TRAVELLING IN STYLE WITH THE NEW LOUIS VUITTON DAMIER SIGNATURE SPRING/SUMMER 2013 COLLECTION

Louis Vuitton Damier Signature Spring-Summer 2013 Collection (Credit: http://www.louisvuitton.com)

Building upon a heritage of a traveling in ease and sophisticated style, LOUIS VUITTON has revamped and remodeled their DAMIER SIGNATURE COLLECTION for the spring/summer 2013 season. The LOUIS VUITTON label was founded by Louis Vuitton in 1854 on Rue Neuve des Capucines in Paris, France. Louis Vuitton had observed that the HJ CAVE OSILITE trunk could be easily stacked and in 1858, Vuitton introduced his flat-bottom trunks with (with his then signature) Trianon canvas, making them lightweight and airtight. Before the introduction of Vuitton’s trunks, rounded-top trunks were used, generally to promote water run-off, and thus could not be stacked. It was Vuitton’s gray Trianon canvas flat trunk that allowed the ability to stack with ease for voyages. Many other luggagemakers imitated LV’s style and design. (Even then, back in the beginning, the brand was one of the most copied in the world!) 

American Documentary | POV Wins MacArthur Foundation Award

$1 MILLION AWARD RECOGNIZES AMERICAN DOCUMENTARY AND ITS GROUNDBREAKING PUBLIC TELEVISION SERIES, POV, FOR EXTRAORDINARY CREATIVITY AND EFFECTIVENESS

AMERICAN DOCUMENTARY | POV is one of only 13 nonprofit organizations around the world to win this year’s MACARTHUR AWARD FOR CREATIVE AND EFFECTIVE INSTITUTIONS. The award, which was announced today, recognizes exceptional grantees that have demonstrated creativity and impact, and invests in their long-term sustainability with sizable one-time grants. AMERICAN DOCUMENTARY | POV will use its $1 million MACARTHUR AWARD to build its cash reserves and complete an infrastructure upgrade.

According to MacArthur, the Award is not only recognition for past leadership and success but also an investment in the future. Organizations will use this support to build cash reserves and endowments, develop strategic plans, and upgrade technology and physical infrastructure.

POV Logo (Photo Credit: American Documentary, Inc.)

Furthermore, for these Awards, the Foundation does not seek or accept nominations. To qualify, organizations must demonstrate exceptional creativity and effectiveness; have reached a critical or strategic point in their development; show strong leadership and stable financial management; have previously received MacArthur support; and engage in work central to one of MacArthur’s core programs.

AMERICAN DOCUMENTARY, INC. (AMDOC) is a multimedia company dedicated to creating, identifying and presenting contemporary stories that express opinions and perspectives rarely featured in mainstream media outlets and is often a catalyst for public culture, developing collaborative strategic-engagement activities around socially relevant content on television, online and in community settings. These activities are designed to trigger action, from dialogue and feedback to educational opportunities and community participation.

THE BODY SHOP REVEALS LEONA LEWIS AS NEW BRAND ACTIVIST

On February 28^th in London. Ethical beauty retailer THE BODY SHOP revealed that British singer and global superstar LEONA LEWIS has become its new BRAND ACTIVIST.

Ethical beauty retailer The Body Shop is proud to reveal today that British singer and global superstar Leona Lewis has become its new Brand Activist (Credit: Getty Images)

Seven years since her triumph on THE X FACTOR (UK), Leona has twenty million album sales and a glittering collection of awards and award nominations, yet remains grounded and true to her beliefs. An animal lover and long-time vegetarian, she is the perfect partner for THE BODY SHOP and its unique vision of cruelty-free beauty.

As part of the partnership, one of Leona’s first activities is to help The Body Shop and NGO CRUELTY FREE INTERNATIONAL in their joint, global campaign to end animal testing for cosmetics forever, building on the EU ban on animal testing for cosmetics which comes into effect on March 11th this year.

WYNN RESORTS NAMED AS 2013 FORBES FIVE-STAR AWARD WINNERS

WYNN RESORTS NOW HOLDS MORE FORBES FIVE STARS THAN ANY OTHER INDEPENDENT HOTEL COMPANY IN THE WORLD

When Forbes Travel Guide announced its 55^th annual listing of Five-Star hospitality establishments, it named the TOWER SUITES AND SPAS AT WYNN and ENCORE LAS VEGAS, and the hotels and spas at WYNN MACAU and ENCORE MACAU, to the prestigious and rigorous ratings list. FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE‘s Star rating designations are the gold standard for hospitality excellence.

WYNN RESORTS WYNN LAS VEGAS: Wynn Las Vegas and Encore Named As 2013 Forbes Five-Star Award Winners. (PRNewsFoto/Wynn Resorts)

Collectively, WYNN RESORTS has 40 stars among their FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE FIVE-STAR AWARD-WINNING properties, more than any other independent hotel company in the world. WYNN RESORTS, LIMITED (Nasdaq: WYNN) is traded on the NASDAQ GLOBAL SELECT MARKET under the ticker symbol WYNN and is part of the S&P 500 and NASDAQ-100 Indexes. WYNN RESORTS owns and operates WYNN and ENCORE LAS VEGAS (www.wynnlasvegas.com) and WYNN MACAU (www.wynnmacau.com).

M RESORT SPA CASINO (LAS VEGAS) IS AWARDED 2013 FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE FOUR-STAR RATING FOR HOTEL & SPA

For the fourth consecutive year, the M RESORT SPA CASINO was honored with a FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE FOUR-STAR RATING, furthering cementing its place as one of the world’s premier resorts with truly exceptional service and amenities. The resort’s 23,000 square foot spa, Spa Mio, also received Four-Star recognition for the third year in a row.

