Patricia della Giovampaola

Whitney Houston...

2012-02-12T17:15:00.001-03:00

I want to share with you the sorrow for the death of an artist so emblematic to my generation...

Although I did not agreed with her life choices, I want to remember with admiration her incredible voice...

Christian Louboutin's 20th Anniversary...

2012-02-02T17:35:00.002-03:00

No, twenty is not Christian Louboutin’s age. But it’s the time that went by since he gave birth to his first shoe collection, which are now a world success. From China to Brazil, and specially in the US (where they are considered a cult), his creations with the red sole are a symbol of glamour and style. I’m a fan of Louboutin since his origins and I still keep the very first pair I bought from him.

Yesterday I went to his boutique on Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseay (there’s two more in Paris) and they placed my new shoes in this shopping bag, which they’ll be using around all 2012. I got to see the book published to celebrate the 20th Anniversary. Check-out the movie about how the book was made on Youtube. His best friends Kristin Scott-Thomas, Arielle Dombasle and Farida Khelfa, among others, participated in such a fun adventure.

Congratulations Christian and good look for the coming twenty years of success!

Parc Monceau ... Temperature -2°C

2012-01-31T17:38:00.001-03:00

Jean Paul Gaultier's Haute Couture 2012 Runway show...

2012-01-25T17:55:00.001-03:00

Thanks to the magic of flight AF 417, in just a few hours I left behind the sun and the beaches of Punta del Este and the heat of Buenos Aires… and landed in the cold (not too cold, though: just 9°C) and the drizzle of Paris…

But I also landed in the middle of Haute Couture’s Fashion Week and in the splendid runway show of Jean-Paul Gaultier.

As usual, Catherine Deneuve, a loyal customer to the Maison, could be found on the front row, as also Dita von Teese and singer Beth Ditto (in an extravagant look). And, of course, Gaultier’s many fans, arrived from the four corners of the World.

So, as to the show itself… A band of four musicians and fantastic models, all looking à la Amy Winehouse: her exact hairdo (in some cases in pink, red or blue dyes, but mostly in black), and the black eyeliner highlighting the eyes, just as she used to wear. All forty-three models shone in Gaultier's ever original creations: well-tailored jackets, padded shoulders, lots of black and red, corsets (as those Madonna made famous in the 80s) and those fluid dresses, so sexy and theatrical. From time to time they got me thinking about who could have such a lifestyle that would merit those dresses... A movie star maybe? An Arab princess? A Russian czarina? Can't tell, but they sure made me dream...

Amy Winehouse's songs wrapped-up the show and left us melancholic. It seems as if to become a myth, one must die at a young age.

We returned back home with our eyes filled with stars...

Golden Globes Awards 2012

2012-01-19T16:18:00.002-03:00

Even with some days of delay, I do not want to miss the chance to comment on the outfits seen at the Golden Globes Awards, considered the prelude to the Oscars (which will be broadcasted on February 26th).

As usual, in my opinion, there's been some hits and many misses. To point out: the return of the long siren dress, seen on Sofía Vergara (to me, one of the most beautiful women of the night), Elle MacPherson and Reese Whiterspoon.

I think it was unanimous among the critics that Angelina Jolie looked sensational. The best in elegance, beauty and style. I wouldn't buy her dress (Atelier Versace), but it looked fantastic on her. And it was a frontal answer to the mean gossips that said she was anorexic, depressed, etc. Simply, the best (Brad Pitt as companion sure helps...).

I must say, though, that for these kind of galas I prefer tied hair-dos. Elle MacPherson, who is very beautiful, didn't look well with those extensions and curls. I do tend to think that women of more than 40 that never use their hairs tied in a ponytail or chignon, have something to hide: a lifting scar or something like that. Clear shoulders and neck are much more elegant.

I did liked Nicole Kidman's dress, also a Versace, that fitted perfectly to her body. Her face, however, is another issue. Divine Natalie Portman, with a two-color Lanvin: red and fuchsia, a combination that will be seen a lot in the European summer. I would criticize Kate Winslet's choice of dress, black on top, white in the bottom: everybody knows that that makes your hips broader and, if you are not thin enough, it's not flattering.

Charlize Theron is so beautiful that even a soul-less dress, like her Dior, can not spoil her.

Of the many Guccis seen that night, I prefer Jessica Alba's to Salma Hayek's (her husband owns the brand).

Madonna's Reem Accra wasn't nice either.

Among the men, Jean Dujardin and Colin Firth were the best...

