Move over and make room for makeup for men.
Following Skinney Medspa’s Wellness Launch Party at their NYC Flagship location, Skinney Medspa announced they would officially partner with IVDrips to offer IV drip Therapy services!
It is no secret that Skinney Medspa is one of The Knockturnals (and my
personnel) favorite places to go for some of the best facials in NYC. Since the opening of their flagship location in 2014, Skinney Medspa has consistently been the one NYC’s Medispa’s that are lightyears ahead when it comes to the products they use, the technology behind many of the skincare and body contouring treatments they offer, and the genuine focus on providing all of their clients on a well-rounded beauty and wellness experience. Adding IVDrips therapy services is just one of many ways Skinney Medspa stands out from other Medispas and elevates the idea of what it means to look and feel good.
I recently had the opportunity to try an IVDrips, IV drip at Skinney’s flagship located in Flatiron. If that wasn’t exciting enough, I could get a Hyrdrafacial AT THE SAME TIME! For a beauty and wellness fanatic like myself, one of the significant reasons this partnership is so exciting is that the IV drip services can be combined with almost all the services offered at Skinney Medspa. Now, I will admit that I was under the impression that just going out and getting an IV drip was something that celebs do to combat a hangover instead of washing down a Tylenol with a Gatorade like the rest of us. Still, I am now on the IV drip bandwagon. Before starting my simultaneous IV drip and Hydrafacial treatments, I got to pick the brain of Nutridrips Director of Medical Operations, Rob McAdams, RN, about all the benefits of IV Nutrient Therapy. McAdams explained that Nutridrip makes there own “IV drip protocols” made of vitamins, minerals, and electrolyte fluids that can be customizable depending on what each client needs regarding their nutrition goals.
I chose their new “Beautydrip” protocol with biotin, zinc, b-complex, and glutathione, which are all great for hair, skin, and nails. Additionally, b12 and vitamin C help with energy and immunity. While all of that was exciting, I had to ask the obvious question: why can’t I take those vitamins? That’s when McAdams broke down all the benefits of Nutridrip IV therapy. “Oral vitamins are on average absorbed anywhere between 15%-30%, depending on our gut health. Because of this, it’s not the best way to absorb nutrients. When these nutrients are put directly into our veins, we can absorb 100% of them, meaning they are 100% bio-available. We are also able to give mega doses of certain vitamins. For example, we can get the equivalent of 300 oranges worth of vitamin C after a single treatment.” After taking in all this information, I felt I might never waste my time taking oral vitamins again. Of course, like many New Yorkers, I don’t have the time or patience to sit down for an IV drip every day, but McAdams put all those concerns to rest. ” For most treatments, we suggest an IV drip once a week for six weeks to start seeing results. Because most people who start with us are nutritionally deficient, we may suggest 1-2 a week for a month, but then as they progress, we can come down to once every other week and then down again to once a month.”
Truthfully, I could go on about this all day but what made all of this so exciting is that I could lay back and get Hydrafacial. The Hydrafacial, also known as the lunch break facial, only takes approximately 30mins and so does the Nutridrip therapy! For less than an hour, this could easily be anyone’s quick self-care treat for the week. While I am most excited about to Hydrafacial and IVDrips combo, IVDrips can be combined with most of the Skinney Medspa treatments, like IVDrips can be combined with most of our services, including EON, cool sculpting, Botox, filler, and facials. Currently, the IVDrips services are only offered at Skinney’s flagship location in Flatiron (125 5th Ave Floor 2, New York, NY 10003), but fortunately, all Skinney clients have access to Skinney partnerships by booking services through their website. According to Skinney Medspa’s Operations Manager, Revana Rahman, it is possible that we could see these wellness services offered at other locations soon!
Pop the champagne, Alexis Lauren is now open in the Coral Gables neighborhood of Miami. The Knockturnal was honored to be invited and get an exclusive first look at Alexis Lauren Collective.
Alexis Lauren Collective, a medically-backed luxurious beauty destination was founded by husband-and-wife duo, Dr. Michael and Alexis Renda, the Alexis Lauren Collective aims to redefine high-end aesthetic skincare in a modern beauty collective, marrying injectables with bespoke skincare treatments in a self-care sanctuary.
