Trendcetera Magazine

Notes on the First World: Is Advanced Better?

Andrea Toochin — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:13:46 +0000

I started writing this while sitting on a train in the south island of New Zealand, netbook on the table, Howard Zinn issue of The Progressive on my lap, and one coffee cup downed. I sit in this beautiful nation, one that knows enough to protect its part of the earth, pondering if the progress we brag about in the first world is infact superior. Is New Zealand, a nation of roughly 4.1 million people, all of which seem to be Caucasian but for a handful of Asians and Maoris, more progressive, or simply a tiny country that appears a bit like a modern version of Pleasantville?

On the plane, my seatmate Wade said that New Zealand was “almost first world,” and I laughed thinking, what did you think I expected it to be? Of course it’s like America. But it’s not. I, like the spoiled America transitioning from traveling alone to being one of seven, shifting from budget travel to a costlier, higher standard (an American, middle-aged standard), am acting like a spoiled American. I’m really not, but I am in expecting the appliances and technology to be on par with the United States and the United Kingdom. But, the truth is, these technological developments and making these items available to the masses, at affordable prices, is a matter of what we in America call progress and sophistication, The First World. But, here in New Zealand, where most don’t spend their days working long hours or checking email, shopping online, DVRing tele, buying items they can’t afford, they seem to care about the earth, something we are only now beginning to deal with. Our assessment of our damage on planet earth is at an infantile stage, and perhaps, our priorities in America are off, putting technology, luxury lifestyles, and money making above basic issues that are vital to humanity in the long term.

When you travel after coming from America, where luxuries like fast Internet and speedy service, are available to all, the transition to a non-tipping culture is a bit slow. But, New Zealand, which is between second and first world, though closer to the latter, places emphasis on important macro issues, such as social services and environmental measures. In America, the exemplary first world, places a bigger emphasis on service and material offerings. As my dad says, it’s all about interests. The question, in my mind, becomes: can you add widespread internet, dryers to accompany washing machines and longer store hours without sacrificing the love of a simpler life on a treasured earth?

In New Zealand, recycling bins are in towns large and small, the airport screening is not for shoe bombers but for people trying to, knowingly or not, bring food or plant items in that will corrupt the nation that has no snakes or lizards because of their biodiversity security check. See the picture above and you’ll note that the rubbish bin has the word landfill on it. Some chocolate labels have Halal certifications, wine bottles have a picture of a pregnant women with a line through the circle and anywhere liquor is sold (18 is the legal age) they note that anyone that looks under 25 will be carded and no one drunk will be sold liquor.

Most food seems to be packaged by Health Pak, a New Zealand company that makes degradable materials. Beyond the occasional Halal certification, which I rarely, almost never see in the U.S., there are gluten-free options everywhere, despite the heavy carb diet and portions that at times exceed large American plates. New Zealand is also progressive about health initiatives, with television advertisements about depression and clear signs on ciggarette packages at airport Duty Free that say Smoking Kills. Tobacco lobbyists in the U.S. would never let anything stronger than the obligatory warning blurb get to its clients’ packages and sales zones.

But New Zealand is different. They seem well aware of the damage done to the Maori people, but even more so, the damage the early Europeans did by introducing certain species and killing trees to create farm land. In the valley where the Dart River tourism group runs Jet boat and hiking tours, the Department of Conservation recognized that the Maori people originally first mined the mountains for the green rock they value, otherwise known as Jade. The area is now protected by the government and owned by the Maori. When the boat driver bulled the Jet over to show us a piece of jade rock, after passing it around, he put it in back on the ground because the public recognizes it is Maori property. I have yet to see this type of recognition. However, the Australians handled the poaching of resources from the Aborigines the same way the Americans did with the Native Americans. However, the perception of the Maori is that they were better warriors and fought harder to protect their rights and land.

In the March 2010 issue of The Progressive, in a tribute piece to the late Howard Zinn, one quote mentioned sums up the pessimistic one-dimensional view of American foreign policy operations that often dwarf our accomplishments by solidifying our place in the global society as the war nation. “Sooner or later, profound change will come to this nation tired of war, tired of seeing its wealth squandered, while the basic needs of families are not met. These needs are not hard to describe. some are very practical, some are requirements of the soul: health care, work, living wages, a sense of dignity, a feeling of being at one with our fellow human beings on this Earth.”

