It's Not Too Early To Consider V-Day Gifts!

LA based artist and designer – Elyse Graham –  prides herself on her original and experimental art. Her Kiss Necklaces ($75) and Kiss Rings ($80) from her Elephant Heart Supernatural Collection would make fun and fashionable Valentine's Day gifts. www.elephantheart.com.

V-Day Shoes

Be well shod this Valentines Day with a pair of particularly pretty red shoes. You won't need to click your heels together three times to get your heart's desire, and you'll look quite fetching. Whether you want to stand tall or small, here are some heels and some flats for you to peruse. All shoes available on Zappos.

Bloch Fontyn $100 (BeansTalk can vouch that these are fantastically comfortable and elegant).

Marc by Marc Jacobs, regularly $195, now $165

Marc Jacobs, regularly $390, now $198

Giuseppe Zannotti Design, regularly $450, now $218

Salvatore Ferragamo $395 

Bottega Venetta $590

Kensie, regularly $59, not $48

Aldo, $90, now $73

Badgley Mischka, regularly $225, now $119

Boutique 9, $140

Ted Baker London, regularly $320, now $225

Vivienne Westwood $515, now $293

Stuart Weitzman $298

Elisabeth and James Sly $325

Diane Von Furstenberg $325

Swarovski’s 

Spring/Summer 2012 

Preview, Prom Style

Flores above, sampling sunglasses
and donning a gifted (unseen) prom wrist corsage.

By Griselda Flores

BeansTalk Contributor

At a recent 1960’s-styled prom-themed event held at the Beverly Hills Hotel’s Bar 1912, Swarovski gave a preview of their Spring/Summer 2012 Fashion Jewelry, Atelier, and Paris Couture collection. The jewelry was displayed on mannequins wearing vintage dresses provided by Decades.

“It’s a very natural partnership because I love anything crystal and blingy, this was like a match made in heaven presenting 60’s-inspired dresses and matching it up with current collection of Swarovski crystals,” says Cameron Silver, owner of  Decades, the titular Los Angeles shop.

From Swarovski's Spring/Summer 2012 Collection

Designer Silver reimagines vintage pieces and turns clothing and accessories into a mash-up of modern vintage haute couture.

From Swarovski's Spring/Summer 2012 Collection

Silver, who has been credited with introducing the vintage revival to the Hollywood red carpet, wore Swarovski crystals to the event.

From Swarovski's Spring/Summer 2012 Collection

The event was inspired by the oh-so-very American tradition “prom” (a formal dance marking the year or more culmination of high school).

Swarovski elements seen at Alexandre Vauthier

One piece that caught everyone’s attention was a large-scale necklace that reaches to the wearer’s shoulders. Actress Jennifer Tilly and fashion designer Amber Sakai told BeansTalk they are eager to buy the piece when it goes on sale. “I just hope we don’t wear it to the same event because that would be very embarrassing,” Tilly says.

From Swarovski's Spring/Summer 2012 Collection

Other celebs at the event included: epitome-of-vintage inspiration Dita Von Teese (glamorous in a long black dress),  actress Michelle Pfeiffer and singer Estelle, who celebrated her birthday that night. 

From Swarovski's Spring/Summer 2012 Collection

From Swarovski's Spring/Summer 2012 Collection

Actress Elizabeth Olsen was been spotted all over the Sundance Film Festival in Stuart Weitzman's black calf 50/50 boots, choosing the over-the-knee boots in black. She was seen wearing them:

22 January 2012 at Sheets Energy Presents BCDF Sundance Cocktail Party (Getty Images)

21 January 2012 around the village, out and about (Film Magic)

20 January 2012 at the premiere of "Red Lights" (Getty Images)

Stuart Weitzman's very popular 50/50 over-the-knee boot

Celebs Turn Out for Viewing Party 

Paige Management Group Held a Football Viewing Party at Sundance, sponsored by Mario Lopez's  new line of undergarments called Rated M,  which benefitted Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.  

"True Blood's" Ryan Kwanten getting gifted with LYON Fine Jewelry's Equality Bracelet at the Paige Management Group Football Viewing Party benefitting Children's Miracle Network Hospitals sponsored by Rated M

Tinsley Mortimer and Brian Mazza

"True Blood's" Ryan Kwanten was overheard telling LYON Fine Jewelry CEO Lauren Russell that he admires her tenacity in the fight for Equality at the Paige Management Group Football Viewing Party benefitting Children's Miracle Network Hospitals sponsored by Rated M

Ryan Kwanten and Anthony Mackie watching the Patriots beat the Ravens with Miracle Child Hunter Neils and friends at the Paige Management Group Football Viewing Party benefitting Children's Miracle Network Hospitals sponsored by Rated M

Zoe Levy from "Parenthood" and her friends taking fun pics in the Rated M photo booth.

