The special project HOGAN by KARL LAGERFELD will be presented during an exclusive event held in Paris on October 2nd. The Women's Spring/Summer 2011 Capsule Collection will include distinguished accessories and Ready to Wear designed by Karl Lagerfeld as well as Hogan's iconic pieces reinterpreted by his distinctive hand. Additionally, the fine artist has filmed and created a short movie which beautifully captures the Hogan Universe. 
The HOGAN by KARL LAGERFELD project is an exceptional partnership embracing the unquestionable wonder of Karl Lagerfeld and Hogan's original philosophy, an example of unique and timeless lifestyle.

The prestigious magazine is the first fashion magazine in the world to publish a cover and a special fashion story in 3D.
You’ll find enclosed in the monthly publication a pair of 3D glasses, that will allow you to see cover and fashion story Miranda, shot by Steven Meisel.
The protagonist of the 22 pages is the perfect face of Australian top model Miranda Kerr. Images will therefore acquire almost a real consistency, conveying new and spectacular emotions: readers will enjoy a unique and exclusive vision, the fruits of the innovative soul that has always distinguished Vogue Italia and its director Franca Sozzani.
Surprises carry on with a second 3D photo shoot, The Scent of the Future, shot by Tim Walker, which tells about the most interesting and recent experimentations with perfumes and essences, and about the influence the world of flowers still exerts on them. The Scent of the Future is also the title of a revolutionary 3D exhibition, a multi-sensory experience organized by Franca Sozzani and P&G Prestige at Palazzo Citterio, in via Brera 14, Milan which will take place during fashion week in September. www.vogue.it

FENDI consolidates its relationship with the world of Limited Edition Design by partnering with the New York based architectural studio Aranda\Lasch with a twostep project starting on the 26th August at Venice Biennale of Architecture and seeing its completion at Design Miami/ in December 2010. 

At the Venice Biennale of Architecture, FENDI supports the installation the architectural duo have been commissioned by the Pritzker Prize Winner and Biennale Curator Kazuyo Sejima. 
The installation, called Modern Primitives, explores technological sophistication with hand-crafted elegance. Modern Primitives is an installation composed of foam structures, derived by small primitive pieces connecting into larger ones that can be sat on, leaned against, held in one’s arms. 
This setting will describe a space of dialogue where events and conversations are conducted, recorded and broadcast. The installation site is across the entry of the Biennale and the Carlo Scarpa Sculpture Garden. The result is a multiple level installation that will find its ultimate essence and completion in the Miami part that will embody and sublimate the world of design, fashion, art and architecture.

Whoever happens to Panama City should definitely check out this new and exclusive shopping location!

The Silberberg family, re-known for their business in fashion worldwide, have 25 years experience in luxury high end stores and decided to open up their own shop in August 2009. 
"Rijoux" is located in the heart of Panama's high end shopping district of Avenue Samuel Lewis in Plaza Obarrio and has become a prime location among neighboring fashion stores.

The owner's philosophy is based on the belief that the ultimate dedication to the client and his satisfaction are the utmost priority; a credo that reflects in the exquisite personnel services that ensure an extraordinary shopping experience. 

Brands include 3.1 Phillip Lim, Blumarine, Blugirl, Carlos Miele, Miele Jeans, Dior, La Perla, Rene Caovilla and many other.
You will find everything from evening wear to lingerie, shoes, bags, and jewelry for all occasions. 

www.rijoux.com

It's an honor to introduce an extremely talented fashion designer and outstanding personality, another proof that fashion is not only about clothes but also an important communication medium. 

Tala Raassi, 27, spent most of her childhood in Iran, a place in which by Western standards the lives of women are severely limited. 
While today most women enjoy the precious right of expressing their identity and individualism through fashion, Tala received 40 lashes as her punishment for wearing a mini skirt in the privacy of a friends' home.
In many places, this simple freedom of self-expression is as distant as another world – women are forced by law to cover their bodies and clothes are simple tools to achieve that purpose. 

Fashion has always captured young Raassi’s imagination, but it is this unfortunate encounter that gave her the purpose that would later bring meaning to her designs. 
In June 2005, Raassi started her own clothing company, Tala Raassi, LLC, and launched her flagship line, Dar Be Dar – which means door-to-door in Farsi.

To Raassi, fashion equals freedom and so Dar Be Dar is more than a clothing line - she seeks to promote freedom of expression for women through sensual apparel that accentuates and celebrates the female body.

Dar Be Dar Swimwear has been chosen as official swimwear sponsor for the 2010 Miss Universe Pageant, a fabulous opportunity to promote Tala's philosophy and cherish women's freedom on a global level.

www.darbedar.net

Everything started with the dream of creating a brand that people not only enjoy wearing, but one which evokes feelings of tenderness, passion and rareness. 

Esra Bezek, the creator of "Cashmere In Love", is a graduate of the Parsons School of Design for Fashion Marketing. Prior to attending Parsons, Esra had a career in advertising and graphic design. 
In addition to her valuable course work with eminent Parsons Professors, while in New York, she worked with a number of successful brands and showrooms, including Ellen Tracey. 
When Esra’s deep interest in color and shapes found a medium in cashmere, her passion to create her own brand was the spark which led to "Cashmere In Love".
She gathered around her a team of young energetic artists who are responsible for the entire process, from initial design all the way through manufacture and sale. 

www.cashmereinlove.com

I'm very happy to introduce to you a new talent who dedicates her ideas and draws her inspiration from the most innocent and wonderful creatures in our society: the children. 

