Remember how hostile things got at the gas stations a couple years back, when fuel was in short supply and way over-priced? Well, get set for a similar scenario on December 2, when the Barneys Co-Op shop at Phipps Plaza puts a signed, limited edition set of Alexander Wang's sturdy, studded "Rocco" duffles on sale. The frenzied festivities are scheduled to last two hours (6-8 p.m.). But the 10 bags available for ($850) purchase will probably be gone quicker than the first round of free cocktails. New York Magazine recently wished anyone on Manhattan's mile-long waiting list for a Rocco "Good Luck". To ensure your place in line for the chance to snag Wang's must-have bag, call: 404-688-1466.
Yes, if you must know: there is still a "pole" placed smack dab in the middle of the Buckhead party space once known as The Gold Club. But it's strictly there out of structural necessity, a co-owner of the new Gold Room stressed during an exclusive walk-through with EyeSeeStyle.
Above,'Prefered' seating at the notorious address now known as The Gold Room
"We wanted to take it out, but the architect said, 'No', because it holds the roof up," Jonathan Clay said just prior to his first nightclub venture's public opening. "But you can tell it's not the same place. The stage is gone." The pole in question is covered in postage stamp-sized bits of gold tile; and it's surrounded by a quartet of plush sofa sets with built-in drawers for women to stow their purses and tables with sunken inserts where tequila bottles custom designed by Corzo for the Gold Room sit and chill. After a string of "friends and family" events to test out the staff (Halloween night, the Kravitz concert's after-party) the Gold Room opens to the public on December 3.
EyeSeeStyle Gets Beneath Gold Room's Surface
At the new Gold Room there are no specific "dance floor" boundaries, but from the towering LCD displays to the shock wave sound system to the strategically placed "power" booths, this place glitters with "get up and boogie" potential. Among the many distinctive details: fat (not "phat") gold chains dripping down a wall in The Lounge upstairs; and a VIP voyeur's delight of glassed-in corner chamber that's visible from every point in the 7,000-square-foot space and surveys the entire scene unfolding below as well. Rather than starting off with a price structures for prime seating and easy entry that, "turns 'em upside down and shakes the money ou", Clay said door and booth fees will be dictated by demand. Some things never change.
Hope really does spring eternal. The Atlanta shopping mecca Phipps Plaza and the L.A.-based luxury sportswear label, Vince, show no doubt that the stagnant U.S. economy will recover and that the mall will eventually be mobbed again with shoppers seeking signs of renewal to show off. They’ve sealed a deal to open a signature boutique in April 2010 for the brand that started small eight years ago and is quickly expanding into fashion capitols nationwide. Vince caters to the crowd willing to pay premium prices ($125 - $295) for logo-free staples like hoodies, cardigans, jeans and sweatpants.
Typical fall '09 looks (above) from Vince
(Left) The signature Vince store on Melrose in L.A.
The look’s been described by Vince co-founder Rea Laccone as “a classic modern twist”. Coast to coast, better shops (Nordstrom, Fred Segal, Barney’s Co-Op, Selfridges) have touted Vince as a brand (for men as well as trend-conscious, rich women) with irresistible, second-skin appeal.
“We’ve watched the demand for the brand grow increasingly over the years,” said Phipps Mall Manager, Dewayne Herbert. Vince takes a minimalist approach to marketing that’s in keeping with it’s retro-modern approach to style. Its successful launch next spring at Phipps could help pre-determine how soft the landing from all this tumult in the markets will truly. Above: Vince co-founders Rea Laccone and Christopher La Police
If Vince’s current collection is any indication, prepare for impact. Click here to learn more about the Vince brand. Click here for more Phipps Plaza info.
In the mood to play “Dirty Santa”? Want to find out how popular that “Scrooge” character who’s breaking box office records truly is? Then go ahead, with your bad self, and show up at someone’s doorstep with the naughtiest gift of all this Christmas. Namely: nothing. And then blame yourself, from that day forward, for the proverbial lumps of coal that karma hurls upside your head. If you’re smart, you’ll take the easy way out. (And, no, we don’t mean that gangsta George Bailey route _ jumping off a bridge on Christmas eve. It’s a wonderful life, after all, even if you’re universally despised.) Let someone else do the shopping for you. ("Pole Dancer" cuff links from The Store at the W Midtown Hotel)
. The Store in the lobby of the W Midtown hotel works wonders with its new array of “Global Glam” items “inspired by > luxe locales from South Beach to Santiago”. Gift items range from $10 (for a set of 52 playing cards that teach you how to cuss in six languages) to $375 for a “vegan” travel bag with enough pockets to tote all your techie necessities safely through customs. Opulent gift items for women ($57-$300) include cashmere pillows, metallic mini-skirts and emerald earrings. ("Gangsta Rap Coloring Book" from The Store at the W Midtown Hotel)
Walk-in shoppers are welcome. And The Store at the W offers that added convenience of in-room delivery to visiting guests. The Store may only be the size of a service elevator shaft. But it guarantees good things in small packages. (Silver-plated "Spin the Bottle" set from The Store at the W Midtown Hotel)
Remember how hostile things got at the gas stations a couple years back, when fuel was in short supply and way over-priced?
