Meet Alex Hitz.. host... chef.... man of style

There are so many professions that escape the descriptors of being fashionable or trendy or of the moment and yet, if you rethink it and examine the precepts of such a profession, one might say that cuisine or in simpler terms... cooking is undoubtedly all of those things.

As I usually stretch the limits of fashion to include many contiguous art forms or the many manifestations of what one might consider being fashion or fashionable… today we are on the subject of food... well cuisine... well maybe, trend driven recipes and still maybe all of these ingredients are under the control of just one man … Alex Hitz.

In case you have been hiding under a rock, Mr. Hitz has completed the wildly successful cookbook entitled My Beverly Hills Kitchen: Classic Southern Cooking with a French Twist.  He is now and forever an accomplished host as well as chef and has carved a niche into the culinary landscape of this country.  Without question, Mr. Hitz shows us that food can be fashionable as well as very stylish so read up and find out what makes Alex tick!

1-What is the most treasured possession in your wardrobe?

My first pair of Gucci loafers---a birthday present from my mother when I turned 16 in 1985. They’ve been re-soled so many times but they are still perfect.

2-What is your most sterling trait and what trait do you treasure most in your friendships?

Loyalty and humor. Stand by me and make me laugh---and vice versa!

3-What is your bliss?

The summer. The view from my house to the Ocean. Bliss is anywhere it’s warm.

4-What is your guilty secret?

Promise you won’t tell, but…The Lawrence Welk show. It’s still on in PBS markets all over this country and I often find it when I am travelling. It’s like a train wreck. I just can’t stop watching it.

5-Where is your ideal home?

New York AND Los Angeles---I think the two cities really need each other!

6-If you could not be a designer/retailer/etc:, what would you be

I’m just a cook and a writer, but if I weren’t I think I’d be an architect because it’s another one of my great passions---How exciting to be able to draw something that then gets built just the way you drew it.

7-What is on your bedside table right now?

MY LIFE AS A MANKIEWICZ a fascinating Hollywood book, Maida Heatter’s CHOCOLATE CAKE BOOK, Elizabeth David’s SOUTH WIND THROUGH THE KITCHEN, Mildred Knopf’s COOK MY DARLING DAUGHTER and GARY COOPER STYLE. I’m up all night!

8-What do you wear to bed?

Just a black t-shirt…

9-What if any, book are you reading now or last read?

A PRINCE AMONG STONES, an autobiography by my friend Prince Rupert Loewenstein about his business with the Rolling Stones. I just loved it!

10-What’s your advice to the “newcomer?”

Learn the rules and understand classics. Do your homework. Remember you must know the rules before you can break them…

11-Who or what is your inspiration/style icon?

So many but to name a few: Cary Grant, The Duke of Windsor, Bobby Short, and Johnny Galliher. Mark Birley. These gents had style and discipline. They knew what it takes!

12-What is the best advice you ever received?

From Henry Grunwald: “There is no euphemism for dying.”

13-In 3 words or less, describe the current state of fashion.

80’s, kitsch. I have lots more but stuck to just two…

14-If you were a retailer, would you wear your own designs or shop in your own store ? or where would you shop?

I designed men’s clothing for several years, and I have to say, yes, I was my own best customer! If not, Arnys in Paris.

15-If you won a $200,000,000 power ball (lottery), what is the first thing you would buy or do?

A walk-in cooler at my house. I stayed with some friends in Florida this winter who had one and it changed my life. Oh, and, yes, a G5. Why not?

16-If you could invite up to 4 people for dinner, who would they be…dead or alive?

Charles de Bestigui to discuss his entertaining, Dorothy Draper to discuss her theatrical proclivities, Nan Kempner because she was SO MUCH FUN and no dinner should EVER be had without her, and with me that’s four!

17-What is your favorite movie /or movie star?

This was the one question I wrestled with on this list and I am sorry that I couldn’t narrow it down to just one so here goes: Gone With The Wind, Sullivan’s Travels, Laura, and The Lady Eve. I really should do a top ten because we are only scratching the surface here…!

18-What is the one thing you would change about yourself?

I’m only 5’9 and it would be very, very nice to be 6 feet. But Nate Berkus tells me us shorties age far better!

19-Whose opinion do you value most?

My housekeeper’s.  She always tells me honestly if the tie’s a little crooked or the jacket a slight bit too tight!

20-What store or which designer do you most like to shop in or wear ?

I love Brunello Cucinelli’s clothes—and Malo sweaters. John Lobb for shoes, Charvet ties. Ray Ban aviators. Pretty Classic stuff I guess.

21-What’s your take on magazines, books versus the internet?

Books and magazines have a SOUL and no electronic device will ever be able to replace that--- or the feel as you hold one in your hand, and the excitement of turning a page. I get the convenience, but just like a cake mix, it’s simply, no substitute for the real thing.

22-Do you have a dream collaborator?

Jacques Pepin. He is such a hero of mine and it would be great fun to do some huge dinner, for like 500 people with him to benefit a hungry kid’s charity. Do you know him???!!!

