Sigfried and the others...

... And so came the sun!

Finally, after days and days of grey skies, rain and fog, today we had a wonderful sunny day...

And Punta del Este is a fabulous place with sun, and an awful one with lousy weather.

As any other place, one might say. But I don't agree...

Why?

Because it is my theory that everything men did in this place is mediocre, while everything Nature did here is grandiose.

And with the sunny weather, along came the turists and visitoris. Brasilians, Argentines, Paraguayan and celebrities...

That's a new category of visitors for Punta del Este. And I mean top celebrities as those who go to St. Tropez, St. Barth, Miami or Marrakech. The first one to show up was Kevin Bacon, with wife Kyra Sedgwick. But his visit was a matter of timing... he is in fact shooting in Argentina.

It is said that Uma Thurman is in José Ignacio; so is Naomi Campbell and Eva Herzigova; that Bruce Willis is to arrive on January 4th to be DJ in a private party.

And I found out today that Richard Gere is, not exactly in Punta, but in Minas, Lavalleja. It seems that that particular place in Uruguay has a Budist temple (more like a retreat, actually) near Aguas Blancas, 30 km from town. Gere is a loyal follower of the Dalai Lama and the Budist religion. He was even seen doing some groceries at the Ta-Ta supermarket.

Monday night I went to have dinner at Marismo, an open-air restaurant beyond José Ignacio, which is my absolute favourite place in the East. Tables under the stars, lit only by candles, a campfire in the middle and your feet sunk in the sand. Small menu: only six or seven options to choose for starters, main courses and desserts. It's worth the 35 km to go and return from my house!

And just that very Monday at Marismo I run into Alfredo Etchegaray having dinner with a couple from Las Vegas: he was very blond and was wearing a white jacket with golden drawings.

I don't know why but he reminded me of Sigfried of Sigfried & Roy, the famous illusionists from Las Vegas, the ones with the white tigers! I never got to see them, and I never been to Vegas... but in that dark night at Marismo, I thought of Sigfried.

And it was him!

So I was told later...

Sigfried, having a canle-lit dinner at José Ignacio...

Reflections in Punta del Este...

So Summer 2010 here in Punta began today!

Why today?

Because tonight we had the Lacoste Party at La Huella. A classic. It is always THE social gathering that initiates Summer's social season here. Weather though was not an ally... fog so thick to cover the first three floors of the tallest building at La Barra. Heavy rains most of the day, grey skies and stormy seas.

But we went to the party all the same.

At 10 pm we drove the 35 km that separates José Ignacio from la Punta, we sunk our 14-cm-heels in the wet sand and walked with determination towards the Parador La Huella.

(A note: for quite some years now, the very best of Punta del Este seats at José Ignacio. The best restaurants (La Huella, Marismo, La Caracola, etc.). The best parties. It's all kilometers and kilometers away if you live at la Punta, as myself.)

Anyway, I got the see our all time friends... In fact, I guess we went for them, the socialites that made what Punta is now. Franco Macri, always cheerful. Alfredo Etchegaray, an Uruguayan that did a lot to promote his country around the world. Pancho Dotto, Cecilia Zuberbuhler, Pablo Santamarina, Wally Diamante, Christiano Rattazzi, and many others that have their houses, or work or come to Punta del Este for summer.

Many many beautiful girls... dressed exactly as I was, to my great surprise! Minidresses (mine was a grey blue sequined one from Topshop) and "booties" (a mixture of short boots and high-heels sandals). I wore ones from Burberry's Summer 2010 Collection, that a good friend of mine was kind enough to bring them to me in his luggage.

And, above all, the must-have black leather jacket.

If you don't have one, do not come to Punta. It's not a matter of pure snobism... It's simply because it's chilly at night and it's rather damp. 85% of the girls tonight were dressed this way.

Except for my sister... she wore a sophisticated green long Lanvin. Very chic.

Lots of food, and drinks, and even a rock band from Colombia.

All in all, we stayed for 40 minutes. Why so little?

Because I had already ate at home before going, a number-one rule to attend any party. Two reasons:

One, to avoid eating things that are not on my diet.

Second, because eating ruins your lipstick. And that doesn't look good.

Then you get to smell like fish or grilled brochette... and that is not ok in a country were you kiss everyone just to greet them.

And another good reason for leaving so early was that once you spoke about the awful weather, the high prices of everything here in Uruguay, the trips you made during the year and whether you are dating or not... then there's not much more to do...

So you turn back, step again the wet sand, drive the 35 km towards home... and at least you have something to tell on your blog...

And you go to bed, wondering... Will it be sunny tomorrow?

Nutcracker at Opera Bastille

Cold Sunday afternoon in Paris, 2ºC and some snowflakes dancing here and there...

Christmas coming nearer by the second...

What a great opportunity then to go see Rudolf Nureyev's Nutcracker at the Opéra Bastille!

It was a special matinée organized to gather funds to support the educational programs "Dix mois d'Ecole et d'Opéra" and "Reve d'enfants, " and also to allow handicapped children to enjoy a spectacle of these unique characteristics.

And it was such a lovely afternoon!

The magic of Tchaikovski's music, the incredible perfection of Nureyev's choreography (created specially for the Opéra National de Paris in 1985), the profesionalism of the corps de Ballet, the Etoiles, Kevin Rhodes' musical conduction and the costumes... What can I tell you?

Fantastic the silvery white ones of the first act, the red ones of the second act and the golden yellow ones of the grand finale. I was quivering with excitement!

Such a pleasure for both ears and eyes...

