Runway RunAway  will be released on November  25th, 2008, but we wanted to let you know ahead of time.  This is your chance to get a sneak peek at this candid recounting of Lorelei’s amazing journey from teen runaway to runway sensation!

Runway RunAway tells the story of Lorelei’s journey from 15 year-old runaway to aspiring model,  pounding the pavements of L.A.  while holding down a job.  Through a combination of very hard work and fortuitous circumstance, she gets a break; one that will open doors into a glamorous career.

Having walked the runways of Europe and the world for such fashion legends as Chanel, Bob Mackie, and Christian LaCroix, Lorelei’s story gives the reader a feel for what it was like to be at the center of it all during one of couture fashion’s heydays.

On the other side, the very real depictions of people and places you may have only heard of or read about in the news– spoken of as only one who knows them can– make the stories and events real to the reader; leading them quietly into the world of high fashion and hard rock, and showing that the stars who dwell there are people, too.

Lorelei also tells the story of her romance with Steve Clark, guitarist of the legendary rock band Def Leppard.  Her love for him speaks through the pages, and the story of their first meeting has all the honesty and intimacy of a friend giving up precious secrets from her past. 

Beneath the glitz and glamor, is a very real person, whose story will have you hooked.

Visit the official Runway RunAway website, where you can read an excerpt from the book, and view photos and press from Lorelei’s glamorous career. The book is currently available through the website for pre-order.  You can even  get a signed copy!

  And if you live in the Los Angeles area, you have a chance to purchase the book before its official release date.

  On November 23rd, there will be a book signing at the Infamous Book Soup  in Hollywood.

  The event begins at 5pm.  The Infamous Book Soup is located at:

  8818 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, California, 90069.

We’re starting at the top,  with founder and CEO, Steve Barraza.  He gave us some  insights into what makes Tianello unique,  and we’re sharing that information with you.

When asked,  Steve will tell you that one of the things that makes Tianello unique is that they are what he calls ‘Garment dyers’.  This means that the rich colors you find in your Tianello garment are created after the garment has been completely assembled.  Conversely, many large clothing manufacturers dye their  fabric in large batches before assembly. 

  Tianello’s practice of garment dyeing ensures that when you receive your item,  it is 100%  pre-shrunk and has a lovely, soft feel that you are unlikely to find off the rack from fabric first dyed apparel.

  Garment dyeing also facilitates another of Tianello’s practices–on demand production.  Your garment is made ready when you order it, to the color, style and body specification you select. You never wind up with a blouse that has been hanging on the rack for weeks or even months.

  These practices makes for a healthy balance of quality and efficiency.  This is in line with Tianello standards, which Steve calls a product based company, saying “if you have no product, all you have is price.”  The goal is to create and maintain stellar products for the Tianello line.  The company prides itself on the quality and comfort of it’s garments.

   That pride in workmanship seems to be paying off.  When your employees choose to wear Tianello garments, even on their off-time, you know you’re on the right track.  The tenets of comfort and style are reflected throughout the company. They’ve chosen to stick to these ideals, rather than fancy marketing or latching on to the latest trends.

  All of Tianello’s designs offer classic, flattering drapes and cuts that can be easily incorporated into any wardrobe.  Steve realizes this is one of the keys to Tianello’s success: “When a woman looks good, and feels good, she’ll come back for more.”  It’s one of the reasons, according to Steve, you’ll find that a woman who wears Tianello, wears mostly Tianello. By sticking with clean lines and foregoing unnecessary frills,  each Tianello piece has staying power that a trendy item just doesn’t have.  The cut of a Tianello blouse– for example– is unlikely to ‘go out of style’ in favor of something new.

  Tianello also enforces a rigorous quality control.  Garments are carefully checked during various stages of production for any imperfections.  Even loose strings are dealt with.  The quality of a Tianello garment is similar to that of a designer’s sample—a piece that is of top quality and free of all possible imperfections—nearly flawless.

  Steve and the hardworking staff at Tianello  have a definite goal in mind for the client with all of this attention to detail:

   “When it becomes their [the client’s] look– It’s what we want,” says Steve.  

   Stay tuned for future installments of “Behind the Scenes:”  as we follow the garment creation process from start to finish.  Look forward to it! 

   From the cool side of the palette, you can expect to see deep purples and shades of navy and forest green; subtle variations on the classic jewel tones. Blue Iris– a cool, flowing blue shade– was selected by the Pantone Color Institute as the 2008 color of the year. On the warm end of the spectrum, expect to see deep reds, candied browns, and luxurious rust tones.

   Tianello has anticipated these trends with a few vibrant new color additions of its own. Some of these shades are already being made to order for boutiques across the country, and soon, they’ll be available to preview and purchase on our website as well.

