VERDAD, a new womenswear brand helmed by veteran L.A. designer Louis Verdad, debuted its Fall/Winter 2017 collection at New York Fashion Week last week at Chelsea’s Pier 59. Fall/Winter 2017 marks the second season and the very first runway presentation in New York for the L.A.-based label.
For its newest collection, VERDAD took its mood inspiration from Fall on the streets of L.A. This includes tops, separates and dresses in a range of dark colors, floral and watercolor inspired prints mixed with crisp cream looks and shimmering paillettes for the evening. Long knits, sheer blouses and voluminous sweaters made playful statements of volume through artful layering. Classic VERDAD design signatures include a bomber jacket and midi length, knife pleated skirts.
Models on the runway wore sleek ponytails and directional makeup – a look VERDAD created in collaboration with AVEDA for hair and makeup. Accessories provided a strong counterpoint to the runway looks. Shoes were provided by Perla Formentini with some new styles created by the Italian shoe brand in collaboration for VERDAD FW17. Lillian Shalom provided jewelry, Gaspar Gloves outfitted models with gloves, sunglasses were provided by ic! berlin and HUE provided tights and socks for the runway looks. Guests and models enjoyed sipping on Hint Water and Arizona Tea while enjoying the presentation.
The founder and creative director Louis Verdad — whose luminous career spans 15+ years dressing the likes of Madonna, Cate Blanchett, Christina Aguilera and more under his namesake label — had his sights set on a runway presentation in New York since launching VERDAD last year. “I see the VERDAD woman as someone who travels effortlessly from L.A. to New York on a regular basis so it made sense for me to show my collection during New York Fashion Week,” explained the designer. “I am inspired by the women who wear my clothes in both these cities- LA for the lifestyle and attitude and New York for the precision and the playfulness.”
Verdad FW17 runaway images by Noam Galai. Verdad FW17 backstage images by Ben Gabbe.
The Addison Hospitality Group’s founder Ric Addison
Addison Hospitality Group owner Ric Addison began a career in hospitality well over two decades ago. Originally from Ireland, Ric got his start in New York hospitality working alongside nightlife legends like Ian Schrager and Rande Gerber. The first notable establishment of his own was the AVA Lounge at the Dream Hotel, which he opened in 2002; New York Magazine would go on to name it “Best After Work Drink” spot in a Best Of New York issue. Further acclaim would come quickly from other establishments of Ric’s, like the Inc Lounge at The Time Hotel — which once hosted Lady Gaga and Madonna in its VIP “Pool Room” — and THE BAR at the Dream Hotel.
Four years ago in 2013, Ric opened the Monarch Rooftop & Indoor Lounge. Located 18 floors above Herald Square, the beautifully-decorated Monarch was designed by Natalie Todorova of Gene Kaufman Architects. Beyond its signature cocktails, Monarch offers an immaculate view of the Empire State Building and other parts of Midtown. Not just ideal for a summer visit, Monarch uses heat lamps when necessary, welcoming evening visitors to experience its Scandinavian-style décor throughout the year.
Downtown spoke with Ric in December 2016 to learn more about Monarch and other Addison Hospitality Group establishments. More info can be found at www.addisongroupnyc.com, while Monarch itself can be followed on social media via accounts on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
You are the owner of the Addison Hospitality Group. What inspired you to start your own hospitality group?
Ric Addison: My background in hospitality dates back from my roots in Ireland. My entire family has been in the hospitality business in some way or another. My father was the manager at an Executive social club in Ireland. When I came to the United States, I decided I wanted to pursue a career in hospitality. I worked my way up all the way from a barback, learning from the likes of the venerable Ian Schrager and Rande Gerber. I knew from then on that I wanted to bring a level of hospitality that the New York elites expect, but make it available to everyone.
RA: There is no typical day and never a humdrum moment. Everything is constantly changing at a rapid pace, and that is part of the reason why I love it. From finding and transforming new spaces into nightlife destinations, working with my team to develop ideas, and just meeting new customers, I consider myself fortunate to enjoy going to work every day.
RA: I think I truly found my niche with rooftop bars when I opened the AVA Lounge at the Dream Hotel. I noticed that Midtown professionals wanted a respite from the bustling city after a hard day’s work and AVA was a getaway in the middle of Manhattan.
RA: Gerber Group bars with Randy Gerber, Ian Schrager at The Paramount Hotel, and every major nightclub in the 80s and 90s. I started as a manager at the Whiskey Bar and rose to Director of Operations for the Gerber Group.
What can you tell me about your two newest venues, Magnolia Restaurant and Lovage Rooftop & Indoor Lounge?
