Archive for October, 2007

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Happy Halloween !

October 31, 2007

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It’s that time of year again— when girls have the perfect excuse to bring out those stripper heels and fishnets…

If you thought Halloween was just an American holiday, think again! A record number of Parisians are out buying costumes today for a number of spooky events around town, including the annual bash at the Plaza Athenee hotel. Other parties will be held on Rue Mouffetard, Rue Montorgueil, and in the Marais.
In need of a last-minute costume? As long as you are ready to face the crowds, here are a few places to go:

* Reasonably Priced: the costume store directly across from BHV (hotel de ville) on Rue du Temple (don’ t know the name!) has a great collection of masks, wigs, and props. Get your fake blood there!

*Rue Quincampoix: descends down from Etienne Marcel towards Chatelet. There are 2 stores side by side (fetish stores, so beware!) with amazing costumes. One is called “Metamorphoses.”

* For vintage costumes that make a hot gogo dancer or eighties prom nightmare: Fripes Star (rue de la Verrerie)

To rent a costume:

AU CLOWN DE LA REPUBLIQUE
Tél.: 01 42 72 73 73
11 Boulevard Saint Martin
75003 Paris (France)

ACADEMIE DU BAL COSTUME
Tél.: 01 43 47 06 08
22 Avenue Ledru Rollin
75012 Paris (France)

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Cruise and Redford premiere new film

October 29, 2007

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The Paris premiere for Robert Redford’s new film, Lions for Lambs, took place this weekend at the Cinematheque Francaise– and the crowds came out in full force to see the stars. The French were feeling nothing but love for coif-challenged Tom Cruise, and spent one hour taking photos and getting autographs.

Cruise jetted in to Paris via Le Bourguet airport, and made a quick stopover at the Ritz before heading out to continue the promotion week.

Lions for Lambs opens in France November 21.

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Fetherston: a fashionable former expat

October 27, 2007

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Former Parisian expat, Erin Fetherston, will launch a collection for Target starting in mid-November. These are the moments Petite Brigitte wishes she were back in the U.S.!

Fetherston graduated from Parsons Paris in 2003 and launched her own collection shortly thereafter. Critical acclaim and collaborations with photographer Ellen von Unworth and actress Kristen Dunst followed, and now the young designer dresses stars like Cameron Diaz, Zooey Deschanel, and Anne Hathaway.

Even though Fetherston relocated her business to NYC two seasons ago, her collection still has a frenchie feel to it– with oversized cardigans, skinny pants, and ruffle front blouses. With nothing over $90 USD, it might just be worth a hop across the pond…

www.erinfetherston.com 

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Posted in Fashion Tendances | 1 Comment »

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Leave this for a museum?

October 27, 2007

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Starting January 1, three Parisian museums will be free to visitors. This experiment, which will be tested over a 6 month period, comes after a campaign led by President Sarkozy, and much contemplation by cultural officials who wonder: will free museums attract the growing number of cultureless bums that are at home watching Baywatch reruns?

The three soon-to-be free museums are: Musee Guimet, Musee Cluny, and Musee Arts et Metiers.

“The main question is simply how to inspire desire – desire for artistic experiences and culture – in people who are not familiar with these places,” said cultural Minister Camille Albanel, who once oversaw the palace at Versailles. “We’ll see if free entry is the right response.”

Other more famous museums will also have free days for youths. Once a week the Musee d’Orsay will open its doors free of charge to youths age 18-25. The Louvre is already free on Friday nights.

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How does Mona stack up to Pam Anderson?

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Luxe week in Cannes

October 25, 2007

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PetiteBrigitte, queen of all things luxe, hit up the TFWA travel & duty free trade show in Cannes this week. The massive expo is for mega-buyers in the luxury/cosmetics/dutyfree industry, and exhibitors included Chanel, Hermes, La Prairie, YSL, and Versace. This translates to lots of free samples and goodie bags (including massive amounts of chocolate from generous stands like Nestle and Mars).

Freebies aside, the show also offers visitors a sneak peek at new launches and best-selling products. For example, PetiteB got a first sniff of Costume National’s 21st anniversary perfume, called “21,” as well as Monique L’Huillier’s first fragrance for her emerging lifestyle collection (very California girl with heavy notes of citrus).

Also noteworthy was Kate Moss’ new perfume, called “Kate.” Currently the number one perfume in the UK, the scent is not available in France. According to the salesman, this is because the French retailers are too snobby to stock it!

