Rodial Glamtox Sticks Offer Alternative to Botox

Rodial's Glamtox Sticks aim to boost collagen and elastin from within.

Botox is a hot topic these days — recently, Julia Roberts revealed why she doesn’t follow the Hollywood trend and Teri Hatcher posted photos of her furrowed brow on her Facebook page to prove she’s not a user. However, other stars, such as Virginia Madsen, make a strong case for Botox injections. But we’re just not ready to have toxins shot into our face with a needle. So we decided to try Rodial’s new Glamtox Sticks ($60) — nicknamed “Botox in a bottle” — and used by the likes of Victoria Beckham and Sienna Miller.

Each box contains 14 sticks of powder to be mixed with 200 milliliters (a little less than 1 cup) of water — enough for two weeks at one per day, though up to two can be consumed for faster results. The sticks contain collagen-boosting peptides and extracts to plump skin from within, encourage radiance and hopefully reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. According to clinical research by Rodial, wrinkle depth and appearance is reduced by 30 percent in 12 weeks.

We mixed up a glass of the stuff, which looks like Kool-Aid but smells much stronger. (The mix can get a little globby, so we recommend putting the powder in the glass first and using tepid water.) We did instantly feel younger when, in an effort to avoid the thick glob, we drank it as quickly as possible, taking us back to age 19 or 20 when we’d occasionally chug illicit alcohol at a dance club.

After only two weeks, we did notice our skin felt a little more hydrated and appeared more radiant, but we didn’t see much difference in our fine lines. But during the course of imbibing Glamtox, two strangers told us we were beautiful. (One was a man who said he’d been drinking quite a bit — so it’s unclear whether his compliment was based on what he had been drinking or the collagen we’d been swilling.)

Glamtox Sticks are available at select Nordstrom locations, Rodial’s site and Amazon.com. For more on “beauty beverages,” see “Drink to Your Skin’s Health” in the Jan/Feb issue of VIVmag. Would you try a collagen drink before injections?

The Exercise Files With Annabeth Gish and Trainer Ashley Borden

As featured in the September/October 2010 issue of VIVmag, actor Annabeth Gish (FlashForward) and trainer Ashley Borden are “soul sisters” in the gym and have been training together for 12 years at The Fitness Factory in West Hollywood, CA. Music plays a key role in their workouts.

“When Annabeth and I train in a private room, I like to play loud music with a good beat, as it adds intensity and drive to our workout. If she is doing something with rhythm in her fitness training it’s also great to add the element of music as a guide to this movement. Music is a great energizer and motivator. I think people really like to hear familiar and popular music while training, so I keep an evolving playlist with current songs,” Borden explains.

Check out the full story in the September/October issue, available Sept. 1!

Marketing with cultural sensitivity, Sponsoring bloggers, Social CEOs, Ebay’s fashion push, Corrine Day’s legacy

Dior's Shanghai Dreamers | Source: antbazaar

Chinese people as identical Maoist robots? (Guardian)

“If fantasy is part of the appeal of fashion, then wouldn’t it be worthwhile for Dior, Chanel, and other couture houses to figure out how Chinese people fantasise and see themselves?”

Marketing’s New Rage: Brands Sponsoring Influential Bloggers (WWD)

“Forget about just display ads. Increasingly, the future of advertising online seems to be through sponsorships, contests, giveaways, product placement, widgets and games — often with bloggers.”

How CEOs Will Use Social Media in the Future (Mashable)

“Today’s CEO is not social… Very few of the CEOs at top companies in the U.S. and the rest of the world have any material presence on the popular social media sites… all signs are pointing to a future filed with CEOs who can speak the language of the people — social media.”

Ebay redoubles marketing efforts for fashion offering (Marketing)

“Since eBay launched its Fashion Outlet site in April, it has had 30 fashion retail brands, including Superdry, Karen Millen, Ted Baker and Office, join to sell their products through it.”

How the late Corinne Day changed my life (Telegraph)

“Her style of photography, and that British Vogue shoot in particular, kicked off the whole grunge movement in the ‘90s in a blaze of controversy. No discernible make-up, natural light, girls with flaws.. Her work was so unmistakably British and effortlessly cool.”

