White + Warren

Check out behind the scenes of our photoshoot in NYC’s Meatpacking neighborhood!

Melanie Griffith (soul cycle spin teacher, mom of three, cancer survivor), visited our showroom last week to check out the Pink Label Cashmere Collection of wraps we created in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. We proudly donate 50% of the proceeds from this collection to Women At Risk (WAR).* Melanie loved the texture and color of the soft grey airtex wrap. 

Check out our Q & A with this unbelievably inspiring mom and spin teacher.  Her energy and outlook on life is enviable and contagious (plus, she kicks butt in spin class according to one W+W staffer).

 W+W: Where do you find strength? Do you have a personal motto?

Melanie: I really believe that strength comes from choosing to live in each moment. It is when we anticipate and worry about the steps in front of us – or get bogged down by unresolved feelings about the past – that fear creeps in. And fear can be crippling. When I trust myself to just take each step as it comes, even if those steps are difficult, then I find strength I didn’t know I had. When I don’t expect perfection from myself or others, I can find joy even in the hard steps I have to take. I chose to shave my head the first day I noticed my hair starting to fall out. It was one of the things about the chemo that seemed so scary. But by choosing it myself, I found a sense of peace and strength bigger than any I had known before. Over the past year I kept saying, “I thought I was strong, until I got strong.” Lately, I have so many mottos that help me stay present in the moments in my life. I live by the motto - i am now.

W+W: What should a friend say or do if a friend is going through chemotherapy?

Melanie: I’m sure it must be different for everyone. Some people deal with treatment more privately than I did. The key, I imagine, is to be a friend in whatever way she needs. Empathy is a powerful tool to gauge how to act in any situation. Offer to come over and visit or go to a treatment. Send little love notes with words of encouragement and inspiration. Talk about things that have nothing to do with cancer or chemotherapy. I loved when my friends would just include me in what was going on in life. I loved that my friends still just treat me like me, even though I show up with all different wigs depending on the day. Hugs go a long way, too! 

W+W: What’s your favorite W+W Pink Label Collection wrap and where are you going to wear it?

Melanie: I love my soft grey Airtex wrap! It is so versatile and soft. I wear it as a layer most days lately. Today it is wrapped around me like a scarf. Last weekend, I wore it to an outdoor wedding and it kept me warm during the ceremony.

W+W: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we developed the Pink Label Collection to support this cause. You have follicular non-hodgkins lymphoma – but you touched a W+W staffer deeply and we wanted to share your story. What has cancer taught you?

Melanie: Cancer has shown me that the strength to deal with any obstacle in life is innate to each of us. We all have a profound ability to survive and thrive in this life, regardless of any diagnosis or other challenge. I like to imagine standing on the shore watching the ocean waves roll in. If you stand rigid and in fear of the oncoming wave – if you resist it – the wave will knock you down pretty much every time. But if you stay relaxed, trust yourself to find the rhythm of the moment, choose to dive through it instead of brace yourself against it, the size of the wave you can maneuver is immense. Having cancer has reminded me to really feel the joys of life, to celebrate moments and people, and to embrace my own flare for living.

W+W: What are your top prevention tips to share with other women?

Melanie: For me, I think of it less as prevention, and more as awareness. Know your body and trust your gut if something seems off. As women, we should stay healthy and fit. We know that already. Make exercise a consistent part of your weekly routine. Make smart choices with your diet – avoid processed food and sodas and instead drink tons of water and eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit. Moderation is key when it comes to indulgences like alcohol and desserts.

W+W: You happen to be an instructor at one of NYC’s hottest spin studios, SoulCycle. Any tips for other women on staying healthy and in shape?

Melanie: Being healthy, like so much of life, starts in your mind. Our thoughts and beliefs have such an impact on how we deal with the realities of living. I am the mother of three children. I never thought I was particularly good at cardio exercise. And then I stepped a little outside of my comfort zone and tried a class at SoulCycle when it first opened in 2006. It very quickly became my lifestyle. The motto of the company is Mind.Body.Cardio. Our bodies we take care of by eating well and exercising. Cardio is life, breath, and I will never take it for granted. But it all starts with the Mind. And we need to be as diligent with our mind as we are with our bodies. I recently started meditating twice a day for 20 minutes – a practice that provides me with profound physiological rest and peace of mind. I practice a form of vedic meditation I learned from an Aussie named Will, and it has changed my life for the better. www.introtomeditation.com

W+W: What should every woman know about cancer?

Melanie: That the word can be more frightening than the reality. That fear is crippling and that faith trumps fear every time.

W+W: You have an incredible blog (we could spend hours on it!) – why did you start your blog and how has it played a role in your recovery?

