Great Lengths
When some men let their hair down for a role, their sex appeal goes way up. We look back at the films that made sex symbols out of four now-famous actors.
There's something about long hair on men that makes some women weak in the knees. I'm not talking Fabio here. I'm talking about Brad Pitt in Legends of the Fall. As Tristan, he drove Susannah Ludlow (Julia Ormond)—who settled for his brother when she couldn't have him—so mad with desire that she hacked off her own long hair, then shot herself. I'm talking Daniel Day-Lewis in The Last of the Mohicans, a rifle slung across his shoulder, shouting to Cora Munro (Madeleine Stowe) "I will find you!" I'm talking Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings. Come on, he's never looked better. Don't believe me? Rent Eastern Promises, then we'll talk. Last, but certainly not least, I'm talking Antonio Banderas, who looked mui caliente as El Mariachi in Desperado. If his hair could talk, here's what it would say: "I'm a man's man, who carries a gun, sometimes two guns, but I've also got a sensitive side." Now that's music to my ears.
Travel In Style
The new collection of travel accessories from Touch of Ivy includes beautiful zipper cases in a variety of vintage and modern, chic fabrics. The cases toss conveniently into a handbag for transporting makeup and other necessities, and an interior vinyl lining ensures their durability. touchofivy.com
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The classic barber chair makes a comeback thanks to Takara Belmont's new Koken chair. takarabelmont.com
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Soap Chic
Your average bar of soap can sometimes be so, well, square. Shaped like a dressmaker's form, GIANNA ROSE ATELIER's delightful French-milled Mannequin Soap could not be more chic. With a fresh floral and melon fragrance, the soaps are available wrapped two in a box with pink tissue paper and black bows tied around their waists—the perfect gift for any hostess. giannarose.com
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It's in the Bag
Attract attention to your retail area with the new Classic Montage Shopping Bag from ACTION BAG COMPANY. This colorful floral bag with matching black rope handle is available in two sizes to accommodate every retail purchase. These bags are sure to brighten both you and your clients' day. actionbag.com
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Twice as Nice
Davines' two new Smoothing Hydrating Body Oils, Sevilla10 and Napoli28, can be used as body oils or invigorating massage oils. Rich in jojoba oil, each formula features a different scent. Napoli28 is fresh and crisp, with notes of mandarin, jasmine and rose; Sevilla10 has a woody, sweeter aroma of teak, musk and mint. davines.com
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COLOSSAL COOKIE
Good Fortunes takes fortune cookies to the next level. Their giant treats weigh almost a pound, and the customizable fortunes make this cookie a great gift. Featured here is the dark chocolate dessert, carefully drizzled with creamy, white chocolate. The cookies are also available in two other sizes and many other flavors. goodfortunes.com; 800/644-9474
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FRINGE BENEFITS
Under the direction of Daniel Holzberger, Aveda Fredric's Institutes' team members Michelle Bertke, Katie Buken, Erin Limoli, Dede Mounce and Paul Suttles recently worked with makeup artist Dena Van Aggele and NAHA-winning photographer Babak. A shocking burst of color gives this classic bob with a strong fringe its edge.
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Great Minds
When choosing a photographer to shoot the images for his new Web site and educational DVDs, Redken Education Artistic Director SAM VILLA found a kindred spirit in Xander Angeles, one of Asia's top photographers, who is known for capturing sincerity, passion and quality on film. The two collaborated on an array of photos, including the playful, carefree one seen here, for the first DVD release from Villa's Aspire Tour, called BOBology. Visit samvilla.com to learn more.
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NEW & NOTABLE
Style Infinity is a new line of haircare products developed by Jacqueline Tarrant, a former product development specialist and director of education at L'Oréal USA. Drawing on her knowledge of, and passion for, haircare, Tarrant developed pH-balanced formulas that are botanically based and chock-full of regenerating proteins and vitamins. The Peppermint Detoxifying Shampoo and the French Vanilla Hair Restoration Complex are just two of the offerings that are sure to delight the senses. styleinfinity.com
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WHAT'S ON YOUR IPOD?
We asked Redken Artist Jay Roberts, owner of Blades Salon in Wethersfield, CT, what he's been listening to.
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"Just Fine" by Mary J. Blige. "This song makes me move, literally. She sings about hearing the beat and tapping your feet, and looking in the mirror and liking what you see."
"Alone" by Heart. "This is one of my all-time favorite songs. Celine Dion has a great remake of it on her new album, too."
"Can't Buy Me Love" by Michael Bublé. "This is a great remake of the classic tune by The Beatles."
You Send Me
Objet de Carte card-maker Robert Brownstein sometimes refers to himself as a "cardist" rather than an "artist," but we think his creative, eye-catching designs are frame-worthy. There are more than 200 designs to choose from, including individually handmade painted cards, digitized patterned cards and a Sudoku collection, inspired by the popular puzzle game. objetdecarte.com
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Shave and a Haircut
Arthur Babadzhanov, owner of Reamir & Co. with six locations in New York City, is committed to the art of cutting hair with scissors and a comb, just like his father did in his barbershop in the U.S.S.R. The staff of experienced barbers kicks it old school. That means no manicures and no massages. Instead, they offer haircuts and a little something called the Royal Shave, which is as old school as you can get. They also retail their own line of natural grooming products called Who's the Man?
