LA's true answer to NY Fashion Week, Macy's Passport Fashion Show 2011

By Laura Medina

Videos courtesy of Macy's & Showbiz Networks

In a quick breather immediately following New York Fashion Week and the Emmys, Macy's Passport Presents Glamorama charity fashion show sprint out of the gate, fresh on their fashionable high heels.

Dame Elizabeth Taylor originated this true blue Los Angeleno society tradition, with Macy's help, as a fun fundraiser to support AIDS research and awareness.

Now, in its 29th year running, it is Hollywood's not-to-be missed tradition. Every invitee say it is an honor to be invited, participate, and watch the latest of this year's Fall fashion being paraded firsthand, happily provided by Macy's.

Many of the celebrities being interviewed on the red carpet, feel like as though they are carrying Ms. Taylor's torch for AIDS support, awareness, and education while upholding this local-only tradition of the City of Angels doing an Hollywood-worthy fashion production.

From the left: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sara Rue, Nick Verreos, & the Far East Movement.

Red carpet videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPefwmoRkWk, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st4Q74UuBxw&feature=related, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeQKOBw9Wso&feature=related

Jennifer Love Hewitt attended as a promise to a dear friend who had passed away a long time ago to AIDS. If there is anything she can do for the cause, she will do it. Plus, she is really excited to see Cee Lo Green perform. She is a big fan. Ms. Hewitt call this a great night for a great cause.

Sara Rue is thrilled to follow Elizabeth Taylor's footsteps...

"When I think about Elizabeth Taylor, I first think about her beauty, her talent, and her works in AIDS Awareness. She was one of the pioneers. She was one of the first actors, one of the first celebrities to say have to do something in the community."

For Nick Verreos, it is another form of awareness..."There's education to let people know about the Fall Fashion trends...the entertainment...all the high fashion...the models. Los Angeles is the biggest red carpet and the biggest catwalk in the world. In this historical theater, the Orpheum Theatre, Macy's is the place to be."

For Far East Movement, this is the best of both worlds. Not only do they find it a great honor to be invited to perform at the city's best fashion production, they live a few mere blocks away from the Orpheum Theater. After being on tour for three to four months, they find it a relief to be able to roll out and rock.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBlHu297we4

This year's theme for Macy's Passport Glamorama is ARTrageous where each designer or brand is paired with an artist that best suits the brand's or the designer's mentality.

The show opens with models in life-sized picture boxes and the models, obviously, are life-sized dolls strutting in Tommy Hilfilger's current varsity/collegiate pullovers, sweaters, caps, scarves, and knits.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBlHu297we4

Nevertheless, the dominating theme on the stage is the "Foxy Femme Fatale," best strutted out by Rachel Roy and Tracy Reese.

Rachel Roy sexed up the early to mid-Sixities "Mad Men" factor by jazzing up sheath dresses in today's sequins and tweed trimmed with (hopefully faux) fox fur. Most of the outfits are topped by pill box hats.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGDTQK519PM&feature=related

Tracy Reese amped up the foxiness factor by spotlighting on what was fierce about the Seventies and the Women's Liberation Movement-strong, sultry, and sexy.

Again with the fur trim, but the powerful leopard prints brings out the Diva from the Disco Era.

Far East Movement provided the much needed break between the fashion marathon but Mr. Cee Lo Green brought down the house as the finale. Macy's saved the best for last.

Cee Lo Green's "Big City, Big Lights," http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW89OKUqS9Y & "Forget You/Smells Like Teen Spirit," http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_g2zbvnyu0.

A children's dance troupe, decked in Day-Glo Keith Haring graffiti-squiggled sweats, accompanied Cee Lo belting "Forget You" then rocked the house with his version of "Smells Like Teen Spirit."

This spectacular night was tied up with a bow of an after-fete and much-needed refreshment and food. There is only so much a dashing fashionista can go on an empty stomach. Glory be! Stations of gourmet Americana hamburgers and crispy straw french fries and Japanese barbecue of grilled steak and wheat noodles fueled the party late into the night.

Macy's Passport Glamorama fed the heart, the soul, the eye balls, and the tummy. A night to remember.

Lisa Perry fete ABC's "Pan Am"

By Laura Medina

With "Pan Am" debuting tomorrow night on ABC at 10pm, the modish Lisa Perry feted the cast on Fashion's Night Out.

The stars, Christina Ricci and Karine Vanasse, were the guests of honor in this apparently Pan AM themed party with flight attendants on site handing out snacks to attendees. The first 50 guests were given an authentic vintage Pan AM Explorer bag and the show’s stars flaunted Lisa Perry designs.

