marshals Service Proceeds going to help those who lost money. One of the bidders was Vaccaro, 41. His company is frederickjames.com. He sells eco-friendly customized iPad covers made from cashmere and other fine fabrics. He thought of the idea when he bought an iPad and wanted a fashionable and scratch-resistant cover. "There was nothing on the market at the time," said Vaccaro. "When a friend came over one day and left their cashmere sweater lying next to my iPad, I realized that material would make a perfect cover."

He bought Madoff's cashmere sweaters, and 16 pairs of designer pants. He immediately sold five iPad covers from Madoff's former cashmere sweaters to a Wall Street attorney who gave them out as Christmas gifts.
Now Vaccaro is focusing on selling one-of-a-kind iPad covers made from Madoff's Banana Republic chinos. He has enough fabric to sell a limited collection of 31 Madoff-themed covers.

He hopes to donate a portion of the proceeds to Madoff victims. After the Madoff collection is sold, Vaccaro plans to continue focusing on selling other customized lightweight protective iPad covers made from rescued and remnant luxury fabrics. Some of his current collections include "The Lodge," inspired by hunting and skiing material, "The Office" made from wool and silk and featuring classic pinstripes, and "The Island" using rayon and polyester crepe fabrics lined with double-knit wool.

As he builds his Frederick James brand, Vaccaro continues to oversee his web design and development company, juicyorange.com that he co-owns with designer Mark Robohm. While he would consider purchasing clothes from other famous or infamous people, he concedes it would have to be a good match. "If I were to buy some of Marilyn Monroe's former clothing and turn it into iPad covers, it would only serve to devalue the items," Vaccaro said. "In the case of Bernie Madoff, people were pleased to see his designer clothing cut up in shreds."

RETAIL:
HOW TO STAY RELEVANT

When it comes to retail sales, experts say you have to sell a lifestyle and an image. You’ve heard it before, but it’s vital now more than ever. It's all about building your brand around it.  One that has mastered this is Ralph Lauren.  Michael Kors does the same thing. It's not only about getting a purse, it's about getting a slice of the fantasies people have. Michael Kors head person in Canada is Debra Margles. She says retailers that have walked away from servicing the clients are the ones that have to walk backwards on the escalators right now. They better re-create the brand because opportunities lie in servicing the customer and making it exciting. With stores today you want to walk in a feel like it’s a privilege and an opportunity. You want people to feel like they’re servicing you and they love to be there.  The customer needs to feel like there’s action and that the people working really want to be there. Debra advises: higher the best people and spend your money on the front line.  That is where the experience comes from. You could see the best product but if you’re not greeted with respect and enthusiasm, then how does that translate to the ultimate customer?
www.MichaelKors.com

RETAIL TREND:
POP-UP STORES STILL BOOMING

Since we first coined the phrase Pop-Up Stores back in 2004, the transient concept has become a permanent fixture in many marketing and branding strategies. A phenomenon as ephemeral as this one requires constant innovation. The pop-ups we see today are bigger, better and more extreme than ever before. In May 2011, Tommy Hilfiger debuted the Prep World Pop-Up, a temporary structure designed to look like an authentic East Coast beach cabin. The house will be traveling to various cities across the world, with Prep World-themed events for style-conscious customers. As part of its Give It Back campaign, Coca-Cola’s pop-up store in Tel Aviv (April 2011) sold recycled and upcycled products made with Coke bottles and cans.

To alleviate over-crowding in the airport's main terminal during the busy winter period, Geneva airport erected a pop-up terminal. The white, fully-waterproof marquee was erected in front of the airport and had dedicated check-in space. Slated to appear in London's Shoreditch area this August, Boxpark is a pop-up shopping mall that will house more than 50 small stores in a two-story structure constructed on Bishopsgate Goods Yard, a former railway site that's been unused for more than 40 years. Boxpark will focus on small, independent brands that are hand-selected and offered space by invitation only.

