W articles from December 2003

W archives from December 2003

Armand Diradourian.(Holiday wish list: the W personal shopper shares this season's hottest gift items. Happy shopping!)
December 1, 2003... Do you own an Armand Diradourian cashmere scarf? It's "the" irresistible luxury collectible available in luscious colors and made from the world's finest cashmere. Get one (or more) at Barneys New York, Paul Smith and www.Vivre.com.

Anne Klein.(Holiday wish list: the W personal shopper shares this season's hottest gift items. Happy shopping!)
December 1, 2003... Balancing between high-fashion and chic American style, Anne Klein New York creates clothing and accessories that can be worn in a multitude of ways, allowing the woman to be the star--not the clothes. For more information call 888.868.2569 or...

Veuve Clicquot.(Holiday wish list: the W personal shopper shares this season's hottest gift items. Happy shopping!)
December 1, 2003... La Grande Dame Champagne 1995. This year you can feast and fete the holidays in style with the new Champagne Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame gift box that's not only attractive, but also portable. La Grande Dame is made from eight Grand Cru...

Lester Lampert.(Holiday wish list: the W personal shopper shares this season's hottest gift items. Happy shopping!)
December 1, 2003... Four generations of artisans have formed the Lampert look. This Oak Street salon features the company's latest collections including; Pirouette[TM], CumuLLus[TM] and the Absolutely Precious Collection[TM] of baby shoe charms. Unique and custom...

Movado Boutiques.(Holiday wish list: the W personal shopper shares this season's hottest gift items. Happy shopping!)
December 1, 2003... Featured is the Movado Ono[TM] pendant. A single brilliant diamond cradled inside a circle of 18-karat white gold and diamonds. Exclusive design. Available at Movado Boutiques.

Cassis[R].(Holiday wish list: the W personal shopper shares this season's hottest gift items. Happy shopping!)
December 1, 2003... Cassis' bold and dramatic bracelet of signature textured 18 karat gold in black onyx and diamonds offers today's woman a philosophy of relaxed glamour. Cassis... the new symbol of a "luxury brand", celebrating the spirit, elegance, resolve and...

Cinzia Rocca.(Holiday wish list: the W personal shopper shares this season's hottest gift items. Happy shopping!)
December 1, 2003... Cinzia Rocca celebrates 50 years: 1953-2003. The fall/winter 2003 anniversary collection was brought to life, reviving classic styles while continuing to use the finest Italian fabrics that helped make the company the influential brand that it...

La Perla.(Holiday wish list: the W personal shopper shares this season's hottest gift items. Happy shopping!)
December 1, 2003... Featured is a lace and tulle baby-doll from La Perla, open in the back and held on the neck by a satin ribbon. For more information visit www.laperla.com.

Puff's sugar daddy.(The Month in Fashion)
December 1, 2003... Those who thought the pop star invasion of fashion wouldn't last are about to be proven wrong. Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, whose five-year-old Sean John fashion collection has escalated into a $235 million business, just landed a serious investment...

Car and designer.(The Month in Fashion)
December 1, 2003... Think the Eddie Bauer Ford Explorer is a bit gauche? Maybe the Giorgio Armani Mercedes-Benz is more to your taste. The German auto maker enlisted Armani to redesign its $50,000 CLK for a limited-edition run. The result was unveiled at the...

Golden handcuffs.(The Month in Fashion)
December 1, 2003... Perhaps it was an inevitable reaction to the wave of corporate scandals in America or the federal crackdown on the counterfeiting of luxury goods, but whatever Cartier designers were thinking about with their latest collection, it could only be...

Custom's fit.(The Month in Fashion)
December 1, 2003... Ah, globalization... Levi Strauss & Co., the quintessential American brand, will no longer be made in America. After 131 years of producing its own blue jeans, Levi's said it is closing its last North American factories, eliminating about...

Holiday delivery.(The Month in Fashion)
December 1, 2003... Blaine Trump is getting a little extra help with her holiday wish list. Trump has been a tireless supporter of God's Love We Deliver for more than 16 years, organizing meals for homebound AIDS patients and also rallying fashion designers...