Of course, tout Paris was there, starting with model Inés Sastre, acting as godmother to the event. She went with her new boyfriend, journalist and TV host, Jean-Luc Delarue. Together they've become one of the most exposed couples in show-biz. There were also many European Princes and Princesses and many important businessmen, always eager to support good causes.

But above all, there was plenty of children, all amazed and with their eyes clouded with fantasy, an effect this eternal piece has provoked and will continue to do so years and years on...

The day Alain Delon kissed my hand...

... and that day was today, in Paris.

My favourite actor in my teens, the Samurai, Rocco from Rocco and his brothers, Fabrizio de Il Gatopardo, Borsalino, the hero from A plein soleil, from La piscine, the number one actor in France, the unique, never matched, kissed my hand... mine!!

So the story goes like this. Alain lives in Paris, and so do I. He goes to the same restaurant I usually go. In Marrakech I even ate at a lunch party he attended. And I saw him once in Punta del Este, when Roberto Giordano flew him specially from France for one of his runway shows...

And today as I was having lunch at 154, a small restaurant at Boulevard Haussmann, near the Museé Jacqmart-André, with some friends... oops... there he was, right next to our table, with a woman who looked like some kind of secretary and another man.

Absolutely ashamed, I couldn't even look at him... But I could see that he was gorgeous in spite of being 75, with a grey suit, a tie-less light blue shirt, a suntanned face and his hair... another story...

White but dense, cut untidily, but with straight locks... only women can understand this.

Did you know that a picture of him, taken in 1966, is now being used in the Eau Sauvage fragance by Dior add?

All of Paris is wall-papered with those adds.

I grew up watching his movies.

I remember vividly my joy when, at 13, I saw La prima notte de quiete, by the Italian director Valerio Zurlini... I can still see myself going out of the tiny and only cinema in Montepulciano, on a rainy Sunday...

So, back to today, he and his party finished having lunch before we did, and before leaving, he stoped by our table and greeted my friend. And then he turned to me, took my right hand and with his deep blue eyes, he looked at me and said: "Vous etes très belle, je vous felicite."

And he kissed my hand.

Believe me, I almost fell from the chair!!!

So he went on: "What do you do?"

"Nothing," I said stupidly...

He kissed my hand again with his unique smile and he left, followed by the gaze of all of us there, walking his personal walk, that neither life nor age, could change.

I know, I know, he tells every girl what he told me... That's Alain Delon, a legend...

But... who cares?

December 1st in New York City...

It's cold, as usual around these days of December...

First thing in the morning, today I went to get a pair of ear-muffs, great American invention.

Just in case you don't know, it's a head-band, of black or brown velvet, that has two round cushions, of fake or real fur (who cares?), to protect the ears from the cold wind that blows untamed from the Hudson River.

The advantage of ear-muffs opposite to hats is that they protect you from the cold without ruining your hair-do.

NYC during Christmas' eve is such an event... legendary, actually. So many traditions, that do not seem to diminish with the recession.

Everything kicks-in in Thanksgiving, the last Thursday of November and one of the most important celebrations of the year. From then on, retailers create different events to attract shoppers... for instance, Black Friday, were sales begin, specially in house apparel, bedding, etc. Then, there's Cyber Monday, were customers are bombarded with promotions and discount coupons to shop online, specially electronic and computer stuff.

And today, December 1st, it was Ladies' day... discounts in all labels and designers, ranging from 40%  to 50% off.

Bergdorf & Goodman was a runway of women in fur coats and Hermès bags fighting over Christian Louboutin booties.

I do have experience in Pre-Christmas sales, so I do not think I could say that recession brought less enthusiasm or less display of Holiday decorations...

On the contrary, I was struck (as usual, really) by the fantastic window display of Bergdorf... Such an ode to fantasy and immagination, luxury... so against recession!

Magic at Bergdorf

NYC is NYC, recession or not.

To prove it, enough to grab a bite at Cipriani on 5th Ave., one of the hotests spots in town.

By 7 pm it was already crowded.

Next to my table I had Harvey Weinstein, Hollywood producer and Tycoon from Miramax, having dinner with his two small daughters... He was having a milanesa steak with spaghetti... Pasta with meat? An heresy for an Italian like myself...

I walked back home some blocks on 5th Ave... It was so cold... but I had my ear-muffs on...

Abercrombie & Fitch in Milan

Short visit to Milan, one of my favourite cities in the World, because of its elegance and charm, the professionalism of its people, the way everything works to perfection and, of course, its SHOPS!

On a tiny square of only four streets long you can find all the boutiques of the mayor fashion designers from Italy, France, England and the US.

Our walk begins on the legendary Via Montenapoleone, all the way to the corner with Via Sant'Andrea, where you'll find Café Cova, a mandatory stop to rest from the shopping spree with a buon cappuccino and one of its unique sweet pasticcinis.

Then, continuing on Via Sant'Andrea, you'll see, one next to the other, Chanel, Hermès, Fendi, Michael Kors, Prada... all of them squeezed in one hundred meters... such a sight for sore eyes!

Make a turn on the famous Via della Spiga (pedestrian street) and you'll find two Dolce & Gabbana stores, two Roberto Cavalli shops, one Gio Moretti and a concept store with one-of-a-kind outfits. They are followed by as many jewelry stores as you can possibly imagine...

It is always a pleasure to come here and walk around these world-famous streets... except that they are empty now: few people passing-by and no-one in the stores!!

What is going on?

I ask this to my friend, Adriana, a true "Milanesa" and a manager at Les Copains, a good clothing label.

