Robert Black's vintage dress published in Bellomag.com. *See more credits

When locals think of fashion and beauty, the most notable name that comes to mind is Robert Black. Starting his career as a model and talent agent in the 80’s, Robert’s name is synonymous with fashion and the most beautiful faces in Phoenix.

Coming soon, Robert is taking his decades-long fashion & beauty career to its newest phase with the opening of the vintage boutique, “FASHION”. The store is a collaboration with his friend and vintage shopping partner, Doreen Picerne, to bring unique vintage pieces to the collector and the local fashion lover alike. Black said, “We have shopped the world to find unique pieces, retained private collections and have done private acquisitions so that we can present everything from great day wear to ball gowns. Nothing will be repeated – no two alike.” FASHION plans to open early October in the historic Old Town Scottsdale building, “The White Hogan”, owned by Doreen and her husband David. The building with its historic roots in the city so fashionably fond of Robert seems like the perfect location for the new shop.

Robert Black's vintage dress. *See more credits

More vintage by Robert Black. *See more credits

FASHION will also house the private label line “Adore by Doreen.” Adore was born out of Doreen’s ability to meld the modern and vintage, by reconstructing and/or modernizing vintage pieces that do not have an identity by designer and make it a fresh, ready-to-wear piece. Lastly, Robert and Doreen intend to offer monthly presentations of their personal collections, giving us a glimpse inside their enviable closets.

As mentioned before, Robert Black has been a fashion fixture in the Valley for more than 26 years.  His career in the local modeling and talent business began when Marcia Fine, a newly established agent, asked him to speak to her agency on “dressing for success” in 1980.  Just three years later after working all aspects of Fine’s agency including receptionist, booking agent, fashion show coordinator and print coordinator, Robert took over the company as owner. From 1983 – 1995, Robert built the leading talent and modeling agency in the Southwest. One of Robert’s greatest accomplishments, both personally and for the local industry, was establishing a partnership in 1995 with one of the world’s top modeling agencies, FORD Inc. of New York, creating the glamorous existence that is now the FORD/Robert Black Agency. The relationship with the FORD family opened career and industry doors for Robert to place local models in the world market and scout for new faces beyond our local borders.  Robert has been interviewed locally countless times, mentioned in the New York Times and co-authored The Style of Bill Travilla and The Little White Dress. Robert will be honored among the fashion elite as a one of the Valley’s “Top 10 Icons” at FGI of Arizona’s “Night of Stars” Gala on September 17th in Scottsdale.

FASHION will be located at 7144 E. 1st Avenue in Scottsdale. The scheduled opening date is October 3rd. Sit tight in your skinny jeans! We’ll keep you posted on the grand opening!

Robert Black's vintage dress published in Bellomag.com. *See more credits

*Bellomag.com Credits: Photographer – Billy Kidd, Wardrobe Styling – Shannon Campbell, Hair – Heather Blaine, Makeup – Vanessa Perez, Models – Leah & Marshall – FORD/RBA and Alex & Tyler – The Agency AZ

*Middle Photos – Photographer – Mark Morgan, Wardrobe Styling/Hair – Shannon Campbell, Makeup – Haley Thomas, Model – Kyli -FORD/RBA

3 comments permalink |  8:50 PM |  9.1.2009 | 

10824 North 71st Place, Ste. B,  Scottsdale, 85254, 480-998-6926

School is back in session. For parents, the last few weeks have probably been a whirlwind of spending for books, supplies, new shoes, clothes, etc. Hopefully the kids have settled and there’s a little money left for you mommies to treat yourself to a new late-summer look!  Check out the fabulous deals from the Scottsdale overstock boutique, The Dressing Room.

The Dressing Room features favorite designer items for women such as jeans, dresses, tops, lingerie, shoes, purses as well other accessories for a fraction of the price. Labels include Alice & Olivia, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, YAYA, Diane Von Furstenberg, Development, KARTA, Ella Moss, La ROK, Tibi, Juicy Couture, and the list goes on. Prices at the boutique for tops, dresses, skirts and pants range $50.00 to $200.00. Here’s what’s in store right now…

Rory Beca Dress, Hyde Belt, Necklace. Original outfit total: $497. The Dressing Room total: $205. WOW!

Diane von Furstenburg Dress, Streets Ahead Belt. Original outfit cost: $557. The Dressing Room cost: $182.