Remembering Eleanor.(The Month in Fashion)
December 1, 2003... Over the past decade, most designers knew Eleanor Lambert as the turban-clad grande dame behind the annual publication of the International Best-Dressed List, a ranking of a dozen supremely stylish socialites and celebrities, which she...

Lost in space.
December 1, 2003... England's second largest city, Birmingham, was known largely for its dull gray industrial architecture until Selfridqes set down its store of the future--like a big, friendly spaceship from Planet Fashion-in the heart of town. The four-level...

Form equals function.(The Month in Fashion)
December 1, 2003... Even the wives of fashion designers can sometimes look into their closets and find nothing to wear. Rory Tahari, wife of the designing Elie, recently decided to come up with her own collection. An effort to meet the needs of a modern working...

Good housekeeping.(The Month in Fashion)
December 1, 2003... Fresh on the heels of its Bill Blass auction, Sotheby's plans to hold a sale on December 12 of 20th-century furniture culled from the homes of designer Wolfgang Joop, who's been looking for a fresh start in many comers of his life, decorating...

Horsing around.(Flashback)
December 1, 2003... As a seductress, Pamela Digby Churchill Hayward Harriman didn't fit the standard sexpot profile, but she knew how to land her man. "There are two categories of women: those who absolutely need to be taken care of or the reverse, those who go in...

Host with the most.(Fast Forward)
December 1, 2003... Early next year, Morton's, the famed members-only club in London's posh Berkeley Square, will reopen with a chic new look and a decidedly tamer vibe and the man to thank is 28-year-old scion Marion Abela. Abela's transformation of the club,...

H2 at Hammerman.(W jewelry box: the W personal shopper shares her favorite picks for all that sparkles and shines)
December 1, 2003... Brilliant diamonds and faceted sapphire briolettes accent this spectacular 18 karat yellow gold ensemble. Available at select fine jewelers, or for more information call 800.223.6436.

Ritani.(W jewelry box: the W personal shopper shares her favorite picks for all that sparkles and shines)
December 1, 2003... Designing Your Dream.[TM] Created from a vision, the quality and workmanship fuses timeless beauty and design. For more information call 800.622.8654 or visit www.ritani.com.

Talisman Unlimited.(W jewelry box: the W personal shopper shares her favorite picks for all that sparkles and shines)
December 1, 2003... RHAPSODY by Talisman Unlimited. [left to right] Peridot Windowpane Medallion Rapt Necklace; Patina Ruffled Pears Necklace; Gold Nugget Necklace; Lemon Quartz Eclipse Pendant. For more information visit www.Talismanunlimited.com.

You.(W jewelry box: the W personal shopper shares her favorite picks for all that sparkles and shines)
December 1, 2003... The You Collection. From $1200 and up.

Caran d'Ache.(W jewelry box: the W personal shopper shares her favorite picks for all that sparkles and shines)
December 1, 2003... Small and elegant: featured is the classic Ecridor XS ballpoint pen or pencil from Caran d'Ache in rhodium-finished sterling silver. Clip crowned with a ruby or a sapphire. For more information email CdAofS@aol.com.

Kurilla Design.(W jewelry box: the W personal shopper shares her favorite picks for all that sparkles and shines)
December 1, 2003... Everyday, all day elegance. Kurilla Design has contemporary fine jewelry for every woman to enjoy. For more information call 888.287.4552 or visit www.kurilladesign.com.

Chimento.(W jewelry box: the W personal shopper shares her favorite picks for all that sparkles and shines)
December 1, 2003... Chimento features a unisex collection with strong contrasts between forms and materials and a unique and innovative combination of metals: gold, stainless steel and titanium. These Sunny bracelets are trendy and appealing, you can wear them...

I. Friedman & Son.(W jewelry box: the W personal shopper shares her favorite picks for all that sparkles and shines)
December 1, 2003... For the woman who stands apart from the rest. Distinctive elegance created by I. Friedman & Son since 1922--featured is an intense yellow, radiant-cut diamond enhanced with two french cut trapezoid diamonds. For more information call...

The gold standard.(Letter From the Editors)
December 1, 2003... Oh, admit it. Almost as much fun as wondering who so-and-so is sleeping with is speculating about how much money he or she has. Is the family fortune still intact, or did the last generation of do-nothings squander it? Is that beautiful young...