She tells me we are facing great changes in our relationship with fashion and women, due to the global recession, no longer feel like spending a lot of money on clothing nor investing on key classical pieces to wear over and over. Everything now is about buying outfits and accessories that make a statement from low-cost retail stores as Zara, H&M and Topshop.

She then takes me to take a look to the new fashion temple in Milano...

Not far from the golden streets of fashion, in the corner of Corso Matteotti and Via San Pietro dell'Orto, behind a huge front gate, rises the new pride of Milano: Abercrombie & Fitch.

Voilá where people were hiding!

Long lines to get inside, as in NYC, and gorgeous guys in their twenty-somethings, wearing unbuttoned plaid shirts (in spite of the cold), to welcome you to the store. And once inside, beautiful girls in the casual sexy look that shapes the spirit of the brand, created in 1892 by David T. Abercrombie and Ezra Fitch, two Americans who loved trekking and out-door recreation. The label was modernized a few years ago by Michael Jeffries and it became something of a cult thanks to some few secrets: as I said. beautiful men and women welcoming shoppers, sexy-but-not-tacky outfits, and above all, low prices.

Every store in the world feels the same: extremely-high music, scented air, and an American-sporty look circa 1892 decorating the walls.

It was common to ask for an A&F t-shirt to all those travelling to the States.

Now, Milan has its very own A&F Temple and in 2011 so will Paris.

As I wait in Milan's airport, I see that 1 of 5 fellow travellers carry an A&F bag...

Tiziano, Tintoretto, Veronese...

After waiting since its opening (on September 17th!) to get tickets, today I finally visited the exhibition "Titien, Tintoreto, Véronèse... Rivalités à Venise," at the Louvre.

I must say it was worth the wait!

Absolutely marvellous!

Such a privilege to be able to enjoy these Masters of the 16th Century Venetian Art (the Golden Era of Venice) together, with their painting gathered according to subject, so that we visitors can compare their diverse visions on the world, their technics and personal use of color. One can even dare to chose the best... among the best in Art History!

I was personally impressed by Tiziano (Titian) and his paintings. They were outstanding because of his outlines and portraits... in many you can even feel the souls of those being portrayed. And what can I say about his Danaë? The whiteness of her skin, her celestial curves... almost as beautiful as his "Venus with a mirror."

It was amazing to see his "Pilgrims of Emmaus," a subject the three of the Masters painted, and that in this exhibition are shown side by side, so that visitors can appreciate each version and its differences...

Of course, I still prefer Tiziano's...

Tintoretto's Pilgrims of Emmaus

Tiziano's Pilgrims of Emmaus

Veronese's Pilgrims of Emaus

Tiziano Vecellio was Michelangelo's pupil and became so talented that even Charles V visited him at his studio. Shocked by his presence, Tiziano dropped one of his brushes, and the Emperor himself kneeled to get it for him!!!

Some say that's how his downfall began... but that's another story...

Unfortunatelly, this incredible exhibition will be open til January 4th, 2010.

What a pity.

Tiffany in Paris

Fancy dinner party at the private residence of the US' Ambassador in France to honour the 10th Anniversary of the opening of the first Tiffany boutique in Paris.

As usual, wonderful American organization.

Mandatory ID to get inside the Residence, located on Faubourg St. Honoré, not far from the Elysium Palace.

Time: Arrival 7:30 pm, departure 10:30 pm.

One hundreds guests only.

Two long tables, standing side by side, with 50 people each, both of them decorated with Tiffany's light pale blue and centerpieces with white orchids and crystal candelabra, also signé Tiffany. So were the silver serving pieces and the china. Because Tiffany is not only a Jewelry store but it also is, and has been since President Lincoln, the provider of table sets to the White House and its Presidents. So Ambassador Rivkin told us in his warm speech. As you can see, there's always been a close colaboration between Tiffany and the US Government.

Dinner was exquisit: souffle as an entreé (for a party of a 100!) served coordinately to everyone at the same time by disciplined valets. And chocolate simphony as dessert.

Guests?

Some princesses, many well-known journalists, as Claire Chazal (TF1 News host), Ambassadors of fellow countries (the English Ambassador spoke wonderfully about his recent visit to Buenos Aires), business-men, mannequins (as Farida), top-models from the 80s... and many more.

What I wore?

Oscar de la Renta, of course... what else?

Montepulciano

Just for a two-day visit, today I came back to my home-town. Well, it's technically more than just my home-town.

Wikipedia would say that Montepulciano is a medieval and Renaissance hill town and commune in the province of Siena, in southern Tuscany (Italy). It has an elevation of 605 m, sits on a high limestone ridge, and it is inhabited by 13.870 people.

It has one of the most important architectonic masterpieces of Humanity, the Sanctuary of the Madonna de San Biagio, built between 1518 and 1545 by Antonio da Sangallo The Elder. It has a circular (central) plan with a large dome over a terrace and a squared tambour. The exterior, with two bell towers, is built in white travertine. Turists, specially in Summer, come from the four corners of the World.

In Montepulciano, apart from my sister and I, in 1454 was born Angelo Ambrogini, known as Il Poliziano, one of the most important Humanist poets of the Médici Era.

Montepulciano is also well-known by its red wine, the Nobile di Montepulciano,  an excellent chianti, produced in many of the vineyards sorrounding the city.

Except for some minor changes, everything looks like it was back in 1500, and in this particular November night, cold and humid, with no turists in sight, it seems as if time has not gone by at all.

But from November 18th, Montepulciano will be known by many others.

That will be the date of the world premiere of  "New Moon", the second installment of the Twilight Saga.

