Hairstylist George González, of George the Salon, worked on supermodel Cindy Crawford’s hair for her guest appearance on Oprah’s Lifeclass on April 2.
   Says González, ‘I made sure to round brush starting at the bottom to build weight. Then, I finished the blowout by styling the sections at the top to minimize volume. The result is soft and natural.’
   His tips for blowout include:

• • hot tools are often the number-one culprit for frizz, especially if a heat protectant is never used while styling;
• • for a blowout, women often put the drier directly against the hair because they think that’s the way to get it straight. This why there is damage and frizz, especially when paired with a metal brush;
• • the worst thing we can do is use old blow-driers or not cleaning out their air vents. Due to lint or hair build-up, air cannot flow through; therefore, the pressure goes down and too much heat is used to style;
• • if one part does not look good, spray it with water and redo it. Never keep going over it dry. This will make it worse. Not re-wetting hair could be the reason most women have bad hair days, because they try too hard and then over-dry their hair;
• • a dusting of dry shampoo at your roots will really kick-start the staying power of your blowout;
• • to further preserve your style, sweep tresses up and use large bobby pins to create loosely sculpted pin curls before you go to bed. Four to six large sections will do the trick. When you release and shake out in the morning, you feel like you just left your stylist’s chair.

   González’s salon prides itself on the idea of balance, and as part of its social responsibility efforts, helps victims of domestic violence.

Two former Miss Universe New Zealand titleholders will appear in an upcoming feature in the printed edition of Lucire, with New York-based photographer Jon Moe travelling to Los Angeles to capture the pair for the magazine.
   Laural Barrett (2007) and Samantha Lochhead (née Powell, 2008) both live in the LA area, with Barrett pursuing her musical career and Lochhead recently arriving with her husband, footballer Tony Lochhead.
   In addition to Moe, the crew consisted of Jamie Dorman on make-up, Carina Tafulu stepping in at the eleventh hour for hair, Lei Phillips on styling (assisted by Janice Gonzalez). The venue, Riviera 31, is a cocktail lounge at the Sofitel luxury hotel in West Hollywood, arranged through Pivotal PR.
   Lucire publisher Jack Yan and fashion editor Sopheak Seng guided and coordinated from head office in New Zealand, with the aid of US west coast editor Elyse Glickman.
   The current issue, no. 32, is on sale now and features a cover shot by Claire Harrison in the UK.
   Entries are open, meanwhile, for Miss Universe New Zealand 2014, after the new consortium put the event back on television in New Zealand after two decades.

So many suites, so little time. However, one that was literally head, shoulders and eight storeys above the rest was the TMG International Red Carpet Ready Luxury Suite, which was very international in its products and its welcoming vibe for a carefully curated guest list of celebrities, VIPs and media. The set up atop the Beverly Hilton Hotel had a funhouse feel—albeit a most glamorous funhouse for sophisticated fashionistas—with each room having its own set of surprises that popped out at you.
   TMG International’s pre-Oscar thrill ride started off in a front room of a penthouse suite set up almost like a velvet-lined jewellery box focused on the dazzling and highly covetable gold accented sterling silver pieces from Ariva, a Rhode Island-based company focused on reconciling the look and craftsmanship of fine jewellery with the prices of silver “investment” pieces that could be worn every day. Though these precious items were there for the trying and the borrowing, the company’s representatives couldn’t have been nicer or more genuine about the enthusiasm about their collection.
   You could say the second room was the “family room”. Moms and Moms-to-be received a lovely care package from Rockabye Mommy, a “Mommy concierge” that puts together personal and customized shopping for the selective prospective parent. Their nifty package was geared toward girly glam, with baby jewellery, barettes and bib for baby, and leggings, camera strap and organic fruit and vegetable wash for Mom. The affiliation from Kitson brought more Hollywood Mommy-and-me street cred to the charming bundle.
   Grown-up men and women could protect and accentuate their personal bundles with shapewear by Rounderbum. Made in Mexico, these underpinnings feel cotton-soft on the skin, with some pieces adding stylish flair while holding the essentials in place. Adding extra ambiance was LifeNSoul’s candy-coloured line of high-performance earphones, high-tech ear buds and speakers.
   Although we were breezed past the hair salon room, which was packed to the rafters with VIPs hoping to salvage their rain-soaked tresses, our lovely escort led us to the next room, which took the form of a luxury day spa with Montana-based skin care line Sevique prominently featured. As celebrities were pampered with treatments such as the ‘Eye Relaxation with Anti Aging Benefits’, ‘Facial Massage with Deep Cleansing & Protection’, and ‘Neck & Décolleté Hydration & Anti Aging Massage’, Sevique’s founder Susan Nickell and other reps highlighted step- by-step benefits of their natural, cruelty-free products while focusing on guests’ red-carpet ready concerns such as close-up interviews and strapless gowns.
   From the serenity of the Sevique spa, we then thought we landed in Barbie’s Dream House, awash in pink. However, it was a showcase for Cocoa Brown Tanning, devised by Irish inventor Marissa Carter, who, with her doting mother, showed how her three products used together could add a very convincing and realistic glow even to the fairest Irish rose (as opposed to US House Speaker John Boehner orange). A short passage to India concluding our journey, with a room that featured the Icandy Salon from San Francisco, and SHAPES Brow Bar, which brings Indian threading to many locations through southern California, including Sherman Oaks Fashion Square. The teams in that room would not rest, or let us get up, until we were looking our very best (at least under rainy circumstances).—Elyse Glickman, US West Coast Editor

The Body Shop has become bolder with its the Colour Up collection for 2014. Now there is make-up—or should I say chalk—for your hair. The limited-edition Hair Chalk (NZ$25) is available in two shades, Tickle Me Pink and Falling for Blue. You can play with your hair colour by simply chalking with the colour pad, sealing with hairspray to finish and easily wash everything off with shampoo when you’re done. Sounds like fun? Sounds like a bright way to dress up for the weekend, without having to commit to the colour permanently.
   The new collection also launches sheer colour lip gloss (NZ$23) and Shimmer Cubes (NZ$42·50) to mix and match colours. Available in store from March 10. For details, check out www.thebodyshop.com.—Christine Min

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