Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Courage Is...

It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month!    

Please see my video supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Estee Lauder Foundation and Journelle Lingerie.  If you're on Twitter, enter the bra giveaway from  super sexy Journelle lingerie bra stating 'Courage Is.... " to you.  Contest ends Friday! Make sure you mention @shopjournelle and hashtag #BCA20 in the tweet!

 Thank you and wishing you the very ‘breast’ of health!

Once again I ask... 

"Have you had your mammogram"?

Ralph Lauren Pink Pony - Breast Cancer Awareness Month

We are quickly coming upon the autumnal month of October.  Also known as 'Breast Cancer Awareness Month'.  This is such a near and dear area of concern and topic for me.  Unfortunately, I have lost several friends and family members to breast cancer.  So much so, that I didn't want to wait until the official commencement of October, to ask... 

"Have you had your mammogram yet"???????

Happily, I was going through some files last week and fell upon a Pink Pony photo shoot a bunch of us did years ago.  Yes, YEARS ago.  If you look closely, you'll see Carson Kressley (formerly from 'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy') in the second row (on the left) in the first collage.  

In the second collage you'll find me on the bottom row (second left), with my friend Donald Nowicki who is 'Uncle Ralphs' art curator for all the stores and his personal collections. 

Pink Pony is Ralph Lauren’s worldwide initiative in the fight against cancer. Our mission is to reduce disparities in cancer care in medically underserved communities and ensure that treatment is available at an earlier, more curable stage. In the United States, 10 percent of the purchase price of Pink Pony products benefits the Pink Pony Fund of the Polo Ralph Lauren Foundation to support programs for screening, early diagnosis, treatment, research and patient navigation. Internationally, a network of local charities benefits from the sales of Pink Pony products.

Ralph Lauren created the Polo Ralph Lauren Foundation, as a worldwide initiative to fight cancer. 

Visit www.RalphLauren.com/PinkPony

to make a donation today!

The Pink Pony Fund is Polo Ralph Lauren Foundation's worldwide initiative in the fight against cancer. Pink Pony supports programs for early diagnosis, education, treatment and research and is dedicated to bringing quality cancer care to medically underserved communities. 

Your tax deductible gift amount will be shown on your receipt at check-out and can be printed and used for tax purposes.

Wherever you are in this world, wherever you live - "Have you had your mammogram yet"??????? I hope the answer is YES!

And if not, please schedule one today.  We need you!

A Day in the Life... Joy Moyler, Behind Hautezone

At least four, maybe five times a week I am asked exactly what an interior designer does.  Generally from people who don't watch HGTV, Bravo, LXTV or subscribe to various shelter magazines - online nor publications you actually can hold, and dog-ear the pages of.  More specifically, the question is - "what the heck is it you do in a day?".  In addition, many of my readers only know me as the 'face behind Hautezone'.  Not for the design work I do.

With that question, the following video came to life.  If you are also a reader of PinkEggshell, you may have seen it published there, on September 19th.  There are so many other aspects and details which could have been shown (or were edited out, like the heated vendor call for the delayed mirror).  Vendor visits, client meetings, shipping materials etc.  All of which would have created a three hour video, which would have been faaaaaaar too long for anyones viewing pleasure.   Especially mine!  Perhaps, we will show some of that on the next video.

Visiting the Ralph Lauren Home showroom, which I designed over five years ago is always fun.   My lunch spot was Todd English at the Plaza Hotel.  I go at least twice a week, as it offers some of everything and I love the decor.  And who doesn't want to have lunch at the Plaza?  It's proximity to Bergdorf Goodman, right across the street is a bonus, as you may note from a previous post 'Scatter my Ashes at Bergdorf Goodman'.  I always stop in to see what's new.

I wish I'd stopped at some point to freshen my makeup, but I totally got wrapped up in the work I was doing and forgot. It's funny when you look at yourself you see things you'd done differently.  Big THANKS to Nick Carter Weddings for filming and producing the video.

Anyway, I hope you like it!

Diversity in Design

I am pleased to say, on Wednesday, September 26th. I will part of a symposium at the New York School of Interior design.  The topic is 'Diversity in Design'.  If you are in the area, it would be a pleasure to have you in attendance.

The advertisement is incorrect, as I am no longer with Giorgio Armani.  Nonethless, it will be alot of fun. Also participating are Anishka Clarke, Anaele Owunanne and Robin Wilson - all whom I admire greatly.  This event has been long planned by Tameka Pierre-Louis of Le Rapport Minoritaire Magazine.  The event will begin at 7pm, in observance of Yom Kippur.

New York School of Interior Design

170 East 70th. Street

New York, N.Y.
(212) 472-1500

Hope to see you there!

Bergdorf Goodman...Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorfs!

Fashion Week is upon us, effectively in full swing!  To celebrate the adventure along with the 111th. Anniversary of the famed duchess of Fifth Avenue - enjoy Sara James Mnoonkins book 'Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf Goodman' with foreword by Holly Brubach.

"When my So80's book came out, Bergdorf wanted to throw a party.  But I said, "It's got to be a big party.  Like a party from the eighties.  And I want it on the Main floor.  Which they never do, but they made an exception for me.  People were dancing.  A couple of people were smoking things they should'nt have been smoking. And I do remember, there were a two people actually...making love, for want of a better word behind the counters.  Somebody said, "this is a first, even for us".  I consider that party a success". -- Patrick McMulln, Photographer

It is full of info, hysterical celebrity anecdotes and quips.  Did you know... 'Bergie's (which I call it), is where Grace Kelly ordered her wedding invitations? Where Halston, Michael Kors and Isaac Mizrahi started in the biz?

