New York Fashion Week: Designer Carolina Herrera Receives 'Mercedes-Benz Presents' Title

 Pictured: A gown from Carolina Herrera's Fall 2010 collection with Vogue's Anna Wintour looking on at New York Fashion Week. (photo: M. Hall)

In February I attended Carolina Herrera's Fall 2010 runway show at New York Fashion Week  It was one of the most spectacular runway shows I have witnessed.  The production was flawless and the designs were perfection.  This a  designer who personifies good taste, sophisticated design and elegance.  No surprise that she outfitted Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis for 12 years.  She will be honored next week with the distinguished title of "Mercedes-Benz Presents" designer for this season's spring/summer 2011 collection debuting on Monday, September 13th at 10:00 am at Lincoln Center, the new home of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

The "Mercedes-Benz Presents" program recognizes designers that demonstrate dedication to the use of quality materials, unique style and innovative design for the past seven years.  "I am very proud to be chosen as the 'Mercedes-Benz Presents' designer," said Herrera.  "To be recognized in such an important year in Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week history, is, without question, a wonderful honor."

Carolina Herrera has designed for many celebrities and high profile clients including Renee Zellweger, Amy Adams, Michelle Pfeiffer, Emily Blunt, Oprah Winfrey, and Camilla Belle.  She joins a prestigious list of past "Mercedes-Benz Presents" designers including Monique Lhuillier, Badgley Mischka, Narciso Rodriguez, and CHADO Ralph Rucci.
 
"Carolina Herrera's understated grace, precision design and attention to detail uphold the Mercedes-Benz commitment to quality," said Lisa Holladay, Manager of Brand Experience Marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA.  "She is a symbol of great success within the fashion industry and especially in New York City and choosing her as this season's Mercedes-Benz Presents Designer represents the strength of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and the event's bright future at Lincoln Center."

Born in Venezuela, Carolina Herrera began her Fashion career in New York in 1980, and will be celebrating 30 years of her eponymous collection in 2011. Recognized throughout the industry for her impeccable style and elegant, feminine, sophisticated designs Carolina Herrera has been awarded by the Council of Fashion Designers of America two distinct honors "Womenswear Designer of the Year" in 2004 and in 2008 the "Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award."  Carolina Herrera oversees a design house which encompasses her signature fashion collection and bridal collections, her lifestyle collection CH Carolina Herrera, and ten successful fragrances.   I can't wait to see her Spring 2011 show this Monday!

The Fashion's Night Out Tote Launches

You waited, you hoped and you prayed, but now it's official, there is a Fashion's Night Out Tote to go with the Tee shirt.   The souvenir machine is in high gear now. Brahmin, the luxury New England handbag company,  created this  limited-edition tote exclusively for the event on September 10, 2010.  The good news is the bag is good looking and a  portion of the sale proceeds will go to  benefit the NYC AIDS Fund.

The limited edition Brahmin FNO tote will be sold for $45 at Brahmin retail locations, online at Brahmin.com, and at participating FNO retailers including Henri Bendel, Bergdorf Goodman, BergdorfGoodman.com, Bloomingdales, Bloomingdales.com, Lord & Taylor, Macy's, NiemanMarcus.com, Nordstrom, and Saks 5th Avenue beginning on August 30 until supplies last. Five dollars from the sale of each bag will be donated to the NYC AIDS Fund.   What do you think readers? Is $45.00 a fair price for the tote?

