Here are the details:

Maria will provide you with Bunny Ears and Tails, as you move together–all 100– hopping from bar to bar to bar, all the while wagging our tails.

GENTLEMEN: You cannot purchase ears and tails– however.. you are more than welcome to “chase the tail” at the bars we will be hopping to. (See below for list of..)

Meet us at Astor Place on Saturday, March 6th, at 6pm to get your Bunny Ears and Tails- to qualify for drink specials at the following Bunny Friendly Bars:

* The Thirsty Scholar
* Ryan’s Irish Pub
* Bull McCabes
* Holiday Cocktail Lounge
* …more bars to follow…

At each of these venues there will be drink specials and playBOYs hoping to get some tail. There will also be an Easter Bunny that you can take your photo with!

YOU MUST RESERVE YOUR EARS and TAIL at http://bunnybarhop.eventbrite.com

Things to note:

1) YOU MUST BE 21+ and a WOMAN to purchase ears/tail.

2) You must bring a valid ID with you to receive your ears and tail.

3) You must pre-order your ears and tails.

4) You will not qualify for drink specials unless you have our actual ears and tails.

5) Please bring cash for drinks to make your hopping easier.

Sounds like fun kiddos! Check it out, and if you’re single be sure to sign up for Maria’s matchmaking services over at www.MariaTheDateCoach.com.

[Alyson Campbell for It's All Very PR]

My Barbara Tfank coverage is live on JSD  (which you can read complete with full photo spread here or see the basic copy below!)

***

Barbara Tfank debuted her Fall 2010 Ready-To-Wear Collection during New York Fashion Week at the alternative downtown venue, Milk Studios.

The collection, clearly designed for the Autumn months, featured an array of sleek feminine dresses and long coats in metallic jewel-toned hues ranging from olive green to eggplant, with hints of royal blue and teal.

Looks were form fitting, with the exception of a few empire waist selections, indicating a certain 1940’s timeless glamour and clearly a vintage inspiration behind her works. With an air of sophistication and class, the line leaves something to the imagination, shaping the female silhouette beautifully without making it impossible for the average woman to wear.

Offering her clients something unique and exclusively-theirs, Tfank began designing her own fabric patterns last year, a decision that she claims doubles the time it takes to finish the collection, but increases her overall satisfaction with her finished product.  Her muse is painter Raoul Dufy, which she describes as a “ray of sunlight on a gloomy day.”

The hair (done by Jean Marc for Ric Pipino), was loose and free-flowing, and the makeup was subtle with strong lips (done by Gregory Arlt for M.A.C.).

The event, which will also introduce their latest Public Service announcement, is also set to honor two recipients of the 2010 “Beauty Cares: Champion of Change” Award, including: Dr. Andrew Jacono (the National Chairman of Face to Face), a plastic surgeon who performs countless pro-bono reconstructive surgeries on survivors of domestic violence, and Violy McCausland, President and CEO of VMS Associates and a staunch supporter of women and children living in crisis.

Since, April 2008, Beauty Cares has been hosting the ‘Breakthrough Experience,’ a full day of transformation for survivors housed at Safe Horizon—a safe house for those who have escaped domestic abuse.  Designed to help reverse negative self-image and break the cycle of domestic violence, the participants experience hands-on nurturing with healing massages, expert makeovers with instruction, professional hairstyling, guidance from life coaches to identify their core strengths, totes filled with donated products for everyday reality, and gorgeous after-photos to take as a reminder of how lovely and loved they are.  Beauty Cares’ message is clear: you are beautiful inside and out.

Life-changing messages are collected from the women who go through the “Breakthrough Experience,” including the one from this woman who participated in the last event: “This [event] meant looking at myself in a different light, seeing my true natural beauty and learning that there is something better for me.”  The next of these events will take place on Sunday, February 28^th, during the day prior to the inaugural cocktail charity party where more of their bone-chilling experiences will be shared.

