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Producers Roundtable Discussion: Sarah Pollack Boyd, Simply Stylist

Producer Name:  Sarah Pollack Boyd

Fashion Week Event Title: Simply Stylist

Dates:  October 26^th (5-9PM) and October 27^th (10-3PM)

Event  URL:  www.simplystylist.com

 

LAFW:   Please share some highlights from your upcoming Fashion Week event.

Sarah Pollack Boyd, “SPB”

We are in the process of a company overhaul which is extremely exciting!  We are building out our online presence for 2012 as well as our stylist seminars.  For our upcoming LAFW event, we will be pampering the stylists with beauty applications by Mary Kay Cosmetics, mini-massages, OPI manicures, appetizers & drinks.  We will have live music both days including The Stevie G band.  We are also excited to bring a fashion event back to the new full-service photo studio, Space 905.  Last but not least, we are excited to show the apparel & accessory collections such as Paul & Joe, McGinn, Meghan LA, Aryn K., and many more.

Simply Stylist started in 2005 as an event produced by Caro Marketing for its clients and stylist relationships. It then developed and became a seminar as well in 2010. This season is its last one with Caro Marketing and its clients. Caro Marketing will continue its stylist preview each season but it will not be called Simply Stylist. Simply Stylist will now be an online business, seminar & event production company and publicity avenue for stylists and will be run by Simply Inc. where I am currently the owner.

 

LAFW: What is unique or distinguishable about your Fashion Week event?

SPB:

                We cater to the stylists!  Whether it’s a celebrity stylist, editorial stylist or costume designer – we designed this event to give back to those who create many of the trends in the fashion world.  Their work does not go unnoticed in our eyes.

LAFW:  What inspires you?

SPB:

                Simply Stylist was spawned in a Hollywood Penthouse 6 years ago over martinis and fabulous racks of clothing.  Over the years, we have built strong relationships with the stylist community and the event kept growing organically.   We continue to bring the stylists lines that are useful and inspiring to them as well as collaboration opportunities.   

LAFW:   How do you mentally prepare yourself for Fashion Week?

SPB:

Organization is key.  I put together a calendar with all of the deadlines so I don’t get overwhelmed.  Another preparation tactic is finding the right staff to help!  And finally, most importantly, is the guest list.  Simply Stylist is only as good as its attendees and outcome which is why we cater to the best of the best.  Each year we try to outdo ourselves from the year before by cultivating new relationships and strengthening our current.

LAFW: What designers are you excited about and why?

SPB:

                I’m really excited about Paul & Joe because they’re such a worldwide powerhouse and the line itself is so unique.  It is a stylist and celebrity favorite and their upcoming seasons are stunning.

LAFW:   What are the greatest strengths of the Los Angeles Fashion industry right now?

SPB:

                I think there is a wealth of talent in Los Angeles that fall under the radar.  Los Angeles has a distinct style that is recognized world-wide since we have most of the celebrities right under our noses.  Brands such as Jenny Han and Meghan Los Angeles epitomize the ‘LA Girl’ as well as celebrity lines such as Nicole Richie’s Winter Kate and Kate Bosworth (and stylist Cher Coulter’s) line Jewelmint.   I’m hoping that with more brands like these coming out of Los Angeles, we will be back on the fashion map in a few short seasons. 

LAFW:   What are the greatest challenges?

SPB:

                The biggest challenge is the LA/NY competition.  I think once people realize that LA is a completely separate world and style we will be able to stand on our own.  The competition will soon fade I hope!

LAFW:   Could the City of Los Angeles be doing more to promote a cohesive Fashion Week? If so, what?

SPB:

                Absolutely.   I think LA did a great job in promoting Fashion’s Night Out to stimulate purchasing.  In my opinion, the key is having talented designers headlining.  If the right brands are in place, the fashion industry will pay attention.  Up until now, the good names participate in NYFW only – if there is a way to come together WITH NYFW there is a good chance of turning it back around. 

LAFW:   What is the climate like for sponsors?

