Q&A: Julien Farel's US Open "Style Suite"
August 24, 2012
Julien Farel is the man on the US Open sidelines making everyone look good—literally. This will be Farel and his eponymous salon’s sixth year courtside as the official stylist of the US Open, providing makeovers for players, coaches, celebrities, and journalists alike in his “Style Suite.” Here’s more on what fans can expect from Farel this year at the 2012 Open.
Are you excited for your sixth year at the US Open?
JULIEN FAREL: Yeah it’s always great—it’s tiring—but it’s a great competition. For me, coming from a very small, very tiny little village in France, it was unbelievable to feel like I could suddenly reach that level in my career. To be able to take care of all of the players and VIPs and have a pop-up salon at the US Open, it’s a big deal.
What styles can we expect from you this year?
JF: I am a big fan of bangs—I think they’re a [great] way to make somebody look pretty. No matter what kind of face shape you have, it’s something that will help you correct the imperfections. We will [also] probably have a side braid this year, especially starting from the front to make sure that the hair doesn’t fly away, even if it’s frizzy from the humidity.
Is it true your Julien Farel hair product line will also be used in the “Style Suite”?
JF: Yes, absolutely. It’s an anti-aging hair care line, and all of the styling products are also anti-UVA.
How many customers come to your “Style Suite” during the course of the US Open?
JF: A lot. There are almost 500 players, so during those two weeks we usually do 30-40 services a day, or more I would say. Usually it’s about 15 per technician. And we have three technicians there plus two for manicures/pedicures.
Speaking of pedicures, you’ve just added Bastien Gonzalez to your team.
JF: Exactly! He is a friend of mine, and we have decided to join forces. He really wanted to do it, and I said why not? He’s a wonderful person, and is as passionate with feet and nails as I am with hair. So I thought that would be a good match.
Is there anything else you’d like for our Hamptons readers to know?
JF: You should come to the US Open and see our salon! We’re just happy to serve people and create something custom for them. I don’t take anything for granted, and no matter who you are—if you’re a VIP, a celebrated tennis player, or a client—and you can come see me, or see us, it should be an experience. And you should leave with the thought that it was worth it. That’s my main thing.
The Julien Farel “Style Suite” will be open to players, VIP guests, as well as press from Saturday August 25 through Sunday September 9, 2012. For more information, visit julienfarel.com.
—MEGAN WILLETT
East End Trends: Season-Ending Sweaters
August 23, 2012
Hamptons dwellers are bidding the beach goodbye and gearing up for end-of-the-season fêtes. A warm pullover is just the ticket for when the temperature drops from hot and humid to cool and crisp at nighttime soirees (and soon, for good). Below are some sweater finds that are as cozy as they are chic.
Spoil yourself and slip into a 100% cashmere pullover after your last day at the beach. The relaxed fit and side slits are all-Hamptons, while the contrasting colors are right on trend for the fall season.
'Gisbelle' Striped Raglan, Christopher Fischer ($345). 67 Main St., East Hampton, 907-0900
A neon sweater is just the thing to keep you out of a cold weather slump. The poppy hue makes your Hamptons summer tan stand out, while this textured knit keeps you snug.
Lina Pineapple Sweater, Acne ($270). stevenalan.com
Wrap yourself in this shawl collar cardigan to keep warm and toasty. The nautical colors recall warmer days, while the waffle knit feels as soft as a blanket.
Line the Block Manon Sweater, Line Cashmere ($250). blueandcream.com
This color-blocked sweater will remind you of sunsets at the beach all through fall. Plus the slouchy fit looks perfect whether paired with shorts, jeans, or work slacks.
Tri-Colour Jumper, Mason by Michelle Mason ($228). SINGER22, 50 Jobs Lane, Southampton
Crochet and fringe were some of the summer’s biggest trends, so pay them homage by throwing on a handknit sweater. Wear it as a swimsuit cover up, or with your favorite jeans.
