Elyse Glickman

The rooftop of the Luxe Hotel is a genius spot to plan a pre-award show event. Once again, veteran event planners Mark and Matthew Harris of WOW! Creations and Roger Neal booked the space hoping to continue their respective winning streaks with celebrities and VIPs against a 360-degree backdrop of Beverly Hills. However, when storms blew through town, a suite with an open roof patio may not be the most inviting. That said, these event planners’ past track records are so solid that their events are still going to be must-dos on the pre-Oscar week party circuit.
   Matthew and Mark Harris had a clever edge, bringing out the kid in everybody. The entry to the suite at the Luxe Beverly Hills’ entrance in itself was an event, with balloons, a pre-packed goody bag of treats and a greeting from Hollywood clown and author Jason Lassen, opening out to a “circus” theme that was three rings of beauty, wellness, and good taste on the roof (in the literal sense, with several artisanal spirits being poured to take off the winter chill) and a sideshow in a second-floor suite showcasing more sensory delights: Vance Family Soy Candles (de-light-ful, delicious and calorie-free bon-bons), a set of Pamper Me Organically skin care products from Toronto, Canada, and for the sports fan, BubbaGlove pom-pom gloves with all Los Angeles sports teams represented.
   Melissa Fego’s delicate natural stone droplets in earring, necklace and bracelet form brought a touch of elegance and formality to the occasion as did floral-scented Brville candles, medical-grade skin care from Love My Body and sweet-smelling travel kits and a beautiful tote bag from Florida-based Pura Botanica, which raises money for the Loggerhead Marine Life Center. You could also start your post-Oscar health resolution with a month’s supply of vitamins from GliSODin Skin Nutrients.
   The setting may have been celebrities under the Big Top, including Miss California, USA and Miss California, Teen USA, legendary NASA astronaut Dr Buzz Aldrin, Steven Rice, James Dumont (my former high school classmate), and Zacary Heinz-Erg, all tied to major Oscar-nominated projects, but there was a grown-up aspect to it via the wonderful artisanal liquors, from ParaVi’s dessert wine in chocolate-covered bottles, to Four Roses Whiskey to Bainbridge Organic’s gin, to delicious cinnamon bun and vanilla vodkas by Five Wives from Ogden’s Own Distillery to a blissful sip from dairy-free Kkada Sutra Caramel Liqueur.
   With everybody in high spirits, the next logical step was to head to the Luxe Beverly Hills’ restaurant for a brimming bowl of Chef David Padilla’s tangy and soothing tomato soup and truffle fries.

Elyse Glickman

Earlier in the week, Roger Neal and his team treated VIPs to a variety of on-site treatments such as SunLounge Studios spray tans, designer gowns by the Netherlands’ Addy van den Krommenacker and loans of red carpet jewellery by Erin Fader. VIPs were sent home with a bag of skin care product by G. M. Collin and hair styling tools by ISO Beauty. There were also hair care products by Olez Hair, integrating apple stem-cell technology in all their products, Muchachomalo hand-painted underwear and leggings, and pants and camis by Marena made with medical grade compression fabric. A former presidential chef was on hand with comforting German and Austrian fare. (Who knew a knish could be so gourmet, or so welcoming on the eve of a big storm?)
   Although her suite was moved from Circa 55 (where we later enjoyed an incredible dinner) to the Bar 210, the unflappable and ever resourceful Debbie Durkin charged forward with a more intimate version of her stalwart “eco” Oscar event. While Voss Water and Maya Tequila provided liquid refreshment, New Zealand-based lighting company WakaNine (with US distribution through its Austin, Texas office) set the tone and the cool mod-style for the space. The soul of the event was the Say Yes to Hope charity. Vendors showing their wares included local boutique LA + Jo, classic Will Leather bags, Eye by Panoptx glasses, and to bring it all home, BeautiControl skin care and a handy tote bag with millions of pockets (love!).—Elyse Glickman, US West Coast Editor

