Eva Mendes models an outfit from the Eva Mendes Collection. (Photo courtesy of New York & Company)
Specialty retailer New York & Company has announced that the Eva Mendes Collection will be expanded to over 50 shop-in-shops and 19 Eva Mendes boutiques, in addition to a very strong online business. In addition, six New York & Company stores will be opening in the upcoming months, all offering an extended assortment of Mendes’ eponymous collection. Mendes is an actress who is best known for her roles in the movies “Hitch,” “Training Day” and “The Place Beyond the Pines.” She and her partner, Ryan Gosling, have two daughters together: Esmeralda Amada (born September 12, 2014) and Amada Lee (born April 29, 2016).
One of the newest New York & Company locations is centered in one of Miami’s most iconic shopping centers, Dadeland Mall. The store opens on March 16, 2017, and will host Mendes and some of Miami’s most loyal customers at the grand opening tonight.
In a statement, Mendes commented, “It is such a thrill to open more stores, especially in the Miami area. I was born in Miami, so this city has always been dear to me.”
The new stores added to the New York & Company retail network are all stores in high-traffic shopping centers, including Dadeland Mall and Miami International Mall in the Miami-Metro area and Fashion Centre at Pentagon City in Arlington, VA. New York & Company reports high e-commerce activity in these areas and is opening these additional brick and mortar locations to enable customers to fully experience the brand.
Apparel from the Eva Mendes Collection ranges from $46.95 to $129.95 (U.S. dollars). The collection launches on March 16, 2017, in all New York & Company stores nationwide and online at nyandcompany.com.
Eva Mendes models an outfit from the Eva Mendes Collection. (Photo courtesy of New York & Company)
Eva Mendes models an outfit from the Eva Mendes Collection. (Photo courtesy of New York & Company)
Eva Mendes models an outfit from the Eva Mendes Collection. (Photo courtesy of New York & Company)
Eva Mendes models an outfit from the Eva Mendes Collection. (Photo courtesy of New York & Company)
Supermodel/producer/entrepreneur Tyra Banks has been named the new host of the talent contest “America’s Got Talent.” In addition, Banks is returning as host of “America’s Top Model,” the reality show modeling contest that she launched in 2003. Season 12 of “AGT” (which airs in the U.S. on NBC) begins filming in March 2017, while Cycle 24 of “ANTM” (which airs in the U.S. on VH1) begins filming in the summer of 2017.
Banks was a host and a judge on “ANTM” from 2003 to 2015, when it was cancelled by The CW. She remained an executive producer of the show when it was revived in 2016 on VH1 with host Rita Ora and judges Ashley Graham, Drew Elliott and Law Roach. Although Banks did not host “ANTM” that season, she made guest appearances on the show. The judges for Cycle 24 of “ANTM” are to be announced.
Banks commented about returning to host “ANTM” in a statement: “I’m overwhelmed and humbled by the intensity of the ‘ANTM’ fan base whose deep affection for the show led me to have a change of heart. After giving it a lot of thought, I realized that remaining behind the camera wasn’t enough because ‘ANTM’ is woven into my DNA.”
In a separate statement, Banks commented on her “AGT” hosting gig: “Since I was a little girl, I’ve been obsessed with grandiose acts and performers who make the seemingly impossible possible. I love how ‘AGT’ brings that feeling into everyone’s home, capturing the best of people who come out and give it their all to make those big, fierce and outrageous dreams come true. I look forward to connecting with the dreamers, having fun and giving hugs and words of encouragement when needed. And maybe I’ll get one or two performers to smize for the audience!”
Cannon said in his Facebook announcement: “There is no amount of money worth my dignity or my integrity. I have loved hosting ‘America’s Got Talent’ for the last 8 seasons, watching talented, brave, and courageous Americans accomplish their dreams in front of millions has been nothing but a joy, and everyone has been a pleasure to work with but my soul won’t allow me to be in business with corporations that attempt to frown on freedom of speech, censor artists, and question cultural choices.