Eva Minge knows Menswear

By Laura Medina

Fashion News Live's Rocco Leo Gaglioti, carrying the designer, Eva Minge.

As a special favor, Fashion New Live's host and executive producer, Rocco Leo Gaglioti, went out of his way to model in Eva Minge's runway show during New York Fashion Week.

It was a rare treat, Mr. Gaglioti returning to the catwalk...and this scribe was there to personally witness this.

Among the most notable celebrities was the CW's "90210"s Annalynne McCord.

In the plenitude that swung between womens eveningwear to womens active to her corporate blazers then mens activewear, the basic foundation was black and white.

Ms. Minge hit a homerun with her mens activewear subcategory.

It was as tight as her male models and the focus was intense as their brooding stares.

She renewed and refreshed mens activewear from windbreakers to pullovers. Ms. Minge removed the stiff sails out of the tired nautical wear and made it ship shaped.

Unlike most women designers, Ms. Minge has a strong grasp on menswear, especially activewear.

It was here that she only displayed paunchy primary bold colors, adding zest to a traditional black and white collection.

The reds and yellows added pop to an already reliable collection for men.

The highlight was Mr. Fashion News Live himself, Rocco Leo Gaglioti.

Making a rare turn on the catwalk, being rehearsed, prepped backstage, then strutting his stuff brought back memories for him...and he was a professional bringing back his muscle memory.

Mr. Gaglioti sported two outfits. A basic boatneck white pullover and simple gym shorts. Then, a pinstriped, asymmetrical zippered windbreaker over striped tee paired with green bermuda shorts-not preppy but very European.

As the finale, he was a gentleman to carry Ms. Minge down the catwalk.

Gee, what a guy.

Perry Ellis makes the Southwest Desert look crisp.

By Laura Medina

John Crocco, Perry Ellis' Creative Director.

Backstage, warming up to the runway show for the brand, Perry Ellis, John Crocco, the company's creative director was kind enough to be open to a backstage interview.

In keeping the brand's heritage alive yet current, Mr. Crocco explained he has

entire history of Perry Ellis in archives and his head, "It’s always in my head. I just try to infuse new things in there, based on different influences."

Explaining that the brand has a very casual air towards fashion, he tries to keep the Perry Ellis elements alive by taking down the dressier things then making them a little more casual and not so serious. At the same time, Crocco does the opposite of that, lifting up the more casual pieces and making them a little more meaningful.

Making the more casual pieces then making them more meaningful, as in the current trends we’re going to see..."In a number of places, you’ll see a swim trunk with desert cactus print on it. In his case, he’ll pair it with a great chunky sweater. You’ll see it paired with a beautiful, supple suede shirt, like with safari details. So, it’s a different way to wear things."

Perry Ellis, over the years, is more of a transitional collection than a definite seasonal collection,

"We have a very broad customer base. We’re in a lot of different markets, South, East, West, International. So, I want to make sure there are things for the Northeast and also things for the Southwest."

"In this particular collection, this was more inspired by the Southwest sensibilities, so you’ll see lot of it in prints."

"Yeah. I want to show guys how to incorporate new pieces into their wardrobe and wear them confidentially."

About the show's general theme, "Look for dehydrated colors mixed with neutrals. Look for "American Safari” details."

Keenan Echols, Perry Ellis’ Sexiest Guy Next Door.

Originally from New York, Mr. Echols spent part of his childhood in Syracuse, NY and Jamaica, Queens.

He moved to Atlanta to be a web designer, returning to NY as a supermodel.

It’s a little backwards, I’ll admit that. Atlanta’s fashion market is up and coming.

Fashion has always been an interest of mine,

"Run across the Sexiest Male Model Next Door Contest. Gave it a shot to see what America thought. Friends and family thought I can do. Friends in the industry said I can do it. Then won. For now, it’s a great experience for me to be here. To see everything first-hand. What goes down."

He hopes this will lead to acting eventually.

Perry Ellis is his only show, "Technically, I’m not a model. I’m just the Sexiest Guy Next Door.

As of now, I’m just a full-time web designer."

Mr. Crocco always kept in mind this is a Spring/Summer collection he is designing and used crisp linen through-out the collection.

He used the black-gray-ish iron ore/graphite as a stand-in for black. The safari jacket was reworked into a safari shirt layered over a henley.

The collection focused on tonal and tactile fabrics where seersucker was bleached bone white but the puckering is still there.

