happy birthday, ray-ban!

Ray-Ban's 75th anniversary Ambermatic Collection, $219 each, hits stores in June

This year is a milestone for Ray-Ban. The eyewear innovator, whose aviators and Wayfarers are iconic fashion staples, is celebrating its 75th birthday this year. To mark the occasion, Ray-Ban is launching the Ambermatic collection, a line of aviators inspired by the 1937 original. Available in four styles - classic aviators with or without curved arms, the shooter, and the outdoorsman - the Ambermatic shades have light-sensitive photochromic yellow lenses that darken depending on light and temperature.

"People may not realize that Ray-Ban first started out from a military request for pilot's sunglasses. This Aviator style is something that was developed long ago but that continues to be nurtured by the brand with new frame materials and lens development," Sara Beneventi, Ray-Ban brand director, told WWD. "The relationship between Ray-Ban and the Aviator is treated with reverence. The Ambermatic is a testament to that commitment to craftsmanship and technical design."

Help Ray-Ban celebrate 75 years of aviators when the Ambermatic collection hits Sunglass Hut, Henri Bendel and upscale department stores in June.

www.ray-ban.com/usa

glam for good: women helping women

RGA model Yuliya, wearing Kaufmanfranco, and Mary Alice Stephenson

This past weekend I had the honor and privilege of assisting uber stylist Mary Alice Stephenson and her studio director Denise Caldwell with the Grace Centers of Hope Women Helping Women fashion show. It was truly an incredible experience, one that I will remember for the rest of my life.

say hello to rosie

Last night I finally watched the movie version of one of my favorite books, Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. It's the story of a 1930s traveling circus, a young vet, a star performer, and Rosie, the incredible elephant who brings them together despite the brutal ringmaster trying to keep them apart. I adore the book, and whenever I love a book, I always approach the film version with trepidation. Hollywood just has a way of ruining a good book, you know what I mean? Well, a full year after its theatrical release, I caught Water for Elephants the movie on HBO, and I loved it. Beautifully filmed, it brought the book to life - and watching it made my latest purchase, an elephant necklace from J.Crew, even more special. J.Crew calls it the "Lucy" pendant, but you can call her "Rosie."

Lucy Pendant, $35 at J.Crew stores