The Luxe Chronicles

Fashion: CNN Shines a Spotlight on Carine Roitfeld

Finally! Something worth watching on CNN. Carine Roitfeld will be the subject of CNN International's Revealed series set to air Wednesday, March 18. The CNN team will follow her around to runway shows, fashion shoots and the daily goings on at Paris Vogue.  (Source)   But wait. It gets better. The show will also feature Ms. Roitfeld's home and her favorite Parisian haunts. Check your local listings for times. You're welcome!

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles

Fashion: Insights Into Alaia

 

There's a wonderful interview of designer Azzedine Alaia (one of my all time favorites) by Stephanie Seymour Brant posted on Interview Magazine's website. Alaia briefly recounts his beginnings in fashion, his arrival in Paris from his native Tunisia and shares anecdotes about his family and close friends. The interview is accompanied by a gorgeous series of photographs by Craig McDean featuring Gisele Bundchen.

Seeking Comfort in Art (Just Not the Kind of Comfort You Think)

Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace, London, March 28, 2007. Photograph by Annie Leibovitz, courtesy of Vanity Fair.

In times of turmoil, I've often found that being surrounded by art is soothing to my soul. When I'm stressed or merely pre-occupied by something, I tend to sneak off to any number of museums (London's National Portrait Gallery remains a favorite) to collect my thoughts or simply to take a break. It's my refuge. Apparently, I'm not alone to find comfort in art. According to the IHT, cash strapped collectors and artists themselves are turning to companies like Art Capital Group for loans using their own art collections or even their future works as collateral.

House of Vionnet Re-Launch: More Details Emerge

I know many of my readers have been keen to learn more about the acquisition of the House of Vionnet by Italian fashion executive Matteo Marzotto. Imran Amed just published a brief interview with former CEO Arnaud de Lummen on his Business of Fashion blog in which further details are revealed regarding both the acquisition of the label as well as the creative direction the new owners have in mind for the brand. Rodolfo Paglialunga, a former assistant to Miuccia Prada, will head the design team.  A formal announcement is anticipated later today.

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles

Fashion: The Re-Launch of the House of Vionnet - A Follow-Up

 

All illustrations courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum.

I returned from my recent business trip to Paris to find some very passionate comments on an earlier post regarding the recent acquisition of the House of Vionnet by Matteo Marzotto, former CEO of Valentino. To those readers who took the time to leave comments, I would like to say "thank you". Your passionate interest and insights give me tremendous satisfaction and deserve a follow-up post.  So, here it is.

The Luxe Chronicles Takes a Little Parisian Break

Photo by Henry Clarke, circa 1955, courtesy of Conde Nast.

Dearest Readers:

I'm off to Paris, my beloved former home and favorite place on earth, for a few days. I will resume my normal posting schedule on Monday.

A bientot!

The Luxe Chronicles

Fashion: Another Chance for the House of Vionnet?

 

Left to right: Matteo Marzotto, image courtesy of The Sartorialist; Vionnet creations, image courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art; Madeleine Vionnet, image unattributed.

Could it be? Could it really be? Could the once venerable House of Vionnet finally be in the hands of someone worthy of the fashion label and capable of reviving it in a way that will honor the brand's place in fashion history? At the risk of sounding like an optimist, it would appear so. Matteo Marzotto, former CEO of Valentino, has reportedly just purchased the company.

Inside The Studio: Giles Deacon - Chapter III

As promised, here is the third and final installment of Imran Amed's interview with Giles Deacon: "The Surprise of Collaboration...". Enjoy!

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy: Style and Grace Under Pressure

According to a recent poll, the French are starting to warm to their First Lady in greater numbers.  They reportedly credit her not only for her humanitarian work but also for her positive influence on her husband. With all due respect to my many French friends and acquaintances, what on earth took you so long???

Valentine's Day: C'est la fete de l'amour (...)

Alors, aimez vous!

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles