Estelle

Lorenzo Martone

Melanie Fiona, Marty Reisman, Estelle

Mario Cantone

Bret Lockett

Stacey Bendet

Mario Cantone, Bret Lockett

What’s the most memorable party you’ve organized?

Last year was our ARC NY Fashion Week party in combination with Gwen Stefani. It happened on the night of her L.A.M.B. show and it was such a sexy, fun and magical night! We partnered with the artist Mr. Brainwash (of Banksy’s 2010 Oscar-nominated documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop-fame) and he painted all of our models—Gwen too! We had the party in New York and everyone came—Kanye West, Marc Jacobs, Gwen, of course, Ciara, Alessandra Ambrosio, Irina Shayk—with so many beautiful and interesting people in the room. A memorable party for me is the one that you hope will never end!

What’s your favorite social media tool? And why? 

I like Twitter the most. It’s become a great source of information for me. I wake up, look at my emails and immediately read the Twitter feeds just because I follow a good and qualitative amount of people that keep me informed of things I find interesting and funny. It’s replaced me glancing at the newspapers every morning. Facebook is a great database but it’s the dynamism of Twitter that keeps me intrigued.

Do you remember the first thing you ever Tweeted? 

That’s such a good question. I can almost guess it was an introduction of who I am, what I do, where I live, etc. And right after that I was just tweeting a lot about our models and some of their pictures. I’m going to try to find the first tweet and will “retweet.”

[Editor’s note: On March 31, Lorenzo tweeted about a girl bribing him for tickets to a movie premiere in hopes of meeting Jake Gyllenhaal.]

To read the rest of the interview, visit our sister site, LOOKBOOKS.com!

Last night’s Chandelier holiday party was not the sort.

GROWN men dressed as stuffed animals, a naked intern peep show, shirtless and sequined-pantsed men, and a transsexual Santa – you might’ve choked on your eggnog.

A man dressed as a shark greeted guests and stretched out a sign: “Make Out with Somebody Tonight.” Bikini clad girls passed out cotton candy and hot dogs. And Amanda Lepore sat atop her velvety red throne as an undeniably naughty Santa.

Next year skip Grandma’s Holiday Festivus and stick with Chandelier. Those guys can party.

[Link Love + Pics: WWD)

The PR executive and swimwear designer was also seen reading “Magical Thinking” by Augusten Burroughs. Good to know people aren’t too busy to read anymore. Maybe the world isn’t ending yet!

LINK LOVE: Just Jared

Somehow that event managed to combine three of my favorite things: Moet, supermodels, and sitting poolside. It felt more like a friend’s summer soiree compared to the regular industry events that we normally attend. It was quaint, but still full of buzz and excitement. Adriana Lima was comfortable enough to even showed off some  baby pictures.

Here are some quotes I gathered that night:

Arlenis Sosa On Vogue’s Black Issue: It was a great experience for me. Actually I didn’t even know models Chanel Iman and Jourdan Dunn before the shoot. I really think that it caused a splash and I would love American Vogue to do something similar.

Alessandra Ambrosio On The Festivities: I love it! It’s a wonderful time. I adore [Lorenzo Martone] I really just want to dance all night long.

All in all it was a great time with great people.

Here is a picture :

(Shot by Guest of a Guest Photog/our new bff Blaine Wins)

SUPERMODEL ALESSANDRA AMBROSIO HOSTS FIRST ANNUAL Supermodel Alesandre Ambrosio hosts the first annual Follow the Sun Event on June 24, 20010 at the Thompson Hotel LES POOL sponsored by Moet.

FI: You’ve recently collaborated with Lorenzo Martone and Urban Outfitters. What’s the one brand or person you want to collaborate with now?

JK: I would love to collaborate with Boudicca. It is difficult to find a brand which speaks a similar language in the fashion world.

There is something simple, elegant, yet poignant about their vision.

FI: Your currently launching a higher end collection. What was your inspiration for the line and what made you want to launch it now?