Taste of Beverly Hills: An Amazing Upscale Food Fest

Tonight I had the privilege of attending the opening of the Taste of Beverly Hills, presented by Food & Wine Magazine. This four day food festival kicked off with a star studded evening, some great music and even great people watching.  Since it's Beverly Hills, the people watching is pretty amazing with lots of designer clothing, Chanel handbags, Louis Vuitton and all manner of luxury cars from Bentley's to Rolls-Royces rolling into Beverly Hilton for this celebration of Epicurean delights.  But the real star of the night was, as it should be, the food and wine.  The event is held outdoors under the stars above the old Robinson-May department store parking lot across from the Beverly Hilton. The festival consists of individual booths with some of Los Angeles, and event the world's best restaurant's serving unlimited "tastes' of their best dishes.  I think even the judges from Top Chef would be in awe of the offerings.   I wondered around quite happily for several hours tasting different delights without even noticing the presence of the Kardashians or some of the other celebrities present.  Even the great musical performance by Grammy nominee, Natasha Bedingfield couldn't distract the crowd because everyone was focused on the delicious bites and wonderful wines.

The price to attend the festival is about $150.00 per ticket. But you can find discount codes on the event's Twitter feeds and Facebook Group to help defray the cost.  The best deal is the" 2 for 1" deals that you can find via the Twitter contests (follow @TasteofBH) and the Facebook group.  The" 2 for 1" deal brings you average ticket price down to about $75.00 which is a great bargain on the unlimited food and delicious wine offered.  This is what I used to purchase a ticket for myself and a friend. The codes work!

I only tried one thing that I really couldn't stomach and that was the foie grae on a crispy wafer.  It was way too salty. Avoid that dish.  Following are the dishes and wines that I recommend you try.

Pictured: Chicken Meatballs in Chantrelle Mushroom Cream Sauce from La Bottega Beverly Hills.  (photo: M. Hall)

Food

• 9021PHO   This reasonably priced Vietnamese restaurant is serving up Pho Bo spicy noodle soup with beef and their delicious spring rolls.  I had no idea that there was such great Vietnamese in Beverly Hills.  On their menu in the restaurant everything is under $20.00.
• Cabbage Patch--I have never heard of Cabbage Patch but I was intrigued by the choice of serving a Turkey meatball with Slaw.  The Slaw is rather exotic with cilantro, peanuts and honey mustard dressing, but it is a winner, even along side the Italian flavored meatball.
• Coupa Café--  This restaurant serves Venezuelan cuisine.  For the Taste of Beverly Hills they are serving  a trio of different appetizers including a spicy empanada. The trio is absolutely delicious.Be sure to try it!
• Crustacean-- This celebrity haunt is serving their special Garlic Noodles. They are delicious as always, although maybe just a tad dryer than they are in the restaurant where they are served with some sauce on the side. 
• Darioush-- This restaurant is only serving one dish, but it's an exquisite, and unusual Aubergine with Tomato Puree.  This is a must try.  Many diners thought it was a fig, but it was clearly listed on the menu as a Aubergine (Eggplant.)
• Taste of Persia by Farhang Foundation-- This may be the most entertaining exhibit at the festival. Beyond delicious bits of Iranian cuisine like lamb on pita with cucumber yogurt dip there are exhibits of music, cookbooks, and dancers in beautiful costumes. 
• Greenleaf Gourmet-- This Century City restaurant is serving up a delicious and very fresh green salad with pears, dried fruit and Gorgonzola cheese.  It's a great salad and warning, you will want seconds.
• Il Cielo-- You must try this unusual taste sensation of rolled Pappardelle pasta drizzled with Truffle sauce.   To die for.   A must try...you will want at least two. Il Cielo is probably the most romantic restaurant in Beverly Hills, and it is a bit pricey.  So it's wonderful to be able to nimble from their menu without paying major bucks. 
• Il Pastaio-- This great Italian is serving Rollini di Melanzane. These are delicious Eggplant Rolls Filled with Goat Cheese with Fresh Tomato sauce. Yum!
• La Bottega-- This family owned Italian is serving three different kinds of meatballs and they are all absolutely delicious.  Owners and brothers,  Mario and Salvatore Marino were working their booth and personally serving Chicken meatballs in Chanterelle Mushroom cream sauce, Veal meatballs in a cream sauce and traditional Beef meatballs in Marina (red sauce.)  If you go to the Taste of Beverly Hills, be sure to try these.  On Monday nights the restaurant offers specials on their meatballs with prices under $10.00.  That is a pricing feat for Beverly Hills.  And  the food is really, really good. 
• Lawry’s - Lawry's on La Cienga is an LA institution serving fresh carved Roast Beef.  At the Taste  of Beverly Hills, Lawry's is serving their speciality carved  Roast Beef on a bun, served with  fresh creamed corn.  The serving is just as good as what they offer in the restaurant.
• Luxe-- This restaurant offered tastes of delicious Ceviche and a special Trout Pate.  Be sure to try both.  I've never stopped into the Luxe Hotel for lunch or dinner, but now I realize that I have been missing out.  I will have to stop in.  This is the restaurant within the hotel on Rodeo, and the food is really good!
• The Grill on the Alley-- The Grill was serving a show stopper dish of slow-cooked short ribs with mashed potatoes. The meat was slow cooked and fell off the bone.  So, so good.
• The Peninsula Beverly Hills, the hotel restaurant is serving a delicious trio of Salmon Blinis, Sashimi Tuna and a chilled soup.

Pictured: The Trout Pate from the Luxe Hotel.  It's really amazing. (photo: M. Hall)

Wine and Beverages:

Layer Cake-- Try their incredible Shiraz which retails for a mere $14.99 (US).  The winery's motto is one I love, "Luxury Everyone Can Afford." Layer Cake Shiraz shows you that a wine can be inexpensive and robust. Their Primitivo is also a winner.

Frank Family Wine-- Zinfandel blended with Cabernet Franc. It is so rich and flavorful. A must try.
Rosenthal Chardonnay, the Malibu Estate.  A nice, light chard perfect to start a night of tasting with.
American Tea Room--Try the unique hot Coco tea.  It's not as sweet as hot chocolate, but it's a nice ending to the evening of delicious wines.

 Pictured: The taste is luxurious but the price is not, Layer Cake wine. (photo: M. Hall)

Bottom line, if you are looking for some terrific food and wine over this Labor Day weekend, then do get a ticket to Taste of Beverly Hills. Just use a discount code from one of their social media communities to get the best price.  Over the next few days the Taste of Beverly Hills will offer  BBQ tastings, Brunch Tastings,on-site cooking and  cocktail "mixology".  Tastings are "unlimited" so go hungry.  You will want to keep tasting long after your stomach is full.  It's just that good.

Chanel Boutique Events for Fashion's Night Out

Pictured: The Chanel Boutique on Robertson in Los Angeles (photo: M. Hall)

One of my favorites, Chanel, is gearing up for Fashion's Night Out with events in their boutiques. As a Chanel lover, I wanted to let you know all about it.  Maybe I can stop in an get a new lipstick? :)
Here's the schedule.

Call your nearest boutique to schedule a personal appointment.

Discover the universe of CHANEL Fashion at chanel.com

Get Your Shop On: Fashion's Night Out Activities for Los Angeles Announced

Get ready, Fashion's Night out is gearing up for Sept. 7th through Sept. 10th. around the world.  This is the celebration of shopping dreamed up by Vogue editor Anna Wintour to offer special shopping deals right before New York Fashion Week.  Remember last year, Anna was down at Macy's Queen's shilling lipstick to promote budget fashion ? :)  This year the world wide celebration of shopping continues. In response to last year's success, retailers nationwide have joined this year's FNO, sponsored by QVC.  There will be celebrations in New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Portland and more.

Here on the left coast a full range of celebrations is planned to stimulate the Los Angeles fashion industry. "The event will showcase the creative talent -- behind the 5,000 fashion lines located here -- who are constantly inventing fresh, new ways to express the diversity and culture of our great city through their designs", says Mayor Anthony Villaraigosa. So get ready to get your shop on! On Sept. 10 from Venice's fashionable Abbott Kinney shops, to the Beverly Center, to Melrose Ave. let fashion ring with Fashion's Night Out Los Angeles!

 Last year, I celebrated at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills.  This year, I may stop in at Armani and all the other retailers on Rodeo, plus The Grove for the Blogger's Cafe with my fellow stylistas.   Here are the festivities that have been announced.

In Los Angeles:

- Giorgio Armani Los Angeles (436 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 310-271-5555 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 310-271-5555 end_of_the_skype_highlighting): Acclaimed actor Samuel L. Jackson hosts an exhibition of his favorite red carpet looks and discusses his Armani odyssey with fashion expert Steven Cojocaru. 6:30-8:30pm

- Emporio Armani Los Angeles (9533 Brighton Way, Bevelry Hills,( 310-271-7790): Star DJs Super Mash Bros. spin an explosive set of music and video mash-ups.  8:30-10:00pm

Giorgio Armani will also be supporting this project around the world by  hosting a series of events and cocktail parties in Paris, Milan, New York, Los Angeles and Asia. In a global initiative to promote retail, restore consumer confidence, and celebrate fashion, Giorgio Armani and  International editions of VOGUE are coordinating evening activities in heir respective world fashion capitals. Fashion's Night Out is a global celebration of shopping under the leadership of VOGUE, and will be taking place in sixteen different countries internationally this September. That's an amazing amount of shopping going on one night.

Cirque Du Chanel: Peter Philips, Global Creative Director of CHANEL Makeup, has created an exclusive collection of nail polish called Les Khakis de CHANEL. Visitors to the CHANEL Boutique on Rodeo Drive will have the chance to receive a manicure at a dedicated nail bar featuring limited edition shades Le Vernis Nail Colours -- Khaki Vert, Khaki Rose and Khaki Brun.

FashionTwoPointOh! Blogger's Cafe at The Grove : September 10th will see Los Angeles' newly formed coaliton of style Bloggers celebrate their first ever official Fashion's Night Out from 7pm-9pm at a central hub at The Grove. The new group, formed by Los Angeles blogger Kelsi Smith, Director of Special Programs Social Marketing at Fashion LA Inc. ,supports Los Angeles bloggers on a local level. Can you even imagine how many Tweets will emanate from The Grove of Sept.10 will FashionTwoPointOh! unites? To follow all the happens, check out FashionTwoPointOh on Twitter.

Alphabet Soup: Tod's and Ferragamo will unveil must haves for Hollywood's A-List. Salvatore Ferragamo celebrates recently named creative director, Massimiliano Giornetti's first women's collection. The centerpiece will be the launch of the highly anticipated W bag. Just down the street, Tod's launches a limited edition version of the brand's signature G-Bag in the newly re-designed Tod's Beverly Hills "home" and private VIP lounge designed by Oscar-winning set designer Dante Ferretti.

A Good Cause: Two Rodeo hosts a night of shopping and giving with live entertainment on the Via Rodeo and a luxury silent auction, benefiting lifesaving medical support for Daisy Love Merrick, www.prayfordaisy.com, a local girl heroically battling cancer. Bottega Veneta will support V-Day, a global movement to stop violence against women and girls, with 10% of the proceeds from FNO being donated.

Arts and Culture: Coach will feature whimsical, LA-based artist, Louise Chen, who will use Coach's limited edition Fashion's Night Out tote as her canvas to create completely customized and off the cuff creations. The jewelry house of Mikimoto will celebrate authentic Japanese culture with New York-based calligraphy artist, Masako Inkyo, who will demonstrate magnificent Japanese calligraphy.

The Beverly Center: The Beverly Center (BVC) mall will serve as central hub for the City's official Fashion's Night Out celebration, hosting the opening ceremony as well as multiple fashion shows and parties throughout the mall's retail stores. Grammy Award-winning singer of the Black Eyed Peas, Will.i.am will be co-hosting the official Opening Ceremony at the Beverly Center at 5pm alongside Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Vogue's Lisa Love. Fashion's Night Out at the Beverly Center is open to the public with free self parking from 4-10pm. Their major events that evening include star-studded large-scale fashion shows on the 6th floor Center Court, Bloomingdale's Men Suiting Event, and Macy's "Denim Rocks" fashion show hosted by Vogue's Senior West Coast Editor, Lisa Love.