M Resort Spa Casino logo. (PRNewsFoto/M Resort Spa Casino)

FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE, formerly MOBIL TRAVEL GUIDE and originator of the prestigious Star Ratings and certifications, has provided the travel industry’s most comprehensive ratings and reviews of hotels, restaurants and spas since 1958. FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE has a team of expert inspectors who anonymously evaluate properties against rigorous and objective standards, providing consumers the insight to make better-informed travel and leisure decisions. The rigorous rating process begins with a facility inspection that considers every aspect of the property, including its overall cleanliness, condition and location. To achieve FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE FOUR– and FIVE-STAR status, properties must meet or exceed the bar-setting service standards, which are determined through an unannounced, undercover service evaluation conducted by Forbes Travel Guide’s expert inspectors.

NEW HEIDI KLUM FOR NEW BALANCE COLLECTION LAUNCHES EXCLUSIVELY AT SELECT LADY FOOT LOCKER LOCATIONS

Heidi Klum for New Balance Collection Launches Exclusively at Select Lady Foot Locker Locations. (PRNewsFoto/New Balance)

Fashion powerhouse HEIDI KLUM has created a new and versatile active wear collection with NEW BALANCE through the HEIDI KLUM FOR NEW BALANCE partnership launched recently, exclusively at select Lady Foot Locker locations in the U.S.

“I live an active lifestyle and love running around whether it’s outside on the streets of New York City or in the canyons with my dogs,” says HEIDI KLUM. “I’ve created pieces in my collection that are functional and flattering with a fashionable twist. I want women to feel their best and look good in their clothes even when they are working up a sweat.”

As this is the third collaboration between Heidi Klum and New Balance, this collection of high performance workout wear reflects Heidi’s modern, sophisticated style. Featuring items for any workout regime, the line includes a COWL NECK COVER-UP, CAP SLEEVE TEE, SKINNY TIGHTS and CAPRI PANTS, as well as a RACER BACK TANK, SHORTS and HOODY. Each piece is developed to fit all body types with features including flat lock seams and ergonomic tailoring for flattering style lines. The line will retail from $35-$95. Following the launch of the line in fall 2010, this will be the first collection sold in brick and mortar retail outlets. The collection will be available in select Lady Foot Locker stores throughout the United States. Consumers can call Lady Foot Locker at 1-800-991-6686 for more details.

“Heidi Klum for New Balance continues to combine New Balance’s expertise in fit and form with Heidi’s commitment to sophisticated style to create a versatile collection for women that is both everyday wearable and chic,” says KERRY KLIGERMAN, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF APPAREL FOR NEW BALANCE.

NEW BALANCE, headquartered in Boston, MA, is currently the only athletic shoe company that manufactures footwear in the U.S. with 25% of our U.S. footwear shipments produced at five New England facilities. The company also operates a manufacturing facility in Flimby, U.K.  New Balance employs more than 4000 associates around the globe, and in 2011 reported worldwide sales of $2.04 billion. To learn more about how New Balance Makes Excellent Happen, please visit http://www.newbalance.com.

MONTEREY COUNTY CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU LAUNCHES “MORE MONTEREY”

Monterey County introduces giveaway opportunity offering the chance to win one of many ways to explore the region

To celebrate its many lodging, culinary, cultural and outdoor experiences, the MONTEREY COUNTY CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU has launched its first-ever “MORE MONTEREY” PROGRAM, allowing visitor-hopefuls a chance to win a trip using one of six customized itineraries. Highlighting the different exploration experiences in the area, the “MORE MONTEREY” CAMPAIGN is live through March 31, 2013, introducing website visitors a chance to see “more” of Monterey by filling out an online form found on www.SeeMonterey.com/MoreMonterey.

Monterey County is located 120 miles/192 km south of San Francisco and 345 miles/552 km north of Los Angeles along the classic California corridor. The region boasts 99 miles of prime Pacific Coastline, the MONTEREY BAY NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY, three historic missions, 40,000 acres of premium vineyards, 24 golf courses and over 250 lodging properties.  Monterey County includes the MONTEREY PENINSULA, BIG SUR, NORTH COUNTY and the SALINAS VALLEY.  The MONTEREY REGIONAL AIRPORT (MRY), just three miles from historic downtown Monterey and minutes from the area’s major attractions, is served by non-stop flights to and from Denver (DEN), Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix (PHX), Los Angeles (LAX), San Diego (SAN) and San Francisco (SFO).  www.SeeMonterey.com.

MONTEREY COUNTY CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

L’OREAL PARIS BREAKS THE DIGITAL BEAUTY MOLD, LAUNCHES HIGHLY-PERSONALIZED WEBSITE WITH CROSS-DEVICE TECHNOLOGY

L’OREAL PARIS, the leading global beauty brand, introduces an unprecedented way to experience beauty with the official re-launch of www.LOrealParisUSA.com, which includes an exclusive, first-to-market content production and syndication partnership with AOL.

L’Oréal Paris Launches Highly-Personalized Website

A full year in the making, www.LOrealParisUSA.com is the first major beauty site to be responsively designed for all devices- meaning users will experience a uniform, easy-to-navigate site whether they log on from their desktop, mobile phone (iPhone or Android) or tablet. The site seamlessly transitions, instantly reformatting to provide users with a premium on-the-go experience, no matter when, where or how they choose to engage. Furthermore, the site will dynamically adapt to any future device, meaning the brand and its customers will never fall behind.

TOMMY BAHAMA ANNOUNCES 2013 “COLLECTOR’S EDITION” MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SHIRTS

SHIRTS FEATURE ICONIC IMAGES OF MLB LEGENDS WILLIE MAYS AND MICKEY MANTLE

Today, TOMMY BAHAMA and MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PROPERTIES celebrate two of baseball’s greatest players, WILLIE MAYS and MICKEY MANTLE, with the release of the 2013 “COLLECTOR’S EDITION” series of premium, collectible apparel for the true baseball fan.

