Boutique Personal Shopping

Marc loves Posh

2008-01-11T00:48:00.000-08:00

Jeepers! Anyone hoping that Victoria Beckham's stint as Marc Jacobs muse would mean a makeover will be disappointed when they see the ad campaign. La Beck looks even tackier than usual in the shots that show her emerging from a giant shoe box or a Marc Jacobs paper bag.

An image from the new Marc Jacobs ad campaign starring Victoria Beckham

The images were shot by Juergen Teller. Shame he didn't go for his trademark "natural" look. I would have loved to see Victoria having breakfast with no make-up on.

Marc Jacobs is no Santa!

2007-12-14T05:07:00.000-08:00

Marc Jacobs this week hosted his famous annual Christmas party, and it sounds like a corker! The theme was Arabian nights, and Jacobs himself wore a rather dubious camel toe ensemble that rendered him completely immobile. I hope he snuck out for drinking and dancing!

Marc Jacobs in costume (image by WWD)

The reporter from trade paper Women's Wear Daily was still swooning from the experience. The acount in today's issue breathlessly describes the "erotically charged scene" and a ballroom "replete with buffed, bronzed and oiled go-go dancers" (easy now - breathe into a paper bag). Wonder what they're not telling us?

Storm in a teacup

2007-09-13T08:12:00.000-07:00

Oh, the drama. The fashion world is all a-tizzy because the Marc Jacobs show in New York on Monday started late. Because that has never, ever happened before. When a designer is notorious for starting his shows at least an hour late, never mind two (as was the case this season), why, oh why, would anyone show up on time, as fashion writer Lynn Yaeger did? "Only when I got to the front door at 9 [did I find out it was late]," she told Women's Wear Daily. "I am livid." Somewhat wiser fashion editors whiled away the time drinking margaritas at the Dos Caminos restaurant, while Vogue editrix Anna Wintour even had time to pack for her trip to London (saith she - do you really believe she does her own packing?). Meanwhile, a rumor started going around that Jacobs, who this year went to rehab for his ongoing battle against addictions, was sitting in the Mercer Hotel restaurant or bar while his guests were waiting. Both Jacobs and Robert Duffy, president of Marc Jacobs International, strongly dispute this story.

"That is bullshit! That is bullshit!" Jacobs told WWD. "I was at the f---ing office until the last fitting was over. I came back to the hotel — I hadn't been here in three days! I hadn't showered in three days! I slept on the couch in my office for 20 minutes three nights in a row — anyone at my office will tell you that. I got 20 minutes sleep Friday night, Saturday night, Sunday night. The first shower I had was Monday at 8 before the rehearsal of our show. I did not have lunch, I did not have drinks, I did not have tea at the Mercer, I walked through the lobby; I live in this hotel."

Marc Jacobs after his shower on Monday

He then gets into this massive debate about the show schedules and Suzy Menkes's review of the show in the IHT before basically saying that if people have families to go to, they should just not attend the show. I have to say, I agree with him to a point. I once waited one hour and 45 minutes for a Galliano/Dior show. The most infernal thing was listening to the music, which was one of those New Agey soundtracks featuring Gregorian chants against a trip hop beat. I honestly thought I would lose my mind. But, people put up with it because it's fashion. So, Marc: make an effort to be on time next season. And fashion editors: relax, there's another three weeks to get through.

I should Coco

2007-09-13T07:59:00.000-07:00

For those keen to catch an early glimpse of Keira Knightley's new advertising campaign for Chanel, log on now to the Coco Mademoiselle website!

Keira Knightley in the new advertising campaign

In addition to a guided tour of Chanel's apartment at the famous 31, rue Cambon headquarters, you will get a preview of the ad. In it, Keira appears wearing nothing but a white men's shirt and a bowler hat, which she flips off to slip into a red silk evening dress. The dress is a bit too large on her and she flashes her chipmunk smile, but on the whole she is credible as a young Chanel muse. I only wish she did not keep telling the world how infrequently she showers. It does creep back to you when you're watching the ad...

Keira does a disappearing act

2007-09-06T10:05:00.000-07:00

Good Lord! When I saw the thumbnail of this picture of Keira Knightley at the Venice Film Festiva, I thought the image had been trafficked for one of the pro-ana (pro-anorexic) websites, which artificially make thin models look skeletal because this apparently appeals to their readers.

British actress Keira Knightley looks shockingly thin at the Venice Film festival

So imagine my surprise when I click on the picture and find out that it is an actual shot of Keira, looking very, very thin indeed. She has consistently denied an eating disorder but it's hard to believe this is a girl who stuffs herself with burgers...

Happy feet

2007-09-06T02:35:00.000-07:00

Pierre Hardy, the über-trendy French shoe designer, is set to design a capsule collection for The Gap. This is a bit as if Roger Vivier did a collection for Nine West! In other words, definitely to be checked out and snapped up.

A stunning Pierre Hardy foot sculpture (also known as a shoe)

Hardy has a jewel-box boutique in the Palais-Royal that also sells his covetable handbags with contrasting leather trim. He also designs the shoe collections for Balenciaga, including this winter's must-have sneaker stiletto.

Hardy's futuristic shoe for Balenciaga's fall-winter collection

Facchinetti to replace Valentino

2007-09-06T02:25:00.000-07:00

Italian designer Alessandra Facchinetti will replace Valentino when he retires early next year, the Valentino Fashion Group has announced. Facchinetti, 35, was briefly head of women's ready-to-wear at Gucci following the departure of Tom Ford.

New Valentino designer Alessandra Facchinetti

Recently, she has revamped skiwear company Moncler, bringing her edgy take on puffa jackets into trendy boutiques like Colette. Though Facchinetti has no experience of designing haute couture, she will be able to count on Valentino's long-term team, which has fitted personalities ranging from Jackie Kennedy to Gwyneth Paltrow.

Valentino retires!

2007-09-04T11:17:00.000-07:00

Alas, the rumors were true. Valentino Garavani has just announced he will be hanging up his scissors early next year. In a statement, the Italian designer said he could think of no way to top the celebrations for his 45th anniversary in fashion that took place in Rome this summer.

"It was a moment that will be impossible to repeat. And so, at this time, I have decided that is the perfect moment to say adieu to the world of fashion. As the English say, 'I would like to leave the party when it is still full'," Valentino said in a statement sent out by his press office in Paris.

Valentino takes a bow after his couture show in Rome in July

He will show his farewell ready-to-wear collection in October and his final couture show in January, both in Paris. I have to confess a certain fondness for Valentino, despite the crazy perma-tan. Aside from the fact that we share our birthday, I have always found his shows to be the epitome of glamor and good taste. His label will continue, of course, and hopefully Valentino will continue to inspire from the sidelines. In bocca al lupo, Signore Valentino!

Wanna wanna wanna

2007-09-04T05:06:00.000-07:00

The Chanel show is always a highlight of Paris fashion week because a) it's Chanel, b) the set designs are spectacular (think fake skating rinks and snowstorms) and c) they give out the most generous gift bags of any fashion house (though no fashionista would admit they care about such trifling things, it is interesting to note there is always a nervous scuffle to arrive on time at the Chanel show, lest the goodie bags run out). In March, we were handed a Chanel microdermabrasion kit that came in most handy as I frowned over my frown lines on the eve of my 35th birthday. I am secretly (hum hum) hoping this beautiful lip gloss palette will sneak its way into our goodie bags in early October...

Les 4 Camélias de Chanel is a limited edition palette of lip gloss shaped into camelias, Coco Chanel's favorite flower. Snap it up now at a department store near you!

Color me pink

2007-09-04T04:22:00.000-07:00

The French ELLE that landed in my mailbox yesterday was roughly ten times the size of last week's, signalling the end to the dreaded summer magazine drought. French ELLE is a weekly that gradually shrinks as the summer months drag on and Paris offices empty out. Astro guides and bogus quizzes abound. But this week, it was all about the hot new winter trends, and one of my favorite is color. Aside from purple, which is turning out to be the hottest shade for winter, they were also touting emerald green, marigold yellow and my absolute favorite, fuchsia pink. To wit, this absolutely stunning Lanvin stiletto heel that is more objet d'art than actual footwear...

The color trend was all over the catwalks last spring, but whenever I see anything so eye-catching, I tend to dismiss it as a gimmick for the cameras. I wonder how many women will be brave enough to don this top-to-toe look?

Dior comes over all chartreuse (left); Stella McCartney pops a fuchsia pink all-in-one

Me? I'm going with colored tights for starters, and then we'll see...

Reuters writes about Boutique

2007-08-28T06:30:00.000-07:00

It's been a great week for Boutique in the press. Today, we are featured in an article on personal shopping on Reuters Life!, the lifestyle service of Reuters news agency. Here is an extract from the story:

But many shoppers in Paris do not just lack the time to hunt after latest trends, they also have trouble finding hide-away fashion treasures, said personal shopper Joelle Diderich.

"A lot of tourists who come to Paris tend to stick to the shopping districts that feature in guide books, like the Champs Elysees and large department stores, and miss out on the beautiful little shops that sell typically French products," said Diderich, who takes clients on tailor-made shopping sprees.

"Most of the time, I take people on walking tours. Paris has fantastic flea markets full of vintage clothes, in addition to super-chic shopping districts like Saint-Germain-des-Pres."

Boutique featured in The Times

2007-08-27T06:10:00.000-07:00

Boutique personal shopping was featured this weekend in The Times Saturday magazine. Read the article here. I gave the newspaper's fashion editor Lisa Armstrong a tour while she was in Paris to cover the couture shows in July. Highlights included a visit to Parfums Frédéric Malle, a tour of cutting-edge boutiques including Véronique Leroy and a visit to the hidden part of the Marais district. She shopped up a storm - I won't give away anything more! If you too would like to book a tour, you can find full details on my website. I hope to meet you soon!