“Not to get too detailed but this isn’t the first time executives have attempted to ‘put me in my place’ for so called unruly actions. I will not stand for it. My moral principles will easily walk away from the millions of dollars they hang over my head. It’s never been about the money for me, what is difficult to walk away from is the fans, the people who love me on the show.”
In early March 2017, Marlon Wayans confirmed reports that he was being considered as a replacement for Cannon, but Wayans (who is known for his profanity-laced, adult humor) told the media that he didn’t think he would be right for the job, since “America’s Got Talent” is a family viewing show. Tone Bell and Mychal Smith were also named in media reports as being possible candidates to host “AGT.”
On March 14, 2017, Banks posted a photo on her Twitter account of a bouquet of flowers with the accompanying note: “Tyra, congratulations and good luck on AGT! Love, Nick C.” Banks posted her reaction to the kind gesture by saying it “made me smile.”
Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Mel B and Howie Mandel have returned as judges on “AGT.” Cowell (who is also an executive producer of the show) has signed on to be a judge on “AGT” through 2019.
Audio Creatures, Lighting the Sails artist impression by Ash Bolland, one of the installations at Vivid Sydney 2017
The annual art, light and music festival Vivid Sydney has announced big changes for its 2017 edition, including a new precinct at Barangaroo, an expanded light walk through the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, and imaginary creatures that will transform the Sails of the Sydney Opera House. Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. This year’s festival will take place from May 26 to June 17.
The following is an excerpt from a Vivid Sydney press release:
Vivid Light
For the first time, Vivid Sydney’s vibrant kaleidoscope will stream into a new precinct at Barangaroo, with a trail of installations winding through intimate laneways, past waterfront vistas and into a foodie paradise. Visitors will be immersed in A Day in the Light, an outdoor theatre of light and sound that lets them become part of the artwork, and treated to optical illusions at Trapdoor, which tells the stories of Barangaroo’s past.
Birds of Lumos artist impression by Amigo and Amigo, one of the installations at Vivid Sydney 2017
The festival’s bright lights will return to the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney with an expanded trail that will take visitors through the heart of the beautiful harbourside oasis. Here, Birds of Lumos, inspired by the rare Rowi species of the New Zealand kiwi, will come to life as they glow and pulse with color. The nostalgic Dipping Birds, giant 2.5 metre illuminated sculptures, will change color as they dip back and forth into a pond, and quirky installation “You lookin’ at me? “will turn heads as big glaring eyes follow passers-by. A pop-up landmark celebrating our Harbour City, Sydneyland, will provide a beautiful and iconic photo backdrop for visitors and locals.
At the heart of the Vivid Sydney light walk, the Sails of the World-Heritage listed Sydney Opera House will be bought to life by a series of imaginary creatures curated and designed by acclaimed cinematographer, editor, and graphic designer Ash Bolland. Audio Creatures will show creatures interacting with the environment, morphing and moving between each other across the iconic Sails.
Organic Vibrations artist impression of the Museum of Contemporary Art by Julia Gorman and Danny Rose, one of the installations at Vivid Sydney 2017
The City’s icons will once again be transformed, including the facade of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia with Organic Vibrations, a collaboration between Australian artist Julia Gorman and the Paris-based creative and artistic collective, Danny Rose. Interactive lighting display Dreamscape will let visitors put their own colourful mark on the city’s skyline from Circular Quay along the Cahill Expressway to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Popular precincts Chatswood, Taronga Zoo, Martin Place and Darling Harbour will return in 2017. The buildings, shopping malls, streets and laneways of Chatswood CBD will be reinvented as a retro-futuristic smart city called Future City, Smart City with ingenious installations and light sculptures inspired by the ‘Steampunk’ design aesthetic of 19th century steam-powered machinery.
Lights for the Wild at Taronga Zoo, will return featuring giant animal light sculptures that wowed visitors when they made their debut last year. A few new characters and surprises will join the 2016 favorites, including a swarm of buzzing bees, and a giant interactive Port Jackson shark.
Urban Tree 2.0, artist impression by Ample Projects, one of the installations at Vivid Sydney 2017
Martin Place will be home to Sydney’s most popular food and beverage purveyors, alongside grand, interactive light installations. Highlights include a new version of the multi-award winning 3D mapped projection Urban Tree 2.0, and Deep Forest, an urban jungle for feasting featuring an open flame fire-pit with barbeque treats from Porteno and some of NSW’s best fire chefs.
