SKAGGS

An interview with NYC’s self-titled Mexican Socialite, Set Designer and style guru Manuel (Manny) Norena. From his colorful upbringing in Mexico (think bodyguards and palatial digs) to the calm of Salt Lake City, Manny tells us about his work, his loves, and his sizzling-hot tips on doing Summer Manny Style. Plus, he dishes the dirt on working with SKAGGS. Yes, we’re brave enough to publish it. Just remember, you heard it here first!

Manuel Norena AKA Manny AKA The Most Remarkable Set Designer in New York City — tell us about yourself!
My name is Manuel Norena and I’m located in Downtown Chinatown in beautiful New York City. I love the craziness of China Town and how nobody speaks English and the fact that I can actually leave my house and not get recognized. [We forgot to add Manny also moonlights as a celebrity about town—Ed.]
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As the original creator of the concept of NYLON (NewYorkLondon) and designer of some of the most contemporary residential and commercial spaces in New York City (including SKAGGS HQ), Jo Laurie of Jo Laurie Design is the go-to creative, when you’re in need of practical yet innovative interior design services and advice.

We sat down with Jo to find out how she outshone Terence Conran’s London Flagship store and brought a little NYC flavor to the Sloanies, the importance of a great mirror or lamp, Wigstock and why ICFF is the fashion week of the interior design community.

Jo Laurie — interior designer extraordinaire - tell us about your self!
Jo Laurie, NYC. Based in Downtown NYC since 1985… but with an ever-shrinking world, I’m so pleased that I have US and UK passports and Australian residency! [Talk about jetset! -Ed.]
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From designer divas and celebrity stylists to snooty editors and glamazon models, fashion photography in New York City is a notoriously cut-throat business. So what sorts the men from the boys? We straightened our shoulders, sucked in our paunch, and struck our best pose to ask RICK HAYLOR about life in the fashion fast lane, what it’s like backstage at Mercedes-Benz NYC Fashion Week, and how to pull off the perfect pout.

Rick Haylor… the man, the myth, the legend – tell us about yourself!
Well you can start by calling me Grant. Unbeknownst to many that’s my real name…Grant Ricky Haylor but everyone calls me Rick… even my parents! (eds note: Noway!) Seriously! It’s on my passport and birth certificate. I was born in Kent, lived in London and I’ve lived in Soho, NYC for the last 10 years.

How did it all begin?
Well I was born first of all, yes my mother gave birth to me. Just kidding…
The honest truth is that I was very close to becoming a pro golfer. From a young age I loved sports and started playing golf with my Dad (also an avid golfer). I actually ended up doing very well on the junior circuit but broke my wrist playing football (soccer) and had to pack it in. At the same time it was getting very close to Christmas and I needed extra cash to buy gifts. A friend said I could earn money working at a hair salon, sweeping the floor and helping out. Can you imagine?! I went from being sports mad and getting up at the crack of dawn to play football with the lads, to fashion, hair and beauty, it was a whole new world. The Christmas job worked out great and they offered me a position full time.
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Introducing a brand-spanking new regular feature: the SKAGGS FOCUS, your source for the low-down on the best and the brightest in the world of branding, art, design and anything else that takes our fancy. We’re kicking everything off with a focus on Kim-Van Dang, of KVD NYC.

A remarkable force of nature, Kim’s talent and energy shines through everything she does — whether it be working with children in South Africa, finding the perfect pair of Chloe pants, or skinny-dipping in Cannes with Pamela Anderson! And did we mention her fabulous work with SKAGGS on the Erno Lazlo, Lovenia and Scrumptious success stories? We sat down with Kim to find out just exactly what happened in Cannes with Pammy, the beauty tips she gave to Bill Clinton and of course more about KVD NYC
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