The Luxe Chronicles

Luxury Travel: The Newly Restored Prince De Galles Opens Its Doors.

Despite its crotchety taxi drivers, prickly locals and morose economy, Paris remains one of the world's leading tourist destinations. Thanks in large part to a steady stream of well-heeled travelers from the U.S., Middle East and various BRIC nations, Paris' hotel and tourism sector continues to thrive notwithstanding the current economy. The newly refurbished Prince de Galles Hotel, set to officially reopen tomorrow (May 16), is therefore perfectly poised to take advantage of the demand for luxury accommodation.

Fashion: Isabella Blow Collection To Be Exhibited (Finally)!

So, so happy to learn that the entire collection of magnificent garments (many by Alexander McQueen) and hats (many by Philip Treacy) collected by the late stylist and muse Isabella Blow will finally be exhibited at London's Somerset House from November 2013 to March 2014. This deserves a massive shout out to Daphne Guinness without whom this exhibit might not have happened at all. Many thanks to you Ms. Guinness! I can hardly wait to see it!!

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles

Travel: Off To Seville!

Dear Readers: I'm off in search of a little Andalusian sun, culture and hospitality this week. I will resume my normal posting schedule next Monday.

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles

A Toast To The Weekend!

It's Friday and the weekend is only a few short hours away. That deserves a toast! Raise your glass to the weekend, raise it high, raise it often! A lovely weekend to all.

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles

"This Space Available": The Limits Of Branding.

As consumers, we are bombarded with branding and advertising messages virtually from the moment we wake in the morning until we drift off to sleep at night. The growth of social media and mobile technology has only escalated this phenomenon. We rarely have time to stop and ask ourselves about the impact of this constant barrage of information not only on our purchasing behavior but on our perception of the world around us.

Gay Marriage Legislation Adopted in France: Welcome To The Club!

So, have you set a date???

Congratulations to all my French gay friends! You now have the legal right to marry. How exciting!! Of course, you do realize that with that right comes certain responsibilities (obviously), not to mention lots and lots of questions from well-intentioned friends and loved ones: "So, when are you going to settle down?" and, "He/she is lovely. What are you waiting for to pop the question?" and, "So, have you set a date yet?".

Lucky 13: Viktor & Rolf Return To Haute Couture.

After a thirteen-year absence from the haute couture calendar, Dutch design duo Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren will be returning to the Paris runway this coming July 2013. If you, like Christian Dior (the man, not the brand), view the role of haute couture in fashion's ecosystem to be a sort of incubator of ideas, then this announcement should be cause for celebration.

Digital Privacy: An Open Letter To Sheryl Sandberg & Ben Rooney.

Dear Ms. Sandberg & Mr. Rooney:

I would like to address with you the April 19 blog post entitled "Facebook Understands Europe's Privacy Fears Says Sandberg" published on the WSJ's "Tech Europe" blog.

A Toast To The Weekend!

I'm totally into Megan's groovy pantsuit with it's nod to the early 70's fashions about to make their entrance on the Mad Men series but suffice it to say that the tiny little glasses she and Don are about to toast with are simply and wholly inadequate. Join me in raising a (much larger) glass in toast to the impending weekend! Enjoy your well-earned rest!

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles

The Very Long Schiaparelli Striptease (Finally) Draws To An End. Almost.

First came the announcement that the fabled house of Schiaparelli had been acquired by Italian financier and Tod's owner Diego Della Valle way, way back in May 2007. Much speculation ensued about the identity of the eventual designer who would be entrusted with reviving the house until it dragged on for so long that everyone lost interest and moved on.