Daily Front Row

2011 April 15

Sergio Says! Weekly Musings from Marie Claire (and Beyond...)

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Shooting a few fierce frames with Taylor Momsen
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This week, Sergio Kletnoy nibbles crumpets on Crosby, spots Bill Cunningham in action and has a laundry list of colorful starlet run-ins, both on and off the job—as per usual for the fiercest assistant to ever set foot in Hearst Tower. The Daily's "The Assistant Files" kicked off with Kletnoy, and each week we're following his escapades as Marie Claire EIC Joanna Coles' gatekeeper. And don't forget to peruse the gallery of Sergio's fantastic photographic evidence!

Sunday, 1:45 p.m.
In my gray Diesel jeans, “Who The F#$K is Mark Ronson” t-shirt, Pierre Hardy kicks and an army and neon-yellow coat by Raf Simons, I am rushing downtown to meet my favorite “natural blond,” Amanda Hearst. Amanda invited a few of her friends for an afternoon of tea and crumpets (how posh) at the Crosby Street Hotel in Soho. I overslept from being out until 3 a.m. the night before, and arrived 45 minutes late. After two hours of endless trays of food and six cups of English Breakfast tea, we headed out for an afternoon of shopping. While in Soho, I spotted Joanna's BFF Narciso Rodriguez and his posse of peeps. I waved hello and rushed off for something a little more important: Y-3, Bathing Ape, Diesel, Buckler and Opening Ceremony, where I dropped a small fortune on a couple of t-shirts. 

Monday, 9:05 a.m.
On my way to work, I spot Bill Cunningham on the corner of 57th and 5th—his favorite place to photograph fashionistas—I yell out “Bill, LOVED the movie." He smiled, said thank you, and went back to snapping pix of those who are not fashion roadkill. Later that day at the Dream hotel, I caught up with my favorite new British import, Jessie J, for another round of tea.  (Bye bye, Ellie Goulding.) She was tricked out in a black mesh catsuit, gold bamboo earrings, gold creepers and a matching pleather jacket. Jessie is a world famous singer/songwriter. Never heard of her? Well, you’ve definitely heard of Miley’s biggest hit, “Party In The U.S.A.,” which Jessie co-wrote. Her debut album Who You Are is out this week and be sure to check out the brand spanking new psychedelic video for “Nobody’s Perfect",which happens to be my fave off the album. Best part of our interview? The Angel Jackson feather bag.

Tuesday, 1:30 p.m.
While THE BOSS was out to lunch, I met up with Gossip Girl’s resident wild child turned rockstar, Taylor Momsen, for an interview. Taylor was dolled up in a white dress, Ramones sweatshirt, leather biker jacket and her signature black eyeliner. (Surprisingly, she told me that make-up only takes 10 minutes to apply.) I was wearing my favorite vintage Zeppelin t-shirt, and she asked me what my favorite Zeppelin song was. “Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You.” Turns out, it’s her favorite, too. Adore! We made fun of Avril, discussed my tattoos and shared our love for Chris Cornell. Taylor is obsessed with Teen Mom, doesn’t care for Bieber and wants to be known as a singer who acts, not the other way around.  We talked about our favorite classic movies. Mine: Some Like It Hot. Hers: The Wizard of Oz. (I’ve never seen it, so kill me.) The debut album by The Pretty Reckless, the rock band that Taylor fronts, “Light Me Up” is in stores this week. Be sure to check out "Just Tonight," the killer single and video from one of the best rock albums of the year.

Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.
I am fixated with “Wonderland” by Natalia Kills. Natalia (real name: Natalia Cappuccini) is a stunning British singer-songwriter. P.S., If you haven’t noticed, I am real Anglophile. Natalia is what Gaga wishes she could be. Next up is “Rose Colored Glasses” by Kelly Rowland. Kelly came to the office today and over another round of tea—Joanna’s obsession with tea has finally rubbed off on me—we reminisced about the first time we met, our love for Marvin Gaye, the possibility of a Destiny’s Child reunion and my Salvador Dali tattoo. More about our interview next week. Back to the song: Kelly looks flawless in the video, which was directed by a world-renowned photographer Rankin. Drop whatever you are doing and download it now!  And finally, “Out Of My Mind” by the London-based Tyson.  If Prince and Scissor Sisters had a baby, Tyson would be it.  As one blogger put it, “It will have you moaning for all the right reasons.”