Melanie: When I was first diagnosed with lymphoma, I found strength in talking about it rather than holding it inside. Somehow, not sharing my experience felt like hiding something – and left room for silent fear. I began the blog to keep people updated on my health. But quickly I found that writing helped me process what I was feeling and experiencing. I am learning so much about life and strength by allowing myself to share my stories. The fact that others have responded to what I write is profound for me. I plan to continue with my blog and see how it develops. The lymphoma I have is chronic and the lessons I have learned this past year are ones I want to incorporate into my life for always. Not just as a way to get through a summer of chemotherapy. I love that other people have found strength and inspiration from reading what I write. People who have cancer or don’t. We are really all the same. I believe so strongly that we shine brighter as a community than we do alone. www.iamnowthejourney.wordpress.com

Jenny Saldana (comedic writer, playwright, breast cancer survivor), visited our showroom last week to check out the Pink Label Cashmere Collection of wraps we created in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. We proudly donate 50% of the proceeds from this collection to Women At Risk (WAR).* Jenny went nuts over the dip dye wrap.

Check out our Q+A with this funny gal:

W+W: What should every woman know about breast cancer?

Jenny: That it isn’t a death sentence.  Early detection saves lives.

W+W: What are your top three prevention tips for other women?

Jenny: Keep your weight down, DONT SMOKE and don’t live in fear.  ENJOY YOURSELF.

W+W: What inspires you today?

Jenny: As a comedic writer, laughter inspires me.  When I can make a newly diagnosed woman laugh, it feels like she just gave ME a gift.

W+W: How did beating cancer change your life?

Jenny: How didn’t it?  I left the corporate world and went back to pursuing acting and writing.  I’ve also dedicated my life to giving back to women with cancer by working at New York Presbyterian Hospital, the very hospital where I was treated and providing help, support and navigation to the newly diagnosed.

W+W: Are there any recent projects you’ve been involved in to help raise awareness?

Jenny: I am currently working on a book about my breast cancer journey.  It’s a more fleshed out version of my award winning comedic play, PINK:  The Chronicles of BC Jenny (currently touring colleges). This month I’m featured in, “Survival Diaries”, on realbeauty.com. It’s a series of intimate portraits of courage where 22 women share their battles with breast cancer.

W+W: What’s your favorite wrap from the W+W Pink Label Collection?

Jenny: I LOVE the dyed pink and white one!  It’s beautiful!  I am going to wear it EVERYWHERE!  I have already gotten compliments on it.

*WAR is New York-Presbyterian Columbia University Medical Center’s breast cancer program. It’s mission is to enhance the lives of women at high risk for and with breast cancer though research, education and support.

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Meet Francesca Rosamilia | Head Designer, White + Warren

W+W: What is your go-to piece to transition from day to night?

Francesca: A black sheer blouse, lots of jewelry and vintage cowboy boots. During the day I’ll wear this with our men’s black cashmere cardigan, slightly oversized on me, and perfect.

W+W: What’s your favorite part of fashion week?

Francesca: Attending a few shows and parties. Definitely excited to see what other designers are showing.

W+W: What are you most excited for this season?

Francesca: I love to wear my cashmere travel wrap as a snood. This season, I will be cocooning myself in my favorite color from the collection, shadow plum. I’m also excited to layer lots of sweaters, until the last possible moment when I have to surrender myself to a coat.

W+W: What was your inspiration for the Fall collection?

Francesca: The Catskill Mountains in the Fall. The colors and textures in my garden particularly inspired the utilitarian outerwear you will see in our debut jacket capsule. The Fall collection combines urban lifestyle with luxury weekend wear layering. We played around with many different stitches and gauges to give the Fall sweaters the perfect amount of texture that feels super luxe and cozy.

W+W: What from White + Warren do you see fitting perfectly into your Fall wardrobe?

Francesca: The camel shaker stitch coat – perfect with my vintage cowboy boots. It feels so amazing and luxurious.

W+W: What can we expect to see this Spring from White + Warren?

Francesca: After coming across a travel essay on Morocco, I started to fill my sketchbook with images of Moroccan architecture. I was really inspired by the energy and amazing colors and the free-spirited culture. You will see these incredibly vibrant colors and new shapes for Spring that reflect a relaxed, almost resort-like feel.

Meet Kristin van Ogtrop | Managing Editor, Real Simple

W+W: What’s your favorite part of fashion week?

Kristin: Well, I don’t go to the shows, so my favorite part is greeting my fashion department members when they get back.  I get all of the information without any of the sitting and waiting.

W+W: What from White + Warren do you see fitting in perfect to your fall wardrobe?

Kristin: Two things:  the long camel cardigan and this Anupamaa scarf.  They are both gorgeous, comfortable, and neutral-with-color.

W+W: What is your go-to piece to transition from day to night?

Kristin: Aside from big sparkly jewelry which I wear both day and night, I would say black tuxedo pants.  Great for the office, great for a party.

W+W: What can we expect to see in the fall/holiday issues of Real Simple?

Kristin: Well, our consumer comes to us for classic with a twist, so expect lots of styles with traditional appeal, but on-trend flourishes.  And more gorgeous photography than ever.

W+W: What are you most excited for this season?

Kristin: Color!  I tend, alas, to gravitate toward lots of New Yorker-approved neutrals (uh, black and gray), but I am really trying my best to incorporate some color, even if it’s just in accessories.  And faux fur–I’m excited about that.

Meet Jay Hartington | Co-Founder, RumbaTime

W+W: What trends are you most excited about this season?