The event lasts until Friday at the Palais du Festival in Cannes, when all the vendors give away their products to the crowd– we’re talking big jars of Creme de la Mer, gratuit!

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Diane Kruger at Coffee Parisien

October 22, 2007

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Diane Kruger, otherwise known as Helen of Troy, enjoyed a greasy meal at Coffee Parisien on Monday evening. Looking nothing like the regal beauty she plays in films, with no make-up and a wearing a beige cashmere sweater, she went unnoticed by most of the crowd at the popular burger joint. In fact, so average looking was she that the only giveaway for those in doubt was her perfect skin and Chanel tote bag.

Kruger is in Paris for a few days while in between filming schedules.

Coffee Parisien, 4 rue Princesse 75006 Paris (rive gauche)

Posted in Foodie, Gossip | 2 Comments »

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Time for a divorce party?

October 21, 2007

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It’s the new trend in America, and we wouldn’t put it past Cecilia ‘the vixen’ Sarkozy to have a divorce party. By the looks of it, her social life is back in full swing after last week’s divorce headlines.

The future ex-first lady enjoyed tea time at Deux Magots this afternoon in the company of several girlfriends and 2 bodyguards. Deux Magots: the most crowded and visible cafe in all of Paris.

What’s next? A pole dance at Regine’s….

Posted in Gossip | 3 Comments »

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More of a playboy than we knew

October 18, 2007

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He might not have looks of Prince Charming, but he’s got something. Could it be his huge…

bank account?

 Francois Henri Pinault, hereafter referred to at “Papa Franc,” who runs the billion dollar conglomerate PPR, still makes time for the ladies. And it seems the ladies know just how to ensure they stay in his castle: have his baby!

This from today’s Page Six:

WHEN Linda Evangelista gave birth a year ago to son Augustin James, the Canuck covergirl told the Canadian version of Hello! magazine the father was “a New York architect” she wouldn’t name. She may have been fibbing. A source tells us the father is Francois-Henri Pinault, 45, the French head of PPR (Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent) who’s now engaged to Salma Hayek, the mother of his 1-month-old daughter, Valentina Paloma Pinault. PPR didn’t return numerous e-mails and phone calls, but Didier Fernandez of DNA Model Management said, “Not true. She has never said who the father is.”

This would bring the kiddie count to 4 for Papa Franc; he has 2 children from a previous relationship.

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I’m outta here! Cecilia & Sarko are fini

October 18, 2007

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It’s official, the President of the Republique will soon lose his reluctant First Lady. And by soon, we mean a matter of weeks. As first reported on PetiteBrigitte (ok, well maybe we didn’t break the story), CC and Sarko are moving ahead with le divorce. An announcement just came from their spokesperson.

Parisian media outlets are practically silent on the matter, only reporting the hard facts– such as their trip before a divorce judge yesterday afternoon. It’s is a refreshingly departure from what would be going on if this were America or the UK.

When reporter Peter O’Neill asked a French journalist about their reserve on the matter, the man sniffed that the media here consider it beneath them to engage in “smear journalism and paying sources.”

“French journalists, unlike Anglo-Saxon journalists, believe that full disclosure is not desirable,” said Loic Hervouet, Radio France internationale’s ombudsman, in a story published on the France 24 all-news TV station’s website. “Such information is considered pure fluff.”

Well folks, I know you are on this site only for le fluff, so here’s what we know:

- They haven’t been living together since July 14. During the Bastille Day parade, Sarko tried to take his wife’s hand, and she resolutely refused. Fiesty!

- Another woman? Possible. Sarko has been spending a lot of quality time with his Minister of Justice, Rachida Dati. They watched rugby together last weekend, and visited Camp David last month. Hushed rumors are making their way out of the Presidential offices. CC refused to appear on a talk show that was also featuring Rachida as the main guest.

- Another man? Likely. CC is a free spirit. She had an affair 2 years ago with a PR exec, and moved in with him in NYC for 6 months (Sarko had an affair at the same time). Rumors are abundant that she has a lover this time, and that she was with him this weekend in Geneva.

PetiteB is bringing you more rampant speculation as details become available…

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Sarko & Rachida. New amour?

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Victoria vs. von Teese

October 14, 2007

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 Dita von Teese (left), the burlesque diva, posing next to Victoria Beckham (right) outside of the Chanel show in Paris.

OK, so fashion week has been over for a while, but PetiteBrigitte is still running through the photos and had to stop for a moment of reflection. Aside from the fact that the amount of artifice in these two divas is enough to shatter a lens, could they look any more opposite when standing side by side?