Kate perfume due soon

2007-08-08T08:18:00.000-07:00

Life is smelling sweet for Kate Moss now she has ditched her spotty heroin addict boyfriend Pete Doherty - so sweet that she is on the verge of launching her own perfume in September.

The ad campaign for Kate perfume by Kate Moss

Simply called Kate, the scent features floral notes of orange flower, rose and magnolia with base notes of patchouli, sandalwood, amber and vetiver. The fragrance, which has been developed with Coty the people who also produce scents for Sarah Jessica Parker and Jennifer Lopez), will go on sale first in Asia and Europe, according to the French edition of Vogue magazine. The United States will have to wait an extra year.

PS: At first glance, the bottle looks a bit like Anna Sui perfume, don't you think?

Drew goes Gucci

2007-06-28T04:19:00.000-07:00

Drew Barrymore stars in a new advertising campaign for Gucci fine jewelry. It's the first time the brand has tapped a celebrity. Until now, Drew has kept up a high-profile relationship with Christian Dior, appearing regularly at its catwalk shows and wearing Dior on the red carpet. Wonder if this little infidelity will count?

Drew Barrymore in the Gucci fine jewelry campaign

Cavalli is latest H&M recruit

2007-06-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

This news just in: the next designer to collaborate with Swedish high-street giant will be Italy's Roberto Cavalli, a favourite of Victoria Beckham, Christina Aguilera and Eva Longoria.

Roberto Cavalli and Salma Hayek at the opening of his boutique in Beverly Hills

"Young people come up to me with these big eyes full of desire to wear a Cavalli dress and often they can't because of the price," Cavalli told Women's Wear Daily. "I dedicate this collection with Hennes and Mauritz to them, to give them the possibility to wear a Cavalli dress, whether it's for New Year's or another occasion and feel like they are on a red carpet." The outfits will go on sale in November. Expect chiffon gowns split to the thigh and plenty of clingy tops! I wonder how haute they manage to take this collection...

Ciao, Ferre

2007-06-20T02:32:00.000-07:00

This week started off on a sad note with the death of Italian designer Gianfranco Ferre at the age of just 62. Ferre was referred to in the industry as "the architect" because he had a degree in architecture and a sculptural approach to fabric that reflected an obsession with volume.

Ferre takes a bow with singer Skin at his fall 2007 show

Ferre famously served as head designer at Christian Dior between 1989 and 1996, a decision that scandalised the deeply chauvinistic Paris fashion set at the time - but he came to be deeply respected during his tenure at the French house. Ferre's signature item was the white shirt, as modelled by Julia Roberts in a recent advertising campaign for the label. His premature death can only send shivers down the collective spine of Europe's older generation of designers, all of which have exceeded retirement age: Valentino, Armani and Lagerfeld. Let's wish them long and prosperous lives.

Julia Roberts appears in an advertising campaign for Ferre

Sole pleasure

2007-06-06T11:05:00.000-07:00

The coolest sandals for summer are no doubt those created by K. Jacques, the cult St. Tropez firm that has been kitting out jetsetters in its handmade leather shoes since the 1930s.

Patent leather and rhinestone jewels give K. Jacques sandals a sophisticated sheen

Fans include Sofia Coppola, Kate Moss and Jennifer Lopez. The good news is that you no longer have to travel to the Riviera to snap up these glamorous soles - they are sold in Paris, New York and Tokyo too!

Scarlett strikes again

2007-05-24T07:04:00.000-07:00

Scarlett Johansson is back for a second season as the poster girl for Louis Vuitton.
Scarlett looking casually glamorous in blood red shoes

Designer Marc Jacobs's fall-winter collection was an ode to her role in "Girl with a Pearl Earring" - think artist's smocks and rich painterly colours. Here is a sneak preview of the advertising campaign...
Scarlett wears a waxed fur coat, one of a series of experimental textures that appeared on the catwalk

Gloss up

2007-05-23T07:14:00.000-07:00

A girl can never have enough lip gloss, and my favourite for this summer is this marshmallow pink Juicy Tubes gloss from Lancome, which had been designed by super-cool graphic designer Julie Verhoeven (she did the psychedelic patchwork bags for Louis Vuitton a few years ago and has done illustrations for Cacharel, among others).

The Juicy Tubes lipgloss designed by Julie Verhoeven

Lagerfeld's jet set attitude

2007-05-18T11:00:00.000-07:00

Karl Lagerfeld proves to any remaining doubters that he is indeed a crazy diva. The German designer, who is in Los Angeles to present Chanel's cruise collection, explains to Women's Wear Daily in an interview why he doesn't "do" commercial flights.

"If people want me to travel and think I should come, I need a proof of love, and that has to be a little expensive," he said. "You want me on commercial, you don't get me, because then, I think I am so unimportant that I could stay at home. It's not because I want the luxury of it. I want to travel only if they think I am really needed."

Ach, Karl. Heard the one about silence being gold?

Met gala - who wore what

2007-05-08T04:04:00.000-07:00

The Met's annual Costume Institute Gala in New York is to fashion what the Oscars are to cinema, so it was with great trepidation that I logged on this morning to review who wore what last night. Sadly, I wasn't blown away by anyone. The theme, legendary couturier Paul Poiret, was rather loosely rendered. However, Jennifer Lopez and Kate Bosworth stood out in 1920s style metallic flapper looks.

Kate Bosworth (left), looking much better for having gained a few pounds, has it all down - dress, hair, make-up and accessories; Jennifer Lopez (right) is simply flawless

It was lovely to see Winona Ryder making a rare appearance, flanked by a super-tan, post-rehab Marc Jacobs; Kate Moss, on the other hand, was looking a little the worse for wear

Liv Tyler's dress would have looked great in a different color, because this seafoam green just doesn't work; Mary-Kate Olsen looks like Cousin It in this shaggy creation that swamps her tiny frame

Scarlett Johansson revisited the scrappy quiff she sported at the last Louis Vuitton show in Paris - it didn't look good then, and it doesn't now; Cate Blanchett manages to look ghoulish with a similarly backcombed quiff and racoon eyes

Julianne Moore's stiff jacket provides an awkward frame for her super-pale breasts; the usually fashion-forward Chloé Sevigny also got it terribly, inexplicably wrong

Isabella Blow dies

2007-05-07T12:15:00.000-07:00

Isabella Blow, the eccentric fashion editor credited with discovering talents such as Alexander McQueen and Philip Treacy, died suddenly today. Recently appointed fashion editor-at-large for British magazine Tatler, Blow was famous for wearing outrageous outfits, usually topped by an oversized hat.

Isabella Blow in a Philip Treacy hat, photographed by Mario Testino

Hilary Alexander at the Daily Telegraph writes an insightful piece about Blow, in which she describes the artistocrat as brash and fragile at the same time.

"Beautiful, but ultimately doomed, she was possessed of a remarkable sense of style with fiercely-held opinions and a braying laugh that could be heard from one end of the catwalk to the other, two traits which cleaved to the family motto “haud muto factum” – nothing happens by being mute.

But she was also a self-confessed depressive. She had a fragile sense of identity and her insecurities had been excacerbated by the breakdown of her marriage to the art dealer, Detmar Blow. Although the couple had reconciled, she continued to suffer terrible bouts of suicidal depression."

I once saw Blow arrive at a Dior fashion show in a peach chiffon burka - just one example of her extreme sense of style. Minutes later, she reappeared minus the burka. A storm of protest from French editors had forced her to go backstage and change. I'm sure she will be much missed.

Chloé for Chloé?

2007-05-03T04:51:00.000-07:00

The Chloé makeover continues afoot. The French house has reportedly hired its namesake actress Chloé Sevigny as the face of a new scent, due out later this year.

Chloé Sevigny in an advertising campaign for Louis Vuitton

The edgy actress is best known for giving Vincent Gallo oral gratification in his film "The Brown Bunny," but that hasn't stopped fashion firms and magazines from queuing up for a piece of her elusive charisma. Women's Wear Daily reports that Sevigny recently shot the advertising campaign for the Chloé scent with leading photographers Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin (who also do all the Vuitton campaigns).

K-day has come

2007-05-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

Despite my self-confessed shopping addiction, I am tempted to say that people have too much time on their hands when the launch of Kate Moss's line for Topshop in London attracts a crowd worthy of a World Cup final.

Kate Moss poses in the window of Topshop's flagship in London on Mpnday night as the crowd looks on

I know I am in no position to judge - I get to see Kate Moss and her celebrity acolytes regularly at the fashion shows, whereas for most people, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see this fashion icon in the flesh. But remember, this collection will be available year-round, so there is no need to fighting, pushing, shoving or any other unladylike behaviour in the changing rooms. Poise.

Pimp my phone

2007-04-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

The proliferation of branded mobile phones in recent months means that soon, you will be able to pick your mobile the same way you choose a pair of designer sunglasses. The latest to join the fray is Giambattista Valli, the former Ungaro designer who has rapidly garnered a Hollywood following for his own label (fans include Victoria Beckham and Katie Holmes).

The Nokia 7373 Special Edition Designed by Giambattista Valli

The frou-frou design is very retro, though the little skull charm adds a contemporary edge. Not surprisingly, the Italians are at the forefront of the designer mobile trend (gotta look good when ringing mamma to put on the pasta). The most blingtastic offering comes from Dolce & Gabbana while Prada provides a sleekly minimalist option (while you wait for Apple's iPhone to hit the market).