Now let's wait for the runway show of the Academy Awards...

Fiat's Party at Tequila...

2012-01-16T19:15:00.000-03:00

Lacoste's Party opens the season, that of Fiat gives it a closure. And here we are... Almost three weeks later, we can start putting away our Judith Leiber clutches, our Louboutin shoes and carefully chosen dresses... Parties are over, at least in Punta del Este, till next year. It's a weird phenomenon, happening only here, but so it is...

Of course, in the coming weeks, and before summer is over, there will be many smaller or bigger meetings, crowded or not, but this luxurious "circus," closely followed by the press, is saying goodbye.

I enjoy going out, preparing myself, seeing my friends and, above all, dancing. But I also love waking up early and seizing the day, the morning air, breathing it, doing things... Is my unsolvable dilemma. However, my solar self always prevails and I leave early from all parties...

Tonight's was one to stay and enjoy: all my friends together, great music and the "celebrities" from the Rio de la Plata, from Franco Macri to Daniel Hadad and Marta Marzotto (divine with a splendid embroidered caftan), from Eskenazi to the Reynals, the Alvarez de Toledo and the Santamarinas...

The stars were represented by Gabriel Corrado, Viviana Canosa, Carlos di Domenico and many models...

And let's not forget the host, Cristiano Ratazzi, who went from one end to the other. If he was at all concerned, it was impossible to tell.

Enormous amount of press...

I danced with pleasure to the music, very Ibiza-like.

But my carriage (my sister's car), before becoming a pumpking, as Cinderella's, brought me back home... Just as "Without you" (in David Guetta's version) was starting...

Maybe next time...

Goodbye mythical parties of Punta del Este... Till 2013.

Revista Gente's Pink Party 2012

2012-01-15T18:38:00.006-03:00

The fireworks at the Hotel Conrad have just finished illuminating the sky over one of the most awaited and star-studded parties in the season...

As I was entering, it all felt like a party in Mar del Plata (where I haven't been in ages, but I do follow in magazines). Fans asking for you to pose next to their daughters, wives, husbands... A true Argentine "Red Carpet." The dominant color was, once again, pink. The bracelets, two: one to get inside, the other to access the V.I.P. terrace. As always, a runway show featuring the sexiest and most beautiful girls you can possibly imagine. Hence, the many men, young most of all. They behaved like starving lions...

The party kicked off with a concert by Christian Castro, who performed really well and made the audience vibrate!

For once, the terraces weren't as windy as always, so it wasn't at all cold.

Many of my friends were there and celebrities from Uruguay and Argentina. My sister, charming with a long Marchesa dress. Also in a long dress was Valeria Mazza. I found Karina Jelinek extremely beautiful. Among the men, my friends chose the handsomest of them all: Francis Btesh.

As usual, I had trouble with my shoes to get to the car, so I had to take them off...

Among the many comments about the season, everyone complaint about the traffic jams (worse than ever). And also feared that the touristic season would be over after this coming weekend. Hard to know... And, of course, many complains on the high prices of everything...

So, whatever I'm forgetting, you'll be able to read on Gente's next issue...

PS: My dress? Versace for H&M.

The night I went back to eating pizza...

2012-01-13T11:27:00.003-03:00

Delicious invitation that of Para Ti Magazine to gather in "petit comité" at CasaSuaya, in José Ignacio.

As in previous years, we were invited to celebrate the season with Carolina Balbiani, editor-in-chief, Trini (a legend in the publishing house) and many loyal models of the famous magazine.

With huge surprise, around 11 pm, starving with hunger, I've noticed that the menu of the night was... pizza!! I think I haven't eaten pizza since 2003. As my readers already know, I always dine at home before going out, but tonight I didn't. I decided on this because, last time, on the same place, we were served fish. And then, somehow, I wanted to give myself the chance, for once, of committing a sin... With María Teresa Alvarez and Sandra, who were with me, in a religious silence, we ate at least 4 pieces each... But no regrets, please.

From time to time, it's ok to skip out diets... but with joy!

Among the guests were Lucila Polar and her daughter. Lucila is Al Pacino's girlfriend and the most beautiful woman I've seen this summer. And she is also charming. Her daughter, of 14, is on her way to rival her beauty.

After two days of intense heat, it's finally cooler and tonight it was almost cold. But CasaSuaya is very cozy and they had even lighted the fireplace.

We left the meeting to head back to Punta under a starry sky...

A nice summer night at the Fasano...