Andrew Mukamal Will Style Kimberly Taylor’s SS2011 Presentation

Everyone’s favorite Rick-Owens-clad fashion assistant, Andrew Mukamal, has got himself a fashion week styling gig. The Kell on Earth scene stealer will style Kimberly Taylor’s Spring/Summer 2011 Presentation at the Plaza on Wednesday, September 8th.

It’s a partnership that makes sense. Both Taylor and Mukamal are young, social media savvy up-and-comers in the industry, and Mukamal’s name should bring (even more) attention to Taylor’s line. No word yet on whether Bravo has decided to give season two of Kell on Earth the green light (we’re hoping they do), so if Mukamal’s stint as fashion reality tv’s darling is over, it makes sense that he’s focusing on his styling/consulting career.

Can’t wait to see how Mukamal infuses his “neo-nineties” aesthetic into Taylor’s collection. Flannels over Taylor’s black silk mini-dresses?

Jones Apparel Group Nabs Brian Atwood

Buzzy shoe designer and Rachel Zoe-favorite Brian Atwood recently resigned from his post as creative director at Bally, so it’s no surprise that he’s getting into something else.

Jones Apparel Group has inked a deal with the designer to launch a contemporary footwear and accessories collection. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

In the past few years, Jones has attempted to revive its fuddy-duddy image through partnerships with the likes of Stuart Weitzman and Rachel Roy.

The line, tentatively named B Brian Atwood, will feature shoes priced between $200 and $400, as well as boots around $600.

This gives those of us who can’t afford $720 for a pair of patent leather platform heels some hope. This initial contract is for five years.

Fashion News Roundup: Georgina Chapman Has a Girl, Lohan Covers Vanity Fair, and Julianne Moore’s Bulgari Ads Banned in Venice

India Pearl Chapman Arrives: It’s a girl for 34-year-old Marchesa designer Georgina Chapman and husband Harvey Weinstein. Her name is India Pearl Chapman and she’s Chapman’s first child (Weinstein has three girls from a previous marriage). The NY Post cites one anonymous “pal” as saying, “”Let’s all hope she looks like Georgina.” Thanks for saying what we were all thinking, “pal.” {NY Post}

Lohan’s First Post-Prison Cover: Lindsay Lohan graces the cover of Vanity Fair, giving the mag her first in depth post-jail interview. The shoot was Grace Kelley-inspired, and we’ve got to give it to Lilo, she looks the part. {Vanity Fair}

Lion Cubs and Handbags Are Inappropriate Cover-Ups in Venice: Julianne Moore’s campaign for Bulgari, in which the actress reclines naked covered only by lion cubs and a large Bulgari handbag, has been banned in Venice. “An advertisement showing a nude woman on a divan is not appropriate for St Mark’s Square,” Venice’s mayor Giorgio Orsoni told the Italian press. {The Telegraph}

Elton John AIDS Foundation to Honor Tamara Mellon: The Elton John AIDS Foundation will honor Jimmy Choo founder Tamara Mellon this October 18th at the foundation’s annual “Enduring Vision Gala.” {StyleList}

Louise Roe Loves her Tory: Louise Roe makes an appearance on Tory Burch’s blog–says she wears the designer when she feels like she’s going on a “chic vacation that involves a yacht.” {Tory Burch Blog}

Talking Modeling with Ann & Kirby Kenny

No you’re not seeing double. Modeling’s current stars are twins Ann and Kirby Kenny.

Even though AW10 was their first season doing shows, combined they walked for such industry bigwigs as Prada, Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu, Celine, Proenza Schouler, and Burberry, just to name a few. Now they’re gearing up for SS11, which is sure to be another hit.

Click through for an interview with Ann and Kirby about their already-incredible careers, and what’s next.

How did you get into modeling?
Kirby: One day Ann and I went into the woods behind our house and took Polaroids of each other. That night we sent them into DNA and soon after set up a meeting and signed with them right away.

What was the change like going from regular high school girls to major international models?
Kirby: At first it was a little strange being away from my friends and out of my usual schedule. But the whole change has been extremely quick and very exciting!
Ann: It was a very strange world that I entered, but I adjusted fairly quickly. It’s been an amazing opportunity and I’m still taking it in.

