The New York MiNute. Style. Trends. Fashion. Travel. Design.

Martin Margiela vs. Ernest Sewn

2010-08-12T09:13:00.005-04:00

CELEBRITY POLAROIDS BY ANDY WARHOL

2010-08-11T23:14:00.010-04:00

The new Mike.

2010-08-11T21:37:00.005-04:00

iPhone 4 Antenna Casualty

2010-08-08T23:51:00.007-04:00

Mark Papermaster.

Photo: Apple Inc.

Philip Elmer-DeWitt

It was one of the most contentious hires Apple (AAPL) ever made.

In November 2008, Steve Jobs hired Mark Papermaster, IBM's (IBM) top microprocessor executive, to replace Tony Fadell as head of the iPod and iPhone division. IBM promptly filed a complaint in federal court to prevent Papermaster from leaving, arguing that he possessed highly confidential IBM trade secrets. The dispute -- which made headlines for weeks -- wasn't settled until the following January in a deal that required Papermaster to wait until April 2009 to join Apple.

Sixteen months later, Papermaster is out, replaced as head of the iPhone division by the man who originally recruited him, Bob Mansfield.

The news was reported by the New York Times and confirmed by Steve Dowling, head of Apple PR.

Papermaster, Dowling told the Times, "is leaving the company and Bob Mansfield, senior vice president of Macintosh hardware engineering, is assuming his responsibilities."

Papermaster's sudden departure immediately set off speculation that it was somehow related to the iPhone 4's widely publicized antenna problems. Given that he was the head of the division that produced the phone, it's a conclusion that's hard to avoid.

Visionaire Alexander McQueen

2010-07-31T18:19:00.013-04:00

Visionaire pays tribute to the iconoclastic genius of Alexander McQueen who left his definitive mark on the design world of the 90s and 2000s. But it’s more than just a tribute: this special issue is published following a planned project between the designer and Visionaire, which never came to fruition.

Mercedes 300SL Gullwing

2010-07-31T18:13:00.004-04:00

The Mercedes Gullwing is one of the most sought-after vehicles on any auction block. In the 50s and 60s, it was a revolution; produced in very limited numbers, it was the fastest production vehicle available at the time and it was also the first to use direct fuel injection. Besides being at the pinnacle of technology, its trademark gullwing doors are what defined its legacy. This 2009 iteration of the classic 300SL retains the gullwing doors and also ups the ante with a 5.5L, 370hp AMG-sourced engine. The amazing curves of the aluminum and fiberglass body mimic the original lines of the car, and they are simply breathtaking. Side exit exhaust, removed bumpers, and AMG custom wheels are just some of the few new-school touches that make this old-school hotrod a modern classic.

Entertain Me New York

2010-07-23T14:19:00.003-04:00

I find myself surrounded by the classic New York, A collection of moments, little pictures of what make up this small island and state we call home, an endorsement of multi life’s living as one. This morning as I enter the L train more commonly known to those who travel its straight line every day as the Love Train (I would say 5 times a day I fall in love in between it’s frozen interior) I seat and look around to see the amused faces at 11 am, the lucky one’s who can take the morning in leisure and enjoy the Ritual of the waking day, the glorious morning.

For those who ask, my mornings are quite structured. Wake at 7 am, the sunlight is my natural alarm shining gloriously through my wall of windows. I walk the 10 steps to my kitchen area, Have a moment with Piccadilly and Waterloo (The 2 new brother and sister kitty addition to the home, crazy and adorable) proceed to drink my glass of Orange Juice, no pulp and return to my desk, check my emails for any time urgent matters, converse with fellow co workers in Good old London before I take my personal 2 hours to work and compose on my little joy, music! The latest single Atheist Love is a tribute to no rules in Romance! 10 am towards the bathroom I march, my walls are Adorned and perfectly framed showcasing all my favorite things, No better way to start my Grooming Ritual but to be surrounded by one’s personal version of Heaven.