2012-01-11T10:54:00.002-03:00

With great joy, tonight I accepted an invitation to dine at the fabulous Hotel Fasano, just outside of Punta del Este, on the road to San Carlos.

I couldn't refuse: Fasano's PR is Astrid Perkins, a very dear friend of mine, with who I've shared many trips, adventures and experiences. I've went to see her last year, for the grand opening of the Hotel, on December 26, 2010.

And today, an year later, the Fasano is knwon around the world. Specialized international magazines have placed it on their top best-resorts-rankings. Every important visitor coming to Punta del Este stays there. From David Guetta to Bar Refaeli and the Brazilian businessmen who crowded the resort from December 27th to January 7th. It's no wonder: its buildings, hidden between the rocks, the comfort, the personalized attention, and the pool, suspended in front of a breathtaking sight... All that sure makes us all wish to spend our holidays there! Not to mention the spa and the delicious menu of its restaurant, where tonight I had the best fish of the season.

Its owner, Rogelio Fasano, a Brazilian descendant of an Italian family, took over the family business created by his grandfather and, from the first restaurants in Sao Paulo and Rio, he opened "cult" hotels in both cities, this one in Punta and a future challenge: a Fasano in Troncoso, north of Brazil.

An outstanding visionaire...

With the Maître and next to Astrid.

After dinner, to return to the car, I had to take my platforms and walk bare feet, observing that surreal landscape of rocks and cactus, under a full moon that could not make it more beautiful...

Another "frivolous" gathering in Punta...

2012-01-09T16:02:00.000-03:00

Putting my books aside, and my DVDs also, tonight I decided to leave my refuge here in Punta to go to José Ignacio. Another Grupo Mass+ event, another of those gatherings that make some of my readers dream or, instead, get on their nerves...

For me, it was an opportunity to see all my friends together and spend a nice time.

In this case, Mercedes Benz invited a select group to a beach-house to honor Susana Giménez.

Susana is always charming, spontaneous and natural. As I approached her with my sister (lovely in a nude one-shoulder Lanvin dress) in the living room where she was receiving the guests, she hugged me while saying "I love your jacket!" I sat to chat with her and she looked really beautiful, with a white trouser and golden top, her face rested and luminous. In fact, better than in pictures.

Her daughter, with her boyfriend, was also there, as many of her loyal friends. Some models, Polo players, nice women (I know I'm repeating myself, but it's true!). The food (which, as you can imagine, I didn't taste because I ate earlier at home) smelled delicious: brochettes and roasted squash medallions.

I was thrilled to see my dear friends Alliata di Montereale, the Charloux and Alessandro Boniperti with his girlfriend.

This is why I love these reunions: for someone like me, spending so much time abroad, Punta del Este means my chance to meet all those people I so much love.

As I had an hour-long trip back home, we hit the road pretty early.

As I went out, I gave away my VIP bracelet to a girl dying to get inside... Why not then?

PS: Worry not... I changed my shoes as I got inside and shifted my corcho platforms (so comfortable for walking in the sand) for a much appropriate pair of black sandals.

Chandon's Party... in white.

2012-01-06T15:11:00.001-03:00

Just arrived and with little to show... This one only photo...

But I do not have another one. Sorry.
It was a long way to reach Laguna Escondida, in José Ignacio, where Chandon, through Grupo Mass+, gathered once again the "Tout Punta." Dress-code: white, plus a detail "une nuit à Waimea," that is, something a bit hawaiian. I didn't read the invitation so I didn't know about the detail...
Lots of press, anxious to shoot all events here and do their work. Of course, many beautiful girls in minis, most of who seemed gazelles from afar. Good-looking guys also. I stayed for a while and then went to another party (a private one) nearby. I changed (in the car!) my long Galliano dress for a black minidress and my black leather jacket by Balmain. Once again, many stupendous women, the famous DJ Luciano and a nice general mood. But I can't tell you more... No press invited!

CitiGold's Party on the cover of ¡Hola!

2012-01-04T15:55:00.000-03:00

I've been honored with the cover of the Argentine edition of this week's ¡Hola! Magazine. There you'll be able to see and read the coverage of CitiGold's Party in Punta del Este and other events that took part this past week...

Some thoughts for 2011's last day...

2011-12-31T18:30:00.002-03:00

A few hours before celebrations begin, here I give you some very particular, and very mine, tips...

To avoid finding yourself in a lousy shape tomorrow, know to what you have to say NO tonight:

- No to too much food.

- No to alcohol.

- No to drugs.

