Coachella Fashion Extravaganza

The Coachelle Music Festival was originally launched in 1993 to celebrate alternative, indie and electronic music in the Empire Polo fields of Indio, California.  The inaugural lineup include Pearl Jam, Morissey and Beck.  In 2011, the lineup included everyone from Duran Duran, to Kanye West, PJ Harvey to Cee Lo Green.

What is more notable, is that the festival has become increasingly famous for its fashion influence.  Big brands and stylish celebs are flocking to the event.  Big brands like Diesel, Mulberry, Armani Exchange and Philip Lim all threw parties to draw the chic set.  Starlets Nicole Richie, Katy Perry, Alexa Chung and Rihanna are only  a few of the ladies seen lounging in desert designer looks.

Photos by Jordan Strauss,Kristin Burns, Donato Sardella and Courtesy Photo

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Most Fashionable NYC Easter Parade Hats

 Bonnet, chapeau, fascinator, head sculptures...Easter is a time for religious reflection or gluttonous chocolate consumption.  For the most stylish of New Yorkers, yesterday's 5th avenue parade was a giant runway for the most exquisite creations to top your crown.

Fashion personalities like Rosemary Ponzo, fashion designers and milliners showed their favorite designs.  Artists made a statement with dramatic sculptures.  Lovers of vintage accessorized complete outfits for their favorite era.  Young princesses danced around in wide brimmed dress-up hats while twirling in Sunday School dresses.

Cadbury be damned, I know what I'm asking the Easter Bunny for next year...

Photos by Jemal Countess and Geoffry Gertz

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Are AnnaLynne McCord and Kellan Lutz Back Together?

AnnaLynne McCord and Kellan Lutz can't seem to quit each other! These two have been on-again, off-again over the last few months and after they were spotted laughing and smiling at LAX this week, it seems as though they're an item again.

The two were seen making their way through LAX together on Tuesday night and headed to Vancouver, where Lutz is filming Breaking Dawn with the rest of the Twilight cast. "They were playful with each other," a witness said (vis Us magazine). "Laughing and smiling at everything!"

The 90210 actress and her Twilight hunk called it quits in the fall of 2010, but were seen together at a hotel a few weeks later, and then they embraced for the cameras at a party not long after that. So, perhaps they never split at all! 

Even if these two are really back together, they probably won't talk much about their relationship. They never have. Kellan's most revealing interview about his then-girlfriend gave little insight into their relationship: "I've known her for six years, and we met again on the set [of 90210], but we shot Abercrombie [catalogs] way back in the day," he said in late 2009. 

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Happy Easter! A Special Greeting from Anna Wintour, Karl, John Galliano, Diane and Andre

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Have a beautiful bunny day!  The team at Ms. FABulous

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Hologram Fashion Show by Burberry Fall 2011 Beijing

Traditional-minded British brand Burberry wowed celebrity guests and fashionistas at their Beijing Launch this week.  One of the many luxury labels cashing in on China's billionaires, the brand presented the collection with an awesome holographic runway.  Hot English artist Keane (creative director Christopher Bailey is a fan) also performed for ecstatics guests.  This was an amazing example of integrating technology, style and spectacle for a memorable fashion event.

The video above is just a taste.  If you want to see the full fabulous show, follow through here. 

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Absolutely Fabulous - New Episodes!

Are you a fan of Britain's most notorious fashion-flaunting, male-escort hiring, daughter-abusing, label-whoring duo to ever hit television?  In the 1990's my circle of fashion friends were glued to the set for Patsy (Joanna Lumley) & Edina's (Jennifer Saunders) adventures.  In the early part of the last decade, the ladies returned again to throw us a bone with two additional seasons and a special.  

The show made a household name (and punchline) out of "LaCroix".  It paid tribute to the top fashion designers and demonstrated visually how bad high-fashion could be in the wrong hands (or backside).  It celebrated and parodied decadence with Edina's daughter Saffron as the moral center (and wet blanket).  Stateside, they inspired a new genre of drag queens with weekly events in Downtown NYC devoted to the duo.  