Goodness gracious.(Readers React)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2003... Referring to Jennifer Garner as "Mother Teresa--only hotter" in "Jennifer's Prime Tune" (November) is an overstatement. I do like Jennifer Garner but you shouldn't compare her to someone who has earned her title as the true and ultimate...

State of Maine.(Readers React)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2003... I read with interest Alison Oneacre's story on Northeast Harbor, Maine ("WASP's Nest," October). I am a Los Angeles transplant and art consultant who is logging her sixth year in Maine. I was also the one who brought a controversial sculpture...

His way.(Readers React)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2003... I have never thought that death deifies a person, but in the case of Frank Sinatra, it should. W's recent denunciation of him (Flashback, October) was totally gratuitous--even if, as the article suggests, "knocking the crooner off his pedestal...

There's more.(Readers React)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2003... In Aaron Gell's Reviews column ("Critical Eye," October), he laments that the soundtrack to Lost in Translation does not have Bill Murray's rendition of "More Than This." In fact, it is there after the last track, if you wait about eight...

Fine print.(Readers React)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2003... In the October "Readers React," a reader, Mary Charvat, responded negatively to Richard Prince's depiction of Kate Moss as a nurse. As a fan of both Kate Moss and nurses, I would like to say that if we got rid of all the cliches in the world,...

Initial reaction.(Readers React)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2003... Your photo of Jackie, John-John and Caroline (Flashback, September) brought back vivid memories for me--I could almost smell the New York autumn air way back here in California. For the record, however, the picture was probably taken at 89th...

Out of tune.(Readers React)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2003... Jewel's laughably dim-witted comments ("jewel Changes Her Tune," October) just showed me once more that there's nothing sexy or smart about her. I recently saw her perform, and it was downright embarrassing to watch her trying to writhe and...

Nice girls.(Readers React)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2003... Always amused to learn of the Countess's assessment of, truly, any subject, I invariably begin my reading of W from the back cover. As in the past, doing so this month proved to be an auspicious start to a wonderful reading experience...

The grapes of wrath.(Readers React)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2003... Leave it to an Austrian countess to offer up a veiled anti-Semitic jab at Martha's Vineyard ("Louise and Mrs. Bush," September). In her column, Louise quotes a friend as saying that "Art Buchwald goes to Martha's Vineyard, while Russell Baker...

Light touch.(Readers React)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2003... I just wanted to say that the Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott story in the October issue ("Sweetness and Light") is the most beautiful work I have seen in any magazine in a very long time. As usual, Joe McKenna has outdone himself. Congratulations!...

Naked Hollywood.(Uncensored)
December 1, 2003... Celebrity Skin magazine may soon have some serious competition. Beverly Hills bikini-waxer-to-the-stars Nance Mitchell, who has tended to some very famous nether regions, is looking to publish a book of photographs of her handiwork. Mitchell,...

Crowd control.(Uncensored)
December 1, 2003... J.Lo, take note: If you're thinking about joining New York's hangout of the moment, Soho House, you might want to ditch that entourage. Word is that Mariah Carey was recently blackballed from the private downtown club solely because of the size...

Armani on film.(Uncensored)
December 1, 2003... For decades, Giorgio Armani has dressed stars on the red carpet and created costumes for them in myriad movies, including "American Gigolo" and "The Italian Job." Soon, if the maestro has his way, he may be dressing actors in a film about...

The royal treatment.(Uncensored)
December 1, 2003... Talk about a new image for the royals. Commuters on the Eurostar between London and Brussels got an eyeful when they stepped off the train on the Continent recently. To celebrate track upgrades that sliced 20 minutes off the travel time between...

The bangles.(Uncensored)
December 1, 2003... In this age of fly-by-night Park Avenue romance, it's no surprise that the commitment symbol of choice comes not from Cartier but from the gift shop at E.A.T., the uptown sandwicherie. Rena Sindi first wore a pair of bracelets spelling out her...

Blairly there.(Uncensored)
December 1, 2003... A favorite Washington incumbent is giving up her office. Hostess Deeda Blair and her husband, William McCormick Blair, are movin' on up to New York City. "If I really had my way, I'd have a couple of rooms in New York and a couple of rooms at...