- No to easy unprotected sex.

- No to forced fun.

- No to speeding on your car or motorcycle.

- No to late-night sleeping.

Begin 2012 fresh and rested, while everyone else will be destroyed.

Be snobs: eat a soup and go to bed early.

And tomorrow do your workout, while everybody else won't be able to tell their names...

Be ready to step into a wonderful 2012 with the right foot.

This I wish to you all.

Citigold's Party...

2011-12-30T15:06:00.001-03:00

I'm sorry for posting, once again, a picture of myself with my sister... But I don't have another one!

It's very difficult, in such a crowded party, unless you are a professional photographer, to take good pictures! This one was taken by Sandra, my friend and Italian assistant, who did what she could.

Mónica Holmberg's call for Citigold's Party was really exciting and no one wanted to miss it. Many, however, complained about the chilly weather. We went back to partying with sweaters and shawls.

The place? Narbona complex, behind La Barra, with country-style housing, nice and picturesque, specially for all the European visiting Punta del Este.

The dress code asked for something golden, be it a dress, a pair of shoes or a simple detail...

I arrived wearing platforms, much more comfortable for walking the accessing roads, and then shifted into golden sandals for the party itself. Many laughed at me carrying the extra pair in my hands... But they are already used to my eccentricities!

As usual, many beautiful girls, in golden dresses some, and mini skirts almost all. Among the ones I saw, I want to point out Milagros Schmoll, the Argentine model working in Europe, super tall and with an exotic look. Also my cousin Isabella Orsini, Princess de Ligne, an Italian actress of great beauty.

My sister and I, we repeated Pucci dresses: me, a golden one I used last summer and she, another one she used on her last photo spread for the Argentine issue of Hola!

As I said previously, now comes a "detox" of pictures of myself and promise not to publish more for some time...

Have a wonderful New Year!

Lacoste 2012 Summer Party at La Huella...

2011-12-28T14:29:00.002-03:00

Above all, and before you ask, I confirm what you already know... I wore, once again, my red Lanvin dress. I love it and when I bought it, I thought I would be wearing it to Lacoste's next party. I believe it would be immoral not to use it several times...

This said, I tell you that the most emblematic party in Punta del Este, the one that opens the summer and party season, was (as usual) crowded and very well organized. Less guests this year, just 700. One DJ, Zucker, truly excellent. Lots of food. And lots of drinks. But, above all, a chance to check who was invited, who arrived with who and who left with who... The usual gossips.

A little while greeting friends, making plans for the days to come, kisses to everyone and then to the car to hit the road back home...

(My sister's dress is Pucci.)

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-24T15:13:00.001-03:00

Summer's wardrobe...

2011-12-19T17:40:00.002-03:00

My dear readers,

I’ll post here one of the articles I wrote for the December issue of Mustique magazine, which arrived to newsstands today… Hope you enjoy it!

After spending a long 2011 summer in Europe, with all the 2012 trends till fresh on my mind and the looks of the last runway shows, I am ready to organize my luggage for my summer vacations down south.

I’ll put on my list a mixture of the clothes I used and loved in July and August, plus the new hits that are beginning to appear on Paris and New York boutiques, which I will happily incorporate to my wardrobe. And, of course, one or two timeless classics that I know I’ll use, come what may…

1. A denim short. I have at least three or four. From my first Kosiuko, of 8 or 9 years ago, to my new “destroyed” Abercrombie & Fitch, which looks the oldest…

How to use them? Of course, with a white or black bikini, a white tank top (better if printed with the American flag) or a tartan shirt, in summery colors, such as turquoise or fuchsia, very informal. To look more chic, an impeccable white shirt. As shoes, I’ll wear them with my Louboutin’s cork platforms, but a pair of golden Havaianas will work just fine.

When? Always, from dusk till dawn, to go to the beach or to go out at night, with a sequined or embroidered top. Unique requirement: perfect legs…

2. A white blazer. It first appeared on Stefano Pilati’s Fall/Winter 2011-2012 Collection for YSL. In that case, paired with white trousers, à mode de smoking.

Other designers, such as Roberto Cavalli, presented it the following season over summery printed dresses, carried over the shoulders.

How to use it? I loved the contrast between the tailored jacket and the light dress. It also works wonderfully with a short and a black top.

When? Always, as if it were a denim jacket. Something new to update your looks for summer nights.

3. A green dress. Because green is the color of hope; because it looks great on slightly tanned skin; because it catches everyone’s attention and because it represents nature after so much urbanization throughout the year.

