Sneak Peek: Gaga’s Workshop at Barneys Will Open Soon and Include Claw-Shaped Stockings, Fake Gaga Nails and Chocolate Skulls

By Cheryl Wischhover

We first heard back in August about Lady Gaga‘s upcoming holiday collaboration with Barneys, in which a floor at the legendary Madison Avenue store will be turned into Gaga’s Workshop. A lot more details have finally been released, and it’s going to be like a modern day rendering of The Nightmare Before Christmas, with a large dose of Gaga kitsch and drama mixed in.

Gaga’s Workshop at Barneys will officially open at 11:59pm on November 21 and will be open through January 2. A huge neon Gaga monster will grace the front doors of the store, and an entire floor will be devoted to the Workshop. The whole project was a collaborative effort between Nicola Formichetti and installation artists Eli Sudbrack and Christophe Hamaide Pierson of Assume Vivid Astro Focus, along with Barneys creative director Dennis Freedman–and of course, Gaga herself. Even Gaga’s mom got into the act. Formichetti told WWD, “She knew Gaga’s favorite chocolates or her favorite books when she was little. We really wanted this experience to be like going through her memories, in a very surreal way. For that, I needed the help of Mrs. Germanotta.”

The workshop, which will be on the fifth floor, will house eight different stations including: a giant wig that will house fake nails and other beauty items; a Gaga-faced spider holding jewelry; a giant pop-up book for the books; and a sculptural candy shop (apparently her favorite childhood treats were malted milk balls, gumballls, and candy lipsticks.) Some of the Gaga candy offerings will include chocolate “poker face” chips and “disco stick” lollipops. (Um.)

The Gaga theme continues with the windows, which were inspired by various Gaga songs. One will feature that most festive of holiday decorations–hair–on every surface, obviously in honor of her song “Hair.”

If you can’t make it to New York, you can get in on some of the fun online on the Gaga’s Workshop microsite, which is up and running now. There’s a “12 Days of Gaga” teaser feature up now, which will highlight a new Gaga product every day until it officially opens, after which you’ll be able to buy most of the products that are featured in the store. Today’s item is a Gaga cookie (right), which sells for $15. You can also scan codes for clues and tidbits about the Workshop, and there’s a Monster picture frame in which you can post pics of yourself if you’re so inclined. Barneys is even giving away 30 trips to NYC for the opening night via a Golden Ticket contest.

The merch will range in price from stocking stuffers for $6 (like candy) to a one-off pair of Gaga shoes for $4,100. A claw-shaped stocking, fringed with hair, will go for $65. Barneys is donating 25% of all sales to Gaga’s newly-minted Born This Way Foundation, which “aims to empower youth and promote equality through programs on antibullying, self-confidence, mentoring and career development” according to WWD.

And of course the question on everyone’s mind is–will Gaga show up at Barneys at some point? To Gaga’s Little Monsters, that might be the best holiday gift ever.

I LOVE NY 18 of 28 Places to Visit

Who doesn’t love bargain shopping? And, it makes so much economic sense for those among us who aren’t exactly rolling in cash. After all, if you can pick up designer clothes minus the fancy and high and mighty prices what could be better than that? However, landing your hands on lovely designer clothes isn’t so easy and, as experience will teach you, discount shopping demands a lot of skill and expertise. You have to learn how to wrestle with the crowd that pours into the outlet while hanging on to whatever booty you’ve managed to lay your hands on. Among all this madness you also need to make sure that the clothes you’ve chosen doesn’t have tears, holes or runs in them. As you can see, discount shopping isn’t child’s play!

Welcome to Century 21, located at Cortlandt St., between Church St. and Broadway. It’s known as “New York’s Best Kept Secret” but it’s hardly much of a secret now. It’s one of the best places in New York where you get the most fabulous designer clothes at absolutely throwaway prices.

There are racks and racks full of clothes and you have to dive into the mound of clothes to come up with something that appeals to you. You might find pretty much everything here appealing, but that’s a completely different point all together. And we say it again, the prices are unbelievable. You’ll find yourself rubbing your eyes and double checking the price tag on more than one occasion.

Stroll through the shop, make a dive for whatever you like and try them on, repeating the process as many times as required. It’s best to go there early, when the shop opens up and aim to be out of there before noon, when the crowd starts pouring into the shop.

The basement stocks electronics and household items and electronics. The men’s section is in the main level and ladies section is spread across two floors (for obvious reasons!).  Clothes for kids are on the second floor along with the shoes and lingerie.

The Bargains are excellent here. The prices are literally slashed and you can get Cashmere sweaters for $65.00, Tracy Reese dresses for $50, Seven for All Mankind jeans at $75.00, and Marc Jacobs’ dresses for $65.00! Can you believe that? The men’s section also has great discounts on all kinds of stuff and once you step in you feel like stocking up your wardrobe for the next couple of seasons.

So, if you don’t mind playing tug of war with a perfect stranger over a lovely Cashmere sweater, and you have no hang ups about changing in a less than private changing room, Century 21 is your kind of place.

Article courtesy of www.manhattanstyle.com

New 44-Cent KWANZAA Postage Stamp

Released By USPS October 2009
By Big Rod

Nubian Knights Network

The USPS (United States Postal Service) just released the new iteration of the venerable KWANZAA stamp and to coincide with the recent price increase of 44-cents for all first class regular mail.

The stamp is not bad and I like it; though it is the third stamp iteration for KWANZAA hands down, the very first KWANZAA stamp (started back when the postage was 32-cents) still remains my top favorite. I really wish they hadn't changed it over the years, but I support the effort of the KWANZAA stamp's continued existence in it's many incarnations.

Harambee (ha-RAHM-bay'-AY)

Let's All Pull Together

Carol’s Daughter teams Up With Disney with the Magical Beauty Collection

To be a young Black girl right now has to be a great thing. Disney’s first African American princess is named Tiana and her new movie Disney's The Princess and The Frog hits theaters in early December and I can't wait to see this movie. This movie cast includes: Anika Noni Rose as Tiana the Princess, Keith David, Jenifer Lewis, Terrence Howard and Oprah Winfrey as Tiana’s mother. I think every woman and girl and maybe others (hehehe) has an inner princess and this monumental movie will be great for self-esteem of young Black girls who now can look and see a princess that looks like them. The cool thing is Disney partnering with one of my favorite beauty lines Carol's Daughter to bring the Magical Beauty Collection.
I grew up with two younger sisters who are beautiful, smart, loved, and my special princesses. If you want to take part in this collection, you have to sign up right away. Beginning October 1, Carol's Daughter will email all who sign up to be notified specifically for the Princess Tiana assortment. I've already signed up because I have very holiday shopping to do as Uncle Richard.

The Movie in Theaters this December