The Business

Nicola Formichetti Pop-Up Store

Starworks Group handled all press surrounding Nicola Formichetti’s temporary concept store with BOFFO Building Fashion and Gage/Clemenceau Architects, which opened during New York Fashion Week. During the two weeks Nicola’s was open, Starworks Group hosted four events including the store’s opening day and press preview, the launch party with Thierry Mugler Parfums, an Emerging Chinese Designers’ Exhibition and a press preview of UNIQLO’s new line UNIQLO Innovation Project (for which Formichetti is the Fashion Director).

As the Creative Director of Thierry Mugler, Fashion Director to Lady Gaga, the Haus of Gaga, Uniqlo and Vogue Japan, as well as contributor to V Magazine, Dazed & Confused and Another Magazine, Formichetti has created some of the most memorable imagery, performances, and moments in recent pop culture history.

Under Formichetti’s direction, the 1300 square foot space was transformed into a mirrored prism. The store housed a collection of limited edition pieces available to purchase such as Thierry Mugler menswear and womenswear, Nicola’s iPhone cases, jewelry, candles, t-shirts and exclusive designs by emerging international designers. Nicola’s also featured installations from Formichetti’s past and present creations and collaborations.

 

One Starworker, Five Looks!

This week we hit up our West Coast colleague, Lauren Urband, for her work week wardrobe. Lauren turns to street and personal style blogs for inspiration. “I love seeing how real people dress around the world and have come to appreciate the individual styles of so many fashion bloggers”, she says.  Some of her go-to blogs and websites include The Sartorialist, Hanneli Mustaparta, Garance Dore, Jak & Jill, The Coveteur, Sea of Shoes, Cupcakes & Cashmere and, personal favorite, The Man Repeller.

Day 1

What are you wearing?
Jen Kao jacket, T by Alexander Wang tank, Theory leather shorts, Alexander Wang shoes, Givenchy Nightingale bag, Giles & Brother bracelet, Hermes watch

Any special stories related to anything you have on today?
The Jen Kao jacket is from my favorite store, Aura in Santa Monica, which just closed its doors.  R.I.P.!  I was truly devastated when I heard the news; I’ve been shopping there since I moved to California five years ago.  I discovered the store when I was jogging in my neighborhood and saw a cute pair of pants in the window, which promptly ended my workout.  Ah, priorities!

What is your favorite thing about this outfit?
Aura’s manager, who is also a close friend, urged me to buy this jacket, despite my hesitation due to the Dynasty-esque shoulder pads.  But, as always, she was right – it’s one of my favorite pieces in my closet.

How does this outfit work for your work day?
This outfit is casual yet pulled together at the same time.  Perfect for LA!

Day 2

What are you wearing?
Christian Cota blouse, James jeans, Collar necklace from Mexico, Thakoon by Giuseppe Zanotti shoes, Giles & Brother and Madewell bracelets

Any special stories related to anything you have on today?
I picked up the necklace at a store in a small, artsy town outside of Cabo called Todos Santos while on vacation.  It’s a really versatile piece, and I love that it reminds me of my trip.

Ah, the shoes…  I first spied them at Kirna Zabete while in NYC with two clients, who insisted on going to the best stores all over town in between meetings.   After much debate, I left them at the store and thought about them all the way back to California.  I ended up finally purchasing them on sale.  Score!

What is your favorite thing about this outfit?
The shoes.  Any time I am still thinking about something after I leave a store, I get that “Wayne’s World” line stuck in my head, “It will be mine; oh yes, it will be mine.”  Case in point!

How does this outfit work for your work day?
Today, I have a meeting with a client who appreciates a great shoe, so I always take extra care in choosing a pair he hasn’t seen yet when I know I’m going to see him.

Day 3

What are you wearing?
T by Alexander Wang tank, Isabel Marant pants, Ann Demuelemeester sandal booties, Fenton/Fallon for J. Crew necklace, Celine luggage tote

Any special stories related to anything you have on today?
These are my “husband-repeller” pants.  Every time I wear them, he cringes and rolls his eyes; they epitomize everything that men hate about women’s fashion, although I always get compliments from other women when I wear them.  I’ve been married for just over 5 years, so I’ve learned to wear what I like, and my husband has learned to keep his opinions to himself.

As soon as I heard of Fenton/Fallon for J. Crew collaboration, I immediately called every store within a 10-mile radius until I could get my hands on this necklace.  I wear it at least once a week.  Such a genius partnership!

