KNIT TO BE TIED FOR FALL

FENDI FALL 2012 AT SAKS 5TH AVENUEIt might be as hot as Hades in most parts of the U.S. & Europe, but the best Fall merchandise is hitting department stores as you read this!   Saks 5th Avenue has a "Must-Have" checklist of pieces to curate for your own wardrobe.   This Fendi knit with pleatd sikl skirt is a great example.   Also in on the knitwear is Stella McCartney, Giambattista Valli, and Akris.    Click over to Saks to see these and so many more hot looks for Fall!  

After all, just because you're in your bathing suit - doesn't mean you shouldn't be planning your city suit!

SAKS WELCOMES STELLA

SAKS 5TH AVENUE FLAGSHIP WINDOWS LINING 5TH AVENUE

Stella McCartney certainly knows how to make an impression.  The British designer just had a week that most designers can only dream of.   Stella blew into town and started the week co-hosting Anna Wintour's annual Vogue Met Gala.   Late designer Alexander McQueen is the honoree of this years retrospective at the Met's Costume Institute.  Dressing a staggering number of red carpet beauties from Madonna to Rihanna, Stella stole the show! S-T-E-L-L-A SPELLS FUN AT SAKS 5TH AVENUE Read all about the red carpet extravaganza - STELLA at the MET

Amazingly, that spectacular night was just the beginning for Britain's most prolific designer.  Wednesday night Stella was just down 5th Avenue, at Saks 5th Avenue to be precise.  The legendary department store rolled out their red carpet at the famous flagship location as they unveiled the new Stella McCartney Boutique on the second floor.STELLA FALABELLA BAGS AT SAKS 5TH AVENUE

The boutique is beautiful and the mood was festive and relaxed.   The brand is famous for casual cool events that always attract a hipster crowd with an eye for fashion.   Popcorn,  balloons, and park benches really brought a little London charm to the heart of NYC.  (Of course there were Pimm's Cups all around!). 

Artist Jeff Koons and actress/ model Liv Tyler were also on hand to fete their friend as she opened her new boutique. 

Also at the party was one ofJASON JOBSON & LIZ LEE AT STELLA OPENING AT SAKS New Yorks' own famous fashion icons.   American legend Geoffrey Beene always insisted on having all of his one of a kind runway gowns shown on model - Liz Lee.   Liz is as beautiful today as she was in the 80's.   She is also a ray of sunshine and has a heart of gold!

The evolution of the SM collection has happened before our eyes.  Stella burst on the international scene by becoming the "young British girl" to take the reigns at French House Chloe back in the late 90's.  Legend Karl Lagerfeld was leaving the house for the second time and had practically driven the collection into the ground due to his infamous battles with management -(only 1 U.S. retailer was still buying by that time).    Stella's mix and match sensibility and injection of menswear tailoring into the very feminine skirt suit collection was ahead of it's time and a smash hit!.STELLA McCARTNEY & LIV TYLER

15 years later - my how things have changed.   Stella is now a powerful women in her own right,  with her own collection.   Now married with four children, this very busy fashion icon has developed a message and a core customer.   What was once a group of great items is now a serious runway collection.    Keep in mind that Stella has been a game changer in the industry by insisting that the collection be leather free. JASON JOBSON after 3 Pimms Cups & STELLA McCARTNEY This was unheard of in the world of accessories and shoes - before Stella McCartney anyway.  Her Falabella Bag is a total must have! (American menswear designer John Bartlett has also become passionate about obstaining from the use of leather and fur).

The naturally stained and sustainable wood planks underfoot in the Stella Saks boutique carries through the concept of her magnificent new flagship space in Las Vegas at the Crystals Shopping Center.  

While Stella has always been a destination for great knitwear or perfectly tailored pants, the Met Gala is sure to make her a dress and gown resource.  Those famous ladies on the red carpet never looked more beautiful!

To find out more about the Stella McCartney collection at Saks - click SAKS or to shop her collection on-line, click  NET-A-PORTER now.

FLAGSHIP PREVIEW - FERRAGAMO FALL

There is a definite buzz in the air about the Ferragamo MASSIMILIANO GIORNETTI     Fall 2010 collection!  While the house always has a big following for the luxurious bags and of course those SHOES -  this season there is extra excitement. 
Designer Massimiliano Giornetti has just become the creative director for both Ferragamo Donna and Uomo!  This is the first time that one designer has been in charge of the entire collection since Salvatore Ferragamo himself was alive,  50 years ago.   Industry insiders know that Giornetti has helped make the Ferragamo Mens collection one of the most successful in the business.   With his creative talent now extending to the Womens collection - the industry is buzzing.  Not since Tom Ford had one vision for Gucci has there been this much potential for fireworks! 

JASON JOBSON & FAB PRODUCER PAULA HEROLDI recently hosted a Fall preview at the 5th Avenue Flagship and it was spectacular!   Ferragamo is one of the few brands that attracts both a conservative and fashion crowd.  I'm always impressed by the stylish Women who buy this iconic brand.  The gigantic flagship store,  just steps from Rockefeller Center,  Saks 5th Avenue, and St. Patrick's Cathedral is a busy destination on any given day!FERRAGAMO ALLIGATOR FIAMMETTA BAG - $19,000

Author and lifestyle correspondent Susanna Salk stopped by to preview what was on the way for fall.   Of course with her great taste one bag stopped her dead in her tracks.  SUSANNA SALK WITH FERRAGAMO ALLIGATOR FIAMMETTA The Fiammetta in large scale alligator is breathtaking!   Launched in the Spring, the Fiammetta has quickly become a must have bag.WHITE FIAMMETTA  Due in part to the unstructured shape, the unusual and practical Gancio handle, and the fact that the shoulder strap makes it a great hands-free bag.   The Fiammetta is in store now in a range of colors in supple leather, and if you are very lucky - this Alligator version can be yours as well!

Susanna filled me in on her latest book that just hit stores - Room for Children.   Salk is known as an expert on all things interior design related, so Room for Children is sure to be a huge hit with anyone with small children, or one on the way!   The book is full of countless ideas and suggestions on how to create a room that can grow with your child.   

The book was launched in NYC at Bergdorf Goodman in the newly renovated little bg department - of course!

To find the closest Ferragamo boutique, visit - MY FERRAGAMO.