To launch the 2013 baseball season, TOMMY BAHAMA has created two remarkable new shirts that feature iconic photographs of baseball legends Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle. The classic images have been incorporated into dramatic custom designed artwork that wraps around the shirt and includes the player’s name, team logo, key stats and landmarks of his home team. Only a limited number of shirts will be produced and each one will be numbered.

The San Francisco Giants with Willie Mays (L) and New York Yankees with Mickey Mantle (R) shirts highlight the Tommy Bahama MLB “Collector’s Edition” series for 2013. (PRNewsFoto/Tommy Bahama)

“Tommy Bahama is proud to work with MLB to honor baseball legends Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle,” said TERRY PILLOW, CEO OF TOMMY BAHAMA. “Our long-standing relationship the MLB has given us the opportunity to offer our customers special items like the 2013 ‘Collector’s Edition’ shirts, which are truly works of art.”

UNITED STATES BARTENDERS’ GUILD® LEGACY COCKTAIL SHOWCASE SPONSORED BY BACARDI® RUM SELECTS NATIONAL WINNER FOR GLOBAL STAGE

ANNUAL COMPETITION FEATURED EIGHT REGIONAL WINNERS, ONE TOP FINALIST TO ADVANCE TO INTERNATIONAL SHOWCASE IN PUERTO RICO

The UNITED STATES BARTENDERS’ GUILD (USBG) crowned NICK NISTICO as the U.S. winner of its third annual BACARDÍ LEGACY COCKTAIL COMPETITION in Miami, who will now move on to the final GLOBAL SHOWCASE in Puerto Rico in April. Nistico emerged from a field of eight national semi-finalists from across the country, winning with his innovative GARDEN GIMLET COCKTAIL, fusing BACARDÍ SUPERIOR RUM, lemon, simple syrup, dried caraway seed, red bell pepper puree, fresh arugula, and a bell pepper slice sprinkled with sea salt to produce the next BACARDÍ CLASSIC COCKTAIL.

Nick Nistico, winner of the 2012/2013 National Legacy Competition, sponsored by BACARDI Rum. (PRNewsFoto/United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG))

Now in its third year in the U.S., the USBG LEGACY COCKTAIL SHOWCASE is a chance for the best contemporary (and talented) mixologists to create a balanced, appealing and enduring drink that will become as celebrated as historic cocktails such as the authentic BACARDÍ MOJITO and authentic BACARDÍ DAIQUIRÍ, inspired by BACARDÍ RUM, the world’s most awarded spirit.

A ROOM TO GLOW… HANGING WITH THE NOMINEES AND PRESENTERS AT THE 85TH ACADEMY AWARDS

Images provided by Abe Gurko for Baker Furniture

Baker furniture received the equivalent of an Oscar® nod by being featured in the exclusive ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST GREENROOM AT THE OSCARS®. Los Angeles-based interior designer Madeline Stuart created the luxurious suite inspired by the legendary art director and production designer Cedric Gibbons. A Hollywood legend, Mr. Gibbons won eleven Academy Awards for art direction and is credited with designing the Oscar statuette.

CEELO GREEN IGNITES THE LAS VEGAS STRIP IN ANTICIPATION OF HIS NEW RESIDENCY AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD RESORT & CASINO

MEGA SUPERSTAR STOPS TRAFFIC WITH FLAMING PIANO ON LAS VEGAS BOULEVARD IN ADVANCE OF THE DEBUT OF HIS SHOW “CEELO GREEN IS LOBERACE” TONIGHT

LAS VEGAS – FEBRUARY 26: CeeLo Green plays a flaming piano down the Las Vegas Strip as he arrives at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on February 26, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/WireImage

It was an entrance fit only for a star as over-the-top as CEELO GREEN! Last night, Tuesday, Feb. 26, the Grammy Award-winning artist officially arrived at his new (Las Vegas) home at PLANET HOLLYWOOD RESORT & CASINO after stopping traffic on the famous Las Vegas Strip by riding on a flatbed truck with a flaming piano surrounded by dancing showgirls.  With the sound of CeeLo’s biggest hits, “Bright Lights,” “Crazy” and “Forget You” taking over The Strip, fans and onlookers lined Las Vegas Boulevard to welcome CeeLo as Planet Hollywood’s new, highly-anticipated resident artist, who opens his truly unique, brand new show, “CEELO GREEN IS LOBERACE,” tonight.

New York Fashion Week Review: Zang Toi 2013 Fall/Winter Collection

By PHILLIP D. JOHNSON

Runway Images by EKA HALIM/www.elpphoto.com (http://www.elpphoto.com)

Zang Toi Fall/Winter 2013 (Photo Credit: Eka Halim)

At the FALL/WINTER 2013 shows earlier this month in New York City, several designers and brands celebrated significant milestones/anniversaries. NAUTICA came back to the runway with a 30^th anniversary show. LACOSTE and its Creative Director OLIVEIRA BAPTISTA commemorated the 80^th Anniversary of the brand with a collection that, while it was far from Rene Lacoste’ original “L.12.12” white “petit pique” cotton shirt, it was still a classic (yet modern) take on the heritage of the brand. And DENNIS BASSO, the Fur King of Manhattan, observed 30 fabulous years of masterful handling of animal skins with an audience packed with well-wishers and his favorite clients.