RA: I am proud to be opening Magnolia Restaurant and Lovage Rooftop & Indoor Lounge in 2017. Magnolia will be the first restaurant addition to the Addison Hospitality Group portfolio. It was designed to be elegant, but comfortable; a place that you want to visit because of its quality food at an affordable price. Lovage is a continuation of our beloved AVA Lounge, which recently closed. Loyal patrons of AVA will notice a lot of the same design elements in Lovage. We invite guests of all ages to visit, from ages 21 to 91. We think there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Do you have a favorite item served by Magnolia? What about Lovage?
RA: At Magnolia, the Deviled Duck Eggs with maple horseradish, mustard, a touch of cayenne pepper, and crispy bacon bits. At Lovage, I love to sip on our Hell’s Kitchen take on a Bloody Mary. We call it the Mahola Cocktail, with Smoky Mezcal, Roasted Tomatillos, Wasabi, Fresh Lemon and a Sweet Paprika and Sesame Salt Rim that will wake you right up.
Any special events coming up at any of your establishments? Holiday specials?
RA: Yes, Magnolia and Lovage are booking up quickly for Fashion Week in February, along with a Valentine’s Day party at Lovage. Things will really heat up at Lovage when the warm weather arrives this spring and patrons can take advantage of the warm temperatures in New York City.
It’s been said that the Addison Hospitality Group aims to provide “white glove service without the white gloves.” Is there a particular entrepreneur that inspired that philosophy?
RA: I wanted to show people elegant service without being confined to the parameters of the Meatpacking District. Every guest is equally important to me. No particular entrepreneur inspired that philosophy in me, but myself. However, I do view Richard Branson as an inspiration of business.
When not busy with work, how do you like to spend your free time?
RA: I always enjoy spending time with my wife and daughter, sailing and golfing.
Other than your own, do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?
Founded in 1995, The Good Home Co., Inc. was one of the first home-centric companies to focus on using all-natural ingredients. The Good Home Co. is known for its home care and laundry products, all of which being vegan, biodegradable, and free of sulfates, parabens and phoephates. Beyond being effective for cleaning, the company’s products also carry a reputation for being beautifully-scented.
Christine Dimmick, Founder and CEO of The Good Home Co., started her career as a Fragrance Director. Although she has roots in Ohio and Los Angeles, she is a long-time New Yorker that has lived downtown for decades. Celebrity fans of hers include Oprah Winfrey, Madonna, Queen Latifah, Kim Kardashian, Brooke Shields, and Pamela Anderson. Christine — a graduate of the Parsons School Of Design — wrote a well-received book called Home File: A Realistic Decorating Guide For Real Life, as released in 1998, and currently has a follow-up in the works.
Downtown caught up with Christine for some Q&A about the past, present and future of her company. The Good Home Co. can be visited online at www.goodhomestore.com, where its products can be purchased. Good Home can also be followed on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Where did your brand name come from?
Christine Dimmick: The Good Home Company was named after my grandparents, whose home represented all that is good me. Our logo is an illustration of their home in Ohio, which is still a working farm today after five generations.
To you, what makes “a good home?”
CD: A good home is anywhere there is love, nourishment and a warm welcome. I believe in family dinners and when I cook, I cook with love. The same goes with our products. Each one and each scent is made with love, care and an intention to bring goodness to the homes that use them.
You live in downtown Manhattan? Have you always been based downtown?
CD: For the most part we have always lived below 32nd Street. We spent many years in Chelsea until it became too crowded. After relocating to FiDi, we fell in love with this unique part of Manhattan. I have lived in New York City for 30 years, but the history of lower Manhattan is very new to me. We were lucky enough to find a home in the Seaport a few years ago and cannot imagine living anywhere else in New York City.
What do you like most about living downtown?
CD: I love the juxtaposition of new and old. Down by Water Street you can take a picture of Fraunces Tavern with the Liberty Tower and other majestic buildings behind it and it takes my breath away every time. My favorite part is being close to the water. As much damage as it caused, its beauty cannot be denied. Oh and the Brooklyn Bridge — I never get tired of that view every morning when I walk our dog!
The Good Home Company’s Christine Dimmick
Do you have a favorite restaurant in the area?
CD: I eat at VBar regularly and I am also a regular eater of fresh baked bread and pasta at Aqua. During the cooler months we often walk up to Dim Sum Go Go in Chinatown.
CD: I have a BFA in communications from Parsons. I studied Advertising and Design.
So where did the idea for Good Home Co. come from?
CD: The Good Home was created after reading the artists way while having a career crisis! I had a very corporate job which was not my soul’s calling. After reading the book, I created Good Home, a company that combined all my loves and skills into one place.
