Hello, Darlings!
I didn’t fly to San Francisco last night specifically for this latte, but it certainly would have been reason enough. The Bay Area has been at the forefront of a coffee renaissance for the past few years, and I just love any excuse to experience this rich, boutique-gone-global culture that exists only here. As I write this letter at the famous Blue Bottle Coffee, my love for coffee—and San Fran—is reaching new, caffeinated heights.
This coming week on AHAlife, we’re going down under with a fashion pre-fall roundup spotlighting some of our favorite Aussie rising stars. We’ll also be introducing new pieces from Bijules by Jules Kim, whose aesthetic I admire tremendously—her subversive pieces are truly redefining jewelry. We’ll round out the week by showcasing the winner and six runners up of our #UpgradeYourLife Instagram competition in July, as selected by my dear friend and advisor Gilles Bensimon.
From fashion luminaries to photography legends to a smiling, artsy barista, soak up the talent that surrounds you!
Warmly,
Shauna Mei
Hello, Darlings!
Inhale, exhale. I’ve had a summer of nonstop travel to LA, Las Vegas, Moscow, Munich and Berlin, where my days were filled with speaking on panels, discovering brilliant new designers, and even visiting the studio of artist Olafur Eliasson, the visionary creator of the New York City Waterfalls. I’ve finally returned to New York for some R&R, but those of you who know me also know—other than during my (seven years and going strong) monthly ritual facial at Mario Badescu—I’m never really resting.
This coming week, I’m particularly excited to introduce to you Brachfeld Parlaghy, a genius handbag designer whose inspiration ranges from tribalism to sci-fi, urbanity, medieval history and bondage. Her execution in design is flawless; I’ve seen a lot of ostrich leather, but this is some of the world’s most distinctive. If a home revamp is what you’re after, we’ve got exquisite wallpaper and pillows this week to breathe new beauty into your living space. Also, stay tuned for a tiny tech accessory to upgrade your sex life and take your USB port to new heights. Pleasures of all kinds, coming your way. It is my pleasure.
Enjoy what’s left of summer, and I leave you with one of my favorite quotes: “Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before.” Mae West
Warmly,
Shauna Mei
Even during NYC’s first major summer heat wave, our founder still manages to keep it cool. With bright color-block Balenciaga heels and over-sized Celine sunglasses, Shauna Mei’s potentially casual, summer picnic look becomes ultra CEO-chic.
Shauna’s also sporting a golden bracelet and ring from AHAlife’s latest discovery - two edgy, perfectly French designer lines of jewelry. Get the scoop from Shauna herself in our Viddy.
Dress - Development by Erica Davies
Shoes - Balenciaga
Sunglasses - Celine
La Ruche Twist Cuff - Noot (Available at AHAlife)
Vlady Rabit Gold Ring - Charlotte Martyr (Available at AHAlife)
Last night Shauna and FirstMark Capital’s Lawrence Lenihan were among the hosts for President Obama’s Fundraiser at abc Carpet & Home. The event, chaired in part by AHAlife curator Deepak Chopra, was buzzing with leaders from the tech, political and New York financial sectors. A highlight for Shauna? “Great conversation with Arianna Huffington and Ray Chambers.”
Quest Magazine stopped by yesterday for a piece they’re doing on AHAlife, to be published this winter.
New York Fashion Week is drawing to a close, and though we’ll all appreciate a little more sleep, we will miss the glamour. Case in point: yesterday Shauna attended the Marchesa presentation, so beautiful and exquisitely crafted that “it gave me goosebumps,” she said. The collection was inspired by bridal wear and featured extraordinary couture handiwork.
We celebrated the presentation later with many AHAlife Curators, including Petra Nemcova and Evilasio Miranda.
After a very white winter, we shouldn’t have been shocked to see more snow this morning…but we were! Sixteen inches of fresh snow cocooned the city. Check out Bowery and Bond Street, above.
Shauna rocked her fab puffer boots from AHAlife neighbor United Nude, but she won’t be needing them the next 5 days! Tonight she’s boarding a plan to Sao Paolo to check out Brazil Fashion Week. Stay tuned for her discoveries and updates from Brazil’s booming fashion capital.
It was so cold the morning that Glamour Magazine came to the AHAlife loft that the tips of Shauna’s hair froze. The shoot with photographer Brian Finke was super fun. Here’s Shauna getting glammed. Be sure to check out the feature story on page 216 in the March 2011 issue!