Zang Toi Fall/Winter 2013 (Photo Credit: Eka Halim)

Zang Toi Fall/Winter 2013 (Photo: Eka Halim/www.ephphoto.com)

The Morning After: The Best Looks on the Red Carpet

The 85th Academy Awards was a successful failure: It was, intermittently trite, boring, awkwardly unfunny, occasionally on-point, and has far too many infuriating dead spots. Watching this thing was like undergoing a root canal. The question I have to ask is: Who do I talk to about getting back those precious four hours of my life? The only saving grace was the red carpet arrivals. Here, no one was totally inappropriate a la Bjork but as Eric Wilson of  The New York Times wrote, it was a lot of strapless gowns and men in great fitting tuxedos. Here are my favorites:

Aaron Tveit Wear Calvin Klein

Amanda Seyfried in Alexander McQueen

The Morning After: Get The Look With GEORGE KOTSIOPOULOS

GEORGE KOTSIOPOULOS of E!’S FASHION POLICE worked the 85^TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS RED CARPET yesterday; and appeared ready as ever for his close up. Here, George tells us how to get his look for the Oscar’s:

“During awards season, I’m out there on the red carpet all day. I’m really choosy about the products I use, because I can’t step off

George Final Look

the red carpet and touch up my look halfway through the day. To make sure my hair stays put, I use GO 24/7 TEXTURE PASTE ($15.95: www.GO247men.com) for just the right amount of hold without that stiff look.”

To Get George’s Hair:

• Start with clean air-dried hair.
• Then using the lightweight GO 24/7 TEXTURE PASTE ($15.95: www.GO247men.com) take a small quarter size dollop and rub in between hands to evenly coat.
• Apply the GO 24/7 Texture Paste throughout, manipulating it to an effortless and worn in look with a bit of texture.
• Finish off with a spritz of the GO 24/7 CONTROL SPRAY ($19.95: GO247men.com) that provides a light hold.

“I know my red carpet look is complete when I’ve managed to achieve just the right amount of stubble.  I walk a very fine line

because taking it close is a no-no but if it’s too much, you look sloppy. The Conair iStubble makes getting the precise effect fast, without irritation and completely effortless“.

To Achieve George’s Complexion and Smooth Beard:

Step-by-Step

• Be sure to shave 2-3 days before any big event.
• On the day of the event, use Conair’s iStubble ($50: Target.com) to evenly trim beard to desired thickness.
• Finish off by applying the GO 24/7 Face Moisturizer ($18.95: GO247men.com).

“When it comes to prepping for the red carpet, being camera-ready is key. That means no bags under your eyes, no wrinkles and well-groomed facial hair. I use GO 24/7 FACE MOISTURIZER ($18.95: www.GO247men.com) to make sure my skin looks even and smooth on and off camera.”

Oscar Week 2013 Report: Montblanc Hosts Pre-Oscar Charity Brunch to Celebrate the Launch of the 2013 “Signature for Good” Collection with Special Guest Hilary Swank

Collection to Benefit the Continuing Work of UNICEF to Enable Even More Disadvantaged Children Around the World to learn how to read and write

LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 23: (L-R) Actresses Rosario Dawson wearing Montblanc Star 4810 in Yellow Gold, Hilary Swank wearing Montblanc Princesse Grace de Monaco Collection in Red Gold and diamonds and Emmy Rossum wearing Montblanc Star Classique Lady Automatic and Montblanc Princesse Grace de Monaco Collection attends a Pre-Oscar charity brunch hosted by Montblanc and UNICEF to celebrate the launch of their new “Signature For Good 2013” Initiative with special guest Hilary Swank at Hotel Bel-Air on February 23, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for Montblanc)

On Saturday, February 23^rd, MONTBLANC hosted a pre-Oscar charity brunch with UNICEF at the HOTEL BEL-AIR to celebrate the launch of the 2013 “SIGNATURE FOR GOOD” COLLECTION. Academy award winner HILARY SWANK made a special appearance at the brunch to speak about the importance of the “SIGNATURE FOR GOOD” INITIATIVE and shed light on her recent visit to Ethiopia with Montblanc and UNICEF.

LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 23: Hilary Swank wearing Montblanc Princesse Grace de Monaco Collection in Red Gold and diamonds attends a Pre-Oscar charity brunch hosted by Montblanc and UNICEF to celebrate the launch of their new “Signature For Good 2013” Initiative with special guest Hilary Swank at Hotel Bel-Air on February 23, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for Montblanc)

LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 23: Actress Emmy Rossum wearing Montblanc Star Classique Lady Automatic and Montblanc Princesse Grace de Monaco Collection attends a Pre-Oscar charity brunch hosted by Montblanc and UNICEF to celebrate the launch of their new “Signature For Good 2013” Initiative with special guest Hilary Swank at Hotel Bel-Air on February 23, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Montblanc)

MILAN FASHION WEEK REVIEW: SERGIO ROSSI FALL/WINTER 2013 COLLECTION

By Phillip D. Johnson

Party Photos by JACOPO RAULE & VINCENZO LOMBARDO /Getty Images for SERGIO ROSSI

SERGIO ROSSI FALL/WINTER 2013 COLLECTION

SERGIO ROSSI presented its AUTUMN/WINTER 2013 COLLECTION this past week during the FALL/WINTER 2013 MILAN FASHION WEEK at a packed presentation cocktail party hosted by Sergio Rossi Creative Director and Designer, FRANCESCO RUSSO. Guests included French Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief, EMMANUELLE ALT, CARLA SOZZANI, Singer/Actress JANET JACKSON, Vogue China’s Editor-at-Large, ANNA DELLO RUSSO, ROBERTA MURR and ANTONIO MURR, among others.

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Janet Jackson and Francesco Russo attend the Sergio Rossi presentation cocktail during Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2013/14 on February 21, 2013 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jacopo Raule/Getty Images for Sergio Rossi)

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Francesco Russo and Janet Jackson attend the Sergio Rossi presentation cocktail during Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2013/14 on February 21, 2013 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jacopo Raule/Getty Images for Sergio Rossi)

‘THE ARTIST’ GRACES THE OSCARS: CINEMATIC STELLA ARTOIS TV SPOT CELEBRATES THE ARTISTRY BEHIND THE BELGIAN BEER’S SIGNATURE CHALICE

STELLA ARTOIS will premiere a new television spot, “The Artist,” during the weekend on the 2013 ACADEMY AWARDS. The commercial will be seen nationwide during the live broadcast of the Oscars on ABC on Sunday, Feb. 24.

