The tragedy of Alexander McQueen’s passing is one that is still fresh in the minds of fashionistas and design houses across the world. Sarah Burton, who took over creative control of McQueen’s label a little over a month ago, has shown her first women’s cruise collection for the 2011 season. We are quite pleased with the results we’ve seen. There were worries she might lose the edge that the McQueen label is known for, but what she has shown is fantastic. Burton says that her goal for the collection was to “juxtapose the pale and the delicate with the bold and armorial. It’s about a highly structured torso that gives way to a more fluid silhouette or drop waists that lead to a finned trouser or skirt.”

The signature power shoulders and tailored look that makes McQueen so distinct is still intact and looks incredible. It is a completely feminine collection, but still takes on the strong and structured angles with armored tops and plunging necklines that make Alexander McQueen’s line one of the most brave and fearless collections on the market. The gowns have draping trains and some take on a Japanese infused geisha inspired sleeve. It’s exciting to see that the House of McQueen has not strayed from the the formula that has made them so beloved, and that Burton has stayed true to Lee’s—as he is known to close friends and family—vision. With the full men’s collection debuting a few days ago and the cruise collection debuting, we look forward to seeing what Sarah Burton has to offer the fashion world in the future.

Via newyorkmagazine.com

It’s been quite some time since tacos made the leap from sidewalk fare to posh eateries, and we proudly stake our claim on the Tex-Mex variety. But Rock ‘n’ Taco, the new late night joint that popped up last week in the old Rocco’s Pizza venue next to nightclub Aura, exhibits more of a Cali-Mex style. No one in Uptown seems to mind.

The place has definitely been revamped for the new concept. Aura’s owner bought the adjacent space and put in some skylights in the vaulted ceilings, decked out the patio and threw in hot pink and cowhide details for good measure. I hightailed it over there Saturday afternoon to get a seat before the US v Ghana game (sigh). My hunch paid off, as the place filled up to mass capacity in minutes, the crowd, mostly young euro-ish guys with studded Affliction shirts and Aviators, spilling out through the glass partitions that open to the patio and McKinney Ave.

The waitresses are hot and petite and tan and usually pierced or tattooed, donning tiny black onesies with pink bras hanging out (this may have just been true with our gal. But seriously, try not to look when she’s bending over the table to deliver you the margaritas.) Ah, the margs. We ordered the house editions that were strong but ultimately neon-green in color and not so tasty. They offer a full bar, supplying the usual boozy faves with a couple odd sounding rum drinks and a frozen margarita called “The Shocker.”

Staying true to their theme, Rock ‘n’ Taco lists quite a few menu items named after musical greats (depending on who you ask). There’s the Beach Boys Baja fish tacos, the Elvis Brisket tacos, the Sublime tacos with banana-leaf braised pork shoulder, and the John Lennon taco for the vegetarians out there. Main courses include The Hendrix, The Zeppelin and The Van Halen, all which sound extremely scrumptious and might just live up to their legendary titles.

Even if the waitresses have never heard of them.

The Sex and the City 2 fever may have died down already, but the styles and pieces shown in the film are still continuing to make waves in the fashion world. It’s not, however, always about the shoes the ladies are conquering the New York City streets in. This time it is the sunglasses worn by Sarah Jessica Parker in the film’s opening. Since the film came out, these sunglasses have been in extreme high demand and we’re happy to tell you exactly how you can get your hands on them.

The lenses are by Mykita & Bernhard. Bernhard Willhelm is a German designer known for mixing wacky, funky pieces with couture high-end pieces. Together, they have designed a limited edition colection of shades called the “FRANZ”. These metallic shades are available in an array of colors, including blue, red, white, green, or the infamous gold ones worn by SJP. And Mykita has teamed up with Bernhard Willhelm again to design an exclusive limited edition version of the “FRANZ” to celebrate the success of the original model. These glasses come equipped with flash mirrored golden lenses with a gorgeous coat of 24 karat gold. The “FRANZ 24K” arrives with a certificate of authenticity and hand numbered box to show you just how fabulous they really are.

Stylist Patricia Field has made them available through her website www.patriciafield.com for a limited time only, or you can scoop them up at the nearest Mykita retailer. The collection runs anywhere from $525 for the regular model to $775 for the 24 karat gold pair.

Via www.patriciafield.com

I had the opportunity to visit The Pierre Hotel this morning. The occasion? Montblanc invited members of the press to preview their new collections of fine jewelry, timepieces, and one very special new product (more on that in a later post).