What is your favorite thing about this outfit?
This outfit incorporates all of my favorite colors – neutrals, metallics, leopard and a little sparkle.

How does this outfit work for your work day?
Today, I’m recovering from last night’s dinner in honor of the Westward by Emily Current and Meritt Elliott for kate spade new york collection, so I went for comfort!

Day 4

What are you wearing?
Vanessa Bruno romper, Vanessa Bruno jacket, Balenciaga sandals, Norma Kamali sunglasses, kate spade new york bag, Giles & Brother, Madewell and David Yurman bracelets

Any special stories related to anything you have on today?
Showing some client love today!  I’m wearing pieces from two of our clients – Vanessa Bruno and kate spade new york.

What is your favorite thing about this outfit?
The sunglasses are a classic yet timeless cat-eye shape.  I especially love that the tortoise pattern looks like leopard, my favorite color.

How does this outfit work for your work day?
It’s a perfect day-to-night outfit!

Day 5

What are you wearing?
Isabel Marant jacket, 3.1 Phillip Lim top, J. Crew pants, Eddie Borgo necklace, Celine sunglasses, Alaia sandals

Any special stories related to anything you have on today?
I stalked these shoes after seeing them at Des Kohan, a really cool store here in LA, but they were a gazillion dollars.  I thought they were never going to be mine until I spied them on The Outnet.  Luckily, they were available in my size, so I immediately snapped them up, of course!  They’re a perfect sandal-bootie hybrid.

What is your favorite thing about this outfit?
This necklace always sparks conversation.  It’s a bejeweled spike, but people get really creative when trying to figure out what it is…

How does this outfit work for your work day?
I’m meeting my husband for a dinner date after work, so this outfit is another great day-to-night number.  Unlike NY, LA is a driving city, so you have to think about your entire day when getting dressed in the morning.

 

Alternative partners with musician Alison Sudol of A Fine Frenzy for Community Collective Project

3 exclusive tee designs to benefit the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Alternative Apparel, the industry-leading fashion basics brand known for its unparalleled comfort and quality craftsmanship today announced its partnership with musician Alison Sudol of A Fine Frenzy in a collective project for charity. As part of the creative collaboration, the casual lifestyle apparel company will release three limited-edition print tees sold exclusively at the Alternative flagship retail store in Venice, CA, to benefit the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Alternative will donate a portion of sales from each tee purchase to the IUCN for which Alison serves as a goodwill ambassador. “The IUCN is a tremendously cool organization, covering a wide range of issues, from climate change to green economy, biodiversity, human well-being and sustainable energy,” explains Sudol. “Being involved with them has not only taught me about the environmental challenges we are facing on so many levels, it has also given me a chance to help. It’s a great honor to be given this opportunity.”

To kick off the partnership, Sudol will host an event at Alternative’s Venice store on August 20th.

 

One Starworker, Five Looks!

Introducing our latest column to the Starworks Group Blog – One Starworker, Five Looks – where we feature our colleagues and their great personal style. First up is Sydney Oh, our wonderwoman PR Assistant in the NY office…she can normally be found flying around the office but always manages to look effortlessly chic. Sydney is not only inspired by style icons, Mary-Kate Olsen, Kate Bosworth and Erin Wasson, but also a day with perfect weather.

Disclaimer: We love Vogue.com’s column so much that we decided to do our own version! Kudos to them for the brilliant idea!

Monday

1. What are you wearing?
All Saints tux jumpsuit
Style Nanda earrings and sandals
Gifted beaded necklace worn as a bracelet
Thin neon bracelets from Madewell
Silver rings were bought off the street in Soho and in Athens, GA.
Pearl ring was a VDay gift from my boyfriend
Susan Farber Cross Body Bag

2. Any special stories related to anything you have on today?
My friend from college would make these fantastic beaded necklaces, and I loved hers so much, she made me one! We would only wear these as bracelets though.

3. How does this outfit work for your work day?
Aside from the obvious, I have to move around a lot at work since the samples are downstairs. It helps that the jumpsuit is super comfortable!

4. What is your favorite thing about this outfit?
The tux jumpsuit is an easy day-to-night piece. Throw on a denim jacket or a sweatshirt, and it’d instantly be casual. It was also a great bargain as my co-worker, Melissa, found it at the All Saints sample sale.

5. Jumpsuits can be tough and scary to pull off. What’s your advice?
I’d say a girl always feels confident in heels! Pair them with shoes with height.