Twenty-eight tonnes of water will be thrown into the air every minute, whilst lasers, flame jets, music and fireworks combine in a celebration of the power of creativity and innovation at Darling Harbour. Magicians of the Mist water theatre will be a spectacular display of technology and art defining the digital era.
Vivid Music
The beat of the Vivid Music program is stronger than ever with over 250 events in this year’s line-up. Highlights include an Australian exclusive performance by electronic pop duo Goldfrapp and the return of Curve Ball —a large-scale live music and art event created by Fuzzy Music, both at Carriageworks.
Popular Vivid Music events return including Heaps Gay, Soul of Sydney, Purple Sneakers and The Argyle’s TokyoDisco.
Vivid LIVE at the Sydney Opera House will deliver an eclectic suite of not-to-be-missed performances from influential American folk-rock band Fleet Foxes, French electronic superheroes AIR, British singer and songwriter Laura Marling, and producer and bonafide hit-maker, Australia’sNick Murphy.
City Recital Hall breaks from its classical roots with an incredible program—Metamorphosis—serving up everything from jazz and dance anthems, to multisensory masterpieces. Sydney based indie rock band Dappled Cities will launch their new album “IIIII” (pronounced “five”), Grammy award-winning jazz singer Dianne Reeves will take to the stage in a special one-off performance, and Paul Mac will host a Sound Bubble Sound Party.
Cake Wines Cellar Door (Photo courtesy of Vivid Sydney)
In a Vivid Music first, Vivid Sydney has partnered with the City of Sydney to deliver a program across a multitude of city venues. Showcasing grassroots and emerging local music talent, highlights will include a new rooftop festival from Cake Wines, Pie in the Sky, and a showcase of Women in Electronic Music at Oxford Art Factory.
Kings Cross returns with an exciting line-up of performance music, art, Avant Cabaret and cutting-edge, independent and immersive theatre with a bohemian flavor, part of the Vivid KX program.
Vivid Ideas
The Vivid Ideas program will continue to challenge and inspire with more than 200 events exploring the changing face of the creative industries. Iconic American artist Shepard Fairey, who blurs the boundaries of art and design, headlines the Vivid Ideas line-up. His body of work includes his Barack Obama HOPE campaign, the OBEY GIANT art project, and this year’s ubiquitous ‘We The People’ initiative.
In a Vivid Sydney exclusive, Fairey will share his do-it-yourself approach, career highlights and how he managed to turn his creativity into an authentic voice about street culture. He will also create a large scale public mural live on a wall in Sydney’s CBD, and some of his most famous works to date will be part of a pop-up exhibition at the Darling Quarter.
Shepard Fairey (Photo by Johnathan Furlong)
Throughout the city, a series of conferences will connect start-ups, emerging talent, practitioners and entrepreneurs with world-class creators and thought-leaders. Highlights include The Sunrise, which connects start-ups with successful founders; Semi Permanent, returning with a series of interactive, immersive experiences featuring leaders from Getty Images, NIKE, Google and more; and family-favorite, Robowars, where some of the country’s best engineers and robotic experts put their self-built robots to battle.
The Vivid Ideas Exchange at the Museum of Contemporary Art also boasts a diverse line-up of talks presented by Creative Practitioners covering topics from fashion to placemaking, storytelling, ageism, marketing pitching, health, innovation, big data and mixed reality.
Vivid Sydney Sponsors
Vivid Sydney thanks its sponsors for their support of the festival in 2017 including Partners Huawei, Ford and American Express, and Supporters: Allianz, Canon, City of Sydney, NSW Department of Industry, Google, Oracle Liquid, Property NSW, Sensis, Sydney Airport, Sydney Opera House, TAFE NSW, Technical Direction Company and 32 Hundred Lighting. Vivid Sydney’s Access and Inclusion partner is Cushman and Wakefield and the festival continues its sustainability partnership with the Banksia Foundation.