I saw their Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph Silicon Escapement—which was recently awarded to the winner of the Belmont Stakes. This luxurious timepiece is unique in that this new limited edition model encases a movement in which the lever and escape-wheel are made of silicon. This function is enclosed in an 18-karat red gold case measuring 43 mm, and boasts sapphire crystals above the dial and in the back. Outfitted with a brown alligator leather wristband, which is secured with a double-folding clasp made of the same 18-karat red gold as the encasement, this timepiece is an outstanding example of premium, luxury horology.

Also on display was the new line of Montblanc Star Decor pieces, a collection of sterling silver baubles for women. This range includes three long necklaces and three bracelets, all adorned with the Montblanc star and crafted with three different stones. Each star is carved into the center of a large, ornamental disk made from black onyx, milky quartz, or lavender jade. The chains of these fine pieces are made from entwined loops of sterling silver mesh. These unique jewels are perfect for day-to-night dressing.

For more information on these collections and more from Montblanc visit www.montblanc.com.

Interior designers Juan Montoya and Kate de Brienne along with Maggie Norris, Robert Ruffino and Sharon Bush were among the guests at a cocktail benefit for the Metropolitan Opera at the Turkish jewelry house Gilan on Monday, June 28. Sohair Soukkary and Luz Miriam Torro co-hosted the party at the Fifth Avenue flagship store. Timothy John, Michel Witmer and Melissa Berkelhammer sipped Vision vodka cocktails and got a look at Gilan’s most coveted haute couture pieces. Gilan’s Vice President of Retail Sales Samir Tahan gave Cindy Guyer, Kathleen Giordano and the gorgeous Vision vodka ambassadors pieces from the jeweler’s Heritage Collection to try on for the evening. Bahadir Alphan and Caroline Salama thanked everyone for coming to support the Metropolitan Opera, which relies on half of each season’s budget from private contributions.

Gilan’s jewelry has been worn by some of the leading ladies in Hollywood including Penelope Cruz, Salma Hayek, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu. Since its founding in 1980, Gilan has crafted one of a kind opulent fine jewelry and objets d’art, inspired by the splendor of Istanbul and the cultures that passed through this magnificent melting pot of civilizations.

As July 4 nears, we know that the hectic “in season” in South Florida is long over. Miamians are being rewarded for enduring months of crowded streets and beaches with some pretty haute deals that encourage locals to emerge from AC-induced reverse-hibernation and take advantage of the best the city has to offer. While Miami Spice, three-course dinners at the city’s top restaurants for $35 ($22 for lunch), doesn’t kick off until August 1, in two short days, Miami Spa Month invites visitors and locals alike to indulge in “relaxation at its finest” at some of the country’s top-ranked spas, with discounted treatments available throughout July and August.

This includes the serene two-level Lapis Spa at Fontainebleau Miami Beach. For just $99, guests can indulge in a 50-minute Swedish, Aromatic Blend, or Hot Stones Rick Massage; a 50-minute Squeaky Clean Oxygen Restore or Men’s Club Facial; or a Speedy Yet Effective Facial plus Lapis Mineral Soak and Lapis Pedicure (90 minutes total).

Most of these treatments generally run from $125 and up, so it’s quite the deal, but many local spas are offering some pretty nice deals. However, this is the Fontainebleau, the iconic 1950s resort that underwent a $1 billion transformation, which it debuted to the adoring public with a party complete with a bevy of Victoria’s Secret Angels. The property tends to take luxury to the next level, and Lapis is no exception to that norm.

It’s more than just a spa; it’s a 40,000-square-foot transformative experience that harnesses the natural qualities of water to restore and renew. The Fontainebleau spa experience begins with the Lapis Ritual Water Elements, mineral-enriched water therapies that complement the spa services—complimentary. Experience the elements by slipping into the 104-degree Immersion Mineral Water Jet Bath, then stroll through the Elements Rain Tunnel, where multiple gets massage with water at various temperatures. In the Energy Deluge Shower, jets propel warm water over the body, while in the Bleau Rain Room, the soothing hue is enhanced by cascades of water. The Eucalyptus Infusion Steam helps remove toxins from the body, while the Hammam Benches spread throughout the space provide havens for relaxation. The 75-foot Essence Mineral Co-Ed Pool is treated with a nutrient-rich red seaweed extract that helps soften skin.

I recently tried the Speedy Yet Effective Facial and found it to be perfect for anyone with a harried schedule. Much like many other men and women, time is a precious commodity that is hard to come by, so while I understand the importance of taking care of my skin, lengthy facials are not a top priority. This treatment got right down to business, cleansing pores, exfoliating, and hydrating in a condensed timeframe that let me spend more time actually relaxing in the Water Elements instead of getting my face squeezed and prodded. In short, it was my ideal treatment–quick, to the point, and effective.