Cocktail hour: dry or dirty? However you prefer your martini, the point is to get into the spirit with a cocktail party.(Trend)
December 1, 2003... As classic as the Little Black Dress, pearls and a sleek chignon, the cocktail party is not only a perennial holiday favorite,--it s the easiest way to celebrate with your friends. The ingredients to any good party are simple. First, you'll...

Cotton candy: Cynthia Rowley and artist Will Cotton team up on her spring collection and his latest painting. What's for dessert?(Fashion Flash)
December 1, 2003... Coming up with a title for artist Will Cotton's latest work should have been easy. The painting depicts a young woman asleep on a patch of butterscotch and peppermint wrappers in a mysterious Candy Land forest where giant pieces of taffy hang...

Flou season: it was sensational. Ruffles, lace, bold patterns, short skirts--all sorts of girly, feminine looks and details ruled in the remarkably upbeat European spring season.(Fashion Flash)
December 1, 2003... Spring fever? You bet, at least for fashion lovers. Winter has not vet begun, and already we can revel in the promise of a glorious aftermath, because the recent European collections were dazzling. Creatively, if not financially, this is a...

Escape from New York: Cha-ching. The Americana Manhasset gives Madison Avenue a run for its money.(Fashion Flash)
December 1, 2003... It's been called many things--the Madison Avenue of Manhasset, a mini Rodeo Drive and a "shopping experience." The word "mall," however, is verboten, both by those in charge and by those in the know. The crafty wordplay might seem contrived,...

A backward glance: is that a bodkin in your pocket? Movie costumers revel in period pieces and fantasy films.(Fashion Flash)
December 1, 2003... I would dress telephone poles and tree branches in period costumes if I could," says Julie Weiss, who designed the rural southwestern styles worn by Cate Blanchett and Tommy Lee Jones in The Missing, which takes place in 1885. Blanchett wears a...

A Lange journey: the secrets of Rena Lange's 50-year history include heartbreak and trompe l'oeil prints.(Fashion Flash)
December 1, 2003... One might think that a house founded on heartbreak wouldn't have a future at all. Think again. The firm that is now Rena Lange managed to turn a tale of lost love into one of fashion's success stories. Of course, the history of Rena Lange...

Glad all over: gladiator looks are back for resort, with colorful new takes on the classic lace-up sandal.(Accessories Flash)
December 1, 2003... Who can forget the image of Jackie O strolling the streets of Capri in her signature oversize sunglasses and flat, lace-up gladiator sandals? She certainly caused a sensation, and when women everywhere scurried to copy her effortless boho chic,...

Dooney & Bourke.(W Personal Shopper)
December 1, 2003... Dooney & Bourke's new Nile Collection captures the rich texture of alligator with embossed calfskin. The Zip-Zip Satchel, pictured, features an outside zippered pocket, a fully lined interior, a detachable shoulder strap and nickel-plated...

Hermes.(W Personal Shopper)
December 1, 2003... Shown here is the Clic Clac H Bracelet--a perfect balance between timeless elegance and modern style. Offered in a variety of colors and available at Hermes stores nationwide or at www.hermes.com. For more information, please call 800.441.4488....

Banana Republic.(W Personal Shopper)
December 1, 2003... Wish for color. Daring orange, silvers that shimmer, reds with dash and passion. For all the colorful ones, we love Banana Republic. For more information call 888.BRSTYLE or visit www.BananaRepublic.com.

Mouawad.(W Personal Shopper)
December 1, 2003... Rosette Heart Pendant... a heartfelt gift of sumptuous diamonds and rubies that doubles as a locket and transforms into two individual heart pendants. For more information call 866.MOUAWAD or visit www.mouawad.com.

Jenny Perl.(W Personal Shopper)
December 1, 2003... Jenny Perl introduces The Bijoux Collection, an array of new chandelier jewelry. Very classic. Very Jenny. For information call 800.790.3033.

Bermuda.(W Personal Shopper)
December 1, 2003... Bermuda. It's paradise with a pedigree and conveniently located two hours from the East Coast. For more information call 800.Bermuda or visit www.bermudatourism.com.

Keep 'em dangling: in a season of bold accessories, over-the-top, look-at-me chandelier earrings are all the rage.(Accessories Flash)
December 1, 2003... These days, eye-catching costume jewelry is popping up everywhere. If you want to spike your nights on the town with something a little rambunctious, these are the perfect punchy sparklers. The marriage of longer, more dramatic earrings with an...