Juliana Conde, founder and designer of "Once upon a time", was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where she graduated in Pedagogy and Graphic Design.
In 2003, she moved to New York where she studied jewelry design at the FIT.
She moved to Rome in 2007 where she graduated in jewelry design at the ”Istituto Europeo di Design”.

Nowadays she lives in Italy, where she dedicates herself to designing jewelry for children.
Her designs are inspired by famous fairy tales such as Cinderella or Hänsel & Gretel. 
Have a look at her website, you will instantly feel the desire to buy a necklace or a bracelet with a lovely pendant for your daughter, niece, granddaughter...
www.onceuponatimestore.it

Bottega Veneta inaugurated a new boutique in Shanghai’s International Financial Center in Pudong. 
The store measures a spacious 345 square meters and carries a wide range of Bottega Veneta products, including handbags, luggage, women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, shoes, small leather goods, eyewear, and an assortment of items for the home.
Shanghai is the most important economic, financial, trading, and technology center in China, and also is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. 
The International Financial Center, located in the rapidly developing Pudong area, offers hotels, service apartments, offices, restaurants, and most importantly, an impressive assortment of international fashion and luxury brand stores. It is one of the landmark shopping destinations in the city.

Emerging ECO label “Ivana Basilotta” was founded in 2009 and is entirely dedicated to the best in Eco-sustainable contemporary high fashion. 
Designed with an Eco-conscious approach, Ivana Basilotta uses the best and most innovative in organic, eco, biodegradable, peace silk/ vegetarian silk and recycled fabrics. The collaboration with local artisans, small manufacturers and suppliers is an important part of Ivana's concept. 
Italian by nationality, born and educated in Germany, Ivana Basilotta is based in London, Notting Hill. 
Not only a designer, Ivana has been dedicated to her spiritual study since 2000 with the guidance of some of the world’s renowned spiritual teachers. 
Ivana spent a great deal of her time in silence and on meditation retreat in India and Italy.  
At the end of 2008 Ivana chose to establish her Eco designer label, embracing the world through different eyes.  Ivana supports several charities and is also a teacher of meditation.
www.ivanabasilotta.co.uk

That is an event after my fancy: 

Up and coming fashion designer Christina Crawford gathered some fellow designers and creative talents and lines them up from June 26th until July 3rd in a temporary store in a location in the heart of Milan, in prestigious Via Dante Quattordici. 

An event will take place on Saturday, 26th of June, in order to inaugurate this outstanding initiative so in case you want to pass by send a mail to ccrawfordx@gmail.com.

The temporary store will be open all week from 10 to 19.30.

HOGAN
presented the Spring/Summer 2011 Men's Collection on June 21rst in the Padiglione d'Arte Contemporanea, PAC, in Milan.
The focus of the collection centered on essential accessories and ready to wear- functional and versatile- distinguished for their laid back elegance and contemporary design, while keeping unique details of great personality. 
The pieces stood out by the use of ultra-light and innovative materials of extraordinary quality.The key piece is the jacket CITY RUSH that you can see on the right.This is Hogan's masterpiece- with its distinctive logo on the collar, it is proposed in a new button-fastening version. Standing out with essential lines and strong and steady cuts, City Rush is realized in different ultra-light fabrics: from delavé nylon and stone washed cotton to the innovative reflex material in optical white. The distinctive marks of the jacket are its double collar with border and logo.

MISSONI
chose the marvelous location of the "Vivaio Riva" in Via Arena 7 for the presentation of its S/S Menswear collection. The mood of the collection was distinguished by a patchwork of color shades and textures that evoked visual and tactile experiences of different cultures that meet in a metropolitan context. Orange, acid green, turquoise, blue, lemon yellow, grass green, black or brown underline the classic neutrality of beige or sand for a collection which draws its inspiration from one's leisure time. And you can breath this mood in every single outfit which is composed by different layers that invite to compose and decompose your dress according to your current humor. 

FAY
Fay's S/S 2011 Menswear collection is dedicated to the travelers, explores and reporters among us. Men who don't think twice about taking off to foreign lands and who need practical, wearable garments with a lightweight, functional look. Their perfect travel companions are made of cotton in natural, dusty colors. 
The SPEEDRACER is the key piece of the collection and is inspired by the world of bikers. It is a young and aggressive garment, designed for the "high speeds" of daily living. The design is sober, highlighted by stitchings that contrast the large pockets with firm and decisive cuts.

Vassilisa is a luxury fashion label named after a well-known and much-loved fairytale heroine, Vassilisa The Beautiful. 
And there could be no better name indeed, considering the marvelous gowns that seem to arise from some other time and place. 
The basic mood is inspired by Russian aesthetics, myth, history, art and aristocratic tradition.

Designer Nadja Solovieva successfully graduated from St.Martin's College of Art in London and after training at major fashion houses such as Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen she set up her own brand in 2008.
Her Russian roots are plain to see in her exquisite designs; she also draws her inspriration from the profound research in history and nature.

The current Autumn/Winter collection focuses on romantic dressing sporting a mix between modernity, Nadja's Russian homeland and British romanticism.

