Arcona
The Arcona Studio is one of Los Angeles’ most highly acclaimed destinations for an amazing facial or body treatment—particularly so among Hollywood’s A-listers. Arcona also produces an extremely effective line of skincare formulated with cosmeceutical-grade ingredients that deliver incredible results. Perfectly in tune with Valentine’s Day, Arcona is offering a special Sweet Dreams For Your Eyes Kit that includes an amazing assortment of products as well as a divine pink satin eye mask. For more information about this special offer or to book one of the incredible treatments at the Arcona Studio, log onto the brand website.

Bobbi Brown Rose Gold Collection
Bobbi Brown’s Rose Gold Kit is a chic, timeless collection of limited-edition products that are essential for any romantic beauty. Plus, they promise precissely the standard of quality one expects from a top beauty industry influencer. We love Brown’s Rich Color Gloss and Shimmer Brick Compacts, which are suitable for a multitude of skintones. For more information, check out Brown’s website.

Byredo Perfumes Mr. Marvelous
The Stockholm-based perfumer has created the perfect scent for men, aptly called Mr. Marvelous. This is a scent that truly celebrates the unique qualities of any man who wears it. Modern, fresh and slightly complex, Mr. Marvelous receives our highest ratings and is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for that special man in your life. For more information about Byredo Perfumes, log on to the website.

Naked Princess Atelier
Re-defining the concept of lingerie from overtly sexual to refined elegance, the recently launched luxury brand Naked Princess features the most sophisticated fabrications, classic silhouettes and exquisite haute-couture details, such as hand-knotted lace. Even more refreshing is the brand’s ultra-chic color palette, which does not include black or red but rather a subtle range of the most chic shades—from subtle nudes to a soft smoky grey—which makes Naked Princess one of our top selections for Valentine’s Day gift-giving. Also included in the brand’s product roster are the most delightful range of lip products (including our current favorites, Naked Shine Lip Gloss and Objet d’Love Lip Treatment). There is also a collection of romantic-inspired products, including the Vanille Blanc Body and Boudoir Spray and the delightful Body Souffle. For more information about Naked Princess, log onto the website.

Oasis Day Spa NYC
A visit to the spa is by far one of life’s greatest luxuries, and Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to give that special someone a relaxing spa treatment—or perhaps a couples treatment. With three locations in New York, Oasis Day Spa provides one the best spa experiences we have encountered. For Valentine’s Day, Oasis Day Spa is offering a variety of special packages that are certain to please and beautify. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to indulge in some well deserved self-pampering!

Princess Theodora
In our rather extensive research, few brands inspire beauty the way that luxury skincare brand Princess Theodora products do. Made with the finest ingredients, each product promises an unrivaled beauty experience with impressive results—and the scent alone is captivating! Nurturing, anti-aging, hydrating and restorative formulations make Princess Theodora one of our all-time top selections, and it’s absolutely perfect for Valentine’s Day gift-giving. For more information about Princess Theodora’s amazing products, please log onto the brand website.

Valentino – Valentina Perfume
This delightful and whimsical bottle of Valentino contains a truly feminine and sensual fragrance. Created by top perfumers Olivier Cresp and Alberto Morillas, Valentino’s Valentina was inspired by today’s Valentino woman. Young, fresh and dynamic, yet also romantic and feminine, Valentina is a perfect choice for a Valentine’s Day gift.

Ahava
Ahava makes of our favorite Dry Oil Body Mist, which instantly gives skin a radiant, hydrated glow. The Israeli brand also offers a full range of skincare for the face and body, all of which are enriched with Ahava’s signature Dead Sea minerals. Our top selections for combating dry skin include Ahava’s Essential Day Moisturizer (available in three formulas, including a very dry skin formula), the Essential Reviving Serum and the highly absorbent Dermud Nourishing Body Cream and Caressing Body Sorbet for extra rejuvenation. Ahava’s Dermud Intensive Hand and Foot Cream also receive our highest marks, and are essential for any time of year. Log on to the website for more information.

Alabu
New on our radar is Alabu. Made from the finest all-natural, unrefined ingredients, the brand’s soaps are made with goat’s milk, an ingredient that has been used for centuries for its soothing and nourishing properties. Alabu also offers a small range of skincare made with other nurturing ingredients, but the Original Body Lotion in particular was formulated for sensitive and dry skin with an exclusive proprietary blend of essential oils and plant extracts that naturally preserve the product for two years. Alabu receives our highest ratings for purity and effectiveness. Check out their website for more great products and information about Alabu.

