Oscar Winner Patricia Arquette Announces Scientific Breakthrough: Unveils World’s Largest Lab-Cultivated Pure Grown Diamond

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Academy Award Best Supporting Actress Winner Patricia Arquette unveiled a global scientific breakthrough just before the annual Oscar ceremonies -- the first-ever, world's largest lab-cultivated Pure Grown Diamond, which is indistinguishable from an earth-mined diamond, even under a microscope, yet costs 30 to 40 per cent less, according to the International Gemological Institute.

The Federal Trade Commission confirms that these diamonds have the same chemical, physical and visual properties as earth-mined diamonds.

 “This is a true 21st Century technological achievement that is the eco-friendly and conflict-free solution in diamond mining,” says Arquette, who emphasized the extensive environmental damage caused by mining and the history of human rights violations associated with so-called ‘blood diamonds.’

She continues, “There is no blood involved with this diamond, which is why it is beautiful in its own-right, but it is especially beautiful because no children died for this diamond; there were no slave wages paid to people for this diamond; there was an actual working wage paid to create this diamond and that’s about love."

Joining Arquette for the unveiling were Grammy winner Natasha Bedingfield, NBC "Aprentice" star Kevin Jonas, "90210" cast member AnnaLynne McCord and other celebrities attending Hollywood's annual Pre-Oscar Chairty Soiree. 

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The Oscars Red Carpet 2015

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The 2015 Academy Awards red carpet brought all the glitz and glamour that we love. Everyone was so polished, dapper, pretty and chic. I didn't like everything but hated nothing! I loved Reese Witherspoon's Tom Ford dress but didn't care for the hair. Lady Gaga was a stunner in Alaia but the gloves made me thing of "Rock Lobster" for some reason. Lupita dripped in pearls, gorgeous. Julianne Moore came dressed to win. Felicity Jones wore Alexander McQueen and while I absolutely adored the pearl-embellished bodice, I felt there was too much dress happening. Marion Cotillard was so chic and so very French. Scarlett Johansson rocked an edgy hairstyle but I'm not feeling the statement necklace. On the other hand, Cate Blanchett's Tiffany & Co. statement necklace paired with the simplicity of the Margiela gown was a winner. Ponytails ruled the red carpet as well. Dakota Johnson's was youthful as it should be and Jennifer Lopez's was classy and refined. Most of the men looked fantastic too. I'm glad that they are finally being asked who they are wearing - hey it matters! Eddie Redmayne, Common and Neil Patrick Harris (and his one thousand changes) scored and A+ However, David Oyelowo should have not been so matchy-matchy with the red on red on red. This was the Oscars, not high-school prom. Jared Leto is no longer hot. Shave the gross beard! And poor little Kevin Hart, super funny and talented but tacky as fuck. Now, what about Viola Davis! She was so beautiful! I just loved her with the dark lip, natural hair and in Zac Posen.

Well there you have it. Overall, it was a super fantastic Oscar red carpet and a very engaging Academy Awards show from fashion statements to political ones. Make sure and check out the photo gallery and tell me who your faves were!

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Emerging Designer Esé Azénabor Makes NYFW Debut

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The Fall/Winter 2015 Esé Azénabor collection is an unapologetic artistic demonstration of luxury, culture and appreciation for the arts. The collection is inspired by the kingship of Henry VIII, and the affluent monarchs of that era, featuring embroidered Jacquard, rich dark tones and brocade fabrications. “The first time I saw the painting of Henry VIII, I was attracted to the gorgeous details of his garments,” says Azénabor. “We thought to create a collection inspired by his era in a modernized women's luxury ready-to-wear and couture collection.”

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Reem Acra’s Hairspiration: Get The Designer's Runway Look

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Reem Acra’s Fall 2015 collection made a big impression at New York Fashion Week as modern day Marrie Antoinettes sashayed down the runway. The glamour was in abundance and the textures and embellishments were so rich. This victorian theme was carried over to the model’s whimsical styled hair produced by Didier Malige, Rene Furterer and Atlanta’s own, Soda Salon stylists. 