11 am on the train and the Entertainment begins. A young man journeys down the carriage, Screaming of his life, holding a box of chocolates in hands, Hmm chocolate, No must control myself! As Mr tempting chocolate seller man reaches the end of the carriage, the door opens to show 4 men holding guitars preparing to play, as the first string hits a note and the chorus of deep voices carry down the carriage we are joined by what can only be referred to as ‘that man is crazyyyyyy’! The man demand’s to sing as he staggers from left to right towards our on travel entertainment forcing the 4 men and their guitars out of fear to quickly begin their shuffle towards the other carriage taking there lives at risk as the Love train collects speed to connect from Brooklyn to Manhattan. Enter 5 young men, boom box in hand ready to jam. Swirl, jump, Flip, slap and chant, ‘that man is crazyyyyyy’ begins to request participation but quickly realizing even in his crazy state that these boys are here for business, let the performance begin and what a great performance worthy of the past Mr. Jackson.

We arrive to the hustle and bustle of Union Square, Strolling towards Crosby Street, passing the many faces and characters we here in New York City take for granted I stroll with an almost devilish smile as I observe 2 girls passing me fresh of Rhianna’s latest Mad Max inspired video, A collection of Dandy’s and gentleman perfectly Groomed, A older lady whom I am sure has a collection of men at her beck and call and of course the skater boys, The boys I always have a soft spot for from my days of car park youth shenanigans. It’s a full time job just walking the streets of this glorious city, Inspire to be and you can! I might buy an 'I love NY' shirt!!! Surely it is time for another Coffee…Amy where is my Coffee!!!! How hard is it to get coffee these days!!!!

Drawing from memory, Stephen Wiltshire

2010-07-22T16:51:00.035-04:00

Stephen Wiltshire, a London-born artist who draws and paints detailed cityscapes. He has a particular talent for drawing lifelike, accurate representations of cities, sometimes after having only observed them briefly. He was awarded an MBE for services to the art world in 2006. He studied Fine Art at City & Guilds Art College. His work is popular all over the world, and is held in a number of important collections.

As a child Stephen was mute, and did not relate to other human beings. Aged three, he was diagnosed as autistic. He had no language and lived entirely in his own world.

At the age of five, Stephen was sent to Queensmill School in London, where it was noticed that the only pastime he enjoyed was drawing. It soon became apparent he communicated with the world through the language of drawing; first animals, then London buses, and finally buildings. These drawings show a masterful perspective, a whimsical line, and reveal a natural innate artistry.

Aged eight, Stephen started drawing cityscapes after the effects of an earthquake (all imaginary), as a result of being shown photographs of earthquakes in a book at school. He also became obsessed with illustrations of classic American cars at this time (his knowledge of them is encyclopaedic), and he drew most of the major London landmarks.

The teachers at Queensmill School encouraged him to speak by temporarily taking away his art supplies so that he would be forced to ask for them. Stephen responded by making sounds and eventually uttered his first word - "paper." He learned to speak fully at the age of nine.

In 1987, the BBC QED programme, 'The Foolish Wise Ones', featured Stephen's astounding talent. Stephen was introduced by Sir Hugh Casson (past president of the Royal Academy), who described him as "the best child artist in Britain". Stephen's work has since been the subject of numerous television programmes around the world. He has been featured in many books, and his own third book Floating Cities (1991) was number one in the Sunday Times Bestseller List.

Meanwhile, Stephen's artworks were being exhibited frequently in venues all over the world. In 2001 he appeared in another BBC documentary, 'Fragments of Genius', for which he was filmed flying over London aboard a helicopter, and subsequently completing a detailed and perfectly scaled aerial illustration of a four-square-mile area within three hours. His drawing included 12 historic landmarks and 200 other structures.

In October and November 2003, thousands flocked to the Orleans House Gallery in Twickenham, near London, England, to see the first major retrospective of Stephen's work. The exhibition covered the 20-year period, from 1983 to 2003, and comprised 150 examples of Stephen's drawings, paintings and prints.

In May 2005, following a short helicopter ride over Tokyo, he drew a stunningly detailed panoramic view of the city on a 10-meter-long canvas, from memory. Since then he has drawn Rome, Hong Kong, Frankfurt, Madrid, Dubai, Jerusalemand London on giant canvasses. The last drawing in the series was of his spiritual home, New York. He completed his masterpiece at Pratt Institute, the world-famous college of art and design, in New York in October 2009.

In January 2006, it was announced that Stephen was being named by Queen Elizabeth II as a Member of the Order of British Empire, in recognition of his services to the Art world. Later that year he opened his permanent gallery in London. Work from Stephen’s entire career is permanently on display, alongside new originals and prints available for sale at the Stephen Wiltshire Gallery in the Royal Opera Arcade, Pall Mall, London.