Dermalogica
Dermalogica is a leader in highly effective skincare products and innovative treatments. The brand’s Ultra-Rich Body Cream is ideal for soothing dry skin regardless of the season, while the Super Rich Repair is a highly concentrated “heavyweight” cream that combats even the driest complexion. Dermalogica’s Dry Skin Kit also contains a full dry skin regimen, including our favorite Multi-Active Toner which is ideal for travel (a major contributing factor to dry skin). For more information about Dermalogica products or to experience a treatment at a flagship location, log onto the brand website.

First Aid Beauty
While the name may suggest essential practicality, First Aid Beauty is a full modern day household remedy product range. Based on pure, basic and highly functional principles while blending the best of science and nature, First Aid Beauty was created to address everyday beauty and skincare needs. The Ultra Repair Cream is one of the most effective dry skin remedies that we have encountered, but the brand also offers other amazing products for dry skin, including the Face Cleanser, Gentle Body Wash and one of our favorite lip balms, the Ultra Repair Lip. For more information about First Aid Beauty, log onto the website.

40 Degrees Younger
Although it was recently spotlighted in our Anti-Aging feature, 40 Degrees Younger once again deserves mentioning for its remarkable and instantly visible results—especially for soothing and nurturing parched hands. The brand uses an exclusive and rare custom formulation of ingredients, Q/StanD™, which are extremely effective at restoring the overall texture of the hands and instantly reveals younger, rejuvenated skin. We cannot speak highly enough about the incredible results that these products deliver, which continue to improve with regular use. 40 Degrees Younger receives our highest ratings for efficacy and innovation. Check out the website for more information about these amazing products.

Peter Thomas Roth Clinical Skin Care
With a family history in the European spa industry and a personal passion for exceptional skincare, Peter Thomas Roth is one of the most effective and specialized product lines. The brand’s Mega Rich™ series includes a rich, vitamin-infused shampoo and conditioner as well as Mega Rich™ Body Lotion, which feels extremely light to the touch but is thoroughly hydrating—a true testament to Roth’s superior standards of efficacy. We also love the Mega Rich™ Body Wash and extremely tactile Moisture Infusion Facial Bars, but the brand deserves further exploration for its issue-specific . Log onto the website for more information.

Yu-Be
Celebrating more than 50 years of healing dry skin, Yu-Be offers some of the most effective dry skin remedies available anywhere. Developed in Japan, these highly effective glycerin-based products are extremely emollient, yet absorb quickly into the skin and have been proven to be thoroughly effective even in the most extreme conditions. We particularly love the brand’s iconic Moisturizing Skin Cream, Foaming Skin Polish and the very clever and practical Heal and Elbow Socks. Check out the website for more product information.

HANSEN’s spring/summer ‘12 collection is a narrative of the Hansen family history, drawing inspiration from the farmers of rural Säby in Sweden. The bearded real life models manifest the lifestyle of farmers in indigo shirts, lightweight cotton caps and casual jackets. The designs are practical, yet brimming with unique features—all of which exude strength, honesty and simplicity, the core values behind the HANSEN brand. Hansen has a gift for relaxed suits with mother-of-pearl and metal buttons, blazers with old world patterns and Hansen’s signature trousers.

Since her debut, Hansen has been collaborating with Norwegian weaving mills, Danish embroiderers and fine-linen Danish knitwear to integrate the spirit of Nordic tradition in every one of her garments. The s/s ’12 collection exhibits fine three-piece suits made of heavyweight Swedish-woven cotton and linens in neutral tones. Another standout piece is the molten brown jacket designed from quilted Finnish Elk hide. Her humble designs mixed with luxurious fabrics have proven to be a successful marriage, and we look forward to seeing what HANSEN conceives next in ode to Nordic culture.

What’s hot right now?
Givenchy, Andrej Pejic, Sexy, Ginger Beer, Wet Hair, rock ‘n roll surfers, Korean food, Berlin, Diamond Rolexes, pointy toe pumps, leather, extreme high-low mix of fashion, Bryanboy, Marie Claire, Nina Garcia, Vogue Paris, Ricardo Tisci, Harley Davidson, Boucheron, Balmain glamour, Dark cowboy.

Who are your favorite accessories designers?
For bags, I love Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, VBH and Chanel. For costume jewelry, I love Lanvin, Mawi, Tom Binns and Alexis Bittar. For shoes, I love Giuseppe Zanotti, Casadei, Givenchy and Jimmy Choo. For belts, Azzedine Alaia and YSL. For fine jewelry, I’m obsessed with Degrisogono, Piaget, Bulgari, Chopard and Elsa Peretti jewelry from Tiffany’s. For watches, I like Cartier, Bulgari, Rolex, Versace and Piaget.

