... And may all your wishes come true!!

Lacoste's Party 2012...

As I applied my make-up and got dressed as every year, on the same date, to go to the traditional Lacoste's Party, I wondered if it was all really worth it... Drive so many miles, go to bed late and suffer the cold... It got me thinking... No, it did not seem quite worthy. But it's a tradition, one of the few prevailing in this shaken and ever-changing world. A tradition of Punta del Este, of the summers in the south, a frivolous tradition... But, so what?

So, for the love of traditions, to say hello to friends of the past and the present, to go on being a part of Punta del Este... I got dressed and went to the party.

And in the end, yes... It was worthy.

Thank you Revista Hola...

... And to all of you who voted for me... I'm really overwhelmed!

Merry Christmas

... And my best wishes to you all!

Revista Hola...

I want to thank Revista Hola for including me in this year's Best-dressed list... Thank you so much!!

St. Tropez forever...

After a couple of hectic weeks, running from here to there, it's finally time to return to Buenos Aires and, quick enough, undo and redo my luggage to head to Punta del Este shortly. The last few days of the year are always so full of activities and things to do, but it's the proximity of summer what keeps us going...

Punta del Este reminds me of another destination I enjoy as much: St. Tropez. I`ve published many post from the French Riviera, but all the same, I want to share with you a piece I wrote for Mustique Magazine...

Before going to St. Tropez, it's important to make some stops in the road towards the legend... We must start by remembering the small fishermen town of the beginning of the past century, discovered by Paul Signac and his artists friends; then, the city of parties and glamour, made famous by Brigitte Bardot, Roger Vadin and Gunther Sachs; to finally reach the melancholic place that played as scenery for Francoise Sagan's famous novel and her band of insolent writers. But, apart from this clichés belonging to the past, St. Tropez proposes a contemporary reality forever re-visited. It is because of this that this mythical and magical place never ceases to amaze and seduce.

Doubting still? Well then, follow me...

Do you want to mingle with the rich and famous?

Then, enough to just have a seat, around noon, on the terrace of the Senequier, center of St. Tropez microcosmos. This year it celebrates its 125th Anniversary. It is there, among a French former President, some rich oligarchs barely-arrived-from-their-yachts and many show-biz stars, that the events and gatherings of the day are decided. Do you want to go to Naomi Campbell's birthday party? Or to the annual Tony Murray's party? Or to the (private) dinner organized by Bernard Arnault? All those activities are not forbidden to the common mortals, because generosity is a rule in St. Tropez. Of course, the tanned and beautiful are usually more lucky...

Do you want to eat well and socialize?

Among the many mandatory rituals of vacationing in St. Tropez, the more mythical one is having lunch at Club 55 (my favorite) in Ramatuelle. It's a nest of celebrities, a place to bump into old friends or simply spot the millionaires (and their entourage) arrived from the four corners of the world. Every day they serve more than 800 guests.

The first time I had lunch at Club 55 I fell in love with their salade Pampelonne (goat cheese, tomatos, fresh mint leaves and vinegar) and today, many years later, I still cannot order something else. 

Another beach restaurant is Nikki Beach, also very bling bling. The most decadently famous, la Voile Rouge, has just closed its doors... Some regret it. Other, like myself, not at all. Even St. Tropez' excesses have a limit.

Do you want to go shopping?

Here you'll find Ali Baba's cage. It's best than a cage , because its treasures can not be found anywhere  else. Sandals, earrings, beach totes, bikinis, sunglasses and party dresses "made in St. Tropez," worthy only because you find them precisely when you need them. I recommend a detailed visit to the tortuous streets of the seaport: Rue Allard, Rue Georges-Clemenceau, Rue Gambetta, Place de la Garonne. There, the flagship stores of the international labels mingle with the typical tropezienne boutiques, which are a source of inspiration to the most glamorous looks of the summer.

The unforgettable Rondini sandals, which rival those made by K. Jacques in situ, the earrings at Gas and Alix, the sexy dresses at Brigitte B. For some seasons now, big labels as Dior and Chanel install pop-up boutiques on famous villas with gardens. Dior's was decorated by Peter Marino.