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Old-school barbershop Reamir & Co. is committed to the art of cutting hair with scissors and a comb.
A Mighty Brush
In need of a new brush? Try one from FHI HEAT's new professional series, which includes three designs—Paddle, Cushion and Round—each available in small and large. The brushes are infused with the same highly conditioning Nano-Fuzeion technology that FHI Heat uses in its blow-dryers and styling irons. The patented technology seals the hair cuticle and locks in moisture, transforming the simple blow-out into a conditioning treatment, according to Les Haverty, artistic director of FHI Heat. Haverty suggests using the large Cushion brush, seen here, for finishing off a design with holding spray. fhiheat.com
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Au Natural
Rare Natural Care recently launched RARE2B, a new skincare line that is 100-percent vegan and organic. The line consists of four essential products suitable for all skin types: Hydrating Day Cream, Restorative Night Cream, Detox Facial Mask and Body Lotion. Containing certified-organic seaweed, olive oil and passion fruit seed oil to nourish the skin, the paraben-free products are not tested on animals and the ingredients come from fair trade sources in the Amazon and South Australian rain forests. Airline-friendly travel kits are also available. rarenatural.com
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Hard as Nails
Crystalgen Nails' breakthrough formula utilizes nano technology to infuse brittle nails with high-grade soy vegetable protein to make them longer, stronger and harder. Available in both Intensive and Lite strengths, the nail protein contains aloe vera, biotin and vitamin E, but is free of formaldehyde and other harmful preservatives. 800/852-5926
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Good Genes
Inheriting Beauty (powerHouse Books, 2008) is a beguiling collection of photographs of some of the world's most alluring and high-profile society women. In it, international fashion photographer Roger Moenks captures such elegant women as Renee Rockefeller, Amanda Hearst, Vivia Ferragamo, India Hicks and Olivia Chantecaille against the stunning backdrop of their own private residences.
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Something for Everyone
When Jane Carter calls her line of natural haircare products "home grown," she means it. The longtime stylist and salon owner first began formulating products with the goal of developing a line that would suit the many different kinds of hair textures that exist within her own family. Today, the Jane Carter Solution collection consists of 13 products that work on all hair types, regardless of ethnicity or hair texture, and that are natural and effective. The Hair Nourishing Serum, the item that started it all, transforms dry, brittle locks, restoring shine and softness. janecartersolution.com
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NEW YORK MINUTE
Noted trend expert Tom Julian has started his own company, The Tom Julian Group, which combines global vision and strategy to create innovative branding solutions for a variety of clients. This month, he takes a look at the Upper West Side.
Manhattan's Upper West Side is a historic neighborhood with roots dating back to the 1700s. Known for its architectural landmarks and tree-lined residential streets, the community is also a retail destination, especially since the unveiling of the Time Warner Center in 2004. To explore the retail offerings, begin at 59th Street and Columbus Circle and proceed north along Broadway and Columbus Avenue.
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Time Warner Center. More than a mall, this destination combines seven levels of retail with food experiences and more than 40 shops in a 500,000-square-foot space. It houses the head office of CNN, the luxurious hotel accommodations of the Mandarin Oriental, the stylized Jazz at Lincoln Center, the exclusive fitness facility Equinox, and two 80-story towers of deluxe condominiums with breathtaking views of Central Park. Major retailers in The Shops at Columbus Circle include Whole Foods, Williams-Sonoma, Hugo Boss, Cole Haan, A/X Armani Exchange, Sephora, J.Crew, Coach, Eileen Fisher, Face Stockholm and Thomas Pink. The center also hosts such renowned chefs as Thomas Keller at Per Se, Masayoshi Takayama at Masa, Michael Lomonaco at Porter House and Gray Kunz at Café Gray, to name a few. theshopsatcolumbuscircle.com
Barneys CO-OP. The venerable specialty retailer entered this neighborhood in 2004 in a loftlike 6,000-square-foot space, carrying apparel, accessories and footwear, with labels ranging from Marc Jacobs to Juicy Couture. barneys.com
Theory. The Upper West Side location is focused on women's offerings from tailored separates to stylish accessories. theory.com
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Brooks Brothers. This is the store's fourth location in New York City. The 11,000-square-foot shop showcases two levels of classic American apparel for both men and women. brooksbrothers.com
Lululemon Athletica. "Creating components for people to live longer, healthier, more fun lives" is the mantra of this Canadian brand known for its signature stylized "A" logo. Products include an endless assortment of running, cycling and yoga gear. lululemon.com
North Face. An outdoor brand for the whole family, North Face's two-level showcase is located in the historic Ansonia building and is designed to celebrate the outdoor attitude. thenorthface.com
Kiehl's. The old-world apothecary concept blends right into this urbane neighborhood. Skincare and haircare products are displayed in a dynamic, brand-conscious setting. kiehls.com