When? Preferably at night, in total look. Mine is from Intermix, but many designers, such as Ermanno Scervino, Tomas Maier for Bottega Veneta, Moschino or Kenzo, presented them in all the possible green hues… from olive to pistaccio. My favorite is emerald, of course.

4. Two identical bracelets. Or Poignets, as the French call them. Since last year I’ve observed how the use of two thick rigid bracelets, be them golden or metallic, decorated with stones or plain, was becoming a popular and chic trend. I bought two golden ones with huge stones, two green ones from Pucci and two silver ones at a fair in Ibiza.

How to use them? They look great on every piece and lift the simplest of outfits. A black classic dress changes completely when accessorized with them. Of course, when using twin bracelets is better to forget about using earrings, necklaces or rings. They must be the vedette piece of the ensemble. Better with pure colors than prints.

5. Technicolor dresses. I want to avoid black this season. A bit of joy and color. Hurray then to yellow, in total look, to match the sun, in all its hues: from duck to lemon to saffron. Lanvin, Versace, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Vionnet chose yellow in their 2012 Summer Collections. But also fuchsia pink, which looks great on everyone. Or turquoise, the color of the Caribbean sea. Or coral, as my Lanvin dress, to illuminate party nights. All this colors work better in total look, with the exception of a pair of black, beige or golden shoes.

6. Prints. We’ve been incorporating prints to our wardrobe for a long time now. At first, I was not very convinced… I was afraid they wouldn’t favor the silhouette. But I’ve come to realize I was mistaken.

How to use them? The key lies in choosing a sober print, maybe geometric, and pair it with the proper accessories. Do not overload the look and distract from the original aim. Nude shoes, a clutch, little jewelry. My Roberto Cavalli, white with pink, black and green designs, is one of my favorites. For Summer 2012 I’ve already set my mind for a Pucci gipsy top. But I’ve also seen nice things from Prada and Marni.

I would however avoid leopard… too copied. Better to go for zebra. Very chic looks from Giambattista Valli.

7. A black leather jacket, with studs. Or without them. Or biker. You can no longer not have a leather jacket. Old, used, borrowed from your boyfriend or brother. It goes with everything and it’s the symbol of the freedom of the holidays. The more you wear it, the better it ages. I have one from Balmain, with studs on the back and on one arm. To make it more luminous, the designer masterfully added some crystals in between the studs.

To use with the denim shorts, a black dress… or with everything!

8. A hat. It’s the best anti-age possible. Better than botox or liftings. It protects us from the sun, our enemy/friend, and I can no longer spend my summers without them. I like the broad ones, made of straw, raffia or fabric. The best, and hardest to find, are those by Annabel Ingall, an Australian designer. They are unbreakable, you can fold them and place them on the bottom of your luggage, that they will return to shape easily.

But any hat will do. The thing is to wear them from morning till dawn. They protect our face from harmful rays, but also accessorize our look and gives us glamour.

9. Shorts and tops to work out. They use little space in your luggage but give meaning to vacactions: sports and the time to practice them. I carry many quite old, because I love to exhaust them. I like the idea of using them as much as possible… It means I’ve really done my workout.

10. My Oscar de la Renta folk dress. It has gone with me to every vacation in the past 7 years. I’m not afraid to use it hundreds of times. I love the way it looks, its embroideries, the fall of its fabric. It represents summer to me. Every time I wear it I’m happy…

Braderie at Alaïa's...

2011-12-15T15:26:00.000-03:00

Can you imagine what it means, ten days to Christmas, a braderie of Alaïa in Paris? A braderie is a big big sale: in this case, of shoes, clothes and accessories of the most emblematic and beloved French designer. Parisian women love Alaïa!! From 17 to 80 years old, they all wear his dresses. And this time the sale had a purpose, because all the money raised would be given to the Center investigating Genetic Illnesses in Chrildren.

There were no dressing rooms and we had to leave our coats in a room near the entrance... and then, it was up to you! I saw women naked who, with no embarrassment at all (there were many security men around), tried to fit in size-36 dresses or skirts.

Everyone went out with packed shopping bags... I bought a dress for my sister and tomorrow I'll be back for something for me... I had a flu today and did not feel like getting my clothes off...

Ce soir, diner pour les Amis du Musée...

2011-12-11T15:13:00.000-03:00

Numbers of this week in Paris...