Also note Vassilisa's trademark, the custom-made prints, which can be seen in the current collection and in the elegant scarves.

www.vassilisa.com

Bottega Veneta opened up a new boutique in Chengdu’s Maison Mode department store. 
The boutique measures a total of 186 square meters and carries Bottega Veneta handbags, luggage, men’s ready-to-wear, men’s shoes, small leather goods, eyewear and an assortment of gift items.
Every element of the boutique interior, from the walnut tables and handcrafted vitrines to the door handles sheathed in leather, has been custom-made. 
Among the notable design features are aerodynamically shaped, vertical window louvers of palm wood and steel, finely crafted display counters with slide-out billiard-cloth presentation pads, walls covered with ultra-suede, mohair furniture upholstery, and custom-dyed, pure New Zealand wool carpets. A quiet, sensuous palette of matte neutrals and earth tones further enhances the privacy, sophistication, and ease of the shopping experience. 
Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is an important economic, transportation, and communications center in Western China. 
Maison Mode is one of the most prestigious retailers in China, offering an impressive assortment of international fashion and luxury brands. 
It is the premier shopping destination in this fascinating city.
www.bottegaveneta.com

Nowadays women want it all and fight to get it: 
eternal youth, a family and last but not least a career. Fashion provides the perfect equipment to help and make the ultimate appearance but how choose the right outfit for determinate business environments?
Check out RoQua, a brand created in 2007 by Myriam Chebance and specialized in producing fabulous business and evening wear for self-confident women.
RoQua wants to clothe the working woman twenty-for-seven and offers 3 different lines going from classic to trendy and romantic. 
The brand stands for straightforwardness and versatility, characteristics which are plain in the clothes that can be combined among each other. 
The collections are made in Germany and are available online and in the recently openend store in Munich.

www.roqua.com

Some days ago I read an article about how uniqueness becomes ever more important in all aspects of modern life.
Fast fashion surrounds us and takes over every corner of the major cities. The desire to break out of mainstream and find unique and personalized pieces grows stronger and stronger.

So here is a wonderful suggestion for all those who are longing for one more special item in their wardrobe: the exclusive clutches by Japanese brand Chako.

Chako was launched in 2003 by the mother and daughter team, Fusako Nakanishi and Kazumi Lomri.   
It all began one summer when Kazumi asked her crafty mother to make a handbag out of an obi that she found in an antique market in Tokyo. The outcome was stunning so the pair went on to transform the traditional kimono & obi into handbags made for the modern day woman. 
The symbolism of each intricate silk fabric inspires the unique design of each one-of-a-kind clutch bags. Chako preserves the gorgeous vintage obi & kimono fabric by giving it a new modern life.

www.chakotokyo.com

Multiple lives within a single life: this is the reality for both men and women today. Parents, professionals, athletes, social activists: Yet individuals who remain unchanged in all aspects of their existence.
This double life is what the creative philosophy of Fay is based on, and “double life”, an elegant coffee table book edited by Martina Mondadori, illustrates the various facets of these existences.
A collection of black & white shots of celebrities from all eras narrate contrasting moments of their lives: women like Carla Bruni (top model and premiere dame), Grace Kelly (princess and actress), Angelina Jolie (splendid celebrity and goodwill ambassador), Madonna (chameleonic artist and adoptive mother), but also men like Steve McQueen (loving father and indomitable sex symbol) and many others.
The book, published by Mondadori Electa, is the perfect emblem for fay’s philosophy and its iconic garments. On the one hand ever-active men and women who inately understand how to enjoy the best life has to offer; on the other, authentic, versatile, perfect fashion to dress their “double Lives”.
On the right from above: Charlize Theron and Jack Nicholson

This concept of versatility is also supported by Fay's eclectic collection which provides clothes that can be used, with few modifications (such as adding a pair of high heels in the evening), at every occasion. It is a collection dedicated both to professional and private life; every item is neither too casual nor too elegant but the essence of both - that's what creative director Giles Deacon calls "glamorous practicality". Also note the keylook of the Spring/Summer collection 2010 which represents perfectly the "2 in one" philosophy of the Fay collection by Giles Deacon.

Reed Krakoff is an American designer with a design career that has spanned over 20 years. Krakoff recently struck out on his own to create the Reed Krakoff Collection.  

The collection, which bares Krakoff’s personal design aesthetic and philosophy, embodies the spirit of New American luxury and will debut in the fall of 2010 with a full line of women’s ready-to-wear and accessories. 

Krakoff entered the fashion world from the ground up, first joining the ranks at Anne Klein and soon catapulting into top positions with other prominent design houses, including five years at Ralph Lauren and 13 years as Executive Creative Director at Coach. 

Krakoff has garnered the respect of his industry and peers and has received countless professional accolades to match. In 2007, Krakoff was elected vice president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), an institution that has been extremely supportive of his work.  In 2001, the CFDA bestowed Krakoff with a distinct honor: Accessories Designer of the Year for his work at Coach. In 2004, the CFDA once again awarded this distinction. 

Most recently, Krakoff has added photographer to his resume and his work has been shown in exhibits in New York City and Tokyo and featured in magazines such as Elle Décor, Town & Country, and Interview.
He has also published several books of his photography, including Claude & Francois-Xavier Lalanne, Fighter: The Ultimate Fighters of the UFC, and the forthcoming Mattia Bonetti. 
Krakoff is a consummate patron and supporter of the arts and is closely involved with the Cooper Hewitt Museum and the Whitney Museum. 

In addition to serving on the board at Parsons School of Design, he is a mentor for the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund.

www.reedkrakoff.com

Have a look at my new service dedicated to the brides among us! I will take you shopping in selected stores and showrooms in order to find your perfect dress and also care for your wedding reception.