How-To Get The Look: 

1. We started the look by creating a lot of texture, using Renee Furterer Volumea spray. We diluted the Volumea Spray by 50% with water, creating a sort of "beach spray", and then applied the spray to the end of the roots. 

2. We then created a center part and combed the hair to flatten the top. 

3. We created a soft finger wave on each side of the head from the temple to behind the ear by creating a swoop with our fingers & setting the hair in place with Japanese clips. 

4. We then softly dried the hair using a blow dryer and diffuser. After that, we used a 3/4 inch curling iron, opening the clamp and wrapping one inch of the sections around just the barrel to give it a natural wave. 

5. To finish the look, we removed the Japanese pins to reveal soft finger waves.

Lead Stylist: Didier Malige / Credit for Tips: SODA RUNWAY team member Azita Rezaei

THIS is hot off the NYFW runway, so ladies, you've heard the experts, now try this at home and make your own stylish impressions this weekend!

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Cocktail Recipes Give Whiskey An Added Twist

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With whiskey sales on the rise, more people are discovering there are plenty of ways to drink the distilled spirit than just straight on the rocks. Drink mixologists enjoy finding more and more ways to complement the whiskey flavor with a plethora of other ingredients, whether its syrups, fruit juices, vermouth or even tea.

A growing willingness to experiment with whiskey and bourbon as the primary ingredient in a variety of cocktails is just one of several ways consumer habits have been changing, says Steven Earles, CEO of Portland-based Eastside Distilling (www.EastsideDistilling.com). “People are drinking less wine and more whiskey, and women have become more inclined to give whiskey a try,” says Earles, whose company already experiments with a variety of flavors in its drinks, such as Cherry Bomb Whiskey and Oregon Marionberry Whiskey.

The trend of finding more ways to include whiskey in cocktails also may be just one of several factors helping to add to the bump in whiskey sales. As of November 2014, Whiskey sales were near $4 billion, in contrast to $3.5 billion in 2013, according to Nielsen research. For distilleries, those numbers may mean a toast is in order. For consumers, that toast may involve a mix of flavors made just to their liking – but definitely is still on the rocks. 

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Thom Browne Fall 2015

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Even death is something chic for Thom Browne. The mourning, which began with the men's show in January continued in a runway procession of black. The drama that is a Thom Browne show was in the "new" elements he introduced - newness to Thom Browne that is. Short dresses, cleavage and (for me at least) the most shocking was the last look which featured a cropped jacket exposing the model's midriff! Is Thom Browne attempting to reach a younger audience?

You know that for Browne detailing is everything. No one handles it with more refinement and abundance than Browne. This time around the detailing features were also youthful like in his use of zippers. Many zippers running along dresses and coats making them more modern and less Victorian. One of my favorite details, other than the spectacular headwear, was in how he treated frayed edges and hems. It was beautiful and rich in texture making the edges more of a decorative feature and less than a deconstructed element.

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Award Show Viewing Party Tips from Emmy/Oscar Event Producer Cheryl Cecchetto

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With awards season in full swing, millions of Americans will be tuning in to watch their favorite celebrities and there is no one better than Cheryl Cecchetto to give her insider tips and tricks to host the PERFECT VIEWING PARTY as featured in her fascinating new book, Passion to Create - Your Invitation to Celebrate. With humor and candor, Cheryl's book details the collaborative inspiration and challenges of many of her creations, as well as behind-the-scenes drama and hilarity that often comes with the territory.

Cheryl's tips to host the perfect awards night party include:

  • Pick a theme: If you want to host a formal get together suggest guests wear black and white. Themes are not only social, they're fun!
  • Send save the dates: Whether you send them via email or in the mail put all the information on it and tie in with your theme. 
  • Play nominated soundtracks: Great to set the mood when your guests arrive and to play before the awards show begins.
  • Champagne for everyone: A splash of bubbly kicks of the celebration or mix pomegranate juice and soda water as a non-alcoholic option.
  • The ballot game: Download and print the big nominated categories and give prizes to the 3 guests who guess the most winners right.
  • Party favors: Who doesn't like party favors? It's the last opportunity to tie in your theme and give your guests a fun parting gift.