Cinematic Stella Artois TV Spot Celebrates the Artistry Behind the Belgian Beer’s Signature Chalice. (PRNewsFoto/Stella Artois)

For Stella Artois, the ACADEMY AWARDS represent one stage in a larger Stella Artois campaign program celebrating the Chalice, the brand’s iconic glassware. Over the coming months, the campaign will evolve to feature an inventive mix of digital and traditional elements.

Oscar Week 2013 Report: SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS SET THE STAGE AT THE OSCARS®

A SPARKLING GLIMPSE OF THE 85TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS®

On Sunday, at the 85^th Academy Awards Ceremony, SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS will be the key creative ingredient on the world’s most revered stage for the sixth year at the Oscars®. This year, Tony Award-winning Production Designer DEREK MCLANE will add a fresh perspective to the set of the DOLBY THEATER, incorporating over 100,000 Swarovski crystals into the Oscar’s® stage design and theater decor.

McLane has incorporated over 1,500 pounds of Swarovski crystal into the stage and auditorium design. It took over one month to realize his vision of a spectacular 80 feet wide and 40 feet high crystal curtain among other dazzling elements. The full design concept and visuals of the Oscars set will remain a closely guarded secret until the live telecast on Sunday, February 24th, when the Oscars® will be broadcast across the globe on ABC at 7 pm EST.

Oscar Week 2013 Report: HYUNDAI TO SHOWCASE GROWING PREMIUM LINEUP DURING THE 85TH ACADEMY AWARDS BROADCAST

On Hollywood’s biggest night, Hyundai takes center stage for the fifth consecutive year as the exclusive automotive sponsor of the Oscars broadcast. One of three new spots to air, “Equus the Trailer” (pictured) mimics an action movie trailer, featuring Hyundai’s premium luxury sedan Equus as the main character and the film’s hero. (PRNewsFoto/Hyundai Motor America)

On Hollywood’s biggest night, HYUNDAI (Motor America) will take center stage for the fifth consecutive year as the EXCLUSIVE AUTOMOTIVE SPONSOR of the 85^th edition of the Oscars broadcast tomorrow night (February 24) on ABC-TV. The company will use the opportunity to air a total of nine ads will air: seven 30-second spots during the ceremony and two 30-second ads during pre-show coverage, highlighting seven different Hyundai models and focusing on Hyundai’s growing premium line up.

Hyundai 2013 Elantra Sedan (Courtesy: Hyundai Motor America)

Having finished 2012 with five-straight years of premium segment sales growth with its GENESIS and EQUUS vehicle lines, Hyundai recently unveiled its design direction for future premium vehicles with its HCD-14 Genesis concept. The concept features advanced eye-tracking technology, interactive HUD and gesture recognition, revealing the technological future of Hyundai’s premium lines.

Oscar Week 2013 Report: Sterling Vineyards Is Exclusive Wine of the Oscars®

BEST REPEAT APPEARANCE BY “BEST SUPPORTING BEVERAGE”

This Sunday, on the brightest night in Hollywood, as the stars stroll the red carpet, find their seats in the Dolby Theater, and accept their awards – the odds are good that they will be toasting a win with a glass of STERLING VINEYARDS wines.  The landmark Napa winery, Sterling Vineyards was once again, for the third consecutive year in a row, selected to participate by the ACADEMY OF MOTION PICTURE ARTS & SCIENCES, as the EXCLUSIVE WINE OF THE OSCARS®.

STERLING VINEYARDS IS THE EXCLUSIVE WINE OF THE OSCARS(R). (PRNewsFoto/Sterling Vineyards)

Winemaker ALISON CRARY is thrilled at this “best supporting beverage” opportunity. “It’s amazing to have our wines poured at the most glamorous event in the world!” Crary added “I see similarities between winemaking and moviemaking.  Napa is a great story and my job, like any director’s, is to create a ‘Best Picture’ with every vintage. The winemaker is the story teller…the vineyard is the script, with a cast of varietals and the potential to tell a different version of the story with each vintage.  A bold, powerful and unforgettable wine reminds me of a ‘Best Actor or Actress‘,” continued Crary. “While a wine that is consistently good, versatile with food and you can always rely on is like a ‘Best Supporting Actress or Actor.”

Winemakers HARRY HANSEN and Crary dug into the winery’s cellar reserves for exceptional vintages and agreed to pour the 2007 STERLING RESERVE CABERNET, the 2009 STERLING RESERVE CHARDONNAY and three limited production dessert wines. The wines will be paired with an extraordinary menu created by MASTER CHEF WOLFGANG PUCK, for the GOVERNORS BALL, the OFFICIAL CELEBRATION OF THE OSCARS®. Both wines will complement the 50+ selections of hors d’oeuvres, small plate entrees and desserts that Chef Puck has created for this celebration.

