INSIDER VIDEOS

Fashion Week Blog: Jan Arnold 9-10-09

It's the first day of fashion week and the CND team is fresh and ready for action!
First show up: BCBG by MaxAzria
...words out that Miley Cyrus will sit in the front row. Many fashionistisa's are asking... 'who's that?'.
Several blondes with Ray Bans sit in the front row...from the Hills? Perhaps.
The whole Vogue crew is here...Anna in shades (of course) and all her editors await something wearable, saleable and in trend from the uber talented Max Azria team.
My description for the look:
'Super Matte Mermaids'....face is matte neutral, with long black lashes to break up the beige backdrop. Nails to match in new 'Putty' pale nude creme with Super Matte top coat for a sand-blasted beachy look. (Hair looks like an homage to Tyra's recent announcement to remove her hair extensions)...flat and slicked on top, with fried-wind-blown ends wafting just above the shoulders. Our mermaid has just stepped out of the water, cold and gaunt...wearing Goddessy, off one shoulder Herve Lerger-type bandage dresses in chiffon, jersey and crepe in poppy pink, pool blue, bright purple and fuchsia. Accessories include silver clutches and black sky-high platforms. Music is laborious and somber...but NYC cool.

Now...we're off to a meeting and then on the Monique Lhuillier show, who is inspired by the intricate draping of the Masai Warriors. The clothe s are gorgeous shades of sunflower, antique gold, lagoon blue, olive green and toffee in patterns to include leopard and tiger. Models wear organic giant rock rings and stacks of bangles up to their elbow. Nails are the star of this show in an incredible shade of mossy brown...created with layers of our new Colour and Effects. In this case we used Oilslick, Raisin in the Sun and Super Matte to create the most amazing shade of rich safari brown. Finger and toes match and all nails lengths are perfectly the same with finely crafted tips to add an extra refinement of elegance. This show is master craftsmanship and extreme attention to detail. We love Monique and she loves our nails!!!
At this show I run into Rosemary...a stylist and fixture in the front row who is as eccentric as she is authentic about her love of fashion. And...I must say...nails. She reminds me of the famous stylist Isaeblla Blow, who was always famous for her fabulous hats!

The day was filled with interviews with CNN, InStyle, Allure, Elle, Glamour....all the most important mags..all excited about CND's new Colour & Effetcs!

Running back to the hotel for a meeting with the team and I get a call from John Heffner who tells me we just won an award from Allure's best of Beauty for our new Colour and Effects line!!! Whoohooo...it's still so new and already winning awards!!! I'm so proud for the creator, Elyce DeBrown...our color wizard at CND.

Tonight is Fashions Night Out, where 800 stores will be open till 11:00 p.m. and having music, Celeb sighting s and open bars, promo and goodies! Whew..I'm ready...time for a little retail therapy.
..til tomorrow!