New York Spring 2009: Herve Leger by Max Azria

Herve Leger by Max Azria took the mini bandage dress and pushed it fashionably forward. The collection brought innovative fabrics, geometric colors patterns and sexy leather. The color palette was rich in bright orange combined with soft neutrals like gray, light blue shades and white. Herve Leger also introduced its swimwear collection which was just as sexy featuring lots of strings.

Fashion Destination: Hot Brazilian Exports

Although Brazil is known all over the world for its amazing beaches, lively and colourful carnivals and parties, the South American jewel has contributed greatly to fashion and beauty as well. From golden skin top models and exotic colourful mini bikinis to delicious natural Amazonian cosmetics; we are sure thankful for these hot Brazilian exports.

Top Models: We see them all the time; Alessandra Ambrosia, Adriana Lima, Izabel Goulard and the top of top, Gisele Bundchen. Bringing vibrant, exotic, and curvaceous into the world of modeling, Brazil is hot and rich of top models. In the recent years they have been dominating the runways and many of them are known for their Victoria’s Secret Angels Status.

But with no doubt, one of them stands on top and it is no other than Gisele Bundchen. Her first name has become a brand of its own; just say Gisele and pretty much every person on this planet will know you are talking about that Gisele. The Brazilian beauty is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s richest supermodel, has been the face of more than 20 brands internationally, and has appeared on more than 500 magazine covers. Not just a beauty face, Gisele lends her support and image to many charitable organizations and humanitarian causes, such as awareness for HIV African victims, raising money for cancer treatments, and protecting the Amazonian Rainforest water sources. What would the fashion world be without Gisele? I certainly cannot imagine it.

Sexy Bikinis: Oh yeah, you know I am talking about Rosa Cha. The chic, sensual, and eye-catching designs of Amir Slama definitely elevate swimwear into high fashion. The bikinis are always in bright colors, splashy patterns, soft materials, and extremely tiny cuts to bring out exotic appeal and beach playfulness. If you have ever tried one of them on, you know that you will feel so sexy that you may even walk around in that suit all the time in your house (like I do.) Amir was a history professor before staring Rosa Cha with his wife. His talent is widely recognized with Rosa Cha constantly featured in Vogue, Elle, Sports Illustrated and many more.

Natural Beauty Cosmetics: Surya Brasil is an all-natural high end Brazilian cosmetics brand. Its Amazonia Preciosa line includes shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, massage oils and many lotions for the body and face. Surya Brasil has been successfully operating in Brazil for the past 25 years and it believes that we should learn how to live in harmony with our bodies using products that do not harm the nature. Each of its products is produced with oils extracted from the Preciosa Tree in the Amazonian native and combined with other specialty selected 100% natural ingredients like delicious fruits, plants and herbs. Furthermore, each of the ingredients used is ethically harvested to support the local population and economy while protecting the animal and plant kingdoms. In the past couple of years Surya products have been largely exported all over the world and gaining extensive recognition as in 2007, the premium brand received Organic Certification from Ecocert. You can find these exotic products online at www.suryacosmetics.com and indulge in the smells of coconut, oranges, guarana, melon and many other Amazonian heavens.

Fashion: Yachting

Going on a yacht and sailing away is becoming more and more about fashion than the sport itself. We have seen famous designers, such as Roberto Cavalli and supermodels, such as Kate Moss indulge in this hot lifestyle over the summer. Yachts are also the set for many designer photo shoots and music videos. Yachting has also inspired many design collections with its crisp whites and linen long dresses. And who can forget the never-ending nautical trend? Many designers have also made collections especially for cruising and “boat dressing.” Whether you will chose to sail from Positano to Provence or from Venice to Santorini, the sun-drenched coasts, the azure waters and the Mediterranean breeze will be the perfect combination to your upscale fashion sense. Now, here are a few tips for your yachting adventure.

Hot Bikini: Chose a beautiful and glamorous bikini. Softer colors and golden tones are preferable. You may chose bandeau, triangle or a one piece bikini. Keep in mind that the most important thing for a bikini, is to feel comfortable and sexy. You can slip into some tiny Brazilian cuts like Rosa Cha or chose from the variety of swimwear at Victoria’s Secret.

Cover-up Essential: As it gets quite windy on the yacht, you need to have a cover-up. Remember to chose wisely in order to be color coordinated with your bikini. If your bikini is neutral, chose a pattern and bolder cover-up. You can be more elegant with a Kimono-style or crocheted cover-up.

Hat Must-Have: Hats are very important and here is your chance to experiment with an extravagant hat. You may chose over sized crocheted hat with large decorations. Just remember that it should fit you well, so that you do not have to chase it in the sea.

Sunscreen: You should enjoy the sun to the fullest but be extra careful. Sunscreens are extremely important to ensure that your skin will be youthful and glowing. Remember to apply the lotions regularly throughout the day and do not forget to protect your face, lips and hair also. If you chose to wear lip gloss, be sure to apply sunscreen on top of it. As an alternative, the Balm Shelter Lip Gloss is a moisturizing, sheer gloss with SPF to protect and it comes in all shades. Aveeno offers good face and body sunscreens and Fekkai has some great leave-in-conditioners with activated UV shield to protect your hair!

Accessorize: Sunglasses are your absolute most important accessory. Remember that fashion and protection will go hand in hand. Over sized glasses are still in but you can experiment with the patterns and colors. Bags are a necessity. Louis Vuitton offers great beach bags, large but classy enough to show your fashion sense and practical side. Jewelry becomes more important as the sun sets. Chose one center piece and remember that less is more. You may decide to wear a large turquoise ring or a white pearls necklace.

Dress Appropriately: When on the yacht, fancy dresses and shoes are not needed. However, when stopping at ports and going to the fancy coast restaurants, note that cotton, linen and silk materials are impressive. White is the queen of chic but do not underestimate all shades of blue. You may chose longer or capri linen pants and short silk dresses. Shoes are preferably wedges or comfortable high slides. The materials can be colorful fabrics and even decorated with crystals or flowers for a more fancy look. Remember that gold tones are especially stunning with a golden tan during summer. If you are looking for high fashion, Chanel never disappoints with Resort wear and its Cruise Collections.

Sea Scent: When going out at night, make sure you bring your sea adventure to the inland. Eau d’Italie from Positano, Italy is a collection of shower gels, scented soaps and perfumes inspired by the world famous five-star Positano hotel La Sirenuse hotel on the Amalfi Coast in Italy. This fragrance is so cultural that it is sold only at the hotel and a few London boutiques. It has a fresh and seductive scent especially for the summer months.

Bring Your Camera: You will be spending unforgettable moments at sea. The adventure-romance combo should be pictured. Explore the coasts and azure waters, and at night have some fun time in your fashion outfits and golden tan.