   Midnight Teal is a personal favorite; a rich, deep aqua hue that feels like diving into moonlit tropical waters, and a lovely complement to the lighter, brighter Acapulco shade we already offer. Valentine Red, a hue like the perfect red rose, is vibrant and just right for the holiday season. Torange is a rich brownish orange that is perfect for fall, and dead on with the runway trends we have seen. Sahara, a soft beige, much like the desert sands from which its name was drawn, as well as Shadow– a subtle greyish plum, and returning favorite– are perfect accents to support those more vibrant hues.

   Also fresh for fall will be the first release of our new online magazine, scheduled for launch September 1^st. We’ve lined up some fun and informative articles we think you’ll enjoy.

   We’d love to hear about your Tianello experiences. Tianello thrives on customer feedback, especially when we hear that our efforts are worthwhile to someone that we may not have the chance to meet face to face. If you’d like to get in contact with us via email, you can do so at testimonials@tianello.com .

   Next blog, we begin our series of behind-the-scenes reports with some insights gleaned from Tianello’s Founder and CEO, Steve Barraza. Find out what it’s like to head an innovative small company, and hear a little bit about the work involved keeping everything rolling.

First off, we’re currently working on getting more information onto the site, starting with garment descriptions.

We want you to be able to imagine each piece long before it reaches your door, especially if you don’t have the luxury of being able to stop by your local boutique to interact with our garments first hand.  New descriptions for some of our most popular pieces will include important things, like an updated sizing chart, and even tips on how to wear each piece to accentuate your personal style.  Sure, photos are fantastic, but knowing what to expect from the garment is intrinsic to incorporating it into your daily wear.  With these descriptions, we hope to give you a strong feel for each piece, and how it will complement your wardrobe.

We’ll also be updating the “About Us” section.  We want you, the client, to be able to read about the Tianello vision– how and why we started, what our goals are, and major milestones in our (thus far) short but vibrant history.  We’ll also be adding information on the fabrics we use, why we chose these fabrics, and what it means for the garments we offer you.

The Soul of Africa section will also be getting an update.  Rather than simply linking you to their official site– which is well worth a visit (http://www.soulofafrica.org.za/index.html)–  We’ll be offering information about the program directly on Tianello.com.  We feel that such a worthwhile project deserves as much recognition as it can get.  Incidentally, should you want to act more directly than through the purchase of well-made items, donations are accepted on the official site.

And finally, one more thing to look forward to.  In the near future, this blog will begin a series of behind the scenes interviews with key members of Tianello’s team.  If you’ve been wondering what it takes to keep an innovative small company like this running, now’s your chance to find out.  We plan on giving you an inside look at both the business and creative aspects of what it takes to be Tianello.
Look Forward to it!

Firstly, VIP members are automatically signed up for the Tianello customer newsletter. Many people ask whether certain popular prints or garment types will come back to the line and become available again. The newsletter is the best tool for those of you enthusiastic about seeing which new prints and styles are available each month. This blog is a good source for general Tianello news and information, but the newsletter is delivered right to your e-mail and contains news directly from the factory floor! You also get advance notice on retail sales and coupons in your area. Keep in mind this mailing list isn’t junk mail. The newsletters are beautifully designed, contain relevant customer information, and each month we include a picture of a new practical outfit sample. You can also cancel your free subscription any time.

Tianello loves its customers. Each month, Tianello gives away a free garment to a lucky VIP customer! There’s no catch whatsoever. All you need to do is be a VIP member to have a chance each month to win. Winners are announced in the customer newsletters each month. Members are also invited to participate in the VIP referral program. For a limited time, each VIP member who invites 5 friends or family members to join the club through the Tianello VIP website earns a free Tianello makeup bag. One lucky member each year can also win a $1,000 Tianello online shopping spree. These are only a few examples of the rewards coming your way if you’re already a VIP, and its only going to get better.

If you’re not a member already, signing up is free and easy. Either have a friend or family invite you through the referral program to help them earn their reward, or sign up yourself at Tianello.com.

After attending the convention myself, I’ve learned a great deal more about the Soul of Africa program, and what it does specifically.

The Soul of Africa Program, created by Clark’s Shoes’ Lance Clark, is a charity program designed not just to provide aid, but jobs to those affected by HIV in Durbin, South Africa. The program has already raised $2 million this year, double what it raised through orders last year, and continues to provide for those in need.

The organization has already provided money for food and supplies for facilities in Durbin, a region especially affected by HIV. Examples of such facilites are the Kulani Adoption agency, and the Shepard’s Keep infant shelter. Steve Barraza notes observing one village in particular that aside from a new kitchen, food, and supplies, is already enjoying a full running water toilet as an upgrade from its usual bucket. This program provides gainful employment for unskilled jobless women as well. “By giving them sustainable jobs,” says Clark, “they are able to help themselves rather than hope aid may come.” All of Clark’s Soul of Africa shoes are hand stitched in Durbin, South Africa, and when each pair is sold here in the US or UK, about $8 goes to fund Soul of Africa programs.