Dita, who has dyed her naturally blonde hair to raven black for over 16 years, paints a pale 1940’s bombshell silhouette with a custom black ensemble and red nails. Victoria, newly Californicated with a heavy dose of spray-on tan to contrast the plantinum locks, looks like a futuristic 1950’s barbie doll in her vintage dress from the same decade.

One thing is for sure: these two are a rare breed of woman. Though with so much artifice going on here, they could quite possibly be men.

Speaking of men, do they find these looks sexy? Honestly, much hotter women could be found walking the Tuileries last week, and the Sartorialist had his eye out for them….

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Posted in Events, Fashion Tendances | 8 Comments »

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It’s Over!

October 13, 2007

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Sarko & CC are officially entering Splitsville according to reputable sources on Friday.

Not that they were together much before this! But we will miss her stylish (albeit rare) appearances. Like the night she rebelliously wore Prada instead of a French designer for her husband’s inauguration.  At least now she will be able to officially date her lover(s).

While Sarko is in Paris this weekend routing for the rugby world cup, CC checked into a $1000/nt spa in Geneva. My kind of girl!

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This bites.

October 12, 2007

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This does not look consensual.

Place Vendome, the elegant landmark that houses the Ritz Hotel, the Ministre de la Justice, and top fashion houses, is currently being violated by the sculptures of Dutch artist, Franz West. While Napoleon erected the first column in the center of the square, these newly erected ‘columns’ suggest a completely different type of complex.

What is going on. Did someone roofie a Ministere into approving this?

Unfortunately the gallery has failed to post a press release on their site.

UPDATE: The sculptures are entitled “Les Pommes d’Adam,” which means “The Apples of Adam,” or perhaps “Adams’ Apples”? But the last time I checked the Adam’s apple was on a man’s neck, not his . . . ?

UPDATE2: Most unfortunate news. It’s on display until November 8.

Posted in Arts & Culture | 1 Comment »

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Francoise pour les françaises?

October 11, 2007

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Christian Lacroix’s capsule collection for La Redoute was such a hit he’s signed on for another season. Now, the catalogue giant is said to be seducing French icon, Francoise Hardy.

Hardy, who is now 63 and lives outside of Paris, is a singer/actress who rose to fame in the 1960’s with songs like “Tous les garcons et les filles,” and “Le Temps d’Amour.” In 2000, she made a comeback with a new CD release, Clair Obscur.

Her beauty and franco-chic made her a muse to artists like Balenciaga’s Nicolas Ghesquiere, and Bob Dylan . In the 60’s/70’s she was iconic for her sexy messy hair, golden fringe, and menswear-inspired clothes. Today, she is the epitome of classic French style.

Let’s hope she signs on with La Redoute. We could all use a low priced way to look effortlessly française!

Posted in Fashion Tendances | Leave a Comment »

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Off the Marc

October 11, 2007

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Poor Marc Jacobs. It has been a rough year. It shows.

Break-ups and rehab marked the first part of the year, and then there was the inexplicably disastrous show for fashion week in NYC. Tardy and tasteless, the show sent certain fashion editors into a blind rage, which sparked a rebuttal from Marc, who threatened to move his entire collection to Paris next year.

But would Paris receive MJ with open arms? While Parisians are renowned for welcoming American fugitives with exceptional fervor(look at Roman Polanski), Marc is une centimetre away from stepping on the wrong feet. His show for Louis Vuitton on Sunday was marked by yet another bizarre moment, when a super-animated MJ stuck his tongue out during his runway strut. Stuck his tongue out. Not in London, not in LA, in PARIS! Oh la la, la la…. ! Looked like the gesture was aimed at Suzy Menkes (IHT fashion editor) but MJ denies.

Petite Brigitte, with her usual spot-on wisdom, knows exactly what is going on. MJ is off the booze/drugs and on the protein shakes (they’ve got some uppers in there right?). Marc’s been hitting his Parisian gym hard since his return to the city, and he’s got the bod to prove it. But watch out for that Guarana/Ginko mix Marc! Your antics might work with your personal trainer, but not with Bernard Arnault.

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You thought fashion week was over?

October 11, 2007

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There is still one show left! The Ethical Fashion Show kicks off today and for the next 4 days at the Tapis Rouge in the 10th arr. The event promotes eco-friendly designers and fosters discussion between fashion players on topics like free trade and sustainable development.

But the question is, will they be serving champagne or green tea? PetiteB will report back with the hard facts.