As it happens, the movie has key scenes that were shot here, in Montepulciano, during March and April of this year. Its Medieval streets, its Piazza Grande and its aristrocratic palazzos were used as scenarios.

If the movie has the success everyone predicts, next summer we'll be invaded by turists and vampire-lovers.

What a shame.

Autumn in Paris.

First week of November... and such vivid sensations...

To begin with, the beautiful colours of Autumn, with its yellows, its reds and oranges in every tree of the many Parks of the City: the Parc Monceau, the Butte de Montmartre or even the Jardin de Luxembourg, with its many ghosts of past artists throughout the centuries. Writers as Gérard de Nerval, poets as Baudelaire, paintors as Modigliani or even Françoise Sagan, who lived in front, spent time at le Jardin. Such a leyend, really.

But around these days you can also see some very premature Christmas decorations and the very first sales at the big department stores such as Galeries Lafayette or Printemps. We are on the 8 of November... Sales already? Even offering 50% off? Some labels try to resist them, but most of them play by the new rules of the market. Everything better than getting stuck with merchandise!

Sales at Printemps!

The recession here has been strong and you can feel it everywhere. For example, restaurants around town have reduced the TVA tax from 16,90% to 5,50% and have even cut off some prices on the menu to get some clients back to dinning out. You can also see the crisis on the many no-funds checks than have been given by so many desperate pleople... Never has there been so many as this year!

But appart from all this, the first weeks of November are famous in France because of the many Literature prizes being given out these days. The most wanted one is the Prix Goncourt, the dream of every writer, which this year was awarded to Marie NDiaye, quite a surprise for women seldom get this prize. In fact, the last one to receive it was Paule Constat in 1998. There's also the Prix Renaudot, which was given to Frédéric Beigbeder, for "Un roman francais", my very favourite one! The Prix Flore, organized by the legendary Café Flore, was awarded to Simon Liberati, while Jean Marie Blas de Robles took home the Prix Medicis. To be announced are the winners of the Prix Fémina and the Prix Interaillé...

... And so, after that, another season would have gone by...

My favourite, Frédéric Beigbeder

Halloween in New York

This weekend New York was hot... You'll see why!

As you probably know, on the night of October 31st., everyone here celebrates Halloween. For US it is almost like a National Holiday. Halloween has its roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain and the Christian holy day of All Saints. It is said that it was the Irish immigrants who trasnfered versions of their traditions in America during the Famine of 1840. The word Halloween represents a Scots variant of the fuller All-Hallows-Even, which means the night before All Saints Day.

For Halloween everything turns black and orange, kids go around the neighbourhoods trick-or-treating, cinemas and TV channels showcase horror-movies marathons, and there are costume parties everywhere.

No city celebrates Halloween as New York.

Since I got here, early in the morning, I got to feel the Halloween spirit first-hand: all the staff and employees of the Airport greeted visitors dressed as vampires, witches and huge pumpkins. And it was six in the morning!!

Parties in the Big Apple had begun earlier, on Friday Night actually and, since September, about 725 "Pop-up Shops," selling tricks and costumes literally poped-up in key places around the city. They will last till the first week of November. Why? Because of the recession, of course. As many shops had to close, owners prefer to rent the free spaces temporally. After Halloween, they will become All-Christmass boutiques.

I saw many of this shops in Downtown and I was surprised by the fact that the biggest selling masks were those of Michael Jackson and Bernie Maddof... a dead and a convict!!!

The best shop for costumes and make-up, I have to say this, is definitely Ricky's on Broadway.

Halloween in New York is real fun, everyone gets dressed and yesterday we had a lovely mild weather to enjoy it.

Walking down 5th Avenue towards the building I was staying at, around 5 pm, people passed me by dressed as witches, vampires, monsters and even as sado-masochists!

As I got closer, I saw a huge crowd surrounding the building while ambulances and fire trucks were stopping the traffiic. The appartment below mine was on fire!!!!!

They already were evacuating everyone, many barefoot or half-naked, as if they were just taken from their showers. The fire-fighters (many!) looked so Nicolas Cage or John Travolta!

Tourists took pictures and some even called their hometowns to tell everyone the huge adventure they were witnessing...
I sat on the steps of St. Patrick's Church to wait... I even got to meet many of my neighbours.
Finally, a couple of hours later, the Fire-Fighter-in-chief, with its incredible suit, allowed us to get back inside. No mayor damages, thanks God.
But what an advenure!

This morning, under a light rain, the 2009 ING New York Marathon was held around town: 42 km from Staten Island to Central Park and almost 40.000 runners. By far, the most popular marathon in the world!
As usual, an Ehiopian-born Meb Keflezighi won the Men's Marathon (but he's an american now) and another Ethiopian, Derartu Tulu, won the women's.
It's a fact: next year I'll run it too. I'll start training right now, going down as fast as possible the 25 floors of my NY building.
You never know... Where there was fire...

COAS Benefit Gala 2009

One of the year‘s main events is the Annual Benefit Gala held by COAS (Cooperativa de Acción Social) before the opening of their Feria de las Naciones, which main purpose is to raise money for Buenos Aires‘s public hospitals.

Yesterday‘s Gala was the perfect occasion to present COAS‘ new President, Ani Mestre de Sambrizzi, who gave a compelling speech, explaining with numbers and facts how much is needed to improve the Health System (a lot!) and how much COAS has done this year (a lot too!).

Mauricio Macri, Buenos Aires‘ mayor, also gave a hopeful speech.

Joyería Jean Pierre donated pieces to be given as prizes and there was also an outfit by Susana Ortiz. La Rural‘s Ballroom was splendidly decorated by Martín Roig and Galería Daniel Maman lent some paintings to be shown on the walls.