"Sometimes people make fun of the lady who lunches, but, frankly, that's our customer.  That's the girl I like.  She's dressed.  She looks great.  She's got on her heels.  She's out ordering a teeny little salad.  There are definitely a lot of ladies who go to Bergdorf, but it doesn't mean that it's such a rarified place to eat.  It's just a place to go where you feel like you're going to see some high fashion.  I so appreciate that over someone who is always in sweats or jeans, who doesn't feel like they need to make an effort and put on something fun for the day".  --- Lela Rose, Designer

Where else can you find the very, very best of Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, Peter Som, Chado Ralph Rucci, Marchesa, J.Mendel - and hundreds more all under one roof! THAT close to Central Park?

Happy Birthday Bergdorfs! Thank you for the memories, and for being the best retail therapy ever and your most incredible windows.  You are better than therapy! 

"It's so much more fun being on heels with a friend, than laying on a strangers couch!" -- Hautezone

Excerpts and images from 'Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf Goodman'

by Sara James Mnookin

Harper Design

Michelle Obama Nail Color inspirations

First Lady Michelle Obama truly 'nailed' her speech at last night's Democratic National Convention last night.  All the while, I kept staring at her nails.  What color are they really? Blue? Grey?  

Looks like the White House's new best secret.  I expect a custom Michelle Obama color.  I'll call it the 'New Navy Seal'.  

Men...Afternoon delight...

Okay, isn't it about time we see something other than shoes, lipstick and beautiful rooms? I cannot believe I just said that!  

Wipe your mouth ladies.....

And yet, more Toby of Storm Models...

Images from The Fashionisto Tumblr and Storm Models

Marchesa in the Studio.

I will forever and a day be about craftsmanship.  It's something I feel to my core.  A lingering sense of respect and admiration for those who envision a dream and make it so - stitch by stitch.  Details, profound.  

The power of creation, the elements that come together to make something truly special - and divine.  It may come from seeing my grandmother make exquisitely tailored clothing by hand.  Influenced by Dior and Balenciaga.  From my grandfather taking me to Barneys' as a child.  My killing time time thumbing the textiles and smelling the handcrafted leather mens shoes that laid in the fitting rooms.  Very early on, I discovered a real respect for fine cashmere, Irish linen (the best of it always wrinkles) inherent in the fibers.  Long part of its allure.

So when I see the utterly magical creations, soon to be legends - craftsmanship of the likes of Georgina Chapman and her partner Karen Craig of Marchesa, simply my heart flutters. The images here are from Vogue.com - but the sentiment of all they create are mine.  Long lasting and pure.

 The inspiration boards are swoon-worthy...

 Details are pure magic... Just imagine how long it took to create a square inch of this embroidery...

 Influences to be proud of...

All images courtesy of vogue.com

Get your head right!

I was captured and held hostage by a wicked headache most of the day, resulting in being obsessed with my head.  Took a bike ride to clear my thoughts, went for a long walk and took a quick nap - all to no avail.  

Seems my fingertips were equally obsessed with my head and I stumbled upon some great images with spectacular headwear.  I share a few which captured my eye and my head...

Enjoy, and by all means feel good!  

 Photos courtesy of zsazsabellagio.blogspot.com.  

She has complied some amazing images, none of which she owns but is delighted to share.  Gotta put that credit in place for all her compilation work.

Polynesian tattoos... A tribal artform

I so love the graphics, the artistry of these tattoos, I thought I would share this previously published post with you again.  Get inked!

On a recent trip to Hawaii, I fell in love with Polynesian tattoos.  Several times, I stopped the wearer to discuss their point of origin, and their meanings.  The response was always a 'spiritual' one.  Most referenced their connection to the earth, family, the sea.  And of course, heritage.

Many would not not allow me to photograph them, out of respect for the gods.  I understood.  However I returned home still aching to see more of them.  I am thrilled to have found several on Maori's Polynesian Tattoo site.  They are a true art and 'arm form'.  Though you will find they adorn calves anc backs as well.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I do...

The Rock’s large tattoo above is a traditional Samoan tattoo, done by an artist in Hawaii. It incorporates traditional tribal patterns and symbols representing Johnson’s life history, his family and their spirit guides. This extensive half sleeve wraps all the way around the upper arm, over the shoulder and onto the chest. It was at a later stage that he had the tattoo design

extended forward, adding a warrior visage over his heart.

Traditionally, Samoan tattooing is done by an artist attended by several assistants who handle the tools, hold the person down and stretch the skin

taut. The tools were a bone-tipped rake and a striking stick. The rake would be dipped in ink, placed over the skin then struck with the other tool to puncture the skin.

Johnson has never said whether his tattoo was done using these traditional tools, but he spoke in a Playboy interview of the three sessions and sixty hours it took to execute the freestyle tattoo. No stencils or prior skin markings were used, the artist created this image totally freehand.

 Samoan Polynesian Half Sleeve

Niuean/Maori Shoulder Tattoo

Rotuman Shoulder Tattoo

Polynesian Shoulder Tattoo

Above Images courtesy of 

www.maoripolynesiantattoo.com