In your estimation, what will be the biggest accessories trends in 2012?
For jewelry, it’s all about fine jewelry right now. Even the runways haven’t had big costume jewelry for a few seasons. And it’s all gold, diamonds, colored stones. 2012 so far has not been full of the sculptural silvers of last year—it’s all about statement fine pieces like Degriosgono or sexy gold from Bulgari. For bags, its all about the lady bag. Inspired this season by the shape of the classic Kelly bag, designers have turned to structured top handle ladybags in a variety of pastel tones and white. For shoes, the pointy toe pump is very strong in many pastels again. For clothes, there is a big return to ladylike for the most part (pastels, ’50s), but there are many other trends for those not a fan of the Mad Men look. Whatever the trends, I’m a big fan of black, rock ‘n roll and sexy styles.

Statement leather and leather details were seen everywhere. YSL featured the material in lapels, turtlenecks and even shoulders, which were patched in soft black leather. Dark skin treated sleeves melted into Alexander McQueen’s zip-up wool bomber jacket, while Acne featured malleable leather shirts and Phillip Lim chose dense and heavy leather for his hip-length vest and jumper. Unexpected texture made its way in via quilting techniques in Christian Dior’s olive brown parka and Balmain’s skinny leather trousers with quilted knee patches, which were paired with strong blue pea-coats.

Designers also delivered exceptional interpretations of the gentleman’s suit, which went beyond classic ideals. Sarah Burton’s double-breasted three-piece suit in crisp white pinstripes was a success, as was the shorts suit presented at Raf Simons. Jean Paul Gaultier took a deconstruction approach, layering jacket vests over cummerbunds, collars and lapels. Influenced by Marine suits, Thierry Mugler’s Nicola Formachetti focused on tailoring and construction by minimizing (or removing) details such as pockets and lapels. Military nuances were also seen at Hermes, where sophisticated charcoal suits resembled uniforms and were accompanied by belted coats in leather and exotic skins.

As always, Paris also upheld its reputation for breaking and making trends. Thom Browne’s sinister collection of punks versus jocks introduced exaggerated quarterback shoulders, devilish spiked masks and schnauzer prints. Lanvin’s eye-catching jailhouse looks featured high-waist trousers, puffed jumpers and wide navy stripes cut across orange coats, blazers and pleated pants. Yohji Yamamoto’s real life models donned pauper ensembles (layers of oversized red silk, wide wool suits and padded overcoats with blanket scarves). Rei Kawakuba presented an androgynous libertarian collection for Comme des Garçons that was filled with tailored coats in polka-dot and floral prints. Henrik Vibsgov’s affluent hippy collection included mature deep v-neck cardigans in printed knits and slouching trousers with tapered ankles and zip decals. And Junya Wantanabe’s a/w ’12 collection, entitled “Work,” was by far the most relaxed with country inspired flannel shirts and colorful suspenders holding up heavy dark denim.

Prada’s dapper designs managed to overshadow the presentations—thanks in added part to the slew of celebrities featured both off and on the catwalk. Actors Jamie Bell, Willem Dafoe, Tim Roth, Adrien Brody and Gary Oldman modeled ‘30s-style long coats with wide fur lapels and double-breasted cummerbunds with brooch accents. The combination of these iconic male figures and designs lent a timeless glamour and masculinity to the overall collection.

At Burberry Prosum, Christopher Baily’s collection had all the excitement of a British period drama—right down to the accessories. Tweed caps and striped umbrellas with silver dogs head handles accented the quintessentially anglo collection, which featured updates on the corduroy suit as well as polka-dot shirts and ties, cropped quilted jackets and cow-neck knit jumpers. Jil Sander was also inspired by animals, albeit of the more outlandish variety. Amid the professional suits and black leather, Sander’s collection included dinosaurs and whales on a few knits.

Nothing short of opulent, Giorgio Armani’s collection was lavished with velvet jackets, lush snoods and theatrical hats reminiscent of the Italian Renaissance. Similar in its approach to luxury, Dolce & Gabbana’s catwalk collection featured a series of wool suits adorned with thick capes and silk bowties, then slowly progressed into ensembles fit for royalty (silk pajamas made in the signature D&G print, dinner jackets embroidered with gold details).

Designers upstaged this season’s fine fabrics with new textiles and prints. Etro featured layered feathered jumpers with Native American printed blazers, while Missoni showed similar designs that merged the classic Missoni pattern with ethnic weaves. Missoni also included brown and red plaid trousers for a/w ’12, which was a trend also seen in DSquared2’s blue plaid scarves and button-down shirts. Denim also proved to be a popular textile, as seen at DSquared2 and, most strikingly, in a denim jacket at Valentino.