Thursday, 1:12 p.m.
I heart N.Y.!  While coming out of Hale & Hearty on 55th Street and Eighth Avenue with my lunch, I ran into Goldie Hawn. Casually dressed in a black tank top, sweats and the obligatory shades, she definitely did not look like a grandmother—more like a hot cougar. I said hi, she smiled, waved and went about her business. Of course, now I’m obsessed. I think I need to stay in this weekend and have a full-fledged movie day. (Goldie’s Death Becomes Her and HouseSitter are going straight to the top of my movie pile.) Oh how I wish those rumors from years back about Goldie and Madonna starring in Chicago turned out to be true. What I wouldn’t give to hear Madge and Goldie belt out “Nowadays/Hot Honey Rag.” A boy can dream…

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2011 April 15

Getting To Know You...Simon Spurr

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Simon Spurr
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He's had his own line since 2006, but Simon Spurr trained under the best—Hedi Slimane, Ralph Lauren, and la maison Calvin Klein. Simply put? He's a star. But what's his cleaning lady's name? 
 

Name: Simon Spurr 

Age: 36

Birthday: July 8th

Current abode: New York City

Birthplace: Farnborugh, U.K.

Hours you sleep: Six.

Wake-up call: 6:15 a.m..

Street of choice: "No street, exactly, but my area of choice would be Belsize Park in London."

What phrase are you over? "Cropped pants."

Favorite room? "The bedroom"

Favorite vegetable? "Potato."

A divine recent read: "An article on the Duke of Windsor by Suzy Menkes in Another Man."

iPad app: "Chase bank." 

Do you have the iPad 2? "No, and I won't. I don't believe in excessive keeping-up-with-the-Jones'. "

Favorite showtune: "I'm not a showtunes guy." 

What do you pay your cleaning lady? $100.

What's her name? "Anya. The first time she cleaned my house, she color-coordinated my wardrobe."  

Gym: Equinox.

Exercise: Pilates.

Favorite bread: "Whatever's fresh."

First fashion show: "Tom Ford's very last Gucci show." 

Greatest expenditure: "My apartment."

Escape plan: "I'll retire from fashion and build a modern home on the beach in Mexico."

Illicit crush: Olivia Wilde.

What makes you jealous? "I don't get jealous."

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2011 April 15

Situations and Salutations with Emily Current and Meritt Elliott

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The latest from Emily and Meritt
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Emily Current and Meritt Elliott are Los Angeles-based stylists also known for cult-fave denim line, Current/Elliott. Now, they're Chic-ing with us weekly, with all the dish from the West Coast. They also write love letters.

Dear Rose Bowl Flea Market,

You sure know how to inspire and fulfill a gal! We simply can’t wait for the second Sunday of every month to roll around. You are a mecca of one-of-a-kind vintage treasures, unfailingly peppered with a parade of stylish shoppers, seekers and sellers. After 15 years of visiting, we’ve learned a thing or two. Be prepared to dig and deal; vintage dealers love to give you a bargain if you show some respect and loyalty to their booth. If you're a gal, wear a loose skirt so you can try on vintage bellbottoms. Bring a friend with good taste to serve as your critic!  Shamelessly and adoringly gawk at flawlessly stylish Japanese tourists.

EXPLORE...

Area 1, which is full of antiques, epic clothing and timeless furniture. This is the closest you can get to Martha’s favorite, Brimfield. Indulge in some delicate Victorian lingerie, mended French workwear, collectable costume jewelry, and knick-knacks for the home. We have found everything from thirties beaded clutches to ceramic bookends from the seventies. For denim, tees, and leather, go across the bridge to Area 2. 

AVOID...
The man yelling “BEEF JER-KEE” and the ever-present frozen lemonade stands.

Buying the first goodie you see towards the front.
Uncomfortable shoes.
Shopping carts. Just don’t. They annoy fellow finders!

So thank you, Rose Bowl, for being a worthy destination for finding our favorite vintage treasures, meeting new, worldly friends, expanding our home décor horizons and igniting our love for fruity drinks and caramel corn. 

With love and style,
Your steadfast flea market friends, EMILY + MERITT

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2011 April 15

Amy Smilovic: Interiors as Fashion Accessories

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What are Amy's picks this week?
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Tibi's Amy Smilovic believes that ready-to-wear can, and should, inspire decor. This week, she turns her eye to her own collection.