The Guardian UK has just announced that our favorite ladies are gearing up to grace us with three more episodes.  They begin filming this summer with the original cast (June Whitfield as Mum,  Julia Sawalha as Saffron,  Jane Horrocks as Bubble) expected to return.   

Unfortunately, there is no air date set for U.S. or even the UK.  We'll let you know as soon as can!  In the meantime, let's break out the Bolly!

Photo from the BBC

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Kate Spade Wedding Belles

From spring flings to the wedding ring... Kate Spade's cheerful color palette was accompanied by her fresh bridal collection last week.  Champagne and French macarons were served to the shoppers ready for blooms.  Those looking for a makeup touch-up were treated to new shades from Jouer Cosmetics.

 For the bride, the silhouettes contained simple sheaths, tunics and shirt dresses.  There were delicate embellishments like pailettes and pearl beading.  The price range was generally between $400-$500.  Bridal jewelry included pearl flower clusters, beaded chokers with chains and jeweled earrings. 

There were plenty of goodies for bridesmaids.  Fabric flower rings and over-sized organza mums adorned hairpins.  Bright colored vintage-inspired jewelry along with embroidered 'dressy' cardigans were perfect for a breezy garden ceremony.  I took a liking to the whimsical clutch handbags inspired by vintage books.  The ultimate accessory that evening was the shoes.  It was the most popular category of the night, all the fashionistas crowded the shoe lounge couches.  The favorite shoes (by far) were the fushia satin glitter encrusted mules with a bow.

If you're planning a simple, chic walk down the aisle, a trip to Kate Spade's boutique in Soho will take care of your needs.

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Vanessa Hudgens Was NOT Doing Drugs at Coachella

First it was the naked photo scandal, and now Vanessa Hudgens is under fire for being a druggie at Coachella this weekend. But, she's not -- it's just a sweet tooth, her rep says.

At the hippie fest, Hudgens was photographed reaching into a bag and licking conspicuous white stuff off her fingers, which everyone concluded was a certain substance. Drugs are almost as ubiquitous as ethereal flowy skirts and '60s jewelry at the music festival, but cocaine for Hudgens? Not so much. Try melted white chocolate, her rep told E!.

There's one constant amidst Hudgens' scandals: she's got a boy to back her up! New beau Josh Hutcherson, who took in the weekend's performances by her side, is filling ex Zac Efron's shoes very well by supporting her...and trying to look like a hipster himself.

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Reese Witherspoon: Robert Pattinson Fans are 'Very Dedicated'

Reese Witherspoon definitely felt like second fiddle to Water for Elephants co-star Robert Pattinson last night at the film's New York City premiere. The fans go absolutely nuts for the Twilight actor, and Reese is more like the "consolation prize," as she says.

Reese stars alongside the Twilight actor in the new movie and when they both showed up at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City, she said she could tell the hoards of fans weren't exactly waiting for her. She said: “Rob’s fans are very dedicated to him and they will turn out anywhere for him. I think I’m just the consolation prize for them!”

Even though the screaming teenage girls are there to see the handsome actor, Reese still thinks it's important to interact with fans. She said: "I think it's incredible because as movie actors we sort of work isolated and we don't get to see fans as often, so it's a nice experience to actually get to meet some of them and know they're excited for the film."

Luckily for fans, Rob made it to NYC just in time for the premiere after having to fly from the Twilight: Breaking Dawn set in Vancouver, Canada to get there. He said at the premiere: "It was a mad rush to get here.”

Other stars to attend the premiere included Robert and Reese’s fellow co-stars Christoph Waltz and Hal Holbrook

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Whitney Port: High Heels Make Me Feel 'Sexy' and 'Skinny'

If Whitney Port needs a bit of a confidence boost, all she needs to do is slip on a pair of heels and she's instantly back to feelings "sexy." Easy as that!

