Cornelia Guest on Eco Style & Her New Vegan Accessories Line

Cornelia Guest, the daughter of American fashion icon CZ Guest and polo champion Winston Frederick Churchill Guest is a well-known philanthropist and entrepreneur. Cornelia’s passion for animals and nature are the sources of inspiration for her business ventures. Her most recent project is the launch of an amazing line of eco-conscious handbags. She also has a vegan catering business called Cornelia Guest Events with delicious and healthy dishes, many of which are made from produce selected at her own garden located in Old Westbury, NY. Named by Donna Karan as “One of the Women Who Inspire”, I am excited to share what Cornelia has been up to lately and of course get some of her green tips and product picks.

MM: Tell us a little about your new handbag and accessories line.
CG: I wanted to create an intelligent alternative; a line of accessories that used no animals, was luxurious, and very wearable, that you can take all day to all night.

MM: Where is it available for purchase and what is the price range?
CG: It’s available at Bloomingdale’s, Bloomingdales.com, Target, Tootsies, C.Orrico and boutiques around the country. A list of stores is available on CorneliaGuest.com. All under $350.00.

MM: Three words to describe the collection?
CG: Humane, affordable, beautiful.

MM: Most of the vegan handbags on the market are lacking in style- how did you do it, and so well- I love them!
CG: Thank you. It’s a compilation of all the things I love and I asked lots of my friends for help!

MM: A lot of people hear the words “cruelty-free” tossed around, what exactly does that mean to you?
CG: “Cruelty-free” means “humane.” No animals are ever hurt while making my products. My cookies are also cruelty-free. My book, which is coming out June 12, 2012, “Simple Pleasures,” is a humane, cruelty-free lifestyle book.

MM: What are some of your favorite vegan finds?
CG: Clothing: Stella McCartney
Restaurants: NYC Angelika Kitchen, Organic Avenue
Shoes: I’m working on my own. That’s my next task.

MM: Who are some of your favorite designers?
CG: Badgley Mischka, St. John, J.Crew, Levi’s, American Apparel

MM: How would you describe your personal style?
CG: My style is humane and classic with a twist.

MM: Name three of your eco-conscious staples?
CG: Fine & Raw Chocolate, Juice Press, CleanWell sanitizing wipes, and Dr. Frank Lipman’s Sustain Protein Supplement powder for smoothies.

MM: What’s in your make-up bag?
CG: Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara, MAC VivaGlam because it goes to AIDS charity, lypo-spheric vitamin C.

MM: What type of skincare do you use?
CG: Joanna Vargas — all her products, and I swear by her facials!

MM: What about hair care? Yours always looks so good!
CG: Wen. I LOVE their shampoo and Nikki Ray at AKS Salon cuts it.

MM: What do you do to de-stress?
CG: Pilates, dance, play with my dogs. I love the water. The ocean is the best de-stresser ever!

MM: What tips do you have for someone who would like to transition to a vegan lifestyle?
CG: Find what humane, cruelty-free products you like and slowly start to incorporate them into your daily life. Bit by bit, baby steps grow into big steps.

Cornelia Guest has been passionate about animals and nature since she was a child. Her passion is reflected in every aspect of her life including her philanthropy, animal activism, and business enterprises.In 2009 she founded Cornelia Guest Events and Cornelia Guest Cookies, catering high-end charity and entertainment events with healthy, vegan dishes. Her mission is to encourage and inspire people to be conscious of the diet choices they make in their daily lives.Cornelia is currently designing her own line of jewelry, as well as a collection of animal-friendly handbags, wallets and dog accessories made with a vegan alternative to leather; both lines are scheduled to launch in the fall of 2011.Daughter of American fashion icon CZ Guest and polo champion Winston Frederick Churchill Guest, Cornelia has been able to use her media attention and professional contacts to support Humane Society of New York, and was named by Donna Karan as one of the Women Who Inspire. Cornelia is also an advocate for New Yorkers for Marriage Equality and hosted their fall 2010 event with Mayor Bloomberg.

The Ultimate Party of the Year-Fashion’s Night Out

It’s back-and better than ever. In it’s 3rd-year, Fashion’s Night Out, where thousands of retailers across the country stay open late for the ultimate shopping party of food, drinks-and of course to celebrate fashion. This all-out extravaganza will hit New York City on Thursday, September 8th, a prelude to New York Fashion Week (September 9th, 10th & 12th).

With debuts from J Brand and Chanel, to celebrity appearances from Heidi Klum, Rachel Zoe, Joss Stone, Ne-Yo, The Real Housewives of New York; and to top-it-off, Vera Wang in an ice cream truck, this is one star-studded event you won’t want to miss.