Bottega Veneta inaugurated a new store in Singapore at ION Orchard in April, 2010. The 279-square-meter store offers an extensive range of Bottega Veneta product, including women’s ready-to-wear, handbags, luggage, jewelry, shoes, small leather goods, gifts, home accessories, and eyewear. Every element of the boutique interior, from the handcrafted vitrines to the door handles sheathed in leather, showcases Bottega Veneta’s dedication to artistry and excellence. Notable design features include aerodynamically-shaped, vertical window louvers of palm wood and steel; finely crafted display counters; walls covered with ultra-suede; mohair furniture upholstery; and custom-dyed, pure New Zealand wool carpets. Muted, matte neutrals and earth tones comprise the understated palette. ION Orchard is located at the gateway to Orchard Road, Singapore’s central shopping and entertainment artery. The distinctive retail destination features more than 300 stores offering a broad spectrum of fashion, food, and lifestyle shopping on eight floors.

The event SHOPPING VILLA at the Villa Mercadante near the wonderful Villa Borghese in Rome on April 21rst was the place to be in the capital on that day.
Simona Romagnoli and her staff set up a perfectly organized happening that left nothing to be desired.
They created an elegant and at the same time cosy atmosphere by bringing together different creatives from various fields: kids and women's fashion, design, multicultural handiwork, accessories, art, confectionery, jewelry, vine and flowers.
There was something for every taste and this well measured mixture generated a creative pool where ideas and thoughts could be exchanged and projects could be envisaged.
And obviously the shopping experience was unique, being able to get to know the most different brands and their products.

Among them there was ALESSANDRA LIBONATI with her jewelry collection. She aims at making women's dreams come true by creating jewels that stand out with their unique style strictly related to italian art, fashion and design.
She likes to work with different materials, such as metals like silver and bronze which she combines with gemstones that transform them into truly luxurious objects of desire. The three current collections "Resort", "Natural" and "Glamour" reflect the leading moodinspired by the flora and fauna of her mediterranean home.
www.artesgioielli.it

The coat on the right is part of the collection presented by argentinian brand MANTO.
Clara de La Torre and Diana Dai Chee Chaug are the designers of the brand. Its name stems from the Quechua culture term ANAQMANTA, which means "from the sky, from above"; word still heard in Andean towns that enjoy textile art as a means of work and permanence in their identity memory.
The coats are unique pieces, handwoven by argentinian weavers, they are multi-colored and can be closed with a metal brooch that is perfectly in sync with the ethnic design of the coats but can also be used at various other occasions. www.mantoabrigos.com.ar

Underneath you can see a painting by KATHARINA BLANKE, a german artist with base in Berlin.Several paintings were arranged in the entrance hall of the palace where the event took place. The images represent luxurious and exuberant dresses on a white background. They stood there like independent scaffolds referring to architectural fashion or textile sculptures that welcomed the visitors to that extraordinary event. The artist personifies the dress and makes it stand out like an object by itself with its own identity and far from the concept of wearability. www.katharinablanke.net

The brand MONSIEUR CUCU presented its kids and women's fashion collection. The focus laid on the kids collection which was all about playful designs that really were out of the ordinary. The determinant elements that make this brand stand out among others are the high quality fabrics, the profound research and accurate care for details and the combination between contemporary design and italian handiwork. The clothes have their own strong identity and looking at the lovely pictures of the mini-models they are also fun to wear. Seen the success of the kids collection, the designer Alessandra Saccani also introduced a line dedicated to the moms of the "Monsieur Cucù" kids, and well she did. The clothes are simple and pure at first sight and reveal their elaborated structures only by wearing them.
www.monsieurcucu.it

You've always longed for a Kelly Bag or a suitcase from Louis Vuitton? It's no longer a dream, at least if you're satisfied with the pastry version of the dreamed of accessories.As that's what you get at SWEETY ROME.
They prepare all sorts of pastry, cakes, cupcakes, biscuits in every taste and of every shape you can imagine. You can order pastries for every thinkable occasion, I was explained that for a photo shooting with a fashion magazine they prepared something like 500 cupcakes in just as many flavors and colors in order to decorate the gown of a mannequin. And they do not only look gorgeous, their taste is divine and worth a sin once in a while!
www.sweetyrome.it

Simona Romagnoli had told me beforehand of a designer who creates her bags out of garbage bags. I admit I was quite skeptical of what that could be and did not know what to expect. Eventually, I was very surprised that the bags were actually very wearable, they are of various colors (who would have thought that you can have a purple garbage bag - how chic!) and different shapes.
The designer of JETABLE who is a very friendly and open minded lady explained to me how she got into creating bags in such an exceptional manner. She told me upfront that one night when she couldn't sleep she questioned herself if it was possible to make a bag out of a bin liner, got up instantly in the middle of the night and made the first try. And seen the surprising success she decided to go on - that's what I call entrepreneurship!

“New culture” takes place in the exclusive lounge of Villa Mercadante.
After the great success of Shopping Party Roma, Villa Mercadante transforms once again into a unique venue for the most exclusive event of the capital, “The Shopping Villa”.
Save the date for Simona Romagnoli’s exclusive lounge “The Shopping Villa” Wednesday April 21st 2010, where you will be able to relax and enjoy the latest fashion trends and niche products, “world fusion” designs, photo shoot, live fashion performances and artistic installations.
The rooms which have hosted different “takes” from the famous television series “Romanzo Criminale” and the most chic parties in Rome, are ready to fully astonish and blossom with new events in spring. They will host a selected group of designers from around the world united by their shared passion: working traditionally, creating handmade pieces using quality materials and inspired by unique and original styles.
If you are looking for a unique necklace, original apparel, intriguing designs or a work of art, this is the event you can’t miss.
www.villamercadante.com