Noted fashion designer Manfred Thierry Mugler and architect editor Jean-Paul Cassia and have teamed up to create a real-estate design signature partnership called Mugler Hotels, Resorts & Residences.
According to a press release, the partnership will harness Mugler’s talent and stellar experience as a French director, fashion designer, photographer, perfume creator and stage and costume designer in the form of signature designs that add exceptional value to real estate developers, guests, residents and investors alike. In all Mugler Hotels, Resorts & Residences, people will also have access to music, entertainment and socio-cultural venues that are inspired by Mugler’s unique experience in the show business industry.
In a statement, Mugler commented: ““When one has found a method of self-expression, one evolves with it! I used fashion to express myself as much as I could. But at some point, it was not enough. Designing hotels, residential and entertainment projects is a natural extension of my interests. I am delighted to be working with Jean-Paul and am impressed with his work and his approach to design. We intend to create projects that express unique stories, add value to Developers and above all, inspire and elevate the human spirit.”
Cassier added, “I am delighted to be working with Manfred. His stellar experience and visionary approach to design fully complements what I have searched for in my work: that ability to tell a great story which resonates with our times and that creates projects of real distinction, meaningful experiences and value. Working with exceptional designers from around the world who share that “total work of art” approach enhances and infuses the architecture and projects we create with a spark that only branded design work can create. Being able to convert Manfred’s inimitable approach to design into sustainable and timeless contemporary works of architecture and interior design will be an absolute pleasure.”
Lancôme is collaborating with fashion designer Olympia Le-Tan for what Lancôme describes in a press release as a “sexy, vintage and glamorous make-up collection. This limited edition marks the latest chapter inner feisty vision of women.” The collection will be available for sale in August 2017.
In a statement, Lancôme International general manager Françoise Lehmann, General Manager commented, “Olympia Le-Tan designs combine poetry and joie de vivre. A bridge between different eras, they reflect the spirit of our time, celebrating the free and personal beauty of each woman—a take on happiness shared by Lancôme.”
Emily Ratajkowski stars in DKNY’s Spring/Summer 2017 intimates, hosiery and sleepwear campaign. (Photo courtesy of DKNY)
DKNY and model/actress Emily Ratajkowski have teamed up for DKNY’s Spring/Summer 2017 Intimates, Hosiery and Sleepwear Campaign, which was unveiled on March 13, 2017. A short promotional film titled “Good Morning, New York) for the campaign shows Ratajkowski waking up in a bed in a New York City apartment, dressing in DKNY lingerie, and walking her dog outside wearing the lingerie, while surprised onlookers gawk at her.
The campaign and film were shot by fashion photographer Sebastian Faena on location in DKNY’s native New York. The fashion film and campaign imagery, styled by Clare Richardson, will live online at DKNY.com and in iconic New York locations including The High Line, Times Square and in New York subway stations. There will also be a comprehensive digital media plan across several fashion and lifestyle websites to support the launch.
In the campaign, Ratajkowski wears the black unlined demi bra and matching cheeky boyshort from the new classic lace collection. Additional styles worn throughout the campaign include her favorite sheer lace bralette and cheeky garter. The litewear collection appears as she lounges in bed wearing the ultra-smooth wirefree bralette and low rise bikini and with the mesh litewear bodysuit paired with the new fishnet thigh high in nude.
The DKNY intimates, hosiery and sleepwear spring 2017 collections, priced at $12 to $62 (U.S. dollars), are available at DKNY, Nordstrom, Lord + Taylor and Macy’s, both in stores and online, as well as select international retailers.
Teyana Taylor in Reebok’s “Free Your Style” campaign for Classic Freestyle Hi shoes (Photo courtesy of Reebok)
Continuing to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the iconic Freestyle sneaker this year, Reebok Classic and actress/dancer/hip-hop artist Teyana Taylor have released the second installation of the “Free Your Style” campaign for the Freestyle “Color Bomb” Pack launching on March 13, 2017. Taylor, who rose to fame in 2016 as the star of the Kanye West video “Fade,” was named as the spokesmodel for the Reebok Classic Freestyle Hi line in 2016.