JK: “Bijules Haute: Le Nez de Tycho” is inspired by the life and stories of Danish Renaissance alchemist, Tycho Brahe. He just could not get on with this one guy and so Tycho was challenged by having a pistol-stuffed glove thrown at his feet. In the duel, his nose was shot off and in response he created his own gold prosthetic version.

I wanted to combine the ritual of dueling, the theory of alchemy (Jules Kim is THE modern day alchemist, what what), and the dainty elegance of a southern debutante. (I’m from Richmond, VA- southern belle-central) the 6 pieces are highly conceptual and loaded with history.

FI: With the swimwear collection you created with Lorenzo you’ve entered into the world of apparel. Can we expect a Jules Kim fashion label in the near future?

JK: Ha, mayyyybe…but clothes are too easy. They are everywhere, it is not a marketplace that needs another face. I would prefer to make statements in worlds that need new vision.

FI: You’re a global traveler, what are some of your favorite spots to shop around the world?

JK: I adore Paris for its super saturated history. The south of Italy is bitterly quiet (I’m scared of silence, thanks a lot New York) yet extremely inspiring. I would love to go to my motherland, well actually my fatherland because my father is Korean.

FI: Where to you draw your inspiration from?

JK: Everything. Literally I am open to absorbing new stories, new things, new challenges…

FI: You seem to be a celebrity magnet with Beyonce and Nicole Richie spotted in your designs. Who would be the dream person to wear one of your pieces, fictional, dead or alive?

JK:  I love that I am part of fueling pop culture. I would have loved to make something for my line’s muse, Tycho Brahe and of course I would adore miss Grace Jones in my new smoking lip piece…
FI: What advice would you give to young designers?

JK: Take risks and do not ever doubt your role as a creator.

FI: Do you have any hidden talents no one knows about?

JK: Um, I used to play flute. I had to stop because I was bothered by the fact that classical music rarely leaves room for improvisation or alterations on staid themes.

FI: What’s playing on your iPod right now?

JK: The Sleighbells are the shit, go Alexis! Also my new fave repeat track is Higher Places- On Giving Up.

FI: If you weren’t in fashion today, what would you be doing?

JK: Most likely I would be creating something…art or music as I am most comfortable in positions of expression!

FI: What do you do when you have free time?

JK: Whats that? I love my friends and spend as much time with them as possible, long walks on beaches, sunsets and shit-

Thanks Jules, check out her website here and Twitter account here

If you don’t know who Mr.Brainwash is, you really must go watch the documentary Exit Through the Giftshop and recognize. The man is the definition of the artist entrepreneur and the idea that he might be teaming up with Lolo is super exciting.

Can’t wait to see what progresses, but expect a merger between fashion & art of Gaga level.

According to Lolo, “swim seems to be dominated by an L.A. aesthetic, and our collection brings a New York attitude to it.”

Refinery29 has described the line as “big bows that look like it was made of discarded trash bags” and compared it to a “first-year fashion school project”. We’d have to completely disagree.

The look is very Wang meets swim, with a good dose of sheer and sheen. Definitely a downtown girls bikini.

Link Love:  WWD

Lorenzo Martone, fashion insider and Marc Jacobs beau, will launch Nycked, a line of women’s swimwear this summer. Just to clarify, Nycked is derived from the initials N.Y.C. and is pronounced “nicked” (not, thankfully, “nekkid”). Martone tells WWD that he wanted to bring a “downtown” and “New York attitude” to a swimwear market that is largely influenced by bright and sunny L.A. Hence, a color scheme dominated by blacks, whites and reds and some nude mesh overlays thrown in for good measure.