Elyse Glickman

By selecting the Taglyan Complex, just across the street from the Motion Picture Academy Pickford Center for Motion Picture Study, planner and fellow journalist Kathy Duliakas assured her pre-Oscar gathering would be a hot ticket for celebrities and journalists. However, with a mix of intrepid entrepreneurs, a civilized lunch, a relaxed atmosphere and a significant charity’s new initiative benefiting thousands of disadvantaged American children, she created a daytime “pyjama party” that was both thoughtful and memorable.
   Invited celebrities, entertainment professionals and press were strongly advised to donate to the Pajama Program, overseen by founder Genevieve Piturro and LA chapter president Lindsay Smith, to jump-start the new 1 Million Good Nights campaign, to attain a million sets of new pyjamas and books by December 31, 2015. To further accelerate the campaign, Carter’s, America’s leading brand of young children’s clothing, agreed to donate a brand new pair of pyjamas to Pajama Program, for every celebrity who attended the event and another 1,000 pyjamas for each and every social media post about the event. (Naturally, we were on board with our Tweets in force).
   Attendees heard the call and responded, as the one-day event generated nearly 550 Tweets and garnered over 5,100,000 timeline deliveries, which will result in some very deserving children given a brand new pair of pyjamas.
   Duliakas responded in kind, noting that in the heat of awards’ season, ‘We all get caught up in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, but it’s very important we remember there are those in need. It’s heartwarming to see the overwhelming support that I’ve received from the celebrities who attended my event.’
   The various new and returning vendors were also caught up in the spirit of generosity that far transcends products and services. One of the more inventive sponsoring products, Circuelle, a luxury lotion that transforms the practice of breast self-exams into a more pleasant experience, was so inspired by Carter’s pledge that they wanted to donate one mammogram to an underprivileged woman for each celebrity who stopped at their table. As a result, Circuelle donated 50 mammograms to the Conejo Free Clinic in Thousand Oaks, California.
   Our favourite stalwart lines helping out several suites this season were back: Twisted Silver, with more of its new natural stone pieces and modern cameo necklaces, sleek cocktail attire from Single by Galina Sobolev, and Maleku Jewelry with extraordinary rough precious stone statement jewellery that would have you rethinking diamonds as your best friend. Other casual clothing lines that focused on comfort include New Orleans-based Prêt-à-Porter Designs, Wear Luck yoga wear from Dallas, Texas, and BAM Bags, which seemed to have the audience seeking non-leather handbags zipped up.
   New and compelling indulgences for the body included skin care from event co-sponsor Zensation, state-of-the-artlight therapy from Dream Spa (now available in Studio City, Calif.), sensual new couples’ delights from Kama Sutra, organic body care from Herban (including the coveted Sugar Mud facial scrub) and Yuki Sharoni’s hair care (one of the pioneering salons bringing Asian hair straightening to Hollywood).
   Besides the sumptuous Mediterranean fare from Taglyan’s Divine Food & Catering, there were other treats that included KAH Tequila, Zing Vodka, non-alcoholic Skinnygirl Sparklers and insanely delicious hand-crafted chocolate from Ze Chocolate Lady that brought some of the biggest trends in gourmet chocolate from Europe to southern California, but in her own all-American way.
   Celebrities having a good day, and helping children attain better nights in the future included Kelsey Scott and Ashley Dyke (Oscar-nominated for 12 Years a Slave), Emily Bergl (Oscar-nominated for Blue Jasmine), Dustin Kerns (Oscar-nominated for The Wolf of Wall Street), Craig Borten (writer for the Oscar-nominated Dallas Buyers’ Club), Crispin Struthers (Oscar nominee, Best Editing, American Hustle), Helen Hong (Oscar-nominated for Inside Llewyn Davis), Cas Anvar (Diana, Argo), Brighton Sharbino (True Detective, The Walking Dead), Marilu Henner, Gia Mantegna (Empire State, The Prince) and Lyndon Smith (Parenthood).—Elyse Glickman, US West Coast Editor