One last suggestion: don't miss the markets on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at Place de Lices, an important appointment if you want to feel the true St. Tropez...
Do you want to "faire la fête"?
Then St. Tropez is the perfect place. You can spend the night at Les Caves du Roy, at the Hotel Byblos, which is the favourite spot for all the VIPs (and they are many) in town... However, for me, the best place is Papagayo, which this year has celebrated an important anniversary: 50 summers... Founded by Francois "Frangy" Malortique in 1962, if its walls could talk, they would tell us how Brigitte Bardot danced barefoot, not far from Pablo Picasso, how Francoise Sagan discussed at the bar, how the Disco movement ruled the place by the end of the 70s and how now is the time for the coolest DJs to set the mood. Many loves have flourished and died at the Papagayo.
Feel like resting?
The hotel to be then is Byblos. Right downtown, with Les Caves du Roy downstairs, it's a classic. 
A bit retired and closer to the beach is Le Chateau de la Messardière, with premises resembling that of a castle taken from Perrault's fables' (which you may chose to like or not), which has made it already part of St. Tropez's decoration.
My favourite however is La Reserve de Ramatuelle, a small jewel up in the hills, very minimalist, offering peace, calmness and a panoramic view, away from the noise downtown.
Or do you simply want to enjoy a one-of-a-kind sea?
Then go swim around the shore of Ramatuelle. Stay away from the crowded beaches and get lost around the rich and mediterranean nature of this paradise. Everything may change from season to season, except its natural beauty.

Windows of New York...

Bergdorf Goodman, on Fifth Avenue... My favorite store in the world...

Bulgari's snake...

Harry Winston...

Valentino, the Great...

I share with you an article published on Saturday by the Spanish newspaper ABC dedicated to the Great Valentino. Thank you very much, Martín Bianchi (author) for inviting to participate and giving me the chance to speak well of one of my favorite designers...



Como Shambhala in Parrot Cay...

If there is a place in the world I truly enjoy, which gathers all the conditions I exactly seek in a stay, that is Parrot Cay.

I've been here many times already... If I could, I'd be here more often. Parrot Cay is a resort in an island with the same name, which belongs to Turks & Caicos, an archipelago in the south of Bahamas, and Como Shambhala is an ayurvedic spa and a very important yoga center.

Apart from the color of the sea, the white sands and the amazing gardens, what calls your attention is the peace and calmness around. No high-volume music, no noisy people... It's like a Yoga clinic, whose staff is mainly proffesional: masseurs and masseuses, therapists and coaches. There are two restaurants: one which is ayervedic and the other, vegetarian. There's no dress code, no smoking allowed, you wake up with the sun and can take yoga classes in the beach. There are Pilates and Pranayana courses, at sunset, in the Pavillon. Early dinner is served and then, to bed!

I challenge anyone to come here and get in shape. There are no stores around, except for a tiny one in the lobby.

In the hours free of courses, you get to read, think or just stare at the sea...

There are many Como Shambhalas in the world: in Bhutan, at the Maldives, in Bali.

For now, I know only this one, in Parrot Cay... But I'm sure all of them are just fantastic...

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women...

Had I been in Argentina, I would have participated in one of the short that were taped two days ago, for the campaign for the International Day against Violence towards Women (with capital letters!). I was called for the shoot but unfortunately it could not be. However I want to support the project, mentioning it here, in this blog, because I believe it is an issue of extreme importance...

Trends for Spring-Summer 2012/2013...

We have already reached mid-November and it feels like the Spring has finally arrived to stay.... A few months ago I wrote an article with the trends for Summer 2012/2013 for Mustique Magazine, a Summer that will be glorious, because of the explosion of color; the luxury of the embroidery, despite the economic crisis; the length (or should I say "short"?) of the skirts... Who knows when we'll be seeing collections like this? Fall-Winter 2013 will bring lots of black and looks with reminiscence to the clothes worn by certain religious congregations or school's caretakers... 

But don't worry about that now... Let's talk about the trends of what is just around the corner...

