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

Top Lupita Nyong’o in a Prada silk georgette gown accessorized with Fred Leighton gold jewellery. Above Lupita Nyong’o on the red carpet.

The tension over the 86th Academy Awards ended as 12 Years a Slave was awarded Best Picture on Sunday, though Gravity managed a tally of seven (including Best Director for Alfonso Cuarón) and Dallas Buyers’ Club took the two male acting gongs for Matthew McConaughey (in the lead) and Jared Leto (supporting). Cate Blanchett won Best Actress of Blue Jasmine, while the most talked-about celeb of awards’ season, Lupita Nyong’o, won Best Supporting Actress for 12 Years a Slave.
   Host Ellen DeGeneres’s Twitter photo with Bradley Cooper and other celebrities broke a record, being re-Tweeted over 2·3 million times (at the time of writing) since it was put on the social network.
   Below are the remaining winners from this year’s Oscars.

Best Original Screenplay: Spike Jones, for Her
Best Adapted Screenplay: John Ridley, for 12 Years a Slave
Best Animated Feature Film: Frozen
Best Documentary Feature: 20 Feet from Stardom
Best Foreign Language Film: La grande bellezza (The Great Beauty)
Best Visual Effects: Tim Webber, Chris Lawrence, Dave Shirk and Neil Corbould for Gravity
Best Film Editing: Alfonso Cuarón and Mark Sanger for Gravity
Best Cinematography: Emmanuel Lubezki for Gravity
Best Costume Design: Catherine Martin for The Great Gatsby
Best Make-up and Hairstyling: Adruitha Lee and Robin Mathews for Dallas Buyers’ Club
Best Production Design: Catherine Martin and Beverley Dunn for The Great Gatsby
Best Sound Mixing: Skip Lievsay, Niv Adiri, Christopher Benstead and Chris Munro for Gravity
Best Sound Editing: Glenn Freemantle for Gravity
Best Original Score: Steven Price for Gravity
Best Original Song: ‘Let It Go’, from Frozen, music and lyric by Kristen Anderson-López and Robert López
Best Animated Short Film: Mr Hublot, directed by Laurent Witz and Alexandre Espigares
Best Live-Action Short Film: Helium, directed by Anders Walter and Kim Magnusson
Best Documentary Short Subject: The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life, directed by Malcolm Clarke and Nicholas Reed

Red-carpet arrivals

Glamour on the red carpet

Baby bumps on the red carpet

Jennifer Lawrence trips again

Oscars 2014: all about the selfie

Jared Leto wins Best Supporting Actor

Lupita Nyong’o wins Best Supporting Actress

Cate Blanchett wins Best Actress

Matthew McConaughey wins Best Actor

12 Years a Slave wins Best Film

Highlights

Above Ellen DeGeneres’s Twitter photo with Bradley Cooper in the foreground, which had been re-Tweeted over 2·3 million times.

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

When I was a little kid, Jaime Sommers, a.k.a. the Bionic Woman, was my idol. Although we all cannot be Jaime Sommers (and in reality, may not want to be), we can all be Vionic women, as I learned upon an invite to visit the West Hollywood fitness studio of celebrity trainer Juliet Kaska to view the complete line of Vionic shoes and go home with a pair of “red carpet” red walking shoes. The sandals and loafers, for lack of a better pun, are flat-out fabulous. Lots of nice designer details, from leopard prints and patents in attention-getting colours, to silhouettes that promise to keep you comfortable all day without looking as if you looted your hippie aunt’s stash of Birkenstocks and orthopædic oxfords.
   The cheerful red walkers everybody went home with did have a fun, street-chic vibe to them. I wore them to work the next day, and was delighted that my feet, and the rest of the legs, felt pretty good from 7.45 a.m. to 3 p.m. The job literally keeps me on my toes, and the way it is padded (like a several hundred dollar orthotic built into a shoe), felt particularly good.
   The science behind the style can be traced to Australian podiatrist Phillip Vasyli. The Vionic Innovation Lab (VIL) is an unparallelled collaborative of world-renowned authorities with a common vision: to enhance foot health and advance affordable, innovative technologies that help feet and legs function at their very best. Over his years in practice, Vasyli has witnessed the biomechanical effects of overpronation (the excess rolling of the outside of the foot to the inside). To address the problem, in 1987, he introduced the Vasyli custom heat-mouldable orthotic, a fast, low-cost solution and vast improvement over previous—and more expensive—treatment options. This led to the 1991 invention of the globally acclaimed Orthaheel, the world’s first and only true orthotic available without a doctor’s prescription.
   Orthaheel orthotic inserts and sandals quickly expanded through Australia and the UK, and the company’s 2007 US market introduction was received with great enthusiasm and commercial success. It also did not hurt that Dr Andrew Weil, integrative medicine guru, and Juliet Kaska have advanced its cause. To bring it further, the red-carpet shoe press event also served as an official kick-off to the third annual Walkabout Campaign, where those who attain the shoes and make a pledge to attain better health will receive 28 days of fitness tips from Juliet Kaska and healthy recipe ideas from Dr Weil. The contest is open to the public, and a grand prize winner will be selected at the culmination of the campaign, based on participation, to win a Red Carpet Ready weekend where they will be flown to Los Angeles to train with celebrity trainer Juliet Kaska at JK Zen Fitness in West Hollywood. The winner will also receive Vionic footwear, athletic wear and fitness gear to begin their personal health journey.
   For more information, or to sign up, visit www.vionicshoes.com/2014-walkabout-signup.—Elyse Glickman, US West Coast Editor