Elena Roger and her ensamble cast from Piaf sang three songs from the theatrical success Piaf and had us all in tears (even me!). Elena has nothing to envy Edith Piaf herself.

No-one missed the Gala: 800 people were there. Of course, we ladies were showing our best gowns and everybody danced to the 70s style music!

One again, another opportunity to prove that glamour and social work can go together...

Andy Warhol, Mr.America.

As you can probably tell, this time of the year (mid-October) is quite intense… with events every day!

Tonight I went to the pre-viewing of the Andy Warhol exhibition at the MALBA. It is the first retrospective exhibition ever on the King of Pop Art in Argentina, and it will be presenting 170 of his masterpieces, including portraits of Marilyn, Jackie Kennedy, Lenin and Mao, the famous Campbell‘s painting, two films and self-pictures on Polaroids. Everything charmingly arranged by Philip Larrat-Smith and brought as a loan by the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, his home town.

I was struck by his portrait on Lenin, in red and black, because it unleashes violent vibrations, as if he were some kind of mefistófeles of power. I also enjoyed a tape showing a casting by Edie Sedgwick, who was one of his muses and an active piece of his studio The Factory, a kind of social lab reuniting the rich and the poor, the outcasts, the homo and the heterosexual. 

The exhibition will be open till February 22nd.

Among the local socialites, I‘d like to praise the beauty and grace of Clarisse, Eduardo Costantini‘s wife, wearing a beige dress, very elegant, and Louboutin shoes. 

Local artists were also there, such as Rogelio Polesello and Eduardo Pla.

Definitely a must-see event that will enrich your souls…

Gala in Buenos Aires

I just come from the Annual Gala held by the Foundation supporting the Hospital de Clínicas, which has become a must among Buenos Aires‘ socialites and a good chance to unite what we Italians call "l‘ utile al dilettevole", that is duty with pleasure!

Everyone belonging to the Foundation, which is presided by Mercedes Dietrichstein de Zemborain, help with the Gala by offering, for example, the ballroom in the Hotel (this year, at the Four Seasons) or donating the wines served during dinner or even the prizes to be given among the guests. This year the prizes included trips to Paris (at the Ritz!), Air France tickets, cruises to Patagonia, Alejandro Ranieri‘s paintings and jewels by Jean-Pierre.

Everyone gets to show their best ensambles: smokings for men, great long dresses for the ladies.

Tonight we had a Samba show and music by DJ Héctor Suasnabar… with the eternal classics, what maybe makes us all feel very confident dancers… as if time has never gone by.

Ok, so much for my insight on the night…

All in all, the party was brilliant, with splendid women and a general mood avid for fun. It was like a Buenos Aires version of Proust‘s "La recherche du temps perdu."

Among the guests, Liú Terracini wore red, Bettina Bulgheroni looked super sexy in black (she even won a watch by Jean Pierre) and Esmeralda Mitre shone with a long red caftan. I found Mauricio Macri‘s girlfriend, Malala Groba, very friendly and nice. And there were many French aristocrats, such as the Luynes, the Larrivière and Anne-Marie de la Bruyère.

The most beautiful of the night? Without a doubt, my sister Rosella, with a golden Oscar de la Renta.

I felt like in a party from another time, but pleasing and with an important duty in mind: to help the Hospital de Clínicas improve its facilities so as to better serve the needy.

A complaint?

I get infuriated by those who smoke and smoke in close spaces, without respecting the law or fellow guest!

Agatha in BA

I just got home from the runway-show by Agatha Ruiz de la Prada at the Embassy of Spain. It‘s Agatha‘s first time in Argentina.

And to tell you the truth, I actually came back feeling so happy and light spirited!!!

Various reasons:

To begin with, the Embassy looked lovely: the runway,

the lighting… everything perfectly orchestrated by Para Tí Magazine, who is hosting Agatha‘s visit here. Among the very selected audience of just 300 ("trier sur le volets"), there were models, actresses, socialites, designers and many just curious to see something from abroad.

And then, Agatha‘s happy nature (she is just like a Peter Pan with a skirt!) is so contagious and was shown in her clothes, full of colour, dots, lines and hearts and even on the models on the runway, all of them smiling!

Agatha Ruiz de la Prada is a Spanish aristocrat, married to the owner of the Spanish newspaper "El Mundo", but in spite of her condition, she has worked hard to impose her views on fashion and, most of all, her philosophy on life: the importance of creation and optimism, above all things.

It is possible to find her touch on many objects, such as phones, toys, carpets…

She came here this time to present her sixth fragance, "Oh la lá".

I‘ll tell you a story: I‘ve known Agatha from Paris. A couple of months ago, I got to travel with her on an Easy-Jet flight from Paris to Milan. Low-cost traveling is a good way to avoid private planes and do a little something for our environment. In fact, that flight must have cost 39 euros! I was traveling with a cousin of mine, who is a duchess and even has a Castle! The three of us just got lucky and got seats on the first aisle!

It was really early in the morning and I guess we bearly said hi.

Can you believe that the first thing Agatha told me tonight was that she remembered that flight and how I changed my beloved Havaiianas flip-flops for my Louboutins upon landing in Milan? She even told it in front of the TV cameras!

Well, that‘s Agatha, pure happiness and enjoyment.

I hope she does well here in Argentina, and that we learn to appreciate her…

Football Night in BA...

Yesterday I`ve been to a coktail held at the Cartier Boutique on Alvear Avenue. As Mother`s day draws near, the prestigious brand presented it`s Trinity Collection, which key note is the mixture of three golds: white, red and yellow. Like every other creation of the House, this one also proved refined and classy.