ETHICAL FASHION SHOW® / Universal Love
Office : 4, rue Trousseau 75011 PARIS
Tel. : +33 (0) 1 43 48 94 68

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Punching & Kissing? French Art World has seen it all

October 11, 2007

A break from our normal celeb/fashion/fluff programming: 

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A horrendous break-in at the Musee d’Orsay on the night of the Nuit Blanche left a hole in one of Monet’s finest paintings, Le Pont d’Argenteuil. Five drunken teenagers (including one woman), forced their way into the poorly guarded museum in the early hours of Sunday morning, and PUNCHED the painting. A spokesman for Orsay also said the group left “various bits of filth” before escaping the museum.

Motive? Unclear. The attack on Monet appears to have been spontaneous, judging from CC cameras inside the building. One of the punks has already talked, and it looks like they are in serious hot water. Rehab in Morocco perhaps?

This isn’t the only egregious crime to take place this year in the French art world. A French woman is currently standing trial for KISSING a $2.8 million painting by abstract artist Cy Twombley. The all-white painting was left with a big red lipstick kiss, which 30 cleaning products have failed to remove. Now that’s some long-lasting, color-stay lip color.

  “I take responsibility for my act. This white canvas inspired me. I am told it is forbidden to do such things, but it was totally spontaneous,” she said in the trial. “I just gave a kiss. It was a gesture of love; when I kissed it, I did not think it out carefully, I just thought the artist would understand.”

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Posted in Arts & Culture | 1 Comment »

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A walk in the parc

October 9, 2007

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If the pigeons have all dropped dead at Jardin de Luxembourg, we may have found the cause.

Victoria Beckham took a stroll in our neighborhood park yesterday, wearing THAT.

Followed by paparazzi, bodyguards, and the photo crew that was directing the fashion shoot for American ELLE, Victoria looked like a rare bird spawned from the depths of hell as she disturbed the sleepy tranquility of the jardins.

She looks so joyful. Almost as joyful as she looked at the Chanel show, while sitting next to Nina Garcia, Ralph Lauren, and Dita Von Teese:

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But not nearly as joyful as she looks with her male accompaniment for fashion week, Cruz Beckham. What a fun mommy!

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Victoria is staying at the Ritz for her Parisian sejour. She was spotted making a hasty exit from the hotel yesterday, just as the massive frenzy of cameras descended on the hotel for the Diana inquest (nearly 30 camera crews are still there today as jurors tour the hotel).

Posted in Fashion Tendances, Gossip | Tagged , | 8 Comments »

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Showcase showdown

October 6, 2007

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Le Showcase, the giant club located underneath the Pont Alexandre III, played host to the antics of Alexander McQueen and his entourage on Friday night– another party in the long list of fashion week festivities.

Naomi Campbell, in the company of Kanye West, strutted into the VIP around 1am in true diva fashion to pay her regards, but left less than 30 minutes later.

And in the other VIP (yes, there are two… so that clashing entourages can have their space), was yet another party for the opening of Le 66, the hot new boutique on 66 Champs Elysees.

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Issey Miyake’s blow-out show

October 2, 2007

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Issey Miyake’s show started nearly an hour late today, leaving guests to suffer from overwhelming heat inside the tent at the jardin du Louvre. The show might have been called “The Wind,” but there wasn’t the slightest breeze in the humid venue. After a bit of yelling from impatient photogs, and the arrival of Kanye West, the show got underway, and the second collection for designer Dai Fujiwara hit the catwalk.

The large collection contained many architecturally inspired pieces, using fabric to create angular and graphic shapes in everything from pants to dresses. It also featured trademark Miyake pleating, as well as host of dresses with voluminous rouching. Overcoats and trenches were playful in grey with magenta details. One favorite piece was an oversized black leather jacket with curved zipper details and a popped collar. Less inspiring was the halloween-esque aspect of the show, in which some hooded jackets made models look like witches.

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The show was held in collaboration with Dyson, the vacuum people. Huge industrial pipes extended during the show to blow gail force wind on the models, creating a dramatic sense of movement as their perfectly frizzed coif blew in all directions with each gust.

Kanye West and fiancee Alexis Phifer sat in white plastic chairs hastily set up as the show began. That didn’t seem to bother them however, and Kanye happily snapped away with his own camera during the show. When asked his favorite show thus far in Paris, Kanye revealed to PetiteB that it was the collection from the house of Martin Margiela.