Priscilla Hand Stitch Sweater, CALYPSO St. Barth ($395). 24 Jobs Lane, Southampton, 283-4321
The only thing better than a laid-back sweatshirt is an Italian cashmere hoodie. Just throw on over a t-shirt and jeans, and you’re ready for whatever Mother Nature has in store.
Cashmere Henley Hoodie, J.Crew ($298). jcrew.com
For the guys, a classic mock neck cardigan is easy to throw on over any outfit as the season winds down. The darker color allows for an easy transition into September, too.
Hadley Cardigan, Steven Alan ($265). 73 East Main St., East Hampton, 604-1726
—MEGAN WILLETT
Q&A With: Christina Savescu of Salon Bar
August 22, 2012
With all the parties—and the ensuing pictures—it’s essential to have glowing, radiant skin out East. That’s why we rejoiced a few weeks ago, when beauty industry veteran Christina Savescu opened Salon Bar to offer up indulgences like 24-karat gold eye treatments, 24-karat gold facial collagen masks, and wine and chocolate body wraps.
In addition to facials and body treatments the spa/salon lists Botox, fillers, lasers, microdermabrasion, and other anti-aging treatments on its menu, performed by Savescu’s husband, Dr. Napoleon Savescu. Manicures, pedicures, makeup application, blowouts, and more are also available. We got the scoop from Savescu on her unique treatments, DIY recipes, and more.
Tell us about some of your signature treatments and what makes them unique.
CHRISTINA SAVESCU: Two examples of our signature treatments are the 24-karat gold collagen facial and the 24-karat gold eye treatments. What makes the facial unique is that it combines the classic facial with the calcium masque and a collagen and mineral mask made with real 24-karat gold flakes that plumps, tightens, and lifts the skin, helping to diminish signs of aging. This advanced facial increases hydration, balances the skin’s pH levels, and restores the skin’s elasticity.
The 24-karat gold eye treatments are relaxing massages around the eye area that stimulate blood flow and oxygen, and eliminate puffiness and discoloration. A serum and 24-karat gold eye masque, made with real 24-karat gold flakes, following the massage revitalizes and protects the skin from premature aging.
You have some treatments tailored to men. Are you finding that more men are getting into spas?
CS: I think the reason more and more men are turning toward spas is because they want a place to relax and enjoy services that make them look and feel good.
Can you give us a recipe for a DIY scrub?
CS: My favorite recipe:
• ½ cup oil – use sweet almond, grapeseed, or another light, massage-only oil.
• 1 cup of Baleine sea salt – don't use simple iodized table salt, it’s too harsh. If you have sensitive skin, you can substitute sugar.
• 5-15 drops high-quality essential oils. The essential oil you choose for your salt scrub depends on the result you want. Lavender is relaxing, lemongrass is refreshing, rosemary is stimulating, etc.
Put the salt (or sugar) in a small bowl. Add the oil and mix well with a spoon or wooden stick. The texture should be moist enough to hold together, but not overly oily. You can adjust the amount of oil to achieve that texture. Gently tap in the drops of essential oil and mix well. You can customize your recipe using different essential oils. You can use a body buffer and apply the mixture and scrub away.
What do you consider to be essential for maintaining healthy skin?
CS: Facials, body scrubs, massages, and using sunscreen daily. Needless to say, the proper amount of sleep, diet, and exercise will help slow the process of aging and will keep the skin looking healthy longer.
Do you have tips for extending the post-massage zen feeling?
CS: I tell my clients to relax in a bath, light a few candles, and meditate. Winding down for an extended period of time will continue to extend the zen period—just don’t forget to turn off your cell phone. 66 Newtown Lane, Ste. 10, East Hampton, 604-5500
—SHARON FEIEREISEN
Kellan Lutz Adds Star Appeal to Scoop Beach's Abbot + Main
August 22, 2012
Denim brand Dylan George founder Danny Guez partnered with Twilight actor Kellan Lutz last year to launch sister brand Abbot + Main. This summer the ready-to-wear men’s line will be sold in the Hamptons, exclusively at Scoop Beach, with a new collection featuring ultrasoft sweaters and T-shirts that are perfect for postbeach on late-summer days on the East End.