Collectible Luxury

2010-07-09T07:15:00.000-04:00

Bottega Veneta's "Antique" Intrecciato Argento is a functional collection. The Antique Ruler [$1,670], crafted from intrecciato antique silver, comes with inches and centimeters on either side. The matching intrecciato antique silver paper knife [$1,070] helps you open letter with ease. You can complete the set with additional pieces like this business card holder [$790], magnifying glass [$820], or bookmark [$180].

Miller Harris Celebrates Ten-Year Anniversary by Reinventing The Classics with Limited Edition Eaux Parfumées

2010-06-05T10:38:00.005-04:00

[Click on the image to enlarge.]

15 years ago, Lyn Harris, Perfumer and Founder of MILLER HARRIS created a fragrance in each of the four main fragrance families: citrus, floral, woody and oriental. Entitled The Classics, these best-selling fragrances exemplify Lynʼs signature style as a perfumer as well as allowing her to pay homage to some of her favourite and finest raw materials.

To celebrate the ten-year anniversary of the brand, Lyn has revisited her original formulas for these masterpieces and added a new twist to each fragrance. Working with her most precious original materials as well as expanding her palette to include new notes and harmonies, Lyn has adapted each formula to present four exquisite limited edition colognes.
The Classics Eaux Parfumées are designed to be used in abundance. Presented in 200ml bottles and formulated with only a very small amount of alcohol, they should be used as refreshing colognes.

“The Citron Citron Eau Parfumée is enhanced with sparkling green notes and elemi, a hot, peppery material, to complement Sicilian lemon, Spanish orange and Jamaican lime. Cool mint and basil rest on a complex base of green moss, Moroccan cedar and cardamom, which provide a lasting background. With Coeur de Fleur, I enhanced the original floral bouquet with a white flower accord centered around orange flower blossoms. I elevated the green galbanum note of Terre de Bois with an exotic fruity accord to give it an extra twist. For Fleur Oriental, I heightened the top accord with a vibrant citrus cologne accord to make it more like an oriental veil on your skin,” Lyn Harris shared.

MILLER HARRIS is exclusively distributed by MiN New York in North America. This collection will be available in the Americas this July at MiN New Yorkʼs Crosby Street Apothecary & Atelier or online at MillerHarris.com and MiN.com.

Citron Citron Eau Parfumée – 100ml $110
Coeur de Fleur Eau Parfumée – 100ml $110
Terre de Bois Eau Parfumée – 100ml $110
Fleur Oriental Eau Parfumée – 100ml $110

Find me on Polyvore

Father's Day Picks in a New York MiNute.

2010-06-01T13:05:00.003-04:00

Father's Day is just around the corner! Check out our picks of great gifts for Dad. FDG10 gets you 10% on MiN.com.

TAYLOR OF OLD BOND STREET- “MR. TAYLOR” AFTERSHAVE
For generations, discriminating gentlemen have selected this crisp and spicy fragrance in which Tarragon, Lavender and Incense combine with hints of Green Galbanum and Citrus for an elegant manly scent and a warm, woody dry down with traces of Cedar, Sandal, Patchouli and Musk. This exquisite aftershave balm is specially formulated with witch hazel to soothe your skin after shaving. $30.

MIN NEW YORK- THE ULTIMATE SKIN CARE COLLECTION
Proven Professional Skin Care, MiN New York’s ProEnzyme Trio Facial Cleanser, ProEnzyme Trio Facial Scrub, and Complex Intensive Moisturizer are proven Aestheticians’ favorites. This ultimate collection comes with a complimentary Limited-Edition Microfiber Toiletry Bag. $120.

PROENZYME TRIO SYSTEM
The Technology: Enzyme enriched with OligoElements Copper, Zinc, and Manganese - the polypeptides. This breakthrough mineral complex promotes cellular metabolism by stimulating Pyruvate production, ATP synthesis, and DNA and proteins synthesis in the energy cascade in skin cells.

The Result: Skin vitality and improved complexion/tone for a more radiant, youthful skin. Increase cell renewal.

COMPLEX AGE DEFYING MOISTURIZER
Complex contains Extracts of Azulene, Avocado, Grapeseed, Lavender + MiN New York's Proprietary Blend of Vitamins A, C, D, and E.