Martone will launch the 20-design collection at Miami Swimweek next month and is aiming for specialty boutiques and big chains like Saks Fifth Avenue. The locally produced collection will run from $120 to $130 for suits to $210 for cover-ups. Nycked is a collaboration with friend and Bijules jewelry designer, Jules Kim (who on a side note will be launching two lower priced collabs with Urban Outfitters this Fall). The elephant in the room is, of course, did boyfriend Marc Jacobs lend a hand with the Nycked line? No, Martone tells WWD, “I don’t advise mixing the personal and professional.”
· Lorenzo Martone Launches Swimwear Line WWD, subscription req’d

LINK LOVE:Launches & Releases: Lorenzo Martone Launches a Swimwear Line Without Marc's Help

aleXsandro Palombo has managed to capture yours truly and a number of other fashion celebrities including Lorenzo Martone, Marc Jacobs, Amy Odell (New York Magazine Editor), Bee Shaffer and others taking to the toilet’s with their favorite magazines. Mine’s of course is Forbidden Dreams. Check out the rest of the toilet humor after the jump.

In the end, we just had an intimate wedding at a friend’s house with people who were already on the island. But it was funny to read about it so many times.

So many well wishes to Lorenzo and Marc Jacobs. We’re huge fans of both of them and wish them the happiest of lives.

If you want to celebrate this monumental occasion, be sure to attend the Butt Magazine party celebrating the upcoming issue.

LINK LOVE: Butt Magazine

Marc and Lorenzo soak up some sun in St. Barts. Two questions: Anyone else jealous? And can Marc write a workout book?

Image via Just Jared

12-28-09 St. Barts, France Designer Marc Jacobs and his husband Lorenzo Martone spending some time on Saline Beach in St. Barts, France... Non-Exclusive Pix by Flynet ©2009 818-307-4813 Nicolas 310-869-0177 Scott

Last night Daniel Saynt & Becks headed to the David Barton Gym Toy Drive hosted by David Barton, Susanne Bartsch, Marc Jacobs, and Narciso Rodriquez. We drank, we partied, we found every eligible gay in New York.

The highlights of our night were all on our Twitter feed so if you’re a subscriber you’re in luck.

Here’s the rundown:

- We arrive fashionably late, realize we totally missed Marc and Lorenzo, consider leaving for two seconds

- Patrick McDonald (New York Dandy and Launch My Line star) doesn’t bring a gift and almost gets refused at the door. He makes up for it by breaking out his wallet.

- We make our way upstairs through a gym that can only be described as the place where clubbers go to bench press. Becks spots someone who looks like Eric Bana from behind. Turns out to be Larry King from the front.

- We whiz by some performers on the way to the bar (where the fuck is the bar), an oldie dressed like a Lady Gaga reject, a women/snow bird, a nutcracker on stilts and a Christmas tree man. Trannies, fake tits and manicured eyebrows galore.  Guess it’s officially Gaymas.

- Pass the giant discoball/DJ booth on the way to the bar. Michael Musto wears a hideous Holiday sweater. Way better than the last time I saw him.

- Finally make it to the bar. Double up on VodkaCrans. Spot a man who’s vaguely familiar eying me by the bar. Give my “I’m not gay, but I’m comfortable enough to acknowledge your interest” smile. Can’t figure out who this little man is or why he’s so familar? He takes off.

- iPhone Google Search. It was Narciso Rodriquez.

- Now on the search for Narciso after a Wikipedia fact update; He’s Cuban, from Jersey, and I’m currently wearing his cologne. Plan to ask him if he’s seen Jersey Shore, what his fondest memory of summer on the beach was, and whose his favorite dictator. jk.

- Spot Narciso talking to a troublesome troupe of twinks who obviously know who he is. Realize my hands smell like Chipotle (pre-Barton Dinner) and decide a bathroom pitstop might be smarter.

- Standing in line with Becks for the bathroom, up ahead of us is a black gay Ken Doll with fake grey hair and a permanent smile. I take photo.

- Still in line. See Narciso exit. Maybe next time little man.

- A gay reminiscent of Don Johnson begins conversation. Asks if I’m with anyone. I point to the wife.

- The three of us begin long winded conversation on being young and married in New York City. He stresses its impossibility to last. We respectfully disagree. Late vow to never talk to people who look like Don Johnson.

- Finally make it into bathroom. Don’t see the point to clean my hands anymore, but do so anyway. jk.

- Go to check out some performances. A woman strips. The crowd goes wild.

- I spot Amanda Lepore. She’s pretty much naked. Nothing says Christmas better than full frontal.

