WILD HORSES IN LAS VEGAS CRYSTALS

Stella McCartney is the English Rose of the fashion industry.   Originally known as the young British girlSTELLA McCARTNEY - MOTHERHOOD BECOMES HER given the role of revamping the French fashion house Chloe back in 1997, Stella really set the fashion world on fire.  McCartney brought with her a sense of British Tweeds and tailoring to a very French collection that was known for skirt suits and pastel colors.   The results were legendary as Chloe once again became the hottest collection in the fashion world.  (The label was dying a slow death under Karl Lagerfeld's second tenure at the house that had made him internationally known).   Stella's ironic sense of mix and match fabrics  and prints with tweeds was ahead of the curve and set the standard for any collection that was to be deemed young or relevant.STELLA McCARTNEY BLOOMS AT CRYSTALS IN LAS VEGAS

Fast forward 14 years and Stella McCartney, the brand, is a global fashion empire.   Ten years into a partnership with PPR, McCartney has 14 boutiques in major cities from L.A. to Hong Kong.  Wisely, McCartney has grown the company slowly.  Building on items as she found her voice.CRYSTAL CHANDELIER - STELLA McCARTNEY - LAS VEGAS  Projects with Adidas and H&M are just two examples of how Stella built her recognition,  and her reputation for knowing what Women want.    With the addition of fragrance, lingerie, skin care,  and most recently -children's wear to the brand, McCartney now has something for all aspects of the busy life her core customer lives.   The busy life she lives herself, as Stella now has a husband and four children.  Talk about multi-tasking.CITRUS PRINT - FALABELLA

In addition to all this, what Stella the Woman has, is conviction.   A lifelong Vegan, Stella refused to use leather in her collection of shoes and handbags.  This is no small achievement and in fact it is unprecedented in the world of luxury fashion.  Most Italian luxury brands were built on leather goods.  Houses like Gucci and Prada would not exist if it were not for the specialty leather items that Italy is so famous for.   To say that Stella was under pressure to use leather when she started her business would be an understatement.   Stella stuck to her guns.  It took longer to establish the categories, much longer in fact, but now in 2011 they are vibrant and growing collections.  The Falabella bag is a bonified hit and Stella has her first 'it" bag.  The latest version of the bag has the fruit print that was the center of the Summer runway collection.    

For the location of her third U.S. boutique,  Stella chose the hottest spot in sin city by LIMITED EDITION T-SHIRT -STELLA McCARTNEY- $195.00opening a beautiful store in the Crystal's at City Center in Las Vegas.  The multi-billion dollar complex is the most luxurious shopping center in the U.S., if not the world. 

The center piece of the 2,900 square foot boutique is "Lucky Spot", a chandelier made from 7,000 Swarovski crystals.   Named for the Appaloosa horse owned by Stella's mother, the chandelier is striking.  The use of the crystals in the Crystals is a chic tribute to the unique shopping center designed by Daniel Libeskind and David Rockwell. 

To celebrate the opening, McCartney designed a T-shirt that screams Vegas - literally.   The limited edition shirt is $195, available only in Las Vegas and the perfect gift for any fashion fan on your list.  To contact the store click - VEGAS.

CLASSIC AMERICAN STYLE - DOUGLAS HANNANT

DOUGLAS HANNANT - SPRING 2010There is a look and a feel to certain fashion collections that make them a calling card for their country of origin.  While it is hard to describe just what it is, you know it when you see it.  Christian Dior is that way for France.   Gucci is that way for Italy, and Douglas Hannant is all American. 

Designer clothing from America is totally unique.   While it can have the sophistication of a Parisian collection, there is a practicality to the look that separates it.   While it can have the sex appeal of an Italian collection, there is a Patrician undertone that remains at the core.DOUGLAS HANNANT -SPRING 2010

Douglas Hannant touches on  these design codes when he is creating, his now decade old, runway collection.   Hannant has developed a strong following of socialites and shopping sprites who appreciate beautiful clothing - but don't love a logo or a label to upstage them.  Usually, that means a woman who is more confident or one that is more conservative - an interesting contradiction.   What we saw after the fallout of 2009 is a parting of the seas for fashion shoppers.   Suddenly, the ladies not wearing letters twined around their tiny waists were the cool chicks.  Many women felt they were all logo'd up - with nowhere to go!    Collections like Hermes, Bottega Venetta, and Douglas Hannant and the ladies who love them don't have that issue.   Fans of these collections know that they are paying for the craftsmanship, the quality of the raw materials, and the unique design. 

DOUGLAS HANNANT AT THE PLAZAHannant loves color and is accommodating to his devoted ladies who know he will always have what they need - something pretty and appropriate.   Like the American design legend Bill Blass, Douglas Hannant is as comfortable designing a smart skirt suit - or that dramatic evening gown.   Naturally, he dresses the ladies who lunch in NY, Palm Beach, and all over the country.   What sets Hannant apart from many well known American collections is the fact that he also dresses their daughters. DOUGLAS HANNANT AT THE PLAZA  Something in the way Hannant uses fabrics and color - lends his design to the young and sexy girls, as well as the sensual but more conservative lady.   He has not become a resource for just "the party dress", or just "the gown".    His looks would be as flattering to Betsy Bloomingdale as they would to Daphne Guinness. 

As if the space were chosen by the casting department for some super stylish sequel to Breakfast at Tiffany's, Hannant opened his first ever boutique in the fabled Plaza Hotel in NYC.   The historic property famously underwent a 200 million dollar renovation two years ago, and has opened it's luxury retail center in stages.   The Plaza stands for everything that is American glamour ( even more now since the property is no longer in the grasp of The Donald!).   Hannant's boutique is right at home.   (The Plaza is also home to the fabulous French perfume collection - KRIGLER).

