Thursday, December 18, 2008

On chapped lips and chapstick

I've spent many a winter looking for that perfect chapstick. And let me tell you that most of the brands out there aren't great. Dr. Hauschka's http://www.drhauschka.com/ is so soft that the chapstick breaks off when you've used a bit. Kiehl's lip balm with spf http://www.kiehls.com/ is nice, but too thick and goopy. I've also tried the natural beeswax brands without much success. Now, I am pleased to report that I have found the mother of all chapsticks made by Jack Black at http://www.getjackblack.com/. The consistency is terrific and the eucalyptus sticks are amazing. Try it on and I guarantee you'll be using it again and again.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Domenico Vacca

If you ever want to buy the finest clothes that money can buy, my bets are on Domenico Vacca. Mr. Vacca's bespoke galleries can be found in New York, Beverly Hills, Miami, Palm Beach and Qatar. Just go to http://www.domenicovacca.com/ or dial 212 759 6333 and make an appointment. If you aren't convinced that their line of clothing is quality, get your eyes checked. From watches, to shoes, to shirts, to suits, these guys have the very best in everything.

Bio:

Domenico Vacca is responsible for bringing back exceptional luxury and quality to fashion.
Born in Italy, in 1962, Vacca's family is deeply rooted in the craft of fashion. His grandmother, recognized as one of the finest tailors in Southern Italy, was a great influence on Vacca's sartorial style.
In 2002 Vacca launched his label available exclusively through his first store on New York's Fifth Avenue spearheading the sartorial trend in fashion. Joining forces with his wife Julie, Vacca launched a total lifestyle collection for men and women. By combining the best of Italian craftsmanship, superb fabrics, and an impeccable fit with a contemporary Neapolitan cut, the Domenico Vacca label is known as the "Ferrari of clothing".
Vacca was recognized in 2004 and 2006 by the prestigious Robb Report Magazine with the Award for Best Italian Collection in their annual Best of the Best issue.
In 2006, Best Life Magazine recognized the Domenico Vacca tie collection as the finest in the world.
From 2002 to 2006, Domenico Vacca opened six stores in the United States; New York (Fifth Avenue, Madison Avenue and Soho) Beverly Hills, Bal Harbour and Palm Beach. In 2008, Domenico Vacca will open two other locations in the United States, one in Atlanta and the other one in the Plaza Hotel in New York city, as well as in London, Milan, Moscow, Dubai and Qatar.
For Domenico Vacca, quality is where the integrity of his namesake label begins. With 100 master tailors and 250 seamstresses to sew and construct his collection by hand in Naples, Italy, Vacca offers ultimate luxury in fashion where timeless pieces meet flattering fits, styles and fabrics creating an exceptionally chic lifestyle collection. A unique and exclusive custom order program allows clients to choose from more than 2,000 fabrics and an unlimited selection of exotic skins in various colors for the accessories.
In 2005, Domenico Vacca became a favorite with Hollywood costume designers by collaborating with them to wardrobe lead actors and actresses in films such as The Inside Man (Denzel Washington, Jodie Foster, Christopher Plummer), Stranger Than Fiction (Dustin Hoffman, Will Ferrell, Queen Latifah), August Rush (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), American Gangster (Denzel Washington), The Kite Runner (Shaun Toub), The Accidental Husband (Colin Firth), Chilled in Miami (Rene Zellweger), Nothing but the Truth (Angela Bassett) and TV series such as HBO Entourage (Jeremy Piven), Lipstick Jungle ( Brooke Shields) and FX's newest drama Damages (Glenn Close).
Domenico Vacca 's loyal customers include music and Hollywood's biggest names such as Kanye West, Usher, L.A. Reid, Sean P. Diddy Combs, and Yoko Ono; A-list actors, Jeremy Piven, Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Antonio Banderas and Scarlett Johansson; New York City's Fortune 500 and VIPs Ronald Perelman, Ronald Lauder, Gustavo Cisneros, Edgar Bronfman Jr, Pepe Fanjul, Giuseppe Cipriani, Ivana Trump and Anne Bass along with designers Valentino and Tommy Hilfiger.
At the 2007 Academy Awards, Domenico Vacca became the Oscar team's designer of choice. Forest Whitaker (Best Actor), Alan Arkin (Best Supporting Actor) and Melissa Etheridge (Best Music Score) all accepted their Oscars wearing Domenico Vacca along with attendees Steve Carell, Jack Black, Will Ferrell.
Domenico Vacca lives between the United States and Italy with his wife, Julie, and his son Robert.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

A Madison Avenue Marketing Maverick Does His Bit for Palmer Square

Stephen Seo is a genius. A gentle genius. And when it comes to bespoke fashion, I don't believe you can find a better eye for style, elegance, fabric, quality, and color. Just walk into his Palmer Square store in Princeton, NJ, or visit www.stephenseo.com to see his offerings. Mr. Seo is even into women's fashions now and makes stellar overcoats and dresses for women.

I've visited Stephen's store about a dozen times, and I'm always floored by his good nature, his eye for detail, and his pursuit of perfection. He's never pushy, always honest, and a hell of an avuncular guy. Just look at his range of pocket squares, ties, bespoke shirts, all beautifully made, at reasonable prices. His suits offer side vents, ticket pockets, funky lining, and sharp tailoring. Stephen has an aura about him and people walk into his store not only to buy, but to cultivate relationships. Stephen brings people together through fashion, and that's why Princeton takes a vested interest in his success.

I hope you'll get a chance to visit Stephen Seo's and get to know the man. Palmer Square shines a little brighter because of him.