At the event, Beauty Cares will also be unveiling a powerful 60-second Public Service Announcement entitled “Make Under.”  Many women believe that being shoved, threatened, belittled or isolated does not count as domestic abuse. This viral video demonstrates that it’s only a matter of time before these behaviors escalate into dangerous violence, ending with the emotionally-charged statement: “It doesn’t have to get this far, to be considered domestic violence.”

The event, which will bring together local leaders in the beauty industry and beyond, will serve up champagne, delicious food, and inspiring stories, in addition to a live auction, featuring: one of Barry Gibb’s (from The BeeGees) electric guitars,  and gifts from Alto, The Four Seasons, Victor de Souza, a Yankees Stadium Private Tour, and more.  There will also be a raffle of several gift boxes, containing top beauty products valued at over $2,000.

To join in on this eye-opening evening, you may RSVP to 212-252-3399 or RSVP@BeautyCares.org.  Cocktail attire is strictly required and space is limited.

The event is located at: 15 East 18^th Street, Suite 301, New York, NY 10003, with cocktail reception at 6:00pm, award ceremony at 7:00pm, and live auction at 7:45pm. Cost is $150 per person or $1400 per 10 individuals (tax deductible).

For more information on Beauty Cares, please visit: www.BeautyCares.org.  To see the video, see www.YouTube.com/BeautyCares.

[Alyson Campbell for It's All Very PR]

My J. Mendel coverage is live on JSD  (which you can read complete with full photo spread here or see the basic copy below!)

***

On the final day of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, J. Mendel freshened things up by showing a ‘Presentation’ in the Salon Tent, a welcomed alternative to the traditional runway show. Here, we were able to get up close & personal with the clothes, and really see the fine details (of which there were many).

Not only could you take your time to really drink in and explore each piece within the collection, but the presentation-style set up also allowed for some mingling, photo opps, and champagne to be enjoyed–while lacking the stressful seating frenzy.

Because it is also so important to see how the garments move, the models took turns rocking the center runway and posing underneath an arch at the end for the photographers, while the other models stood on elevated light boxes like mannequins, posing for the onlookers.

Designer, Gilles Mendel, described the Fall 2010 look as “elements of nature brought to a downtown scene.” As seen throughout the week, layering and an unexpected blend of fabrics were also big here, as well as fur accents, which were a collaboration with Kopenhagen Fur.

Tweeds and furs were blended with crystallized landscapes, metallic embellishments, and gold thread linings. The looks were accessorized by louche hand-knitted mink skull caps, hoods and mittens, with jewelry by Christine McPartland.

The collection included wool and cashmere coats, cocktail dresses, skirts, and full length gowns which came in deep reds, Prussian blues and volcanic greens.

A stand out look that seemed to personify the overall collection was a dyed silver fox vest with a sequined panel along the back side of the vest, seen worn over top of a molten red satin face silk mousseline cocktail dress.

During the show, I had a chance to catch up with Ted Gibson of Ted Gibson Salon, who handled the hair for the show. It was definitely more of a slick look, as opposed to anything too feminine or soft. “I used L’Oreal Professional ‘Freezing Mist’ to create the sleek and sexy look,” Ted told me as he looked on at the presentation, “It’s all straight and down, but what you might not see is that there is a section of hair on each side, pinned back, with sleek hair flowing over top.”

This was Ted’s fourth and final show of this week, using 12 of his team members per show from both his New York and D.C. salons.

Makeup was handled by Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.  “The J. Mendel woman for Fall is strong and chic, and has an effortless and modern sex appeal,” said Wendy Rowe on behalf of Bobbi Brown Co. The  makeup, like the hair, was very polished and structured.

Shoes were all by Christian Louboutin, with the signature red soles accenting the looks. They were mostly all in the same ankle-boot cut except for a few slouched booties, that better complimented the short dresses with which they were paired.

My Christian Siriano coverage is live on JSD  (which you can read complete with full photo spread here or see the basic copy below!)

***

The Season 4 winner of Project Runway , Christian Siriano, has quickly become a staple in the fashion community, causing more of a scene in the line-up at the tents than any of the other shows thus far, some with more veteran names than his. Fans (ranging from celebrities to industry,  and from press to local tastemakers) flocked into the show, anxious to see what Christian would be introducing for Fall 2010.