She said: “Slipping on a pair of stilettos instantly makes me feel sexy, skinny and tall. I always try and break them in by walking around in them at home and I’ll scuff the soles so I don’t slip. Buy gel insoles too – they saved the day at my sister’s wedding.”

The former City also says she looks for statement pieces to spice up her outfits when she needs a little extra pizazz. She explained: “I love gold or silver hoop earrings, but the goal is to find one ‘wow’ piece that will work with a multitude of different outfits. I often wrap a gold or silver necklace around my wrist as a boho bracelet.”

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Meet Jeannie Mai - Host of "How do I look?"

Jeannie Mai and Ritika W

Who knew when we accepted an invite from Jeannie Mai to share breakfast trenches, we would be meeting a 21st century Mary Tyler Moore?

The sharply dressed style host/dynamo of  Style network show "How do I look?"  draws on her proudly Vietnamese-Chinese background to dole out humorous and practical advice to the show's style-deprived fans on a weekly basis and transforms them into fashionistas.

Her show is about fashion make-overs but her  authentic interest in the guests makes it more than your typical fluff program. Jeannie said "Yes, it's about fashion.  Honestly, fashion is a result of of how those women feel".   This is defined as a change that comes first from within. She says "You get the Jeannie one liners" but she connects with the women on her show as well. After 12 seasons of the show, Mai came on board as host and it won it's first Emmy.

The reason  Jeannie likes her show  is because it gives her a platform to "connect because they forgot how worthy they are". . "My favorite part of the show is the psychology of style. "  She also has a knack in her show and in real life of channeling her background to connect.

 Jeannie-isms from our breakfast  included using "scarves can totally chic an outfit out" and "I am very cheap, coming from a 16 member family home" referring to her early years growing up in San Jose as the daughter of immigrant parents.  "I try to save a good buck" and that believes firmly that  "fashion dresses you for the job you want, not the one you have." She clearly follows her own advice.

Jeannie partied till late the night before our breakfast but ended up looking crisp and glamorous in white and black ensemble that was the perfect mix of high and low. The shoes were by Guess but her new favorite indie brand is  United Nude.  The white shirt is a steal from the Limited and the sequined crop pants - PRPS (one of her under the radar fashion faves).

At the start of our breakfast, she immediately focused her laser sharp vision on each of us in the room, asking about our blog and commenting on our clothes. For me, she said “I immediately noticed your mixing of patterns – the floral coat and print dress.”  I believe I passed her style test!

After all, this woman rose from the ranks from make up artist in California  to  her current perch as multi-hyphenate talent. She shared her story of fame of her quest to become 'something'  when she she drove from her home town to LA with $250 cash and a Polaroid  'headshot.' Literally, it was a close range shot of her forehead to chin. Apparently, it did the trick. Sitting without an appointment, she waited for hours for that magic 'something' to happen  at the office of William Morris. Nothing happened. Stars walked in and out - Harrison Ford and so on.

Finally, a woman sat down next to her in the reception area and chatted with her. Laughed and said "What the _____ is that?" when Mai showed her the clearly unflattering headshot. Jeannie stayed, and the woman went upstairs to her appointment.  The receptionist was shooing Jeannie out when the call came. She had been summoned upstairs. Why? Because the woman who laughed at the headshot recognized something in Jeannie. The magical "It" - star quality. Jeannie Mai walked upstairs and found the woman who had laughed so much was Wandy Skykes  who had insisted her agent see Jeannie. And the rest, is history....