But what was probably out of their minds while organizing the gathering was a tiny tiny detail: Argentina`s Football Team would be in Montevideo fighting life and death to get to South Africa 2010 World Cup.

So, as you can probably guess, we were mostly women and the few men around looked in a hurry to run home and suffer in front of the TV watching the game.

In spite of October`s cool weather, I wore a Michael Kors mini-dress with Louboutin sky-high heels... Yeah! A totally summery outfit!

My sister, proving once again how different we can sometimes be, wore a Lanvin black leather coat with fur... Two ways of seeing life, I guess.

Anyway, before heading back home, I had to stop by the Disco supermarket on Quintana.

As I shopped, I felt a reproving look following down the aisles... Of course! Everyone was still dress for winter!! I even heard a lady asking her husband how come I wasn`t cold. "I`m leaving, I`m leaving,"I said embarrassed.

I run home to watch the game.

If it was cold in Montevideo, so much more here, in Buenos Aires.

2010 Spring-Summer Collections (Part III)

So, finally, after a month of runway shows in New York, London, Milan and Paris, fashion-weeks are over. At least, till February-March 2010, when we'll be seeing the Autumn-Winter 2010/2011 collections. But let's not hurry too much!

What can I tell you about the intense shows in Paris?

If I had to rephrase a French saying used when in trouble, cherchez la femme (look for the woman), I would say cherchez les chaussures, look for shoes!!!

I guess they never been on such a spotlight as nowadays... Is it because we are just crazy about them? Or is it that today's designs are so creative that definitely resemble masterpieces with feathers, straps, sky-high heels? Now you have booties and shooties (half booties-half shoes): really sadomasochistic designs which before were only seen on Pigalle "hot" spots...

Some designers, to achieve the-bootie-look even had models wearing socks with sandals on the runway... Check Oscar de la Renta or Valli.

Definitely, this is the year of the shoe. It could probably be due to the fact that minis seem to be back just like when Mary Quant created them on 1967. And the truth is that to wear a mini you need great shoes, to put focus on your legs...!

But back to the shows, few designers stroke a chord on me. Balmain's Christophe Decanin presented a collection that seemed to belong to "Mad Max' (1987): totally destroyed but sexy outfits, modern and edgy, with metallic mesh dresses in shiny green khaki and wrinkled boots... I liked it all!

(Note: It's a pity that when going to the boutique, most sizes are not right and nothing fits me... and I'm a 36 everywhere!!!)

Mad Max á la Balmain

Unfortunatelly I can't say the same of my beloved Alber Elbaz, from Lanvin, who is one of the most affectionate and charming human being I know. His collection looked overloaded in drapes, heavy, hard to take and wear gracefully. It is said that Elbaz will be replacing Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel... Rumors...

Chanel's. Mmm... I hated that one. First of all because of the Dutch-like shoes on the models (uh!) and then because of the childish minidresses and the stockings with straps... I'm sorry but I thought it was hideous!

Chanel (What can I say?)

I'm not quite into Jean Paul Gaultier's collection for Hermes either, although one must say their leather is the finest and the handbags were splendid as usual. The outfits though, resembling tennis ensembles from a scene of "Il Giardino dei Finzi Contini", looked difficult to wear for me.

I kind of liked Valentino's (designed by Maria Rosa Chiuri and Paolo Piccioli): nice short dresses with flowers in light colours, like beige, grey and cream... It looked very Marchesa to me, but far, far away from Valentino's classic reds and those times when he designed the collections himself.

And to put an end to my fashionista-confession, I quite loved what Giambattista Valli presented. I find him to be a very talented Italian who has not yet found the sponsor to pull him to stardom. Nice colours, lovely minis with red feathers... charming, charming.

Giambattista Valli

One last tip: The new trends say, it's time to invest in shoes and jewelry, specially huge necklaces and many many bracelets!

Déjeuner au Ritz

You could say that twice a year (that is during the first week of October and the first of March) the city of Paris turns up-side down!

The French just say "Uh, c'est la semaine de la mode...," as if that would justify the mess. It's true. Very famous designers, and others that are expecting to be, reveal their collection along 8 days full of runway shows. All the specialized press come here, with its Editors-in-Chief, their assistants, Photographers and staff. You have to add the models and their managers, make-up artists and coiffeurs, special guests such as singers and actresses and, last but not at all least, the BUYERS: those who chose among the collections what they'll take for the big department stores, boutiques and shops around the world, from Tokyo to Sidney, from East to West!

So this is why traffic becomes chaotic, there are parties and cocktails everywhere and everyone that has something to do with fashion comes to Paris.

And the place to be is the mythical Hotel Ritz.

The lucky ones get a room, others just come and go. The place to see and be seen is the Bar at the Ritz, where you get to have a table only if you know the right people!

As a fashionist and blogger, I lunched there everyday: it's much more fun that the runway shows themselves!

I had a table next to Yoko Ono and her son Julian Lennon (with a really pretty girlfriend) and also near Peter Dundas (Pucci's new designer) who was with Daphne Guinness (my serious fashionista-opponent... she was wearing Nina Ricci's heel-less shoes that look as if hanging in mid-air...!!). I also saw Lindsay Lohan, who's now some kind of style advisor to Ungaro. The Maison is trying to bring fresh air to a brand that's been decaying over the years... Mmm... I dont't think they'll get it if they keep showing models almost naked on the runway... Ungaro's new designer is an unknown Estrella Arch from Spain, but I'll be commenting more on the collections on another post.