Christian, who once interned for Alexander McQueen while studying in London, had claimed McQueen to be one of his favorite designers, who undoubtedly has had an influence on his style. He creates wearable women’s wear, sophisticated lines, that have previously been picked up to retail at Saks Fifth Avenue in season’s passed.

Front row celebrities at the show included CariDee English (Top Model), Kristen Johnston (actress), Amber Rose (model), and Siriano’s boyfriend Brad Walsh, who was sandwiched by Mena Suvari (actress) and Kat DeLuna (pop star). Walsh, as always, produced the music that was used to highlight the runway show.

This season, Christian’s line was said to represent 1960s Euro women—particularly Parisian women—who got dressed (to the nines) every day.  The looks were accessorized by Christian’s new outrageous shoe collection for Payless, and blinged-out eye wear, designed by Kerin Rose.

Stong zip-front coats and trenches with feminine waistline detailing were the first looks out the gate, accented by wool and cashmere pieces. Pencil skirts and dresses (that were very wearable from 9-to-5 into night) came next, lots of black and grey with sparkle and hints of flare.

Christian is no stranger to formal wear either, revealing satin and silk dresses with ruffles running diagonally from shoulder to hip, in black, fuchsia and a rich royal blue, which was seen throughout the show and often paired with black.

My favorite look of the evening was a free-flowing fuchsia dress, belted in black, and over laying a silk pencil skirt in royal blue. The finale dress, though, garnered a reaction of shrieks and whistles from the crowd before the show officially concluded. It was a gorgeous fuchsia gown with an organza draped bodice and a scalloped tulle gown with a full train.

*Finale Dress

*Finale Walk

*Christian doing backstage interviews

*Mena Suvari (photo by John Simon)

*Christian Siriano’s boyfriend, Brad Walsh (photo by me)

*Christian Siriano doing backstage interviews post-show (photo by me)

My Backstage Interview @ the Christian Siriano show is live on JSD  (which you can read complete with full photo spread here or see the basic copy below!)

***

Makeup for Christian Sirano’s Fall 2010 runway collection was conceptualized and designed by Polly Osmond, who worked with Siriano last season as well.

Backstage, we had a chance to catch up with Darcie Louise, who was spearheading the looks for the day. Using Christian Siriano’s makeup line for Victoria’s Secret, the look was characterized as “Modern Retro” with a major emphasis on the brows. Not strong, solid, abrupt brows though, cautioned Darcie. Instead, they were bold brows with a certain wispyness – using pencils and brushes to highlight the natural look.

On Siriano, Darcie says “He’s amazing, a great designer. I think he’s one of the up & coming designers to watch in New York, he’s definitely A-list right now.”

How to get the look?  Darcie walks us through the process:

• First, you need to begin with beautiful cleansed skin, that has been moisturized.
• Because it’s such a strong brow, for this look you begin with foundation first, followed by concealer and then power. The powder is used ONLY in the T-Zone area, because it is a medium matte finish, and you don’t want to do powder all over.
• Next is the brow, the defining piece.  To create this kind of brow, start by defining the brow and creating the brow. Then, use small strokes with either a pencil or brush to emphasize the small hairs.  It’s not about big chunks, but rather wispy individual hairs. Darcie recommends using the brow gel by Victoria Secret as needed as well.
• Next up is the lash: curl the lashes, and apply 3-4 coats of mascara, and apply mascara only lightly to the bottom lash.
• As for the cheeks, she encourages subtle blush contrast, nothing too abrupt.
• Finally, the lip is very strong as well.  It’s a creamy matte lipstick in fuchsia called “Lavish” by Victoria Secret.

Darcie walks us through the ‘look boards’ that Polly & Christian created together:

Hair for the Fall 2010 show was handled by Aveda and we also had a chance to speak to Antoinette Beenders, the Global Director of Aveda, on the vision. “The look is Parisian-inspired,” says Antoinette, “very classic with a wave to it.” Most of the looks would be up do’s, based around the wave, and there would be one look that was down, with the hair curled in waves and over to one shoulder.