Motorola MOTORAZR V3i Dolce & Gabbana

The Prada phone by LG with touchscreen display

Finally, if sanity is not an issue, there is Vertu's Cobra encrusted with diamonds, emeralds and rubies - courtesy of jeweler Boucheron. This will set you back in the region of $300,000.

The Vertu Signature Cobra

Marc Jacobs turns documentary star

2007-04-28T11:35:00.000-07:00

A documentary aired on French television last night gave an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at U.S. designer Marc Jacobs as he prepared his own collection in New York and the Louis Vuitton runway show in Paris.

Some of the best bits:
* Jacobs, wearing a full-body pigeon outfit, hobbling into a truck to go to his costume party last fall because he was too large to fit into a car
* The designer continually calling for his assistant, Joseph. At one point, Joseph breaks into tears of exhaustion. "Are you crying?" says Jacobs, before blithely going on to spell out his next task
* Jacobs grinning ecstatically as an assistant brings in a bag that is a mash-up of all of Vuitton's most successful handbags. "That is sick in the head," he pronounces
* Interviews with fans including director Sofia Coppola and painter Elizabeth Peyton

I could go on, but you really have to see this for yourself. The film-maker, Loic Prigent, is the same guy who made the "Signé Chanel" documentary about Karl Lagerfeld. His humor comes through in every frame and is a welcome counterpoint to the seriousness of people in the fashion industry. Though Marc Jacobs has the last word on that point. Asked by a journalist: "What is important in fashion right now?", he answers: "I don't think the words 'important' and 'fashion' should be in the same sentence." A visionary, and a modest one at that!

PS: The documentary does not address the substance abuse problems that recently landed Jacobs in rehab. Prigent merely comments that the designer has quit drugs and alcohol, but that his compulsive nature is still evident in the vast amounts of cigarettes he smokes...

Coolest shades

2007-04-25T08:03:00.000-07:00

With temperatures in Paris hitting a summer-like 30 degrees, it's time to think of essentials like suncream, hats and a super cool pair of shades. I love the Chloe aviators in white with silver trim, but I'm not sure my obsession will survive into next season, so I bought a remarkably similar pair from Topshop in London.

The Chloe aviator shades

The Topshop version

Mary-Kate Olsen, eat your heart out!

What Not To Wear - Part One

2007-04-19T05:29:00.000-07:00

So, the good news for all you curvy girls out there is that skinny jeans are no longer obligatory for summer. The bad news is, they are facing heavy competition from wide leg jeans. Being tall, I love wide-legged trousers, but the denim version just conjures up one word - flares. Yes people, these are bona fide 1970s flares masquerading as a hot new trend.
Exhibit A:

Eva Mendes is wondering where her feet went

Exhibit B:

Penelope Cruz on her way to audition for the Janis Joplin biopic

My advice? Don't do it!

Primark sends London shoppers crazy

2007-04-16T04:59:00.000-07:00

I've just returned from a week in London, where the buzz is all about the recent opening of discount retailer Primark's big flagship on Oxford Street. The reason people go nuts about this store is that it offers copies of designer items at knock-down prices, like the Marc Jacobs inspired jacket below, which costs just £12 (at current exchange rates, that is $24 or 18 euros).

This Primark jacket was featured in Vogue, raising the company's profile among fashion-conscious consumers

But nothing can prepare you for the real experience...We arrived to find a queue stretching around the block just to get into the store. There were 10 security guards in the street corralling the crowds. The wait was only a couple of minutes, but once inside, I could hardly focus for the noise and people around me. Everything seemed to blur and all I could do was clutch price-tags and let out the occasional gasp of: "Four pounds!! Eight pounds??" The quality of the fabrics was pretty dysmal, except for the T-shirts which are really practical for summer, but the trick is in finding the hidden "IT" item among the tat.

Primark does the 60s look

Sadly, on the day I was there all I spotted was a multipack of black socks for £2, but when I saw the size of the queue at the till, I put them right back on the rack.

Kate Moss for Topshop - look book out!

2007-04-03T06:50:00.000-07:00

European fashionistas holding their breath for the launch of the Kate Moss for Topshop line on May 1 can catch a glimpse of the goodies on the mass retailer's website - the look book, featuring Kate and her close pal Irina Lazareanu, is heavy on the waistcoats and skinny pants favored by the shrimp-sized supermodel, but there are also some vintage-style dresses.
Irina Lazareanu wearing a Kate Moss for Topshop dress

In related news, Gap has enlisted 2006 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winners Doo-Ri Chung of Doo.Ri, Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte, and Thakoon's Thakoon Panichgul to design a limited-edition collection of specially designed pieces that will be sold at Gap stores. Rumor has it the collection is based on a white button down shirt.

Naomi's PR coup

2007-04-02T06:11:00.000-07:00

Wondering why Naomi Campbell emerged from her stint of community service in a full-length evening gown?

Naomi Campbell after completing her last day of community service

Rumor has it the supermodel will turn her walk of shame into a megabucks photoshoot for fashion magazine W. Naomi was sentenced to mop floors and scrub toilets for five days after pleading guilty to reckless assault for throwing a mobile phone at her housekeeper during a dispute over a pair of jeans. Various reports say photographer Steven Klein, best known for his recent shoots with Madonna, snapped Naomi arriving at work every day in a different designer outfit as part of a spread for the June issue of W. Knowing that her daily rate is somewhere around $25,000, that makes her the best paid cleaner in town!

Samsonite ups the cool factor

2007-04-02T04:10:00.000-07:00

Samsonite has been working hard to make its brand name cool. After tapping Alexander McQueen to design a skeleton-themed luggage collection, it has hired Christina Ricci as the face of its vintage-inspired Fashionaire line.

Christina Ricci wearing a Sophia Kokosalaki dress at the launch party for the Fashionaire line in New York City last week

Cameron Silver, the owner of vintage boutique Decades in Los Angeles, acted as consultant on the 13-piece collection of black-and-white flower patterned suitcases, handbags and small leather goods. Ricci won't appear in any advertising for the line, but will act as its global ambassador.

A few samples of the Alexander McQueen collection for Samsonite

Although the two lines could not be more different, I like them both. The idea of having coordinated luggage always makes me think of airport snapshots of Liz Taylor and Richard Burton in the 1960s. So what shall it be...romantic, or morbid? Morbid, or romantic? Can I have both?

The Perfect Paris Wake-up

2007-04-01T04:44:00.000-07:00

This morning, I had the perfect Paris wake-up. I emerged from my sleep to hear a street organist and a singer belting out "Les Amants de Saint Jean" - a classic popular love song. Now, I don't live in a touristy area so this kind of thing is highly unusual. I peeked out the window and saw that the singer was wearing a purple beret. It doesn't really get any better than that!

Allegra Versace battling anorexia

2007-03-29T04:13:00.000-07:00

Italian designer Donatella Versace has confirmed an open secret: that her daughter Allegra, the heir to 50 percent of the Versace empire, is battling anorexia. Donatella and her ex-husband Paul Beck took the unusual step of making a public statement in response to growing media speculation about their daughter's health.

A painfully thin Allegra Versace arriving at her 18th birthday party in 2004

"Our daughter, Allegra has been battling anorexia, a very serious disease, for many years," they said in the statement. Allegra was only 11 when her uncle Gianni, the designer whose friends included Princess Diana, was gunned down outside his Miami Beach mansion by serial killer Andrew Cunanan. "She is receiving the best medical care possible to help overcome this illness and is responding well," said the statement by Donatella, who owns 20 percent of the firm and took over as Versace designer after her brother's death. Donatella went into rehab two years ago for a self-confessed cocaine addiction. Let's hope her daughter also manages a recovery.

Update: Hedi Slimane leaving Dior Homme

2007-03-29T03:29:00.000-07:00

Following yesterday's "news" that talks between Hedi Slimane and his employer Dior Homme were at an impasse, industry paper Women's Wear Daily finally confirms that Slimane will be leaving the label that he transformed into the epitome of cool since taking it over in 2000.

A typically minimalist Dior Homme advertising campaign image

The paper says Slimane will be replaced by his former assistant Kris Van Assche, as had been widely rumored last summer when the talks first hit trouble. It's the end of an era, and also a powerful signal to designers that no matter how famous they are, the suits remain in charge. WWD is already drawing comparisons with Tom Ford's exit from Gucci. In a year, will Slimane's black-and-white photographs of Pete Doherty look just as dated as Ford's porno chic advertising campaigns for Gucci? Backstage is certainly going to be a lot more fun - Van Assche is friendly and chatty, as opposed to the painfully shy Slimane.

The rather good-looking Kris Van Assche (left) and some of his creations

Slimane & Dior - the saga continues...

2007-03-28T03:31:00.000-07:00

After nine months of negotiations, I have almost lost the will to care if Hedi Slimane is going to stay on as menswear designer for Dior Homme. Industry bible Women's Wear Daily reports that executives at Dior have also reached breaking point and are ready to part with their star designer.

Dior menswear designer Hedi Slimane

"The French fashion house and the designer have been in protracted talks to renew Slimane's Dior Homme contract — and to establish a signature fashion house — with majority ownership of the Slimane brand said to be among the most contentious clauses," WWD reports in Wednesday's edition. "Christian Dior is said to be keen to move on, 'fed up' with Slimane's demands, which have made talks drag on for almost a year and dented morale among the rank and file, according to one source."
Indeed, the last Dior menswear show in January lacked the sizzle of previous seasons. There were the celebrity guests (Karl Lagerfeld, Neil Tennant), the minimalist set (neon lights and rows of black speakers), the trendy soundtrack (I forget which hot new indie band was featured this season), but after the show everyone just got up and left. It was as if the fashion pack were just going through the motions, and when that happens, you either need a change of direction from the designer himself, or just a change of designers full stop.