FASHION TREND:
HIGH STYLE HIPPIE RESORT

The latest fashion trend for ladies this summer is called high style hippie resort. It’s bohemian, it’s Grecian, and gorgeous. It’s long and flowing. I love it! Anyone that knows me knows I love this stuff and lots of bangles. It’s a casual and relaxed summer look with gold details. The style now is upscale hippie look. It’s hippie but with embellishments and more glamorous. It includes toga styles, long dresses, empire waists, tribal prints and mixed with a fabulous shoe - that's the look this summer ladies.

FASHION TREND:
EARTH LEATHER

There’s a new eco trend called earth leather. There's a company called Ju-Ju-Be that's making earth leather and an eco friendly collection that is absolutely amazing. You would never know it was not leather. The purses, wallets and messenger bags are made out of recycled water bottles. The Ju-Ju-Be Legacy Collection is a favorite of celebrities Earth Leather is 30% lighter than genuine leather and is made from recycled bottles making it completely earth friendly! 

It’s completely animal-free, but you would swear its leather. It's lead-free, PVC-free, and is machine washable.  I have a black bag, a purse, and I love it. I get so many compliments on it and I love telling people, it's not leather it's a bunch of old plastic water bottles!

If you're looking for a great original gift, the hobo style Behave Bag is what I have and love. The Behave will be priced at $160 USD. You can order online.

http://www.ju-ju-be.com/products/

RETAIL TREND:
INTERACTIVE STORE FRONT

You’ve likely heard about a Canadian firm that's hoping to revolutionize the retail industry with touchscreen store front technology that allows you to interact with a store even after it's closed. It is an image that is projected onto the glass of the storefront that you could play with like a giant iPad. It has sensors that pick up the movement of hands on the glass.

You can explore things like product galleries, video fashion shows, or a store could run promotions using the interface. You can emailto yourself or someone else directly from the store window. Antoine Azar is CEO of 2XM Interactive, the company behind it, that designs mobile apps for iPhones, BlackBerrys and Android phones.

Suppose you are walking in front of a store and you see something you like but the store is closed or you don’t have the time to walk in. The best you could do is try and remember what store it was, or what item it was. In the meantime, you might forget or they might change their storefronts. It’s a lost purchase for you and a lost sale for the retailer. With this new technology you, you could send all the information you need directly to your email on the spot. The coolest feature is how it interacts with smartphones. You could bump the glass with the iPhone and all the information is downloaded automatically to the phone.

How do retailers benefit from this? They're gaining from the lost purchases of people passing by that don't have the time to walk in. The biggest benefit is the 24/7 shopping. If you're a retailer you're paying rent 24 hours, but you're not selling 24 hours and after hours there are still people on streets because of bars, restaurants, cafes or festivals. When they're walking by, they may see something they like,but will likely not remember the next day. This way they could automatically buy on the spot, or get all the relevant information to go ahead with the purchase at a later date.

A question I had was, are people really going to stand out in the cold to play on store front windows when they could do all these things on the company website in the warmth of their home? Right now, interactions in front store windows are short. They want to keep that interaction short, but improve it in a dramatic way. It’s not a matter of standing a long time in front of the storefront, the time of interaction doesn’t change, it just gets more interesting.

If you have a business and are interested in this feature, go to
www.2xminteractive.com

BUSINESS TREND:
RETAIL AND FASHION INDUSTRY

There are untapped opportunities in Canada but with US chains opening stores now across the border like never before, this may be a problem for many local companies. Experts say Canadian retailers will have to challenge themselves and bring it up a few notches.

HTR sat down with Debra Margles, President of Michael Kors Canada, one of the leading trendsetting lifestyle brands in the world today. She says if you own a business, you can't just open your doors and expect a product to sell. You have to sell a lifestyle in 2011, an image and build your brand around that. Ones who have mastered this are Ralph Lauren and Micheal Kors.

Margles’ advice to other business owners: don’t look over your shoulder so much. Focus on what you started out to do. Don’t try and keep up by looking at other competitors. Everyone has to create their own niche. If you keep jumping around trying to emulate many other companies, you end up being nothing. It’s a matter of finding your own brand identity. Study your market, and make sure that there is a need wherever you are targeting.

A retailer who has done this very well is Lulu Lemon. It created a niche market: people are buying into the all-natural, healthy, fit, lifestyle. People put on the clothes and don't even go to the gym. Here’s the key: when you walk into these stores, you feel like you're a part of something bigger. It's really like buying a slice of theater. Men and women want way more than clothing, they want to be immersed in an experience when they shop.