Jay: For watches we are seeing a lot of rose gold and matte black collections continue to be very important.   We are focusing on these trends and also monochromatic styles for Fall/Holiday.

W+W: Are any models RumbaTime wearers?

Jay: We hope so! Do fashion models wear are watches? I’m not sure…but I did just see a pic of the model Tyson Beckford wearing our Mercer watch.

W+W: What shows will you attend?

Jay: Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Rag & Bone, Philip Lim, Alexander Wang, Zac Posen, and Yigal Azrouel

W+W: Where do you wear your W+W cashmere V?

Jay: Both to work and out at night.

W+W: What inspired you to start a watch company?

Jay: I have always had a fascination with watches in how they are both fashion and function in one accessory…I wanted to start a more fashion driven watch company.

W+W: What’s your most memorable fashion week moment?

Jay: I went to a Y-3 fall show and Zinedine Zidane came out and shot penalty kicks with Yohji Yamamato…it was amazing!

Meet Gabrielle Revere, New York-based photographer

W+W: Who are some of your favorite models to work with?
Gabrielle: My most favorite models to work with are two of the fashion industry’s most stunning, iconic, muses of today: Karlie Kloss and Lindsey Wixson. They are breathtaking, unique beauties with a classic, yet, whimsical edge.

W+W: What are some of your most recent projects?

Gabrielle: I have most recently appeared as the guest judge and featured photographer on Australia’s Next Top Model, as well as completing a 23 page special issue, exclusive Cover Story- fashion photo essay for Life Magazine featuring Karlie Kloss, which will be distributed at Lincoln Center, during NY Fashion Week, this Autumn.

W+W: What excites you about Fall?

Gabrielle: I love the Autumn season. It is both poetic and romantic– new beginnings- rebirth, regeneration– comfort, ease, and warmth. It is my favorite time of the year to dress up for.

W+W: What White + Warren pieces do you see fitting into your Fashion Week wardrobe perfectly?

Gabrielle: The Cashmere Travel Wrap. I could literally have one of these in every color and sport them around town, everyday, morning through night, through work and play- well into Spring. This is pure, fashion-genius!

The Cashmere Ruffle Cardigan in Black. This is a wardrobe must-have. It is sexy, chic, and elegant, with a bit of an edge. The mere sight of this cardigan makes me a very happy girl!

The Cable Blanket Poncho. Luxurious, boho-chic. A great, statement piece that will stand the test of time.

W+W: Any tips on how to take a flattering picture?

Gabrielle: This is a big one. Confidence is key! Don’t be afraid to let loose. Explore your emotions and all of the different facets of your personality. Most importantly, have fun with it! Be spontaneous.

Meet Kristin Gallegos, New York-based make-up artist

W + W: What campaigns have you worked on recently? Do you have any favorites?

Kristin: The most recent campaign that I worked on was Urban Outfitters which I just shot in Iceland! Shooting in Iceland was one of the best experiences of my life. There is no other place on Earth like it! Some of my favorite campaigns that I have worked on besides Urban Outfitters would be Rolex which I shot with Patrick Demarchelier. And I really enjoyed the Victorinox Swiss Army campaigns that I shot with Collier Schorr. One was in Aspen during a blizzard it was amazing!

W + W: What are some fashion and/or makeup rules you swear by?

Kristin: I don’t really swear by rules when it comes to fashion.  Except that I strongly believe in dressing appropriately for your size and age.  And I think that being confident no matter what is super important.  Owning what you’ve got and making it work for you.  Confidence is the best accessory!

As for makeup rules I think that less is more!  I think a lot of women make the mistake of wearing too much makeup.  If you have great skin don’t cover it up with foundation!  Only use concealer where needed.  Subtle enhancements to the face are usually the most flattering.  But there are exceptions to everything.  Some people can pull off more makeup and work a look.  And if that is the case then I say go for it!  But know what works best with your face and features.

W + W: What White + Warren pieces do you see fitting into your Fashion Week wardrobe?

Kristin: For fashion week I cannot wait to wear my new White + Warren Cashmere Cheetah Print Crewneck sweater!  And my new black Mens Cashmere Vneck Cardigan.  They are the perfect additions to my fall/winter wardrobe!

W + W: What shows are you most excited for this season?

Kristin: For New York fashion week I am the most excited for Rodarte, Rad Hourani, Jeremy Scott, Alexander Wang, Richard Chai, and Proenza Schouler.

For Paris fashion week I am most excited for Ann Demuelemeester, Rick Owens, Givenchy, Chanel, Balenciaga, Miu Miu, Lanvin, Celine, and Comme des Garcons.

W + W: Are you working at any of the shows?

Kristin: Yes!  I am the key makeup artist on 3 shows this season which are sponsored by MAC.  I am working with Kimberly Ovitz, Martha Medeiros, and Nomia.  It should be a fun season.  And I plan on attending a few shows as well!

Take a look behind the scenes at our photoshoot at a Tribeca Penthouse!

Take a look behind the scenes at our photoshoot NYC’s amazing Milk Studios!