Summer's Hottest Fashion: Epi Center Medspa 11th Anniversary

What is this summer's hottest fashion?

Margaret Mitchell and Jennifer Schaefer

What's the one part of any evening's ensemble you always wear? Before you put on the hot dress, the smoking shoes, or the glitter and bling, the biggest fashion statement is made with your SKIN. Healthy, smooth and clear skin is always IN. This was a key message at the recent 11th Anniversary Celebration of the San Francisco Epi Center Med Spa, an institute for sustainable beauty.

Medical Director Scott Mosser ( Left)

Zem Joaquin, Joy Bianchi, Jennifer Schaefer and Margaret Mitchell

The Epi Center was opened in 1998, the first of its kind and an ongoing leader in the field of skin rejuvenation, combining cutting edge medicing and eco-friendly and organic techniques, such as its proprietary PhotoFacial Elite treatment. The center was named "The greenest Spa" by SF Premier Lifestyle magazine 7x7, noting its role as vanguard in the "green beauty" movement.


The nation's first medical spa gathered San Francisco's VIP list list to join Founder and President Margaret Mitchell, Medical Director & Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Scott Mosser, Director of Clinical Operations Jennifer Schaefer, and their staff to cheer another successful year in business.

Reginald Stone Singing Unforgettable

A Dance To Be Remembered

It was a night filled with a fabulous performance by Reginald Stone, singing the classic Nat King Cole favorites. Among the SF elite on the guest list were socialite Joy Bianchi, Ecofabulous Founder and Style Guru Zem Joaquin, the Leftwhich Team: Founder Sam Leftwhich, President Richard Okiuye, Design Christopher Lee, Le Club Owner Gina Milano, Wick Design Founder Will Wick, and many others

Margaret Mitchell, Guest, Will Wick and Karen Tamblyn

Guest and Maria Ehmer (Left)

Jennifer Schaefer, Margaret Mitchell, Zem Joaquin
Gina Milano

Guests

Joy Bianchi

In addition to the beautiful celebration and the healthy glowing skin, we were also treated to another evening of SF fashion. Joy Bianchi and Jennifer Schaefer were impeccable in vintage (Jennifer's Gucci shoes were unforgettable). Margaret Mitchell was stunning in a bright red, floor length gown. Gina Milano was channeling Marilyn Monroe in a sleevless, sea foam cocktail dress. Obviously, being eco-friendly doesn't mean fashion gets left behind

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Edition by Banana Republic: The Launch Party At The Westfield Mall

Banana Republic Executives

Marco Querci, Jenna Renfrew, Jack Calhoun
Susan Alvarez, Anja Hart and Chris Nicklo

Claudia Ross, Chris Nicklo, Anja Hart, and Karen Tamblyn

Sheila Shekar, Mark Nitkey, and Anja Hart

Claudia Ross Chris Nicklo, and Anja Hart

What an incredible night! San Francisco's most fashionable attended the launch party on May 13th for the new, limited line created by Banana Republic: "Edition."

Over 200 of SF's fashion elite filled the private reception and were treated to champagne and gourmet hors d'oeuvres. The exclusive VIP list included: socialites Joy Bianchi, Elizabeth Touw, Sobia Shaikh, Le Club owner Gina Milano, SFLuxe Founder Damion Matthews, RedCarpetSF Founder Marybeth La Motte, Style Icon Tatiana Sorokko, Epi Center MedSpa Founder Margaret Mitchell,  Leftwhich Design and Production Christopher Lee, Designer Lisa Alexander, Gallery Owner Karen Caldwell, Concierge Solutions Founder Maria Ehmer, and Real Estate Exec Joel Goodrich.

Anja Hart, Chris Nicklo, Simon Kneen

Angel Allison

Christopher Lee and Jessica Engholm(Right)

Fabulous Edition Shoes (Limited Collection)

The impact of the exquisite collection was the talk of the evening. This line delivered gorgeous gems, bold shoes and over-the-top accessories that were fashionable and updated.

Susan Alvarez, Marco Querci and Anja Hart

Joy Bianchi and BR President Jack Calhoun

Cross Marketing, the SF-based firm owned and founded by Claudia Castillo Ross, delivered another successful and flawless event.

Representing Banana Republic were executives including President Jack Calhoun, Peter Deluca SVP Marketing, Simon Keen EVP of Design & Creative Director, Anja Hart VP Accessories & Merchandising, Susan Alvarez Merchandise, Sheila Shekar Marketing & Communications, Marco Querci Handbag Designer, Anna Periklos GM Edition just to mention a few.

Bravo to the creative team that came up with a line that is exquisite but with a price point accessible to the most reluctant shopper.

We can't wait for the next run of Edition pieces. Remember that the idea behind this new concept is to maintain an exclusive and limited production of pieces, no more than 50-100 available worldwide. For example, I managed to land a pair of shoes I LOVE (see above) and only twelve pairs were produced. Period. It's breathtaking.

FYI the products are HOT and selling fast!!!!

