Coachella is the icebreaker to start off the festival season. Beyonce was dominating and slaying the main stage while the aesthetic art placed around the field to make peoples enhance Instagram feed to a whole new level. Of course, the music and food weren’t the only big talk of the town, but the fashion. Overall, each year there are new trends or creations were brought to the festival. This year, simplistic and bold statements were made by our favorite celebrities. The daring looks from James Charles to casual comfort from Gigi Hadid. Street fashion was a huge hit for the first timers and for the big stars this year. Here are just a few our favorite celebrities this year at Coachella.
1. Bella Thorne
A glittering Thorne had a fire like hair with a crown on top. A fun cut out halter lime-green dress with a silver ring in the dress made her pop!
2. Olivia Culpo
Western vibes in a tan cowboy hat with an off-white dress add some elegance to the outfits. Culpo knee-high boots and turquoise belts complete the fashionable cowgirl.
3. Gigi Hadid
As simple as a crop top and jeans are to a festival known for the fashion, Hadid rocks the causal look with a gold charmed necklace. Yes, she rocks even more by eating a hot dog in this outfit.
4. Ariana Grande
Pretty in purple. Grande’s long purple hair matches the puff shirt and crop tank top to complete the purple look!
5. James Charles
Scandalous and fabulous is what I call this look. Charles wore this unique pair of pants with a racing top adds a furious look to Coachella.
6.Janice Joostema and Winnie Harlow
Joostema put other festival goers to shame in this festival tan crochet dress with long dangling earrings. Harlow wore lace bralette in color for the spring and summer red with light washed jeans.
Tracking the movementof privacy-seeking celebrities to New York City’s top desirable and classic neighborhoods, one of the most creative and daring new luxury residential projects is 443 Greenwich, a new condominium set inside a historic Gilded Age landmark in the heart of TriBeCa. Unlike the standard fare of new glass-walled towers Uptown, this prime New York-location offers timeless architecture in a private enclave attracting A-list property buyers from the worlds of entertainment, sports, finance, and tech.
Acclaimed for its landmark architecture, extraordinary finishes, a wealth of inspiring space and ultimate privacy in the perfect TriBeCa location, 443 Greenwich is a category unto itself. The developer MetroLoft is offering extraordinary, spacious homes up to six bedrooms — merging the spirit and physical forms of the 19th and 21st centuries into a unique, singular presence.
Led by Nathan Berman, MetroLoft’s visionary team has transformed this TriBeCa landmark while retaining significant architectural elements, such as the impossible-to-replace, 16-inch square Carolina Yellow Pine beams.
Reflecting the loft building’s rugged authenticity, the acclaimed design firm CetraRuddy has remastered Charles Haight’s original architecture, fusing classic proportions and silhouettes with contemporary textures, craftsmanship, and luxury finishes.
The design includes exclusive kitchens fabricated by Christopher Peacock, hand-selected marble and schist, acid-etched glass, 8-inch-wide oak plank floors, and accents of antiqued bronze and polished stainless steel.
As reported by Interior Design magazine, the team “set out to impress buyers who appreciate architectural subtlety — and can pay for it — with a design that is equally heritage compatible and just as sophisticated.”
Not surprisingly, this TriBeCa landmark-designated property—an exciting, private, and desirable new enclave—is called home by several of Hollywood’s leading film actors as well as internationally renowned sports figures and high-tech moguls. Exclusive and one-of-a-kind.
Now hailed as TriBeCa’s celebrity haven and “most private address,” 443 Greenwich affords drive-in/drive-out underground parking and drop-off with valet services and a second lobby with access to private elevators opening directly into residents’ homes.
At ground level, the full-service, 24-hour lobby with white-glove building staff presents a magnificent, sculptural design with views of an extraordinary 4,000-square-foot landscaped interior garden designed by the renowned HMWhite.
On the rooftop, 443 Greenwich provides residents a lush, 5,000-square-foot deck with trellises, outdoor showers, and wet bar. Other amenities include a fitness center by The Wright Fit with children’s playroom, a hammam with men’s and women’s locker rooms, and a 75-foot lap pool with travertine marble walls. There are private storage rooms and a large, temperature-controlled wine cellar.
The property is marketed exclusively by Cantor-Pecorella. Remaining residences range from $7 million to $27.5 million, with a remarkable 9,000-square-foot penthouse offered for $55 million. These full-service condominiums have two to six bedrooms, and up to 6.5 baths.
With its authentic, red-brick loft architecture and the secluded refuge within, 443 Greenwich is a veritable oasis removed from the bustle of urban life yet only steps away from New York’s best restaurants and nightlife.
“We’re creating an environment that is genuine TriBeCa yet also paparazziproof,” said MetroLoft’s Berman.