Jelly mouse

2007-03-27T05:58:00.000-07:00

These Marc Jacobs mouse flats in see-through plastic are cute enough to eat.

The jelly "Mouse" shoe, available in seven colors

Not recommended for city wear...if you don't want to have smelly feet! But they make a great option for the beach, at a relatively reasonable 110 euros per pair.

La Labo nose its scents

2007-03-26T04:25:00.000-07:00

The fashion world is all abuzz with the perfume creations of Le Labo, not least because each bottle features a label printed with your own name.

It's all part of the craze for customization, but does packaging really qualify? A real custom-made fragrance can cost several thousand dollars. La Labo, which is based in New York, claims to formulate each of its fragrances "by hand, on demand." Does this mean they are mixed fresh in front on your eyes, or simply bottled? I don't know. The line is carried at Colette in Paris now, so I will check it out. La Labo is said to be developing a special fragrance for Colette that will go on sale in September, as part of the ongoing celebrations of the multi-brand store's 10th anniversary.

Tila March

2007-03-24T09:50:00.000-07:00

One of the hottest handbag brands this spring is Tila March, creator of the Zelig, and instant classic made from leather-trimmed canvas that opens up at the sides to carry all your summer essentials.

The small version of the Zelig

Created last year by French fashion editor Tamara Taichman, the bags have been snapped up by Bergdorf Goodman in the United States. In France, they are carried at department stores Printemps and Le Bon Marché as well as trendy store Colette.

Vogue sails with Petit Bateau

2007-03-22T03:41:00.000-07:00

Among the essentials for the summer holidays is a striped sailor top. French Vogue and cult brand Petit Bateau have teamed up to produce the cutest little striped T-shirt dress for summer. The mini, which features four gold buttons on one shoulder, retails for 50 euros on www.vogue.fr and www.petit-bateau.fr until April 24. I can only provide a tiny snapshot of it here, so go check it out for yourselves! Warning: toned thighs required.

The Vogue-Petit Bateau sailor dress

L for love

2007-03-20T02:48:00.000-07:00

Gwen Stefani joins the ranks of celebrity fragrance launches with her scent L, slated to go on sale in September. But Gwen is slightly different from the Britneys and Christinas of this world - she has a full clothing and handbag range, L.A.M.B., to which she will soon add shoes and watches.

Gwen Stefani (Photo: Lorenzo Agius/Getty Images)

The print campaign was shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, the duo behind the Vuitton ads. I have met Gwen a couple of times at the fashion shows in Paris, and she is unfailingly sweet, cheerful and polite. I wish her the best of luck with her new venture!

Holy Maloles!

2007-03-19T09:12:00.000-07:00

Hurrah! By some fluke, I am able to sign in to Blogger which has been blocking access to my account for the last month. Just in time to let you know about the new pumps by cult Spanish designer Maloles, who has designed a capsule collection for French shoe chain André that goes on sale...tomorrow, March 20!

Maloles limited edition creations for André

These are so deliciously retro! Fans of the brand include Cameron Diaz, Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston, but the little flats normally cost a few hundred euros. This is a unique chance to snap them up for less (I can just see them with cropped white pants for summer...)

Designers for less

2007-02-12T13:09:00.000-08:00

Designers at a snip...part XXIV. The buzz right now is all about Proenza Schouler's collection for Target's GO International project. Sadly for us Europeans, the mass market retailer does not ship outside the United States, but trendy French boutique Colette will offer a small selection of items starting next Monday. Look out in particular for the satiny corsets and palm prints.

My favorite outfits from the Proenza Schouler collection for Tarzhay

The exclusivity goes both ways. French designer Lolita Lempicka has created a limited edition for Etam, ranging from bikinis to gold sandals, that will go on sale in France from April 24. Book your trip now!

Pucci for the eyes

2007-02-11T15:25:00.000-08:00

If you're a fan of Pucci's classic psychedelic swirls, you will love its limited edition cosmetics collection, which will go on sale from May until August.

Some products from the upcoming Guerlain by Emilio Pucci range

The line, created with Guerlain, will include Meteorites pressed-powder beads as well as an eye set containing a mascara and a four-color eye shadow palette. I have had a soft spot for Pucci ever since I found a bandana from the brand in a goodwill store for $1. The cotton scarf, turquoise with a white heart print, was still in its original packaging! It is one of my favorites to this day.

Courrèges at a snip

2007-02-07T09:31:00.000-08:00

The latest designer house to collaborate with French mail order retailer La Redoute is Courrèges - the inventor of the Space Age trapeze dress. Its offerings in the spring-summer catalogue include this great white dress - so retro!

The Courrèges trapeze dress for summer 2007

The French brand is one of the few (together with Louis Vuitton) that never holds a sale, so this may be your only chance to get some non-vintage Courrèges at a semi-reasonable price. The dress is still quite expensive at 170 euros. Cheaper options include tennis shoes at 60 euros and a vinyl bag at 130 euros - both in my very favorite shade of Courrèges orange. I have been lusting after the small rectangular version of the orange bag for a while now, but prices start at 250 euros in the store.

Stilettos at dawn?

2007-02-01T08:25:00.000-08:00

It looks like New York fashion week will get off to a sizzling start tomorrow with the makings of a feud between New York Times scribe Cathy Horyn and the Ice Queen herself, Anna "Nuclear" Wintour. In a Thursday Styles piece that is almost too juicy to be true, Horyn denounces the Vogue editor for excessive interference in the backroom dealings of the fashion industry.

Battle Royale: Anna Wintour (left) and Cathy Horyn

Choice excerpts include:
But many fashion insiders and critics feel that by promoting labels of dubious design merit but with an obvious social or power connection, like Georgina Chapman of Marchesa, whose companion is the producer Harvey Weinstein, she leaves herself open to the complaint that her magazine promotes a kind of a pedantry.
The people that Horyn quotes in a supposed defense of Wintour only manage to stick the knife in deeper. For instance, she claims that Wintour has petitioned François-Henri Pinault, the chief executive of PPR (which owns Gucci), to find a position for British designer Phoebe Philo, who left Chloé last year.
“She’s not too pushy,” Mr. Pinault said. “From my point of view, it’s a very positive way of demonstrating her power. She lets you know it’s not a problem if you can’t do something she wants. But she makes you understand that if you could, she would be very supportive with her magazine. She really makes you understand that.”
Horyn also refers to Wintour's famously icy personality (she was reportedly the role model for Meryl Streep's bitch-from-hell character in "The Devil Wears Prada").
Ms. Wintour, who declined to be interviewed for this article, is a woman of seemingly limitless energy and a famously short attention span, who prefers to have her threats delivered by a lieutenant. (“Do you want me to go to Anna with this?” is a typical line, according to fashion publicists.)

Meryl Streep channels Wintour in "The Devil Wears Prada"; Jerry Oppenheimer's biography of the icy editrix

I interviewed Wintour during fashion week and the least I can say is that she is not warm and fuzzy. I went up to her before the Gaultier couture show to ask for a comment about Armani broadcasting his catwalk show on the Internet. Wintour proceeded to ignore me for a good minute while she continued talking with Grace Coddington, U.S. Vogue's creative director (who does not give interviews at all - ever). When she finally turned her gaze to me, she gave me a stare so withering it could have turned me to stone. But then she proceeded to answer my questions with perfect grace. So what can I say? I read Jerry Oppenheimer's poorly written biography of Wintour, and she remains an enigma to me. I am just wondering who will have the guts to go and ask her for a reaction to the Horyn piece first.

Glamorissimo Armani!

2007-01-31T04:03:00.000-08:00

A belated update on last week's Armani dinner - there was major buzz at the Museum of Modern Art, where Armani staged his couture collection.

Two looks from the Armani couture show. The gown on the right would look fantastic on Cate Blanchett on Oscar night (photos: Marcio Madeira/Style.com)

Though the invitation was for 8 p.m., the Italian designer had planned to broadcast the collection live on the Internet an hour later. We whiled away the time drinking champagne surrounded by samples of Armani's new skincare line, Crema Nera, which comes with an obsidian stone extracted from the island of Pantelleria. Do I believe that massaging a cream into my face using a piece of petrified lava will make it worker better? No. Did I do it anyway? Yes. The stone, incidentally, is great for massaging your forehead when you have sinus headaches, like I do. Anyway, I digress. Guests at the show included New York socialites like Tinsley Mortimer and French actress Natacha Régnier (who saw my friend Kerstin and I looking at her, gave us a big smile and said hi) and her boyfriend Bruno Ghiomà (who gave my friend a cheeky smile). With some 600 guests, this was Armani's biggest show in Paris since he started doing couture two years ago. With me sitting in the entrance and Kerstin right opposite the celebrity section, we were texting franctically in the run-up to the show. Katie Holmes and her green sari? So-so. Cate Blanchett sweeping in wearing a black skirt suit? WOW.

Cate Blanchett and Katie Holmes; Natacha Régnier and Bruno Ghiomà (photos: Stefano Guindani/Style.com)

With all that going on, it was hard to concentrate on the clothes, inspired by India's maharajahs but given a classic Armani touch with minimalist cut and neutral colors. After the show, I asked Cate Blanchett if she was wearing Armani to the Oscars (she is nominated for best supporting actress). She told me she hadn't decided yet, though she pronounced the show "extraordinary". But word is she had her fitting earlier that afternoon, after jetting in from New Orleans (where she is filming with Brad Pitt) on Armani's private plane. She showed up at the SAG awards later that week wearing an Armani gown that many said was the dress of the evening.