This year, service the consumer like never before. You have to. In stores today, people want to walk in and feel like it’s a privilege and an opportunity. They want to feel like they’re being serviced and that the employees are happy to be there. They want to feel like there’s action. To get this, you must hire the best people on the front line. You could have the best product, but if you’re not greeted with respect and enthusiasm, the ultimate customer feels it. Margles says offer a smile and personal thank you note. Today, a personal touch could go a long way. Companies have walked away from that and it’s time to circle back and thank the customer. Signs point to improving prospects for the economy, particularly the strong rebound already underway in the United States, which should lift exports in Canada.

Meantime, as far as fashion, Michael Kors is now showing classy nudes, crisp whites, and nutty browns - as usual. That doesn’t mean the man completely ignores citrus, one of the hottest set of colors this summer. He loves neutrals, and loves women in understated colours this season more than ever. Margles says, "He loves linens—very, very chic whites and beiges. He’s not a big, big fan of colour, but when he does it, he does it really well. Right now orange is going to be his new hot colour.”And not just any orange, but a beautiful, bright patent-leather orange. “We live in a country where there’s a lot of winter, so color is nice as an accessory,” Margles says. “I might not wear an orange sweater, but I’ll wear a fun orange accessory like a saddlebag or a flip-flop.”

“For me, it’s the espadrille,” she says of the “it” sandal this summer ($188), which comes in several neutral tones, including champagne and a nutty brown. Margles says. “Espadrilles in our stores right now are part of our national ad campaigns—they’re just iconic to who Michael is.”

The standout is the MICHAEL by Michael Kors Grayson Large Shoulder Bag ($350). This bohemian bag features tie-dyed sky-blue and white denim-looking leather and comes with a tan strap “Why are we so hot right now in an economy that’s not so hot?” she asks rhetorically before answering her own question. “Because we have something for everyone.”

FASHION:
#1 TRENDSETTER LVMH

What company do you think is the number one trendsetter of luxury goods in the world today? It’s LVMH, which owns Louis Vuitton and sister company Dior. It’s now opening up in places such as Mongolia and Vietnam.The company is now conquering and building in the developing world. Bernard Arnault, is Europe's richest man and head of LVMH. LVMH stock rose 60% in the last year, making his worth $39 billion. He brought haute couture to India and China. There are 35 stores in all of China. It’s now also opened in Mongolia's capital a city of 1.1 million, 120 miles from the Russian border; and it’s already making money!

ICONIC FASHION TRENDSETTER:
JLO'S VERSACE GOWN ON DISPLAY

Now turning to a GRAMMY moment in history that changed the GRAMMYs forever and it was all because of one little dress that had very little fabric. Jennifer Lopez wasn't up for a GRAMMY in 2000, but it was the year that she wore that infamous $15,000 palm-print silk chiffon dress created by Donatella Versace. That dress is now immortalized in the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles. It's an iconic piece of GRAMMY history because it truly changed the way people began dressing on the red carpet. It made wild and sexy the order of the day at the GRAMMYs.

Andie Cox, Communications Coordinator at the GRAMMY Museum says it’s just as iconic as Marilyn Monroe’s white dress. When Jennifer Lopez presented the first award of the night with David Duchovny he joked saying it was his first time in years that he was absolutely certain that all eyes were not on him – and he was right! Andie explains how fashion and music blend beautifully together and the GRAMMYs are a great platform.

BRYAN ADAMS:
FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER

Bryan Adams is a great photographer with an insightful eye. His celebrity photography could be considered a hidden talent overshadowed by his fame as a singer. Bryan has gained a strong reputation for his photography, particularly for his work in the fashion world, for which he has received awards.. He has had photos published in numerous well-known publications such as L’uomo Vogue, British Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Interview Magazine, and Esquire

Adams can do quite a bit with a camera, capturing fellow stars in compelling compositions. His new book features Lindsay Lohan, Diane Kruger, Renee Zellweger, Naomi Campbell, Michael J. Fox and Ray Liotta.