Diamonds: Tiffany partners with Vogue and Fashion Group International for the West Coast launch of the new Tiffany Yellow Diamond collection.

To get all the details on Fashion's Night Out Los Angeles go to http://www.fno.lacity.org and click on each registered retailer's name to be directed their websites. Updates are also available at the Twitter @fnolosangeles. Now, here's the important bit about the savings and the deals. There is shopping incentive for everyone September 10 to shop. There will be limited edition sales, incentive sales, gift with purchase, celebrity appearances, DJs, gallery installations, custom fashion design opportunities, free manicures and spa services autograph sessions, giveaways, gift bags, photo booths, celebrity hosts and much more.

Note, no mater what coast you are on, you can realize shopping savings with your American Express Card. Starting August 30, American Express Card members will be able to register their cards online at http://www.americanexpress.com/entertainment to receive a $100 statement credit when they spend $500 or more at participating retailers, including Tory Burch, DVF, Intermix, Theory, Helmut Lang, and Domenico Vacca during Fashion's Night Out and get their shop at a discount.

For more information on Fashion's Night Out Events around the US, and around the world, click here. 

The Hunt is On: ChicTiq to Hold First Annual Fashion Scavenger Hunt

If you're dying to attend New York Fashion Week, but don't have the "coinage,"  then you might want to check out the contest route.   Here's a tip on a contest coming up and it involves a favorite past time , shopping.  ChicTiq, a new Website and iPhone app launched to meet the needs of the busy, deal-savvy New York City bargainista, is holding its first annual scavenger hunt at five of the city's hottest downtown boutiques. ChicTiq is a brand new, Web-based service featuring a listing of boutiques found in the various New York City neighborhoods. The service enables users to find promotions and sales going on at boutiques in their neighborhood, and shows all of the information on a convenient map. The scavenger hunt will highlight five ChicTiq member boutiques.


The event will take place on Sunday, September 5th, 2010 from 12:00p.m. to 3:00 p.m.    The winner of the scavenger hunt will win a pair of tickets to a boutique on the hunt's show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, taking place at New York City's Lincoln Center from September 9th-16th. The winner will also receive a $400 gift certificate to a ChicTiq member boutique. All participants will receive tote bags, as well as special coupons from the five participating boutiques.

The event will take place in  SoHo, New York City. Clues to the exact locations will be provided via the ChicTiq Facebook page, the @ChicTiq Twitter account, as well as the www.ChicTiq.com website.   To register for the event, please visit http://www.chictiq.com/scavenger_hunt.php.  Good luck chic ones! :)

McCormick and Schmick’s: Delicious Food + Savvy Savoring

Recently McCormicks & Schmick’s Restaurant in Beverly Hills hosted a Blogger Dinner.  Unfortunately, I missed the dinner as I was in New York attending the BlogHer conference.  However, I sent two special tasters to the event and later interviewed the Chef about what is going on at McCormick & Schmick’s. With this exquisite and tasty research, I feel I am uniquely qualified to tell you what the best values are for customers dinning there.   Here are some things that I think savvy foodies need to know.
First although these are “chain restaurants”, they selection of seafood is fresh.  You’ll find fresh selection of the day printed on the menu every day.
Second, they have specials, my  raison d'etre. I’ve long  been a fan of their Happy Hour with the cheap and cheerful burgers and appetizers.  I get the biggest kick out of asking the parking lot guys in Beverly Hills where the deals are (they have the scoop on a lot of things).  The attendants  always mention that they like the Happy Hour at McCormick& Schmick's for the food.
Finally, it’s not all about seafood. The restaurants feature steaks, salads, pastas and soups.  Vegetarians and those who don’t like seafood can still enjoy a delicious meal.
If  you fancy dinner and a movie, then you will want to check out McCormick & Schmick's  Reel to Reel promotion.  The Reel to Reel program offers guests a Three-Course weekend dinners for $29.95 add a movie ticket for only $5. Be sure to  check out all the promotions that are running right now:

Reel to Reel (until 9/30/2010)

Summer Lobster  Promotion features a variety of ways to eat Lobster.