Karen Ray

In a way, it was fitting that the turnout for the Wounded Warrior Project Style & Beauty Suite at the historic Avalon Hollywood on February 28 was most impressive, even with biblical flooding and other karmic payback for the too-nice weather southern California enjoyed. However, by the looks of things, it would take a little more than a little rain to hold back hearty, deserving people who have weathered bigger storms in the Middle East and their return to the homefront.
   Boy band IM5, Amy Jean Davis, Angelique Cabral, Carlos Bernard, Elliott Yamin, Gloria Loring, Griffin Gluck, Jake Pavelka, James Kyson, Jen Lilley, Jenifer Lewis, The Voice’s Katrina Parker, Kate Flannery, Kate Linder, Kenny Lattimore, Marisa Coughlan, Nestor Serrano, Sabrina Bryan, Vincent M. Ward, and Wendy Davis were among celebrities attending the Wounded Warrior Project Style & Beauty Suite, organized by (the aptly named) True Heart Events founder Amy Malin. However, in this forum, the celebrities were there as much to give as to receive. It was truly wonderful to witness veterans and their families getting the royal treatment from salons, spas, clothing designers and representatives from companies producing fantastic household products as well as get to tell some of their stories and how Wounded Warrior Project helped them move forward.
   Servicemen and women, along with their spouses and children, were outfitted with chic clothing from IIJin, gorgeous and eco-friendly designs from Ali’s Collection out of Chicago (featuring sparkling druzy stones, crystals and agates) and Mujus (refined Peruvian palm tree seed jewellery in yummy, mouthwatering colours). Oscar Blandi, whose fantastic products are sold at Sephora boutiques, offered hair touch-ups and samples of their latest hair-thickening products. PackIt’s beautifully made and affordable lunch bags were not only stylish, but can be frozen so food stays fresh for extended hours out in the field. Accessorizing those bags were BKR San Francisco’s silicon-coated glass bottles, which are currently the rage among yoga fans and sold in the US at Anthropologie stores.
   The pampering was also a focal point. Facials and massages from Spa del Rey were top issue, as was a men’s grooming station using products from SheaMoisture, Zumer Sport’s carryalls (also featured at Matthew and Mark Harris’s fantastic WOW Creations’ Oscar Suite), made from recycled baseballs, basketballs and other sports equipment, was a lovely way to wrap the day up for families in attendance. US Vietnam veteran Allan O’Donovan, owner of Burbank’s Ciao!Cristina, meanwhile, fed the troops and boosted morale with his traditional, homestyle Italian cooking, served by young, enthusiastic Iraq War veterans.
   Commented Malin, ‘We think it was really special that we had an older veteran helping to honour the next generation of veterans. We are so excited to be working once again with the amazing team at Wounded Warrior Project on another meaningful event. The mission of Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is to honour and empower Wounded Warriors.’
   Mission accomplished? Yes, sir!—Elyse Glickman, US West Coast Editor

To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.