CELEBRITY FASHION LINES:
VOLATILE SALES

Madonna is known for constantly reinventing herself, but her latest incarnation, fashion designer, might be the riskiest one yet. On June 22 the musician (along with her daughter, Lourdes) debuted sketches of a glam '80s-inspired line of juniors clothing called Material Girl, which will go on sale at Macy's this August. But celebrity fashion lines (like many celebrity recording careers) often have the lifespan of a gnat, no matter how well-promoted or designed.

Celebrity clothing brands are particularly volatile, because their success is closely tied to one person whose popularity can fluctuate violently. "There's a lot of coming and going, because as their popularity wanes it affects everything else," says independent brand consultant Alycia de Mesa. "Sometimes it's a flash in a pan."

Endorsement deals in the health and beauty industry are rarely more than two or three years, says Rick Dunaj, creator of Dunaj Agency LLC, which brokers deals between stars and the fashion industry. Popularity tends to evaporate at that point. "We know the life of being tied to a celebrity," he says, "and it's not long."

Still, some Hollywood-born labels have managed to survive, including Sean "Diddy" Combs' Sean Jean label, launched in 1998, which has annual sales hovering around $500 million. Jessica Simpson's self-titled shoe and accessories line draws $500 million per year in annual sales. The key to success, experts say, is playing to the "celebrity" factor, while letting the brand breathe on its own.

"Certain brands have managed to do well because they've come back and supported the sub brand, not just their name," says Alycia de Mesa. In short, Rocawear may be a brainchild of Jay-Z, but the business can stand alone without him. Rocawear first appeared in 1999, and its average annual sales are around $700 million.

The most successful celebrity lines tend to have lower price points, mass market appeal and are sold at mainstream chains like Kohl's, Target and Macy's. Higher end clothing, sold exclusively in boutiques and shops like Bloomingdale's, tend to make less overall.

Low prices are no guarantee of success though. Sarah Jessica Parker's brand, Bitten, was sold exclusively at casual clothing chain Steve & Barry's, and featured only items priced at less than $20. It didn’t do well.

"You can't say today, in this economy, 'We're going to take the money and develop a private label,'" says Bruce Ross, president and CEO of marketing and branding consultancy Celebrity Fashion Group. “The problem is that they can't take the risk and time to develop something out of nothing."

HOT FASHION ITEM:
MIRACLEBODY JEANS

Looking for a great slimming jean? One of Oprah's Ultimate Favorite Things this year is called Miraclebody. They promise to make you look 10 pounds lighter in 10 seconds. Not only are they comfortable, they slim thighs, lift rears and holds in your tummy with a secret panel. It has twice the amount of spandex than a regular pair of jeans.

It really just holding everything together and the best part is that they're stylish too.

They come in four different styles so you're sure to find one you like: boot-cut, straight, skinny, and leggings.

Oprah says: "Put them on, and suddenly you look 10 pounds lighter."

Price: $110 US

You could find them at www.miraclebody.com

STYLE TREND:
HIGH TECH WATCHES

Men’s style trends for 2010 mean you have to have a high-tech, high-quality and very highly-priced watches. Men might be cutting back, but they're continuing to spend on their timepieces.

LVMH (Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton) reported growth of 24% for the first half of 2010 for their watch and jewelry lines. Two watches men splurge on these days: Horo-logical Machine No. 4 Thunderbolt HM4 made by a tiny Swiss company that goes for $160,000 US.

If you want something nice but cheaper, the Monaco Twenty-Four Calibre 36 Chronograph by TAG Heuer has a shock-resistant cage and is able to take on an impact a force of 65 feet fall. It goes for $10,900 US.

It's important to note that, like horsepower in muscle cars, the number of parts in a movement has become something manufacturers brag about and compete to have the largest number.

So why do people buy watches that cost more than, say, a Porsche? Part of it is the feeling of belonging to an exclusive club. A watch that is unrecognizable to the untrained eye is all the more valuable, from a prestige perspective, to a true watch nut. Other people genuinely love the mechanical components.