Complex is a professional spa product that is loved by both men and women. Light, qeunching and not greasy, Complex promotes elasticity. Offers natural sun protection. Its ultra-hydrating formula encourages healthy cell regeneration, and protects the skin from free-radical damage.

TAYLOR OF OLD BOND STREET- LEATHER MEN'S GROOMING BOX
This is quite simply the most luxurious package a man could ever wish to own. With all the kit a man would ever need to own and tailored to your requirements in a beautiful leather travel box. It’s easy to say some presents weather it is for a loved one or your own use is never forgotten. Used by high profile clients it’s simply perfect. $320.

MERKUR SOLINGEN- FUTUR DOUBLE EDGE ADJUSTABLE MEN’S SHAVING SET

Made with the World Famous Quality found in all Merkur Products. This 4-Piece Shave Set includes: Custom Stand with Matching Bowl, Silvertip Badger Bristle Shave Brush, and FUTUR Double Edge Blade Razor. $215.

LINARI- NOTTE BIANCA [SLEEPLESS NIGHT] EAU DE PARFUM 100ml/3.4 FL OZ
A voluminous, aromatic scent with vitalizing spicy notes and a sensual dry down. Exciting and infatuating like a sleepless night. A delightful interaction of delicate fruity accents of pink grapefruit, fresh bergamot and Italian orange combine with the vitalizing  spicy notes of star anise, elixir of absinth, clove, sage and the finest cashmere wood. Accords of Haitian vetiver and tonka bean provide a seductive sensual character  to the base note, highlighted by white musk and amber. $195.

MiN New York

Apothecary & Atelier

117 Crosby Street

New York, NY 10012

212 206 6366 // MiN.com

Spring Fling, April 11 at the MiN New York Atelier

2010-04-09T08:29:00.001-04:00

MiN New York celebrates Spring with Sniffapalooza

this Sunday, April 11

at our Apothecary & Atelier

117 Crosby Street SoHo NYC:

11AM - 2PM:

Meet perfumer Christopher Brosius of CB I Hate Perfume,

Celene Aguilar of Penhaligons & L'Artisan Parfumeur

Christophe Michel of Miller Harris.

Have an exclusive preview of

four new perfumes by Linari -

never shown before in the USA!

Exquisite collections of fragrances from

Parfums d'Empire

Frapin

Dr. Vranjes

and

Classic colognes and aftershaves for men by

Geo. F. Trumper

DR Harris

Taylor of Old Bond Street

Sample capsaicin spiced elixirs by Prometheus Springs.

A great day to shop for MOTHER'S DAY!

One day only -- Take 20% off on all purchases.

Limited complimentary gift bags available.

Fendi Spring 2010 Campaign | Anja Rubik by Anja Rubik

2010-01-15T00:08:00.000-05:00

Morgans Hotel Group loves MiN New York

2010-01-08T11:25:00.006-05:00

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery which is how we couldn't feel more flattered by Morgans Hotel Group.

About a year ago we sponsored an event in Soho and produced a window display featuring our slogan and type font/layout:

Today we see the new banner ads for the Morgans Hotel Group:

Give us a call next time and we'd be happy to help.

Margiela Exits Margiela

2009-12-09T12:29:00.000-05:00

PARIS — Fashion’s mystery man is becoming even more mysterious: Belgian designer Martin Margiela is hanging up his scissors, and his lab coat, for good.

What’s more, the Paris-based fashion house that bears his name confirmed Tuesday that no successor would be named, leaving a team to carry on the legacy of a designer so avant-garde he never showed his face to his fashion-obsessed public.

“We want to stay avant-garde, and provocative, but without a new creative director,” said Giovanni Pungetti, chief executive officer of Maison Martin Margiela. “It’s a challenge. We know this. We will probably make mistakes, but the most important thing is to learn from them.”

Margiela — who introduced cleft-toed boots, deconstructed fashions and all-white stores to the fashion lexicon — issued no statement. Pungetti declined to comment on the reasons for the designer’s exit, characterizing them as personal.

According to sources, Margiela has recently poured creative energies into painting and wished to walk away from the fashion business.

Pungetti described the parting as fully amicable, and stressed that Margiela remains allied with the strategy, as he has since 2002, when Italian industrialist Renzo Rosso’s Only the Brave Srl swept in and bought a majority stake in the house.

