Making that Connection, Nivea shows some love for the GRAMMYs

By Laura Medina

Professor Kory Floyd's Touch Data.

Knowing that the GRAMMYs and Valentine's Day are only two days apart, Nivea decided to show both of them some love by throwing a polite Valentine's Day luncheon/lecture on the importance of touch and skin care then throwing a smashing bash, celebrating the GRAMMYs.

According to Prof. Floyd, the number one requested touch among Americans is kissing. Here's the Nivea Balm Kissing Booth.

In his studies, Prof. Floyd of Arizona State University learned that America is starving from "skin hunger."

People touch their smartphones more often than they do in their relationships. After kissing, Americans are craving hand-holding and hugging...and suffering from the lack of touching.

With decreased touching, people are suffering from depression, weaken immune system, and increased stress. With the skin as the largest organ on the body, touch is one of the only senses that humans cannot live without.

Prof. Floyd said people will more willing to touch if people take better care of their skin condition, softer, smoother skin versus dry, flaky skin and soft, smooth lips.

After learning the findings, Nivea aims to do something about it.

Nivea table-setting for its Million Moments of Touch Movement Giveaway Campaign.

In lieu of Cupid's Day, Nivea is doing a year-long contest where they encourage more touching in relationship by doing a Million Moments of Touch Movement Giveaway, where couples can enter by hitting "Like" on the Facebook page. The winning couple enjoys a getaway for a day or a night and Nivea will take care of everything, including the babysitter.

Setting the mood for the appropriate moment to touch is also important.

This is where music literally comes into play. This is where the GRAMMYs come in.

To honor the importance of music in encouraging human contact and relationships, Nivea, along with Primary WAVE Talent Management, threw a bash for the GRAMMYs.

At the afterparty, there were bowls of Nivea lip balms and mini canisters of Nivea cream with Rihanna on the cover.

As a pre-GRAMMYs/Valentine's treat, they took Jose Andre's Bazaar Restaurant and attendees were treated to made-from-scratch grapefruit marshmallows, chocolate poprocks, cotton candy foie gras, and fresh fruit pastes.

A sweet gesture to the GRAMMYs and making it easier for Cupid...year around.

Reebok shows some love for the GRAMMYs

By Laura Medina

Veteran East Coast/New York rapper, Big Daddy Kane.

Reebok showed its love for Hip Hop, the music industry, and the GRAMMYs by throwing a Jonathan Mannion photo exhibition-slash-hip hop honoring the photographer documenting the history of hip hop and the genre itself...with some of its shoes representing the different eras of hip hop.

This hip hop party/concert/photo exhibit showcases premiere hip hop photographer, Jonathan Mannion's cover art and photos of hip hop's development and his career, starting with Jay-Z's 1996 CD cover to today's emerging stars.

Two of his subject matters, Big Daddy Kane and DJ Quik showed their love for Mannion by throwing this exclusive, industry-insider hip hop party/concert, kindly supported by Reebok.

What is really significant is that the performers examplify the growth and development of hip hop from the East Coast to the West Coast, from strictly a northern thing to a southern thing, then a strictly an urban African-American thing that transcend ethnicity and region.

Los Angeles' DJ Quik opened the concert with turn table, nightclub gymnastics with late Seventies/early Eighties grooves, courtesy to Michael Jackson.

Big Daddy Kane threw it with his vintage, Olde School hard and fast rapping. He got the crowd pumping.

Remember, it's a Reebok party and it isn't a Reebok party unless you got some Reeboks.

Each of the four collections of vintage Reeboks were paired with particular hip hop artists of that era. Here are some vintage, neon high tops.

These glossy sneaks with studs are the more recent collections.

This is Reebok's Valentine to the Grammys, how sneaks go hand-in-hand with hip hop.

Antoinette Paris Rocks the Grammys

By Laura Medina

"Rockifying" office attire with Prelude's black lace fingerless gloves from Antoinette Paris.

Two French sisters, one an UCLA film graduate working as a production assistant. The other beautifying the City of Angels as a makeup artist.

These contemporary French girls, like any other French person, fell in love with American culture but...the lingerie.

Dismayed by the hole in the market and knowing there are a growing crop of fresh European lingerie designers who need exposure, these sisters open their own boutique, Antionette Paris, http://www.antoinetteparis.com/.

Prelude's white lace fingerless gloves.

These are not your Grandma's lacy underpinnings restricted to the boudoir.


Laure and Caroline are real, young, modern-day French women who go to nightclubs, bars, and concerts who really want to rock out their closets.


Like most women their generation and most French people their generation, American pop icons such as Madonna and Michael Jackson hold sway in contemporary French culture.