STYLE NEWS:
FENDI BYCICLE

Fendi now has a bicycle called the Fendi Abici Amante Donna. It comes in two versions. How funny? One version comes decked out with Fendi leather accessories including a key and bike chain cover, leather GPS navigation holder and a detachable Fendi case. Price tag: $5,900 US

A more expensive version, yes that’s the cheap version, has all the same features, plus removable fur saddlebags. Price tag: $9,500 US

TATTOO TREND:
24 CARAT GOLD TATTOOS

New tattoo trend: Solid 24 carat gold tattoos now available in Dubai.

They are gorgeous! Business is booming at the Precious Skin salon there at the Burj Al Arab Hotel.The price varies per design - $50, to over 5 thousand. They're made up of 99.9 percent gold or platinum, which can stay up to two weeks on your body.

HOT FRAGRANCE LINE:
FENDI

Fendi perfume is the most reliable and esteemed brand in the fragrance business as well as the fashion arena. Perfumes, colognes and eau de toilette from the Fendi line are unmatched and unrivaled.

They make an ultimate style statement for both sexes. Fendi for Men is a hot celebrity fragrance now. The middle notes include patchouli, jasmine, green tea and violet root. The base note consists of oak moss, suede and amber. The top note comprises of angelica, white pepper and lime. The fragrance is very mannish, fastidious and stylish. Life Essence, another name in the line of designer colognes for men, is another hot one. The fragrance is spicy, woody, manly and unique.

MENSWEAR TREND:
SLIMING UNDERGARMENTS


The newest menswear trend: sliming undergarments.

Equmen (short for Equality for Men) has launched a range of slimming t-shirts. They are posture improving, gut-reducing, performance-enhancing, undergarments for men. It has unique technology with a seamless construction and breathable mesh fabric, which holds in the stomach and makes you look more built.

The undershirt compresses your core and gives you a more tailored look. The Australian company enlisted a physical therapist to help design the shirt’s cross-stitching, which simulates the kind of taping a man might get if he had a back injury. Those who wear them say they immediately feel sleeker.

In the meantime, over at SPANX, founder Sarah Blakely also started a men’s line due to popular demand. She started getting a lot of calls from Hollywood stylists requesting extra large women’s body suits for their male actors and jumped on the opportunity to create the line.

SPANX for men looks like a regular undershirt but better fitting. There is some compression hidden in the cotton yarn that go directly across the belt line that holds in the gut, the love handles, and gives great lower back support. The compression is lighter in the chest area so men with "man boobs" don't get cleavage and just look like they have defined toned chests.

Someone else getting into the men’s undergarment business is Jason Scarlotti, the creative director at 2Xist Underwear. His specialty is the compression undershirt. Secretly inside the shirt is a compression tube so you’re being sucked in on the inside with the tube but there is a top that falls loosely on the outside.

Scarlotti also designed a ‘mirdle ‘ (girdle for men). Essentially they are trunks with a 6-inch waistband that tighten the waist about one or two inches. It funnels and keeps men condensed in the midsection.

FASHION TREND:
DISH JEANS


Dish Jeans, making a name for themselves with their superb fit, are now launching must have jeans for the fall: DRT Jeans for Men

Dish Jeans, a Vancouver based company put a new twist on eco-friendly fashion. Each year 67 pounds of clothing per person ends up in landfills. DRT's philosophy is to use organic fabrics because the better the fabric the longer the product lasts and wont use extra resources.

Some of the trends they've set for men's jeans include:

• Back pockets with extra fabric to avoid the wallet wearing through
• Hems with extra fabric sewn on the inside to prevent the back hem from falling apart due to fraying

Uncover DRT ... A bit organic (in philosophy), a bit rock (in influences), and a bit down-to-earth (in outlook), "DRT" adheres to core values of unpretentious simplicity and durability.

Check out all the styles online at www.dishdesignshop.com or shop for them locally at:
1131 Robson Street Off the Wall, 748 Burrard Street

MUST-HAVES:
HOT POWER BEAUTY TOOLS


Many high-tech tools are popping up for glamour girls to be DIY dermatologists and makeup artists. From the zit-zapping Zeno Hot Spot ($40 US; myzeno.com) and Bliss's Pore-fector device ($185 US; blissworld.com) to a hair-growth breakthrough with the HairMax LaserComb ($495 US; hairmax.com) and at-home laser hair removal from the Tria Laser Hair Removal System ($595 US; triabeauty.com), price-conscious consumers may never have reason to visit the skin doctor again! Plus, the Temptu makeup system was designed to be easy enough to use every day — taking away the need to have your makeup professionally applied for special occasions ($225 US; sephora.com).