Albert Evangelista

Buck Lewis

Karen Reuter

Albert Evangelista

Buck Lewis

Karen Reuter

Igor Spektor

Igor Spektor

Karen Ray

Doris Bergman has done it again, cramming an astonishing mix of philanthropy, fashion and famous folks into an afternoon at the sixth annual Valentine Romance Oscar Style Lounge & Party at West Hollywood’s Fig & Olive restaurant.
   The inventive and innovative organizer of Oscar month’s first major style lounge welcomed celebrities such as Eva La Rue, Rosa Blasi, Obba Babatundé, Angela Bassett (and her handsome husband Courtney B. Vance), former Oscar winner Louis Gossett, Jr, Oscar nominee Robin Mathews (make-up artist for Dallas Buyers’ Club), Cheech & Chong, Elizabeth and William Shatner, Carla and Lou Ferrigno, Dot Marie Jones (Glee) and wife Bridgett Casteen Jones, Tia Carrere, Maria Conchita Alonso, Kevin Farley, Chelsie Hightower (Dancing with the Stars), Kate Flannery (The Office), Illeana Douglas, Tommy Lee Davidson, Richard Brooks and Lisa Vidal (Being Mary Jane), John Savage, Charlie Bewley, Jaclyn Betham and Peter Parros (The Haves and Have Nots), Jeremy Luke (Mob City), Katie Wagner and other respected talent to a lovely afternoon to not only receive some interesting fashion and health essentials, but also do their part donating goods, time and money to Wednesday’s Child–the Dave Thomas Foundation.
   The charity highlighted its initiative benefiting teens aged 16–18 in foster care, providing for their financial and educational needs as well as finding them permanent adoptive homes. Los Angeles Fox News anchorwoman Christine Devine, long the local celebrity spokesperson, was on hand to promote the cause in her signature stylish and witty way.
   Wednesday’s Child’s adoption information and services cover several US cities, including Washington, DC, New York, Philadelphia and Atlanta. While that organization is making a difference beyond Hollywood, it was interesting to note many of the genuinely cool products for wardrobe and home were also benefiting a number of charities. Hillel Rzepka and his Handmade Hearts were teamed up with Yes to Hope—a fine choice as it was a Valentine’s Day event, though everybody could use a little love throughout the year.
   Ooh La Bra takes heart coverage a little more literally with their bejewelled bra straps that transform necessary cleavage coverage and support into a fashion statement. Created by Lisa McKenzie, who hails from Louisiana, the collection ranges from the affordable $26–$40 for its general collection to sterling silver and diamond straps that retail between $1,500 and $2,300). Besides providing a neat and functional alternative to necklaces, McKenzie’s company also supports (no pun intended) You Night breast cancer survivor runway shows that raise money as well as self-esteem for the cause.
   Simply Eartha is a home and accessories developed by her daughter, Kitt Shapiro, that not only keeps the smart and sassy singer and actress’s spirit alive—the candles and shirts are adorned with Eartha Kitt’s words of wisdom to her daughter—but also the Colon Cancer Alliance. Said Kitt with a purr that recalls her strong mother, ‘My mother lost her battle with colon cancer in 2008. This is a disease that can be prevented and treated with regular screening. Anything that I can do to make people aware of the need for early screening and detection is important to me.’
   In fashion, you could say that the son also rises. Once again, Single Dress, a mainstay at Doris’s events had wonderful things for women on the town. However, founder Galina Sobolev’s son, Michael, is breaking out on his own with some smart underwear for the men in their lives. Then again, the charming young man himself offers something for the ladies, and proof the ever-youthful Galina was a fantastic Mom. Mon Atelier provided the after-eight formal glamour, while Timmy Woods was on the scene with her hand-crafted wooden minaudières and clutches.
   Most of the jewellery was both affordable and statement-making, from Kendra Bridelle’s LusciousS Collection (now with cool ’60s-inspired pieces), to earthy-antique inspired designs from Silvana K to Guess showcasing the latest hues in its timepiece collections: rose gold and navy blue. Another mainstay, Debra Mitchell’s Twisted Silver and Perch featured blasts of colour through integration of earthy semi-precious and rich gemstone colour crystals enlivening her popular, antique and reclaimed-piece inspired designs (where can I buy that great flower collar I spied on a colleague?). However, Bridelle was not only proud of her forthcoming eponymous line but also her representation of Gilbert Albert, a Swiss designer with show-stopping raw gems and rocks mounted with precious metals and diamonds.
   Whitening Lightening, Begley’s and Bill’s Sodas and Nature’s Flavors were also back with their healthy vices (teeth whitening, sodas and lip gloss), but the new company Mia Bath and Body mixed things up, literally with their own do-it-yourself fragrance products.—Elyse Glickman, US West Coast Editor

This week’s style profile looks at Rachel Bilson’s character’s style on the American television series, Hart of Dixie. Bilson’s character Zoe Hart’s style seems like a further polished and elevated version of her own personal style. Her real-life style is a sort of simple but slightly bohemian chic; Zoe Hart’s style is sort of New York chic with a bit of quirkiness thrown in through her use of colour and print, and sometimes mixes of prints. She loves little shorts, booties and shirts, with big earrings and beautiful leather bags. Another massive staple in both Bilson’s and Hart’s wardrobes would have to be a good pair of jeans. These are often paired in a more polished way, with heels or heeled booties. In terms of make-up, Hart is known for her ombre mane, dark-kohl smokey eyes and neutral toned lips, nails and complexion. This is different to what I would usually like, but on Zoe, it’s pure perfection. Both ladies have a sense of creating understated luxury and glamour.