But now we’ve gone too far and maybe the best we Americans can do is to attempt to save more, travel outside our borders more frequently, consume less, appreciate family and mother earth more, and attempt to transition more big boxes to B Corp.-style operations. Like celebrities, America should use its money and power to create socially-responsible businesses and collaborate near and far, to expore the concept of development for projects ranging from real estate in poor urban areas to infrastructure in the third world. But be this development, it must not be as political measures attempt to make every nation a democratic capitalism country; it must be to help the country continue with development to enable all inhabitants to have access to clean water, electricity, safe food and the basic elements of modern life, such as some kind washing and cooking machines, music players, compact efficient autos and schools.

Leaving New Zealand, the hope I have is that when my computer wallpaper and screensavers are set with my photos of New Zealand, during stressful times, I will use this imagery to recall a time, when after a few days, I was able to detach from the technology and enjoy nature and people. I hope that I will remember a country that is truly concerned about endangered species and the overconsumption of plant life, greenhouse gases, plastic use and its the health and wellbeing of its people.

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Infusion 23 Owner To Buy Pert Plus, Sure

Andrea Toochin — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:05:35 +0000

Helen of Troy estimates they will create annual sales of approximately $65 million after hair care and antiperspirant brands Pert Plus and Sure are acquired by the end of the month. According to CosmeticsDesign, both brands were part of Procter & Gamble before being sold to the Innovative Brands in 2006. The brands will be part of the Idelle Labs unit, which also manages Ogilvie, Vitalis and Infusion 23.

CEO of Helen of Troy, Gerald Rubin, states the acquisition will strengthen the company due to Pert Plus’ development of 2-1 shampoo and conditioner and Sure’s great value. The terms of the deal were not revealed.

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Starwood Reveals Expansion Plans, Fashion Appointment

Andrea Toochin — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:07:04 +0000

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide announced plans to open 50 new hotels in its Europe, Africa and Middle East unit by 2012. The firm just opened the Sheraton Bratislava Hotel and is on track to add 13 more this year. The plans will build upon the existing 240 hotels in 55 nations in EAME. Following Bratislava, the company plans to open a Sheraton each in Batumi and Rhodes, Greece this Spring and the Sheraton Milan Malpensa this summer.

The plans include about $1 billion for a “new pipeline” of Sheraton locations throughout EMEA and enhancements to the existing hotels. Brand-wide enhancements include the Link@Sheraton with Microsoft, which enables guests to browse the Internet and check their emails.

The expansion will also include additional locations for other brands, with W set to open in London, St. Petersburg, Paris, Milan and Amman. Aloft Hotels will open its first European location this year, in Belgium, with Le Méridien to open in Oran, in Africa this year. Sheraton will also expand into Africa, with launches planned for Lagos, Nigeria and Tripoli, Libya. This follows The Luxury Collection’s debut in the Middle East with the conversion of the Grosvenor House Hotel in Dubai. The brand will continue to expand this summer with the impending opening of The Romanos in Greece, where Starwood also plans to open a new Westin resort. St. Regis is also set for expansion, with five new hotels set to open in the Middle East and the Indian Ocean during the next five years, including Mauritius, Cairo, Doha and two in Abu Dhabi.

Sheraton Bratislava Hotel (image courtesy of Starwood)

Starwood also announced that Aloft Hotels is sponsoring “Live in the Vineyard” to help spotlight upcoming artists and bands. In its third year, “Live in the Vineyard” (www.liveinthevineyard.com) was created by Bobbii Hach-Jacobs and Claire Parr. The grassroots music festival held in California’s Napa Valley is set to occur in April, with a lineup that includes Train, Melissa Etheridge, Back Street Boys, Macy Gray, Tonic and Ryan Star. Select Aloft hotels will also host musical performances. Check www.liveatalofthotels.com for details.

Finally, the New York state-based company announced that Amanda Ross was hired as its first ever global fashion director. Ross will be a strategic fashion advisor with a specific focus on W. Ross will help develop industry relationships and find potential partners and collaborators. Ross has worked for Conde Nast and served as market director for Harper’s Bazaar, in addition to serving as a personal stylist.