Founded in 1964, STERLING VINEYARDS crowns a 400-foot knoll, one mile south of the historic Napa town of Calistoga. The winery is accessible by aerial tram and offers stunning views of the surrounding wine country. For more information on Sterling Vineyards, visit www.sterlingvineyards.com

Sterling Vineyards wines are produced by DIAGEO CHATEAU & ESTATE WINES (DC&E) and is part of DIAGEO (Dee-AH-Gee-O); the world’s leading premium drinks business. DC&E brands also include: BV COASTAL ESTATES, STERLING VINEYARDS, STERLING VINTNER’S COLLECTION, CHALONE VINEYARD, ACACIA VINEYARD, PROVENANCE VINEYARDS and ROSENBLUM CELLARS. DC&E is also a leading importer of estate-bottled wines from Burgundy.  Celebrating life, every day, everywhere, responsibly.  For the Diageo global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit www.DRINKiQ.com, www.twitter.com/SterlingWines, www.Facebook.com/SterlingVineyards

IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN RELAUNCHED ITS INGENIEUR COLLECTION AT SALON INTERNATIONAL DE LA HAUTE HORLOGERIE (SIHH) 2013 IN GENEVA

The new collection was launched at the SALON INTERNATIONAL DE LA HAUTE HORLOGERIE (SIHH) 2013 in Geneva, and pays tribute to the new partnership with the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula™ One Team. The completely remodelled 2013 INGENIEUR WATCH COLLECTION from IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN focuses entirely on its new partnership with the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team. For the next three years, the watch manufacturer will be the OFFICIAL ENGINEERING PARTNER of the MERCEDES-BENZ WORKS team. For the new collection, IWC’s design engineers took their inspiration from Formula One™. Materials typically used in motorsport, such as carbon fibre, ceramic and titanium, are the hallmarks of a new design line in the Ingenieur watch family. The technologically demanding workmanship informs and confirms the reputation of IWC Schaffhausen as a company that has been manufacturing top-quality timepieces for more than 140 years.

the IWC booth during the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) 2013 at Palexpo on January 22, 2013 in Geneva, Switzerland.

 GEORGES KERN, CEO of IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN, commented on the global partnership with the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team: “The engineers who work within our two companies have many things in common. They share a passion for precision technology and innovation. They are the heroes behind the scenes: their craftsmanship and expertise with high technology lay the foundations for our success. Their pioneering spirit and know-how push the boundaries of mechanical engineering and continuously redefine the achievements of precision technology. The two companies have a name for this untiring quest for perfection: performance engineering.”

the IWC booth during the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) 2013 at Palexpo on January 21, 2013 in Geneva, Switzerland.

PANTONE ANNOUNCES FASHION COLOR REPORT FALL 2013

DESIGNERS CAPTURE THE MANY MOODS OF FALL WITH SKILLFULLY ARRANGED COLOR PALETTES THAT ALLOW FOR VERSATILITY AND EXPERIMENTATION

PANTONE LLC, an X-Rite company and the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, today unveiled the PANTONE® FASHION COLOR REPORT FALL 2013, a comprehensive overview of designers’ use of color in their upcoming collections. Released on the first day of New York Fashion Week, the PANTONE Fashion Color Report features the top 10 colors for women’s and men’s fashion for fall 2013, along with designer sketches, quotes and headshots. The report is available for free download at www.pantone.com/fall2013.

“Just as the leaves change in autumn, the consumer will enjoy the ability to change their ‘look’ and try a new approach to their wardrobe for brisk days ahead,” said LEATRICE EISEMAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE PANTONE COLOR INSTITUTE®. “The fall 2013 palette allows for that versatility and experimentation.”

Pantone Announces Fashion Color Report Fall 2013 (Courtesy: Pantone)

OSCAR WEEK 2013 REPORT: WOLFGANG PUCK TO HOST SUPER SECRET (!) RED CARPET CELEBRITY RETREAT & GIFT LOUNGE HONORING THE 85TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

WOLFGANG PUCK PUTS ON THE GLITZ & GRIND FOR THE OSCARS!

Wolfgang Puck Coffee logo. (PRNewsFoto/Wolfgang Puck Coffee)

As if the annual Oscar Week in Los Angeles isn’t “exclusive” enough to stifle a horse, CELEBRITY CHEF AND COFFEE CONNOISSEUR, WOLFGANG PUCK is adding his own, very extra special spin to the week leading up to Sunday’s Academy Award Ceremony. For sure, Puck knows how to put on the glitz to honor the nominees of the 85^th annual Academy Awards; and the “leading star” of one of the most exclusive Red Carpet

Wolfgang Puck (Photo by Amanda Marsalis)

Celebrity Gift Lounges this week happens to be his very own coffees!

(Invited) Nominees, Celebrities, Stylists and Press are set to attend his (new) lavish SECRET ROOM EVENTS RED CARPET CELEBRITY RETREAT AND GIFT LOUNGE honoring the 85^TH ACADEMY AWARDS. This is an event so exclusive, the Beverly Hills location is being kept confidential so the invited attendees (No Crashers, Please!) can enjoy the exclusivity of this by-invitation-only event.

SHERRI SCHECK-MERRILL, VP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCT DESIGN AT AMENITY SERVICES, is pulling out all the stops…and perks, to transform the super-secret pop-up WOLFGANG PUCK COFFEE BAR into a bubbling beverage oasis!  Featuring WOLFGANG PUCK’S ESTATE GROWN COFFEES, there will be specialty cafe drinks titled after the Academy Awards Best Picture Nominees. Attendees will follow Puck’s coffee salute of “Raise your Cup to Living Well” while indulging in Latte Jango, Cafe au Les Mis, Creme d’ Amour Caramel or Abe’s Hot Choc, just to name a few.

Scheck-Merrill also performed CREATIVE SPACE DESIGN duties for the popular SECRET ROOM EVENTS STYLE LOUNGE and incorporated lavish spa services for guests to enjoy. They include: ORGANIC manicures using handmade polishes by LOLLIPOP NAILS (Costa Mesa, CA), make-up applications by DIAL M MAKE-UP ARTISTS (Orange County, CA) and braids and blowouts by THE BLOW ANGELS (Los Angeles, CA).

After sipping and primping in the luxurious tropical retreat, guests will meet a bevy of Beauty and Brains from an Internship Program receiving much buzz out of The OC, FASHIONOMICS LIVE!  The cast and crew of this unique program, where High School students actually design their own internships, were selected by Secret Room Events to showcase their passions and talents. FASHIONOMICS LIVE! will be staging a SOCIAL MEDIA STATION PHOTO BOOTH which includes Best Picture faux tattoos, BUNDTINI BITES that take over from where the Cupcake left off, hot out of the oven cookies, HAIR CHALKING, NAIL EMBEZZLING, TREND SPOTTING, a graffiti wall for guests to scribble their Oscar predictions, and interview ops with the cast of interns!