   The first piece that came to mind for this look, was a wicked pair of jeans. I figured, why not go for a Zoe and Rachel classic: stone-washed boyfriend jeans, this pair by Swedish denim superstar, Acne. These are best worn rolled up with a fabulous pair of heels. The heels I chose were this new-season pair by Australian luxury shoe label Beau Coops. Zoe Hart loves her strappy, chucky-heel pairs and they also look super-cute with the funky denim. I also love the touch of the ombre effect in the heel and the straps of the shoes, nodding to Zoe’s hair.
   For the top, I immediately thought of Phillip Lim 3.1. Lim, being a must-have in both Rachel’s and her character’s wardrobes. This top both shows Zoe’s love of print, colour and peplum, so it is a win all round. I also love its pairing with the jean-and-shoe combo as well as the modern but still classic shape and neckline.
   Their love of black leather tote bags could not be ignored, so I knew I had to find a good one to pair with this look. Weeks ago, in looking for a new black tote for myself, I came across New York-based Kate Spade’s new bag collection and was very impressed. Spade effortlessly seems to combine luxury with an affordable price tag, which is a feat in itself. What I love about this specific bag is the structure, the lines of the quilting and chic half-chain strap. I can most definitely see Zoe out and about with this bag, as it evokes a chic simplicity.
   As previously mentioned, a staple piece would have to be her big dangly earrings, so I had to include them in this look. I also love a bit of bling to contrast a simple and casual denim piece. These earrings by Erickson Beamon ooze luxury and understated glamour, which is also an element of Zoe’s Hart of Dixie wardrobe. The off-white and gold tones also pair well with element of the shoes and bag without being overly matching.
   Rachel Bilson and her character both relay on neutral tones for make-up so I toned down the nail colour, choosing a classic dark maroon shade, which I think makes the mustard really pop as an interesting but well working combination.
   Finally, I recommend a slight wave in the hair with a mid-part, smoky eyes like Zoe, and nude lips and cheeks to go with this look. Simple and neutral are the way to go to further complete the ‘I’m not trying but I look luxuriously chic’ look that Zoe and Rachel are both known for.
   Do you like the luxurious pairings I have created to emulate Zoe Hart?—Anna Deans

A Lucire special promotion

As reported last week, earlier today, Air New Zealand, a member of the Star Alliance network, revealed its safety video, with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit models Chrissy Teigen, Ariel Meredith, Hannah Davis and Jessica Gomes guiding passengers through the procedures while on location in the Cook Islands. Joyana Meyer, the former Miss South Pacific, is the more serious face getting into the specifics, while Christie Brinkley makes a very brief cameo, in a scene where Meredith talks to her via tablet—and is instructed that mobile devices cannot be used in-flight.
   The behind-the-scenes video shown in Lucire and other media last week had already sparked some controversy in New Zealand, with opinions divided over its suitability, but many of the airline’s previous efforts have generated plenty of conversation.
   ‘The behind-the-scenes video has generated much conversation around the world about our brand and the Cook Islands as a destination since it was released last week,’ says Jodi Williams, Air New Zealand’s global head of brand development. ‘It’s exciting for us to release the full video today and we hope it will encourage many viewers to consider a trip to the Cook Islands.’
   Air New Zealand has operated flights to the Cook Islands for over 40 years, and in 2013, carried nearly 200,000 people there from Auckland, Sydney and Los Angeles.
   And to ensure that the campaign gets even more attention, Air New Zealand has launched a competition with five trips to the Cook Islands as the top prizes. Each winner and a friend will be flown to Aitutaki and treated to five nights at the Pacific Hotel, with NZ$500 spending money.
   At theflyingsocialnetwork.com, there is a multi-choice question. If you answer correctly, you will be entered into the competition. Further conditions are at the website.