According to a Reebok press release, the Freestyle was originally designed as the first athletic sneaker for women in 1982, during the era’s aerobics craze, and the high-top style has continued to be a part of women’s wardrobes in various iterations and colorways throughout the years.
The newest additions to the Freestyle family for the “Color Bomb” pack come in super0saturated colors, including Mineral Mist and Pink Craze, paying homage to the loud colors of the ’80s from which the styles were born.
Reebok and Taylot took inspiration from the style in a triptych of campaign imagery featuring Teyana in an all pink background with poses that refer back to late ’80s/early ’90s hip hop. The Reebok Classic Freestyle “Color Bomb” Pack retails for $75 and is available at Reebok.com and additional retailers.
Teyana Taylor in Reebok’s “Free Your Style” campaign for Classic Freestyle Hi shoes. (Photo courtesy of Reebok)
Teyana Taylor in Reebok’s “Free Your Style” campaign for Classic Freestyle Hi shoes..(Photo courtesy of Reebok)
Reebok Classic Freestyle Hi Mineral Mist (Photo courtesy of Reebok)
Reebok Classic Freestyle Hi Pink Craze and Mineral Mist (Photo courtesy of Reebok)
Reebok Classic Freestyle Hi Pink Craze (Photo courtesy of Reebok)
Iris Apfel in Hunter Douglas’ ad campaign for PowerView Motorization technology. (Photo courtesy of Hunter Douglas)
Hunter Douglas, whose specialty is custom window treatments, has launched multimedia marketing campaign starring style icon Iris Apfel and the Hunter Douglas PowerView intelligent shade system.
According to a Hunter Douglas press release, Hunter Douglas partnered with its creative agency, Roberts & Langer, to develop the breakthrough ad creative that communicates the ways PowerView can simplify and enhance everyday living. Acclaimed director Daniela Federici shot the ad on-location in New York with the concept of following Apfel throughout her day—greeting the morning, designing in the afternoon, and enjoying some well-deserved down time—and illustrating how scheduled PowerView Scenes automatically provide Apfel with the room lighting effects, privacy and overall room ambiance she loves.
The Hunter Douglas PowerView motorization system is an intelligent wireless operating system that allows users to program their shades to automatically adjust throughout the day. Consumers start by creating what are called Scenes—different combinations of shade positions in one room or throughout the house, chosen by the user to achieve their sense of perfect room lighting, window privacy and energy-efficiency. PowerView’s advanced scheduling feature can then automatically move the shades to the pre-set Scene positions, according to fixed times chosen by the user or based upon the ever-changing sunrise and sunset times calculated by PowerView based on the home’s location. The system is designed to take full advantage of the transformative power of light, how light changes within the home, and how the shades can be scheduled to automatically create the perfect ambiance throughout the day.
Essie Spring 2017 Collection (Photo courtesy of Essie)
Essie, a leader in luxury nail polish, introduces six new spring nail colors. Inspired by sun-filled beach days and spectacular sunsets of Baja, California.
On the Roadie – vibrant kelly green
Excuse Me, Sur – sun-kissed coral mango
Backseat Besties – delicate pink plumeria
B’aha Moment – enlightening pink pomegrant
Designated DJ – plum sangria crème
All the Wave – sapphired indigo
Essie’s new spring nail colors retail at $9 (U.S. dollars) per bottle and will be available starting March 2017 at http://essie.com, fine salons and beauty destinations nationwide. To find more Essie bright nails and nail art inspiration, click here.
DSW in Hyannis, Massachusetts. (Photo courtesy DSW)
DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse) has teamed up with TREND: BAR to give customers the opportunity to add embellishments to their footwear and accessories at select DSW locations. According to a press release, Los Angeles-based TREND: BAR, founded by sisters Lindsey and Kayla Swartz, produces luxe fabric stickers, appliques, charms, shoelaces, patches and creative add-ons that customers can use to personalize their footwear and accessories.
To celebrate the launch of this partnership, DSW will be hosting special events on March 12, 2017, with TREND:BAR helping customers discover the perfect add-on for their new shoes, plus music, snacks, and more. More information can be found at DSW’s official website.