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Jamba To Add Frozen Desserts

Andrea Toochin — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 05:11:47 +0000

Jamba Juice Company has teamed up with Oregon Ice Cream for the release of a collection of frozen fruit sorbet and yogurt bars that will be available in the freezer section of retail stores in the United States. The bars are made with fruit and contain prebiotic fiber, and will be available in five flavors. Each box has four 2.5 ounce bars and retails for about $3.99.

The Frozen Fruit Sorbet Bars come in Peach Blackberry Smash and Strawberry Lemonade Swirl, and each have 70 calories, vitamin C and no cholesterol. The Jamba Frozen Fruit Sorbet & Yogurt Bars come in Vanilla Strawberry Jubilation, Vanilla Blueberry Pomegranate Perfection and Coconut Pineapple Passion Smashin’ and have 80-90 calories per bar. They also contain four pro-biotic yogurt cultures.

Jamba plans to expand the Jamba brand as part of its strategic BLEND plan, with distribution handled by Oregon Ice Cream under license from Jamba Juice. Call Jamba Juice at 1-866-4R-FRUIT for a complete list of retailers selling the items.

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Duff Inks Book Deal

Aarti Ruparell — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 04:40:40 +0000

Hilary Duff has signed a deal with Simon & Schuster to publish a young adult fiction series. Duff’s first book is expected out in October and entitled Elixir.

courtesy of Image.net

A second book, a non-fiction publication aimed at kids dealing with divorce, is due out in spring 2012. Rob Weisbach Creative Management brokered the deal for Duff, reports License.

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Madonna Inks Clothing Deal

Andrea Toochin — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:09:02 +0000

Madonna and Iconix Brand Group have created a joint venture called MG Icon LLC (MG Icon) that will develop and acquire global consumer brands. Iconix will own half, with the other 50% owned by Madonna and Guy Oseary.

“Our strategy is to introduce brands formed through the joint venture in multiple countries and organically expand worldwide,” said Iconix Brand Group CEO and Chairman Neil Cole.

The deal will allow the JV to use Madonna’s name and personality in conjunction with products, including apparel and footwear. The pop star and children’s book author will also offer creative services tied to the development and promotion of the venture’s brands and opportunities. MG Icon will soon reveal a Macy’s direct-to-retail agreement.

As part of the joint announcement, Madonna added: ”Joining forces with Iconix to bring my fashion ideas to consumers is very exciting for me. I look forward to working closely with Neil and his team to create and translate my vision and ideas for MG Icon.”

Iconix owns, licenses and markets a portfolio of brands that includes Candie’s, Badgley Mischka, London Fog, Mossimo, Roca Wear, Ecko and Danskin.

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Aniston To Launch Fragrance

Andrea Toochin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:52:25 +0000

Rumors have surfaced that Jennifer Aniston is planning to launch a fragrance with Falic Group, the company producing Eva Longoria Parker’s scent, according to WWD. The Hollywood actress who just celebrated her birthday in Mexico is also part of an upcoming romantic comedy.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Montblanc

According to TransWorldNews, she is also part of the cast of Just Go With It, a romantic comedy with Sports Illustrated cover model Brooklyn Decker, Adam Sandler and Nicole Kidman. Aniston plays a single mother who agrees to pretend to be Sandler’s character’s soon-to-be ex-wife, to lure Decker’s character, his real love interest. It is set for release Valentine’s Day 2011.

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El Paseo Marks Fifth Annual Fashion Week

Aarti Ruparell — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:51:16 +0000

Fashion Week El Paseo is celebrating its fifth annual fashion week with a twist, featuring Fashion, Food and Wine. The week long event in the SoCal area will run from March 22-28, with over 50 merchants participating this year. Events will include trunk shows, fashion seminars, hors d’oeuvres, and refreshments including ultra premium champagnes.

Click here for full event listings

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New Zealand Part One: Auckland

Andrea Toochin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:42:38 +0000

Auckland is as you might expect the largest city in an island nation sandwiched between the South Pacific islands and Australia. With about 1.3 million, out of about four million for the entire country, Auckland is what I expected: a bit laid back, a bit isolated, somewhat homogenous, and overall, clean, pretty and pleasant.