- Pastels: this trend was initiated by Louis Vuitton, with their scholar dresses in pink, light blue and bright yellow, with white collars (known by the French as "col Claudine"). Flower appliqués and "bombon" looks, very seductive.

Another Maison that went with pastels was Chanel, presenting an array of light dresses, with feathers and transparencies, paired with matching tweed jackets and pearls, very à la Coco.

Also Ralph Lauren, Valentino, Givenchy and Calvin Klein opted of these lighter hues.

- Studs: in pastels, but enhanced by studs, Versace's dresses are the quintessence of sexy glamour. The collection presented neoprene dresses that hug the body, very sexy and defined. Pure Gianni Versace style, as in the 80s, but with all the updates of the 21st Century. One of the best collections of the season.

Another very "decorated" collection was that by Olivier Rousteing for Balmain, who presented a thin silouette wrapped in minidresses and jackets, embroidered in graphic gold designs, very Las Vegas and Spanish torero style.

Moschino also fell for the embroidered Sevillan boleros.

- Prints: another strong trend of the season. Dolce & Gabbana presented prints with tomatos, eggplants and zucchinis, so Italian that they would surely look good on Gina Lollobrigida and Sophia Loren in the 50s.

Massimiliano Giornetti's prints for Salvatore Ferragamo were yet more sophisticated, showing exotic flora and fauna motives, in turquoise, fuchsia, red, green and purple. Very jet set looks, to use in Capri, Portofino or St. Tropez.

Italian designers were definitely the ones mainly attracted by prints, because Anna Molinari, for Bluemarine, also gave us a festival of flowers, with daisies and mimosas in full color. With another spirit, but also strong in prints, the gypsy looks of Emilio Pucci, with longs skirts and short long-sleeved tops, is another sexy bet.

- Neons: There were never so many options in neons as in this summer. And not only in the designers' collections but also in the high street, in local stores or Mediterranean markets. Green, Fuchsia and yellow call for attention everywhere, in bathing suits, but also in shorts, minidresses, bags and accessories. An ode to shocking color!

Of course, summery and fitting, neons look good on blonds and brunettes and will enhance your tan. 

Yellow was everywhere. It was seen at Cavalli's show, in light long dresses for the nights of party at the beach, or at Versace's, in shorter dresses. Acid yellows at Prada's. Strong yellows in Sonia Rykiel's. A summer of color to stand up to the black of the crisis, maybe?

- The 20s: The first to introduce Art Decó in fashion this season, with great success, was Frida Giannini for Gucci, presenting looks with graphic effects resembling the Chrysler Building, in New York, with fringes, metallics and strong lines. Very catching and really unique.

Ralph Lauren's collection was also a feast of 20's glamour, with designs similar to those he created for 1974's movie "The Great Gatsby," starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow. Or maybe to those he has designed for the remake of the film, to premiere this year, starring Leo Di Caprio and Carey Mulligan.

Cocktail at the Maison Royale de Bourbon des Deux Siciles...

Revista Hola - N° 30 (October 30th)

November...

Since I was a little girl, I've always loved the month of November... It's my favorite in the year. Specially when I'm in Europe. I love the golden colors of the trees, the fruits of November (kakis and chestnuts), the mood of the entire month, the eleventh of the year, the one that gets us ready for winter...

It's cold, the olives are harvested to make new oils, those that have a bittier taste that I love, and the light is dimmer and charming...

Too bad it only lasts 30 days...

A view of Parc Monceau from the window of my bedroom...

Parc Monceau - Sunday...

How to surrender (with delight) to the seven deadly sins...

Dear readers,

I'd love to share with you one of the pieces I wrote for the last issue of Mustique magazine. I hope you enjoy it as much as I've enjoyed writing it...

I love Oscar Wilde, because of his masterpieces, but also for his devastating sense of humor. He was probable the freer spirit ever.

Of this gentleman, prisoner of his Victorian era, I take one of my favorite quotes: "I can resist everything but temptation."

It is following this wise statement that I give you the list of the places to go when in need to surrender to the deadly sins...