2011-12-11T14:45:00.001-03:00

7, the homeless asking for money I saw this morning while walking from my house to my Gym Club on rue Berri... that is, only 6 blocks. 30% more than last year.

30.000 euros, the average price of one of the 79 looks Chanel presented on Tuesday 6 for his Pre-Fall Collection, titled "Paris-Bombay."

80, the number of emblematic women of Paris invited to a lunch to celebrate Christmas, also on Tuesday 6, at Tiffany's flagship store on Rue Royale. We were given a beautiful souvenir...

1787, the year in which Mozart wrote the opera "Don Giovanni." This Wednesday 7 it was chosen for the opening of the Scala di Milano, conducted by Daniel Baremboin and with the presence of President Napolitano and the newly-appointed Prime Minister, Mario Monti.

-30%, the discount offered by Lanvin to its loyal customers on Fall-Winter 2011/2012 Collection prices. But only till today.

7 ºC, the average temperature in Paris this week.

200, the trees along the Champs-Elysées which, till January 23rd, will be decorated with three rings of led lights, four to seven meters high. This "Snowfall" rings will be used till Christmas 2015.

12 millones, the viewers who went this month to see the French movie "Intouchables:" the incredible and true story of the bond between a tetraplegic aristocrat who hires the service of a young African man who has just come out of prison.

3 AAA. Losing them could mean a nightmare for the French...

1, my heart, and I offer it to my readers...

Matinée Rêve d'Enfants...

2011-12-04T18:39:00.001-03:00

Once again, I was invited to the special gala the AROP (Association pour le Rayonnement de l'Opera National de Paris), together with other patrons, offer to more than 600 kids, with no families or money, so that they can enjoy a performance of Opera.

This year it was "Cendrillon" (Cinderella), with music by Serge Prokofiev and choreography by Rudolf Nureyev. The choreography was, in fact, extremely original, presenting a modern-day Cinderella, who dreams of succeeding in Hollywood and who finds her prince charming in a movie director...

Wonderful set design and costume. Agnès Letestu, étoile de l'Opera, was really fantastic as Cinderella.

As usual, it was a pleasure to see the joy and hope in the eyes of the young people, specially three weeks from Christmas...

Back in Paris...

2011-12-02T18:21:00.000-03:00

I'm back home and with much to do...

I'll update the blog soon...

In the meantime, I want to congratulate my sister for the cover of Caras magazine and the interview on Hola!, both with beautiful photos by María Teresa Alvarez.

Cheers!

Thanksgiving in St. Barth...

2011-11-27T12:55:00.000-03:00

Outside the restaurant "L'Isola," the best in town...

Sales, sales...

2011-11-26T17:11:00.001-03:00

In the US, Tradition says that the day after Thanksgiving, one of the most important celebrations of the year, the first sales of the Fall-Winter season kick off. So, the first Friday after the holiday is now known as Black Friday. And many malls and department stores open their doors on midnight, giving birth to Midnight Madness: people being able to actually shop for 22 hours.
And today, Saturday, we have what's known as Small Business Saturday.
It sounds like a bit to much, right?
Anyway, in North Carolina, things got pretty ugly: on a parking lot outside Walmart, a commando group of thieves attacked the poor shoppers leaving happily with their precious bargains...
Another note: a crowd of thousands waited patiently outside Macy's, hoping to get inside...
All this shopping fever is trying to lift the temperature of the weak American economy...
Let's hope it works...

Shoppers entering Macy's at midnight...

Versace for H&M... Part II

2011-11-17T12:23:00.000-03:00

At 4 pm, I went back to the H&M store... There were only some printed dresses left and many many women walking around in disappointment...

Versace for H&M...

2011-11-17T10:34:00.000-03:00

Wow, it was tough!

In spite my dear friend Marc got up really early to get in line by the Champs-Elysées around 5 am, and I got there around 9 am... It wasn't easy getting inside the H&M store!

I was told that even some people got there by 11 pm of the previous night!

But, as usual, H&M, a brand that has my total admiration for being able to catch the attention of such a diverse clientele, did everything just right...

As on previous occasions, we were allowed to enter in small groups and had only 15 minutes to shop inside.

Lots of amazing things, very Versace, of course: bags, neon dresses, leather jackets, flashy prints...

I bought a couple of dresses and many gifts.

A special note for the packaging: silk covers and colorful shopping bags.

Once again, another H&M success...

Auction of Elizabeth Taylor's jewels at Christie's...

2011-11-15T23:42:00.003-03:00

To tell you the truth, I didn't feel like dressing up and going out... I would have stayed at home... It's already cold, it's Fall and it gets dark much earlier now...