On the plane, a native told me about the country, the Maori history and slang. I learned how to start to differentiate Australian and Kiwi accents, what the natural resources (natural gas, sheep, meat, dairy) are and how many Kiwis think. After a few days, I started to wonder if New Zealand might be the city version of the utopia that many cults and kibbutz owners have attempted.

Port View From Sky Tower

Wade, a 24-year-old flight instructor and native of the Auckland area, born to a Kiwi dad and an American mum, the latter of which fits the “went to New Zealand once and never left” bill, told me about his country while we shared three seats on a Qantas flight from LAX. When I asked about Maori, naturally attempting to liken it to the Native Americas in The States and the Aborigines in Australia, he said, you’re interested, huh? They are treated quite well, he said. Apparently, in the beginning, the sale of the Kiwi nation to the Brits was quite similar to the sale of New York by the Native Americans: the natives didn’t quite realize they were being screwed. But, while most Native Americans are isolated on reservations in America, by choice or not, the Maori people, though definitely a minority now (10-16% of the population), seem to be more intregated than the natives are in most nations.

I thought Wade’s thoughts on the matter were quite honest and fairly mature for a 24-year-old. Do I want a third of my tax money to go to welfare, most of which goes to the Maori? No, but sometimes people need help and so you help them. He also noted that the government has awarded a number of settlements to the descendents of the natives, more than I can say for the blacks in America that have family roots that go back to slavery.

Viaduct Quay Sky Tower

In any case, Auckland seemed quite homogenous. I viewed the diversity there, or lack thereof, as consisting of three major groups: white blonds, Maori and East Asians. Although I should admit that any city might seem pretty homogenous after six years in New York. In Auckland, most of the Asian community appears to be South Korean and Chinese, but there is also an Indian population. I was shocked to see how many of the women were blond, natural or not. It made me feel exotic and not for having nappy hair alone!

The trends around Auckland seem to be big tattoos for men, hot pants for women (AKA short shorts), coffee shops, and very little smoking. The women are a bit thick in the legs, which was a nice surpise, and given the popularity of hot pants, showing the cleavage was met with surprise and content on the part of the men.

In addition to style trends, some top-down aims from the government include anti-smoking campaigns, social issues and environmental initiatives, thought despite widespread recycling, some folks say there is a problem with greenhouse gases from cows and spraying of 1080 to fight disease spread by possums. In addition to news that the government wants to work on a national campaign to get everyone off cancer sticks, I saw two television ads, both from government agencies, not NGOs, warning about depression and not to shake babies.

Cafe Culture: try a flat white

Of course, with a calm environment and a small nation, one whose entire population is half that of the five boroughs of NYC, comes fewer choices. I stayed at the All Seasons Auckland, a nice basic hotel that cost just NZ$158 for two nights, near Queen Street in CBD (Central Business District), and could find only one nail place, located near the Quay. I also learned that most shops close by 6 p.m. and Internet access is very rarely free. In addition, I observed that the coffee shop culture mirrors Europe. The massive cup of Joe is an American invention, created out of the demand to stay awake for the work hours and face time we endure, in a culture hell bent on fulfilling our desire for more, more, more. Also, here we Americans are treated because coffee means cappuccino and it is made with whole milk, unless you ask for trim. If you see filtered coffee on the menu, then you have the option for the standard American Joe.

Since the culture here is completely different, people sip cappucinos, because they can. I didn’t dare ask for skim milk. I appreciated the flat white, which was delicious with whole milk, and as a light lunch, a savory muffin made with spinach and feta. One similarity with the American culture though, are the portions. the muffins here are huge, like they are in America, and the dishes are quite large too.

College Culture

There are two schools: UAT and University of Auckland (pictured above). Both have nearby parks, one of which, Alfred Park, was the host of an all-day concert on Sunday sponsored by a radio station. It was a utopian moment, where the vibe was one-part Brooklyn, one-part San Francisco, and one part music festival. It was also the first place I saw any gays or blacks. In my two days in Auckland, I think I saw nine black people. I began counting because coming from NYC, I was shocked to see that almost everyone woman was blond and the only minorities were Asians.

But, no one seemed to notice color. It could be because it seems very live and let live, but it could also be a naivety factor. Take my plane mate, Wade. His mum is American but he has only been there a few times. When my religion came up, he asked if my parents had both American and Israeli citizenship. I had to explain that not all Jews are Isreali, in fact, I don’t think Israel was a country when my dad was born. But it wasn’t a discriminatory tone, it was merely not knowing. By the same token, the tourists in this part of the world take on different roles.