- Becks spots an old gay friend from Cleveland. You have no idea how many times this happens. It’s like they make them their and ship them over.

-David Barton hits the stage. The look and feel of the gym instantly makes perfect sense.

- Richie Rich is here. No one seems to care. So sad to be a flickering light. Stay forever young little buddy.

- The party begins to clear even though the booze is still flowing. Is it the gym atmosphere that prevents the boys from filling up on empty alcohol calories?

- We make our way out, Becks teases about posting a Missed Encounters on Craigslist for Narciso.

- The night ends, but not before seeing a pair of Nina Ricci claw shoes in action. Amazingly cool.

More details about the event from our publicist friend at DavidBarton below:

Founder of DavidBartonGym, David Barton and his wife, nightlife impresario Susanne Bartsch, iconic fashion designers Marc Jacobs and
Narciso Rodriguez, Hotelier Ian Schrager and his wife Tania Schrager, celebrity chef Art Smith and renowned photographer Patrick McMullan co-hosted the 8th annual and largest Toy Drive to date at DavidBartonGym Astor Place. Guests brought new, unwrapped toys, all of
which will be donated today to the Metropolitan Hospital, St. Vincent’s Hospital, St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital, Sunny Downstate, Kings County Hospital, Beth Israel Hospital, the Lower East Side Girls Club, Northeast Community Center and Astor Kids, among others.

www.davidbartongym.com

Lorenzo Martone opens up to The Fashionably Independent for an exclusive one-on-one where we get the dirt on his new agency ARC NY, the major change that Lydia Hearst is making, his eye opening feature in BUTT Magazine, and which team he’s really on: Jacob or Edward?

Daniel Saynt: The fashion industry is going through a major cleansing period with major labels like Lacroix going under, photographers like Annie Leibowitz going bankrupt, and fashion shows going digital to reduce costs. What made you decide to open up your agency in such a temperate marketplace?

Lorenzo Martone: Unfortunately the businesses you mentioned were hit by the recession. But I believe it was a question of management, nothing to do with lack of talent. Opening ARC NY in times like ours, made us execute and proceed businesses practices very precisely. Attention to detail was key. In addition, the recession transformed people. It made people a bit more humble and eager to collaborate, create things as a team…. it brought people together and in our case, because more than ever the models needed to form a strong team around them, (the right agents, managers and publicists ) we ( I have a partner – Ryan Brown – who came from Elite models ) think it was the right time to start our company.

DS: Your new agency is attracting the likes of Lydia Hearst, Julie Henderson, and Jessica White. What is it that you’re offering these girls that other agencies dont?

LM: Its very important to clarify that the majority of our talent have and will keep their modeling agents. We offer an added value to them, this being making them visible in the social scene and also visible in certain industries that they dream of being part of. Alessandra Ambrosio is with Elite/Richard and they have been together building an amazing career for her. We come as one more piece of the puzzle to cover publicity initiatives, which are not part of the model agents job description. Lydia Hearst ( or Lydia H. from now on… – we strategically dropped the Hearst ) is an exception, we are together managing her modeling career as well in the US from ARC NY .

In terms of positioning – again – what we offer is quite unique because is very specific : we do TALENT PR, only that. We don’t do publicity for brands, beauty, hotels…. we only do talent PR and I think that alone puts us in a very niche/special place. We attracted fabulous girls for the opening and I hope to keep attracting people at that caliber. I think also our “hand in hand” approach and involvement has been highly appreciated. We are very, very grateful and honored for having the opportunity to work close together with such amazing girls!

DS: Now that you’re a talent manager can we officially call you the “Ari Gold of Fashion”?

LM: (laughs) no, no. I have a lot to learn to become a super agent. And fashion is a much smaller industry than Hollywood.

All I believe in is: hard work and talent. I believe I have been making the right businesses choices, but it all takes time and sweat. There is not one day of my life that I don’t wake up before 8 am and finish at 11 pm. I’m also a big believer you have to trust your guts in order to find the right collaborators and talent. I love working with people that make my eyes sparkle. I have something in common with Ari – I love liars but hate cheaters ! hahha Its important also to highlight my partner, Ryan Brown, is very involved in the daily life of the office and if someone there is super… thats him!