Cate Blanchett in Armani at the SAG awards on Sunday (photo: Jeff Vespa/WireImage)

After the show, we repaired to the basement, which had been transformed for the evening into a chic restaurant with mirror-lined walls and rows of white banquettes. When I got to my table, I found Cameron Silver - owner of the vintage boutique Decades in Los Angeles - entertaining a gaggle of blondes, but I decided to go and sit with Kerstin instead. The champagne was flowing, and after several servings of bread rolls (carb alert!) we were served vegetable maki, crab with caviar and a delicious black truffle risotto. We had to force ourselves to skip dessert in order to go back to the office and file our stories.

Dita shows for Gaultier

2007-01-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

Mystery revealed! Dita Von Teese made her much-anticipated appearance during Paris couture week on the catwalk of Jean Paul Gaultier. The French designer is still thinking about Madonna, but this time it was the Virgin Mary herself.

Dita Von Teese works the catwalk at Gaultier

After the show, a reporter from French pay-TV channel Canal Plus asked if the tears on Dita's cheek were in mourning for shock rocker Marilyn Manson (the two are getting divorced after less than a year of marriage). Gaultier laughed and said: "Yes, that must be it. She was bleeding a little, there was some blood and some red, but that's what is beautiful about passion, no? It's love and pain at the same time." Of course, Dita has an (indirect) connection to Madonna. Her first name is borrowed from silent movie star Dita Parlo. Does the name ring a bell? Madonna used it as her alter-ego in her book "Sex" some 15 years ago...

Couture hits fever pitch

2007-01-23T17:08:00.000-08:00

It was the usual madness today chez Chanel, which really outdid itself on the guest list: Sigourney Weaver, Victoria Beckham, Diane Kruger, Vanessa Paradis, Sofia Coppola, Sean Lennon, Marianne Faithfull, Rachel McAdams, Kate Bosworth, not to mention the usual slew of French actresses, led by Chanel muse Anna Mouglalis. It really felt like a who's who of fashion.

The bride at Chanel passes in front of French first lady Bernadette Chirac (in the pink suit) and brewing heiress Daphne Guinness (far left) (photo: Joelle Diderich)

The clothes were impeccable - I was almost going to say "as usual", except that Karl Lagerfeld has had a few dodgy moments in the last 12 months, at least as far as I am concerned. I loved the dresses with ostrich feathers and the long skirts made from see-through tulle. But my favorite show today, I have to admit, was Givenchy.

Givenchy designer Riccardo Tisci created a dramatic atmosphere with stark lighting and set design (photos: Joelle Diderich)

The label's Italian designer Riccardo Tisci has garnered mixed reviews (let's face it, who hasn't at Givenchy? It's like that label is cursed). If I have to agree that his ready-to-wear can be somewhat...puzzling, I loved the last two couture shows. This one was held in a theater warehouse on the outskirts of Paris where water leaked into puddles on a black asphalt catwalk (I hear you crying - PRETENTIOUS!). Well, it worked. The models were working a "French Lieutenant's Woman" vibe in their long dresses paired with military coats or long capes. Then they lingered behind a huge rainsoaked window, circled with mist. The Goth in me LOVED IT! I also got to talk to some great people today - Sean Lennon, who told me he was busy writing songs with Irina Lazareanu, the supermodel and former drummer with troubled rocker Pete Doherty's band Babyshambles.

Irina Lazareanu looking uncannily like a young Sonia Rykiel in this shot from a Jean Paul Gaultier show

Irina was given a helping hand by Kate Moss and in less than 12 months has become a favorite on the fashion circuit, though I will buck a trend and say her slouchy-shouldered, po-faced pose gets tired pretty quickly. I also chatted to Dita Von Teese, who refused to reveal any details of the secret performance she is due to give in Paris this week. I am hoping it will be at the Armani dinner tomorrow - I am dying to see her act. The nicest interview of the day was with Christian Lacroix, who was humble, witty and fascinating as ever.

A dress from the Christian Lacroix show (left); the designer takes a bow with his catwalk bride, Lily Cole (photos: Joelle Diderich)

Dior kicks off Paris couture

2007-01-22T16:22:00.000-08:00

Couture week kicked off in sumptuous style with a Japanese-inspired show by John Galliano for Christian Dior.

Two looks from Dior's spring-summer 2007 haute couture show (photos: Joelle Diderich)

Getting to the Dior show is always a hassle. Between the tickets that arrive at the very last minute, the venue (a polo club on the outskirts of Paris with no public transport access) and the obstructive security guards, it is a miracle anyone makes it inside the tent. But once the lights go down, all rancour disperses. Galliano's creativity, coupled with the craftsmanship of his couture staff, combine to make pure magic.

Model Erin O'Connor poses in an elaborately embroidered coat; a creamy chiffon dress with parasol hat (photos: Joelle Diderich)

It's a year of anniversaries for Dior. Galliano this year celebrates 10 years at the helm of the house, which itself commemorates 60 years of existence. To celebrate the event, the house created a set inspired by its historic headquarters on avenue Montaigne. The idea was that the models would amble slowly across the different parts of the set - except that the girls could barely move in their heavy gowns, so that by the middle of the show, they were literally queuing up to pose for photographers. Still, it gave the audience all the more time to admire their outfits.

A model in a kimono-inspired jacket is showered with paper butterflies (photo: Joelle Diderich)

Among the guests was the ever-friendly Diane Kruger, who told me she does not use a stylist except for junkets (and also admitted she slightly rued her choice of dress for the Golden Globes last year). Also attending was the newly single Dita Von Teese, wearing the cutest little black sequin beret. The star quotient is due to rise on Wednesday, with Cate Blanchett and Tina Turner expected at the Armani Prive show. On that subject, I received a invitation today to the Armani dinner after the show and, to utter a classic line, I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR!

Ricci choice

2007-01-21T12:05:00.000-08:00

Reese Witherspoon proved her fashionista credentials by getting her mitts on the eagerly awaited new Nina Ricci collection ahead of everyone else.

Witherspoon won plaudits for wearing this daringly-colored creation to the Golden Globes

The brand's new designer, Belgian Olivier Theyskens, this week presented his pre-fall collection - the first under his contract with Nina Ricci - to retailers in New York. The collection was more daywear-oriented than his spectacular creations for Rochas, which earlier this year decided to close down its loss-making ready-to-wear division.

Some looks from Nina Ricci's pre-fall collection

Golden Globes stylewatch

2007-01-16T13:55:00.000-08:00

Ladies and gentlemen, it's awards ceremony season again (didn't we just get through the last Oscars?) and open season for celebrity trendspotting. And the winner of last night's Golden Globes ceremony is...the goddess gown!

Drew Barrymore is my personal favorite with this liquid gown by Christian Dior, which perfectly sets off her honey golden tan. Kyra Sedgwick also gets my vote in this beautiful dress by J.Mendel.

Are they auditioning for the biopic of Helen of Troy? Kate Winslet and Meryl Streep, accompanied by her daughter, opt for draped gowns by Azzaro and Carolina Herrera, respectively.

Variations on the Grecian theme include these dark-hued versions worn by Helen Mirren (in Donna Karan) and Angelina Jolie (in St.John).

Heidi Klum is the red carpet disaster of the evening with this unflattering tent, err, dress by Givenchy. Is she pregnant again? Ellen Pompeo looks halfway decent in Versace, though I still wish she would eat.

Another celebrity perfume - yawn

2007-01-12T03:28:00.000-08:00

Even as department stores report flagging sales of celebrity clothing lines like JLo's Sweetface and Nicky Hilton's Chick, cosmetics firms continue to sign up singers, actors and sports personalities for major perfume deals. The latest in line is Christina Aguilera, who has just inked a licensing deal with Procter & Gamble.

A rare shot of Xtina looking classy (photo Carter Smith for Jane magazine)

Celebrity fragrances can be particularly divisive, as you really have to like the personality of the star in order to even approach the fragrance counter and smell their offering. Having witnessed Christina's diva-like behaviour at the fashion shows, I think I'll give this one a miss!

Too cool for school

2007-01-11T03:34:00.000-08:00

Is going to rehab turning fashionable? I didn't know whether to laugh or cry when I spotted this insider's guide to five of the top substance-abuse clinics in W magazine.

Repeat rehab attendee Courtney Love

Gimme gimme gimme

2007-01-11T03:03:00.000-08:00

It's no longer a guy thing. Even the girliest of girls is crazy about gadgets these days, and I am positively salivating over Apple's long-awaited iPhone, unveiled this week but only scheduled to go on sale in June.

A combination telephone and iPod, this little baby has a touch-screen that allows you to make calls, send e-mails, download music and video, take pictures - hell, it probably takes out the garbage for you too! The iPhone will be available in 4 gigabyte and 8 gigabyte models that will retail at $499 and $599 respectively in the United States. While you wait, you can familiarize yourself with the gadget on Apple's website. Creating pent-up demand - now isn't that clever?

Chloé channels Mia

2007-01-09T12:10:00.000-08:00

These cute little dresses from Chloé's cruise collection really remind me of Mia Farrow in the horror classic Rosemary's Baby!

The brand, which is about to change direction under new designer Paulo Melim Andersson, said its spring-summer collection was inspired by American heiress Gloria Vanderbilt. As a 70s babe, I can only be thrilled that this somewhat forgotten decade is making a comeback.