But, how could I not go to the private exhibition of Elizabeth Taylor's jewels, to be auction between the 13th and the 17th of December in Christie's New York?

I'm a great fan of the recently deceased actress. She was also a pisces, like myself. So, in her honor, I got dressed and gathered strength to leave home. All of Paris was there, including the Counts of Paris, the Princess of Bragance, the Duchess of Orléans and Hubert Guerrand Hermès, among others. I was very lucky to be also invited to the conference by Madame Francoise Cailles, an expert in the study of pearls. She told us the story of the "Peregrina," a unique pearl of 204 grs, that is more than 500 years old. In 1969, Richard Burton gave it to Liz and since then it has taken part of her collection. Now it's on sale...

I was bewitched by all the pieces... Cartier's ruby earrings, the huge "Elizabeth Taylor" diamond solitaire (33,19 karats), the "Mike Todd" earrings, JAR's ball clips... All those jewels have a soul and a particular story and were used by one of the most important actress in the history of cinema. Who will buy them now? I can only tell you that part of the money raised during the auction will go to the foundations she has always supported...

Loulou de la Falaise...

2011-11-09T23:15:00.001-03:00

An icon of fashion and Parisian elegance died a couple of days ago...

Louise Vava Lucia Henriette Le Bailly de la Falaise, known as Loulou de la Falaise, was born into a family where glamour and style felt natural. Her mother, Maxime, and her grandmother, Lady Roda Birley, marked their time with their particular fashion senses. Loulou was, from 1972, muse and best friend, together with Betty Catraoux, to Yves Saint Laurent. It was she who inspired the incredible jewelry of the maison, which was always her passion. She also worked as a mannequin.

For some years, she had her own jewelry boutiques and I remember accompanying my sister to buy a necklace on the one at Rue de Bourg.

After her marriage to an English Lord, she went out with Thadée Klossowski de Rola, son of the great artist Balthus. She was always related to the fashion world, worked for Harpers Bazaar and collaborated with Oscar de la Renta in his accessories line.

She had style and fantasy in her genes. And disappeared with only 63 years...

La Beauté des Argentines...

2011-11-03T16:37:00.000-03:00

If you want to know how a Parisian sees the women of Buenos Aires ("porteñas"), do read my friend Constance Bouteloup Charloux's blog. A beautiful blond that shares her days between Paris and Buenos Aires.

Te post is really funny. Click here to read it.

Tonight I cried because I'll never know how to tango...

2011-11-02T16:16:00.001-03:00

Although I've just arrived from Marrakech, tonight I went to see the last performance in Paris, at the Theatre du Chatelet, of "Tanguera." This amazing Tango show, created in 2002 by Diego Romay and Mora Godoy, has already toured the world with huge success and, for the second time (the first one was in 2008), is being presented here, in Paris.

I've already seen the show in Buenos Aires, but I couldn't help seeing it again on a different setting and, above all, in such a passionate city for tango as Paris is... By the theatre's doors, many handed out brochures announcing tango classes in different Parisian neighborhoods... Tempting!

But no, it won't be. After 85 minutes of the best tango in the world, danced by incredible professionals, I've realized I will never be able to tango dance... I have no talent.

Theirs, however, is huge. And all the audience perceived it so, because they were given a standing ovation and asked for more, which they happily complied. A pleasure.

As usual, everything that has to do with Argentina gets me emotional... It must be that my heart just belongs there...

Talitha Getty, in Zahia...

2011-10-31T16:11:00.000-03:00

As I told you on a previous post, here I give you the picture of Talitha Getty posing in one of the terraces of Zahia, the famous riad of Marrakech. The photo was taken by Patrick Lichfield in January 1969.

A view of Marrakech...

2011-10-31T15:59:00.002-03:00

More on Marrakech...

2011-10-31T15:16:00.001-03:00

When I spend some time in Marrakech, it's normally the muezzin's call for pray at 5 am what wakes me up. The first time I heard it, I jumped out of bed in panic. But now I'm used to this public manifestations of the Islam. So I fall back into sleeping easily, till breakfast arrives, of course, with its Moroccan delicacies: Luisa tea, "cornes des gazelles" (pastries made with almond flour), honey over Arab bread toasts, the true pitta bread.

I have a great passion for the cuisine of this country, specially because I can easily remove meat from many dishes (for those of you who don't know it, I'm a vegetarian). I mean... vegetables couscous, grilled eggplant salad with spices, tomato and sesame marmalade, cumin zucchinis, etc. And many teas: mint teas, jasmine teas, verbena teas...