“We started with centuries of Manhattan history and offer the most compelling modern design and the highest degree of privacy within a quiet, protective layout.”
Geraldo Rivera has been in the spotlight for well over 40 years as one of television’s top reporters. The New York native was arguably the first broadcast journalist to interject personality into his interviews and coverage, as he has always been known to be on the scene and in the faces of those he has questions for. In turn, Geraldo’s success crossed over into writing best-selling books and hosting several long-running talk shows on both radio and television.
Downtown caught up with Geraldo for some Q&A about his life both on and off-screen. More info about his various appearances — much of which for Fox News — and charitable endeavors can be found at www.geraldo.com.
Geraldo and wife Erica / Photo: Craig Barritt/Getty Images
What do you wish more people knew about Geraldo Rivera?
GR: That I am the same tough guy compassionate journalist I was when I started a half century ago — actually 1970 — but that I have evolved and grown with every generation. And how folks relate to me depends on when they tuned in. I’m relevant to the Baby Boomers with Eyewitness News, Generation Xers with the Geraldo talk show, Rivera Live and the syndicated specials, and the Millennials with shows like Dancing With The Stars and The Apprentice: Celebrity Edition.
Do you have an accomplishment you’re most proud of?
GR: That would be during my time as a reporter for WABC-TV in New York, where I exposed the deplorable conditions at the Willowbrook State School for the mentally-retarded, the population now called the developmentally-disabled. Our journalistic and financial crusade, which is on-going is to provide these people a more dignified life.
You were involved with reality television way before people realized that reality TV was a normal concept. What inspired you to break the fourth wall so early on in your career?
GR: I would say my biggest technical or style contribution, aside from being the first rock and roll newsman, has been to make reporting more up close and personal. This used to be a profession where journalists were mere spectators, aloof from the scene of an incident — whereas I become part of the story. I cried with people who cried, I laughed with people who were laughing, and I managed to relate in a way that hadn’t been done previously, and that also made it easier for people at home to relate.
Is there anything you haven’t yet accomplished but still hope to?
GR: To get an interview with President Obama before he leaves office. I have tried to get one for the past eight years, but he is ducking me because I work for Fox News, which he hates. As a lawyer admitted to practice at the Supreme Court, I would also like to argue a case in that important venue.
What’s coming up for you career-wise? Any upcoming events you can talk about?
GR: I am writing a war memoir, so right now my priority is to finish that first draft and see it published. It will be my eighth book. Unfortunately, it has become enmeshed in the recent Fox News upheavals.
When not you’re busy with your career, how do you like to spend your free time?
GR: With my five children and three grandchildren, and my wife Erica, of course. We love to head out on the ocean in our boat or to take a trip to our silly little island off the south coast of Puerto Rico.
Having been all over the world for work many times over, what is it that keeps you local to Manhattan?
GR: Being born in Manhattan, this is where I feel most at home. Both my professional and personal life is rooted here. I have spent so much of my time here that I feel like “Mr. New York.”
Finally, Geraldo, any last words for the kids?
GR: Be cool, stay in school, don’t get married too young, work hard as if you love your job, and love and respect your partner.
An esthetician for nearly two decades, Joanna Vargas is an internationally-recognized skin care guru and one of the top celebrity facialists in New York City. She has treated countless supermodels and celebrities, having come a long way from her first job as an esthetician at Tribeca’s Ula Day Spa. Now, beyond her private clients, Joanna has the Joanna Vargas Skin Care salons in New York and Los Angeles and a line of retail-sold products.
Joanna spoke to Downtown about her thriving business, how everyday people can take better care of their skin, and what else is coming up for her. Her blog, products, salon info and much more can be found at www.joannavargas.com.
Joanna Vargas: She came in for a facial. We have mutual friends and her Honor Beauty team are clients of the salon.
What do you feel is the first step someone should take towards having healthy, great-looking skin?
JV: The first step in having great skin is realizing that skin is just a window for what is going on in the body. If you can’t digest something, it comes out in the skin. If you don’t sleep or do anything that compromises your health, your skin will reflect that. I always recommend the basics to start: wash your face before bed, wear sunscreen and a great healthy diet.
You have been a New York State Licensed Esthetician for 17 years with clients all over the world. How did you decide to make your own products? Was there a particular event that inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
JV: I think the birth of my son was my defining moment. Becoming a mom made me so conscious of what I was doing and how I was doing it. I wanted to only use products that were healthy for him to be around and I wanted to be able to create a life that I would be proud to show him. Being a mom who is satisfied and engaged in a career, friends AND my kids I think is the best example I can be for them both.
Where are most of your clients? Do you find specific parts of the world more receptive to facial treatments?
