2009 on TARGET for McQueen

Your favorite lifestyle store has hit a bullseye!  That's right Target has tapped British designer Alexander McQueen as the first designer to do a capsule collection for a new designer initiative in 09.   Not to be confused with the emerging international designers the company already collaborated with such as Luella Bartley or Anya Hindmarch, the new plan is to bring major designers to the Target  customer base.   McQueen recently launched McQ, a lower priced sportswear collection inspired by his runway looks.    This was a great move, as is the Target collaboration - considering his runway looks make a big statement - but don't exactly fly off the shelves.   I'll be the first to admit I have been critical in the past as I think his collections wear the women and not the other way round - but I am looking forward to the new work for Target.   

If you are not already shopping at Target - put it on your list next week!   If not for the amazing things you find inside from Green home products to killer fashion pieces - the store gives 5% of sales every week to every local community they do business in!   This comes out to about $3 MILLION a week... yes you read that correctly.  That's more than we can say for the Wallmonster.... so head for the bullseye and come March - look for McQ at Target too!!

Jeanne Lanvin's Sweet Smell of Success

French Fashion house Lanvin has been smelling the sweet smell of success ever since they named Alber Elbaz as the new creative director.   In a short period of time Elbaz has been able to breathe new life into one of the original Paris Couturiers.  

Jeanne Lanvin made her mark on the fashion world in a very interesting manner.  Her career began as a milliner much like Coco Chanel.   Unlike Chanel however, Lanvin had gone the respectable route for a young lady at that time.   She married a wealthy businessman before she started her business.   Her success in fashion actually came from designs for her daughter.  She realized that her little girl's classmates had the richest mothers in Paris.  Her daughter became her mini muse and the mothers started to request these handmade garments for their own girls - and ultimately for themselves.  

Lanvin was known to use intricate embroideries and healthy doses of floral color.   A contemporary, Paul Poiret was also was known for his use of color and embroidery.   The two designers had something else in common - they both had their illustrations created by artist and journalist Paul Iribe.  Iribe was quite a character and worked many of the major designers of the day including Coco Chanel.   It is said the two were even engaged at one point, but engaged in what is the question!  
Lanvin loved Iribe's work and commissioned him to create the company Logo that celebrated the mother / daughter theme.   The logo is still used today and is prominently displayed on the new Fragrance bottle top.

Alber Elbaz is paying homage to the namesake of the house with the launch of Jeanne.   Each bottle is hand tied with a piece of pink tulle ... so delicate..  the scent itself is a beautiful blend of floral and musky tones.    Sweet Peony and deep Sandalwood provide a perfect contradiction for this wonderful fragrance.  Visit Barney's asap before it is sold out.  

Fashion designers take note..  if planning to launch a new scent - this is how its done!

40 is the new 20!

You have heard 40 is the new 30 before, usually when we are talking about beauty and age.  This fall however, 40 is the new 20.. at retail!  

Thats right, this fall the most prestigious stores in the world are offering 40% off (or more) the current merchandise.   You have been living under a rock in you don't know why, the economy has been killing retailers this season.  

Lets hope the stores can move that merchandise and planned for a leaner, tighter Spring 09.

Hit the following links and shop, save, and smile!  Even if these stores don't normally fit in your budget - with the steep savings - you might be surprised!

Barneys

Bergdorf Goodman

Bloomingdale's

Saks 5th Avenue

Neiman Marcus

BEST IN (Armory) SHOW! - Decorative Arts Showcase

I recently attended a mid-century show at the famed Armory building in New York on Lexington Avenue.   (For all you fashion fans - that is the place that Marc Jacobs always has his runway shows!) The show was jam-packed with great finds and collectible items from galleries all over the world.   To participate in the show, a gallery must be invited.   As you can imagine, being in the show brings prestige to any gallery and attendees come from near and far to attend.  

In a time of economic uncertainty, it was interesting to see people investing in these pieces.   It does make sense - these items are limited and do retain their value.   In many cases, increasing from year to year.  Considering what is happening on Wall Street these days - these pieces might be a better investment.   

While everything you see is for sale - the show is also a great place to get some design inspiration.   If you are planning to do any decorating of your own, you can come away with great ideas about color palettes and furniture options in general.

The show is organized by Stella Show Management and is open to the public.   There is a charge, but really worth the $20 entry fee.  If you are prone to sensory overload, do half the show - get a hand stamp, have lunch - then go back for more!

There were many great finds - but I have to point out three galleries that made me stop in my tracks.

J. Lohmann Gallery

212-734-1445

Featuring decorative arts from the 1920's - 80's  gallery owner Joern Lohmann has collected an impressive assortment.   Mr. Lohmann is located on Manhattan's Upper East Side and East Hampton, NY - by appointment only.     The truth is that so much of the shopping now occurs on-line.   With the internet you can make your choices and just - point and click and have the items delivered.  Mr. Lohmann has a wonderful website that really showcases his collection.   It is refreshing to see a site free of clutter, which makes the items jump off the page!   Stand out pieces are the sterling silver items, ceramics, and metal works.

 

 

Tutto dal Mondo

610-664-7475

Sheila Parish has quite a name for her gallery - but if you have ever seen her displays - "All the World" is a fitting moniker.   She has just about everything collectible in her collection.   Stand outs are her unbelievable collection of costume jewelry - most noticeably the bakelite bangle bracelets!  They are hot collectibles of course and I have never seen such an extensive collection.  If there is a bracelet lover in your life - you must visit her website!

Sphere Gallery

Gaspare Asaro has assembled  a large assortment of deco and mid-century furnishings and collectibles.   There are wonderful sofa options for the true collector and again - visiting the website is a must.

J. Lohmann Gallery has also been invited to participate in the prestigeous Park Avenue Armory show-MODERNISM - taking place on November 14th -17th.   There is an opening night preview party to benefit the Brooklyn Museum.   For more information and tickets to the preview or the show, contact : Brooklyn Museum

This is going to be an excellent show!