Maybe you've heard of Hayden-Harnett, makers of designer handbags and accessories that have wowed shoppers and critics alike the past few seasons.
But did you know that Toni Hacker, the company's creative director, grew up in Manchester and graduated from Eastern Kentucky University?
She and her partner, Ben Harnett, are based in Brooklyn, N.Y., where they and their staff turn out fabulous pieces, including swimwear, jewelry and shoes, and some of the most stylish bags around. Their designs have been sold at Nordstrom, Anthropologie and Target, as well as at their own site, www.haydenharnett.com.
Read more about Hacker in the Spring 2009 Eastern Kentucky University Magazine, online at www.eku.edu/alumni/magazine.
Old, new businesses celebrate
There are parties going on two Liberty Road stores this weekend.
Room Service, 933 Liberty Road, a consignment home-furnishings store, is celebrating its 15th anniversary. Scout, the antiques and vintage store next door at 935 Liberty Road, opened earlier this year and will celebrate its grand opening.
Friday through Sunday, there will be drawings for gifts, and Talon wine and refreshments will be served.
Parking is available in front and behind the stores.
Trunksful of bridesmaid dresses
Bella Rose is hosting a Lazaro Bridesmaids and Vera Wang Maids trunk show featuring the designers' 2009 fall collections through Saturday, Sept. 5. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
A quarter century of flowers
Best of Flowers, a florist at 807 Chevy Chase Place, will celebrate 25 years in business with cake and punch for shoppers Friday and Saturday.
Restorers visit L.V. Harkness
Cincinnati Plating and Old World Restoration will be at L.V. Harkness, 531 West Short Street, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. (Old World Restoration will be there Friday only.)
Cincinnati Plating restores silver, brass, copper, nickel and gold pieces. Old World Restoration works with paintings, frames, documents, photographs, ceramics, sculpture and crystal. Appointments are encouraged; call (859) 225-7474.
A Lush sample pack
Lush cosmetics has launched a limited-edition soap sample pack featuring nine best-selling scents (including Sea Vegetable and I Should Coco) in the company's new palm-free soap base. The pack is $19.95.
Lush is available at Macy's in Fayette Mall or at www.lushusa.com.
Fossil, Dillard's plan special events
To celebrate its 25th anniversary this fall, Fossil Inc. will partner with Dillard's for special shopping events at select locations.
Free gifts, including a vintage-inspired journal and an eco tote, will be offered with purchase. Drawings will be held for free Fossil products.
Events will include one Saturday at Kenwood Towne Center in Cincinnati and Oct. 31 at Mall St. Matthews in Louisville.