Edition by Banana Republic: Stylish New Line To Be Launched

Banana Republic will open an exclusive store in San Francisco next month as part of the launch of its new brand concept, Edition by Banana Republic. The limited edition line features luxury jewelry, handbags and accessories. The intent of this new concept is to provide fashionable shoppers with both style and value in a deliberate response to this shaky economy.

"For our customers today, affordability is paramount and being fashionable is always in style. We are proud to offer San Francisco's modern women a one-stop destination of our best accessories," said Jack Calhoun, President of Banana Republic. "Especially in today's economy, Edition is the perfect place for women to update their wardrobe with exquisite, limited edition and affordable accessories."

I'll admit that I was a little hesitant when I first heard about the concept. It's been a long time since Gap, Inc., Banana Republic's parent company, has led in mainstream fashion. With that said, I must admit I was convinced. Edition will be offering a line that is exquisitely divine, bold, fun and overall within a price point reasonable to the wallet. As a fashion stylist, I embrace mixing affordable pieces with haute couture. You don't need to break your checking account in order to look fabulously fashionable. Edition delivers a lot of potential to create new, bold, stylish looks.

I had the privilege of a personal viewing of the collection and was stunned. It is to die for. For the price you will be paying the new limited edition is offering semi precious gemstones and handcrafted metalwork in gold and silver: absolutely divine!!! San Francisco's fashionistas are going to have a leg up on the fashion world. The creative minds from Banana Republic have delivered a compelling and innovative response to the current economic turmoil by designing an alternative that is beautiful, limited and accessible to the shopper seeking style and value.

I have placed an order for the most exquisite necklace; it could easily be called "off the runway...silver and gold handcrafted with Grecian-inspired design and a price tag a little over $100. The image doesn't do it justice. It's a true work of art.

The idea behind this new concept is to maintain an exclusive and limited production of pieces, no more than 50-100 available worldwide, with the majority priced under $100 and none more than $400. The collection will be sold exclusively at the Edition Boutique and not online or at any Banana Republic stores.

Fashionistas save the date!!!! Edition by Banana Republic is slated to open in the prestigiousWestfield San Francisco Centre on Market Street on May 15, 2009.

Elie Saab: Collection Pre-A-Porter Automne-Hiver 2009/2010

Back Stage with Elie Saab

Bahya Murad and Elie Saab

March 11, 2009.  Our last fashion show in Paris before returning to San Francisco.  We looked forward to another incredible day.  We had front row seats to attend the magestic Elie Saab Pre-A-Porter Fall-Winter  2009/2010 at Carrousel du Louvre-Salle Delorme.

Front Row: Carolyn Lee, Gayle Evans, Bahya Oumlil-Murad, KT and Mark Calvano

The atmosphere was divine and different from other shows.  The setting was minimalist and the attendance limited, especially when compared to the rest of fashion week. 

Elie Saab consistently highlights the red carpet.  The Lebanese designer show stopper was recently worn by A-lister Angelina Jolie at the 2009 Academy Awards.  In addition Emmanuelle Beart, Teri Hatcher, Elizabeth Hurley and Beyonce Knowles are among the list of celebrities wearing his collection.

   

In this show, Saab presented a remarkably clean collection which focused more on day wear and less on the  flashbulb magnets he normally creates, in a deliberate response to the current economic climate. 

The design elements included edgy numbers with form-fitting asymmetrical sheath dresses, high waisted skinny black trousers,  micro bolero with fur insert, single sleeve and sharp shoulders.  The collection was accessorized with strong geometric necklaces, cuffs and gloves.

Once again, Elie Saab presented an impeccable collection that was redirected to daily wear  and a versatile touch with less embroidery, but yet chic and glamorous a reminiscent of old Hollywood style.

Elie Saab

Among the attendees were Neiman Marcus Fashion Director Ken Downing, Vietnamese born actress Linh Dan Pham, actresses Elsa Zylberstein, Laurence Ashley, fashion writer Susan Tabak and international luxury consultant and correspondent for Focus magazine Anne De Champigneul, just to mention a few. 

Actresses: Elsa Zylberstein, Laurence Ashley, Natacha Regnier

Lihn Dan Pham

Joel Goodrich, Carolyn Lee, Gayle Evans, Ken Downing

Bahya Oumlil-Murad, Karen Tamblyn and Mark Calvano

Back Stage: Bahya Oumlil-Murad, Gayle Evans, Mark Calvano

Carolyn Lee

Joel Goodrich (left)

Bahya Oumlil-Murad, Elie Saab Jr., Mark Calvano

At the end of the show, we had backstage VIP access where we were able to see all the chaos that comes along with a very exquisite show: models changing into more comfortable clothes, (models including Angela Lindvall, Coco Rocha and Carmen Kass) the frantic press trying to catch a word with Elie Saab as well as photographers and celebrities including French actress Laurence Ashley  and Natacha Regnier interacting with the fashion elite.  It was another successful show and another over the top collection from Elie Saab, chic and elegant.