Steve Barraza, Tianello founder recently announced his partnership in the Soul of Africa program earlier this year, releasing Tianello’s Soul of Africa line of fashion. A generous portion of the gross earned from SoA garments goes to fund the program. Thanks to Tianello, Soul of Africa provides clothing as well as shoes in a marriage of “ethical fashion,” that’s already beginning to make a difference.

Tianello/SoA had a booth open for the entirety of the convention, and the response to the clothing, shoes, and the program itself was overwhelmingly positive. Women at the Convention from around the world were excited by the prospect of looking good for a good cause.

With more and more pieces of Soul of Africa clothing becoming available, it is hard not to help out. Tianello is designing some of its best articles of clothing specifically for the Soul of Africa line, and 8% of each purchase you make, be it online or in a store, goes to this program. With Tianello’s clothing, and the shoe collection already available, the potential is indeed huge. Tianello needs you to show the support this program so well deserves.  Steve Barraza, along with the other major driving forces behind this program will be speaking at the upcoming 2008 International Rotary Convention in an effort to drum up even more support, and to announce Tianello’s role in the project.

Tianello offers a wide variety of fashions and styles in luxurious natural fabrics. Tianello’s clothing, however, is only a piece of the elegant yet casual lifestyle that the line represents. Steve Barraza, CEO of Tianello describes the company as

“Passionate people who enjoy creating our life experience and achieving out daily and lifetime goals through everything that is created from our energy. We love what we create and create what we love.”

In the new magazine, Tianello promises to deliver the rest of the picture: a luxurious and sophisticated lifestyle to fit the Tianello fashion line. Tianello writers promise a fine mix between the practically casual and the fashionably lavish- the same combination that makes Tianello clothing itself so unique and appealing. While this blog generally contains Tianello related news, the new magazine will feature everything from travel to food, entertainment to general healthy living. Tianello’s natural feeling is available in all good things, and this magazine will show you where to find them in a practical online format. Summer is already here, and the new Tianello magazine promises to deliver great ways to unwind, a few good summer recipes, and general articles of interest designed specifically for you- the Tianello customer.

The magazine’s first online issue is to be released in a matter of weeks and no subscription is required, so don’t miss it!

More often than not, however, people need that very specific garment that really makes their wardrobe come together. It can be difficult to find that piece in a store or even online. It is all to often that shoppers find a garment that would normally suit them if only it were in the right color, or a different print. Tianello is quite aware of this frustration, which is why they allow for retailers to request custom single garment orders. Any garment you see in stores or on the website is available in any other print or color we carry, all you need to do is ask your local retail store that carries Tianello products. To make things even easier, you can post custom requests online on Tianello.com,  a feature that puts your special request on a message board available to all Tianello retailers. If you’re having a hard time finding a local retail store that carries Tianello, Tianello.com also has a store locator capable of finding any store Tianello store in the United States.

Finally, with mother’s day approaching this weekend, it is worth mentioning that Tianello also sells gift certificates online. If your mother or daughter is unfamiliar with Tianello superior garments and versatile fashions, now is as good a time as ever to introduce them to what they’re missing!

Georgette is a bouncy, flowing material with a crinkly crepe-light texture. Although georgette is usually made from silk, ours is made from rayon, making it incredibly durable. With georgette you can look good and feel comfortable doing it! Georgette garments are thin and light, and have a flattering drape, making them not only easy to wear, but fashionable too.

Tencel (also known as lyocell) is a rayon like cloth made of cellulose extracted from wood pulp. The production process of Tencel is especially environmentally friendly, requiring non-toxic solvents and economic use of energy and water. The result is a sturdy cloth, comprised of a unique structure of smooth but strong fibers. Many environmentalists hail Tencel as a “new age fiber” with an environmentally sustainable production process and a technologically superior structure. The specifics of the fabrics we wear tend not to be too important from day to day for the average person, but coming from someone who personally wears it, you really feel the difference. Tencel is naturally cooling while handling moisture much better than any synthetic material.

Bemberg is another biodegradable, environmentally friendly material derived mainly from cotton seeds. Unlike other cotton products, Bemberg has a unique texture all to its own. Like Tencel, Bemberg is comprised of a very smooth regenerated cellulose fiber that is both durable and elegant. Because of the structural similarities, the fabric breathes and releases moisture in a way very similar to Tencel. Bemberg has a luxurious natural drape, with a smooth and graceful feel. Bemberg is also highly resistant to static, so your garments won’t cling to other materials. Electrostatic tests actually rate Bemberg as a better choice over anti-static nylon and polyester. It’s hard to disrupt the flowing graceful silhouette that a Bemberg skirt or dress will add to your new look.

Also, keep on the lookout this May for Tianello’s new online magazine. Every quarter, check out interesting tips, stories, styles, and articles all geared for those willing to be casual and elegant in both life and fashion. Don’t miss it!