Fendi and Design Miami/ present the new project Design Vertigo, on the occasion of the Salone del Mobile, from the 14th to the 18th of April, hosted in the Spazio Fendi in Via Sciesa, 3.
The joint partnership between FENDI and Design Miami/ represents a shared and common vision that both parties are keen to expand upon: explore how people interact with design and take craftsmanship to a further level with a look always
towards experimentation and innovation, continuing to support young talents.
FENDI is solidifying its reputation as a strong supporter of culture, pushing the boundaries and encouraging the cross-pollinating of different creative fields outside fashion, to show designers in a different context.
To celebrate the collaboration with Design Miami/, Silvia Venturini Fendi has created a Selleria Collectors' Edition Shopping Bag dedicated to Design Vertigo.
The Design Vertigo Shopping Bag, in 100 pieces limited edition, is made of linen with the distinctive Selleria handles in Roman leather.
With Design Vertigo, Fendi renews its support to creativity without boundaries and defines again the concept of "Fatto a Mano", offering a multi-sensory experience that will encourage new visions and perspectives.

In mid march Hogan and Karl Lagerfeld announced a unique collaboration with a special project for the Spring/Summer Collection 2011.
This exceptional partnership is bound to be a success, embracing Karl Lagerfeld's outstanding creative talents and Hogan's innovative, urban-chic yet timeless lifestyle.

In January 2010 Bottega Veneta opened up a new department store in Nanjing.
The boutique features the brand's signature store concept, designed by Creative Director Tomas Maier, and reflects its defining qualities: exceptional design, modern functionality, outstanding craftsmanship, and use of the highest quality materials.
The store offers a broad range of Bottega Venetaproducts, including handbags, luggage, fashion jewelry, shoes, small leather goods, eyewear, and home accessories, in an inviting, sensually engaging environment.
The intention is to provide a distinctive and private shopping experience for the customer, one that reflects the Bottega Veneta tradition.
The guiding inspiration for the store is thesame as it is for the brand: to design and create contemporary, timeless, and beautiful objects.
www.bottegaveneta.com

Ayala Raiter is a canadian jewelry designer who got in touch with me a few months ago, sending me some pictures of her work.
And well she did as I instantly loved her creations.
She describes her works as a mirror of herself and her passions, one of them being art, and tries to convey each of her artworks the feeling to be tailor- made for every wearer.
The pieces are delicate and strong at the same time, they come to life and are transformed into very personal items that express the respective woman's uniqueness.
The use of gemstones in different colors which are the heart of these particular necklaces, in combination with other materials makes them light as a breath of fresh air.
Ayala's motto is to create unique items, there will never be one necklace that looks like the other.
So every customer can be sure to be wearing a necklace that's one of a kind.
Have a look at her website:
www.ayalaraiter.com

With the current S/S collection Moschino aimed at reinterpreting the past by revisiting its iconic pieces such as the suit with pearl trim, the biker jacket with coloured pins and the women's trench coat among others.
The italian theme is very strong in this collection, you can see it in the shapes, the colours; every outfit breathes the mediterranean mood.
The general spirit is expressed by strong colours (cherry prints), embroidery (in coral and turquoise) and traditional decorative trimmings.
Traditional elements meet a sexy allure in a very delicate combination softening the bodies outline into a feminine silhouette.







As ever, accessories are the key pieces of the collection, completing the outfit to its very best, adding that special touch that unmistakably distinguishes Moschino and makes the brand stand out among all the others as a brand that combines quality, comfort, creativity and lots of fun!
www.moschino.com

FAY
presented its Fall/Winter collection in their Milan base in Via Savona, creating an easy atelier environment with a laid back atmosphere.
There was a very british flavor to everything.
Giles Deacon, creative director of the maison, has gone back to the roots by confering the collection an english country style touch.
Some jackets looked rather masculine at first sight but after a further glance one could see that the strict cut, heavy fabrics and details like pockets (inspired by military uniforms) were softened and merged into a feminine silhouette by adding puff sleeves and velvet trimmings on collar and cuffs.
The key piece of the collection is the jacket "Jasmine", dedicated to this collection's godmother and supermodel Yasmin Le Bon who attended the presentation with her daughter Amber.
My personal favorite that you can seen below, was a poncho-like jacket made of a heavy wool fabric combined with other materials like fur around the hood and quilted patches on the elbow.
Fay is always good for a surprise and it has been made clear with this collection. They showed that beside being a company with a very classic background, they are open to the future and new experiments in order to satisfy the modern woman's needs.

MAX KIBARDIN
presented its new collection in Via Sant'Andrea in what resembled to an art gallery ambiance.
A part of the collection was exposed in niches in the wall surrounded by golden frames giving them the look of precious paintings.
And pieces of art were the shoes and bags shown at this presentation.
Inspired by the movie “La notte” by Michelangelo Antonioni and its Jazz spirit Max Kibardin created shoes and bags as objects of desire, using the color palette of the film, black and white and adding gold, beige/nude and puce-powder. The collection reflects the atmosphere of a jazz club with its innate glamour by the use of different materials such as satin, feathers, leather.
Jewelry applications like on the bootie below add to the nightlife feeling just as the golden sandals that seem to be made for dancing the night away...


FURLA
When looking at the new F/W collection one could immediately sense some old school spirit about it.
The elegant and feminine silhouettes from once upon a time were put into a new light in order to serve the daily worldly woman who likes to explore her environment, in sync with past, present and future.
Here again the use of different materials merges into one and the same spirit - the exploration of limits, the play with different weights seem to be the Leitthema of the current collections.