Making his menswear debut, Jonathan Saunders set out to distinguish himself from the fierce competition by using a fall/winter palette eclipsed by pastels and intricate pale prints on stunning two-piece suits. His collection was a mix of tailored pieces in baby blue, soft red and yellow knitwear as well as the occasional plum red or navy separate. At Moschino, Bill Shapiro showed equal enthusiasm for color with his orange brick print three-piece look, while Marc Jacobs opted for bright lime and yellow in a skater-inspired jacket with matching trousers and Trussardi designed retro houndstooth suits and suede blazers in rich blues and orange.

Expanding upon the current popularity and stature of London Fashion Week’s one-day menswear showcase, the BFC is launching this new platform as a balance to its better established womenswear half. As described in a release from the BFC, London Collections: Men will “emphasize both the creative and commercial importance of Britain’s brands and emerging talent as well as the rich cultural landscape that contributes to the inspiration and success of this sector.”

Helmed by GQ editor Dylan Jones, the event’s prestigious committee—including Christopher Bailey, David Walker-Smith and Tom Ford—will feature a range of designers who represent the diversity of British menswear talent. And with dates set to coincide with London Olympic fever, Jones makes a strong case for why this is the right time and place: “Whether you’re involved in sport, fashion, media, retail, entertainment or tech, or indeed any industry, London is the place to be in 2012.”

Elysee Fountain of Youth
If the name alone doesn’t convey the message the amazing results will! Elysee was Originally founded in 1923 by Dr. Elizabeth Blumenthal, a highly sought after skincare specialist, Elysee has since come to be regarded as a pioneer in the industry. Having introduced many of the most effective and commonly used ingredients utilized in anti-aging skincare products—including grapeseed extract, Royal Jelly and AHA’s among several others—the brand continues to explore further research and development. Elysee is also visionary in the introduction of several exclusive and proprietary skincare breakthroughs, such as the Wrinkle Intervention Cream, but overall it is a superb anti-aging range. Check out the website for more products and information.

Enpointe Skin Solutions
Surviving breast cancer gave celebrated plastic surgeon Dr. Christine Rodgers M.D. a unique perspective on beauty and the common problems that develop as a result of aging, illness, stress, environment and hormones. The line is based on Dr. Rodger’s understanding that effective skincare goes beyond the surface of the skin and should work with its composition and overall function. Free of questionable ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, phthalates and growth factors, and formulated with natural botanicals, active enzymes and an exclusive proprietary complex (Bio-Energy Complex™), Enpointe is a remarkable line of anti-aging products. We are particularly impressed by the Age Delay Eye Solution Pirouette Bamboo Microderm cream. Check out the website for more information.

40 Degrees Younger
Formulated with Q/Stan-D™, 40 Degrees Younger specifically addresses the obvious yet difficult to address signs of aging that affect the hands and neck. Backed by extensive research, this specialized anti-aging system penetrates deep into the skin’s surface to the mitochondria DNA in order to reveal more youthful skin. 40 Degrees Younger receives our highest ratings for innovation and aiding in the fight against anti-aging. Log onto the website for more information.

Muvazi
A skincare regimen built around the exclusive ingredient Oat Beta Gluca, which stimulates the immune system and is proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, scars and discoloration, Muvazi is based on a simple pledge to renew, restore and deliver results. Utilizing refreshing and invigorating botanical ingredients, these products evoke a beautiful spa-like feeling while delivering optimal results. Muvazi’s simple four-step system of highly effective products is a pleasure to use and an ideal anti-aging daily regimen. Check out the website for more information.

vbeauté
The newest product on our radar is put out by an ideal lifestyle anti-aging brand called vbeauté. Based on a passion for luxurious and highly effective products, vbeaute has turned to the highly respected CRB High Performance Laboratories of Geneva, Switzerland, to create the brand’s exclusive vComplex and Alpine Rose Botanical Technology, which protects and repairs the skin. Consisting of some of the most impressive and aesthetically pleasing anti-aging products we’ve encountered, vbeauté receives our highest marks. Check out the website for product information, including the fabulous It Kit which is ideal for travel.

Meteil’s s/s ‘11 collection, dubbed “Plié Backstage,” was created entirely out of resistant jacondas material. Traditionally used to develop 3-D sample prototypes, Meteil transforms the fabric into ethereal dresses with genuine silhouettes. This unexpected combination was striking on the catwalk, as layered white jacondas added depth to exaggerated bow-tie details on delicate sheer tops. Garments were assembled together out of various panels and the solid white seams highlighted the transparency and delicacy of each piece. Meteil also gave the collection an architectural feel through applied permanent creases and designated folds. The finishing result was structured and voluminous shapes, mainly on the skirts and lacey dresses.