Back to the Ritz.

Janet Jackson was also there and so were Grace Coddington and Anna Wintour. I couldn't actually tell if they were really there or if I was dreaming them after falling asleep over my issue of Vogue!

To get back to Planet Earth, I went to 17, Rue Scribe, near L‘Opera, to the opening of UNIQLO, a gigantic low-cost Japanese retail store, with other branches in cities such as London and NY.

In Paris, they got a 2100-mts-space and, much to my surprise, there was a three-block line to get inside!!

As I am a deeply curious person, I stood behind a group of Japanese and waited patiently for my turn. I didn't care much that my totally-Ritz-outfit (Prada Spring-Summer 2005 suit with Louboutin heels of painful 14 cm!) was caughting the attention of passers-by that kept laughing at us (some even took pictures!).

After a half-and-hour wait, I got inside the Uniqlo Temple, a three-floor-high space packed with clothes of the happiest colours, very very Gap.

At Uniqlo you can get cashmere sweaters for 49,90 euros, jeans for 9,90 euros and Jill Sander-specially-designed-coats for 120 euros... Tempting!

But the waiting lines at the cashier diminished my patience completely.

I went outside empty-handed.

A girl at the exit gave 100%-organic-cotton bags to all buyers (those carrying Uniqlo bags) and, of course, she totally ignored me.

I guess I better head back to the Ritz for tea...

2010 Spring-Summer Collections (Part II)

Tomorrow will be the last day of the runway shows for the Spring-Summer 2010 Collections in Milan and the caravan of fashion will reach its final stop: Paris.

So, what could be seen in Milan then?

If we guide ourselves from what the English newspapers have been publishing lately, nothing good really.

According to them, the fashion collections in Milan were better suited for "le zoccole", which could be translated as "for cats". In the worst possible meaning, of course.

It is true that most Italian designers presented many mini-skirts (getting shorter every day!), see-through fabrics in the limit of decency, 15-cm-high impossible heels and drapes typical of a brothel... indeed of an arguable taste and definitely not elegant...

However, we must keep in mind that these runway shows are just that, shows and that many of the clothes are presented by skinny models aged 19 to whom nothing looks awful really.

What will actually be on sale in the boutiques will be different... or at least I hope so!

But you never know these days...

I would recommend, because of its prints, its colours and minis, the Versace Collection, sexy and fresh.

Also the one signé by Dolce & Gabbana: a balanced mixture between male and female, minidresses as petticoats and suits for men with white shirts and ties. All black looks with just some touches of beige and red.

I likes Pucci's Collection (the second one with Peter Dundas as designer and better than his first) because of its many colours and freshness.

To highlight: shoes tall to the ankle are still hot, with straps as booties and extremely high heels.

And a revival: drapes have invaded all summer dresses.

Let's see now what Paris has to offer.

Fashion for cats?

Dsquared Spring-Summer 2010 Collection

Sexy Versace in Milan.

Un Prophète

After winning the Gran Prix du Jury at the Cannes Film Festival, Jacques Audiard's movie, Un prophète, has just premiered here in Paris.

I saw it yesterday and it left me breatheless!

It tells a dark story of prisons and delinquency, of lack of racial integration, violence and corruption... but it is however enlighted by the presence and talent of Tahar Rahim, a young actor that, as the French put it, "creve l'ecran", which means that his presence alone steals the whole scene.

He plays Malik El Djebena, a 19-year-old robber, iliterate and family-less, convicted to a 6-year sentence in prison, who, thanks to his natural wit, is able to dominate to his advantage that world of despair.

But that's all I'll tell you. You have to see it.

The movie is already a candidate to be nominated for Best Foreign Movie in next year's Academy Awards, and believe me, you'll hear lots about it!

The Devil wears Prada... and so do I.

Fashion Week in Milan and as usual, what everyone here looks for is Miuccia Prada's Fashion Show.

While other shows are packed with special guests and stars, in hers there's only one person in the spotlight: Miuccia, of course.

Talented as few, she just become 60 in May and still imposes her laws in the Fashion bussiness. Her name is more than just a brand or label: the other day, in a restaurant, I saw a young woman wearing a tatoo on her arm that read Fashion is Miuccia.

Her 2010 Spring-Summer Collection did not deceive her fans, among which I include myself!

As usual, she had the wit to present new hits, such as shoes decorated with crystal lamp beads (creating an effect of fantasy and lightness), or dresses made with what looked as sun-dyed drapes but were actually specially created fabrics with a mixture of duchesse silk and nylon, channelling the nostalgic with the futuristic.

There were manu short skirts and everyone loved the net tunics with crystal beads worn over fourreaux of white silk in a trapezoidal cut.

Another Miuccia Prada hit: she has just opened a new boutique in Milan, on Corso Venecia, where shoppers can customize their buys by embroidering their initials, or choose jeans among 22 different types of dyed denim, or even order a dress or a coat in any desired colour.

An excellent way to escape from what's imposed and creat a unique wardrobe.

As usual, Miuccia is the best.