Here are the events you’ll want to check out in New York, LA, Miami, Dallas, and Chicago:

New York:

Topshop, 478 Broadway between Broadway and Broome

• Teamed up with Vogue Magazine, top models Chanel Iman, Coco Rocha, Karlie Kloss, Abbey Lee, and Charlotte Free will be giving out styling tips for the upcoming season; they will also select their favorite items from Topshop’s AW11 collection, debuting on FNO

• Customers who purchase one of the “favorite items” get the chance to be photographed with their favorite model; pictures will be posted on Tophop’s Facebook page

• Shoppers who spend over $100 will receive a notebook with a print from the AW11 collection on the cover; choose from one of four covers

Bergdorf Goodman, 754 5th Avenue at 58th Street

• Appearance by Michael Kors; Performance by Audrianna Cole

• Oscar de la Renta will be signing his limited edition “Face of Fashion” Fall kaleidoscope palette by Le Métier de Beauté

• Badgley Mischka, Joseph Altuzarra, Lela Rose, and Reem Acra will walk the runway with their furry friends in the Designer Dog Show

Diane von Furstenberg, 874 Washington Street at 14th Street

• Performance by Grammy Winner Estelle; performance features songs off her new album, All of Me

• Sample DVF’s new fragrance, Diane, before it hits stores in October. Enter to win an autographed bottle from Diane herself

Tory Burch, 797 Madison Avenue between 67th & 68th Streets

• Spend $250 or more and get styled by Vogue Editor Jessica Sailer and photographed by Fashion photographer Beau Grealy; chance to be featured on the Tory Blog

• Limited edition tote will be given to everyone who makes a $100 purchase

DKNY, 655 Madison Avenue between 60th & 61st Streets; 420 West Broadway between Prince & Spring Streets

• Shoppers who spend $250 or more will receive a limited edition tote with a DVD of documentary “Bill Cunningham New York”

• Complimentary popcorn and beer provided by Brooklyn Lager

• Complimentary Blind Barber haircuts

Michael Kors, 610 Fifth Avenue at Rockefeller Center

• Appearances by the Rockettes

• Champagne and live music by a guest DJ

• Chance to win denim totes signed by Michael himself

Sephora, 597 5th Avenue between 48th & 49th Streets

• Get all your beauty questions answered by a panel of experts: Vogue Beauty Director Sarah Brown, celebrity hairstylist Oscar Blandi, Founder and Creative Director of Urban Decay Cosmetics Wende Zomnir, and skincare guru Kate Somerville

Sephora Soho, 555 Broadway between Prince & Spring Streets

• Be one of the first 50 customers here and receive a free makeover and a “Stila-Girl” inspired sketch of yourself

Sephora Columbus Circle, 10 Columbus Circle between West 58th & 60th Streets

• Celebrity skin experts Sophie Evans and Fiona Locke of St. Tropez share all their beauty secrets

• Complimentary spray tanning

• Product giveaways- all customers will receive a free gift with a St. Tropez purchase; change to a prize valued at $200

Lord & Taylor, 424 5th Avenue between East 38th and 39th

• Wear This, Not That author Suze Yalof Schwartz answers all your style questions. Enter to win a $1,000 shopping spree

• Singer/Songwriter Solange Knowles will be DJing. Meet her and receive a photo

• Meet Ivanka Trump and receive a photo

Macy’s Herald Square, 151 West 34th Street at 6th Avenue

• Gucci Guilty Dance Party with Samantha Ronson

• Appearances by Tommy Hilfiger, Coco Rocha, America’s Next Top Model Judge J. Alexander, Bobbi Brown, Anna Dello Russo, Karolina Kurkova, and Rachel Roy

• Live musical performance by Joss Stone

Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 5th Avenue at 49th Street

• The Chronicles of Narnia, Tilda Swinton will be making an appearance with Pringle of Scotland​ designer Alistair Carr and Central Saint Martins’ Louise Wilson

• Hat signing and performance by Ne-Yo
• Win a $10,00 Fall Shopping Spree from StyleList, visit: stylelist.com/saks/

Victoria’s Secret, 591 Broadway between Houston and Prince Streets

• Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Erin Heatherton, and Lily Aldridge will be offering customer makeovers, photo opportunities and a fragrance preview

L’Occitane, 48 9th Avenue at 14th Street; 146 Spring Street between Wooster St & Broadway

• Complimentary chilled rosé

• Complimentary hand massages

• Riviera-inspired tote bag filled with the brands most essential beauty goodies

QVC, 428 Broadway between Howard & Canal Streets

• Meet QVC Designers as they discuss fashion, beauty and trends

• Try on the latest fashion and accessories in the Rowenta fashion closet

• Heidi Klum is unveiling her new jewelry line for QVC, WILDLIFE by Heidi Klum

Bloomingdale’s, Soho, 504 Broadway between Spring and Broome

• Appearance by Rachel Zoe; her recent clothing line The Rachel Zoe Collection is available for purchase

• Appearance by Erin Wasson and her capsule collection for Zadig & Voltaire

• A truth or lie game told to shoppers; hosted by Bono’s Wife, Ali Hewson

Helmut Lang, 93 Mercer Street at Spring Street

• Live performance by indie band Best Coast

• Food by Luke’s Lobster; Drinks by Death + Company

• An interactive digital photo booth will livestream images from store onto helmutlang.com