23-What is your crowning achievement thus far in your career?

Having written a book and one that people seem to want to read. There is no way to describe my gratitude (and amazement) for both of these things.

24-What’s your music library like?

Bach and Mozart---Jobim and Ella Fitzgerald---and of course, Barry White and Beyonce. Need I tell you more!?

25-What and where is your favorite meal?

My absolute favorite meal is Poached or Grilled Salmon with Béarnaise Sauce. But that’s mostly because I just like the Béarnaise Sauce…and, of course, I love Fried Chicken…!

www.mybeverlyhillskitchen.com/

SKINGRAFT ..Welcome to New York City

According to the Cota brothers, their dream has always been to open their eponymous shop in New York City and tonight the dream is realized.  Their shop in Los Angeles has been a destination since opening in 2009 and now the magic they brought to LA can be found in NYC.

If you are unfamiliar with the collections, men’s and women’s, here is the skinny on what you can expect.  The designing Cota, Jonny, has a very particular way of expressing his vision for fashion.  A great deal of what you see is predicated on the entertainment business as its influence is pervasive.  That is the obvious … BUT… take the clothes out of the uber hip environment and of the moment trends and mix these pieces with your own collection and the seasoned fashionphile will find timeless items worthy of a place in his or her wardrobe.

Influences seen for the Spring 2013 collections are athletic wear trend that swept the runways of Europe, contemporary music as well as that of a particular Rick Owens … and by no means is this meant to be a slur.  SKINGRAFT is interpretive rather than derivative and how refreshing that is that in a world of “me too” designers.  The dominant color palette is clean and sharp in black, white and red and makes shopping a breeze. The fabrications tend to be leather, a very soft drapy type of jersey or possibly an oversized mesh.

The extra added attraction of shopping at SKINGRAFT New York will be that anyone will now have the opportunity to purchase one of a kind samples that have never been reproduced.  So, we are talking originals, one offs,  that were made for runway presentation and would have otherwise been designated to an archive.  Here’s your chance to be a walking fashion wonder. 

Not only are the Cota brothers bringing their brand of fashion to New York City but they bring a refreshing take on a very stale retail environment … and for this I say BRAVO!! And WELCOME!

http://store.skingraftdesigns.com/

Located at 2 Prince Street, NYC

Meet Michael Cinco.. the International Designer

Michael Cinco…. Look at the name and remember it as it will be the name you see in the very near future that will show the world that fashion is indeed an international and universal language.  He is a rare breed of designer who seems to understand fashion and haute couture like so many of the greats who came before him.

The collections are what dreams are made of and the inspirations are quite clear to the cognoscenti of fashion but it is so refreshing to see the artistry put to work with such great result.  When you see the clothes you are reminded of McQueen, Saab, Dior and possibly the grandeur of Charles James but this does not mean you see “knock offs” or literal translations from these great designers; instead you see how a designer designs dresses that interpret these fashion legends while creating his own signature.

Make no mistake, the man knows what Red Carpet means and he certainly knows his way around a dress.  He creates clothes for those who demand attention as well as for those who have a great personal style accompanied by a healthy dose of high drama.

His personality is engaging and I trust that everyone will take note of a designer who is destined to capture the attention of global  fashion media sooner than later…. Please meet Michael Cinco

1-What is the most treasured possession in your wardrobe?

----------- My first Tom Ford jacket that I bought 8 years ago. I love it and I still use it until now.

 2-What is your most sterling trait and what trait do you treasure most in your friendships?

----------- Gratitude. I always thank people who helped me and treated me well. I like friends who are honest and have a sense of humor.

 3-What is your bliss?

---------- When I make couture clothes and people recognize that it's very Michael Cinco.

 4-What is your guilty secret?

---------- My doctor advised me to stop eating sweets. But I just can't stop eating chocolates. I think I’ll die if I stop eating sweets rather than die from diabetes.

 5-Where is your ideal home?

---------- I grew up in a small town that is surrounded by sea and mountains. So when I was a kid I always dream of the French Riviera. I built a Mediterranean villa in my hometown on a hill overlooking a beautiful beach.

 6-If you could not be a designer/retailer/etc.: what would you be

----------- I'll probably be a fashion photographer. I wish I could shoot my own collection. I’m the only one who could understand my vision.

 7-What is on your bedside table right now?

----------- My crystallized trophy when I won Breakthrough Designer in WGSN Global Fashion Awards in New York. I put it beside me so I’ll be motivated every time I wake up.

 8-What do you wear to bed?

------------ My perfume IMPALPABLE.

 9-What if any, book are you reading now or last read?

------------ I read the book of DIOR a hundred times.

 10-What’s your advice to the “newcomer?”

------------ Dream great dreams. Believe in yourself. Believe that anything in this world is possible.

 11-Who or what is your inspiration/style icon?

----------- I love watching classic Hollywood films when I was a kid. I love Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Bette Davis. I first listened to opera music of Maria Callas when I was 12 years old and at that time I was inspired and I knew I will be a fashion designer.