The Princess and the President

In France, on Thursdays the most popular magazines here hit the newstands.
And today, the covers of the top ones (Paris-Match, Le Point, Le Nouvelle Observateur), share a same topic: the new book, to be on sale tomorrow, "La Princesse et le Président," written by Valéry Giscard d'Estang, former President of France.
It's been a week already since the whole French and English press started making assumptions on the subject of this novel which tells an impossible love story between Jacques-Henry Lambertye, President of France, and Lady Patricia, Princess of Cardiff, beautiful, blond and unhappily married to the Prince of Wales.
Hello? Does this ring a bell?
Well, as it happens, in the Nineties (more precisely in 1994), Lady Diana had a meeting with VGE (as he is known here), who had been President of France between 1974 and 1981. However, no-one could imagine that they actually had a thing going on! He was 65 by then and she a little over 30...
He wasn´t much of a heartbreaker, but quite a charmer... at least, that's what I'm being told.
Anyway, this is what's in everyone's conversation here in Paris.
VGE gave only one interview: to Le Point. There he says that it was Lady Diana's idea to create a love story with two characters just like them and that he, to honour her memory, decided to finally do so last year.
Of course, he denies a true romance but many believe he likes playing with the mistery and this, of course, will increase the sales of his book and maybe produce some sour relationships with the English.
Is it the outcome of the imagination of an old man?
Or really a love story with a tragic end?
I guess we'll never know for sure...

Camden Market

Fashion week in London. Beautiful weather. What a great opportunity then to cross the Channel with the Eurostar for the week-end: 2 hours and 15 minutes of high speed to reach destination and even win an extra hour thanks to the fact that the English live on a different time-zone than the French!

And, now that we are here, why not visit Camden Market for the first time?

After taking a look around, one gets to discover many things from England.

To begin with, this is a totally free country in what has to do with fashion and style.

Want to dye your hair pink? Why not?

But you are a man? Who cares?

Want to carry a piercing on the tip of your nose? Go ahead!

Isn't it fantastic?

Camden Market is located north of London, it was opened on 1974 together with Camden Lock and it is now a laberynth of shops, stands, food carts from around the world, piercing and tatoo salons and little spots where you can find the craziest stuff! Green wigs, 25-cm-high platform shoes and, of course, the English flag printed almost anywhere: china, mugs, rugs, pillows...

And the hats!! The English love them and they are not afraid to actually use them!

As for the clothes, in Camden Market you can get from arab outfits for belly-dancing to burqas!

This definitely reflects the essence of London: un bouillon des cultures, where each one coexists peacefully with their traditions, their looks and fashions.

Now I understand where John Galliano, Stella McCartney and, specially Alexander McQueen get their ideas and inspiration: from places like Camden Market.

No longer interested in going to Fashion Week here.

I think I've seen it all!

Shopping in Camden Market

PS 1: On the train back home, I read (or should I say, ate?) Mauvaise Fille, by Justine Levy.

What a fantastic book! Such a way to portray her soul, her pain, her fears... that is, bringing her guts inside-out, without any tabu. Pure talent.

PS 2: Now I bear two hopes...

1. That Justine gets the Goncourt Prix to which she is a nominee in November (It is France most important Literature award).

2. That the Spanish translation of her novel reaches Argentina as soon as possible so that you too can enjoy it.

2010 Spring-Summer Collections (Part I)

Today is the final day of the runway shows in New York and this caravan of Fashion will then leave for London and Milan to reach beautiful Paris by the end of October.

So what about the runway shows?

Honestly, I've looked and studied the collections and I'm not at all impressed!

Everything... more of the usual! Many styles, colours and outfits that looked as if belonging to previous years. Little imagination.

I know, I know... We are in the middle of recession and Fashion, as everything and everyone, has to readapt itself to the new scenario. Is it because of this that Ralph Lauren's collection looked so-last-season to me?

Anyway, my worst consideration goes to Marc Jacobs, a fashion genius for many... Few times have I seen outfits with such little grace, such colourless-colours, lengths so unfitting to women in general. It proved circus-like to me!

On the contrary, I found Diane von Furstenberg's collection, designed by Nathan Jenden, nice and fresh, with uplifting colours (oranges and yellows), knee-length skirts and vaguely African prints. Very summery in fact.

I also would highlight Michael Kors', with his American Chic style and his dresses with transparent entre-deux.

In general, from what's been seen in most of the Collections, one can say that there's a comeback of the yellow, the short skirts, and high shoes and platforms.

Dulcis in fundo... my beloved Oscar de la Renta's collection, who, as everyone knows, is my-all-time favourite designer. As usual, his clothes were elegant, charming and impecable. Amazing were the day suits made in crochet and the night dresses in pink, orange or blue.

Let's see what the European designers have to give.

I'll keep you posted!

Lots of Orange on Oscar de la Renta's runway.

Merci!!

Behind the Parisian quartier of Le Marais, on the Boulevard Beaumarchais, between the Place de la Repúblique and the Place de la Bastille (or between la Bastille and la Republique as Marc, mi driver, noted) a little more than a month ago a new boutique called Merci came to life.

More than a boutique, one can say that it's actually an emporium, for you can find from used books to antique china, YSL or Chanel outfits, Gap Jeans, or even plants and flowers!

Of course, in spite of never being around that particular quartier, I had to go and check it out.

I was nicely shocked: It is quite different from other Paris' Concept Stores as Colette or Montaige Market, which are mainly multi-label shops.

Merci has a cafeteria called Used Book Café, which walls packed to the ceiling with used books create a warm and cozy atmosphere. There's a patio with a parked red Fiat Cinquecento full of toys. And the main salon has very special finishing touches, such as hundreds of tea cups hanging from the roof in white laces.

The clothes, although not my style, change every week so it's a matter of dropping by from time to time.

But the most important thing here is that its owner, Marie-France Cohen (also owner of Bonpoint, the oldest and nicest baby clothing label in Paris) has decided to donate all incomes of Merci to a benefit helping the children and women of Madagasca.

Voilá, this is new: the Concept-Store Solidaire.

Merci, Marie-France, for knowing how tobe grateful.

Used Book Café at Merci.