"My Spring 2011 Tibi Collection was the inspiration for an interior in black and whites with bold shots of saturated colors.  Clean linear lines throughout the room are set off by the curves and turns of this brass sculpture, a personal favorite from Irwin Feld, a fabulous purveyor of mid-century modern antiques in Stamford, Connectecut.  And I go crazy for any of Timorous Beasties wallhangings, especially this strong red damask. Irina, wearing my lace cutout shorts and top with a tiered suede coat, would look especially chic lounging on a vintage Henredon sofa by Frank Lloyd Wright."

Check them out:

The 20th Century Art Book

The Tommi Parzinger Cabinet

Lynn Hershman Art

Dan Murphy Ribbon Sculpture

Heritage Henredon Sofa by Frank Lloyd Wright 

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2011 April 15

Rebecca's London Discoveries

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Where can you find coffee in the land of tea? Find out!
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Spoiler alert: If you don't feel like really, really missing London, do not read on. This week, Rebecca Minkoff takes us back...again. 

"Historically, there are certain things that just work better in twos. I immediately think of Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers, Ben & Jerry, Bubble & Squeek and, naturally, a recap of my trip to the fabulous London-town! This week: the absolute must-dos of art, architecture and design, topped off with a light sampling in how to pamper yourself like a Londoner. You know you want it!

Allegedly, breakfast is the most important meal of the day (though in my opinion, why place such importance on only one?). So, with this keenly in mind, I hop on the Tube and head to the London Bridge area to fuel up some of the best coffee and pastries I’ve ever had. Ever. They're at Monmouth Coffee on Stone Street. This little gem is tucked away from the hustle and tourist bustle, and it's the place to go for gorgeous coffee in the land of tea.

This particular Monmouth Coffee (there are a few in London) happens to be perfectly located as a starting point for full day of cultural fulfillment. It sits right near some of the best art and cultural hotspots within London proper—the Design Museum, the stunning architecture along the Thames and, of course, the Tate Modern. 

I can’t come to London and not take a tranquil stroll along the Thames to soak up the dazzling mélange of old /modern architecture. I gotta say it, Parliament and the London Eye are both gorgeous, but I love what’s in between. As a designer, the stunning creativity of the buildings that decorate the banks of the river provides me with endless inspiration.

So you’ve got your coffee on, you’ve gotten your stroll on, now it’s time to soak up the deliciousness that is The Design Museum. You can completely lose yourself in this relatively small, not-overwhelming space. The exhibits are continuously changing and every now and then, if you catch it at the just the right moment, there may be a fashion-centric exhibit of the highest caliber. Think Manolo Blahnik sketches and original prototypes-.What more could a girl (or footwear-appreciative, design-inspired boy) possibly ask for?  

While you’re there, grab a stunning (the views of the aforementioned Thames architecture and the Tower Bridge are RIDIC!) and scrumptious lunch at chef Jeremy Lee’s Blue Print Café house within The Design Museum. Then hoof it west along the south bank of the Thames to the grand daddy of famous London art museums, The Tate Modern. This place should speak for itself.

After a full day of getting down with my high-brow and incredibly cultured self, my internal dialogue is something along the lines of, “Ya know what, Rebecca? A little R&R sounds like the perfect cherry on top of your Londoner sundae right now. You deserve it.” This is where the magical hands of Reflexions on King’s Road come into play. While they work their magic, I like to imagine the champagne from Paris and the jet lag from the flight dripping slowly out of my pores. Feeling light as a feather and fullly enriched, I continue this blissful and flawless day to WAH NAILS, my go-to spot for the trendiest digits in London. 

To hear more about my adventures and get up-to-the-minute updates on what I’m up to, follow me on facebook, twitter  and on my blog."

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2011 April 15

Look of The Daily: Zelda Kaplan

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Gorgeous!
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Vanity Fair and Bumble and bumble celebrated the release of the StyleLikeU book last night at the salon's MePa building, and legendary NYC party girl Zelda Kaplan looked ravishing in red. “My whole outfit is made from a dancer's skirt, which I bought years ago just south of Calcutta," Kaplan shared with Chic. So, why is the fabulous Zelda always spotted in coordinating haberdashery? “Because I want to be taller, of course! I wear high heels and then I design tall hats, to give me height in both directions.” Let's hope we all look as fab as her when we're 90+ years old. What's her secret? She rarely wakes up before 2 p.m..

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