SERGIO ROSSI
presents a collection more sensual than ever.
The transformation of the showroom for the event
with rooms draped in midnight blue evoke the feeling of attending some kind of spiritual session...
The pieces are exposed each one on a basement for itself, like a very precious jewel.
The use of tribal elements like the cuffs hugging the ankle, peacock feathers, micro fringes and fetish shapes display the spirit of the collection: seductive and powerful items made for strong women who like everything but understatement, they like to attract everybody's eyes, and that's one thing that happens for sure with Sergio Rossi's shoes and bags. 


POLLINI
The credo of this collection is "more is less".
As times before in these days I noticed the striking
mix of different materials. Light/heavy, shiny/matt, strict/playful - those were the contrasts I spotted and that I really liked but at the same time I found it confusing sometimes (not only at this exact occasion but at all the others I had attended) and a reflection of the current mood in peoples minds.
A traditional coat of a traditional winter fabric with vinyl inserts caught my eye, just as, as a contrast to it, the dress of a lace-like material. Matt meets shiny, traditional fabrics combined with to synthetics; interesting contrasts that enlighten the whole collection.

TOD'S
for me is the best organized Italian fashion company, beside deserving respect for its unique backbone, something many companies are lacking in these days.
The brand not only stands for extraordinary quality but also for constant innovation, always searching new ways for creation.
Today the presentation of the new Fall/Winter collection took place in the marvelous Villa Necchi in Via Mozart.
The location was enchanting as the interior of the mansion perfectly harmonized with the colors and the style of the presentation.
It almost seemed that they were made one for the other!
The collection was composed of some well-known classics, such as the loafers, that had been revisited and put into a new light and some new items that will surely make their way into the "best of" list of the brand.
The iconic D-Bag, the brand's ever-present IT-Bag, made of bucked crocodile leather, has been re-interpreted in a very light and stylish way.
A new bag that certainly has icon-potential is the one sported by lovely Marua Hassan. It has been presented for the first time during this fashion week and I'm sure it will be one of the must-haves of the next winter season!
One can choose between different materials, leather, bucked crocodile leather or other, it has the perfect shopper size and is wonderfully light.
What more to say than that it has been an amazing presentation!





CASADEI
put its focus on the use of different materials.
The collection, sexy as usual, has been subdivided in different themes such as 70ies, jewelry applications, lace, leo prints among others.
I loved the peeptoes with the jewelry and sequin applications, innocent though very seductive at the same time.
The key piece of this collection for me is the heel with the applied lace, the material underneath being nude colored, gives the heel an extraordinary lightness and subtleness.

The Women's Fashion Weeks twice a year, just as the Men's, are an occasion that I just cannot miss. An entire week full of shows, presentations and events all around Italian brands, the long waited for happening to show the outcome of months of hard creative work.
Unfortunately it is regularly restrained to a couple of days where the fashion crowd rushes from one event to the other, often lacking time and patience to really discover new trends and especially younger designers.
It's a real pity that the Italian Fashion system does not show its own identity, depending too much on “very important persons's” opinions. But so much to my general view.

HOGAN
presented their new collection, as several times before, in the Padiglione d'Arte Contemporanea (PAC).
You could instantly see that something was different this time. Whereas in the past all the collections had a very stylish but sporty touch this one is purely sexy, tough and practical at the same time.
The military theme is clear to be seen and the all-time bootie has been re-elaborated to a totally city-fit item, perfect for every occasion.

ERMANNO SCERVINO
I didn't really know what to expect of the presentation of Ermanno Scervino. I loved all their accessories in the past and was very curious to see what they had come up with this time.
The event took place in Palazzo Litta - I was absolutely stunned at the sight of a construction that had been built up in the centre of the courtyard. People entered one by one through a revolving door and were led inside into what felt like a spaceship. The models's masks also recalled that feeling. As to me, the videos that ran on the walls did not have much to do with the rest, but I liked a lot the concept of the ever-present future itself.
I loved the clothes very much, the focus laid on the downjackets that were shown in very feminin and strong combinations as you see below. Waist and shoulders are ever more present in this fashion moment and will apparently last for another while - thumbs up!

One of the most extraordinary accessories designers that I had the chance to get to know in the last few years is Alexa Wagner.
Beside being a wonderful person she knows better than many others what most women really want of their shoes and bags: style and personality!

In February 2004, Alexa started her own business launching the zero edition of Alexa Wagner shoes in Paris and Milan.
The success was immediate and no surprise for me!
In the last years Alexa specialized in working with crocodile leather and is currently developing new treatments on this material.

Recently, she designed a bag collection where every single item can be created according to the client's wishes - “made to measure”.
Every client can choose the color of her personalized bag and on the inside it is possible to have one's initials attached at a chain.

Alexa Wagner's shoes and bags are made of the finest and most luxurious materials and every detail is being cared of.
The cost is not minimal but how can you estimate the satisfaction of getting the best service possible and accessories that are made to last for a very long time? I think you can't.
www.alexawagner.com

For some people it's a day like any other, for some it is the most special day in the year where to reveal all your feelings to your partner.
In my opinion, every day should be a little Valentine's Day where to show how much you care...
Still, it can be one of the days where you would want to dedicate something special to your loved one and lack of inspiration.
Here's an idea for you: have a look at the marvellous combination of necklace and earrings by the German jewellery brand immerdein.

immerdein is composed by two young ladies, Saskia Noël and Sogol Shirazi, who created their own company in June 2006 and opened up their shop in Karlsruhe in January 2007.

You can purchase their jewellery in the store or online on their website www.immerdein.de!

At the end of January I attended the opening of the Roy Lichtenstein exhibition at the famous “Triennale” museum in Milan. Being a longtime fan of Lichtenstein's art I was amazed to see that among the typical Pop-Art pieces known to all of us, a range of works were shown that accounted for the extraordinary width of the artist's work.