Airy linen peacoats and lightweight knitted pullovers give new meanings to evening White Parties in early Spring, when the air is cooler but the wearer yearns for something lighter.

Despite the fact Crocco was influenced by Southwest Desert, the color palette and textile do not feel so hot as it is soothing, cool, and relaxing.

The sporty, preppish elements are intact but colored in with Southwest minerals.

Another set of closet classics on their way.

Believe It or Not! Classic, Everyday Pieces from the Heart of Hollywood.

There is more to Hollywood fashion than Cinderella-sque eveningwear.

Hollywood's secret and emerging brand to watch out for, Franklin + Gower, is injecting vitality back into the classic blazer, incorporating British tailoring into sexy fabrics of satin and velvet in fabulously fresh colors.

Eva's white Franklin + Gower blazer is a great add-on for Summer White Parties by itself or a slip or a camisole underneath or a great Winter White topper.


Shaunie O’Neal of "Basketball Wives," sports a new kind of preppy cute with a Franklin + Gower Marmont + Navy satin collared seersucker blazer for $345 at www.franklinandgower.com paired with Level 99 denim shorts $68 at www.level99usa.com.

Minka looks naturally chic in her simple and seasonally appropriate ensemble as she enjoyed a casual stroll with her adorable pooch. Get this look easily for under $120 with the following designer pieces from Peppermint Park:

1. Sweater – Sutton Cashmere – $28

2. Tote Bag – Murval – $18

3. Cargo Shorts – Incotex – $55

4. Flats – Miss Me – $15

All these fabulous pieces are available at www.peppermintpark.com!

Leighton Meester wore the Forest scarf from Skinny by Jessica Elliot while heading to the Gossip Girl set. This gorgeous, super soft scarf retails for $60 and is available at www.skinnystyle.com.


Hilary Duff was recently spotted leaving Healthyca after grabbing a quick bite to eat. Having just announced a baby on the way, this A-lister makes being pregnant look chic in her hip belt and black boots. Here’s how you can steal this look easily for less:

1. Fringe Messenger Bag ($29.50, FlirtCatalog.com, www.flirtcatalog.com )

2. The “Hillhurst” Belt ($90.00, Skinny by Jessica Elliot, www.skinnystyle.com )

3. “Walkon” Knee High Boots ($69.99, Jellypop, www.shoes.com )

Super Model Alessandra Ambrosio always makes looking stylish simple. She was recently spotted looking casually chic while having a mommy and me day with daughter Anja:

1. Jellypop Shoes: ($20.00, Jellypop, (www.6pm.com/jellypop)

2. The Marissa Tote: ($253.00, Peppermint Park, www.peppermintpark.com)

3. Solid Grey Scarf with Hand Woven Tassels: ($24.00, Skinny by Jessica Elliot, www.skinnystyle.com )

4. Clear Oversized Iridescent Sunglasses: ($17.00, FlirtCatalog.com, www.flirtcatalog.com)

5. Gold "4 Corner" Bangle with Opal Crystals ($ 28.00, Skinny by Jessica Elliot, www.skinnystyle.com )

Now, you can be LA easy chic everyday anywhere without being self-consciously glitzy.

Get ready for the Emmys...within your price range.

For those who are either jonesing for something glamorous and chic after devouring New York Fashion Week or for folks burnt out from it, there is a reason to dress up...the Emmys.

Don't get down. Don't fret. Eveningwear designer, Dalia MacPhee creates celebrity-inspired outfits that can fit into an everyday woman's closet, wardrobe, and carry-on for anywhere, like Madonna's sleek, chic little black dress. Dalia's version is a sensible $260 that can travel from Hollywood to New York to Paris, without missing a blink. Wink. Wink.


Need a break from New York chic and classic black?

Give this sassy number, modeled by Cameron Diaz, a chance. Peppermintpark.com provides the whole kit and cadboddle for this entire outfit:

1. Cult Candy Dazzle Dress - $43

2. Chan Luu Mixed Nugget Wrap Bracelet on Black Leather - $121

3. J.J. Winters Distressed Leather Clutch - $121

4. Kelsi Dagger Frayne - $84

For far less than Cameron's original dress, Peppermintpark.com gives the whole look for a fraction of the price.

Beyonce is among many current celebrities who prove you can fabulous and pregnant...and there is nothing wrong with it. In fact, show your pride and accomplishment in Dalia MacPhee's $298 version, which is way cheaper than Beyonce's Lanvin creation. With Dalia's, you still have can enough cash to kit out the kid's room.