DS: You’re giving new opportunities to the prettiest faces in the industry. What type of things can we expect down the pipeline? Valeria Mazza Breakfast Cereal? Lydia H. in a Romantic Comedy? A Fernanda Motta Christmas Album?

LM: For girls like the ones we work with at ARC, the sky is the limit. However – its our challenge to push the girls forward and keep them in high fashion or at least in an aspirational position.

When we started I asked the girls: ” where do you want to be in five years?” and they all answered with really big dreams, which was for me all I needed to hear.

Developing product lines for celebrities and models is like stepping on eggs. It has to be true to their hearts and organic to their life styles, so of course its part of ARC’s scoop of work to do the right, strategic publicity campaigns for their future plans – but we are making sure to be very close to their decisions.

We can suggest opportunities, but the final answer is always theirs.

My only advice so far has been: anything you do, create or develop, has to be of excellent quality. It might not be everyone’s taste – but that doesn’t matter, if its done with love, attention and time.

DS: Your upcoming nuptials to Marc is definitely the talk of the town. Is it too early to start expecting the pitter patter of tiny well clothed feet?

LM: After an overexposure on the subject we thought it was best to keep personal subjects in private. All I can tell you we are very happy together!

DS: Marc is becoming famous for pushing the men in kilts look. Would you ever wear the kilt? I’m sure a lot of our readers are looking forward to the day.

LM: I would wear a kilt in Scotland or during Halloween. I haven’t embraced that look for man yet. hahahah I’m sorry readers….. but hey – I did a piece for Butt Magazine, coming out in January and believe me – there is a lot more there to see there than me in a kilt ….. hahaha.

DS: Being surrounded by some of the greatest (and the greatest) designer/s in the world, do you have any desire to try you’re hand at fashion design? I’m sure a Martone by Martone collection would generate some major press attention.

LM: I learned how to love fashion and design with Marc. You can ask him, when we met in Paris 4 years ago, I dressed like a banker. I learned how to have fun, dress up ( and down ) with him, he was the catalyst for the development of personal style ( or lack of hahaha ) …. I don’t have any plans for now to start a fashion brand and I think people would actually find it ridiculous – because its not what I studied nor is what I dream of. I will leave the fashion design skills to Marc and enjoy it as closely as I can, but don’t expect a line any time soon..

DS: If you could have any super power in the world which would you pick?

LM: Tele-transportation. I keep dreaming that one day, I will no longer get in a taxi or plane. I will desire to be somewhere and tchan! Will be there. I love different cultures and traveling in general. And for business, I’m very old school, I prefer face to face meetings – so that superpower would be PERFECT for me! ha

DS: Team Edward, Team Jacob or Who the Fuck Cares?

LM: Hahaha – I wish I could say who the fuck cares to Robert or Taylor. But I can’t. I have been in love with vampire stories since I discovered Anne Rice in the 90′s and then the whole Interview with the Vampire ( who can resist Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Antonio Banderas and Christian Slater all together ? ) captivated me forever…

I must admit with my age now I don’t spend hours talking to my friends about the New Moon or Twilight – but I think its a great saga. I did buy the dvd and made Marc watch with me at least twice. ahahaha. embarrassing. Both Taylor and Robert are extremely good looking but I admit I’m obsessed with Robert.

He otherworldly look and the eyes….. ah from a past century …. fascinate me.

DS: List your favorites: Movie, Current Television Show, Cartoon Character?

LM: Favorite movies of all times Pride and Prejudice. But I’m a fan of Joe Wright – so everything by him.

Lately I met Lee Daniels in a dinner party and was fascinated by him as well. Precious was such a punch in everyones face about a current subject in the American society.

and…. after dating Marc, my passion for Jews has grown. So Tarantino and the Inglorious Bastards is genius!