Alexis Lauren Collective’s approach is personalized to each client, with results-driven, medical-grade services. At the Collective, the team believes in offering what is best for you in the moment, satisfying varying skin desires, and generating transformational results. Clients can receive treatments through individual visits, or through a monthly membership in which clients receive monthly custom treatments, exclusive pricing, and members-only perks. Services that will be available at launch include injectables, custom facials, microneedling, and chemical peels using premium products with medical-grade devices and technology.
With regard to product, the “Collective Cabinet” comes complete with trusted, scientifically proven brands to complement on-site treatments, including cult-favorite Biologique Recherche, Skinbetter Science, iS Clinical, and more. Alexis Lauren Collective will also house devices that offer the finest methods of skin refinement, like Oxylight Ionix, in addition to an array of facial equipment from LED to microcurrent, and more. Guests at this event all received samples from Biologique Recherche to enjoy.
“My husband Michael and I came together to fill a void we saw in the skincare space: an ultra-luxe beauty collective that cares as much about its members as it does results,” said Alexis Renda, co-founder of Alexis Lauren Collective. “Our service menu is tailored to serve the client, not overwhelm them.”
Co-founded by trauma surgeon Dr. Michael Renda, his medical background strengthens the backbone of the business model along with the team of specialists presiding over the Collective.
“The ability to take care of patients with catastrophic traumatic injuries and burns has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of wound healing and our body’s resilience,” says Dr. Michael Renda. “This translates into the aesthetic realm as many of the skincare products and procedures are designed to remodel the skin, and at a cellular level elicit the body’s wound healing response.”
The evening was filled with good company, celebration, champagne, and pure bliss to celebrate the newest medically-backed luxurious beauty destination in Coral Gables.
Interviewing the dynamic duo and learning more about them and their endeavors was truly inspirational.
The Knockturnal: What inspired you to start your own beauty collective?
Alexis Lauren Collective Founders: “When we moved to Miami several years ago, I was looking for a place for injectables and facials and I couldn’t find an experience I loved. So, Michael and I started discussing what was missing in the space and what it would take to open a beauty collective that was luxurious and also offered bespoke treatments that really catered to the client and their needs. We wanted to marry the concept of injectables with high-end, highly curated skincare treatments.”
The Knockturnal: Have you always been passionate about beauty?
Alexis: “Yes, I have loved the beauty industry ever since I was a child! I was a ‘90s baby and read every copy of Seventeen and CosmoGirl magazine I could get my hands on—I even asked for retinol in middle school.”
The Knockturnal: What is your earliest beauty obsession?
Alexis: “I had so many obsessions and they were not good (ha)! Do you remember Sea Breeze and St. Ives Apricot Scrub?”
The Knockturnal: As a trauma surgeon, can you shed light on how it makes a difference to have true medical influence involved in aesthetic skincare? What can members expect as a result of having true medical expertise presiding over the collective?
Dr. Michael Renda: “The ability to take care of patients with catastrophic traumatic injuries and horrible burns has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of wound healing and our body’s resilience. This translates into the aesthetic realm as many of the skincare products and procedures are designed to remodel the skin and at a cellular level elicit the body’s wound healing response. For example, Sculptra, is designed to act as a catalyst to induce new collagen formation which helps redefine facial features for a more youthful look. Everything in medicine always boils down to the basic building blocks of biology, and that is no different for the aesthetic space; therefore my background only helps strengthen the medical backbone of our business model.”
The Knockturnal: What is it like running a business (so far) as a husband-and-wife duo?
Alexis Lauren Collective Founders: “We like to describe starting this business like walking in the dark in the middle of the night from the bathroom to the bed. You have your hands out and are blindly walking trying not to trip or hit your shin. Having a business partner on the same page as you, with the same goals, work ethic and reliability though has been key. The hard part is the access to your business partner. It never ends. We wake up and the texts between each other start at 7am to discuss the business, troubleshoot, answer emails etc. We are working on this balancing act but we can’t imagine doing this with anyone else. Seeing a project take shape that was merely an idea is uniquely gratifying. It is all a steep learning curve.”