Sloth

Of course, sloth is the mother of all vices... But many, as myself, often dream of places where everything is luxury, calmness, volupta (Baudelaire). To all those potential sinners, here are the addresses of the best resorts in world...

One&Only Reethi Rai (Maldives). An hour away from Malé, capital city of the island, this zen sanctuary is a "paradise" in the middle of many other paradises...  In addition to the joy of a Turquoise sea, its villas with private pools, its many restaurants serving only their own produce, the resort has a 9500 m2 SPA. There you can take a detox program and a relaxing therapy based in the Buddist philosophy.

Amangiri (Utah, USA). At the gates of Arizona, right in the middle of "no man's land," this new minimalist SPA is only lit by candles and gives right to the desert. It offers all possible techniques of relaxation, hydrotherapy, watsu and, of course, yoga classes. But one can also fall into complete sloth and do nothing but stare at the majestic view of Lake Powell.

Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya (Mexico). A mythstical experience between Toltec pyramids and medicinal plants. Located just in front of the Caribbean Sea, this hotel has a number of bungalows spread in the middle of the jungle.The treatments at the SPA are a subtle mixture of Mayan rituals with Asian techniques of relaxation.

Gluttony

The first Christians considered gluttony a sin against God. Today is mainly a sin against our silouette, and thus, against glamour. However, and only if you'll be prudent, here are my addresses...

Cibreo (Firenze, Italy). The nobler cuisine is that of the poor. It is because of this that Tuscany's cuisine, rural by excellence, has become so famous. At Cibreo, hidden in one little street downtown, and next to its smaller brother (Trattoria Cibreino), simpler is better. Beans soup, filled vegetables, delicious salads, refined wines. An unforgetable spot: 
Via del Verrocchio, 8.

Kalita (Mykonos, Greece). To reach this restaurant, forget your heels. It's located in one of the stoned streets in Ora, dowtown the island.

Few tables, weak lighting, the best octopus salad in town and the best tomatos in the world, paired with a full flavour feta cheese.

31 Kalogera Street

Mykonos

Puny (Portofino, Italy). Some people go to Portofino only to try the exquisite dishes of this tiny restaurant. Only the gourmet know that they won't find better fish nor seafood around town. A family restaurant that has become sophisticated and exclusive. And so delicious...

Piazza dell’Olivetta, 5

Portofino

Lust

This is, without a doubt, the most pleasant of capital sins... So, what could be best to sin with that sexy lingerie?

Debora Marquit (New York, USA). Her lengerie line is famous for her use of color. She has been the first to design lace ensembles in yellow, apple green and violet. A must.

158 West 15th Street  

Manhattan

Carine Gilson (Paris, France). She is from Belgium but has her store on a tiny hidden street in Paris. For her designs she uses the purest silk from Lyon, with lace detailing, very refined and glamorous. Impeccable and sexy kimonos to pair with her “chemises de nuit.”

18, rue Grenelle

Paris - 7ème

Ars Rosa (Milano, Italy). It looks like a store from some other decade, few designs exposed and most of the collection stored in huge wooden cupboards. But their hand-sewn lace lingerie is unique and modern.

Envy

Who has never felt a sudden attack of envy when passing by the window of a jewelry boutique? Well, here some address to feel envious of those who can buy them...

Lydia Courteille (Paris, France). Few tourists know this Ali Babá's cave of vintage and comtemporary jewels. You can find rings with skulls, designed by the Venetian artisan Codognato. Also unique pieces by Suzanne Belperron. Not to mention Indian diamond earrings, worthy of a Maharaja.

231 rue St.Honoré

París - 1ère

Arita (Buenos Aires, Argentina). By the glorious entrance of the mythical Hotel Alvear, Arita has pieces by Van Cleef&Arpels, signed English silverware, beautiful diamonds and, sometimes, pieces that seem to be shipped directly from the Place Vendôme.

Avenida Alvear 1891

Buenos Aires

Aurelie Biedermann (Paris, France). She's the most modern and contemporary designer nowadays. She was the one to create the wide golden bracelets to wear on each arm. 

55bis rue des Saints-Peres,

París - 6ème

Greed

Is there something better than paying less for something you want? (or that we still don't know we want?) It's become almost a sport to be greedy and search for the best smart-bargains…

Mustapha Blaoui (Marrakech, Morocco). This is the place in Marrakech to find the best opportunities and prices. A true Ali Babá's cave. Lamps, antique furmiture, kitchenware, exceptional pashminas...

142-144 Bab Doukkala, en la medina.

Century 21 (New York, USA). It's everything but a secret. But I can't help mentioning it. A classic of smartbargains. Sometimes you may find a fantastic designer dress or a Judith Leiber clutch half its original price.

It has many addresses, but I go to this one:

22, Cortlandt Street

Space Outlet de Prada (Montevarchi, Italy). The Japanese share this address as a secret and the Chinese do the trip just because of it. It's in the middle of Tuscany's countryside, 40 minutes away from Firenze and some time ago it used to be a coveted address. It's still hard to find, but shoppers always find their way... 

Bags, shoes, past-seasons' suits, but still very fashionable. Excellent prices. And with great luck you may bump into a unique Miuccia Prada design that could be in any Prada store around the world.

Levanella, Strada Statale 69

Montevarchi

Pride

Those with Pride want to dominate the world. You may find them on a 70th floor in a skycraper. Although most of the time, it's enough for them to walk on sky-high heels. Here, some addresses to get arrogant... 

Christian Louboutin (Paris, France). He is the shoe Emperor. His name has become synonym of high heels and red soles. For 20 years now, women around the world, aged 15-85, have been damaging their souls to use his designs. And those who can and feel no vertigo, climb up stratospheric highs  with maximum pride.

I recommend this address, where you can command a special order, chose the fabric or leather, color and desired model.

19 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau

París - 1ère

Right beside the store, at the Galerie Vero-Didot, there's a shoe-maker that fixes and put back in shape the ruined red soles (only official address...). 

Manolo Blanhik (London, England). He's still famous because of his slingbacks, embroidered ballerinas, les mules, and his 8-cm heels, just like Carrie Bradshaw used to wear them. Manolos are for life... 

49-51 Old Church Street

London SW35 BS

Bastien González (London, England). To be able to use high heels and beautiful yet uncomfortable shoes, trust your feet to this artist of pedicure. He is worldwide famous and a unique professional. 

His last known address:

Cadogan Hotel

75 Sloane Street

SW1 London

Wrath

Nothing can trigger your wrath as bumping in a party to someone wearing your exact same dress, or same perfume or same necklace... To avoid these small dramas and sin not, some exclusive addresses...

Javoy (Paris, France). It's the embassy of unique and rare perfume. A delicious place to find the essence that describes us and makes us different...

4 rue de Castiglione,

París - 1ère

Christophe Robin (Paris, France). He is the colorist able to create a special hue for each customer. Among his devoted followers you can find from Catherine Deneuve to myself...

Hotel Meurice, suite 128-129

228 rue de Rivoli

París - 1ère

Philippeli (Paris, France). To have exclusive looks, two possible solutions only: pay Haute Couture or find a “retoucheuse” to customize whatever you buy and adapt it to your body and taste. 

My secret address is that of Estelle at Philippeli:

5,rue Colisée

París - 8ème

Christian Boltanski in Buenos Aires...

The great French artist Christian Boltanski is in Buenos Aires...

On Friday, October 12th, at 1 pm, three works he imagined for Buenos Aires were simultaneously inaugurated. Invited by the Universidad Nacional de Tres de Febrero, Boltanski is the star of the Proyecto Boltanski BUENOS AIRES, a performance made by many works which will be in exhibition till December 15th. I went to see the exhibit at the Hotel de los Inmigrantes, in Puerto Madero, and felt quite moved... It's mainly an experience in which the visitor is surprised, while walking, by more than 200 voices whispering, simultaneously and from different sources, in their local languages, the names, ages, dates of arrival and city of origin, all data extracted from the Immigration files. These whispers, together with the foggy atmosphere, barely lighted, introduces the visitor to a new experience which will connect him with his past... 

