hollywood

Our agency often leverages Hollywood on behalf of our clients. Diamonds and gowns on the red carpet plus great press coverage can go a long way toward putting a brand on the map and keeping them there. Of course, to use this platform you have to work the "system" and let me tell you that can be no fun. In fact, on most days it can be the opposite of fun—what's that word? Work.

Hollywood is fickle, capricious and a downright moody lady. One day she loves you, the next she's totally forgotten your name. Just when you think you're in, you're out. A yes is most often a no, but you won't know that until it's too late.

Here are a few simple rules we've found helpful when navigating Hollywood's turbulent waters:

1) Never push, you look desperate. It's better to let something go than ruin your fragile reputation.

2) If it seems too good to be true it most certainly is, no exceptions...

3) Keep those relationships alive—graft works!

4) If they want what you have you'll know it because (drum roll) they want it! You'll see the difference when you're trying to pawn off something they don't want...

5) Everything takes a LOT longer than you think it will, so buckle up it's going to be long, bumpy ride...

Ok, just some thoughts, use them wisely!

How celebs keep the spotlight on their personal charity projects With so many celebrity-driven charity projects on the decks, it’s hard to keep up with the major issues, who’s doing what, and where change is actually being effected.  We decided to check in on a few of our favorite charities to see how it’s going. charity: water – After digesting the fact that 1 in 6 people lack access to clean water, NYC entertainment promoter Scott Harrison founded the organization in 2006 to bring water solutions to developing nations through wells, rainwater harvesting, and biosand filters. STATUS:  To date, charity: water has succeeded in building 629 water projects around the world. Check out their huge September project here and their thought-provoking PSA starring Jennifer Connelly.

The Make it Right (MIR) Project – Founded in 2006 by Brad Pitt to build homes for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, The MIR Project is committed to construct 150 homes in the devastated Lower 9th Ward.  The affordable, sustainable homes were designed via an architecture competition with Global Green. STATUS: In less than 2 years, 83 of the 150 homes have been sponsored.  Take a home tour here. FEED Foundation – Inspired by the United Nations World Feeding Program (WPF), which supplies school meals to children in developing nations, Lauren Bush designed FEED bags, which translate to supplying food for 1 child for 1 year, with every bag sold.  The FEED Foundation’s ultimate goal is to use nutrition and education to break the poverty cycle. STATUS: In 2008, FEED Projects will distribute $4 million for the UN WFP.  Buy a FEED bag here.

Celebs seeing double on the red carpet are going “vintage” for  a signature look In light of the recent dress double bookings (oops! make that triple), with Lauren Santo Domingo AND Lindsay Lohan having worn Nina Ricci's sparkling silver gown before Sarah Jessica Parker donned it at the Sex and the City premiere, celebrities looking for a signature look are setting their sights on vintage as a surefire way to stand out from the crowd.

A well-kept secret amongst clever celebs who fear competing for the choicest frocks, searching for unique, vintage couture has become something of an art form.  Take this recent piece in the Wall Street Journal, which illustrates both the perils and triumphs in the hunt for forgotten masterpieces by vintage collector Juliana Cairone. Cairone, who’s clients include Angelina Jolie, Calista Flockhart, and Debra Messing, and who has discovered just about every gorgeous dress we’ve seen on the red carpet this year, admits that the best treasures are often found in private collections (read: Gram-Gram’s attic).  If you’re on the hunt for your own signature vintage look and want to bypass the unchartered territories of your relatives nether-regions, leave the searching to the experts and check out Cairone’s Rare Vintage collection in New York, Rellik in London, and Didier Ludot in Paris.

Shake Your Tail Feathers: Red Carpet Plumage confirms the arrival of the feather trend!  Checking out recent red-carpet photos, we were struck by the notable trend in over-the-top aviary accessories.  From the Cannes International Film Festival to film premieres to the superhero-themed gala for the Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute, actresses have left behind the minimalist chic of the Academy Awards that had us dozing off for awhile and transformed themselves into birds in full bloom.

Is it slightly wacky, a little crazy, and completely ostentatious?  Sure.  But you know what? It’s also totally fun and a perfect way to accessorize for summer.  We love Urban Outfitters' fun and funky feather accessories collection, from earrings to necklaces and beguiling headpieces…all under $20.

More on the Bird trend:

• Anthropologie’s fabulous bird-themed home accessories
• Birding, anyone?  Check out the Wild Nature Guide to the Hamptons
• Might as well "bird" in style with Swarovski's stunning Crystal Pocket Binoculars
• The re-imagining of fave NYC restaurant Provence.  NY Mag assures us the updated version, named Hundred Acres, will boast American “craft” themed food and will be even better than the original--and you can practice your bird calls