Yoga Style Move

The idea of not being sold in stores, not having anyone else's name, just the French phrase ‘propriete privee’ which translates into private property is the appeal, and the actual name of this company. The company is also in production of a much anticipated lifestyle line which will debut spring 2006 which will include cashmere sheets, coverlets and accessories.

Tissue thin cashmere and cotton blend marry in slim pants, halter top and matching v-neck for women in a luscious cream colour. The famous and coveted hand ink stamped logo and chain on the cuff, set this private line apart as the private property of the ‘insider group’ as well as anyone who caught the buzz this past year. This was the hit of Paris Fashion Week for all the fashion directors once out of their runway couture looks. Comfort clothing with an up to date edge is what fashion people say they want and de Tolner gives them. She ought to know as the entire small production sold out last year leaving editors begging for one more sample.

The line retails at a starting point of $150. This collection can't be bought in any store as the limited edition is available only through who you know in LA, NYC or St.Tropez or the website www.proprieteprivee.com .

Run the New Age Gauntlet

A newbie test-drives the latest treatments.
By Yael Kohen

Illustration: Andy Martin

Al Schombs, a 28-year- old investment associate at Merrill Lynch, commutes from Long Island, works twelve-hour days, and is so habitually stressed he hardly knows what normal feels like. We put him through five treatments and had him rank them from least effective to most:

VIBRATIONAL HEALING WITH JODI SEROTA
“When I get in there, she went on for 45 minutes telling me what she’s going to do. Finally, she gets to it—says a prayer and does five minutes of weird noises. Then she started to make a noise with her crystal bowl, like running your finger on the rim of a wine glass. Then she had me open my eyes and started asking me about my childhood and I’m like, ‘Oh, my God, shoot me now.’

HYPNOSIS WITH ERIC ZEISLER
“He had me lie down and close my eyes and concentrate on his voice. He was like, ‘Think of a wonderful, peaceful place where you are in control.’ I tried to keep from laughing. But when I started to concentrate, sure enough I was in la-la land. As I drifted off, I wondered what was stressing me out. Was it the phone? The people I work with? But did I feel less stressed after? Honestly, no.

REIKI AT EQUINOX SPA
“I thought this was a form of massage, but there is literally no effort put into relieving the tension in the muscles. It’s basically just a firm press of the hand—against your chest, your abdomen, your back and shoulders, and so on. It’s kind of spiritual. You really have to focus. I, for one, find the more modern techniques of massage far more beneficial.

BASIC YOGA AT OM YOGA
“My first time at yoga. I found the meditation relaxing, but the position took so much effort, I was sweating my ass off. There’s this one where you put down a big pillow—I don’t know what they call it—you have one of your legs straight out in the back, while you’re sort of kneeling on this pillow with your other leg crossed, and your arm straight up in the air. I thought my hips were going to dislocate. But after, I did feel refreshed.

ACUMASSAGE AT EXHALE SPA
“A nice, soothing atmosphere, with candles. They gave me a cup of tea. The acupuncturist focused on the digestive system. She placed needles in my forehead, between my pinkie and index fingers, on my lower abdomen and two in each foot. Then she used vibrational therapy with tuning forks, placing them against my feet and along my body. Then she massaged my feet, shoulders, and lower back. Next day, I felt great. I was alert all day.”