The (SUPER) SECRET ROOM EVENTS RED CARPET CELEBRITY RETREAT AND GIFT LOUNGE will be the only Gift Lounge offering (invited) celebrity guests complimentary trips to 9 different luxury destinations, villas and private islands via the ALOHA TRAVEL LOUNGE – a new concept for gift suites and exclusive to SECRET ROOM EVENTS. Guests will also be able to pick from an array of high-end bikinis and walk away with a set of new concept designer suitcases to complete this amazing experience.

OSCARE WEEK 2013 REPORT: H&M AND GLOBAL GREEN USA CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF THE H&M GARMENT RECYCLING PROGRAM

Sophia Bush wears H&M’s Conscious Exclusive Collection at Global Green USA’s 10th annual Pre-Oscar Party. (PRNewsFoto/H&M)

Last night, SOPHIA BUSH, EMMY ROSSUM, ORLANDO BLOOM, MIRANDA KERR and HELEN HUNT were among the guests who joined H&M and GLOBAL GREEN USA to celebrate their partnership and the kickoff of H&M’s global garment recycling program at GLOBAL GREEN’S 10TH ANNUAL PRE-OSCAR PARTY.  H&M, as a proud sponsor of the event, featured an exclusive H&M CONSCIOUS* LOUNGE which highlighted H&M’s key sustainability initiatives including their fashionable Conscious clothing collections.  An ivory organic cotton three-piece suit from H&M’S SPRING 2013 CONSCIOUS EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION was worn by Sophia Bush on the green carpet.

HOLLYWOOD, CA – FEBRUARY 20: Actors Shasi Wells (L) and Dylan McDermott attend Global Green USA’s 10th Anniversary Pre-Oscar Party sponsored by H&M at Avalon on February 20, 2013 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images for H&M)

Jay Z and Justin Timberlake, In Association with LiveNation, Announce (2013) Legends of the Summer Stadium Tour

TOUR WILL VISIT 12 CITIES IN NORTH AMERICA INCLUDING NEW YORK, BOSTON, SAN FRANCISCO, LOS ANGELES, CHICAGO, AND TORONTO

With more than 23 Grammy Awards, 67 million albums sold and two Emmys combined, music icons JAY Z and JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE has announced a 12 once-in-a-lifetime stadium performance tour.  The LEGENDS OF THE SUMMER tour will begin on July 17th in Toronto, Ontario at the ROGER’S CENTRE and continue through August 16th in Miami, Florida at SUN LIFE STADIUM. Tickets for all dates except New York go on sale to the public on Thursday, FEBRUARY 28TH at www.LiveNation.com. Stay tuned for special New York on sale date announcement.

In addition to the tour start in Toronto on July 17th, Justin Timberlake and JAY Z will take their extraordinary live production to NEW YORK, CHICAGO, SAN FRANCISCO, LOS ANGELES, VANCOUVER, HERSHEY, DETROIT, BALTIMORE, BOSTON, and PHILADELPHIA where they will perform in such legendary stadiums as YANKEE STADIUM, FENWAY PARK, ROSE BOWL and CANDLESTICK PARK.

LEGENDS OF THE SUMMER  tour dates:
July 17               Toronto, ON         Rogers Centre
July 19               New York, NY        Yankee Stadium**
July 22               Chicago, IL            Soldier Field
July 26               San Francisco, CA Candlestick Park
July 28               Los Angeles, CA   Rose Bowl
July 31               Vancouver, BC     BC Place Stadium
August 4              Hershey, PA       Hershey Stadium
August 6              Detroit, MI          Ford Field
August 8              Baltimore, MD    M&T Bank Stadium
August 10             Boston, MA                   Fenway Park
August 13             Philadelphia, PA  Citizens Bank Park
    August 16             Miami, FL           Sun Life Stadium

Beginning today (February 22^nd), fans can click here or visit http://on.fb.me/13p2NSi to RSVP for early access to presale tickets available on February 27th. Citi® cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning today, February 22nd at 12 noon local time through Citi’s Private Pass® Program. For complete presale details visit www.citiprivatepass.com. Live Nation mobile app users will have access to presale tickets beginning February 27th.  Mobile users can text “LNAPP” OR 404040 to download the Live Nation mobile app. (Available for iOS and Android.) All presales end at 5 p.m. local time on Wednesday, February 27th.

Special VIP packages are available at www.vipnation.com

** All dates on sale to the public on February 28th, except New York. New York on sale information to be announced soon.

All dates are subject to change. For additional tour and ticket information visit www.LifeandTimes.com, www.JustinTimberlake.com, and www.LiveNation.com. Join the conversation at #LegendsOfTheSummer.

PUNK FASHION WILL BE FOCUS OF SPRING 2013 COSTUME INSTITUTE EXHIBITION AT METROPOLITAN MUSEUM

GALA BENEFIT MAY 6, 2013, WITH CO-CHAIRS ROONEY MARA, LAUREN SANTO DOMINGO, RICCARDO TISCI, AND ANNA WINTOUR

The spring 2013 exhibition organized by THE COSTUME INSTITUTE of THE METROPOLITAN

MUSEUM OF ART will be PUNK: Chaos to Couture. The exhibition, on view from MAY 9 through AUGUST 11, 2013 (preceded on May 6 by THE COSTUME INSTITUTE BENEFIT), will examine punk’s impact on high fashion from the movement’s birth in the 1970s through its continuing influence today

The exhibition is organized by ANDREW BOLTON, CURATOR, in THE MET’S COSTUME INSTITUTE. Photographer NICK KNIGHT is the exhibition’s creative consultant working with exhibition design consultant SAM GAINSBURY (who was creative director for the Met’s ALEXANDER MCQUEEN: SAVAGE BEAUTY exhibition in 2011) and production designer GIDEON PONTE (a set and production designer for photo shoots and feature films including Buffalo 66 and American Psycho). All mannequin head treatments and masks will be designed by GUIDO PALAU, who also created treatments for Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty and last year’s Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations.