How did your parents and friends at home react to your immediate success?
Kirby: They all have a really hard time believing it, but everyone is so excited. I’ll always get a comment like ‘I saw you here or there’ or whatever, so that is kind of funny.
Ann: They could identify with the brands that they knew so they felt like they were a part of it in a way.

Ann walking Prada AW10

What is it is like working together on shoots? Do you request to be shot together or do clients request it?
Ann: We don’t request to be shot together but I do love shooting with Kirbs. We’re so natural together and I think clients are interested in how we’ll interact with each other in front of the camera.
Kirby: We don’t request to be together on shoots, but we work together an awful lot. I love working with Ann because we’re so comfortable with each other and I think that translates onto the camera.

Sibling rivalry: has it gotten better or worse modeling together?
Kirby: We’ve never been competitive, so there haven’t been any fist fights or anything, haha.
Ann: It’s funny, it has actually remained exactly the same!

Did you choose to have different hair colors to differentiate yourselves from each other, and how did you choose who went blonde and who went dark brunette?
Kirby: It’s funny because a week before we took the pictures to send in I bleached my hair blonde…. I don’t know why, impulse I guess. Ann had gone dark a while before that. So when we showed up to DNA they liked the colors and decided to keep it.

How do you feel that your looks differ?
Ann: We’ve always had similar features, but not identical ones. I enjoy having another version of myself with an alternate perspective.
Kirby: We both like the fact that we look similar, but not completely the same. What looks good on me may not look as good on Ann, or vice versa. So as a result, I think it gives us more versatility to be able to stand on our own, or together, and both will be interesting.

Kirby walking Marc Jacobs AW10

What were your favorite moments of the AW10 shows?
Ann: I love when i get the opportunity to open shows, so Proenza Schouler, Pringle of Scotland, and Richard Nicoll.
Kirby: I really enjoyed walking for Marc Jacobs because that was my first big show in New York. And Celine, because Phoebe Philo is one of my favorite designers.

What’s on the horizon for SS11?
Kirby: Hopefully many shows and a good time.
Ann: More work and happiness, I hope.

You’ve shot with a lot of big names like Hedi Slimane and recently booked the Proenza Schouler AW10 campaign. What experiences stand out for you?
Ann: I think every experience is as memorable as the last. Although some things I have done were more important for my career, I remember every moment all the same.
Kirby: I think every photo shoot stands out for me. But definitely shooting with Hedi Slimane was unforgettable, he is so cool and relaxed. It didn’t even feel like a photo shoot, it was just a chill time. And Proenza was great too. Ann and I both love Jack and Laz; the whole day was a great time.

Any dream jobs you’re both hoping for?
Kirby: There is no specific job I would love. But I strive to make the best photos I can, work with all the talented people in this industry, and eventually have an impact on the modeling/fashion world.
Ann: I just want to do as much as I can, and the best I can. I want to be happy doing it.

Ann & Kirby in Vogue Russia August 2010

If you weren’t models what would you want to do?
Ann: I’m fascinated with film, I will eventually pursue directing, definitely.
Kirby: I am a movie junkie. So I would definitely be working on films, whether it be editing, directing, but probably both.

What are your favorite magazines?
Ann: I really love Russh, Interview, and Another Magazine. Whenever I look at their editorials I want to be in them.
Kirby: I love Russh, Tush, Another, LOVE, and Interview. I always get inspired after looking at the stories.

What’s on your iPod?
Ann: So much! I’ve been really into Radiohead, Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Pink Floyd, and Sufjan Stevens.
Kirby: Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Sufjan Stevens, The xx, The Cure, The Cramps, and The White Stripes.

by Hedi Slimane

Where are your favorite places to shop?
Kirby: Vintage anything anywhere.
Ann: Any vintage store in any city.

Who are your favorite models?
Kirby:Sasha Pivovarova, Natalia Vodianova, Raquel Zimmermann, Edita Vilkeviciute, Kim Noorda, Alyona Osmanova…to name a few, hahah.
Ann: I am so inspired by Natalia Vodianova and Twiggy.