LINGERIE STYLING:
VICTORIA'S SECRET BRA


Victoria's Secret's newest bra, The Miraculous, promises to give you a boost of two extra cup sizes, and it most certainly does.

Special padding lifts you up and out, instantly adding the two sizes for maximum cleavage, all with comfort and a natural shape. The bra is made of satin. It sells for $48 US in solid colors and $52 US in leopard print.

But does it really give you a two cups size increase? Made by the Maidenform Company, apparently a deal was cut that gave Victoria's Secret the exclusive for the first six months. The Maidenform version arrived late June 2010. Their design does have some differences - a little more coverage in the cups, a more stabilizing center front, and a different back design to provide more support. While Victoria's Secret bra goes up to DD cup sizing, the Maidenform will only go up to D cups and, the biggest difference is the pricing. The Maidenform price is just $34 US. The Maidenform Company, in my opinion, is the current leader in innovative bra designs. They have done a super job here creating a look of more natural cleavage. By the way, in some places, the padding is over 1 inch thick. I wouldn't put it in a dryer.

victoriasecret.com

HIGH-TECH LINGERIE: ANTI-WRINKLE BRAS'


The La Decollete's Anti-Wrinkle Bra that removes the wrinkles between the breasts, made to be worn directly on the skin and unearth nightwear while sleeping. Apparently the results re noticeable after the first use and after five to seven nights the wrinkles disappear entirely,

The Milkshake Bra, which is made with fabric that contains milk proteins to hydrate the skin, a number of new innovations in the bra category are bound to wow women next time they're shopping for lingerie (decollette.eu/shop/home.php). Over the past few years, memory foam has been used to contour and expand to your body, and Natori's Reflex Underwire Bra is a best-seller in that category ($52 US; barenecessities.com).

Bras that pump up or down with body temperature and undies made from protein are big today. This year Paris lingerie shows, saw the bra and panty going high-tech.

A Dutch-designed anti-wrinkle bra can iron out crinkly cleavages as a woman sleeps, and a smart Slovenian brassiere whose foam cups expand with body heat when the wearer works out or flirts.

High-tech's playing a growing role in underwear. Ultra-sounds now used as well as laser technology to cut and construct garments without seaming or stitching.

Also touted is a range of French lingerie is that Milkshake, in a fabric made of milk proteins that contains 10 amino acids to hydrate the skin. The knit is as soft as satin.

According to a report on News.com.au, the cupless anti-wrinkle bra designed by Decollete is supposed to be thrown on at bedtime keeping breasts apart to prevent the formation of feared crinkles that appear in the night.

STYLE MAVERICK:
CHANEL'S KARL LAGERFELD


There is a designer who continues to turn the world into a world of luxury: Chanel's designer Karl Lagerfeld.

He is labeling the Chanel logo on more items than you could imagine such as a Chanel guitar that comes with a hot signature quilted Chanel case and couture strap and a Chanel Segway scooter with a Chanel handbag on the handlebars, matching black leather handgrips and the Chanel logo on the wheels.

VATA BRAZIL: TRENDSETTING SPORTSWEAR


Now turning to a taste of Brazil, and one of the most stylish sportswear brands out there today inspired by Brazilian beachwear!

VATA Brasil is a trendsetting apparel brand making inroads into Hollywood. Celebrities such as Tina Fey and Christina Applegate received them in their Emmy gift bags this past year, here in Los Angeles. Created by athletes for athletes, the clothing is manufactured in Rio. Think of exotic Brazilian lululemon made of a unique fabric called OneFit, which is a one size fits most fabric. VATA Brazil recently announced a partnership with the Toronto Argonauts cheerleaders. They were also on the runway of Toronto's LG Fashion Week. It wasn't your normal catwalk. Yoga, Acrobatics and Zumba dancing took over the stage.

