#NYFW Day #2 Oday Shakar

Oday Shakar took a two year hiatus and is now back. His vibe is California style combined with Middle East heritage, or as I would like to think of Palm Springs circa 1977. 

Oday Shakar took a two year hiatus and is now back. His vibe is California style combined with Middle East heritage, or as I would like to think of Palm Springs circa 1977. 

Beach house vibes... (Model is wearing a canary yellow gown with a white geometric pattern.)

Beach house vibes... (Model is wearing a canary yellow gown with a white geometric pattern.)

From the back... (Model is wearing a geometric patterned canary yellow gown)

From the back... (Model is wearing a geometric patterned canary yellow gown)

Easy, breezy, beautiful!  (Model is wearing a geometric patterned Rose Quartz top, paired with flowy white silk trousers and metallic heels.)

Easy, breezy, beautiful!  (Model is wearing a geometric patterned Rose Quartz top, paired with flowy white silk trousers and metallic heels.)

#JustMillennialThings: Lingerie as Office Attire

Yesterday I had a great time discussing Victoria's Secret's latest ad campaign, which features lingerie being worn as regular clothing—specifically office clothing, paired with blazers and pantsuits. Some would consider that controversial, but as I pointed out, Victoria's Secret is catered to millennials, who in turn look to icons like Kim Kardashian and Kendall Jenner for sartorial advice. Are we really that shocked to see Victoria's Secret cashing in on the Kardashian trend? Younger generations will continue to push the fashion envelope whether it's "controversial" or not, and since Victoria's Secret profited immensely from this campaign, who are we to judge? 

#TBT The Hurricane that Wasn't

Last weekend, we all braced ourselves for the impact of Hermine—an impact that turned out to be, well, beautiful skies and incredible weather here in New York! Before it hit, I was invited to Fox News to discuss the potential economic impact the storm would have on Labor Day Weekend. As it’s often a weekend filled with outdoor activities, back-to-school shopping, and general spending, being trapped inside during possibly dangerous weather could detract from those purchases. On the flip side, in regions around Florida, companies like Home Depot and grocery stores would experience a boom of spending by people looking to batten down the hatches.

Gotham Magazine: Luxe 2.0 by Hitha Herzog

It's not every day you get to sit down with the CEO of a luxury company, much less five! Talking to the CEO of Graff, the president of LVMH perfume and cosmetics North America, the president of fashion at Chanel, CEO of Hermes, president of Ferragamo AND the CEO of Lalique at a round table breakfast hosted by Gotham magazine was one of the highlights of my career. Below is their take on the future of social commerce and digital marketing 2.0. 

OK Magazine: The Time I Discussed Amy Winehouse with Mitch Winehouse

True story: In 2009, I took a trip to St. Lucia. I was writing a piece about how Amy Winehouse had a major impact (in a good way) on the tiny island's economy. For 72 hours, I was with Amy as she took the stage at St. Lucia Jazz Fest, went swimming in the ocean and hiked up a mountain to see a litter of new born puppies. She was tortured, but beautiful. Sad, but made us all laugh. Dark in some ways, but her presence brought light. This random editoral in OK! Magazine where I was pit against Mitch Winehouse has deeper meaning for me. My quote spoke from experience of hanging with one of the greatest artists of our time... and I still love that runway look from that Jean Paul Gaultier collection. 

Hitha Herzog discussing Amy Winehouse: "Amy WInehouse was a cultural icon when she was a live despite her problems with substance abuse. In Gaultier's defense, fashion designers draw inspiration from everywhere! I think the images of Amy is fair gam…

Hitha Herzog discussing Amy Winehouse: "Amy WInehouse was a cultural icon when she was a live despite her problems with substance abuse. In Gaultier's defense, fashion designers draw inspiration from everywhere! I think the images of Amy is fair game; there was nothing off color about the presentation. All the models...well...looked just like her. Would it have been nice to consult her family before? Sure. But I see it as more of an homage to her as opposed to disrespect."

Who are the Forbes' The Top Women Executives of Indian Heritage You Need to Know? Hint: One of them is me!

Ten years ago I was a writer at Forbes, now the magazine has included me in a piece about lady execs to watch. To say I am honored and humbled is an understatement. #Winning 

Ten years ago I worked at Forbes as a style writer. Now, the magazine has listed me as top executive you need to know. To say I am honored and humbled is an understatement. #Winning (Copy reads: Hitha Herzog (neé Prabhakar) is a powerhouse. "I …

Ten years ago I worked at Forbes as a style writer. Now, the magazine has listed me as top executive you need to know. To say I am honored and humbled is an understatement. #Winning 

(Copy reads: Hitha Herzog (neé Prabhakar) is a powerhouse. "I am in fierce competition with myself, meaning, I wake up every morning and think: how can I make what I did yesterday, better?" she says in her trademark enthusiasm. The New York-based author, investigative reporter and retail analyst is the Chief Research Officer of H Squared Research LLC, a data driven research firm for registered investment advisors, and is also a consumer spending columnist for US News and World Report.)

LOTW: Faux Leopard

Hitha Herzog in a faux leopard jacket, a white Maje flouncy dress, and blue suede Louboutin heels.

Hitha Herzog in a faux leopard jacket, a white Maje flouncy dress, and blue suede Louboutin heels.

This little faux leopard jacket was a prototype design given to me by a designer in 2004. For 12 years it's been layered over black tie dresses, jeans, work out gear, and in this picture over a Maje dress + Louboutin heels. Not sure if I am more siked it's held up so long or that I still fit into it! 

Representing the Republic of Lancome: Hitha Herzog in the New York Times

"I think maybe in the 80s and 90s, being a model was really glamourous and sophisticated and interesting and now when you tell people you are a model, it's almost like 'uch.' Ms. Prabhakar said. There is no great association to it. But when you tell someone you are an ambassador, I mean, you think of an ambassador to a country, they're actuall official, they're doing things." - Hitha Prabhakar

Snippet from the New York Times, discussing model ambassadors. Copy of Hitha Herzog's comments reads: Hitha Prabhakar, a principal of the Stylefile Group, a retail consulting firm, said some brand ambassadors for fashion houses make $200,000 to $500…

Snippet from the New York Times, discussing model ambassadors. Copy of Hitha Herzog's comments reads: Hitha Prabhakar, a principal of the Stylefile Group, a retail consulting firm, said some brand ambassadors for fashion houses make $200,000 to $500,000 a year, with free merchandise and travel expenses, though some, like Ms. Traina and her ilk, are unsalaried. "I think maybe in the '80s and '90s, being a model was really glamorous and sophisticated and interesting and now when you tell people you are a model, it's almost like 'uch.' Ms. Prabhakar said. There is no great association to it. But when you tell someone you are an ambassador, I mean, you think of an ambassador to a country, they're actually official, they're doing things."