They used Aveda’s “Air Control” and were also debuting another line called “Control Force” during fashion week, which is a 24-hour resistant spray, that will be available for the public on June 20^th, 2010.

(Video footage by yours truly, photo by John Simon).

My Farah Angsana coverage is live on JSD  (which you can read complete with full photo spread here or see the basic copy below!)

***

As the Farah Angsana show let in, I couldn’t help but notice it was not overly full for Day 1 in the tents, probably due to its competing time slot with The Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collection 2010.

The show took off with heavily-textured dresses showing black bottoms accented by eggshell lace and black beading details along the bodice. Sequin accessories presented the fun, as well as intricate beading, feathers and eccentric fur embellishments over top of simpler shapes.

Angsana, who is also known for her bridal collections, presented special occasion and formal wear here featuring flirty cocktail dresses, suitable party attire, and formal full-length gowns with glamor and flare.

Fur was definitely a stand out component of the line, but it was used sparingly, likely a pre-mediated decision on Angsana’s part. More fuchsia and royal blue silks were seen here, later seen at Christian Siriano as well.

Although the finale piece, a scarlet silk gazer gown with sequined crystal bodice and a layered petal skirt was breath-taking, my favorite look of the evening was a playful mini sequined knee-length shift dress with asymmetrical fur straps, accented by fingerless leather gloves to complete the look.

The show was complimented by mod hairstyles, with lots of height and small buns pinned down in the back, led by the show’s makeup and hair stylist, Christo.

Overall, I felt the line was realistic and wearable, definitely very wearable by me!  I think the crowd agreed, as Farah was greeted by a very satisfied standing ovation and a smiling crowd.

Sponsored by BBM Group, Midi Mafia will be conducting their Blazetrak reviews live on their new weekly web series, entitled “Casa Mafia,” which will be streamed on both Ustream (www.Ustream.tv/midimafia) and their official website: themidimafia.com.

Over the course of 3 webisodes, 15 aspiring artists will be given the amazing opportunity to be reviewed and showcased on the most active live-streaming website on the internet.  Submissions will be accepted via Blazetrak.com all month long (deadline: February 28^th), and 15 of these submissions will be chosen for the live events, with five artists being reviewed per webisode.

The webisodes will air every Tuesday in March starting on March 2^nd [4pm - 6pm PST / 7pm – 9pm EST].  Throughout the month of March, fans will have the opportunity to vote for their favorites via polling on themidimafia.com.  During the fourth episode of the month, airing Tuesday, March 23^rd, Midi Mafia will be interacting with fans and reviewing the poll results in order to choose a winner from the 15 Blazetrak reviews.

Ultimately, Midi Mafia will select who they deem the most talented as the official winner of the series.  The winner will receive the experience of a lifetime, including a first class flight to LA to spend the weekend with Midi Mafia working together in their studio to record and polish one track that will later be showcased on both Blazetrak.com and themidimafia.com.

For this talent search specifically, Midi Mafia will be looking for artists (all ages) that can sing and/or play instruments.  They will be seeking out a fresh sound that will be highly marketable for radio and live performances.  Users are invited to submit one original audio track that best represents his or her talent via Blazetrak, for a fee of $100 per submission.  All submissions will be graded on a scale of 1 – 5 based on the following criteria: marketability, voice/instrumental quality, and originality.

Throughout the web series, users can expect unpredictable visitors to be popping in and out of the Midi Mafia house, including some of the top names in entertainment.

All submissions will receive a guaranteed video response directly from Midi Mafia, even if not chosen for the live event.

Midi Mafia, consists of co-producers Dirty Swift and Bruce Waynne, who are known for creating some of the biggest hits on the charts today.  Their clients include: 50 Cent, Jennifer Lopez,  John Legend, Brandy, David Archuleta, Justin Beiber and Nelly, just to name a few.