JV: Well, I do have clients that come from all over the world to see me. New Yorkers are used to this town being the meeting point for so many different types of people. Obviously most of my clients live in New York, since I’m based here, but I have a ton of clients in Los Angeles as well. I think people are so much more health-conscious globally now more than ever, so we find that clients share that similarity no matter where they are from.
What makes your masks different from similar face mask products?
JV: I’m an esthetician — I have been doing facials for thousands and thousands of hours. My perspective comes from sitting in that chair. I think I know more about skin and ingredients than most people for that reason. It also makes me focused on results more than anything. My face masks are popular because you can SEE a difference in your skin. It’s that simple.
Where are the masks made?
JV: I have a manufacturer in Asia. The woman who runs it is actually a friend and that’s how we came to do business together. She and I have a mutual obsession with excellence and she takes care of my brand with that in mind.
Your namesake salon is on Fifth Avenue. Does all of your work and planning happen in Manhattan?
JV: That’s right. I think most people are kind of shocked to see me here every day. I think some clients of my girls assume I’m off somewhere, but I’m here daily doing facials in the AM and meetings in the afternoon.
What else is coming up for you and your brand? Any plans for a book?
JV: A book is in the works, yes. Ever since I started my blog 10 years ago, I knew I would one day write a book. Time is a commodity for me so it hasn’t quite happened, but now that I have incredible women running the New York City salon and Los Angeles is open, I have more time to devote to it. We also plan on expanding the skincare line very soon with some exciting products. I can’t wait to share them with everyone!
When not busy with work, how do you like to spend your free time?
JV: My free time is spent with my kids, for the most part. We travel a lot. I also love to read. I feel like that enhances my own creativity a lot. I love to draw. Additionally, my daughter and I are learning to play piano together. My son just got certified in scuba this spring, so that is my next project.
Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?
JV: For lunch everyday I like Juice Generation. It’s right by my office and I love the Supa Dupa Green Juice for my skin! Also, EN Japanese Brasserie restaurant downtown. It’s beautiful inside and the food is spectacular!
Finally, Joanna, any last words for the kids?
JV: Life is a winding road — try to enjoy the ride!
No matter the genre of film or television, few actors are as versatile as Michael Chiklis. He is the rare actor that portray both anti-hero Vic Mackey on The Shield and well-intentioned police commissoner Anthony J. Scali on The Commish in a relatable manner. Following a nine episode arc on American Horror Story: Freak Show, the Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy Award winner remains active on-screen as Captain Nathaniel Barnes on the FOX hit Gotham.
But what many people may not know about Michael Chiklis is that acting is only one of his passions. Beyond his work as an actor, producer and director, he is a singer and multi-instrumentalist that started playing gigs in the 1980s. After primarily focusing on his acting for decades, Michael finally released an album on Sept. 16. Titled Influence, the full-length features contributions from Andres Forero (Hamilton), Toto guitarist Steve Lukather, and Scott Healy, Richie “La Bamba” Rosenberg, and Jerry Vivino from Conan O’Brien’s late night band.
Michael spoke to Downtown about all facets of his career, which has included plenty of time spent in New York. Beyond his official website, www.michaelchiklis.com, Michael can be followed on Twitter via @MichaelChiklis.
I remember you talking about playing music when you had appeared on Kevin Pollak’s Chat Show, yet this album comes years after that. What inspired you to record a full-length album?
Michael Chiklis: That was right after I had recorded my first single for the film High School and marked my return to music after a 25-year hiatus. My best friend and bandmate Bob Pascarella had called me in 2010 and basically said, “Hey listen, it’s now or never. We were always great at making music together and now technology is going to allow us to do this again even though we live across the country from each other.”
Bob still lives in the Boston area, where we grew up and I live out in L.A. So we built out a studio room in my house, and the two of us recorded our first five singles back-and-forth across the country via file-sharing. Our very first single, “Make Me High,” is on the soundtrack of the film High School. Our second song we ended up performing live with the Boston Pops at the esplanade in Boston at the 4th of July spectacular on CBS! By the time we got to our fifth single as Michael Chiklis Band, we had received so much attention and so many requests to play that I realized it was time to record a proper solo album.
Your new album features some real-deal session musicians like Steve Lukather, Scott Healy and Jerry Vivino. Were these session guys friends of yours? People you’d jammed with before?
MC: Luke and I were mutual fans. I had been a fan of his since high school from his work with Toto and The Tubes and he dug The Shield. We found this out through a mutual friend who introduced us. We met and have been friends ever since. Steve’s been so supportive and amazing with my music and I’m so proud to have him on this record.
Scott and I met because our children went to high school together and were close friends. We became friends, in turn, and when I started recording my album, I asked Scott if he wanted to play on a track. He came over and banged out “Little Bit Of Funk” on his Hammond and it was so fun and went so well, the next thing you know, he ended up playing keyboards on the entire album! He also brought Jerry and the brass section in on it as well and charted the brass arrangements. I couldn’t have done this record without him.