SPB:

Sponsors are very wary to open their wallets up.  In order to secure sponsorships, there must be a strong ROI for them to see.  With PR and Fashion Shows, it is hard to prove the immediate ROI as it’s a ‘buzz’ type of event and sometimes you may not see immediate results.  This is why we are building our online community to have more ongoing opportunities for sponsors.

 

LAFW: How do you decompress when Fashion Week is over?

SPB:

                A day at the Korean day spa!  One of my favorite places to decompress.

 

LAFW:   Thanks Sarah!  Simply Stylist sounds divine!  Have a great fashion week!

Producers Roundtable Discussion with Amber Reed, Fashion Minga

Producer Name:  

Amber Reed

Fashion Week Event Title:

Fashion Minga

Dates:  

Twice annually; March & October.  Next Show: Friday, October 21, 2011

Event  URL:  http://www.fashionminga.com/

 

 

LAFW:    Please share some highlights from your upcoming Fashion Week event.

 

Amber Reed, “AR”

We are excited to have LMFAO’s line, Party Rock as part of our Designer line-up and we have an amazing group of performers opening the show (you will just have to come to see it).

 

LAFW:   What is unique or distinguishable about your Fashion Week event?

 

AR:

Each Designers Runway show is opened with a performance that sets the tone for the fashion line, getting guests excited for what’s to come.  Ex. If we had an Urban line we may open their show with a hio-hop or stomp performance. . .swimwear might open with burlesque or an aerialist.  We pride ourselves on our show being a non-traditional format.  Fashion Minga is all about energy, excitement and providing a forum where guests can interact with one-another.

 

LAFW:   What inspires you?

 

AR:

I am inspired on a daily basis and by the most random things.  It could be a billboard I find creative, someone rockin a colorful mohalk, a great conversation with a friend or a child’s innate honestly. 

 

LAFW:    How do you mentally prepare yourself for Fashion Week?

 

AR:

            I try my best to be well-rested and relaxed . . .a few Tae Bo classes to keep my stress level down and making sure I am well researched.

 

LAWF:   What designers are you excited about and why?

 

AR:

There are always a few surprises but I enjoy seeing the new denim trends.  And, the Swarovski embellished swimsuits that you can’t wear in water are always cause for a good laugh.

 

LAWF:  What are the greatest strengths of the Los Angeles Fashion industry right now?

 

AR:

When Mercedes Benz reallocated their marketing dollars to New York Fashion Week a few years back, LA was in a bit of a fashion slump.  Now, there is a handful of shows that showcase both emerging and established Designers and offer buyers a reason to be here.  I am not seeing so many “out of business,” signs on store-fronts; it feels as though consumers are beginning to put money back into the apparel business.

 

LAFW:   What are the greatest challenges?

 

AR:

LA is still trying to find its fashion “identity.”  Our fashion seems to be a melting pot of many influences; bohemian, hipster, punk, urban, chic, alternative. . .And, don’t get me wrong – I really enjoy the warm weather, but sometimes it would be nice to be able to layer and wear a cowl neck fall sweater.

 

LAFW:    Could the City of Los Angeles be doing more to promote a cohesive Fashion Week? If so, what?

 

AR:

This year Los Angeles seemed to allocate many more resources to Fashion Night Out to encourage people to take advantage of the various deals and extended hours.  There was certainly an sense of excitement leading up to FNO . . .But, after that everything kind of dies out and there is not a continued effort. 

 

LAFW:   What is the climate like for sponsors?

 

AR:

Even though many people site our “poor economy,” for their financial difficulty, there are MANY businesses that continue to strive.  It is a tricky time of year to find sponsors, as many large companies have already allocated their Marketing dollars by October. 

 

LAFW:  How do you decompress when Fashion Week is over?

 

AR:

No phone, no email and a lot of sleep.  Once I have had my few lazy “catch up” days I am back to the grind, brainstorming new ideas for the next show.

 

LAFW:  Thanks Amber, and have a great show!