Nico Zanatta and Danny Glover Toast 

Hollywood stars Ryan Kwanten, Danny Glover, Anthony Mackie, Tinsley Mortimer, Ty Burrell, Zoe Levy and Sarah Ramos cheering on 7 year old miracle child Gabe Rhemer as he told guests at the Paige Management Group Football Viewing Party sponsored by Rated M how Children's Miracle Network Hospitals helped save his life.  

Mike Naselli, Matthew Sendell, Danny Glover & Brian Mazza

Matthew Shendall and "Modern Family's" Ty Burrell

Danny Glover being gifted with LYON Fine Jewelry's Equality Bracelet by the CEO Lauren Russell.

All of the photos attached are courtesy of Anna Webber from Wire Image with the exception of the shot of Lauren Russell of LYON Fine Jewelry with Ryan Kwanten which appears courtesy of her. 

Chakra's Quarter Century of Fashion


Georges Chakra showcased his Couture Spring Summer 2012 collection at Biel, Beirut:  a journey back to the roots to mark the celebration of his 25 years in fashion.

A collection of 40 dresses were displayed at the entrance of the Pavilion. Each of the dresses signified a sentimental connotation to Chakra: some were made of unique fabrics, others had been displayed in museums around the world and other dresses were worn on the red carpet.

The night commenced with a retrospective movie of Chakra's 25-year fashion journey. A fashion show featuring the Spring Summer 2012 Couture collection followed.

Chakra's inspiration for 2012 were Monet's paintings and this season's runway were dresses demonstrated the spirit of impressionism and romanticism, coupled with constructed tulle flowers. The structural cuts and architectural forms, the fashion house’s signature look, were key elements. The color palette varied in light pastel hues – powder pink, beau blue, tea green, sunflower yellow… and a burst of cotton white.

Chakra gave a speech, thanked his team of 100, noting employees who have worked for him throughout his quarter-century career. A silver platter was presented to Chakra, and the event concluded with a cocktail party.

www.georgeschakra.com

Golden Globe Treats
DPA's GG Suites

by Amanda Bellafiore
BeansTalk Contributor

Rodeo Drive was busier than usual this past “awards weekend” as tourists took to the street – eyes peeled – for celebrities rushing into last minute appointments and fittings before their Golden debut. But little did they know below, that all they had to do was look up to see the stars perched atop the penthouse of The Luxe Hotel, soaking up a spectacular, one-of-a-kind, pre-awards gift lounge.

Nathalie DuBois and "Modern Family's" Rico Rodriguez

After six major suites in the past year, Nathalie Dubois-Sissoko and DPA were back at it, pampering the nominees and presenters for this years Golden Globes. From Jan. 12-14, 2012, the stars brought home the newest brands and items from all over the world.

Nathalie DuBois & "The Office's" Oscar Nunez

Transforming one of the suites into a fashion studio, unique designers from around the globe were on hand to showcase their specialties. From embroidered Brazilian dresses to high fashion from London and luxury Lebanese jewelry fit for a princess, all of the red carpet necessities were there for the taking. Norwegian designer Cecilie Melli, known for her simplicity and fine detail, created a buzz for her brand after dressing Christina Simpkins (actress, producer and girlfriend of Jim Burke, producer of ‘The Descendants’) for both the Critics Choice Awards and the Golden Globes.

Twilight Saga's BooBoo Stewart

Actress CCH Pounder

Armie Hammer, Elizabeth Chambers and Nathalie DuBois

Natasha Henstridge

Picked up by several stars, The Golden Halo headband by Mona Lisa was well received by Kevin Dillon (‘Entourage’), who requested pieces for his daughters. Worn by Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and Jennifer Aniston, Golden Halo headbands are bendable and stackable semi precious metals that can be worn in a layered fashion to create a shimmering “halo” like glow in your hair. “By the end of the weekend I was pleased to see that I now have a couture, must have hair accessory,” said Mona Lisa on her experience.

Kevin Dillon

Separated by cupcakes and teas, the second suite of the rooftop was recreated into a spa and housed the best of beauty treatments. Discovered in Vogue by Dubois herself, guests were introduced to The It Kit by vbeaute, a new customizable skin care system. Also available were spa products from Kerstin Florian and Manuka Doctor.

Joe Mantegna

But it wasn’t the massages or pedicures, not even the trips to French Polynesia that was the most talked about – it was the brain exercising. Edgeneurofitness, a brainwave monitoring program designed to improve your attention and relieve emotional distress by simply putting on a pair of light up sunglasses, left guests excited to use their gift certificates for a future complimentary session.

As the penthouse filled and the gift bags were collected, the three-day lounge also brought awareness to charities supported by Dubois: Husky Haven of LA, African Millennium Foundation and Southern Thoroughbred California rescue.

Elisabeth McGovern

Many celebrities were in attendance, including Sarah Drew (‘Grey’s Anatomy’), Titus Makin Jr. (‘Glee’), Elisabeth McGovern ('Downton Abbey') and Berenice Benjo, Missie Pyle, Adria Tennor and Ed Lautner (‘The Artist’).