“Abbot + Main’s knitwear are essentials,” says Lutz, who’s also the face of the brand’s Fall 2012 ad campaign. “They feel great on the body and are built for every shape.” Key pieces from the line include button-down henleys, which Lutz has even worn on the red carpet. With the upcoming campaign styled with Abbot + Main tops and Dylan George denim, Lutz and supermodel Kate Upton—who helped debut the brand’s first foray into womenswear—appear ready for an incredibly sexy day lounging at Cooper’s Beach. Scoop Beach, 51 Newtown Lane, East Hampton, 329-6800
2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Redefines Luxury SUVs
August 21, 2012
When we were invited to join Mercedes-Benz on a recent vehicle launch program, I was given the assignment and immediately let my imagination run wild with the possibilities of testing and reviewing a super-luxurious vehicle from the German lineup. I envisioned a sleek autobahn killer such as their SL550 Roadster. Then I discovered the invitation was for the international launch of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV. Was I disappointed? Not in the least. Practically speaking, a luxury SUV with a third row was ideally suited for me. Who better to evaluate such a vehicle than the father of five kids involved in soccer, football, karate, gymnastics, and trumpet lessons?
The GL-Class comes in four levels including: the GL350 BlueTEC 4MATIC with its 3.0-liter single turbo diesel V6 producing a solid 240 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque; the GL450 with a 4.6-liter biturbo gasoline V8 capable of 362 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque; a GL550 with its direct-injection 4.6-liter biturbo V8 cranking out an impressive 429 horsepower along with 516 pound-feet of torque; and the GL63 AMG with its beastly direct-injection 5.5-liter biturbo V8 that pumps out 550 beastly horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque—all of which will undoubtedly take care of getting the kids to practice and rehearsals in record-setting time.
But most intriguing of all was the GL’s third row seating. Yes, the famed "third" row seating that other manufacturers tout but fall short on. Was the GL's third row actually usable and, dare I say, comfortable? To answer this, I subjected myself to the third row in a GL350 while our driver hurriedly shuttled me to the airport—a drive filled with sudden braking, responsive acceleration, evasive highway maneuvers, and above-average speeds. Throughout this adventure, I experienced an unexpected level of comfort in the third row. The ride was so smooth that I failed to realize the actual speeds at which we were traveling. This was a true testament to the GL350’s performance and the very comfortable and enjoyable GL-Class third row.
The GL-Class does, however, suffer from what I would refer to as “multiple personality disorder.” The chiseled, aggressive front facade is bold, sporty, and athletic, while the flowing lines of the side profile comes across as sophisticated and modern. Its design will appeal to those sporty moms and dads who still want to ride in style for a date-night out on the town.
Out of the three GL categories experienced, I was most impressed with the GL350. The GL450 and GL550 are also absolutely solid performers, but often with an entry-level vehicle, you feel as through you're sacrificing or settling. This is absolutely not true with the GL350, especially when you factor in standard features such as the ATTENTION ASSIST, created to alert the driver and prepare the brakes for maximum stopping power, and mbrace2, which provides an array of vehicle diagnostics and concierge services. And with the estimated 600-700 mile range from the 26-gallon fuel tank, you may start to walk with a certain swagger thanks to the fuel saving provided by the smooth and uncharacteristically quiet diesel.
Additionally, there are a host of attractive features, such as the panorama sunroof, massaging driver and passenger seats, power outlets for your road-trip devices, optional electronic folding rear seats, Active Parking Assist, and Active Blind Spot Assist.
The 2013 GL-Class goes on sale this September, with the GL350 hitting showrooms with a beginning MSRP of $62,400, while the GL450 starts at $63,900, and the GL550 comes in with a starting sticker of $86,900. The wicked GL63 AMG version will become available during the first quarter of 2013 with pricing not yet available.
—LEON BRITTAIN, automotiverhythms.com