To check out the line and brand www.vatabrasil.com.

DRESSING ROOMS: GO HIGH TECH


They've been popping up all over Hollywood so get ready for them in your city. These dressing rooms of the future have interactive mirrors, 3D scanners and holographic sales assistants. Bloomingdales, for example, was one of the first retailers to test a social retailing system and a Japanese department store chain, began experimenting with an "intelligent fitting room".

It gives customers the opportunity to check available sizes and styles of the items they are trying from inside the fitting room. Prada began using the interactive mirrors in its Beverly Hills store last year. The better the retailer makes the trying on experience, the more likely the shopper will buy the item but retailers have largely ignored dressing rooms. The Internet has revolutionized the way catalog shopping is conducted and shoppers are avoiding fitting rooms altogether. One solution might be installing a responsive mirror in retailer's dressing rooms. Currently when you bring five or six items into the dressing room and try to narrow down your selection. It becomes difficult to remember how you looked in each outfit. The responsive mirror eliminates that by allowing you to simultaneously see pictures of yorself in all the items you try on to help you decide which they want to purchase. Through inventory tagging, the dressing room registers the items shoppers take in to try on and produces video and images of the merchandise. A touch screen gives shoppers the option to invite friends. Through their personal cellphone or key pad, they can then send an e-mail or text message to friends. By clicking on a url and logging on to a Web site, the friends can see the items being tried on and make comments. The site will also suggest other merchandise in the store. The shopper can then click on one of the recommendations, and make it appear in the mirror superimposed over his image, as though he were trying on the garment. Macy's and J.C. Penney are also exploring versions of the interactive dressing room. Retailers have started to add more realistic lighting that is closer to daylight and increase the size of the rooms to allow more movement and other people to join shoppers in the process and at the Gap and Banana Republic are revamping how shoppers receive service while in the dressing room by installing call buttons and delivery doors where sales assistants can bring items to shoppers.

THE SOFT ADDICTION: ARE YOU A SHOPAHOLIC


Now turning to a growing trend in these tough economic times...being a shopaholic!

Seems people are still shopping even for small things. Judith Wright, author of "The Soft Addiction Solution," says you're not alone if you are one. According to recent studies, as many as 1 out of 12 people (almost as many men as women) are compulsive shoppers. Shopping has become, for many, what's called "a soft addiction". It can rob energy, steal time, numb your feelings, cause tension, and cause bickering in relationships.

To 'stop' one must address the causes.

Ask yourself these 4 questions:

1. Do you spend hours roaming the mall or surfing online...then you are most likely dealing with a soft addiction. Wasting hours that could be spent moving you towards your dreams.

2. Do you shop to feel better about yourself, fill up unscheduled time, escape your emotions? Or are you shopping for some clothing that expresses your personal image? Escaping, avoiding boredom, or feeling pulled toward a sale, is a signal that it's a soft addiction.

3. What are you feeling? Do you shop when you're bored, angry, sad?

If so, you may be using shopping as therapy - a way to avoid your feelings and the challenges you are facing. Think about how you feel before, during, and after your spending spree. Before shopping, are you anxious, jittery, bored, angry or afraid? Are you zoned out, numb, or even on a false high while shopping? Afterward, do you feel shameful, high or even forgetful of what you just purchased? Any of these check points can let you know that you've got a problem.

and finally...

4. What are you hoping your shopping will do for you?

If you think new pants will make you more attractive to others or If that new gadget will make you the envy of others, forget it. You are imagining some magical result that you believe shopping will bring you. Whether you shop as a boost for your self-esteem, to bring a sense of newness in your life, or avoid uncomfortable emotions, there are far more satisfying ways to meet those needs. Once you know what they are, they will bring you lasting results.

So....what can one DO about all this?

1. Tell the truth: You need to recognize that there is no quick fix to the habits you've formed over the years.

2. Add activities to meet your deeper needs and fill the voice. For example, if you shop because you're lonely, find new friends to build a stronger network of support. If you have a deeper need to feel excitement and adventure, sign up for a class you enjoy, or take on a new project.

3. The key is exploring what you want in your 'relationships' and ask for support from those around you.