The Knockturnal: What inspired the interiors?
Alexis Lauren Collective Founders: “Alexis as much as she won’t admit it is truly an aesthete—she has unparalleled taste and style. She was able to put together a mood board that our architects took one look at and brought to life. One of our mottos is “let’s slow things down”. The client is on a journey the second they immerse themselves into ALEXIS LAUREN. Time stands still from the moment they walk in the front door to their treatment room. Every wall and door is curved and custom made, just like the experience.”
The Knockturnal: How do you spend your free time in Miami?
Alexis Lauren Collective Founders: “We are total creatures of habit. We have our favorite places and things to do and we repeat them over and over again. We love the water, which makes Miami so special to us. Fitness is also paramount to each of us. You can always find Michael at Anatomy and Alexis taking a Pilates class at Tremble. We are total homebodies!”
Follow Alexis Lauren Collective on Instagram @alexislaurencollective and check out their website www.alexislauren.com to follow their journey and book your services.
Alexis Lauren Collective:
4203 Ponce de Leon Blvd
Coral Gables, FL 33146
French-based accessible luxury fashion brand, The Kooples recently held its press preview event at their SOHO boutique. Editors and influencers gathered at The Kooples boutique on Mercer Street in SOHO to view this season’s collection, and a sneak peek at their 2023 S/S collection.
The Kooples are known for their “urban rock” style and brought that energy to their press preview. Unlike most press previews, The Kooples put on a lively event with incredible catering, a live DJ, and Casa Del Sol cocktails.
The Kooples Spring/Summer 2022 collection contains exciting prints and silhouettes that stand out from your traditional wear. While the collection offers some classic leather wear and wool coats that are must-have staple pieces, most of the group is full of some standout pieces. There was a significant amount of leopard, bright colors, and floral prints throughout the men’s and women’s collections. Many VIP attendees wore the latest collection during the event, as shown in the photos below.
Not only does The Kooples ’23 S/S collection have statement pieces that you’ll be dying to fill your closet with this season, but the collection also offers some gorgeous accessories that’ll make excellent gifts this holiday season. The Kooples have a wide variety of leather bags, belts, shoes, and hats. During the event, all attendees were gifted a personalized The Kooples hat with personalized embroidery with their initials or zodiac sign.
Photos by Sam Wallander
Wednesday was a DRAG, baby. Netflix x Most put together a rowdy, revelatory soirée in honor of ‘Wednesday,’ their upcoming Addams Family reboot focused on everyone’s favorite moody teen girl. From the clips they showed at the event, this show is whip smart, funny and gorgeous. C’mon, art direction!
TS Madison
The night was hosted by the divine TS Madison, who was absolutely part of my queer awakening back in the day. She got us all riled up and ready for some haunting drag numbers.
Crystal Methyd (Drag Race Season 12) performed in a self-made ‘Thing’ look, aka a giant hand. It was hilarious and fun and a fantastic kickoff to the night’s performances.
Mo Heart (Drag Race Season 10, All Stars 4, UK vs The World) delivered the tightest lip-sync of the night; a sultry, sexy number where she skulked around stage seducing us all.
Photo by Ron Clark
Gottmik (Drag Race Season 13) was all gusto in his goth glam rock number. He had the best look of the night in a witchy black ensemble. Face beat, hair slicked. Here for it.
Photo by Ron Clark
Violet Chachki (Drag Race Season 7) had me sweating with a burlesque performance that hit all the right notes. Damn, ma!
We then danced the night away to spooky mashups of pop hits, took photos at the IG-friendly lil setup and generally had the time of our lives.
Be sure to check out ‘Wednesday’ when it drops November 23rd. It’s gonna be a moment.
The luxury cashmere brand launches their Fall/Winter 2022 Holiday collection
This fall, Blue Nile hosted an intimate soiree at hotspot Les Trois Chevaux.
Creative agency ‘Haus of Creators’ launches the ultimate NFT, music, fashion, and metaverse experience in NYC.