Borbonese, an italian fashion house with a long tradition in producing accessories and jewels, known for its passion for art and culture, for the occasion of the brand's centennial this year generated a fascinating collaboration with the Fondazione Lichtenstein and created a small collection of bags inspired by Lichtenstein's artworks that was added to the exhibition.
I strongly recommend to go and visit the exhibition and admire both Lichtenstein's works and the bags which are part of a limited edition available in selected stores around the globe.

Check out the small evening-version of the iconic “Luna”-Bag, first created in the 70ies in order to commemorate the landing of the first man on the moon and one of the all-time classics that have been re-interpreted in this Spring/Summer collection.
They are available in different sizes and materials, easily adaptable for every occasion and very very comfortable for every woman who needs a versatile companion for her job, travels and shopping tours. www.borbonese.com

My love story with Pollini began a few years ago with the purchase of my first shopper!
I walked in, saw the bag and knew we were meant to be together – soft dark brown leather, classic though very up-to-date at the same time, the perfect shopper-size. Definitely a bag to carry around all day long and for a very long time!
And it still is my everyday-favourite!

Pollini rises in 1953, starting out with the production of traditional artisan's craftwork such as leather goods and footwear. In the 70ies the company gets into fashion and starts showing its collections twice a year on the international carpet and starts to open up boutiques all over the world.

Nowadays Pollini is one of the “big names” in fashion – in 2008 two young designers took over the creative direction of the maison.
Jonathan Saunders is in charge of the ready-to-wear collections and Nicholas Kirkwood takes care of the accessories department, leading the style direction for the shoe- and bag collections.

The current Autumn/Winter collection stands out for its traditional shapes, the quality of the used materials and the innovative details.
Have a look at the gorgeous ankle-booties in soft black leather, perfect for every occasion! I also love the gloves in green, perforated leather, which will spice up every outfit!
www.pollini.com

We've just entered a new year full of expectations and challenges to come!
As mentioned in the beginning, one important goal of this blog also is to become a platform for young and famous-to-be designers. That also includes introducing events and stores representing them.
One of the stores that I discovered lately is PARK, in the 7th district of Vienna, a district becoming more and more the lifestyle-centre of the city.
The idea of the shopowners, Markus Strasser and Helmut Ruthner, was to support young and talented designers to break through and to show their collections to a broad audience.
The interaction between fashion (Ann Demeulemeester, Raf Simons and Martin Margiela among many others), streetwear, vintage, design, furniture, books and magazines generates the perfect environnement for innovation.
PARK is path-breaking, merging different concepts and creating an atmosphere where everybody, from the experienced design-consumer to the new generation of eclectic customers, can feel at ease!
www.park.co.at

Check out my new service dedicated to the Winter Sales in Milan and Vienna!
I will take you shopping around the best stores, help you choose and make you save time and money!

First of all - HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Let’s get started into a fabulous 2010 with ever more enthusiasm and curiosity!

I spent my New Years Eve in one of the most thrilling cities: Istanbul!
Fascinating, mysterious, rough and soft, bitter and sweet:
The city on the Bosphorus crosses borders (in every possible sense), merges contrasts (Asia and Europe, Past and Present, Tradition and Modernity), enfolds you in a tight embrace and takes you away on a trip between Thousand and One Nights and the contemporary modern life.

Here just some of the favourites of my trip!

Fashion is a very significant matter in this uprising city, besides the very European shopping streets with the most expensive designer stores, there are areas concentrated on upcoming creatives.
Next to the Galata Tower you can find some very interesting designer shops where young turkish fashion designers expose their collections.
One of them, Bahar Korcan, has her own store and I was instantly fascinated by her beautiful and visionary clothes, precious materials and imaginative cuts. Not far from there my turkish friends led me to another fashion store, Doors, which is definitly worth a visit.
I loved the concept of fashion (and not only) shops with integrated cafés and art galeries - the perfect environnement for inspiring get-togethers.

Also Food is a very important part of the Turkish culture and I loved getting to know the various dishes stopping at every corner and trying out either Kumpir- a potato filled with butter and cheese or with whatever else you like, I went for the all inclusive- , Simit - a pretzel like bread with sesame seeds - or Sütlac - a milk rice dessert. Everything always accompanied by a cup of wonderful Turkish tea, Cay. The place I liked the most and where we went to twice in a row is ARA, a restaurant in the crowded Taksim district. It is inspired by the famous turkish photographer Ara Güler and you can see his artworks everywhere around the homely space.

Istanbul is old and young at the same time, takes the best out of the past and transfers it into a ever changing present and an expectant and thrilling future!

One of this Autumn/ Winter season’s most ongoing trends is surely the one inspired by the 80ies: dark glamour with a punch of sophistication.

For his current collection, Giuseppe Zanotti took his inspiration among other from the music of the legendary Uriah Heep and songs like “Lady in black” and “Wizard” to create the more punk style models. Mozart and “The Magic Flute” was his muse for the more elegant models.

Let’s forget about feather boas and leo leggings and take back the best that extraordinary decade had to offer: strong statements above all in the women’s fashion (and not only) world.

Take a look at the black suede bootie, it might seem difficult to walk in it but trust me, it is not.
I tried them on and felt ready to conquer the city!
And usually I'm not the queen of high heels or wedges although I love them! The clutch beneath is the perfect match, also in black suede and with golden clips!
www.giuseppe-zanotti-design.com

Christmas is at the door!

And for all those who still need an idea for a special present, here’s an elegant suggestion!