Tuesday’s announcement ends speculation about Margiela’s level of design involvement that reached a zenith ahead of his 20th anniversary fashion show in Paris in March, viewed by many as a retirement show. At the time, Pungetti disclosed that Margiela had gradually reduced his day-to-day involvement in the company, working mainly on special projects, such as the “artisanal” collection presented during couture week in Paris, and the house’s first fragrance, under license with beauty giant L’Oréal and due on counters in February.

On Tuesday, Pungetti explained the company granted Margiela several months, at his request, to reflect on his future.

During that time, the company explored its options, too, including the possibility of naming a new creative director. Belgians Raf Simons and Haider Ackermann were among those approached.

“We came to the conclusion that we didn’t want to substitute [Martin], not because he is irreplaceable, but because we are the Maison Martin Margiela,” Pungetti said, seated at a white table at Margiela headquarters with an empty snow globe, an all-white set of Russian dolls and a boot-shaped candle. “He always liked to say to his design team, ‘You are more Margiela than me.’”

Pungetti said Margiela’s “right hand” for the past 19 years would lead the team, which consists of about 25 people and is continually refreshed “with new talent, but no big names, please.”

While the latest Margiela show for spring received poor reviews, Pungetti said orders shot up 20 percent, reflecting continued commercial momentum for the firm.

He held out hope that clarity about Margiela’s exit from the company would encourage critics to “evaluate the collection and not focus on who has designed this.”

While revenues at Margiela catapulted 50 percent in 2007 to 60 million euros, or $82.2 million at average exchange, as the company expanded its product lines and retail network, sales in 2009 will be flat versus 2008, with the company operating at “near breakeven,” Pungetti said.

“We think 2010 will be tough, but no tougher than 2009,” he said. “We have good deliveries, and good sell-through.”

The company will end the year with 17 freestanding stores and 21 shop-in-shops, with boutiques in Italy, France, the U.K. and Los Angeles running well ahead of last year. No openings are planned for 2010; however, growth vectors for the company include its move into home objects and interior design. This week, Margiela will unveil a suite it decorated at Les Sources de Caudalie “vino therapy” spa near Bordeaux, France.

Pungetti described “very big potential” for the interior design service, noting Margiela is competing for a Paris hotel commission and has fielded requests to do private homes. “The reputation of the Maison as a global design company, not only fashion design, is increasing,” he said. [Via]

Stockholm Metro Stations

2009-12-07T14:38:00.012-05:00

Zac Posen For Target

2009-12-01T08:11:00.001-05:00

As collaboration fans breathlessly await the launch of Rodarte for Target's Go International program, the mass retailer has announced Zac Posen as the designer on deck for the nest installment.

Many might wonder if the popular, precocious Posen might already be too well established for the program meant for lesser known, up-and-coming designers. After all, he is already famous enough to have appeared as himself on TV shows like "Ugly Betty", and unlike, Thakoon and Proenza Schouler, for example, everybody pretty much knows how to pronounce his name by now. However, his young designer bona fides were enough for Target, so you can now mark your calendars for April 25th when his line will be released for a month or so of selling. So far, there's no other word on the collection or what sorts of things it will include, as Target is, characteristically, keeping a lid on things.

Posen has been paring down his own company's staff lately perhaps in preparation for a big Spring. Aside form the Target project, the designer will also be introducing a more casual, less expensive label called Z Spoke which will launch exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue. If all goes well, the two lines should cleverly promote each other at the same time. [Via]

Paul Smith + Kashimax

2009-11-27T22:22:00.000-05:00

Paul Smith teamed up with Japanese bicycle saddle specialist, Kashimax, on a limited edition leahtersaddle covered in Smith’s signature stripes. Only 20 will be available at Paul Smith’s “Space” store in Japan as well his Floral St. store in London.

Dan Ariely And The Psychology Of Fakes

2009-10-30T20:39:00.005-04:00

Dan Ariely, author of the book Predictably Irrational and an lecturer in behavioral economics at MIT, is currently working on a project around luxury brands – particularly around the emotional aspect of counterfeit products. His current hypothesis on luxury brands and counterfeiting is that luxury brands could find more efficient ways to decrease consumer enthusiasm for fakes.

When people purchase counterfeits, says Ariely, they think only about how much money they have saved.

What they fail to predict is how it will make them feel later on – for example – when they go to a party and receive compliments on the product. The internal knowledge that it’s fake will have an effect on their internal psychology; producing a kind of internal shame. While other people think you are projecting a positive image, but internally you are aware that you are not.