What’s more, guests of Lapis also have access to the resort’s gym and nine pools, which is worth the price of admission alone. And with valet a reduced $7, the only thing that should cause stress this summer is the thought that you aren’t being pampered at the Fontainebleau.

Stellar direct oceanfront views enhance the artful sophistication of this spectacular residence right on the sands of Lauderdale Beach. Villa Atlantique stands proudly as one of only 49 residences directly on the sands in Fort Lauderdale Beach, an exclusive, beautiful, and architecturally notable neighborhood regarded as the “Malibu of Fort Lauderdale”. Sophisticated style and unparalleled construction standards add to the distinction of this stately four-level Tuscan-inspired residence. Showcasing unobstructed ocean views, each level of the expansive floor-plan comes together brilliantly in a realm devoted to the ultimate beachfront lifestyle with every luxury for entertaining, relaxing, and recreation. As residences in Fort Lauderdale Beach are seldom available, this direct oceanfront jewel is all the more a rarity.

Offered @ $7,495,000

Contact Julie Jones @ 866.221.1780 or visit www.premierestateproperties.com.

As filming of George Clooney’s The Descendants wrapped and the popular television series Lost has ended, there is a new project underway on the island of Oahu. CBS has committed to twelve episodes of a new and improved Hawaii Five-O television series. Filming will begin July 15^th on Honolulu and is scheduled to air in CBS’s fall line-up. Word on the street is that Five-O will be hiring some of the same crew and using the same facility that recently housed Clooney’s The Descendants movie production.

The New Hawaii Five-O Cast

This modern Hawaii Five-0 will star Alex O’Loughlin (Moonlight), Daniel Dae Kim (Lost), Scott Caan (Oceans Eleven), Grace Park (Battlestar Galactica), and Taryn Manning (Sons of Anarchy). Actor Daniel Dae Kim and his family have been calling Honolulu their home, and have been living on Oahu full time for several years while shooting the Lost series. No word yet on where the other stars will stay when filming the series.

If you plan on heading out East this summer, then we suggest stopping by Elie Tahari’s East Hampton outpost. For the second consecutive year Tahari is showcasing the works of Council of Fashion Designers of America members with a rotating lineup of “must-know” and lust-worthy lines. From July 8 through July 27, jewels from Ben-Amun, Ruby Kobo (pictured here), and Patricia von Musulin will be on display. Then, from July 29 through August 17, the spotlight will be on Janis Savitt, House of Waris, and Jill Platner. And, last but certainly not least, Gemma Redux, Irene Neuwirth, and Nak Armstrong will be on display—and available for purchase—from August 19 through September 7.

To kick off the “Sparkle in the Sun” initiative, Tahari will host a party in the East Hampton store on July 10. Says Tahari, “We thought it would help the jewelry designers be exposed to a new or larger audience and, at the same time, create excitement and bring traffic to the store.”

The 1 Main Street locale will also featuring window signage luring curious passerby inside the shop to check out the wares from these luxe designers.

Via WWD

As a social media and luxury fanatic, the advent of participating in a day celebrating both was of utmost interest! I am thrilled to present to you #SangriaSocial at the historic, iconic, and as of recent a haute-hip hotel for the social media power players… The Pierre (@thepierreny).

I will be hosting the evening affair with a number of distinguished bloggers, online journalists and media enthusiasts. Be sure to follow these tweeps: New York Girl Style, (@nygirlstyle), Joshua Estrin (@celebbuzz), Michelle Joni (@michellejoni), Christine Tsang,(@tineey), Melissa Hom (New York Magazine), Jonathan Valdez, (@jonvaldez), Donnetta Campbell (@CPublicity), Sabrina Chapman, (@sabrinacchapman), Sadatu Usman, (@missfemmecat),  Sabina Les (@sabinales), Leslie Richin, (@leslierichin), Judy Shapiro, (@engagesimply).

Guidelines for the Evening…

The official hashtag for the event is #sangriasocial
Date: Wednesday June 30, 2010.
Time: 6:30PM to 9:00PM.
Address: The Pierre’s Bar Two E at 2 East 61st street (at Madison).

If you would like a complimentary Sangria you must participate…

Blog,Tweet, Post on Facebook about the event, print it out, bring to the event with you and give to the waiter for a free glass of Sangria.

Bring a business Card and drop into our the Two E box. Every half an hour a winner will be chosen for a free carafe of sangria. Must be present of course to receive.

After you receive your complimentary beverage according to guidelines above…

The #sangriasocial special is $18 Carafes of Sangria which come in 5 delicious flavors (Pomegranate, Japanese, Strawberry, Rosemary-Cucumber and the classic Sangria).

See you this Wednesday at Two E for #sangriasocial!