Article sponsored by Air New Zealand

A Lucire special promotion

Air New Zealand, a member of the Star Alliance network, has already received a bit of press for its latest safety video, starring four current Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue models, and veteran Christie Brinkley, who was put on the map thanks to the annual, iconic magazine special. But what happened behind the scenes of Safety in Paradise?
   For years, the airline has come up with some memorable safety videos, including one with air crew wearing nothing but body paint, another with fitness supremo Richard Simmons, a much talked-about Hobbit-themed video with Sir Peter Jackson and J. R. R. Tolkien’s descendants, and a puzzling animated one that made less thematic sense with Ed ‘Al Bundy’ O’Neill and actress and Lucire feature alumna Melanie Lynskey.
   The shoot for the latest safety video took place in the Cook Islands, a New Zealand territory and an idyllic, beautiful holiday location covered by Air New Zealand on its Auckland–Rarotonga and LAX–Rarotonga routes. Models Chrissy Teigen, Ariel Meredith, Hannah Davis and Jessica Gomes star in it, featuring on location, while the script called for a Brinkley’s involvement from a luxury home in Hollywood, California.
   All models are from the US with the exception of Gomes, who hails from Australia. She is the only Aussie to appear in four consecutive Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issues, and famously appeared in body paint, by New Zealander (and another Lucire feature subject) Joanne Gair, in 2010.
   Former Miss South Pacific Joyana Meyer also appears in the video.
   The video will be officially released on February 12, coinciding with the global celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. It will be rolled out across the Air New Zealand fleet at the end of the month.
   The airline worked with the magazine, which reaches 70 million people.
   Air New Zealand has had a shot in the arm lately thanks to a new CEO, Christopher Luxon, whose former experience lay in branding for a multinational.
   Jodi Williams, Air New Zealand’s head of global brand development said, ‘Sports Illustrated Swimsuit has a massive worldwide television, online and print campaign to celebrate the 50th anniversary and we’re incredibly excited to feature in that activity. The magazine alone has more than 61 million readers annually and the safety video shoot with Air New Zealand will feature in the special anniversary edition. This is money can’t buy global attention focused on a key destination and our airline.’
   At Lucire, the announcement of the cover girl in February is usually a high spot for web traffic, adding to the views from the autumn–winter fashion circuit.
   And it’s not just Air New Zealand that’s happy with the result. MJ Day, the editor of the Swimsuit Issue, called Safety in Paradise ‘a raucous safety video in the true spirit of SI Swimsuit and our Kiwi friends.’

Article sponsored by Air New Zealand

Elyse Glickman

Sue Wong not only has it all, but can certainly share her good fortune with great gusto. She usually opens the Cedars, her 1920s-era Hollywood mansion, to serve as a backdrop for informal fashion shows. However, on this auspicious New Year’s Eve, her home (which itself had many lives, from the home of early film director Marcel Tourneur and wife Norma Talmadge, to a set for the movie Sunset Boulevard, to rock-and-roll haven for Jimi Hendrix, Dennis Hopper and other ’60s figures) was a stage for her to channel Coco Chanel and Auntie Mame (the 1958 version with Rosalind Russell), put out a fine banquet (because life is, after all, a banquet), serve cocktails and put on a show featuring traditional Chinese performances, pop music, opera and folk music.
   Sue Wong was the consummate master of ceremonies, and her guests were a colourful assortment of artists, actors, writers, socialites and musicians. It was a collection of people Mame Dennis herself would be proud of.
   While LA Fashion Week is a few weeks off, and we’re sure fashion and lifestyle empress Sue Wong has another great collection ahead of her for fall–winter 2014–15, a few hours in her stunning, jewel-toned home is one of the best representations of Old and New Hollywood coming together visually.
   Celebrities on hand included Jane Seymour, Miss Hong Kong 2014 Erin Tjoe, Carly Craig, K. D. Aubert, Kimberly Kates, legendary LA publicist Ed Lozzi, Joyce Giraud and Michael Ohoven.—Elyse Glickman, US West Coast Editor

Elyse Glickman