 

—Fashion Minga was recently featured on Good Day L.A.:

 

 

 

LAFashionWeek.com Presents the Virtual Producer's Rountable Discussion

Hello Everyone,

Hope you are as excited as we are for the Los Angeles Fashion Week SS2012 shows, which seem likely to stretch from October 13th through the 28^th, according to the trusty calendar at FashionWeekLA.com.

LAFashionWeek.com is delighted to present a new feature called the Producer’s Roundtable Discussion.  We have posed the same 10 questions to each of the producers, in order to preview their shows (and learn more about them) right here on the blog. 

Our aim is to provide a foretaste of what is to come for the buyers, press and interested public.  We also seek to promote greater cohesiveness and cooperation between the individual L.A. Fashion Week events, the industry at large and the City.

Once the responses started coming in from the producers, it became obvious that it would be way too much to put them all in the same post.  So, each Q&A will be a separate story, posted in the order in which we received responses from the producers. 

We thank all the producers for everything they do to create so much magic and commerce in support of the Los Angeles Fashion Industry.

—  John Forrester

LAFashionWeek.com Seeks Fashion Journalists and Photogs

 

LAFashionWeek.com Seeks Talented bloggers and photographers to join our team!

Qualified journalists and photogs will be paired together-- and dispatched to cover local fashion events.

Writers must be able to write compelling, snappy stories with quick turn around times. (while mainting journalistic integrity.)  And photogs need to turn around great images, of the wondrous happenings around town during L.A. Fashion Week.

Enquiries:  john@johnforrester.com

 

Monah Li in California Apparel News

Hollywood Legacy Fashion Show

Beautiful, Breathtaking Bacara

 

We had a wonderful opportunity to spend some quality time this past weekend at our favorite L.A, “Get-a-Way” retreat, the gorgeous Bacara Resort & Spa, just north of Santa Barbara, perched atop a bluff along the rugged Gaviota coastline.  The name “Bacara” is derived from the Chumash Native American Indians who flourished in the area for thousands of years.  Their word this enchanted land was Anacapa, a common name around Santa Barbara, meaning “mirage.” The name Bacara intertwines Barbara (from Santa Barbara) and Anacapa.  Santa Barbara got her name from a Spanish Carmelite friar escaping a storm in 1602.  He named his refuge after the saint whose feast day it was.  And what a discovery it was!  Today Santa Barbara is considered the American Riviera, home to the rich, the famous and the notorious.

Bacara is one of those rare, magical places where it is impossible not to feel good.  There’s just something so special about the atmosphere, the energy, the beauty, the staff.  The scenic  drive up to the main building gets you in the mood, setting the stage for what dreams may come. The main driveway courtyard features a luscious fountain, and the courtly ministrations of the excellent valet staff, dressed in their crisp “Bacara blue” slacks and polo shirts. (Service at every level throughout this Resort is Impeccable)  Immediately to the right of the Valet area is Resort Shop, featuring everything from Bacara logo’d casual wear and white umbrellas, to gourmet products from The Ranch at Bacara.  (Yes, lots of the organic food served in the restaurants is actually grown in the adjacent Bacara ranch.)

You could say the style of Bacara is like a warm, Spanish colonial mission.  We also detected some Mediterranean lines, some architectural features what could have been inspired in Spain, Greece or even Marrakesh.  The main lobby is sublime in its unstudied casual elegance.  It's a great place for “people watching”, enjoying the rich ambiance and complimentary green apples.  And why not strike up a conversation with your fellow guests?  Notice the beautiful interplay of natural light that gives all the interiors of Bacara such luminosity. (Interiors were conceived by Hirsch Bender & Associates, design firm)

Interior to the main lobby lies Bacara’s Luxury Boutique, featuring fashionable apparel and accessories by such designers as: Prada, Rozae, Nichols, Diane von Furstenberg and the iconoclastic shirtmaker, Robert Graham. In the photo below, a basket of sandals by Mystique.