New In Beauty: The Wacky and The Wonderful

The multi-billion dollar beauty industry seems to thrive on the next new thing. Yes, there are the old classics that will hopefully never leave us: that iconic pink and green Maybelline Great Lash mascara, the tingle of Noxzema, and perfectly pretty Essie Ballet Slippers. But pick up the Friday WWD or take a quick cruise through your local beauty emporium, and you’ll see all sorts of glamorous (and often confusing) new offerings.

Read on for some of the new things you can expect to see this season.

Volare Hair Dryer: You can consider this either a really expensive hair dryer or a really cheap Ferrari. In one of the stranger collaborations we’ve seen, Conair-owned BaByliss Pro has created the $400 Volare dryer with a Ferrari engine and insert-molded construction to make it more lightweight. This sleek, lipstick red dryer runs on 2,000 watts of power, and this supposedly gives it a longer lifespan. (2,000 hours vs. the usual 500-700 hours, according to WWD). There’s also a Ferrari-approved ball bearing design which reduces friction and vibration. If you like your gadgets high-tech and superhero-worthy, look no further.

Nars’ Line Inspired by Daphne Guinness: You can now channel some of Daphne Guinness’ eccentric style, at least on your eyelids. This fall Nars is introducing a color collection influenced by her, er, exuberance. Daphne is the face of the Fall 2010 campaign and also has an eponymous eye shadow, in a vibrant royal purple shade. Yellow shadow and an aquamarine liner also make an appearance. Neutrals for fall? Not here. Find it at Sephora now.

Beauty for Coffee Addicts: Barista Bath & Body is launching a line of “natural” products which incorporate brewed coffee, ground beans, coffee seed oil, and coffee extracts. They’re offering shampoo, conditioner, and lip balm, as well as bath and body products. The product names are clever, borrowing from the Bliss school of sassy packaging. “Room for cream” and “one lump or two” are two of the better ones. There’s nothing like the smell of freshly brewed coffee, but do you want it in your hair? The products are currently only available on their website, but can a Starbucks partnership be far behind?

The Perfect Post-Summer Hair Mask?: Argan oil has surfaced in all sorts of cosmetics lately, and Kiehl’s is the latest to use this sometimes controversial additive. Argan oil comes from the argan tree, which is now a rare and endangered species found only in Morocco. The production of the oil is controlled by women’s cooperatives in Morocco, and extracted by local Berber women. Through fair-trade, the oil is sold for use in food and cosmetics. Kiehl’s Superbly Smoothing Argan Hair Pak looks absolutely luscious and we need to try it on our fried summer locks. Other argan products are available in the line and they are between $18-$55.

Any new, fascinating products you’ve seen lately? Tell us about them!

Street Style: Ashley is Eclectic, Classic, and Comfortable

Name: Ashley

Age: 30

Occupation: Interior Designer

How would you describe your style? Eclectic, classic and comfortable.

Where are you from originally? Portland, Oregon

What is your favorite part of New York? I love Brooklyn

What have you been listening to lately? Doggystyle by Snoop Dogg

What is your favorite dessert? Crème Brulee

Where is your skirt from? Brooklyn Inventory

Where is your jacket from? Goodwill

And your glasses? Fendi

**All photos by Ashley Jahncke.

Jude Law’s Sister Natasha Created Mulberry’s Awesome SS2011 Invites

NYFW invites have started pouring in and so far, one stands out above the rest in terms of scale, style, and sheer adorable-ness: Mulberry’s show and party invites (they came as a set). The invite to the show is an adorable line drawing of a pug with a Mulberry dog collar. His owner? A beautiful silhouetted line drawing of a girl in a flirty ruffled dress, her braided hair in a ponytail and cinched with a hot pink bow. She’s the party invite, and she stands about two feet tall when all of her adjustable limbs are lined up.

We thought the drawings looked a little Garance-like, but Garance is more minimalist with her line figures. The charming invites are the handy work of artist Natasha Law, Jude’s big sis. Law is known for her sexy fashion-y line figure and clothing drawings. Her works are often color-blocked and focus in on sections of the female figure. We’re big fans.

As for her relationship with her super star brother? Law once told the Telegraph before her first solo show, “Jude and I are like chalk and cheese.” Whatever that means.