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Posted in Events, Fashion Tendances, Gossip | 2 Comments »

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Above Magazine at the VIP room

October 2, 2007

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After an exhausting day of covering the shows (well, ok… four shows: Gaspard Yurkievich, Vivienne Westwood, Dior, and Fatima Guerrout), PetiteBrigitte rallied for an evening of fashion parties around the Champs-Elysées.

VIP room hosted the launch party for Above Magazine’s 7th volume, entitled ‘Opulence.’ The magazine targets the new generation of style conscious fashion consumers, and provides fresh commentary and original photo spreads. It’s so chic it doubles as a coffee table book. This issue features Rose McGowan on the cover, and contains a beautiful layout and interview with brit-aristo-trendsetter Daphne Guinness. Several contributors and photographers were on hand to celebrate the new issue, including Parisian photographers Les Deux Garçons, who were busy snapping away impromptu shots of party-goers.

In attendance (surprisingly): fashion editor Hamish Bowles, Michael Brown of Vanity Fair, and photographer Ellen von Unwerth (featured above).

For those unfamiliar with the VIP room, it is one of the least enjoyable venues in Paris, yet for some reason still takes in some big parties like this summer’s Longoria/Parker festivities. Last night was a hot mess: after a humid day of destroying our shoes in the Tuileries mud, all we wanted was a tall drink and some cool ventilation. And, as usual, VIP did not deliver. Thank heavens for the open bar, even if we did have to sideline a few models to get a drink.

Posted in Events, Nightlife | 1 Comment »

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Hot & Steamy at Dior

October 1, 2007

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Fashion press, buyers, and a moderate number of celebs flooded the Tuileries on Monday afternoon for the Dior show. Security was tight as drivers pulled in by the gates at Place de la Concorde. All in all, there were few celebs braving the Parisian humidity. Kanye West was a notable exception. He also hit the Vivienne Westwood show an hour earlier, along with fiancee Alexis Phifer. Is it just me, or is he looking like another one of the Black Eyed Peas in this ensemble?

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Also in attendance at Dior was Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana. The Thai princess entered with a flood of entourage and security, looking regal and radiant as knowing paparazzi bowed down in respect. Her first collection debuted on Saturday at the Opera Garnier.

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Ivana Trump, arm in arm with her longtime boyfriend Rossando Rubicondi, looked cool and collected, and very collagenized.
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The always gracious Susan Tabak made an entrance to a flood of flashes. The author of Chic in Paris and fashion insider looked trim and energized, as various assistants made sure her perfect hair didn’t succumb to the humidity.

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And what would the show be without a character like Anna Piaggi, whose ensemble needs no analysis. She and other member of the fashion elite, including Carine Roitfeld and Hamish Bowles, entered to see the jaw-dropping show that featured a very 1930’s Marlene Dietrich vibe.

Posted in Events, Fashion Tendances | Tagged | 1 Comment »

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The tangled webs we weave…

October 1, 2007

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French first lady Cecilia Sarkozy attended the funeral of her first husband last week. Jacques Martin, whom Cecilia married in 1984 and had two daughters with, died at age 74 after suffering a stroke two years ago. Martin was a well known TV personality during the 70’s and 80’s.

Ironically, Nicolas Sarkozy married the couple in a civil ceremony when he was mayor of Neuilly. He would then marry the chic divorcee in 1996.

Who knew Cecilia had two hot blonde daughters?!

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Fashion notes

October 1, 2007

Olivier Theysken’s first collection for Nina Ricci debuted in March 2007 (below). This fashion week all eyes are on his 2nd collection for the house.
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Fashion is the topic of the week. So what is different at this Paris fashion week (besides the absence of Ms. Wintour?)?

First off, other notable absentees this season are the houses of Guy Laroche, Emanuel Ungaro and Cacharel.

According to AFP, Guy Laroche is having a “brainstorming” on its future (it’s about time), so a catwalk presentation at this turbulent time is out of the question, while Ungaro sacked its stylist Peter Dundas this summer because of poor results.

Cacharel also parted company in June with Inacio Ribeiro and Suzanne Clements, who wanted to concentrate on their own Clements Ribeiro label. The Spanish designer Estrella Archs, who is replacing them, will present a collection under her own name, which may give a sneak preview of what she will do with Cacharel.

Other shows which fashion editors will be watching out for are the second collections of Olivier Theyskens for Nina Ricci, Paulo Melim Andersson for Chloe and Dai Fujiawara for Issey Miyake.

PetiteBrigitte will report soon on Issey Miyake, whose collection debuts on Tuesday.
photo courtesy nytimes.com

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