Says Ariely, “And that turns out to matter. We wear brands not just for the outside world but also for the inside world and it changes the way we behave. When we give people real and fake sunglasses and let them walk around campus then see how much they cheat people who wear fake are more likely to cheat. The notion there is once you have tainted yourself, once you think of yourself as a cheater, it’s easier to make the next step. Based on this, it’s not just important what brands are telling consumer, but it’s also important what consumers are telling themselves; how consumers are using brands to inform themselves.”

Ariely believes that the work that luxury brands have done to try to connect counterfeiting to terrorism and child labor is less effective than stimulating this internal idea of internal shame at point of purchase.

The implications of this are enormous for those luxury brands which are losing significant business to counterfeit products. It suggests that the strategic issue for luxury brands is to reconsider the dramatic ways in which they have demonized counterfeiting in the past – fakes boost terrorism, fakes involve child labor, buy a fake and be stopped at customs etc. Instead the opportunity is to ‘internalize’ the appeal, to communicate more on the personal psychology of the feelings associated with owning a fake.

Ariely believes that encouraging consumers to think about the idea of ‘identity’ is potentially a more powerful way to tackle the issue.

His work on the psychology of counterfeiting is still underway, results will be published at the end of his research. Dan Ariely can be contacted via his website – Predictably Irrational
Image (C) Zevs

Gucci Pops-up in SoHo

2009-10-24T16:36:00.003-04:00

Gucci pops-up its Gucci-Icon Temporary Shop on 43 Crosby St. in New York’s SoHo tomorrow morning at 10 am. Featuring its signature colors, Gucci's white-washed walls are covered in the signature evergreen and red stripes, Gucci will pack up as soon as its wares — which include the Gucci Ronson sneaker, a collaboration with celebrity DJ Mark Ronson — are sold out. "The company is hoping to close the space even before its two-week run is over,” reported WWD.

Let's see if this store will make it past this weekend.

Betsey Johnson awarded Lifetime Achievement in Fashion Medal of Honor

2009-10-20T10:01:00.013-04:00

This past Tuesday evening, legendary fashion designer Betsey Johnson was awarded National Art Club’s Medal of Honor for Lifetime Achievement in Fashion. The venue of the event was New York’s National Art Club located in the historic Tilden building that has stood near Gramercy Park since the 1840s. In the reception area, the Victorian architecture and décor was thrown into sharp contrast against a display of Betsey Johnson through the ages. Five brightly colored mannequins commemorated five decades of Betsey Johnson’s reign in the fashion world with an iconic style from each decade. The guests were dressed in everything from brightly colored vintage Betsey Johnson dresses to traditional long ball gowns proving that the iconic designer has become a timeless classic. This Club, located in the historic Tilden building, has stood near Gramercy Park since the 1840s. In the reception area, the Victorian architecture and décor was thrown into sharp contrast against a display of Betsey Johnson through the ages. Five brightly colored mannequins commemorated five decades of Betsey Johnson’s reign in the fashion world with an iconic style from each decade. The guests were dressed in everything from brightly colored vintage Betsey Johnson dresses to traditional long ball gowns proving that the iconic designer has become a timeless classic.

Betsey Johnson began her career in the 1960s and has since developed a trademark of sexy, hippie inspired patterns and whimsical detailing. She drew inspiration from her love for dance and costuming and became an icon of the youthquake movement and Andy Warhol’s underground scene.

Today, Betsey Johnson has over forty-five stores around the world and has been inducted into the Fashion Hall of Fame. She has now joined the esteemed ranks of previous lifetime achievement honorees including Geoffrey Beene (2003), Oleg Cassini (2004), Carolina Herrera (2005), and Arnold Scaasi (2006).

Farewell Captain Lou

2009-10-14T15:59:00.004-04:00

Legendary wrestling figure Captain Lou Albano, perhaps best known for his association with pop singer Cyndi Lauper, died Wednesday, according to World Wrestling Entertainment.

Captain Lou Albano reached a new level of fame in the '80s with his association with Cyndi Lauper.

Albano, 76, was "one of the company's most popular and charismatic legends," the company said in a statement.

The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

"Albano began his storied career with Vincent J. McMahon in the 1960s as one half of 'The Sicilians' tag team with his partner Tony Altimore," the WWE said. "He will be greatly missed by the WWE and his fans."