Jeannie's fashion advice  to all of us are:
"Heels. Always. Do it"
"The way that you dress, you put on armour"
" Something to wake you up -color!"
"Wearapy"

And when shopping, most people listen to music. Jeannie says "I have food porn when I shop" and "when I get dressed, I PUMP my Ipod. I am obsessed with Rihanna 's S&M" and "I play the song from Mannequin - my favorite movie - ever!"  (The song is of course, Starship's Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" and the movie starred future Sex and the City sexy blonde, Kim Cattrall

And finally, 5 staples in Jeannie's closet which she believes everyone should have include-
1) Pencil skirt- leather "the bomb.com to command attention"
2/3) Pair of heels - "one wedge, one 6" stiletto - really commands attention!"
4)An amazing florescent blouse in chiffon or silk
5)And of course"wonderful make-up"


Watch Jeannie on her show which airs new episodes on Saturdays at 8pm and 11pm. 

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Jennifer Lawrence Dresses Down for New 'GQ' Pictures

Coming off an Oscar nomination for Winter's Bone, Jennifer Lawrence is a hot commodity. She just recently beat out some A-list competition for the lead role in the upcoming Hunger Games movie, and in the new issue of GQ, she proves she can look as hot as any 20-something actress out there.

Jennifer's sexy GQ poses come as the young actress prepares to take over theaters this summer. She'll appear alongside Mel Gibson in The Beaver, which will likely lead a very short box office life in May, and (more importantly) she plays Mystique in X-Men: First Class, which comes out June 3.

X-Men director Matthew Vaughn saw fit to use a little off-color language while talking up the burgeoning star in GQ.

"There are a lot of young American actors right now who haven't got any technique," he said. "And to be blunt, a lot of these kids assume that just by having a good set of teeth and tits, smiling for the camera's gonna be enough. I needed someone who could act."

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KeSha Protests Against Seal Hunt

 The "Take It Off" singer features in an advert for animal rights group PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) to bring attention to the annual slaughter of the baby mammals on the ice floes of Canada for their pelts.In the print ad, a picture of the 24-year-old pop star can be seen along with an image of a seal pup accompanied by the slogan "Canada's Club Scene Sucks".

PETA intends to display the poster at various music festivals and at Ke$ha's concerts to draw attention to the hunting of the animals.The organization also wants the singer's fans to write protest letters to the Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper urging him to ban seal hunting.

Ke$ha has spoken out about her feelings on the "archaic" practice and admits she fell in love with aquatic mammals after seeing them in the wild.She said, "I was lucky enough to get to watch a bunch of wild seals recently and truly fell in love with these amazing creatures."

"Canada gets to be host to harp seals each year during their migration to the ice to give birth which is beautiful and peaceful. But because the babies' fur is so soft, there are people who club and brutally kill these young animals. The Canadian seal slaughter is barbaric and archaic."

The hunt takes place every year during the birthing season and sees thousands of the animals killed before they are a month old. A limit on how many animals can be killed is set by the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). 

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Expressions Dentelle Lace Exhibit at FIT

Lace evokes images from sexy screen sirens to soft, classic beauties of the Edwardian age.

Lace can easily look déclassé, if it's not well made and designed. Thisis why New Yorkers are in for a lovely surprise if they can attend the current exhibit on lace at the Fashion Institute of Technology. 

The exhibit is to help promote France's Nord-Pas de Calais region and features lace dress designer, Claire Catoire's exceptional design work.

                           

There are two modern and covet worthy lace collections by Claire Catoire titled "Claire veut la lune" which is a collection of wedding dresses and sexy, transparent black dresses titled under "Lace skin".   

Ms. Catoire's grandparents were lace makers in the region and she grew up playing and dressing up in piles of textiles and lace. Naturally, she gravitated towards costume and design in her formative
school years and her collection of dresses are luxurious, sensuous and exquisite with beautiful shapes from A-line to softly draped and belted pieces.

The exhibit also features the photography skills of Pascal Auve titled "The Hand And The Thread" which showcases the beauty and surprisingly modernity of lace.

                           

We suggest you try to check out this beautiful collection as soon as you can and re-think your views on traditional lace.   

The exhibit is free and runs thru April 17th at FIT in the D.Lobby Gallery. 

