Elbaz Bets On Black -LANVIN Fall 2009

Alber Elbaz kept his stride with yet another beautiful collection for Lanvin.   The debut of his fall 2009 collection in Paris received rave reviews, something that is becoming a staple each season.   Here's why:

Elbaz has managed to resurrect the spirit of Lanvin while making it feel modern in three ways.

First -he has continually utilized typically French detailing such as rouching, pleating, and imaginative draping. 

Second - Elbaz gives his customers color that they can wear - not colors that wear them.    

Third and perhaps most important - Alber continues to inject newness in each collection - giving his customers a reason to buy something from each new offering.   This is key especially in the times in which we are living.

What a pleasure to watch a creative designer continue to grow and develop his relationship at a  fashion house.   This season Elbaz made a statement by showing mostly black on the runway.   Something he had not done for the first few seasons with Lanvin.   It is a natural progression.   After all the bold statements in print and color - he could tackle the more challenging task of making black look new and exciting.   There were a few shots of color - but the overall statement was sexy - yet somber - which was spot on.

Bravo for Elbaz and for Lanvin!   Fashion Houses take note - this is how it's done!  It takes patience and trust for a house to achieve success with a new creative director/ designer.   Too often - it doesn't work.   For this reason the powers that be at Krizia must be kicking themselves.  Readers might remember - Elbaz designed one of the most beautiful collections in recent memory for the house that received rave reviews back in the fall of 2000.   However, due to the micro managing the long suffering house is known for the relationship ended after only a few months.   Unbelievable since that one collection was the only positive press that Krizia has received in possibly a decade .  Even the naming of the collection Krizia "Top" - left you thinking - where is Krizia "bottom"?   I was at that show in Milan and it took my breath away.   The collection had an African theme brought to life with the sophistication of YSL himself. 

During a time when few are excited about the fashion industry - Alber Elbaz leaves us wanting more.

Paris in Winter - Bring your Raincoat!

Photo Credit - Jason JobsonBonjour mes amis!   I just returned from a week in Paris.   It was a quick trip that had me on a tight schedule.   I went to attend the Maison Objet - home trade show.   I also had a chance to catch up with good friends and get an update on all things French Fashion.

I was there during the after Christmas sales that are famous in Europe.   Most of the European countries never have sales before the holidays and wait until after the new year to break sale.   BHV is famous for their white sale in January.   I made sure to make it to Le Bon Marche - the Barneys of Paris to check out the deals..  and I couldn't be in Paris and not go to Printemps and Galleries Lafayette - which is ritual of mine every time I am in the fashion capital of the world.

I must say - as much as I love Paris - there is no place like NY!   Paris is amazingly beautiful everywhere you look,, but there is no buzz of energy.   you almost feel like you are walking in beautiful quicksand.  Winter is a tough season to be in Paris and not feel the heaviness in the air.   It is not unusual not to see the sun for over a week at a time.    You are almost certain to have rain- I just saw rain 7 out of 7 days I was there.

But there is no place like Paris.  The smell of the city, the sound of cobblestones as you walk through the streets, the breathtaking views from every direction - all add up to make this city the unique jewel it is.

OBAMA - He's Bringing Suiting Back!

President Elect Barack Obama is responsible for creating a renewed interest in Men's dressing.   Obama is a sharp dressed man.   As we all saw from the recent tabloid pics, Mr. Obama looks good regardless if he is in a suit and tie or in board shorts.   The country hasn't seen a president who looks this good since JFK - and I don't know that we have ever had a president who was in better physical shape than Barack.    It doesn't matter if you shop at Men's Werehouse or Barneys there are many,  many options for you to emulate the look.  

Mr. Obama will inspire an entire generation of young men to dress the part for their professional life.

The fashion world is all saying  - Hail to the Chief!

Bernie Madoff Madness Continues!

The craziness surrounding swindler of the century - Bernie Madoff goes on and on.   I snapped this pic yesterday on the upper east side - in front of Madoff's building.   What a nightmare to have the press camped out on the street non-stop!   Madoff deserves all the scrutiny and more, but I feel sorry for the other neighbors in the building.    You feel like going to the deli at midnight for some Haagen Dazs... and Fox News is going to catch it!  Wait a minute...on second thought, I love it.    All those high maintenance wives will be working their stylists and make-up artists overtime... so they are camera ready at every angle.   Just the shot in the arm the local economy needs!!   Although, it won't make a dent in the damage this crook has done.   Think of all the $$ that won't be spent on fashion due to this fraud.  Noone involved has totally clean hands - greed is dirty.

MADOFF SHOULD BE IN JAIL!  Not on probation mailing million dollar "gifts" to friends.