Tuesday

1. What are you wearing?
Uniqlo button down
Turquoise Trousers from ASOS WHITE collection
Jeffrey Campbell leopard pony hair wedges
ASOS Collar tips and belt
Vintage bracelets

2. Any special stories related to anything you have on today?
My mom gave me the jade bracelet when I was in maybe the 3rd grade. Her personal collection is the best, and I love how some of my jewelry from her are older than me!

3. What is your favorite thing about this outfit?
I’m obsessed with collar tips. On top of my menswear phase, I realized I’m subconsciously influenced by cowboys and the desert, which also explains my current likings for cacti and succulents.

4. How does this outfit work for your work day?
I appreciate working in fashion since “business chic” can translate to anything really…I can wear bright colors, prints, and fur while still looking polished.

Wednesday

1. What are you wearing?
Alternative tee
Nobody boyfriend shorts
Style Nanda sandals
ASOS Premium bag
Swarovski bracelet

2. Any special stories related to anything you have on today?
Really supporting our clients with this outfit.

3. What is your favorite thing about this outfit?
The cotton candy colors!

4. How does this outfit work for your work day?
It’s more laid back and not as high stressed, plus it’s a million degrees outside so I’d prefer not to melt with a super comfortable tee and a pair of loose shorts.

Thursday

1. What are you wearing?
ASOS shirt
Style Nanda Leggings and Sandals
LowLuv ring
Gifted white gold bracelet

2. Any special stories related to anything you have on today?
I resort to online shopping on late nights when I need some therapy…ASOS and Style Nanda are my favorite e-commerce go-to’s. My coworker gave me the ring.  I used to wear it every day for probably 8 months straight, so thanks Sara! My mom’s best friend gifted me the bracelet when I was a teen.

3. What is your favorite thing about this outfit?
The lace-up leggings. I like how I feel very “Sally” from The Nightmare Before Christmas.

4. How does this outfit work for your work day?
Works well for not trying, I think! A tee and leggings but edgy enough for it not to look like pjs.

Friday

1. What are you wearing?
Alternative tank
Bluette shorts from LF Soho
One Language tote
Roxy denim jacket
Jeffrey Campbell wedges
Topshop hat
Vintage gold bracelets
Vintage gold/onyx ring
Neon bangles from Madewell

2. Any special stories related to anything you have on today?
The gold onyx ring I’m wearing was passed down from my aunt to my mom to me – actually, I took it and one day they both noticed it on my finger and told me the story. This was my aunt’s first purchase after she immigrated to the US, and once she got married, she let my mom have it.  They wore it in their twenties and on their ring fingers while they were single.  It’s funny how I’m coincidentally repeating the cycle and wearing a ring that’s older than I am, on the same finger.

P.S. My friend surprised me one day with one of her One Language totes! It was a part of her 2nd collection and before it hit retailers so I was super grateful!! I take it on every trip as it’s perfect for the plane.

3. What is your favorite thing about this outfit?
The shorts and shoes. I love a pair of high-waisted shorts with a great print. Both are staple pieces I’ve worn since last summer.

4. How does this outfit work for your work day especially on a Friday?
I love Summer Fridays!! Although it’s my turn to work the full day, it helps me feel casual and summery.

 

London Calling…

NY-based Austin S. and Chelsa Y. hopped the pond to visit one of our favorite clients, Asos. They made sure to mix a little business with pleasure though…work hard, play hard!

We had a fab recommendation by Katie Crown to stop by Polpo for dinner. It’s a really cute, Italian tapas place (“Venetian style bacaro”) that only seats 50 in the heart of Soho on Beak Street. We actually stumbled on it by accident and had a very late dinner (we closed the place down)! It reminds us of a hipper, younger version of Peasant here in Nolita, NYC.

To start, we had Oprah’s favorite cocktail, Moscow Mule, and ended with a bottle of red wine. The food is seasonal and we received some gracious recommendations by the bartender (swoon). Must-haves include: English asparagus with anchovy butter and parmesan, Spinach and soft egg pizzetta, and the piadina.

We stayed at the beautiful and modern St Martins Lane hotel and I was luckily upgraded thanks to the Morgans Group (despite the busy Wimbledon crowd). A small outdoor terrace and a cupcake (that said “Eat Me”) welcomed me.

ALSO…We loved visiting the new Starworks London office and meeting the whole team.