At the time, there were no natural products on the market. Just Aveda — and no one was even looking at cleaning. I envisioned a company that created products for your homes soul using the power of scent. Candles, cleaning, bath products, even stuff for pets. Because no matter the size or the grandness, there is no place like home. And everyone deserves that.
A lot of notable people are fans of your brand. Who was the first celebrity to really embrace what do you?
Do you have a favorite product from the Good Home Co. line?
CD: Right now I am in love with our Heal Fragrance. I formulated it based on thieves oil — it naturally fights germs but also smells like a cozy, fall day. It is incredibly-comforting, therefore healing and you can diffuse it, where it as a fragrance (which I do) and we also sell it in hand soaps and candles.
What’s coming up for your brand? Any special events or promotions? New products?
CD: We are exploring new ways to distribute Good Home which will bring health and wellness to so many who do not know about us. I am very excited for this!
Do you have an accomplishment related to the brand that you are most proud of?
CD: We have been in business for over 20 years and the jobs and income we have provided for those who work here and who we partner with makes me very proud. Most recently we started working with women who are survivors of human trafficking. Providing them with a decent income is something that is humbling and that I am very proud of.
Beyond you living here, does the brand have any ties to New York?
CD: No, not directly. But we feel right at home here in the Seaport, where merchants and makers have always thrived.
Do you have any plans for a follow-up to your Home File book?
CD: Yes, I am currently writing my second book entitled Detox Your Home – A Guide To Removing Toxins And Bringing Health Into Your Home. It is being published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018
When not busy with your work, how do you like to spend your free time?
CD: I love taking yoga at Sky Ting in Chinatown and exploring our very special neighborhood.
Finally, Christine, any last words for the kids?
CD: Yes — always help others. No matter what you do or what business you create, help others and you will in turn will be fulfilled on all levels.
I have many quotes surrounding me daily. One of my favorites is “if the door doesn’t open, it wasn’t yours to open.” So often we get trapped with a direction we feel we must follow or that is ours. But if you are still banging your head against a door that won’t open, move on. You most likely won’t step into your dream right away, but little doors will open to get you there. If they don’t, try another door.
Jewel’s Catch One tells the story of Jewel Thais-Williams and her popular Jewel’s Catch One nightclub, often called “the Studio 54 of the West.” It was a hub for cutting-edge fashion & music for over 42 years in Los Angeles before it closed last year. While Jewel opened her doors to everyone –- all races and sexual orientations –- the club became a target of racism & homophobia, especially during the AIDS crisis. She even turned her parking lot into a soup kitchen during that time, to make sure people could get care, when so many were being ostracized.
Jewel became a civil rights leader, and then ultimately a healer, who has now saved countless lives through her Village Healthcare Foundation. The documentary has been a labor of love for the last six years for filmmaker C. Fitz, who met Jewel after volunteering to direct a three-minute short for her charity and realizing there was a much greater story to tell.
The film is narrated by CCH Pounder and features exclusive interviews with Sharon Stone, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Thelma Houston, Sandra Bernhard, Bonnie Pointer, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Thea Austin, and Jenifer Lewis. It also features footage from Madonna’s 2000 album release party there; she is also rumored to have learned to “Vogue” at the club! It, also, features some of the best songs from the disco age.
Expectations couldn’t have been higher for this years Governors Ball. Thankfully, the music festival, taking place on Randalls Island, NY and featuring 68 live acts on four stages, didn’t disappoint. 150.000 music fans were in attendance for 2014’s Governors Ball.
Tickets for all three days of New York City’s very own music festival were sold out almost instantly, with Saturday selling out faster than any other day. We’re sure The Strokes and Jack White had something to do with that.
Friday was definitely the day at Governors Ball, with Outkast headlining in honor of their 20th year anniversary. Outkast‘s undeniable energy, charisma, and funky lyrics kept the crowd dancing throughout their entire hour and a half performance.
English electro music duo, Disclosure was an unexpected hit at the festival (if you don’t believe us, you can ask Madonna, who was backstage taking pictures during their performance). Los Angeles’ native band, PAPA had an amazing, crow-pleasing set that had everyone dancing. Saturday’s lineup was the festival’s prime acts, as it was the day that included electrifying performances by The Strokes and Jack White.
On the final day, Foster the People and Vampire Weekend incited the crowd to dance, bringing the festival to a close with an upbeat momentum that carried on long after the final act took the stage.
Luckily, over the entire festival weekend, the bad weather let up long enough to let the sunshine take the spotlight. Attendees of the music festival were recognizable, once they left Randalls Island, not only by their smiling faces but by their obvious tan lines.
The line-up for Governors Ball 2015 will be announced in seven months. The countdown has already started.