Dalia MacPhee has grown beyond being influenced by the more established designers and brands, the star of "Wizards of Waverly Place," Maria Canals-Barrera, met and collaborated in creating two true, haute couture creations for the ALMA Awards and the Creative Emmy Awards, all for one special night.

Yes, Ms. Canals-Barrera was Wonder Woman, switching from a floor length magenta gown while attending the Creative Emmy Awards earlier that same night then switching into a Dalia MacPhee's Style 3550, later, winning an ALMA for Favorite TV Actress.

You don't have to be a celebrity to personally consult with Ms. MacPhee.

She already has an array of dresses, ready to be picked for special events anywhere, each and all within a reasonable price point.

Her pieces are an elegant option for debutante, Sweet 16 or 15s or that arriving soiree.

Never feel left out.

Saving Time & Face with Fun, Clean Arcona Skincare + Healthy W3LL People Makeup

By Laura Medina

Arcona Skincare cranberry & wine-based line.

This scribe knows that sleeping in the previous night's makeup is not healthy but when crunched for time, there is a line up that can protect, nourish, and style a face into the next day by packing in the skin with a wallop of organic antioxidants.

After cleaning and prepping the face then pop on some color, this scribe made it blemish-free the next day...then cleansed. After washing off the night and day, this scribe's face is remarkably smooth and bright, no residue of the night before and an all-day press junket.

If you are still skin-conscientious-the scribe will not blame you-you can have glowing skin with Arcona's Wine Hydrating Mask nourish and replenish dry, dehydrated, depleted skin as it stimulate cellular renewal, reduce wrinkles, firm and smooth by accelerating skin’s natural defenses with grape seed and wine extracts and reserveratrol.

Triad Pads,drenched in cranberry toner, protects and clarify skin with antimicrobial cranberry, containing vitamins, phyto-nutrients and essential fatty acids. Neutralizes free radicals with vitamin E tocopherols and tocotrienols. Nourish and heal skin with omegas 3, 6 and 9 and rice milk.

All these fruit acids eat at the grim and residual skin cells as they feed the skin with vitamins.

Primping then furthering protecting the epidermal, smooth on some Magic White Ice. A Daily hydrating gel moisturizes deep within the dermis without clogging pores, to protect against environmental damage, moisturizing skin with white cranberry complex, hyaluronic acid and mucopolysaccharides,neutralizing free radicals with proprietary mineral complex of beta-carotene, vitamins B-5, C and E, clarifying skin with anti-microbial totara extract and grapefruit complex.

Polish off all this primping and prepping with W3LL People's rooibos, rose hip and white tea-infused makeup.

This wholesome makeup line not only shields with nutrient-rich but light mineral powder but the Universal Multi-Use Stick can be used on the eyes as eyeshadow, blush for the cheeks then lipstick for the lips...and it's purse-friendly too.

Great for busy journalists going from last night's cocktail party to today's all-day press junket without skipping a beat.

A Trio of Fashion Candy, Petro Zillia, Onch Movement & Traver Rains

By Laura Medina

Nony Tochterman of Petro Zillia with her confectionery of her current Spring Collection.

It was a rare star alignment in the Los Angeles Fashion galaxy when Nony Tochterman of Petro Zillia, Travers Rains, formerly one-half of Heatherette, and Onch of Onch Movement team up together for one night at the quirky and spacious Royal/T.

Fueled by candy and snack cakes, Nony displayed her Life Savers-toned Spring Collection of dresses. Hector Pocasangre from Plaid Salon in Hollywood whipped the models' hair into cotton candy and Sharon Gault frosted on the makeup.

Asked what inspired her current collection, Ms. Tocheterman simply said, "I’ve always been obsessed with the rainbow and colors, this kind of presentation was something I always wanted to do and this seamed like the perfect occasion and venue to do it."

Onch of Onch Movement with Traver Rains then Nony with Traver

Then when asked how she did a collaborative fashion presentation with Onch Movement and Traver Rains, Ms. Tocheterman explains how this rare conjunction occurred...

"I met Traver through Onch, as he is good friends with both of us and wanted to host both our brands at his pop up shop, we all agreed that it would be fun to have it all together at the same time."

Traver Rains' Western-inspired fashion installation and with Sharon Gault.

When it was Mr. Rains' turn to explain how he got here, he simply stated he is now a Los Angeles resident.

His fashion installation may reflect his Montana childhood of Western Frontier, Native Americans, and Ranching, but he's not afraid to say that Los Angeles is worlds away from Montana.

A wacky but light-hearted event in Los Angeles' Fashion galaxy.