Oscar 2009: Footwear from Bally to Vanity Fair at New ANdAZ Hotel

By Karen Osltund

Footwear in style at Oscar suites

HOLLYWOOD , CA (Hollywood Today) February 21st 2009Economy may not be as good as last year but certain trendsetters in the pre-Oscar gifting suites remains-and one of them is footwear.
Vanity Fair and Ballys footwear put on a lavish opening bash for West Hollywoods’ newly styled hotel ANdAZ hotel (their spelling) yesterday, part of the pre Oscar activities and launch of this fresh hotspot from the Hyatt chain.
The evening was benefitting Art of Elysium and called a “game night Hollywood Style with Kate Bosworth “. The game was Domino.
Well-known faces like Demi Moore and her husband Achton Kutcher showed up at the Domino tables to play and show their support.
West Hollywood Andaz is best known as Hyatt on Sunset a few weeks earlier and is its hipster line of hotels rather than its more “business-y line.” New Andaz hotels are set for New York and Austin, Texas soon.

An entire wall of the hotels’ penthouse suite rooftop is decorated with old ads and Vanity Fair covers of Ballys shoes althrough the years.

Every gifting suite in West Hollywoods’ pre-Oscar frenzy had a new sandal, sneaker or couture shoe to present to the fashion world.

One of them was MBT-the anti shoe. The stylist’s his anti shoe is pro-body with rounded sole and is the first footwear that allows you walk and stand on hard `flat surfaces while recreating the effects of walking barefoot on soft uneven ground. It is promised to activate core muscles and improve circulation,posture and balance.
The sole is called the Shank PU Midsole while balancing area and Masai sensor.

La Chica Chic Brazilian couture shoe was displayed at the Secretroom gifting suite at SLS hotel.It is part of founder and designer Christine Valdez shoe,jewerly and handbag collection.
It is a both elegant and casual shoeline made from organic leather,suede,recycled materials infused with semi precious gemstone and South American crystals.

The same suite presented a new kind of plateau flip-flop called Zuzatz with inter- changeables uppers all combined with beautiful bottom design.

The uppers come in all color and shape, from metallic to gemstones and glossy plastic.
Zuzatz team explain:
“You can the change the look of your shoes in seconds and no more need to carry with you multiple sandals to fit your dress when you travel”.This shoe is more expensive than a regular beach sandal with its prize right below fifty dollars, but it is worth it” the Zuzatz promoters convinced me.

Jandashoes celebrated 27 years in business by showing their three popular lines: Athena Alexander, Callista and Lia Bi Jou at the GBK suites, also located at SLS Hotel.
The company is originally based in Greece but manufacturer now in Southern California.
Their three lines are hand-stitched and the styles are open strap sandals, “gladiator” shoes and wedges.

Gibson guitar showroom is a newcomer of gifting suites this Oscar but not in promoting shoes.
Vlado urban footwear presented Spectro unisex glossy sneakers in twelve eye catching colors.

Among the new authors was Bridgett Artise with her book”Born Again Vintage.” She said “It took me one and a half year to write this book and it can also be used as a dictionary how to dress, such as vintage combo dress from the 50’s or how to sew a halterdress.”

A Vintage Outfitter state by state directory can be found in the back of the book.

Glass artwork in form of buckets and necklaces, bracelets, earrings are very popular for the moment after Smartglass success on the catwalk at LA Fashion week last season.
Nourot Glass Studio expanded their collection to glass paperweight,vases and plates in imaginary colors.
Calypso Studios manufacture very affordable handmade eco jewerly in coconut casings,kaolin clay,glass and bamboo.They also make refusable shoppingbags in matching colors.
Designer Toni Chirico from “She is Crafty Design” presented a new belt bucket in form of glass artwork in popcolors and she has also intention to expand her glassline of jewerly and keyrings.

Race cardriver Barbara Conner was present at GBK Suites and she has created a new line of pearl jewerly from freshwater, South Sea and
Tahitian pearls. The line is simple and combines leather, sterling silver charm with spiritual
medals.
Two new cosmetic companies that promise you a lot with an instant result was the
Athena 7 Minutes Facelift and Lifecell by South Beach Skincare. Athena 7 minutes promise you a reduction of lines and facial wrinkles of 83.7 % in only seven minutes, though decide for yourself if years can be washed away in minutes, but the company believes so.
The product is an old beauty secret of the Greek Isles and the power comes from twelve organic essential oils.
Lifecell representative explain: “Our product contains fractionated silicon dioxide and it works instantly but the effect will last until you wash your face. The product AH3 ingredient has the same effect as botox to a certain extent, says their researchers.

Though it sounds like a dessert more than a skin product, Thom Fleming and Eminence handmade organic bodyscrub from Hungary was letting people try this years’ most unique bodyscrub taste-such as rambosorbet, lemon souffle, mimosa champagne and blueberry soy.
Thom Fleming is best known as the products best-known in top hotel chains like yjr Four Seasons, but now also sold over the internet.
Emminence from Vancouver ,Canada won American SPA 2007 prize for best professional choice award and they celebrate 51 years in business.
The 2009 Oscar suites most surprising product was a new sex toy that promise you a better sexlife.
“Toy of the year” says program leader Sue Johansen from “Talk Sex.” It is a clitoral and g-spot vibrator to be worn while you make love.
The product won the Venus Berlin prize in 2009 as the most Innovated product.