Hilton duds

2007-01-08T05:18:00.000-08:00

Not content with the record, the book, the clubs, the perfume and jewelry, Paris Hilton is about to unleash her own clothing line, scheduled to go on sale in the fall.

Classy!

The line will consist of sportswear and lingerie, which will include a leopard print camisole accented with ruffles and pink bows. "Paris was big on the ruffles, we couldn't use enough ruffles and enough pink," Sammy Sitt, president of SBH Intimates (which holds the lingerie licence) helpfully told industry paper Women's Wear Daily. To paraphrase the PETA campaign, I'd rather go naked.

Pretty Clive

2007-01-08T04:59:00.000-08:00

Be still my beating heart...Rumor has it that Lancôme has just signed up Britain's most scrumptious actor, Clive Owen, to be the new spokesman for its men's products.

I have been a major fan of the "Inside Man" star for years. I once had the extreme pleasure of bumping into him as I was entering the Criterion restaurant on Piccadilly Circus. Unfortunately, he was just leaving...

Best wishes for 2007!

2007-01-03T09:46:00.000-08:00

Eau de Kate

2006-12-15T16:32:00.000-08:00

To all my friends who have complained of Kate Moss overdose, I apologize in advance. In a matter of months, you will be able to not only look like her (courtesy of Topshop's Moss-designed line) but also smell like her. Rumor has it that Moss will soon join the ranks of celebrities bringing out their own perfume. Trade newspaper Women's Wear Daily reports that Moss has signed a fragrance licensing deal with Coty, the beauty firm that she already works for as the face of Rimmel make-up. Let me guess - top notes of gin, middle notes of marijuana and a drydown of stale cigarettes? Err...maybe not! The deal is strictly hush-hush for the time being, but I'll keep you posted.

Back in the days...Kate Moss in an ad for Calvin Klein's Obsession

Kiss me quick!

2006-12-05T10:44:00.000-08:00

I love the retro packaging of Bésame (Kiss Me) cosmetics. This beautiful gift set, which includes lipstick, powder and blusher, makes a perfect Christmas gift.

Edgy scents

2006-12-02T06:10:00.000-08:00

Wondering what to get your teenage daughter this Christmas? How about a perfume that marries edgy packaging with top quality fragrance? Romano Ricci, the great-grandson of famed designer Nina Ricci, has launched a brand called Juliette Has a Gun - a name sure to go down a treat with fans of rock bands and action movies à la Kill Bill.

The two fragrances available at Colette

"Lady Vengeance" and "Miss Charming" are two fragrances concocted for the house by Francis Kurkdjian, the top perfumer behind such hits as Narciso Rodriguez for Her, Elizabeth Arden Green Tea and an absolute favorite of mine, KenzoKi White Lotus. The perfume range is available exclusively at Paris trend emporium Colette, which has loads of other goodies in store this month (more on which later).

Daks goes hip

2006-11-27T04:01:00.000-08:00

Venerable British label Daks is about to get an injection of hipness thanks to multi-tasking London designer Giles Deacon. In a perfect example of the hi-lo collaborations that characterize fashion today, Deacon will be designing the luxury women's collection for Daks starting next spring, about the same time his designs for high street retailer New Look hit stores.

Giles Deacon holding his British Designer of the Year award at the recent British Fashion Awards

Daks is best known for sensible pleated skirts and sturdy raincoats of the type favored by Her Majesty herself. "I loved the idea of working with a true British luxury brand. And it doesn’t hurt that they have royal warrants," Deacon told industry paper Women's Wear Daily. "I want to transform it into an ultramodern British tailored clothing collection. There will be a lot of coats, jackets, suits — and I hope I can pop a few frocks in there, too."

Emmanuelle Béart in H&M campaign

2006-11-26T16:02:00.000-08:00

The latest celebrity to grace an H&M advertising campaign is French actress Emmanuelle Béart, best known for her roles in "Manon des Sources" and "Mission: Impossible".

H&M's Christmas lingerie advertising campaign, which has been described as "pornography" by one Swedish member of parliament

At the risk of being ungracious, I have to assume these images are heavily photoshopped. Emanuelle Béart is 43 and on these pictures, she looks like 21. They also prove that she is far from the curvy beauty celebrated by French Elle in a now-famous cover shot.

Béart's infamous Elle cover

I saw Emmanuelle when she was on the jury at the Cannes film festival, and she is tiny. An absolute sparrow!

Galliano does French Vogue

2006-11-26T15:54:00.000-08:00

French Vogue's guest editor this December is the British designer John Galliano, who next year celebrates 10 years at the helm of Christian Dior.

John Gallliano taking his bow on the catwalk

The issue includes extracts from his collection diaries and several photoshoots by longtime collaborator Nick Knight (even though Knight has just been replaced as the photographer for Dior's advertising campaigns by Craig McDean). Previous Vogue guest editors have included the Dalai Lama, Sofia Coppola and Kate Moss, though surprisingly, this is a first time a designer has been asked to do the honors.

Blame Vuitton

2006-11-23T08:41:00.000-08:00

Marc Jacobs continues his tradition of collaborating with other designers and artists at Louis Vuitton. For the French label's cruise collection, he has enlisted cult punk stylist Judy Blame to customize LV-monogrammed denim shorts and bags with his trademark chains and safety pins. The highly collectible pieces are available this month!

Model Lohan?

2006-11-20T04:05:00.000-08:00

Lindsay Lohan was in London during my vacation there last week and - more disturbing than the countless pictures of her baring her crotch - comes news that she shot the new advertising campaign for Miu Miu over the weekend.

Lindsay Lohan looking a little rough in London last week

Miu Miu using celebs in its ad campaigns is nothing new - previous models for the super-cool brand include Drew Barrymore, Chloe Sevigny and Kim Basinger. But do they really want to be associated with the scandal-prone teen queen? Rumor has it that Lohan was due to shoot a campaign for Louis Vuitton earlier this year, but they wisely decided to pass.

Kim Basinger and Camilla Belle in the Miu Miu spring-summer 2006 advertising campaign

Addendum: This just in!

Lindsay burning a tabloid article about herself in this Terry Richardson shot for GQ

Stella for skin

2006-11-19T11:37:00.000-08:00

I'm back from a holiday in London and excited to discover that Brit designer Stella McCartney is launching a skincare line.
⁪
An advertisement for the skincare line due to be launched in 2007

In line with her commitment to animal protection, the products will be totally organic (a fast-growing trend in skincare). I liked the Stella fragrance she launched in 2003, although I sometimes thought it smelled too much like a room fragrance. Recently, I have been wearing Stella In Two (an amber solid and peony edt, to be combined as you wish) which is a more sophisticated variation on the original. The amber is, as my sister would say, totally "more-ish".

Love Courtney

2006-11-07T07:53:00.000-08:00

Courtney Love has had almost as many comebacks as Liz Taylor, but I am thrilled to see her looking her edgiest best on the cover of the latest edition of Pop magazine.

The Pop cover by Mert & Marcus

Lest her fashion influence be obscured by the tabloid antics (which include incidents of air rage and flashing her breasts at strangers), it is worth remembering that Love has starred in advertising campaigns for Gianni Versace shot by Richard Avedon - this was when even Versace, the king of bling, was doing heroin chic in the 90s.

A visual from the Versace campaign featuring a clean Courtney

She has also shot some dubious spreads with kitschmeister David LaChapelle, including a picture in which she cradles a dead Kurt Cobain lookalike that has angered fans of the late singer.

The cover of David LaChapelle's upcoming book "Heaven to Hell"

Nostril mystery

2006-11-02T11:35:00.000-08:00

What is up with Kate's nose?

Chloé, je t'aime!

2006-11-02T08:57:00.000-08:00

Chloé is supposed to be in a bit of a rut since the departure of its designer Phoebe Philo in January, but I confess I can't get enough of this season's collection. I love this tunic from its diffusion line, See by Chloé, available for a (relatively) reasonable 235 euros at Net-A-Porter.

Tom Ford Black Orchid

2006-11-01T15:00:00.000-08:00

Like many people, I am totally over the sleek, sexed-up aesthetic that Tom Ford peddled at Gucci until his departure from the brand in 2004. So it's just as well that the bottle for his new perfume, due to be launched this month, is a paragon of 1930s style.

The campaign stars Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, the daughter of the editor of French Vogue

Ford has patented the world's handful of black orchids, using headspace technology to capture and replicate their essence. The fragrance has top notes of French jasmine, black gardenia, ylang ylang, bergamot, mandarin and citrus; a heart of Tom Ford black orchid, spicy floral orchid accords and lotus wood, and a drydown of patchouli, incense, amber, sandalwood and vanilla.

After returning to fashion with eyewear and a limited edition collection for Estée Lauder, Ford is quietly building his empire with a dozen fragrances planned for next year in addition to a menswear collection. His first freestanding store is slated to open on Madison Avenue next spring, though Ford continues to insist he has no plans for a women's collection. Let's wait and see!

Addendum: Ford has just announced he is also working on a collection of luggage and high-end jewelry. March on, Napoleon!

Accessories mania

2006-11-01T14:34:00.000-08:00

It's not enough that I am still lusting for a pair of Chloé platforms, fashion editors have to rub my nose in their top picks for NEXT SPRING! Check out the candy box of options on Style.com and weep for your credit card.

The Marc Jacobs blush metallic Little Stam bag - inspired by readhead model Jessica Stam?