The shell game: grab your surfboard. Designers are reeling us in with tropical prints and seashells.(Accessories Flash)
December 1, 2003... In the winter, shell-topped and leaf-patterned accessories are sure to transport you to sunnier places. Who hasn't held the open end of a conch to her ear, hoping to hear the ocean waves? Now accessories designers are bringing the beach to us,...

The affair of the necklace: size matters. Gold necklaces encrusted with bold gems are making a sparkling statement for spring.(Accessories Flash)
December 1, 2003... In a season of glitz and glam, it's no wonder that dramatic necklaces are making a comeback. Fashion has taken a decidedly more feminine turn with tight-fitting, body-conscious designs and revealing decolletage. As a result, designers are...

Cuff times: be brilliant. Brighten winter nights with tourmalines in all the colors of the rainbow.(Accessories Flash)
December 1, 2003... Colorful stones are fashion favorites this season, and one versatile gem has particular appeal. Shown on a canvas of shimmering platinum or gold, the tourmaline--which appears in nearly every color found in nature--can be reminiscent of a...

Caron.(Personal Shopper)
December 1, 2003... In the world of Caron, fragrances are presented in exquisite Baccarat crystal fountains. This holiday season, Caron offers a limited-edition version of this spectacular piece, redesigned by Jean Pierre Baquere. Available at select Saks Fifth...

Locman.(Personal Shopper)
December 1, 2003... A new shape from Locman Italy, The 'Nuovo' oval steel watch features a white mother of pearl face with black numbers all surrounded by the glitter of diamonds. Also available with a black face and strap, and in a larger size for men. Locman...

Join W & Leslie Greene: to toast holiday cheer at Saks Fifth Avenue.(Personal Shopper)
December 1, 2003... W and Leslie Greene invite you and a guest to toast Holiday good cheer with an exclusive evening celebrating Leslie Greene's fine jewelry collection. Meet the designer and learn more about her creative inspiration and design style. ...

Judith Leiber.(Personal Shopper)
December 1, 2003... Judith Leiber presents the "monogrammed" minaudiere in honor of its 40th anniversay. This collectible is available in jet or clear crystal on a silver or gold clutch, and will retail for $2,300. This timeless creation is sold at select Neiman...

Graff.(Personal Shopper)
December 1, 2003... Featured are three beautiful diamond bangles by Graft. Set with 1, 2 or 3 fancy yellow, radiant-cut diamond centres that can be worn individually or all together. Available at Graft Madison Avenue, and at select Saks Fifth Avenue locations....

Bvlgari fragrance.(Personal Shopper)
December 1, 2003... OMNIA, the new female fragrance by Bvlgari, represents an ideal meeting point of places, times and cultures; a surprising mix of unexpected tastes, expertly blended in a totally feminine scent. OMNIA is a tribute to the tradition of the great...

Singular sensations: one-of-a-kind pieces and limited-edition items are where the action is this season.(Accessories Flash)
December 1, 2003... Letter Perfect Many women regard jewelry as a personal statement, and some designers are taking that impulse literally, creating insignia pieces that can truly be called one of a kind. Necklaces, bracelets and rings have replaced polo...

Holiday hits: 'tis the season for giving--but why not help yourself, too, to one of this holiday treats?(Shopping)
December 1, 2003... Echo Sequined silk scarf, $38, at select Bloomingdale's stores Tommy Hilfiger Velvet pillow, $100, at Macy s nationwide; Tommy Hilfiger, New York; 888.TOMMY 4U, www.tommy.com Marc Jacobs Essence perfume, $60, at Neiman...

My Inner Everest: a Manhattan cynic goes on a spiritual quest and learns to love the hug.(Men's Flash)
December 1, 2003... I am not a typical spa guy. My facial cleanser is Irish Spring, I manicure my nails with my teeth, and the closest thing to "product" I own is a five-year-old bottle of Suave conditioner. The concept of being transported to a state of bliss by...