Culti has been known for over 20 years as the leader in creating exclusive home collections which include furniture, fashion, fragrances, candles. Alessandro Agrati, founder and creative director of the maison, has now conceived the new home perfume collection “Magnum”, a perfect Christmas gift that will scent every environment for many months (4000 ml). Some time ago I bought a home fragrance for myself and it instantly valorised the whole appartment. Therefore I often choose it as a gift which is always highly appreciated.
I also recommend the new candle collection “Infinito” - the outstanding quality of the employed materials and the extraordinary craftsmanship of the vase (glass with silver decorations) make them an exclusive present for every occasion.
www.culti.it

In September I was strolling down Landstrasse Haupstrasse in Vienna and decided to go and explore the small side streets. That’s where I came across the shop of the fashion label LINIERT. The coats exposed in the shop window instantly caught my eye and I wanted to get to know more about them and the brand itself. As I’m always searching for interesting inputs and upcoming labels I contacted Ivon Gasque, fashion designer and one of the founders of LINIERT (Christian Kollarovits, an architect, is her co-partner) and she explained me their brand concept which consists in creating clothes with a “personality” of their own, using unusual materials and finely conceived styles.
You can see that very well in the coats that struck me at first - go and have a look at it or contact me and I will get you there!
Check out www.liniert.info

In November and December the exclusive “Shopping Gallery” of 10 Corso Como hosts Roger Vivier’s legendary “Salle d’Argent”, a Parisian salon where 10 of Monsieur Viviers collages are exposed.
I went to the presentation of the new collection “Playing hearts” on November 26th and was fascinated by the elegant interior of the “Salle d’Argent”, the walls painted in a soft rose or covered with silver leaves.
Besides, one could admire all-time classics such as the iconic “Metro” bag, the “Belle Vivier” pumps and other bags, shoes and sunglasses (you have to check out the shades, they are just fabulous!).
Roger Vivier is always good for a surprise so if you get the chance I recommend you to stop by or give me a ring and I’ll be there with you!

Since the first time I got to know Max Kibardins accessories over 2 years ago, I fell for them and he was meant to become one of my favourite up-coming designers.
Max Kibardin studied architecture in Moscow - his keen sense of structure and design can be seen in all in his creations.
After a brief spell in Paris, he moved to Milan and started designing his own collections in 2004. In 2006 he entered for the “Who’s on next” competition organized by Alta Roma and Italian Vogue and reached the final three in the “Women’s shoe design” category.
He also collaborated with Furla, creating a shoe collection as an outcome of the “Furla Talent Hub” - a wonderful and important initiative started by Giovanna Furlanetto in order to promote new young talents.
Italy has many young and talented designers who unfortunately are rarely given the chance to make their way and create their own brand; it would be refreshing to see more designers like Max Kibardin who bring a breeze of fresh “style” air in the sometimes rigid fashion system.
My favourites of this Autumn/Winter season are the black sparkling lace up shoes which add a glamorous touch to your everyday styling (combined with a pair of dark jeans) as well as to your evening outfit (combined with a dress, a waist-skirt or a cool lady suit). Also have a look at the marvellous bag that goes with the shoes!!
www.maxkibardin.com

When Fashion meets Art, the outcome of such collaboration is bound to be extraordinary and pathbreaking. Hogan invests lots of time, research and dedication into new projects whose proceeds benefit non-profit organizations such as BEST BUDDIES and NOMADIC DIVISION in 2009.
In June 2009 Hogan presented at PAC, the Padiglione d’Arte Contemporanea in Milan, the Olympia 3000 - the Spring/Summer edition of the urban style sneaker. For this occasion, Hogan invited the muralists TATS CRU from New York City and asked them to spray-paint the sneakers with the city as its theme and HOGAN as its hero - the project ARTRIBE was born! During the event, the muralists created their artworks "live" while people watching them - it was great to experience the immediate fusion of fashion and art!

From the 10th until the 20th of December 2009, HOGAN will auction on eBAY 10 pairs in white leather of the Olympia ARTRIBE.
Don’t miss the opportunity to get hold of these unique collectibles!!

This project mirrors the young, dynamic and transversal spirit of the brand which is continuously searching for new endeavours, trying to go beyond limits pushing forward into the future!

All proceeds will benefit DOCVA, a non-profit organisation for the promotion and diffusion of contemporary Italian and international artistic research.
Check out www.hoganworld.com and www.docva.org !

On November 5th, Fay presented in its Milan boutique in Via della Spiga, every football/ and sportsfan's new must have-item: the Grand Stadium Jacket. It debutted first in 1990 and has now been reinterpreted reassuring maximum comfort and a tailored form which makes it the perfect item not only for sportive events but also for everyday life. A new jacket has also been launched: MY Stadium, which can be personalized with the colours of your favourite football team, a dream come true for every fashion-conscious sportsfan. You can buy both jackets in all Fay and DEV stores and in retail shops. Check out the new website: www.fay.it

During a recent visit at the Roger Vivier Shop in Via Sant’Andrea in Milan I came across some items that are supposed to become this winter (and not only) must haves. I’ve been adoring Roger Vivier accessories for ever: the brands’ elegant and at the same time very modern touch confers every single item a contemporary identity of its own. Trying on my favourite shoes, the "Belle de Nuit" in black varnish with the typical Roger Vivier buckle, I truly felt like walking on a soft cushion. They are easily adaptable to every occasion and are a precious addition for each wardrobe. Check also out the pink satin-clutch "Drape" on the photo, it will add that special something to your outfit and will be the star of your every move.www.rogervivier.com