Fashion Seen

What makes a rock star really rock? Is it an iconic branding of music and style? Or is it simply that indefinable something that very few achieve? I set out to find the answers to these questions and more by chatting with (Little) Steven Van Zandt. You may remember him from the “Soprano’s” as Silvio Dante or most likely as a longtime member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. You might also know him as the host of “Underground Garage” a throwback satellite radio show, full of hipster attitude and reminiscent of the “Wolfman Jack” school of DJ-driven cool.  …

Scene/Milieu Last day for me, ending the eight days that were Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2011. I have seen 31 shows and presentations, met writers and bloggers from all around the country, seen good, bad and indifferent behavior in the venues from journalists and attendees alike, and filled my mind with ideas and trends to bring back to little old Milwaukee. Mayor Bloomberg stated that $770 million in revenue was brought into the city by the fashion fete. This leads me to question why our city, with its talented fashion designers, boutiques and models, can’t seem to pull together a…

Scene/Milieu Deciding to be a little funkier, I wore a punk rock tank top, black skinny jeans and black patent PF Flyers. I topped it off my with my newly acquired lilac cotton/ knit Italian bomber jacket and square white Proenza Schouler sunglasses. Upon entering the lobby at MBFW, I was immediately asked for a picture by some photojournalists and by my friend Katie from Getty Images. A few feet further, a TV crew approached me for my opinion on the week’s festivities and fashion so far. Afterward, at my first show, I couldn’t help but wonder how I got…

Scene/Milieu Awakening to a beautiful morning, I took the opportunity to walk to my facial appointment on the Upper East Side of Manhattan at the Ajune Spa (www.ajune.com). Located on Third Avenue between 74th and 75th streets this urban oasis was just the thing I needed to get my mojo back from the beating it’s taken this week. The extremely professional and soft-spoken Joanna worked my pores over with her gentle yet firm touch. Upon her recommendations, she provided me with extractions, glycolic, massage and a collagen mask. Heaven on earth, for those of you who don’t know the bliss…

Scene/Milieu Early to rise, I got my act together and took it to Lincoln Center via Central Park. My hotel is only a few blocks away, and it was just grand to see people and the city awakening and going about morning routines. On my approach to LC, I was struck by how calm the scene there was compared to Bryant Park. Once inside, the impressive set up had me realizing that Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week had truly entered the “wired” age. I scanned my invitation at one of four kiosks in the enormous modern lobby, and it spat out a…

I met Erica Schmaelzle Zdroik, when she volunteered as a backstage dresser at a charity fashion show I produce and host. Unbeknown to me, she bid on a silent auction item I donated, which stated, “Spend an afternoon with Bjorn Nasett, Fashion Writer/Blogger and style consultant. Set a date to shop and get input on fashion and trends.” After the show was over, she let me know that she had placed the winning bid. Frankly, I was relieved that she was the one who I would be working with on this fashion lesson. She exemplifies the young professional woman who…

I have been involved in the salon industry for more than 25 years, and one thing remains the same year in and year out. And that is client complaints about service and/or treatment from stylists and salons. Just like any other service job, we are there to serve the customer. The big difference here though is we’re dealing with ego, id, call it what you like, but call it a lot more difficult than saying, “Can I get you something from the bar before you order?” Mind you, I am not knocking servers, but, then again, they’re not in the…

The search for the perfect hairstyle has been an ongoing quest since the dawn of mankind’s ego. Hairstyles and fashion go hand in hand. They are what I would call complementary. One is not great without the other. For example, while in NYC during fashion week a few seasons ago, I attended a rooftop show that was terribly swanky. In attendance were Upper East Side matrons and Park Avenue ladies who lunch. In the elevator on the way up to the roof, I noticed a sharply dressed woman sporting a fabulously tailored pantsuit and absolutely top-notch accessories, including the latest…

The Dog Days of Summer are thought to be the period when we have the most torrid, unbearable, scorching weather. The star Sirius is referred to as the “Dog Star,” like Keanu Reeves’ former band, and it was also believed to be responsible for the aforementioned hot weather. (The star, not the band, sorry.) So I would venture to say that according to the stars, we are now experiencing the most horrific examples of perfectly rational people abandoning not only the rules of style but also good taste, when it comes to beating the fashion heat. I mean seriously, aren’t…

Gallery Night takes place all over the city, and with it art lovers come to mix, mingle and appreciate the creative process. There is one neighborhood, in particular, that seems to take the bi-monthly event as more of a street party and neighborhood social gathering: Riverwest. Bordered by North Avenue, Holton Street to the west, Capitol Drive and Humboldt to the east, the area has been a haven and home to countless artists over the years due to its cheaper rents and diverse urban population. This diversity is what drives a lot of the art and fashion too. Initially thought…