Chris Benz Discusses the Importance of Being Earnest…With Your Salespeople

Back in the day, designers would visit each stockist, each season and present the latest collection to the shop’s salespeople. Some designers, like Michael Kors, still take this approach.

But it has mostly fallen by the wayside. Not so at Chris Benz, where the man himself and his vice president of sales, Kelly Stinnett, spent a good chunk of the summer trekking across the US to get salespeople at boutiques and department stores excited about the Fall 2010 collection.

Benz and Stinnett were also promoting their special capsule collection with Saks Fifth Avenue, which launched at the beginning of August. The duo presented each collection to the Saks sales teams from Phoenix to New York.

Now that they’re back, I “sat down with” (aka “emailed with” because we’re all too busy to meet up) Chris to discuss why this approach is so important to the success of a brand, big or small.

So, you’re doing this collection with Saks. Explain the motivation behind it!
Chris Benz: Our exclusive dresses collection was the brainchild of our Saks New York team, and was conceived as an opportunity for the Chris Benz brand to become a more far-reaching collection within the Saks Fifth Avenue family. We wanted to create styles rooted in historically successful bodies, all while maintaining the casual, American, and modern spirit of the collection. The styles highlight the ideals of our collection: color, ease, comfort, and carefree glamor, all at an attainable price point within the designer market.

You’ve been traveling from store to store and presenting the collection to employees. Didn’t designers used to do these run-throughs much more often in the past? They seem really beneficial. Do you think your sell-through is better because of it?
Spending time in stores, educating the sales staff, and making personal, earnest connections with customers is a huge part of our business. It’s absolutely tied to selling clothes, which at the end of the day is the goal for everyone involved in the fashion industry. For me, it makes all of our hard work worthwhile to convince a woman to try on something unexpected–an unusual color, proportion, or combination–and to see her light up when she realizes she looks beautiful.

It seems like you guys really have fun meeting with salespeople and customers. What are the advantages when it comes to creating the next collection? Do you use their feedback?
I am obsessed with meeting the salespeople and customers. It’s important to me to present them with as much of the emotion and detail that our team puts into designing and producing the clothes, so that they have as much personal connection to the product as possible. In a very real way, the salespeople are an extension of our team, and I believe that they should be treated as such. I insist that they try on the product, feel the fabrics, understand the construction and finishing, and comprehend the message of each garment.

And a random one: your clothes are so great because they’re ageless. Are your “average customers” totally different in each city? Would love to know who typically wears your clothes in Chicago v LA v Phoenix!
We have taken a lot of care to encourage a range of age and lifestyle in our customer. Although the Chicago woman might be an attorney or television producer, and our LA woman who may be an actress or realtor, they all have the same sort of spirit. They are carefree, excited by color and comfort, and outgoing. The synergy between the attitude of the Chris Benz collection and the temperament of its customer is very strong. In this way, there are Chris Benz women all over the world, and by getting into the stores we are discovering and building relationships with all of them while building a foundation for the future of our collection.

Related:
Chris Benz: Relationships are the Key to a Successful Career in Fashion
Introducing Our New Columnist: Chris Benz!
Chris Benz Makes Tulle Look Like Tweed, and It’s Magical

Fashion Week for Foodies: A Guide

So, despite what you’ve seen and heard, fashion people loooovvve to eat. And they love to eat really, really good food.

In fact, the Fashionista staff knows food just about as well as we know fashion. But there’s not much time to dig-in during New York Fashion Week. So we’ve rounded up our favorite spots, events, and parties that might end up being more about the food than the scene. And maybe even the clothes.

Bird’s Fashion’s Night Out event takes the cake though (and we do hope there will be cake). Owner Jen Mankins has some serious foodie clout in addition to her discerning fashion eye. After the jump, she dishes on she how she wrangled the Brooklyn foodie elite and her favorite meals at Frankie’s and Prime Meats.

Pre-Fashion Week Mad-Libs: Porter Grey

Sisters Alexandra and Kristen O’Neill launched contemporary clothing collection Porter Grey in 2006. This season, they’ll host a Spring 2011 presentation overlooking The High Line.