Mouret at the Gap

2006-10-31T04:21:00.000-08:00

I'm counting the days until the Roland Mouret collection goes on sale at the Gap - mark Nov. 7 in your diary! I've finally had a sneak preview of the dresses, courtesy of French Elle.

Models present the outfits at a press breakfast

Consisting mainly of tunics, they are not quite as exciting as I expected, but then they chose to photograph the clothes on models who are prancing around, so it's hard to tell how they fall. There is one sharp-shouldered number very much in the spirit of the Galaxy that is definitely worth a snoop.

The Galaxy dress

The Mouret collection features 10 dresses, ranging in price from $85 to $150. It will be sold at 160 Gaps in the U.K., Ireland and France and should hit the New York stores a few weeks later. I have found this season's offerings from Gap really disappointing, except for the stretch jersey polonecks which I have bought in black and grey (they look really great layered under a short-sleeved dress or with an oversized V-neck sweater with cropped sleeves). This could have a similar effect for the chain as the Karl Lagerfeld collection for H&M. In addition, part of the profits will go to The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, so you don't even have to feel guilty.

Get in the Saddle

2006-10-30T14:30:00.000-08:00

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of John Galliano at Christian Dior, trendy Parisian multibrand store Colette will sell exclusive limited edition Saddle bags starting on Dec. 4. This should be only the start of a series of celebrations at Dior in 2007!

Karl's tunes

2006-10-29T06:34:00.000-08:00

If you feel the urge to vogue around your living room, order the world's most fashionable soundtrack now courtesy of Karl Lagerfeld...

The designer, who famously owns more than 70 iPods, highlights his favorite tracks from Stravinsky to the Pipettes.

2006-10-28T08:04:00.000-07:00

Real beauty

This one has been doing the rounds. It is quite impressive!

Kylie Darling!

2006-10-27T04:14:00.000-07:00

Finally, the name of Kylie Minogue's scent has been unveiled - in true showbiz fashion, it will be called Darling. The fragrance, which will launch in Britain next month, is described as a "chypre-floriental" perfume. It features top notes of passion fruit, freesia and lychee, heart notes of lily and boronia and base notes including sandalwood, amber wood and vanilla.

"Having your own fragrance is like a dream for a woman," Kylie was quoted as saying in Women's Wear Daily. "I use ‘darling' a lot. My mother calls me darling. I call my friends darling. It's almost so old-fashioned it has come around again. It's sweet, personal, loving and affectionate. It's a term you can use for anyone — it's not just for your lover or your child, you can use it for everybody. And it's a little showbiz."

The scent is a democratic one. The eau de toilette will be available in a tiny 15-ml size that will be priced at 15 euros in Europe, about $19 at current exchange rates - perfect for a young girl buying her first perfume. Like many girls of my generation, I started out with Cacharel's Anais Anais. Even now, the smell of it brings back a wealth of memories.

2006-10-26T11:38:00.000-07:00

Diana Vreeland

Oh, I couldn't resist!

2006-10-26T11:11:00.000-07:00

Kate Moss

I have become slightly hooked on You Tube. Like everyone, I enjoyed watching the video of the man who fell through the glass while trying to photocopy his bottom at the office...but I still prefer these semi-artsy movies by fashion photographer Nick Knight...

The Beckham effect

2006-10-26T05:53:00.000-07:00

I must confess to a guilty fascination moment during fashion week. New pals Victoria Beckham and Katie Holmes caused a sensation by appearing together at shows including Chanel, Giambattista Valli and Yves Saint Laurent.

(Photo Greg Kessler/Style.com)

It was day six of the ready-to-wear shows and I must confess to feeling somewhat jaded, having interviewed Kanye West, Lenny Kravitz and Dita Von Teese and spotted Janet Jackson, Monica Bellucci and the Olsen twins, to name but a few. So I was surprised when I could not peel my eyes off the tiny Demoiselle Beckham, wearing skinny jeans and a black cape with gold embroidery, standing in the cordoned-off VIP section after Stefano Pilati's show for YSL. With her sleek bob and pert little nose, she is ultra recognizable and - dare I say it - has star quality. OK, I hang my head in shame. Those who want to check out the Beckham effect in the flesh can join several hundred other fans at her book signing at London department store Selfridges on Monday.

"We've had an unprecedented number of enquiries about Victoria's appearance at the Selfridges Oxford Street store. Judging by the huge amount of people wanting to be here for Victoria's visit on Monday, I think That Extra Half An Inch will be in a lot of Christmas stockings this year – it's obviously going to be a best seller," store director Tracey Mann was quoted as saying on vogue.co.uk.

Gucci iPod

2006-10-25T03:25:00.000-07:00

Talk about exclusive! To celebrate the opening of its new flagship store in Tokyo, Gucci has come up with the ultimate party favor. Guests and press attending a celebration dinner on Nov. 2 will walk away with an iPod engraved with the Gucci logo and cased in a silver logo-embossed leather holder.

The Gucci iPod

Gucci is only producing 1,100 of the iPods, which are designed as luxury press kits. They will contain a press release about the new store in the trendy Ginza neighborhood, as well as images from catwalk shows. Owners of the iPod will be able to download a custom-made playlist by R&B singer Mary J. Blige, who is slated to sing at the reception. This one has "beg, steal or borrow" written all over it!

Magic McQueen

2006-10-22T11:28:00.000-07:00

The show of Paris fashion week, for me, was Alexander McQueen. We arrived after dark in a heavy downpour at the Cirque d'Hiver, a 19th century circus venue. But any feelings of tiredness or hunger were quickly forgotten as we settled expectantly into balcony seats rising around a circular wooden stage, over which hung a chandelier.

The musicians at Alexander McQueen's show

A chamber ensemble from London's famed Academy of St. Martin in the Fields - the women dressed in elegant lilac gowns - joined a harpsichord to play Haendel's "Sarabande" (which was used on the soundtrack of Stanley Kubrick's movie "Barry Lyndon") as the chandelier pulsated light and rose into the rafters. Models emerged in dresses merging the influences of the 18th century (with Lyndon-esque jackets in pastel tapestry florals), the Edwardian era and characters as diverse as Vegas showgirls and the infamous Marchesa Luisa Casati. The last dress, made entirely from fresh pink blooms, shed petals in the model's wake.

A dress with padded hips

Too much choice! (Photos: Joelle Diderich)

McQueen's shows are more like happenings, in the sense that they straddle the border between fashion and art. It's difficult to imagine buying this kind of dress off the rack, but there were also some great trouser suits and beautifully fitted jackets that can make the transition from boardroom to chic soirée. And McQueen recently expanded his offering with a denim-based diffusion line, McQ.

Low-fat Lagerfeld

2006-10-15T05:57:00.000-07:00

As predicted, I couldn't keep up the posting during Fashion Week! So here are some belated goodies. After seeing Karl Lagerfeld's show, I could not resist asking him about the skinny models debate (I mean, have you see the arms on Irina Lazareanu, his latest favorite?). Well, he waded right in there. Offensive doesn't begin to cover it. But then, ever since his diet, Karl is unapologetically rude about overweight people.

Skinny fashion muses Lily Donaldson and Irina Lazareanu

Karl "Lose Weight Now, Ask Me How" Lagerfeld (Photos: Joelle Diderich)

Dior goes sober

2006-10-03T16:10:00.000-07:00

It was the usual madness at Christian Dior, with a guestlist including Janet Jackson, Kanye West, Lenny Kravitz, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (who did that weird staring thing) and Monica Bellucci (a.k.a. the face of Dior Rouge lipstick). Jackson has the biggest bodyguard I have ever seen. That man just ploughs through a crowd. In fact, I believe he could part the Red Sea. Also there was the lovely Dita Von Teese, who has the most flawless porcelain skin I have ever seen. She is truly charming and smart.

Dita Von Teese advertising campaign for Vivienne Westwood - the perfect mariage of beauty and fashion

Venue - equally spectacular.

I rest my case (Photo: Charles Platiau/Reuters)

Now, the clothes. Hm. Ah. What to say? Gray. Joan of Arc. Calf-length skirts. OK, I'm being unfair. There were some beautiful dresses. But what is up with the new sobriety? John Galliano scared the life out of me by taking his bow with no pyrotechnics, no astronaut suit, no mohawk...but in a gray suit. Yikes!!! Is this the end of fashion as we know it?

Some lovely red carpet numbers and a sensible Galliano (Photos: Remy de la Mauviniere/AP, Charles Platiau/Reuters)

Us leaving the show...!

(Photo: Charles Platiau/Reuters)

Take that, skinny models!

2006-10-03T15:36:00.000-07:00

Loots of kookiness today with shows by Jean Paul Gaultier and Vivienne Westwood. Gaultier shot the whole skinny models debate straight out of the water by doing a show on the theme of aerobics, and then sending out an oversized model to illustrate it. Ahaha, those crazy French! You gotta love them!

A model at the Jean Paul Gaultier show (Photo: Philippe Wojazer/Reuters)

The audience went wild, though you wonder how most of these people would react if the same woman showed up at a fashion magazine or department store applying for a job. Still, kudos to JPG for the statement. The French designer plans a big party on Saturday night to celebrate 30 years in business. Women's Wear Daily reports that leading fashion editors will do magic tricks (this I'll pay to see). Anna Piaggi, the grande dame of Italian fashion, voiced some concerns about her turn as she congratulated Gaultier backstage, but he was egging her on with encouragements. Good thing she already wears a magician's cape!