Richard Hell, late 1970s
Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Photograph © Kate Sim

The exhibition, in the Museum’s second-floor Iris and B. Gerald Cantor galleries, will feature approximately 100 designs for men and women. Original punk garments from the mid-1970s will be juxtaposed with recent, directional fashion to illustrate how haute couture and ready-to-wear have borrowed punk’s visual symbols, with paillettes being replaced with safety pins, feathers with razor blades, and bugle beads with studs. Focusing on the relationship between the punk concept of ‘do-it-yourself‘ and the couture concept of ‘made-to-measure,’ the exhibition will be organized around the materials, techniques, and embellishments associated with the anti-establishment style. Presented as an immersive multimedia, multisensory experience, the clothes will be animated with period music videos and soundscaping audio techniques.

SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT INC. INTRODUCES PLAYSTATION®4 (PS4™)

SONY TO ROLL OUT PLAYSTATION 4 THIS YEAR IN TIME FOR YEAR-END SHOPPING

THE PRICE OF THE NEW CONSOLE HAS NOT BEEN DISCLOSED.

(This is partially edited press release. It was edited for space and readability. The technical information was left intact as I am not an expert in the field but I thought that you, the readers, would like to know about this launch sooner rather than later.)

SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT INC. (SCEI) today introduced PLAYSTATION®4 (PS4™), its next generation

Sony Computer Entertainment corporate logo. (PRNewsFoto/Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC)

computer entertainment system that redefines rich and immersive gameplay with powerful graphics and speed, intelligent personalization, deeply integrated social capabilities, and innovative second-screen features. Combined with PlayStation® Network with cloud technology, PS4 offers an expansive gaming ecosystem that is centered on gamers, enabling them to play when, where and how they want. PS4 will be available this holiday season.

GAMER FOCUSED, DEVELOPER INSPIRED

PS4 was designed from the ground up to ensure that the very best games and the most immersive experiences reach PlayStation gamers.  PS4 accomplishes this by enabling the greatest game developers in the world to unlock their creativity and push the boundaries of play through a system that is tuned specifically to their needs.

PS4 also fluidly connects players to the larger world of experiences offered by PlayStation, across the console and mobile spaces, and PlayStation® Network (PSN). The PS4 system architecture is distinguished by its high performance and ease of development.  PS4 is centered around a powerful custom chip that contains eight x86-64 cores and a state of the art graphics processor.

The GRAPHICS PROCESSING UNIT (GPU) has been enhanced in a number of ways, principally to allow for easier use of the GPU for general purpose computing (GPGPU) such as physics simulation.  The GPU contains a unified array of 18 compute units, which collectively generate 1.84 Teraflops of processing power that can freely be applied to graphics, simulation tasks, or some mixture of the two.

PS4 is equipped with 8 GB of unified system memory, easing game creation and increasing the richness of content achievable on the platform.  GDDR5 is used for this memory, giving the system 176 GB/second of bandwidth and providing a further boost to graphics performance. The end result for gamers is new games with rich, high-fidelity graphics and deeply immersive experiences that shatter expectations.

The all new DualShock 4 controller introduces enhanced features to offer gamers completely new ways to play and interact with games. (PRNewsFoto/Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.)

10Rate.com Editors Announces the Best Headphones, Earbuds, And Headsets; Bose, Shure, And Ear Force Win Quality And Value Awards

10RATE EDITORS ASSESS AND RATE HEADPHONES ACROSS SPECIFIC CATEGORIES LIKE NOISE CANCELING, GAMING, AND WIRELESS

10rate editors STEVE HOLDGREN and BRIAN JONES tested out all sorts of headphones and headsets to determine which the best were. Sound quality always received the most of the weight in tests, but other factors like portability, durability, and usefulness came into play as well. For headsets, mic quality was important while battery usage in wireless headphones was a big deciding factor.

10rate.com conducts reviews in various product and services categories and publishes “EXPERT TOP 10 LISTS FOR EVERYTHING IN YOUR LIFE.” The company’s web site strives to “Make it Easy” to select from the hundreds of choices there are in the product and service market place.

BEYER DYNAMIC DT 235 OVER-THE-EAR HEADPHONES

Steve Holdgren first covered Headphones Ratings from any category. He looked for comfort, good range of sound, a long cable, compatibility with many devices, and style when deciding which pair was the best. The BEYERDYNAMIC DT 235 OVER-THE-EAR HEADPHONES won the top spot with a rating of 9.5 because of their ability to “produce dynamic sound with clear, sharp highs and mids and a tight bass with little distortion.” Steve also noted their low price as an exceptional value.

 

BOSE QUIET COMFORT 15 Noise Cancelling Headphones

TRIPADVISOR ANNOUNCES 2013 TRAVELERS’ CHOICE BEACHES AWARDS

Top Beach Spots in the U.S. and World Named According to Millions of Travelers

Ka’anapali Beach in Lahaina, Hawaii is the top beach in the U.S. (www.pr

TripAdvisor^®, the world’s largest travel site*, today announced the winners of its 2013 TRAVELERS’ CHOICE BEACHES AWARDS. The TRAVELERS’ CHOICE BEACHES AWARDS are based on the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and ratings for beaches on TripAdvisor gathered over a 12-month period since the 2012 awards.

Siesta Key Public Beach in Sarasota, Florida among the top 10 beaches in the U.S.