Fingerless lace gloves, in black or white, can rock out a prim office outfit into clubbing attire in a nanosecond at a nano budget.


Another brand under Antionette Paris, French Can Can, took grandma's garter hose then turn it into a legwarmer that modern day women pair with their cut-off jean shorts, literally giving them extra mileage.

Laure said she takes French CanCan's Night Dress/negligee out of the bedroom and onto the streets by belting it over a pair of jeans or leggings or as a ruffle dress itself so she can rock it out at concerts and events.

Thanks to Madonna...and ok, the economy, contemporary French women are using lingerie, like French CanCan streamlined Divine the BabyDoll as streetwear. A simple pairing with jeans or leggings adds value.

During the press preview of Antoinette Paris and two days before the Grammys, every fashion editor rave about this modest but adorable bodysuit, Rave Angelique The Teddy, because it makes a cute and romantic top that the average girl can wear everyday running errands...as usual with jeans or cute but modest office top with black trousers or a pencil skirt. The possiblities are endless...

which Laure and Caroline Gilleron of Antoinette Paris want to prove.

This isn't your grandma's lingerie.

Wooing Over Jason Wu for Target

By Laura Medina

Jason Wu Styles DJ Harley Viera-Newton for his Target Launch Party.

Celebrity fashion editors...in Manhattan...are wooed by Jason Wu's Target collection.

These girly but office-appropriate pieces are a great starter wardrobe for the newly hatched gallerina or gallery-assistant or a fashion editor's second assistant/intern.

What they are grooving is the price range. It fits comfortably within a starter's wallet.

Here are some backstage scoops...

Jason helped Harley get ready at the Target Studio. Polka-dotted prints and delicate designs popped against the all-white loft as Jason and Harley raided a rack of outfit options.

Jason Wu Styles DJ Harley Viera-Newton

Jason, how will you prep for that night’s event?
JW: I’ll work right until the last minute, and probably get ready in five minutes. It’s all about being a good host. I think it will be a lot of fun – I’m excited!

This night is sure to be memorable. Do you have a favorite fashion memory?
JW: When my mother gave me my first sewing machine when I was ten.

Harley, you’re spinning tonight. What is your ultimate pump-up song?
HVN: “Close to Me” by The Cure always works, and Frankie Valli “Oh, What a Night.”

Making a guest appearance as guest stylist, just for Jason Wu for Target, Marie Claire's fashion editor, Nina Garcia makes her picks then mixes them up for the young girls in the city...

Quintessential Jason Wu:

A playful print in posies and poppies gets toned down for more transitional wear in classic navy. Draw attention to the daisies by colorblocking with a bold Mossimo top in coral red.

The feminine frock on holiday:

I’m always impressed with Jason Wu’s ability to toe the girlish line. This dress is a perfect example: cap-sleeves, nipped-in waist, jeweled collar – with a little edge in the form of a dark, cartoonish print. Perfect when topped with a straw fedora by Mossimo

Ladylike meets biker chick:

Who says you have to be one or the other? Delicate lace gets grunge-cool when screen-printed on a tee and paired with Mossimo skinny jeans and moto boots (and a leather jacket, of course!).

Nina Garcia...

"His look is ladylike yet playful; his designs wise beyond his years, showcasing painstaking attention to detail and craftsmanship and an innate knowledge of what a woman wants.

A Jason Wu look is about well-place risks: a splash of citron, an illustrative print, a delicate fabric or an asymmetrical hem. One of the reasons I’m so drawn to his young talent is because he naturally understands balance in design: not too little, never too much."

"What especially excites me about Jason Wu’s designs (and this newest collection) are their versatility: each piece brings ladylike looks to women of all ages for outfits for all occasions. Whatever your style, a Jason Wu design can be the perfect part of your unique look, whether you choose to pair your Jason Wu dress with scuffed-up boots or a buttoned cardigan. And I hope that’s what 2012 will be all about: a brave, bold, fashion-forward you."-Nina Garcia.

Here are the key pieces that really impressed Ms. Garcia and why...

THE CLASSIC WHITE SHIRT:
Nothing stiff and starched about this look: using the shirt as a drawing board, cross Jason Wu’s ladylike pleats with punk moto boots

HiLo SKIRT:

Asymmetry adds instant interest — and the tapered hemline is surprisingly flattering. Add a bomber and booties for now; lose the layers come spring

KILLER HEELS:

A ladylike skirt packs a stronger punch when worn over a bold platform and a biker jacket.

PALAZZO PANTS:

Don’t be intimidated by this ’70s throwback! Pair this wide-leg shape with a nipped-in military jacket for a look at once retro-chic and fashion-forward.