Nicole Greenberg

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

Elyse Glickman

Top Bag from Felio Siby. Above Devotion Vodka, proudly made in the USA.

In celebration of the 2014 Grammys and a very good year in music (Daft Punk, anyone?), Roger Zamudio’s Red Carpet Events LA staged an intimate and very tasteful event at the W Westwood that was as much a celebration of clever accessories and items made in the USA, and Los Angeles in particular.
   Although the banner charity, African Millennium Foundation (AMF), benefits women and children halfway around the world, it is certainly a cause many of the celebrities in attendance can get behind. One of the most admirable of the made-in-LA inventions on display was the work of Los Angeles high school student Leigh More, who helped establish the AMF-affiliated project Girls Helping Girls, which trains young women orphaned by Aids to express themselves creatively through jewellery-making.
   AMF raises money and awareness to help its beneficiaries receive the tools they need to combat poverty, hunger and disease at its very root by providing African women and children with the necessary tools for achieving self-sufficiency. The current Apron project helps Mozambique mothers feed their children and communities with the installation of solar-powered ovens.
   The clothing line Felio Siby was a perfect pairing for the charity. While the collection features designer jeans, T-shirts, handbags and more polished sportswear items, a lot of what was on display had motifs that celebrated the legacy of Nelson Mandela as well as protecting African wildlife. There was also the newly launched, affordable sportswear line Nredom Snoitom. While the company has been producing private-label and house brand apparel for department stores, they are launching their own retail operation in downtown Los Angeles, with a collection that has a bit of everything, from preppy basics, to ethnic folk prints to lace and floral patterns.
   Louisville, Kentucky-based jewellery designer Ronaldo, who made a splash at one of last year’s Oscar suites, was not only back with his lovingly forged line of sterling silver and gold-wire bracelets and bangles with and without pearls, but also some intricate one-of-a-kind cameo collars as well as semiprecious stone solitaire rings, earrings and cuffs. While some of last year’s featured designs had a delicate Florentine feel, expect more pieces inspired by Italy to appear in his online store as well as the 900 retailers across the US carrying his collection.
   Other fantastic LA companies bringing something new to the plate included Joy and Mario, whose espadrilles give a Franco-Spanish classic a modern, urban LA twist; Elin Bianco, which is bringing fine and innovative Israeli skin and hair care to boutiques in the States; Pursenal Butler purse stands, a clever organizer that makes it easy for us to find that favourite bag when pinched for time; Rafia, whose jewellery represents the perfect hybrid of LA boho chic and East Indian luxury. The line is the product of a Mother-daughter team, and a rarity in that there is literally something for everybody, from delicate sterling silver and gold-filled chains with semiprecious stones to bold collars, cuffs and statement pieces that run the gamut from earthy to edgy—much like the musicians who attended themselves.
   There were also some thirst-quenching treats, including Purity Organics coconut water and juices, Devotion Vodka which starts with an eye-catching bottle and some tempting flavours and adds to the formula a made-in-America pedigree and a formula that is sugar- and gluten-free as well as distilled using artisanal techniques; and BodyShots, a new tequila experience that turns a cocktail into something a little more intimate.
   In the health arena, Appethyl, a Swedish-made clinically-tested all-natural and experiential appetite-suppressing product from spinach and other green leaf plants was rolled out by Greenleaf Medical AB. BioTerra Herbal’s remedies will at least cure the blues if nothing else, thanks to their irreverent packaging, some with Yiddish ideas that would do Mel Brooks proud. There was also something good for the office or the kitchen: Whitey, a totally erasable portable whiteboard that not only keeps one’s life in order but can be changed on a swipe.—Elyse Glickman, US West Coast Editor

Courtesy Red Carpet Events LA

Elyse Glickman

Below Chrisette Michele, nominated for best R&B album. Bottom left Mikky Ekko, nominated with Rihanna for the song ‘Stay’. Bottom right Tank, part of Grammy-nominated group TGT.


Courtesy Red Carpet Events LA