Anna Piaggi of Italian Vogue

Vivienne Westwood was in fine form with a collection labeled "I Am Expensiv" (sic). She said it was a reaction to logo-driven consumerism. I asked her about an interview from 1987 in which she criticized the fashion for "asexual bodies". I thought it was interesting given the current debate on skinny models, but she denied ever making the comment. When I said the quote was taken from the catalogue of her retrospective at the Victoria & Albert museum, she went into a rambling critique of the book's author, Claire Wilcox. To me, it's one thing to change your mind about something you once said, but it's another to deny you ever said it. Still, Westwood is her own mistress and she has genius enough to make you pardon a few inconsistencies. The best thing about this show was the catwalk comeback of Sarah Stockbridge, Westwood muse extraordinaire from the 1980s.

Sarah Stockbridge, then and now (Photo on right: Jacques Brinon/AP)

I told her that I remembered seeing her on the King's Road in the 1980s and being just blown away. Those were the days of the mini crini and rocking horse shoes. Sarah told me she now has kids but still works as a fittings model for Westwood. She didn't know she would be in the show until this morning, but said she couldn't refuse because her 8-year-old daughter would never have forgiven her. Sometimes, it's great to be reminded just why I wanted to work in this industry. Sarah Stockbridge is one of the reasons.

Yohji and Elvis = bliss

2006-10-03T15:28:00.000-07:00

The Yohji Yamamoto show was my favorite so far this season. Although the chairs are always incredibly small and uncomfortable (designed for Japanese derrieres, it seems), the decor was stunning - the main amphitheatre of the Sorbonne university. This is a new setting for shows in Paris and will also host Karl Lagerfeld's show on Wednesday. The clothes were beautiful: lots of men's morning coats, some accessorized with monocles, worn over crisp white shirts with high collars. This very androgynous look was counterbalanced by some black silk bustier dresses with basket skirts. Think Morticia goes to the prom. Best of all, though, was the soundtrack of Elvis Presley tunes. His voice positively reverberated off those old French walls. The effect was so eerie, it gave me goosebumps, especially on "Crying In The Chapel," which is a personal favorite.

(Photo Pierre Verdy/AFP)

Viktor & Rolf

2006-10-03T15:18:00.000-07:00

Viktor & Rolf wowed the fashion crowd by transforming their show venue into a retro ballroom with champagne, ringside tables for top editors and crystal chandeliers. A couple opened the show with a display of ballroom dancing, which set the theme for a show heavy on flesh-colored bodystockings and diamante trim. Rufus Wainwright and a string orchestra provided live accompaniment. I'm a big fan of V&R, but this time I thought the theatrics outweighed the clothes. There was none of the virtuosity of last season's debutante gowns dipped in silver. That's the danger with gleaning style tips from ballroom dancers, I guess.

Paris kicks off fashion week

2006-10-01T15:02:00.000-07:00

Paris fashion week has officially begun, and I can already report the first celebrity sighting. Lenny Kravitz took in the Balmain show, and I have a feeling we will be seeing plenty more of him this week. "I love Paris and so I'm here with my daughter, just taking her around to a couple of shows," he told reporters.

Balmain's spring-summer collection (Photos: Remy de la Mauvienire/AP)

Kravitz's former costume designer Laurent Mercier - known to friends as the cross-dressing Lola - used to design for Balmain. His replacement, Christophe Decarnin, is doing a pretty good job of reviving the brand with super sexy little dresses that have already been picked up by Audrey Tautou and Sofia Coppola.

Audrey Tautou rocking a Balmain look at Cannes (Photo: Karwai Tang/Alpha/Globe Photos via Style.com)

No sign of a ban on skinny models here (the show featured Australian model Gemma Ward, a.k.a. The Alien). It was a totally different scene at Martin Margiela, who traditionally uses non-professional models. The draped white set created a seating conundrum for the dozens of standing-room guests.

The Margiela set at the Fine Arts school in Paris (Photos: Joelle Diderich)

The collection was based on nude bodystockings which served as the basis for tailored suits with extra-long legs (don't try to run for a taxi in these) and a deconstructed stars-and-stripes motif (stars on one side, stripes on the other).

(Photos: Joelle Diderich)

Things are going to get pretty manic in the next few days, so I can't promise I will post every day, but I will do my best to keep you up to date!

Violet yoghurt?

2006-09-29T13:10:00.000-07:00

This is definitely not one for the masses. French gourmet yoghurt brand Mamie Nova has launched a violet flavor.

Full disclosure: I am one of those people who loves violet-flavored sweets. When I was a kid, I used to buy little packets of Parma Violets at the sweetshop. Nowadays, I prefer the violet pastilles of the Abbaye de Flavigny. Not only do they come in a delightful flower-printed oval tin, but the round white pastilles contain a crunchy anise seed at the center.

I'm off to track down that yoghurt...

Anyone for tennis?

2006-09-27T14:35:00.001-07:00

Tom Dixon, the head of design at Habitat, has designed two limited edition polo shirts for Lacoste. The Techno+ is created from a hi-tech fabric combining woven fibres echoing effect of stainless steel and aluminium. The +Eco is made from organic cotton and hand-dyed indigo and is sold in a recycled box resembling egg cartons. Both are on sale exclusively at Paris designer megastore Colette at the end of the month - just in time for fashion week!

Eat your greens!

2006-09-26T03:07:00.000-07:00

Not content with plastering his Pop Art designs on teddy bears and ski suits, French designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac has given houseware an irreverent twist with his three lines for ceramic firm Deshoulières. They include these camouflage plates (left) where kids will finally be able to hide their green beans.

Mischa, Mischa on the wall

2006-09-24T05:12:00.000-07:00

Mischa Barton is all over the fashion radar this fall. The "O.C." star is featured in campaigns for Keds, BeBe and French high street retailer Morgan. Here she works the season's sweater dress, but above all, the Patrick Demarchelier-shot campaign suggests that a hunky male is a woman's most important accessory.

I'm not a huge fan of Morgan, both on account of the throwaway quality of the fabrics and the sizing, which tends towards the minuscule - I suspect you need to be a Mischa clone to make these clothes look any good.

Gehry scales down

2006-09-23T13:32:00.000-07:00

Famed architect Frank Gehry, the brains behind the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao, has brought his twisted genius to Tiffany's jewelry. Among the stand-out pieces are this black jade ring (left) and banded agate bangle (right).

Scent of a regent

2006-09-22T12:33:00.000-07:00

Sofia Coppola's film "Marie Antoinette" drew mixed reactions here in France, but I must admit I loved the movie, which shows Kirsten Dunst in teen queen mode lolling amid candy-colored cakes.

For a real taste of exclusivity, why not treat yourself to the 18th century queen's scent? Created by famed perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, the fragrance is only available at the Chateau de Versailles. Based on historical research by writer Elisabeth de Feydeau, Kurkdjian composed a heady bouquet of rose, iris, jasmine, tuberose and orange flower, punctuated by notes of cedar and sandalwood. There are only 1,000 bottles of the juice, priced at a dizzying $450. Now that's a royal treat!

Happy Birthday, Vanessa!

2006-09-21T15:38:00.000-07:00

There are few things as Parisian as a Vanessa Bruno sequin tote.

The French designer celebrates 10 years in business with a limited edition collection for the Printemps department store, which is on sale until October 7. It includes bestselling outfits from the last decade and eight ultra-collectible shades of the iconic bag. And you know what they say, a girl can never have enough handbags!

Kate Moss turns designer

2006-09-20T04:13:00.000-07:00

It was only a matter of time: Kate Moss, the model who inspired a thousand Topshop outfits, will design her own line for the high street retailer to go on sale next spring, trade paper Women's Wear Daily reports. Rumors about a possible collaboration intensified after Moss was spotted in the front row of the Topshop Unique catwalk show in London.

"I have always been a big fan of Topshop and regularly shop there," the model said in a statement. "I love what they stand for and am very excited at the thought of working with them." Topshop wants to break into the U.S. market and is also working on a website that will enable global e-commerce.

Chloé exit

2006-09-19T14:16:00.000-07:00

It's musical chairs time again on the Paris fashion scene. Yvan Mispelaere becomes the latest designer to switch jobs, quitting Chloé to take up the position of design director at Gucci, where he will work under creative director Frida Giannini, trade paper Women's Wear Daily reports. Mispelaere has long been a key member of the Chloé team and took on an even greater role after British designer Phoebe Philo quit the French label in January to spend more time with her family. Chloé is expected to appoint a new creative director shortly after its spring-summer 2007 ready-to-wear show on October 7.

Two looks from Chloé's autumn-winter collection co-designed by Yvan Mispelaere

Nine West-wood

2006-09-15T00:38:00.000-07:00

New York Fashion Week obliging, it's been a week for personal appearances at Manhattan department stores. Sarah Jessica Parker and Hilary Duff promoted their perfumes, while Manolo Blahnik and Vivienne Westwood were hawking shoes. Westwood, who is famous for creating the punk look of the Sex Pistols, has created a limited edition collection for Nine West. There are none of the monster platforms that famously felled Naomi Campbell on the catwalk.

I like these little tartan lace-ups though I am choking a little on the $325 price-tag. What is the point of pricing the items close to Westwood originals...I thought high street tie-ins were supposed to bring your product to the masses?

Baby Jane

2006-09-14T10:47:00.000-07:00

French brand Cacharel is finally back on the Paris shopping scene with a brand new flagship on the trendy Left Bank. After closing down its former stores, the brand has undergone a radical makeover and come out feeling groovy. Its Space Age interior is white with red accents including futuristic armchairs. It is the first store in Europe to sell Cacharel's more accessible secondary line, Baby Jane, which is already a huge hit in Japan and other Asian countries. The range features funky printed tops and cute accessories inspired by the Swinging Sixties.