Skirt Power:

A new study shows that women are seen as more confident and that they make more money when they wear skirts, not a pantsuit, to work. You don’t need to dress like a man to be taken seriously. Instead, be 100% positively, brilliantly, passionately you. It’s like they say: you go, girl.

How to Actually Look Taller, Thinner, & Sexier on the Red Carpet

By Laura Medina

Charlize Theron in Christian Dior Haute Couture and Brilliance NY Age Defying Eye Serum, eyes & chest.

The Golden Globes had came and past. The Oscar nominees have been announced. The Grammys is arriving soon. The Red Carpet race is officially now on.

The starlets and the actresses are now sweating it in the gym with their trainers and fueling with their microbiotic chefs' meals to get super sleek and sexy for a storm of award shows...Screen Actors Guild and the Independent Spirit Awards...or...

They are burning and sweating off the calories skiing up in Park City, Utah at the Sundance Film Festival.

Either way, they all have to look fabulous under all that flash and glare for the whole world to see.

What to do? What to do?

Here is the way to enhance all that hard work. What it is called, "Gliding the Lily," props and serums soothing that sleek and sexy glow to amp up the wattage. Truth be told, these are really easy tips to follow for this year's holiday and New Year's Eve parties, Summer socials, and any cocktail party further down the line. What's even better...you have the rest of the year to follow these tips than doing it in two weeks time like these stars.

Dermatologist to the stars, Dr. Jessica Wu, took tips from numerous celebrity stylists and suggests to look tall, thin, and glamorous, take a risk then dip into plunging necklines and thigh-high slits to lengthen and slim the body.

To soften the chest, ok the cleavage, and boost confidence, stylist, Emilio Uribe smoothed Charlize Theron's eyes and decollete by applying Brilliance New York Age Defying Eye Serum to the delicate but exposed chest area. This peptide enriched serum plumps up this delicate, thin skin area. This scribe loves multi-purpose beauty products. Brilliant, a double-purposing serum for the eyes and chest.

Mr. Uribe, “My all time favorite beauty product is the BNY Age Defying Eye Serum. A little secret tool for any Red Carpet Event… I also use it on the neckline area as this is where you can see the first signs of aging.”

Intimia Chest Pillow

To really get ready for Summer weddings and parties and further the down line, holiday galas, preventive is the measure.

Like any other skin, the chest area ages when the collagen breaks down then wrinkles appear. Since people tend to neglect their chest versus their face, the chest ages quicker due to the lack of sunscreen and nourishing creams and serum and constant squeezing and compression.

To tackle this problem, Irene Komsky, a San Francisco cosmetic nurse, invented this chest pillow to stop chest wrinkles in their tracks, the Intimia Chest Pillow.

She invented this pillow, not only to stop chest wrinkles but to ease the pain for women suffering from breast tenderness and post-breast and/or cardiac surgery.

With adjustable bra-like straps in the back, women of all shapes and sizes can fall asleep, toss and turn while the Intimia Chest Pillow separating the breasts, stopping new lines from forming and smoothing out any existing wrinkles.

The Intimia Chest Pillow made an appearance on The Today Show.

If you take a whole year to follow these tips: sunscreen and moisturize then pamper the chest, you will be red carpet-ready within a year.

It's a Super-Duper Debut of The Moods of Norway with Paul Stolper Art Gallery at LA Art Show

By Laura Medina

The infamous the Moods of Norway blue limo parked in front of the boutique where they got a parking ticket.

On January eighteenth, smacked dabbed in the middle of Los Angeles' official Art Month, the Moods of Norway debut their art collaboration with London-based art gallery owner, Paul Stolper and his cadre of generation-defining artists, such as Damien Hirst, Sex Pistol-graphic artist fame, Jamie Reid, and Gavin Turk.

Thanks to the Moods of Norway, these generation-defining artists and taste-makers will make their Los Angeles debut at the LA Art Show later that night.

This is also the first time the Moods of Norway's 1947 tractor and pitch fork, dipped in sky blue, will make its official debut at the LA Art Show...under disco lights, in the West Hall in the B Area, numbered C181.

Since Damien Hirst is Mr. Stolper's client, the Moods of Norway proudly displays Mr. Hirst's two, new latest collection, the foil-print collection of butterflies, "The Souls," and the gold-foil block print of skulls, "The Death or Glory" series, inside the boutique and the storefront.

In honor of this cross-cultural exchange that is the LA Art Show. Stefan Dahlkvist (one of the Moods of Norway trio) and Stopler sat down, inside the party limo, explaining how their collaboration come about...