Meteil’s successful debut came together with the support of fellow exhibitioners, including Yarns & Jersey and Close to Clothes. She has worked with leading European fashion houses including Givenchy, John Galliano, Nicolas Ghesquière (at Balenciaga) and Felipe Oliveira Baptista.

What’s hot right now?
Liberation! The fascination with current trends has just become irrelevant. It’s 2012, people are sick of being confined to the perameters of reality. Everyone wants to be free—it’s the end of the world after all.

What do you consider “compelling” in subjects?
Characters who commit to their own identity.

Who are your favorite photographers?
Nobuyoshi Araki, Robbert Mapplethorpe and Damon Baker. All three are legends in their own right.

Lane’s collection was inspired as much by visual artists as by feminine mood. The energetic display of movement seen in Dutch artist Peter Jansen’s work (particularly his Human Motions exhibition) is manifested in the delicate, hand-sewn pleats that dominate each design. One particular highlight is a bias-cut pant suit that’s gathered at the hip and features gentle pleats diverging downwards into relaxed tapered legs and upwards into a one-sided cape. The work of French painter Suzanne Valadon is also present in Lane’s designs, specifically the artist’s “Ketty’s Etriant” pencil sketch, which the designer interprets through a somber mix of silvers and gradating grays with optimistic orange: a simple sleeveless gray shift dress is enhanced by a pleated front panel of dyed fabric that changes from charcoal to soft orange.

Lane describes her collection as an opportunity to express women’s moods, mainly through fluidity and diverse pleating. The collection also boasts elements of embroidery, mainly within the polyester pleats, and exaggerated collars that can be converted into capes. Lane successfully captures this unique combination of strength and sex appeal in her finale piece, a silk chiffon gown with twisting one-shoulder, cut-out details and thin pleating from bust to floor.

Apothederm
Targeting specific needs such as stretch marks and crow’s feet while utilizing a unique patented SmartPeptide technology system, Apothederm has developed some of the most effective products we’ve encountered. Apothederm’s Stretch Mark Cream and Firming Serum receive our top ratings, but the brand offers a full range of other advanced, highly effective anti-aging and brightening skincare products. For more product information log onto the brand website.

Dior Capture Totale
Dior is at the forefront of research and technology across most categories, but their skincare products are truly innovative. An essential addition to the brand’s extremely successful Capture Totale collection is the One Essential series, which includes the amazing Ultra-Detox Treatment-Mask—perfect for a deep New Year facial detox. Infused with a higher concentration of Dior’s exclusive active ingredient, Detoxynite, the mask is extremely effective at drawing out toxins and impurities from the skin to reveal a radiant, glowing complexion. For more information on Dior’s amazing selection of anti-aging products from the Capture Totale range, log onto the brand website.

Elan Veda
Our most recent discovery, Elan Veda, is based on the ancient principles of Ayurveda. Created largely for health and well-being, the brand also offers some very impressive and effective anti-aging products. Elan Skin Renue, for instance, is an anti-aging face oil that can be used daily as well as under make-up, while Elan Triphala works as a potent rejuvenating and detoxifying supplement that’s ideal for a new year detox and Elan Healthy Hair is a supplement that produces impressive results for thinning, damaged hair. For more about Elan Veda, log on to the brand website.

Rodial
Created in 1999, Rodial is a pioneering brand in the anti-aging movement. It offers perhaps one of the most extensive lines of highly specialized products to address and target specific aging concerns—from wrinkles to cellulite and much more. Based on the principle that proper skincare can be an effective alternative to expensive and invasive cosmetic surgery and procedures, Rodial has invested years in breakthrough research on the most difficult to address issues. Today the brand continues to thrive globally with exceptional products that are highly effective and provide instantly visible results, which improve with continuous usage. Rodial’s most recent addition to its range is the Glamoxy series, including such amazing products as the Snake Serum Pen which plumps the skin, minimizes lines and wrinkles as well as inhibits facial contractions. For more products and information, log onto the website.

Nip+Fab by Rodial
While beauty products can be rather costly—particularly so in the specialist anti-aging market—Rodial’s Nip+Fab line is an effective anti-aging skincare line that is available at a mass market level. Nip+Fab by Rodial is conveniently available at national retailers and is extremely affordable. Consisting of unique and highly specialized formulations that address the unpleasantries of anti-aging, Nip+Fab receives our highest ratings for both innovation and affordablity. We love the Dark Circle Fix, Sheer Make-up Fix and Frown Fix i particular. For more information, log on to the Nip+Fab website.