DOUGLAS HANNANT -SPRING 2010New York is a tough town, and the fashion world is a tough business.  To make it in this business for more than a decade requires more than great taste.   Tenacity and wise business decisions are critical.  DOUGLAS HANNANT Douglas and partner Frederic Anderson understand how to balance image and business- art and commerce.  The two have stayed true to the vision of the company and have found a way to flourish.  Timing is also a key ingredient.  While many companies had overextended themselves with crazy expansions in 07 and 08, Hannant was carefully planning his first retail boutique.  Not having gotten into retail at that crazy height in the commercial real estate bubble was brilliant.   

Another wise decision is the development of Hannant's Bridal collection - a natural extension of what he does for runway.    What better way to develop a client for years to come?  After all, if you can make her shine on the most important  day of her life, won't she also trust you to dress her for lunch?

For more information on all collections, visit the website.   

Plan a day to visit The Plaza, the Douglas Hannant Boutique, and Krigler Parfums.   All three are great examples of the beauty and savoir-faire that New York has to offer.  

HOTTEST EXOTICS - FERRAGAMO FALL 2009

FERRAGAMO SOPHIA IN ANACONDA $3,750.00I took a trip to Southern California last week,  to the infamous O.C.  You know,  the one you saw all those housewives from on reality TV!  Well, like most of those shows, the characters you see on TV don't really represent the chicest of shoppers from those cities.   Needless to say, I didn't see any of those TV "stars" during my trip.

South Coast Plaza is one of the most exclusive shopping centers in the country.   SCP is a true  destination for anyone looking for the latest collections from New York, Milan, & Paris.   BRUSHED, MATTE HARDWARE IS VERY VERSATILE

Ferragamo was hosting a luncheon to thank VIP clients for their patronage, and to preview the resort/ pre- spring 2010 collections.  The luncheon was attended by some really chic women.  Those ladies know how to accessorize for a fashion lunch!

While the preview of next season was excellent, one current,  Fall 2009 exotic bag stopped me in my tracks!   The classic Ferragamo Sophia bag has been realized in gorgeous painted anaconda.   Deep, rich color makes this the most versatile exotic bag I think I have ever seen.   There are so many shades of red, burgandy, navy, charcoal - I can't think of a look you can't wear it with.   Ferragamo Exotics are some of the most luxurious bags in the industry.   The house is known for the craftsmanship of their artisans who specialize in working with skins.   Ferragamo even has a true Made To Order program.   You can actually custom order your own exotic bag from dozens of shapes and skins.   This is a true sign of luxury,  as most major houses don't have a program like this available.FERRAGAMO ANACONDA BELT - $450

One of the best things about this gorgeous bag is the price!  At $3,750.00 it is a very reasonable price for a bag with so much detail in anaconda.   It is no surprise to the die-hard Ferragamo clients as they know the value they have come to expect from this Italian fashion house of luxury.    Having over 550 boutiques globally gives the house the ability to provide impeccable quality without charging insulting prices. KELLY MCKEE & TINA GERRICK IN FERRAGAMO FALL 2009

And just to make matters more tempting... there is also a matching belt!   This one is unisex, so you guys have the option.   This belt would be the perfect way to give a Navy suit an edge,  or the perfect pop for a pair of charcoal trousers.   Jeans of course would be a no-brainer!  Brushed, matte hardware on both pieces also add to the versatility of the bag and belt.   Priced at $450.00, I challenge you to find a more luxurious exotic belt out there!

One of the most glamorous women I met in South Coast Plaza was Tina Gerrick.   She had a great sense of style and had such a great time previewing the collection and shopping all the new fall pieces in the boutique!  Here she is in the boutique with the lovely Kelly McKee, who modeled the latest looks from fall and resort.

Since the recession of 08/09, you know that ever major fashion house has cut stock quantities.  That means that gems like this don't sit around for months with big stock to back them up!    Call The Ferragamo Boutique director to reserve your Anaconda Sophia Bag.

South Coast Ferragamo Btq- 714 979 7654.  Ask for btq. Director Rachelle Pryber and mention you are aLIFEofSTYLE reader.

DIESEL FUELS NEW YORK ECONOMY?

Diesel Facade - 5th AvenueDiesel is hoping that tourists will flock to the new denim emporium.   Joining the ranks of Milan, Hong Kong, & Japan - the store is the fourth Planet concept store.   The store is jam packed with all lines offered by the Italian fashion company spanning three floors and 20.000 square feet.   Extra features like an on-site tailor, messenger service, and wi-fi throughout the store are meant to elevate an ordinary jean shopping experience.   There are also some fun features like laser etching offered to customize jeans and magic mirrors so you can see yourself coming and going.   E-Commerce portals throughout the store also make finding any product ever made by Diesel that much easier.

The company logo - the Mohican head -is etched in layers of hand-cut black steel that rises three stories above 5th avenue.   The first display windows features a recreation of a new york apartment that has a Mohican head that has crashed "through the ceiling" - the store opening in reality was slightly less dramatic.

My sources tell me that Diesel signed an insanely expensive deal with Gucci to rent the space and incurred all renovation expenses - remember this lease was signed long before the economy went south.   Here's hoping that the profit margin on each pair of jeans is HUGE!   Head up to Diesel if you are thinking of buying a new pair of jeans - if you have an urge to rent "last of the Mohican's" after - you'll know why.