Paul Stolper rocking on inside the Moods of Norway party limo.

When they met a few years ago through a Norwegian photographer, they felt a vibe good enough to do their first collaboration together when the Moods of Norway did their fashion, music, and art festival in the Norwegian countryside, "Go with the Flow" Art Festival where Paul displayed his clients' art alongside the Moods of Norway's clothes. It was a hit...and they want to continue the love at the LA Art Show.

With the Moods making in-roads in Los Angeles' fashion, music, and culture scene, they figure this will be a great introduction for Stolper in the Los Angeles art market. It is ripe for Mr. Hirst's gorgeous but dangerous foil prints in butterflies and skulls. If not bought, they'll make great fashion prints...and trends.

For Dahlkvist, this is a great place for showcase Norwegian heritage and culture in a modern and international setting...the post-modern, agricultural blue tractor under the fun-loving disco lights.

Jamie Reid's fundraising poster to save Mr. Stolper's local library. $50 at the Moods of Norway boutique.

For Stolper, it is also a fun way to raise funds for his neighborhood library that recently shut down.

By asking Jamie Reid, the man behind the Sex Pistols' graphic album covers and posters, to specially design affordable prints, costing only $50, this enables free education to the people, a very punk idea.

He said it is his purpose in Los Angeles to save his library. Both Dahlkvist and Stolper believe that decent education is international and a birthright.

Stolper, "We deserve a free and decent education. Jamie Reid did all the artwork for the Sex Pistols. That's why it so super-duper of him to do this print for us. It's so great to jump on the tractor wagon again...to let us seize that beautiful window space on Robertson to highlight the Jamie Reid again."

That being said inside the Moods' party limo, the city issued a parking ticket...another cross-cultural exchange.

Whether you purchase a Damien Hirst at the LA Art Show or donate a couple of dollars for a limited-edition Jamie Reid poster to save Paul's local library, you will be participating in a cultural crossroad that is the LA Art Show.

Pre-primp, During, & Post-Recovery Party Skincare

By Laura Medina

Now that the marathon season of partying has officially begun, with the Golden Globes setting it off, the most of the attendees are now recovering from nights...and afternoons...of socializing and partying...and it have not stopped yet.

There is the Grammys Awards then the big one, The Oscars.

These state-of-the art skincare brands are here to rescue folks from "skin hangover" and get them ready for the next rounds of socializing and networking...or just plain having fun.

The rose-infused VBeaute is making a splash here for the jet-setting actors and actresses running around with jet-lagged skin, needing instant skin recovery that they can stash in their messenger bags and purses as they circle around town, making the rounds of luncheons, benefits, and award shows.

A big hit at one of the most prestigious Golden Globe gifting suites in Beverly Hills, VBeaute is the modern woman's...or modern man's skincare. As a busy executive by day and stylish socialite at night, Julie Macklowe used the most advance botanical technology by injecting the beautiful but durable Swiss Alpine Rose for a lightweight, effective, and multi-purpose skincare.

Using herself as a guinea pig and product tester, Ms. Macklowe actually slided her chic silver travel kit through numerous TSA check points without trouble; and she introduced a fair and friendly customized restocking system when you can refill on what you need and want. You can have as many mini-tubes of creams or scrubs in the kit.

For the truly time-pressed and budget-squeezed, the Eye Never Nourishing Eye Cream perks up your peepers, as well add a rosy glow on your lips as a matte lip cream. The Buying Time Everyday Cream brightens your weary eyelids while it refreshes your face. Both are matte and moisturizing, no oil slicks or drying. As a mom/business woman/socialite, Ms. Macklowe knows the importance of multi-tasking.

Another discovery at a Golden Globes "spa" suite is actually a spa and Beverly Hills standby, Kerstin Florian.

Keeping their faces flawless under the bright, warm Southern California sun, Kerstin Florian Serum C+ Infusion brightens up the face after long nights of partying while fading sun spots and building collagen...to the point that people can never guess you were up all night before...or a couple of nights.

A new comer to the arsenal of luxurious but speedy skincare is Sella Skincare. This indulgent but quick line debut at the TASTY Awards, knowing attendees will need it for another round of socializing.

Idebenone-based, this antioxidant skincare eases over the wrinkles and crinkles around the eyes for a fresh and plump appearance. The facial cream and serum quickly corrects the bad habits of smoking and drinking from the night before.

If the fashion and the makeup in Awards Season set the standard for the Summer Social Season and the partying Holiday Season later in the year, these soothing but durable skincare set the standard for primping and post-recovery for a "skin hangover."

They will give off an appearance of wide and awake skin when your head is not.

The new survival party kits.