For more information on Blazetrak and this special Casa Mafia talent search, please visit: www.Blazetrak.com/midimafia.

*The Midi Mafia

[Alyson Campbell for It's All Very PR]

My Ports 1961 coverage is live on JSD  (which you can read complete with full photo spread here or see the basic copy below!)

***

Ports 1961, a label that debuted in 2006, as a spin-off of Canadian sportswear label “Ports International,” is led by Vancouver-native, Tia Cibani. Her designs beautifully illustrate women’s Ready To Wear, with romantic silhouettes and often, an ethnic twist. Last year, her Fall 2009, took on a very timely theme, with Indian inspired music and dress. This season, Tia channeled what seemed to be an Asian-inspiration, indicated in both the choice of music and the sushi platters included in the gift bags.

On our way in, we found MTV’s “The City” filming for the show with Elle’s Creative Director, Joe Zee, sitting front row with fellow Elle staffer, Olivia Palermo; and best buds Whitney Port and Roxy Olin seated one row back.

The Thursday afternoon show began with a much deserved “moment of silence” for Alexander McQueen who had just passed that morning, and for that moment, the tent fell completely silent while the lights were still up.

After some smoke and a gong-like sound, the show was off to an interesting start.  First out were a lot of neutrals, with helmet-style hats, and layered architectural trenches with bold dresses. Grey, beige, camel and cognac dominated with unexpected leather and wool accents throughout. Shoulder pads and asymmetrical patterns were shown and most looks were decorated by a unique metallic detailing or off-kilter neck piece.

The evening wear came in gold, copper, dark browns and deep purples, showings more chunky knits, layers and soft separates. Although I loved everything about the line, the looks, and the colors du jour, I was most obsessed with the big free-flowing curly teased hair, which billowed out on the models with volume, body and little structure.

Cibani characterized the line as “inspired by the relationship between discovery and invention.”

*Finale Walk footage by me!

*Roxy Olin & Whitney Port filming a scene for MTV’s The City…you may also recognize Roxy from this season of ABC’s Brothers & Sisters (she plays the surrogate)

The morning of Day 1 was quickly overshadowed by news that famed British designer Alexander McQueen had committed suicide.  In this day in age, word spreads quickly–I first heard the moment I pulled up Twitter that morning.  Apparently, news broke during the BCBG show, wherein long-standing Vogue Editrix, Anna Wintour, first heard the news and went running out mid-show.  Other friends and colleagues were also horrified by the news, including Naomi Campbell who was seen soon after and described as “visibly distraught.”

As with the bad news, any news during Fashion Week is able to be funneled and shared quickly, thanks to the evolution of the fashion bloggerati.  No longer do we have to wait to read about it in the pages of WWD or The New York Times, instead, fashion followers are blogging the news, Facebooking the pictures, and Twittering the trends in bite-sized pieces.

Publishing the story first has become increasingly important.  It lends itself to getting referenced and quoted in other media outlets and it helps your blog or publication in getting ranked higher on Google.   It is even more important though, to the subjects of the matter.   One blogger’s opinion has the power to impact how the show will be received overall and dangerously lends itself to other bloggers and traditional reporters following suit.  I guess it’s a media phenomenon which some might refer to as lazy journalism.

Sponsors are catching on to new media as well.  The main area of the tents now boasts a giant leader board, sponsored by American Express.  It posts a Twitter feed in real time, by the minute, featuring Fashion related tweets from anyone that uses the #FW hashtag.  People insides the shows are twittering the stand out trends as on lookers watch from outside.

The tents are also now fully equipped for the blogger lifestyle, with a media lounge that promotes wireless internet and battery-charging outlets.

Finally, this season’s New York Fashion Week is also memorable, because it is going to be the very last season in the Bryant Park Tents.  In September, the semi-annual show moves itself to Lincoln Center.

[IMAGES: Fashion Designer and Washington Style Reporter, Ms. Bob Bland of Brooklyn Royalty, sports an outfit tailored to the morning's heartbreaking McQueen news]

[Alyson Campbell for It's All Very PR]