Current TV show – I must admit we don’t watch TV at home – sometimes before going to bed – and that’s usually time for Chelsea Lately. Chelsea Handler for me is one of the smartest / most ironic women in TV right now. I love her dark sense of humor, yet sharp. Also the fact that she can make so much fun of herself and ( it seems ) to have such a good time while working is refreshing. I’m a big fan!

Cartoon Character – uiui I haven’t watched cartoons in a long time but I remember some from the old days. Wacky races… Penelope Pitstop is a fashion icon!! haha and the Pink Panther has always been also a favorite. ( I guess I’m attracted to pink characters ? )

DM: The three songs playing on your iPod right now?

LM: I’m very into 3 bands right now – all of their songs:

- LadyHawke
- CSS
- Plasticines

I think they are alternative and cool.
Gaga is a Goddess – I’m in love with her too. So talented, beautiful piano player and singer.
Great performer and amazing fashion (?) sense ( or non sense hahaah ) – I’m obsessed by her right now.

Fave designer Marc Jacobs and hottie bf Lorenzo Martone bought a West Village home valued at $10.4 million.

Read more: NYP

10/13/2008 - Marc Jacobs and Lorenzo Martone - "Filth and Wisdom" New York Premiere - Arrivals - Sunshine Theatre - New York City, NY, USA - Keywords: - False - - Photo Credit: Janet Mayer / PR Photos - Contact (1-866-551-7827)

Lorenzo recently worked on the Melissa shoes shoot for Nylon’s September issue. “Directing was unusual for me–at Chandelier I focus on strategy for brands, but with Melissa I had the freedom to create the story with the stylist and the photographer, it was very cool!”

Via FWD

Rumor report everyone! The streets are buzzing saying that Fashion Indie friend Lorenzo Martone is going to be present on the web based fashion reality show Concrete + Cashmere. What’s the word Lorenzo? I know you have my personal e-mail, so I’m waiting to hear the scoop!

thanks for the tip FWD

LINKAGE: Style

This isn’t personal, Lorenzo, but once again, wtf are you wearing? The suit is cute, but the hat? Oh wait, the socks with boots? Oh too much, I have to lie down now…

SOURCE: Perez Hilton

As if being engaged to Marc Jacobs weren’t awesome enough, Lorenzo Martone celebrated his 30th birthday with 150 of his closest friends at the private nightclub, Avenue, on Tuesday night. Complete with Jesus Luz at the turntables and drinks/entertainment courtesy of Burberry, Jacobs certainly made his man feel special. Cheers Lorenzo and happy birthday! We’re jealous of your fiance, your friends, your parties and your life.

GALLERY: Living Vicariously Through Lorenzo Martone

Thanks W!

Rumor has it that Marc will be bringing both Courtney and Madonna to the Met Ball, which means that Lorenzo might be left behind?!? Otherwise, that might make for a very strange foursome…

LINKAGE: NY Mag

Lorenzo finally talks about the proposal:

“I was in Paris for Fashion Week, for the Vuitton show, so I had a little planning beforehand to do that,” ( The rings are pink-gold triple bands from Boucheron) The Mercer Hotel in Paris “is an iconic place for us, you know? [Marc] lived there for ten years. When I proposed, the rings came with our starters in the restaurant, I bought the rings in Paris, brought them here, and then before the trip to Brazil, I proposed.”

They have not yet set a date!

Fashions hottest ‘it’ couple, Marc Jacobs and Lorenzo Martone, were rumored to have gotten hitched on a recent trip to Brazil, and have recently been spotted wearing matching rings, although on their right hands. The two above photos were taken at the Topshop opening last week, and both boys are sporting a gold band (what looks like a wedding band) on the ring finger and a diamond eternity band on the pinky. Not sure the significance of either, or why they are on the right hand, but looks as though the rumors might be true.

LINKAGE: Fashionologie

NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 19: Designer Marc Jacobs and Lorenzo Martone attend the Cinema Society and Piaget screening of "Last Chance Harvey" at the AMC Lincoln Square Broadway on November 19, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)

Thanks Fashion Week Daily!