PARIS IS BURNING - FROM DIAMONDS TO DIVAS!

PARIS SPARKLES BY NIGHT PH: JASON JOBSONNo - this post is not referencing the iconic documentary Paris is Burning that turned a spotlight on a little known dance sensation known as Vogueing in New York's gay African American and Latino dance clubs.   The sensation would later inspire Madonna to bring the dance to the masses via the biggest hit of her career - Vogue.  New Zealander Pip Brown aka Ladyhawke payed homage to the City of Light with her smash hit - Paris is Burning.

Ah Paris.  A city known the world over for the beauty and prestige of all things French.   Art, Cuisine, FASHION, & Cultural Savoir Faire - name it - the Parisians have it.   Unfortunately, over the course of the last 4 years the city has also become known in international law enforcement circles as a site of multi-million dollar armed robberies,PLACE VENDOME AT NIGHT PH: JASON JOBSON sometimes in broad daylight.  From diamonds to desktops.. Harry Winston (Just bought by Swatch!) to Apple.   More than one fine jewelry on the Place Vendome have been robbed at gunpoint in recent years.  In 2008, $25 Million was stolen from Harry Winston during busines hours.   Place Vendome is one of the most historic and pristine spaces in Paris.  Home to the famed Ritz Hotel and offices of major design legends like Elsa Schiaparelli and Valentino.  It is also the place for fine jewelry retailing in Paris.   Most major jewelers have boutiques here - multi million dollar investments in the stores themselves - even without all those gems.   Last week news broke that Apple products like iPADS & iPHONES were also on theives must-have list.  Over one million dollars in merchandise was stolen from the stock room of Apple's Champs Elysees store- not far from the Place Vendome. SUPER MODEL - NAOMI CAMPBELL

Not even a super model is safe.  Media outlets report Naomi Campbell was mugged over the holidays, during the day, by armed assailants - pushing her to the ground.  NAOMI CAMPBELL AFTER HER PARISIAN ATTACK Campbell was seen wearing a foot cast following the incident  - but has not made a statement publicly.   Most assume her unusually demure reaction is due to pending police investigation. 

*PARIS POLICE HAVE SAID THEY HAVE NO RECORD OF THE INCIDENT*

Up next for Campbell is her entry into reality tv with THE FACE on the Oxygen network.   Campbell will search for the next Super Model of the world with help from current SMs Coco Rocha and Karolina Kurkova.
So when planning your next trip to Paris, and you MUST go - be smart, and be careful.   Just as you should in any major city - keep yourself aware as you are overwhelmed by the beauty that is Paris!!   In reality the city is very safe, and unless you are a super model or a super mogul - you probably don't have to give it a second thought.  Bonjour and Bon Voyage!   Watch the video of Paris is Burning by Ladyhawke below! (click quality and change to 240p below the player to hear sound - sorry for the glitch - only video available).