Albano, who was with the WWE from 1983 to 1996, was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996.

He started as a tag team wrestler in the 1950s but became a successful manager of champion wrestlers in the 1970s, according to a biography on the WWE Web site.

Albano was recognizable by his penchant for unbuttoned Hawaiian shirts and a trademark beard, which was usually bound by a rubber band.

His persona earned him the distinction of "one of the most hated men" in wrestling for 15 years, the WWE biography said.

Albano's image evolved in the 1980s, when he teamed with Lauper on several music videos, such as "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," and wrestling appearances.

As his celebrity status grew, Albano landed acting jobs, including a role on several episodes of the "Miami Vice" TV series, the biography said.

Albano became a cartoon in 1989, when he was the voice of Mario "Jumpman" Mario for 17 episodes of "The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!" according to the Internet Movie Database.

The Upper House HK

2009-10-14T11:34:00.012-04:00

The Upper House, designed by architect Andre Fu, is Hong Kong's newest and most innovative boutique hotel. Tucked away on the 38th floor, guests of the Upper House are guaranteed to relish in the magnificent views below. Images courtesy of Michael Weber Photograpy.

New York Millionaire wants to buy Malo

2009-10-13T17:18:00.016-04:00

By Teri Buhl

A New York financier wants to scoop up one of Milan’s treasured high-end fashion labels out of an Italian bankruptcy. Franco DeRose, luxury Upper East Side private investor, flew to Milan today to make a bid for Malo. Malo, a 30-year-old Italian sportswear label who boast a Madison Ave address, is best known for it super luxury cashmere.

Malo’s parent company IT Holding SpA filed for bankruptcy protection in March when it couldn’t make its bank loan. The company had a 10 million Euros net loss as of last September. When the Italian government took over it appointed three administers to cobble together a 6th month restructuring plan. Well those six months are up and as of September 24th the Italian ministry announced they were interested in accepting bidders for the groups’ assets.

DeRose has partnered with an Italian industrialist who wished not to disclose his name until the deal is sealed. The amounts of the offers are being kept secret through a silent auction. DeRose is no cub to deal making and is known as a tough negotiator. As a former M&A star at Goldman Sachs he left in his early 30’s to successfully build wealth through his own deal making finesse. One stumbling block he will have to convince the Ministry of is his desire to keep design and production jobs within Italy. DeRose ,who spends his summers sailing off Sardinia, understands the importance of fashion as a staple to Italian economy.

While in Paris for Fashion week DeRose told The New York MiNute, “There seems to be opportunities for investors willing to buy brands which will need to adjust to the economic times. Margins and revenue have declined but there are opportunities available for the right price! Investors must realize that it is a capital intensive business and be willing to make an investment in the brands.”

Early this spring Malo lost its head designer Alessandro Dell’Acqua because he felt frustrated with Malo’s handicapped resources and problems with its suppliers cramped his creative process. IT Holding choose not to replace him. When asked if the lack of a big name designer was a concern DeRose said, “You can always find a designer-that is easy- buying it at the right price is harder.”

Reuters reported early this year that Malo sales revenue for the first nine months of 2008 was 35.7 million Euros. IT Holdings did not return a request for comment about current sales figures or net profit/loss for the label.

Editors Note: Teri Buhl is a financial journalist who has written for Trader Monthly, New York Post, Dealbreaker, Fashionista, HousingWire, and Bank-Implode.

Tomas Maier Bottega Veneta

2009-10-12T19:29:00.002-04:00

Tomas Maier has created a limited edition Bottega Veneta Cabat inspired by the iconic Yellow Cabs of NYC, called the NYCabat. The black nappa leather has been hand woven and hand brushed to reveal the iconic taxi yellow undertone, which makes each piece totally unique. The sterling silver plate on the interior will be engraved with the edition number and NYC.

“I loved the graphic black and yellow of the taxi cabs when I first visited New York City in the 1970s,” says Creative Director Tomas Maier. “For me, as for many others, the taxi was shorthand for New York: bold, unyielding, exhilarating, a vehicle, quite literally, to so many possibilities. The new Cabat reflects my feeling that, as much as the city and the world have changed, New York remains incredibly vibrant.”

Limited edition of 50, available exclusively at Bottega Veneta Fifth Avenue.