It was unbelievable... So many feelings! I guess it's just what the artist was looking for. Boltanski lives in Paris, is a self-made artist and one of the most prestigious in the world. I was not able to go see the other two exhibitions: Flying Books, an homage to Borges at the former Biblioteca Nacional and Obras at the MUNTREF/UNTREF, in Caseros. To those who can, I strongly recommend the visit... 

Gala for the Hospital de Clínicas...

I promise: this is the last gala of the season I'll be posting about!

But I can not help telling you about the exceptional dinner that the Committee supporting the Hospital de Clínicas organizes every year to raise funds for machines or whatever the Hospital might need...

Nathalie Sielecki, who with her family has been helping the Hospital with donations and hard work for 25 years, had the courtesy of inviting me to her table. But she also had the great idea of sitting only women... we were twelve! 

All very happy, a group of full energy! Here I am with the beautiful host Nathalie, Juliana Awada (splendid!), Giorgina Alliata (alma mater of the meeting) and my sister (dressed by Oscar de la Renta).

Of course, the true aim of the evening was to give beauty and glamour in benefit of an important cause. Thanks to the precious help of the "Damas del Clínicas," there were many amazing prizes to draw among the guests, such as stays at La Prairie in Switzerland or trips to Paris, donated by Air France.

As usual, and in spite the tough times, everyone helped!

As for us, we chose our best dresses to cheer the party!

(Before you ask, I wore a Marchesa dress, a Judith Leiber clutch and Louboutin shoes. I requested to add straps to the dress to make it easier to carry, since it has many layers of fabric. The hairdo, a bit more elaborated than usual, was made by Leo Cosenza.)

I'd like to wrap up with these to pictures that show my departure from home... Just as I am... Always in a rush not to be late! María Teresa Alvarez, who was at home at the moment, took them for me...

Ready for COAS' Gala Dinner...

And the winner is...

Congratulations Mariana!!

She's the one who sent the message n°50. Her e-mail address begins like this: mariana28_99@...

We hope you enjoy the necklace and the pair of earrings from Anna dello Russo's Collection for H&M.

Carla, my producer, will send you an e-mail shortly so we can give you your prize.

Congratulations once again! And thank you very much to all the rest for participating!!

"L'Impressionnisme et la Mode"

Before heading back to Buenos Aires, I could not miss the event of the season in Paris: the exhibition "L'impressionnisme et la Mode" at the Musée d'Orsay. For such a fashion lover as myself, there can be no better chance to see the sumptuous dresses, immortalized by such artist as Monet, Renoir or Manet, next to the very same paintings they served to inspire...

And my joy was still more overwhelming since Jacqueline de Ribes, one of the most elegant ladies in the world, a true icon of Paris, and a personal friend, invited me to take part in the Committee of "Amis de le Musée d'Orsay" and organize a table of friends at the Gala dinner.

Edouard and Jacqueline de Ribes

I'm a great fan of Jacqueline, she is charming, juvenile and knows so much about fashion that I cannot help attacking her with questions all the time. 

Back to the exhibit, before dinner was served, we had the honor of a private visit to admire the incredible talent of the Impressionists, seen not only in their masterpieces but also in the way they were able to capture "l'air du temps" or, as we would put it today, "the look of the day." And what elegance! Thanks to the sponsorship of Maison Christian Dior, the dresses in exhibition were restored, as also the shoes (so tiny!) and the accessories.

Between such clothes, the set design by Robert Carsen, the paintings and the lighting, I felt an immense emotion. I will have to return several times, more relaxed and calmed, to appreciate such beauty.

The gala gathered the "tout Paris" in the splendid room on the first floor, former restaurant of the train station. Among the guests, Valentino, Bernardette Chirac and Bernard-Henry Levy...

With Bernard-Henry Levy

My favorite painting? Hard to tell, but I loved Caillebotte's "Rue de Paris, jour de pluie." It reminded me of some of my Parisian days of Fall, so rainy, grey but wonderful all the same...