Meghan Los Angeles shorts, James Perse tank. Original outfit cost: $299. The Dressing Room cost: $105.

Tracey Reese top, Rich & Skinny jeans. Total outfit cost: $524. The Dressing Room cost: $206.

The Dressing Room is open Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

0 comments permalink |  9:44 PM |  8.24.2009 | 

You may have seen the wrap outside the new store just across from Michael Kors at Scottsdale Fashion Square.  ILORI, the upscale sunglass boutique, opens this weekend offering limited edition and exclusive sunglass styles for men and women. The designer list and the celebrities seen in them are most impressive. From iconic brands including Lanvin, Tom Ford, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Thakoon, and a select list of emerging sunglass designers, this eyewear boutique coins itself as “More than sunglasses, ILORI is treasure brought to light.”

I’m excited to try on sunglasses that may cost more than my first mortgage.  I’m also excited that my friend and fashion guru, Jeffrey Evans, is the Boutique Manager. Jeffrey called me to tell me about the opening and the company he is excited to work for.  In just two years, the ILORI concept has grown to open its 21st store here in Scottsdale. The boutique has been featured in every magazine from the Wall Street Journal to InStyle. To read more about ILORI and to see their current lookbook, www.iloristyle.com.

Here are some of the current sunglasses from the iloristyle.com…

Lanvin, an ILORI exclusive $1500

Badgley Mischka Limited Edition "Perry" $575

Chanel Denim Wrapped $290

0 comments permalink |  9:00 AM |  7.20.2009 | 

14747 N. Northsight Blvd. #106, Scottsdale, 480-905-9300, www.scottsdalejc.com

Fashion Phoenix’s Top 10 Reasons to Visit Scottsdale Jean Company…

10. You’re emotionally ready to part from the infamous “mom jeans” (congratulations!)

9. You’re daring enough to try the latest 80′s inspired ripped jean trend by Current Elliot.

8. You need to pick up your favorite Kiehl’s product without hassling with the mall.

7. You want to try all the denim labels that your favorite celebrities are wearing in hopes your booty looks as cute as Jessica Biel’s.

6. You’re a budding supermodel and need extra long inseams.

5. You want the advice of a trained fit-specialist on which styles and brands look best on your bottom.

4. You can corral your kids in the children’s play area while you and your husband take turns trying on the latest True Religion jeans.

3. You shopped their awesome online boutique only to find you need 2 more pairs of the same jeans IMMEDIATELY!

2. Your man has got to get his hands on the new Robert Graham shirt, “The Koeppel” named for SJC’s owner Steven Koeppel, before everyone else does (how awesome is that?!)

And the number one reason why we love Scottsdale Jean Company…

1. It’s more than just jeans!

William Rast Jupiter Savoy $249, scottsdalejc.com

If you’re looking for the most flattering, best fitting pair of jeans the only place to shop is Scottsdale Jean Company. Many would agree, their selection is the best in the Valley, offering favorite brands for men and women like Hudson, True Religion and William Rast in styles ranging from classic to the uber-trendy. Owner Steven Koeppel says, “It rare not for us to be able to fit someone.”

Scottsdale Jean Company opened in November 2005. Koeppel envisioned a destination store, that would offer the best brands and selection of denim to compliment Scottsdale’s casual style. Though selection is key to SJC’s success, so are the trained “Fit Specialist” available to help shoppers find the best fit based on key elements like body type, age and personal tastes. So what is one the biggest denim mistakes people make? According to Koeppel, wearing jeans that are too short! Jeans should be grazing the floor!

Men's selection of Robert Graham designer shirts $100-$300

Anama Modal Dip Dye Dress $58

Though denim takes center stage at SJC, you also find the latest summer dresses from Anama, Hale Bob and Red Haute and cute tee’s and tanks. And the collectible, hand-made Robert Graham designer shirts for men, including the newest “Koeppel” style, created and named by the brand for Steven! It’s fabulous!

The "Koeppel" by Robert Graham $198

If you can’t stop in, check out their online boutique or add them as a friend on Facebook. Their website is updated daily with new styles, brands and sale items. There’s even an online fit specialist available for live chat to help you find the perfect fit virtually. And their Facebook page will keep you up-to-date on events, new styles and fun promotions.

Scottsdale Jean Company is also located at 824 W. Northern Ave. #1800, Peoria, (623) 877-4200.

0 comments permalink |  6:00 AM |  6.19.2009 |