For once, I didn’t have to try hard not to appear like the ugly American. Though I never act like that, when you’re in Europe, they are always looking out for tall denim-clad youngsters on the piss (Kiwi for drinking). Here, the British are, likely usual, the big drinkers, and Aussies are the loud, sometimes obnoxious ones. That leaves the few Americans to just blend in, and we are glad to do so. Plus, we are rarely the most portly of the bunch! But, all tourists unite in observing the beautiful landscapes and the many offerings, such as wine country.

The Islands

There are a handful of islands accessible by ferries from the Viaduct-Quay area, including the one I visited, Waiheke, for wine tasting and beach time. I opted for the ferry ticket and not the package because NZ$115 seemed a bit much for a three-vineyard tour, without lunch. If you can get the 11 a.m. tour, the tour is a decent option, as it includes visits to three vineyards, one olive planation, and a light lunch, for NZ$112. I took the local bus, which only runs once an hour. The fare is by destination but NZ$8 will get you an unlimited day pass. I took it from the ferry to Onetangi and hit a few vineyards that were side by side and then took the return bus back via Palm Beach, to get another view of the island.

Sarasota vineyard on Waiheke island

Two days after leaving NYC and Los Angeles, the arrival on an island that has natural scenery that mirrors Napa, with mountains, with a Carribbean vibe, feels about as close to paradise as you can get. And I did this solo, so imagine how great it’d be doing this with your family or partner. The reminder of the beauty of nature, the product of the vine and the sun at the end of summer are a combination for bliss. With my own reality hours and many time zones far away, all I could do was bask in the sun and give thanks to what Mother Nature blessed us with. And that’s why I ended up spending most of my time at Sarasota Vineyard. Despite lofty goals, after visiting Wild on Waiheke, a beautiful spot where they make both beer and wine, I headed around the corner to Sarasota. The tasting fee was just NZ$6 for four tastings, which can be a combination of beer and wine. Up the hill and around the bend is Sarasota. Just when you think they are closed, you keep walking and there the view is. Once you get the tasting glasses and place your bottom on the picnic table, rolling hills in front of you, sun shining, time passes. It proves that as beautiful as people promise you this country is, it will not dissapoint.

On the ferry back to the city, there’s a great view sitting on the rear of the boat, but nostalgia sets in. You know that it’s not reality and like your slow transaction back to Auckland, you’ll eventually have a slow transition, at about 30,000 feet, back to America and your reality.

Viaduct Quay in Auckland

But, this transition is naturally much easier, for Auckland is a beautiful manageable city. I think what makes it so appealing is the architecture. It’s a rare city that has the design talent to not just harmoniously blend historical and new buildings and city structures, but to build in such a way that they complement each other. I don’t take a lot of pictures anywhere, but I couldn’t stop snapping here. There’s something about the combination of being so far from your reality and being in this beautiful country, where life is a bit simpler and the earth isn’t taken for granted, that makes you relax immediately. After just three days, I think I’m in love.

NOTES:

Internet is more Euro style than American. There is almost no free wireless and most access is still at Internet cafes. The Sky Tower is a usual tourist attraction, but great because it gives you good view of the city, the islands and the piers. You can take a taxi from the Airport to CBD for about NZ6-70, but there are also vans and a bus, which stops all along Queen Street and costs just NZ$16. Extra time must be allowed if you don’t take a taxi, but it will be a lot cheaper. The city is about 40 minutes from the airport, where you can also take budget airlines (for domestic travel) such as Virgin’s Pacific Blue and Qantas’s Jet for a cheaper alternative to Air New Zealand.

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Kate Spade To Launch Home Line

Andrea Toochin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:51:38 +0000

Kate Spade has teamed up with CHF Industries to create the Kate Spade New York Home Collection, which will launch in Fall 2010. The collection will include sheets, duvets, shams, bedding and bath accessories, bath towels and rugs, according to License. They will be sold at high-end department stores and home retailers. CHF Industries licenses collections from household names, including Donna Karan, Roxy, Quiksilver, and Daisy Fuentes.

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