The opposite end of the lobby features the Bacara Bar, with Happy Hour between 4PM – 6PM.  Above the main lobby, we loved “The Rotunda” fuction space, an intimate setting for a dinner accomodating up to 150. In the lower level, there is an elite and private theatre/ screening room.  Charlize Theron Screened ‘Monster’ here.  Also, the grand Ballroom, which can accomodate up to 850 guests, seated in round tables.  Oprah Winfrey staged her “Legends” event at Bacara, and Kathy Ireland has had photo shoots there.  Many celebrity and executive fantasies have been fulfilled at Bacara, as they are sort of in the business of “Wish fulfillment.” 

LAFashionWeek.com’s Nestor Ruiz, and our charming Bacara tourguide, Natalie Halushka, VIP Assistant Manager, Bacara.

Next up on the tour, the stunning restaurant Miró, named for the famed Spanish artist Joan Miró.  This colorful, artistic space features New Basque-Catalonian cuisine, under the direction of Chef David Garwacki.  We did not eat at Miró this time, but it is absolutely essential next time! Many of the vegetables utilized by Chef David and team come right from Bacara’s own 1000 acre ranch.  Below Miró, Bacara’s intimate wine cellar houses 12,000 bottles of world-class labels, from 13 of the best wine-producing countries in the world.

Our suite at Bacara was beyond spectacular!  We were in building 30, room 304, with a stunning view of the mighty and beautiful Pacific Ocean.  The bedding linens were absolutely top quality, I can only image what the thread counts were.  The suite features a gas fireplace, display of white candles on a tray in front of the fireplace, plasma screen TV, sitting room with comfy furniture, dressing room, luxury bath and shower, elegant Spanish tiling on the floor, robes, slippers…total bliss. 

The building next store was the SPA!  Yumsy.  The Spa at Bacara is a 42,000 square foot facility designed for utter pampering and indulgences. (or dancing, working out, yoga, pilates... if you are so inclined) Amenities include a massive, heated infinity saline swimming pool (this was a relief, as chorine is so toxic), heated to 82 degrees Fahrenheit year round. Also, sauna, heated saline hydro-therapy baths, relaxation libraries with fireplaces, a wide range of body treatments and massages, a beauty salon, Spa shop, and very private, European-style sunbathing.  And when you get hungry, (Spa’ing is really hard work!) the adjacent Spa Cafe offers low-fat, delectable regional cuisine.

For the coroporate meeting planner, you won’t find a better locale to stage your meeting. There’s an Executive Conference and Technology Center, complete with General Assembly and Breakout rooms, for those high level strategy sessions which boost the bottom line. (not to mention team morale)

If you’re an attendee to a meeting at Bacara, bring the whole family!  There’s a Kid’s Club, with all-day-long indoor and outdoor creative activities.  And your recreation includes options such as sunning/ swimming in the three zero-edge saline swimming pools, enjoying life in private cabanas, a Championship golf course with unparalleled views of the ocean and the San Ynez mountains, and, and, tennis anyone?  Bacara has real clay courts, a tennis pro named Otis, and a tennis pro shop, just in case you forget to bring your gear.

And, as if all this weren’t enough, the on-campus Haskell’s Beach, also open to the public, features a Bacara-built bathhouse, and a nice sandy beach to catch some rays and listen to the waves crashing in.

 

I guess you can kind of glean from this post that we really like Bacara.  Alot!

This past July, the property was sold to Ohana real estate investors, for an undisclosed amount.  Ohana also owns the Montage Laguna Beach, the Montage Beverly Hills and the Montage Deer Valley; however, Bacara will not be marketed as a “Montage” property.

The new ownership is supposedly going to be much more community-friendly, so look for special promotions inviting local Santa Barbarans to rediscover the magic in their own back yard.

And for the fashionable crowd in Los Angeles, our secret has been revealed. You won’t find a more peaceful, serene, lovely escape from city life than Bacara Resort & Spa.

 

--Photography by John Forrester  Story by John Forrester and Nestor Ruiz

 

 

 

 

 

Fashion's Night Out L.A. - 2011 PSA