La Maison du Chocolat, 30 Rockefeller Plaza at 49th Street; 1018 Madison Avenue between 78th & 79th Streets

• La Maison du Chocolat will be hosting a chocolate ganache tasting

New York & Company, 715 Lexington Avenue between 57th St & 58th Streets

• Shop, eat and take pictures with the cast of The Real Housewives of New York City, Countess LuAnn de Lesseps, Kelly Killoren Bensimon and Ramona Singer

• Music by DJ Steve Powers

Patricia Field, 302 Bowery between E Houston & Bleecker Streets

• Meet designers V.O.N., Seville Michelle Anastos, Phillipe & David Blond, and Zana Bayne

• Receive special gift bags and be included a prize raffle

• Vodka cocktails will be served; party goes until 1am

Rebecca Taylor, 34 Gansevoort Street between Hudson & Greenwich Streets

• Jams provided by Brooklyn band AVAN LAVA along with DJ performances by Narcisse & Fischerspooner’s Ian Pai & Le Chev

• Enter the “Who Wore it Best” contest from 7pm-9pm to win 2 tickets to a Rebecca Taylor Fashion Show

• Blooming Cake Pops and Svedka vodka cocktails will be served

Scott J Aveda. Salonspa, 242 East 86th Street between 2nd & 3rd Avenue

• Free Hair Care Consultations, Makeup Touch Ups, and Hand Treatments

• Be one of the first 50 guest and receive an AVEDA Product Gift and a voucher for a complimentary hair treatment with your next service

Vera Wang, 158 Mercer Street between Prince & W Houston Streets

• Vera Wang and her team will peruse NYC in their customized Mister Softee truck; giving out free ice cream

• Shopping incentives and giveaways available

Worth & Worth, 45 West 57th Street between Fifth & Avenue of the Americas

• Great Gatsby themed Gala including build your own hat event, celebrity hat auction, cocktails, live music, photo booth, and more

Madison Avenue Spy Fashion Hunt, shops between 57th & 86th Streets

• The ultimate scavenger hunt-shoppers are invited to attend and tweet pictures from a list of events happening at retailers on Madison Avenue (between 57th-86th streets). Shoppers who complete three tasks will be directed to a secret Madison Avenue location where they will be awarded with prizes and champagne

• Chance to win from leading brands like Betsey Johnson, Juicy Couture, La Perla; for officials rules, visit  madisonavenuespy.com

Manolo Blahnik, 31 West 54th New York NY 10019

• Sarah Jessica Parker and Manolo Blahnik USA invite you to celebrate Fashion’s Night Out on September 8th at their boutique where they will unveil a special shoe Sarah Jessica teamed up with Manolo in designing.

• In toasting this very special collaboration a van will be tooting around the city with Manolo’s favorite treat—milkshakes.

• Milkshakes and Manolos, what could be better! A portion of the proceeds will go to The Fund for Public Schools.

LA:

The Beverly Center, 8500 Beverly Boulevard

• This star-studded Luxury Fashion Show hosted by Nicole Richie will feature the trendiest fall looks. Expect to see an abundance of A-listers, press, and fashion editors

Alice + Olivia, 134 South Robertson Boulevard

• This carnival-inspired theme block party makes you feel like a kid again with sno-cones, cotton candy, games and raffles

ADBD Space (Paul Frank Pop-Up Shop), 8246 Beverly Blvd

• This retro-inspired disco themed party hosted by Paul Frank and Red Light PR is complete with a pop-up shop,  henna tattoos, and a custom photobooth.  Taryn Manning will be Djing the event. Don’t miss out on the fully stocked candy bar and drinks all night

Miami:

City Style Collective, 695 North Miami Avenue

• 30 of Miami’s hottest acts from fashion and beauty will be participating in this pop-up shop event. This jammed-packed event will feature mini-make-overs, hair touch-ups, photo shoots, dancing, live entertainment, and music provided by DJ Rob Di Nero

Dallas:

Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway Suite 3080

• Participating retailers here are offering a ton of deals and freebies: Prosecco and Italian specialty cocktails at Gucci, photo sessions at Saks Fifth Avenue taken by an Estée Lauder photography artist;  free wristlet with your purchase of $150 at Dooney & Bourke

Chicago:

Oak Street Shops, Oak Street between Michigan Avenue and State Street

• Drink and meet the designers of Henry & Belle Denim Company all while receiving a 20% discount; Ashley Zisook, owner of Sofia and her stylists will be offering champagne, discounts and giveaways. First 500 guests receive a FNO tote bag. All shoppers will receive one raffle ticket with every purchase at a participating store

Shopping for a cause: NYC AIDS Fund is the official charity of Fashion Night Out where 40% of proceeds from sales of the limited edition FNO t-shirts ($25), long-sleeved shirts ($30), caps ($15), and totes ($50) will be donated. The collection is available at various retailers and major department stores and online at fashionsnightout.com/collection

Barneys will be donating 10% of its FNO sales at the Barneys Madison Avenue store (and 10% of Barneys.com sales) to the National September 11th Memorial & Museum.