Chef's 3-Course Weekend Menu now through the end of Summer

Lunch entrees 10 for $10

My spies tell me  that more deals are on the way.  Watch the restaurant’s Facebook group and website for details.

Now, back to the Blogger dinner and what my taster (Maggie  Read Photography)  tried.  Clearly, it was a very tough night for them.  The food received rave reviews. (Click here to see what fellow blogger Greg from SipptySup thought of the feast.)  Each dish was fresh and well seasoned. Now, don’t try this at home, because this is way more food than anyone should consume in one sitting!
Hors D'oeuvres
Dungeness Crab Salad on Ciabatta, Foie Gras Torchon with Fig Jam,  Sushi, and Sea Scallop with Blood Orange Gastrique.

Pictured: Assorted Sushi

Pictured:  Dungeness Crab Salad on Ciabatta

Tasting Courses
First: Tamai Farms Heirloom Tomato Salad
Second: Trio of Yellowtail
Third: Wild Alaskan Halibut (my personal favorite when I dine at the restaurants.  The Halibut is always so fresh! )
Fourth: Wild Alaskan Salmon
Fifth: Roasted Kurobuta Pork Belly
Sixth: Grilled Wagyu Ribeye Cap
Grand Finale/Dessert: Yuzu Cheesecake with a macadamia nut crust.  This looks amazing as you can see from the photo below, accented with Strawberry Coulis. Yum!

Following the dinner, Regional Chef  Rene Van Brockhuizen answered these questions for me.

Pictured: The  Chef  hard at work.

What is on the regularly found on the Beverly Hills McCormick and Schmick’s menu?
"Halibut, Yellowtail, Hamachi and are all fresh today.  With changing seasons come changing selections of fresh fish"
What food is not on the regular menu?
"Everything being served at the Blogger dinner is on the regular menu either as an appetizer, a main course, or  dessert"
What do you think is the best fresh fish for the price? 
"Anything that is local is the best for each different location.  In BH the local yellowtail is wild, not farm raised and very good".
What specials do you have? 
We have a Happy Hour offered during regular hours that offers very good portions of some of our customers favorite foods at reduced prices"

Bottom  line, McCormick and Schmick’s  has a great menu, with a wide variety  of  food choices.  You can dine in a very upscale way and order of the menu, or you an choose a bargain, and check out one of their current promotions or prix fixe menus.

Of course, the Beverly Hills store offers an additional benefit: the large outdoor patio/terrace on Via Rodeo.  I’ve spent many happy hours there sipping wine on that patio.   If you are someone who loves to shop, even if it’s just window shopping, you’ll want to check out the McCormick and Schmick’s in Beverly Hills for outdoor dinning, drinks and shopping breaks. After all, Fashion's Night Out is coming to Rodeo on Sept. 10th.  McCormick and Schmick’s will be a great place to relax between all the store hopping.

Pictured: Leave a comment to win this cookbook. (photo: Mccormick & Scmick’s)

Bloggers attending the dinner received two cook books, a $10.00 gift certificate and movie passes  from  McCormick and Schmick’s. I am giving away a copy to my readers of one of the books: McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood Cookbook.  Leave a comment here telling us what you think the best deal is at McCormick and Schmick’s by Sept. 5 to win.  Be sure to leave your email like this:  foodie at yahoo dot com  in your comment so we can get in touch to mail you the book!