The feminine mystique: from demure to diva-licious, the spring runway's best beauty looks celebrated the foxy lady.(Beauty Flash)
December 1, 2003... The creators of the beauty looks on the spring 2004 Milan and Paris catwalks seem to have been visited by a common muse: Jerry Hall. Hall's voluptuous waves of hair and Seventies-era makeup dominated the shows (Versace, Costume National and...

Creme de la Creme: a decadent new La Mer treatment at Harrods is the ultimate antidote to jet lag.(Beauty Flash)
December 1, 2003... The economy may be depressed, but the luxury skin cream market has happily ignored the Dow Jones, with the number of products-as well as their price points--skyrocketing year after year. The pioneering leader of the pack is Creme de La Mer, a...

Beauty buzz: Jane Larkworthy's got the scoop on the latest beauty offerings.(Beauty Flash)
December 1, 2003... Cattle Call Finally, every woman can unleash her inner cow, Cowshed, the quirkily named new skin and bath range from the posh London--New York private dub Soho House, appeals to a Stressed Cow (with a soothing foam bath), a Saucy Cow (hair...

Eau d'Humanite: in tandem with innovative photographers and artists, top perfumers follow their noses.(Beauty Flash)
December 1, 2003... Mixing groundbreaking artists such as photographer Andreas Gursky and architect Zaha Hadid with the world s best perfumers has all the elements of a fantasy chemistry experiment. And that's exactly the idea behind the partnership between...

The best in day spas and skin care salons.
December 1, 2003... East Coast: Elizabeth Grady Skin Care Salons (800)FACIALS 30 salons in 5 states: CT, MA, NH, NY & RI website: www.elizabethgrady.com "The perfect gift for all occasions. "--John P. Walsh, President Give one of the most special...

Be gifted: spread good cheer with the season's best beauty booty.(Beauty Chic)
December 1, 2003... [PURPLE REIGN] Sweet Surrender Connexion, a new limited-edition fragrance from Lancome, takes the bite out of wild blackberry by blending it with honeyed hibiscus and youthful vanilla, $42. At Macy's Matched Set Nestled in a...

Holiday beauty chic.(Special Advertising Section)
December 1, 2003... PRADA PRADA Skin Care and Lip Tints Holiday Collections contain pure and potent formulas that offer skin maximum effectiveness and protection. Visit www.neimanmarcus.com for further information or call 888.888.4757. NINA RICCI...

Modern necessities.
December 1, 2003... Age-Defying Secrets From A Plastic Surgeon Who Knows Nobody understands special skin care needs better than Dr. Michelle Copeland. This internationally renowned, Harvard-trained plastic surgeon, biochemist, and author is a pioneer in facial...

Campbell's coup: British interior design maven Nina Campbell builds an empire--one chair at a time.(Home Flash)
December 1, 2003... As a child, British interior designer Nina Campbell got her sugar high looking at wallpaper. "While children went to sweet shops, my mother used to take me to Cole & Son in Mortimer Street," she says, referring to the storied London wallpaper...

Off balance: a sinuous pitcher and a new cult table lead this month's left-field design offerings.(Home Flash)
December 1, 2003... Fashion designers are leaving their stamp just about everywhere these days--from Adidas sneakers (Yohji Yamamoto) to Coke bottles (Matthew Williamson). Now clothiers such as Narciso Rodriguez, Stephen Burrows and Carolina Herrera have teamed up...

Tre Stelle Destiny.(W Jewelry Box)
December 1, 2003... Featured is the Bride's Pendant. Also available in a ring and earrings from $399.

MiMi.(W Jewelry Box)
December 1, 2003... True to its translation, the name MiMi signfies beauty in its native Mandarin tongue. This unique Italian collection is made of white or yellow gold with all-natural, high-quality freshwater pearls combined with semi-precious stones. Express...

Red by Daniel K.(W Jewelry Box)
December 1, 2003... Shown here is Stripe, from the 'Red by Daniel K' collection of right-hand rings. It is a graphic statement that works equally well by day or night. Made by setting six Asscher cut diamonds in parallel and bordering them with three rows of pave...

Michael Dawkins.(W Jewelry Box)
December 1, 2003... Featured is Michael Dawkins pewter coin pearl, smokey quartz and silver granulation multi strand necklace with grey shell centerpiece set in 14 karat gold. For more information visit www.michaeldawkins.com.