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Earth Day Style! Eco-Chic Pop-up Boutique in NYC

Cocktails, shopping and supporting indie designers with a conscience.  How's that for guilt-free style?  In tribute to Earth Month, designers Lara Miller, Ailin, Chak Chel, Moonlight, Vella Mode, Boutique Ethique, Tammam, Elena Garcia, Show Me Your Mumu and Tompkins Point are selling their ethical fashion brands in a pop-up shop in the beautiful Nexus Townhouse.  There will also be non-profit collections by Care 4 Kenya + Project Migration.  


In the spirit of style with substance, 10% of the proceeds of the boutique will be donated to the Red Cross for Japan's disaster relief.  

The Pop-up shop and cocktail event takes place April 14th, 2011 from 6 PM - 9 PM.

39 West 56th Street, 4th Floor

New York NY 10019

RSVP: GFB@amp3pr.com

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Eco-Chic Lavuk Fall 2011 by Natasha Gindin

Presented at the ACE Gallery as part of Concept LA Fashion Week. theLAVUK Fall 2011 Collection by designer Natasha Gindin was received by an enthusiastic packed house.

Born in the former Yugoslavia and growing up in cities all over the world, Natasha Gindin brings the diversity of her upbringing to her designs.  Calling her LAVUK Fall 2011 Collection “Infinity”, she attempts to capture the present and move into the future at the same time.  Classic sportswear silhouettes were transformed into a line that is about being contemporary and easy to wear, while still making a fashion statement.

The color story is based on shades of grey with a reddish-orange and purple mixing in as full garments or as accents.  With silhouettes that are a bit deco inspired in their sharpness of line and the exploration of lines extending out into “Infinity”, the collection expresses a modernity that is futuristic and a bit reminiscent of 1960’s Pierre Cardin.  Some of the highlights of the collection are modern coats with contrast details and detailed seaming, dresses and tops with cut-outs that reveal contrast fabric beneath, a modern take on the shirt dress, and tops that play with cowl drapes.

The LAVUK line is created using eco-friendly sustainable fabrics and is made sweatshop-free locally in Los Angeles.  Additionally, a tree is planted through American Forests as part of the California Wildfire Releaf Program for every garment purchased.

Fashion with a conscience.  Becoming more of a concern to LA designers, LAVUK is one of the leaders of this movement like fellow designer Averi Bell of Chemline.  We can only hope that more will follow.

Video by Omri Escalante.  Story by Mdivani Monroe of Ladies Who Lunch Travel

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Gael Garcia Bernal Welcomes a Daughter!

It's a girl for Motorcycle Diaries star Gael Garcia Bernal and Argentine actress Dolores Fonzi. The couple welcomed their second child, baby Libertad, and the actor announced the good news on his Twitter page.

"We share with you that our daughter was born. Libertad, her name. Libertad!" Bernal, who once dated Natalie Portman, wrote (via Us magazine). "After the best week of my life -- it just keeps getting better -- I thank you infinitely for your congratulations."

The couple already has a 2-year-old son named Lazaro.Congrats to the happy family!

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Jennifer Lopez Reveals the Key to Body Confidence

Jennifer Lopez is smokin' hot at 41. The mom of 2 still flaunts her midriff, wears dresses as tight as Kim Kardashian's and even higher heels, and is an overall bombshell -- but, she doesn't always feel that way. The singer says it's easy for her, and women in general, to forget their self-worth so she has a few tricks of her own to keep feeling good about herself.

She said: “I know it’s hard for women to tap into that feeling of self-worth. We need to get the message out that you are valued, you are a goddess and don’t forget that. It’s about stopping those thoughts of negativity and insecurity. I think changing that and really recognizing yourself triggers control of how you feel, so you’re able to go, ‘No, I’m awesome man, I’m amazing, there’s nobody like me.’ I think that’s the big secret to body confidence.”