 12-What is the best advice you ever received?

---------- My mother always tells me to believe in myself.

 13-In 3 words or less, describe the current state of fashion.

----------- I'll talk about fashion in Dubai. Couture...couture...couture.

 14-If you were a retailer; would you wear your own designs or shop in your own store? or where would you shop?

------------ When I design clothes I always think about my fashion muses. The second person that comes in my mind when I create clothes is...ME.

 15-If you won a $200,000,000 power ball (lottery), what is the first thing you would buy or do?

----------- I'll open a couture house in Avenue Montaigne in Paris right across the atelier of Christian Dior. And I’ll buy taste and class and give them to women who don't have any...hahaha...

 16-If you could invite up to 4 people for dinner, who would they be…dead or alive?

--------- I'll dine with Anna Wintour and Carine Roitfeld while Diana Vreeland tells us her stories about Vogue, fashion, love and tragedy. And of course I will invite Maria Callas to sing for us while we enjoy our caviar and wines.

 17-What is your favorite movie /or movie star?

-------- My Fair Lady. It's my first time to see the haute couture dresses of Hubert de Givenchy and Cecil Beaton. The first time I watched it I knew from that moment that I will create my own fantasy someday.

 18-What is the one thing you would change about yourself?

--------- My whole self. I’m not happy with my body.

 19-Whose opinion do you value most?

--------- I always ask for opinions from others. But I always follow my instincts. 

 20-What store or which designer do you most like to shop in or wear?

--------- I love wearing Givenchy, Lanvin, Rick Owens and Alexander Wang.

 21-What’s your take on magazines, books versus the internet?

---------- They say print is dead. But I don’t like browsing fashion on the net. I always love to feel the pages from Vogue and Bazaar. I can't read fashion on i pads while I relax on a tub or a beach.

 22-Do you have a dream collaborator?

---------- Oh! How I wish John Galliano is drunk right now and he will call me and ask me to collaborate with him...hahaha...

 23-What is your crowning achievement thus far in your career?

---------- When I appeared as guest designer in US hit reality show America's Next Top Model Cycle 16 and showed my collection in the final runway of ANTM All-Star. It paved the way for my brand to be noticed globally. I was a guest judge in the first ever Asia's Next Top Model. One of my greatest dreams is to see famous Hollywood stars wearing my couture clothes on the red carpet. I became crazy when I saw Sofia Vergara wearing my gown in Golden Globes Awards, Britney Spears in Oscar's after party, Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez. 

 24-What’s your music library like?

------------ A lot of pop stars like Rihanna, Madonna, Beyonce, Lana del Ray. But I still listen to my sentimental favorites like Billie Holiday. When I want to be inspired I listen to Maria Callas and Edith Piaf.

 25-What and where is your favorite meal?

----------- I love this small authentic Italian restaurant in the hotel where my atelier is located in Dubai. You can always see me devouring my favorite pastas during lunch.

http://www.michaelcinco.com

P.S. Thank You for being the 700^th article for The Examiner !!

HYERES 2013 ..International Design Competition

For the past 20 years there has been a design competition in France that has been the jumping off point for many of our world class fashion designers of the new millennium.  We in the United States are so conditioned to being tuned into competitions ranging from the end of year Parsons School of design competition to the San Francisco Academy of Art yearly review to Project Runway that we lose sight of the big picture and this is the international platform.  Hyeres differentiates itself from the rest as the 3 day event features 10 designers who have been selected from all over the world; this year ranging from Canada to Russia with collections that are as diverse as their origins.

The purpose of the event is give these young designers all the support they need to produce a collection that is worthy of any runway in any fashion capitol of the world.  With the help of sponsors like LVMH, Vogue, Swarovski, L’Oreal, Woolmark and so many more, these designers are almost assured of a first rate collection whether it be in production, media coverage, presentation or even hair and make-up.  To be selected for this event is an opportunity bar none.  Past entrants have included Viktor & Rolf, Xuly Bet, Gaspard Yurkievich, Romain Kremer to name just a very small portion and then you have the judges who have included names such as Alaia, Galliano, Margiella, Lagerfeld, Gaultier and so many may more luminaries of the fashion world.

This article will feature this year’s entrants and a very small portion of their considerable body of work.  Spoiler alert... if you don’t already know the big winner of the competition is Finnish designer Satu Maaranen and as you will see, this is no surprise!

I suggest you search out this event to get the full breadth of its importance and what it all entails, join the Woolmark page on Facebook and see a more comprehensive view of the show and most of all, take note of the names as you will be hearing from them again, and again  for a long time to come.

P.S. these clothes and collections make Project Runway look like a Home Economics sewing project!

MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT EVERYONE'S WEBSITES...XING SU, SHAN SHAN RUAN, DAMIEN RAVN, MARION DE RAUCOURT, SATU MAARANEN, YVONNE KWOK, XENIA LAFFLY, CAMILLE KUNZ, HENNING JURKE, TOMAS BERZINS/VICTORIA FELDMAN