Mango Spring/Summer 2009: Barcelona

The Spanish brand Mango presented its Spring/Summer 2009 Collection in Barcelona named “An Enchanted Garden.” The collection was inspired by “nature and modern landscape” as well as influenced by a strong Japanese touch on the shapes and prints of the garments. Brazilian model Camila Alves came down the runway, and it was her first appearance after the birth of her cute son from boyfriend Matthew McConaughey. The Enchanted Garden featured bright colors and prints, silk and chiffon softness, large flower accessories and exotic oriental flare. Watch out for these pieces to come out in stores next year and prepare for a bright, hot summer!

Penelope Cruz for Mango Winter 2008 Collection

Beautiful actress Penelope Cruz and her just as beautiful sister Monica Cruz continue their collaboration with Spanish’ best Mango. The new 2008 Winter Collection is rich in warm and neutral colors to complement the winter white cold outside. Already available in stores and on their official website, the collection is both stylish and affordable offering a feminine sensuality and exotic elegance. The ad campaign is shot by prestigious photographers Mert and Marcus, who have worked with labels such as Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani and Miu Miu, among others. You can find everything from hot winter hats, sexy dresses, stunning coats and the gorgeous croc print black bag. The prices range from $29 for the hats to $319 for the bag. My favorite piece is the stunning black knitted-collar coat featured above which is priced at $225. And if you have ever shopped at Mango, you know that their clothes are made extremely well and can last for a very long time. All these and much more are available here.

Caribbean Blue Beauty: Larimar

Larimar is one of the most unique and rare gemstones in the world as it can be found in only one location on our planet; the Dominican Republic. This Caribbean Island is a jewel on its own with its white, soft sandy beaches and unspoiled, rich nature but it is also the only home of the blue jewel beauty. The legend of Larimar has it that people on the island used to collect the blue gemstones on the beach until one day they could not find them anymore. Therefore, they started to explore upstream and came across a rock formation which was the source of the precious beauties. The natives called the stone “Blue Stone” as they believed that it came from the clear blue sea. But in 1974, the Dominican Miguel Méndez while walking on the Dominican beach saw a flash of the blue gemstone and called it Larimar, taking his daughter’s name Larissa and combining it with the Spanish word for sea “mar.”

Larimar is a variety of pectolite and it is thought that the stones may have formed as a result of volcanic eruptions. Although pectolites may be common, the unique blue color, also called the volcanic blue, is what makes Larimar so incredibly precious. The rare jewel is used in jewellery for necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets. It is usually combined with silver but higher grade stones can be also produced in gold. The colors of Larimar vary from white, light blue, green-blue and deep blue also known as volcanic blue. The quality grading is according to the color, with white being the lower grade and volcanic blue is the highest grade. Larimar is a true Caribbean beauty. Its blue charm and rare quality will make an everlasting impression on you and having this jewel will forever remind you of the turquoise waters of this far paradise.

Rafael Nadal to be The New Face of Lanvin Perfumes

Tennis’ hottest athlete and my personal favorite, Rafael Nadal is the new face of Lanvin’s L’Homme Sport fragrance. The four time French Open champion and tennis’ number one, certainly captured the hearts of France as he signed the deal with Inter Parfums to be global ambassador for its Paris-based luxury line of fragrances Lanvin. Nadal will help to develop the new fragrance and it is set to launch in the summer of 2009. The line, Lanvin L’Homme Sport, will be built around the Spanish star’s image and Rafael will also be at the center of the major marketing campaign for the launch. Rafael Nadal is also a Wimbledon champion and an Olympic Gold medalist.

New York Spring 2009: Anna Sui

Anna Sui successfully updating her collection with Mexican spicy styles and Spanish Matador jackets. The collection included full flirty skirts, rich earthy tones, embroidery, embellishment, fringing, beading, and Spanish lace and was accessorized with strapped flats, straw hats and bags and Erickson Beamon artsy jewellery. The runway was fizzling with vibrant colors and patterns, and definitely put everyone in a Mayan Riviera vacation mood!

The Glow Purse!

Did you know that the average European woman spends around 14.3 hours in a year to look for objects in her bag? Imagine our bags were glowing once we opened them and we can find everything right away! Imagine no more, as it is now a reality. Merry Kawamura Ganjavian is a Spanish Design Collective of three young designers based in Madrid, Spain. Alfonso Merry del Val is Spanish and has a valuable experience in product design, Key Portilla-Kawamura is Spanish and Japanese and is an architect and Ali Ganjavian Afshar is Iranian and British and is also an architect. They have traveled to many countries and have developed a range of different, innovative and exciting projects there. One of their most interesting is the “Glow Purse,” which is an illuminated handbag. The technology is based on micro-LEDs (LUMENs) that are integrated in the inner lining of the bag and help it glow when opened. This lightning mechanism can be switched on manually and is easily rechargeable in your house with a base or operated with a small exchangeable battery. Absolutely cute, stylish and ultra-practical!