Despite her positive outlook, Jennifer admits she can’t help but worry about negative opinions and responses to her work. She told Britain’s Cosmopolitan magazine: “It’s easy to let negative stuff get to you. I’m no different to anybody else. If I’m performing for 200,000 people and there’s one person near the front row who’s not enjoying themselves, it’ll be that one person who’s going to bother me. That’s why it’s important to remember you’re special, so those messages register more than the few negative ones.”

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Project Runway Season 9 Casting!

This is it.  Are you ready to bring your designer 'A' game? Are you ready for catfights on AND off the runway?  Compete for fame and fortune....You know the rest...  Email the address above or check out the website for more information. 

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Chemline Fall 2011

L.A.Fashion Week began with a weekend of runway shows and fashion/art installations hosted by Concept LA Fashion Week at the ACE Gallery in the Mid-Wilshire district.  Housed in an historic Art Deco building, the ACE Gallery is an interesting venue for shows, with its wide open spaces and attempt to mix fashion and art together.  To get to the runway space, you first had to pass through the gallery and make your way through art installations and performance artists, giving a buildup to the runway shows that would ensue.

The first show that I took in at Concept LA Fashion Week was designer Averi Bell’s Fall 2011 Chemline Collection.  A former costume designer for LA’s film community, Ms. Bell launched Chemline in the Fall of 2007.  Chemline is an apparel line that is inspired by Ms. Bell’s love for storytelling, combined with a love for the craftsmanship of garments.

Placing an emphasis on using materials that are eco-friendly and sustainable, the Fall 2011 Chemline fabrics are hemp, hemp silks, yak hemp blends and recycled poly with an emphasis on texture. The color palette for the collection was primarily black, white, grey, and shades of cream/off white, with a shot of a vibrant emerald green in the mix for a few outfits and as an accent on a black hooded jacket.

Silhouettes are sleek and modern with a remarkable attention to construction and details.  A very lady-like collection with scalloped hemlines, meticulous tailoring and the mixing of matte and shine fabrics give Chemline a sophistication that makes it stand out among other LA fashion lines.  A few pieces of note are the structured vests over blouses, a black cocktail dress with fabric streamers that connect to the ankles and a belted black gown with white shoulder accents and white godets at the hem.

Averi Bell’s Chemline Fall 2011 Collection accomplishes what she set out to do: tell a story.  And liking the story that was told, I will look forward to more of her storytelling in the future.

video by Omri Escalante.  Story reported by Mdivani Monroe of Ladies Who Lunch Travel

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CFDA's Celebrity Fashion Auction for Japan

Have you shopped or donated to help Japan?  If now, a huge score of top designers and fashion-related celebrities have put together experiences for auctions to help the tsunami victims.  

If you love NY Fashion week, you can bid on front-row tickets and meet & greets with almost every designer involved.  Some designers have donated very intimate experiences, like a paradise vacation at Diane Von Furstenburg's Harbor Island home (in addition to a shopping spree).  You can shop the Olsen Twin's collections right in their studio aided by Mary Kate and Ashley personally.  You and your friends could lunch with Project Runway's Tim Gunn or attend Elton John's Academy Awards Party.  

If you are stylishly inclined, you will find at least one of the 100 auctions to tickle your sartorial bone.  Bid at CharityBuzz today!

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Cynthia Vincent NYC Boutique Launch

West Coast designer Cynthia Vincent opened her downtown New York boutique last week. The store on the Lower East Side held a curated collection of her signature shoes.  The spring collection of clothing was a mix of ethic prints, easy silk silhouettes and delicately beaded tops.  Ikat patterns and Native American motifs hung in Earthy warm colors.  

Ms. Vincent herself was on hand to introduce hand-picked jewelry pieces from her travels, along with hand crafted handbags.  The easy contemporary style has become a favorite of celebrities like Blake Lively, Beyonce and Kristen Stewart.  

If you are looking for the perfect spring refresher, come on down to 253 Elizabeth Street to make your wardrobe happy.

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