Have you always had a home recording set-up? Or is that something that you built for this album?
MC: When I decided to record a full-length album I went all out. I went down to the NAMM show in Anaheim and loaded up. Now I have a beautiful recording studio in my home and Influence is the first product of it.
MC: Well, I love them all obviously, but I will mention two in particular. I love the first track, “The Show,” because it’s very representative of the music I write and love. Very theatrical and dynamic art-rock generation feel with real rock and roll teeth a la Queen and The Police. The other is the last song on the album, “Angel Of Mine,” because it’s an ancient Irish lullaby that my grandmother and mother used to sing to me. It’s never been recorded before and it’s just very special and close to my heart.
Is there a goal for you with Influence? Or the plan was pretty much just to make it and released it?
MC: I would love this to continue to grow. I have a lot more music inside me that needs to come out!
What do you remember about the first gig you ever played in New York City? Where was it?
MC: The first music gig I ever played in New York City was at a little dive bar in the East Village called Phebe’s. I was playing percussion and backup vocals for a friend of mine whose gig it really was. We sounded pretty good together as I recall and everyone had a good time. That was around 1986-87.
Are there plans for you to tour in support of Influence? Any idea who’ll be in your live band for that?
MC: I’m trying to put together a tour as we speak. Scheduling is the main issue but I’ve already booked the first show in L.A. for November! Just about everyone on the record is playing at that show except Lukather, who’s still on tour with Ringo [Starr] and the All-Stars. Going to be a killer show!
What’s coming up for you in the acting world? Do you have any upcoming productions via Extravaganza Films?
MC: I’m shooting season three of Gotham as we speak and it’s off the chain! My character goes through an insane transformation this year. Fans are going to love it! I have a number of original projects in development under my Extravaganza banner, one of which is a spy suspense drama for cable. Stay tuned…
When not busy with your career, how do you like to spend your free time?
MC: Having fun with my wife and kids. They’re more important than anything to me.
You had lived in Brooklyn after attending college. Where in Brooklyn did you live?
MC: A couple of places, actually. I lived in Park Slope for a while and I lived in Dyker Park as well. Love Brooklyn. Very happy memories for me there.
Is there anything you miss about living in New York?
MC: Well, I’m living half the year there now because Gotham shoots in New York, so no, luckily I don’t have to miss it!
Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York City?
MC: That’s a tough one. So many great restaurants. Let’s go with Peter Luger in Brooklyn and Rao’s.
Finally, Michael, any last words for the kids?
MC: I made this album for you! There aren’t enough rock bands out there making new music that is influenced by the bands that I grew up loving: Queen, Led Zeppelin, Rush, The Police, Van Halen…This will feel familiar but fresh and new. Now continue rocking.
Feature Image: Courtesy of stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com
Feature Image: Courtesy of stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com
With the hype of the Golden Globes dwindling, the 5-week countdown to the Academy Awards starts now! This is the prime-time for celebrities to detox, train and get their completion to the camera ready level. They must get a jump on this in order to be as red carpet ready as possible.
The Golden Globes had many celebrities resorting to the no makeup trend. Jessica Chastain, Amy Adams, and Kate Hudson sported the fresh face look complemented by soft cheeks and nude lips. Not only did this accentuate their natural features, but also their beautifully colored and crafted gowns. Since the Golden Globes tends to set the tone for the months to come, the no makeup trend something that will continue.
In order to rock the no makeup trend, celebrities need to focus on healthy skin during the next few weeks. Ory Diaz, Account Executive at Live in Five, has partnered up with Dr. Sejal Shah, Cosmetic Dermatologist and Founder of Smarter Skin Dermatology on “How to get fresh-faced and clear skinned for any event.” Diaz explains their mission, “We’ve put together the perfect pre-prescription with the latest and most “trophy-worthy” skin procedures.” Their plan for fabulous skin can be easily mimicked by consumers as well.
Dr. Shah bases his recommendations on his great knowledge of the subject and what celebrities swear by. He combines these two concepts to find the newest and most effective treatments that for fresh and flawless skin for all. Clear & Brilliant is the newest product that preferred by many and creates a healthy, even glow that is fast and long-lasting.
Timing is everything! Dr. Shah gives a complete guide on when to schedule the recommended procedures. He also shares tips, tricks, do’s and don’ts for a speedy recovery just in time for the awards. These helpful hints include a quick 1-2 session lasers, peels and fillers that come highly recommended by the some of the most beautiful red carpet celebrities including Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Dr. Shah believes it is important to have award-winning skin all the time, even if you don’t plan on receiving an Oscar anytime soon. He gives consumer insight on these skin treatments, who they are meant for, how much they will cost, and what the outcome will be.