The souks where spices and dried fruits are sold are incredible, be it because of its many colors or because of its strong and unique smells.

It's also worth visiting the souks of scents and black soaps. The Arabs make a cult of taking care of their body, something which start at the hamman, where they must rub themselves with a glove and the famous black soap (sold by weight). After the hamman, they might also go for a scrub with rassoul, which is a special mud for detoxing the skin. And finally, a massage with argan oil, made of the fruit of the arganier, which grows only in Morocco.

The argan oil has many virtues, a high quantity of vitamin E and Omega 6, and improves dry skin remarkably. There's a variety that can also be used for cooking.

All this wonders can be bought at the souks, open market and neuralgic center of the city. Thousands walk around it daily and tourists come in pilgrimage. You can find almost anything. But beware: you must know how to bargain! Salesmen take it almost as an insult if you pay full price. Bargaining is an art in many Arab countries.

At the souks you can also buy embroidered djellabas, fabrics, bags... Unique crafts.

Yves Saint Laurent loved Marrakech and Morocco and found here many inspirations for his collections. His love for this country was so immense that he chose to be buried here...

Les Milles et une Nuit in Marrakech....

2011-10-29T14:52:00.010-03:00

As usual, Marrakech has its particular charme, which makes it unique and one of the most popular touristic destinations in the world. And, as for the weather, this is by far the best time to come: hot and sunny during the day, fresh and windy during the night.

The house where I'm staying is the famous Zahia, residence of the Gettys during the '70s (a picture of Talitha, an icon during that time, was taken in one of its many terraces) and then owned by Alain Delon. Now it belongs to my friends who are also stupendous hosts.

It must be said that receiving friends is part of the Moroccan culture and the foreigners who own properties here adapt themselves to the local traditions and also love serving the exquisite Moroccan cuisine.

So coming to spend some days in Marrakech is a total change, much like entering into a new world, so different, in many senses, to my occidental origin.

To walk around the souk, the closed market that resembles Ali Baba's cave, is an experience for the eyes, in wonder with so many colors; for the smell, in awe with the scents of the spices, the perfumes, the rassoul; for the mouth, in joy with the taste of the "loukoums" and for the ears, surprised by the music of the "gnawas." Totally worth it...

Et voilá, un "riad."

Bal Jaune...

2011-10-22T11:25:00.002-03:00

Just arrived to this unusually cold Paris (tonight we had 5°C), I went to the Bal Jaune, the mythical dinner held by the Fondation Ricard to announce the winner of the Best Young Artist in Contemporary Art of the Year Award. From October 20th, and until the 23rd, the FIAC (Foire d'Arts Contemporain) is being held in town at the Grand Palais and all the big collectors of the world, the artists and the curious are here. Of course, the Ricard Dinner is THE event of the week and no one would miss it. This year, the place chosen was the Theatre de Chaillot. Two hundred people were invited to the dinner and more than 3000 to the afterwards dance, which began at midnight and would have performances by the band "The New Beatles."

There were three long long tables, for 70 people each, and all had big center pieces with palm leaves. They looked amazing. I was fortunate enough to be seated near the alma mater of the Fondation, Corinne Ricard, who is also one of my best friends. The greatest lovers of contemporary art were all there, including Francois Pinault, Rita Caltagirone and the artist Gerard Garouste. I was seated next to Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, with whom I had a wonderful time. I've always admired his work as a fashion designer.

Of course, in unison we all toasted for France's Rugby team, which is to face the All Blacks tomorrow morning in the World Cup Final.

The French were well represented by their artists and also by the excellent menu, signed by the chef Yannick Alléno, who prepared an original and exquisite menu.

The 13th Ricard Award was given to the young Adrien Missika, who will also have the privilege of showing his work during an entire month at the Centre Pompidou.

I did not stay for the dance, but as I left, I saw the long line of those waiting to get inside, in spite of the chilly weather...

Wonderful Tonight...

2011-10-15T10:59:00.000-03:00

What a great privilege to have Eric Clapton, once again, in Buenos Aires, after more than 10 years…

Tonight I had the honor, together with other 45.000 people, of witnessing a two-hour concert by the greatest guitar player in the world. And in spite of being 67 years old, he has lost none of his enormous talent. He looks more like an English college professor than a rock star. However, no one knows how to suck the best music out of a guitar. His band, of course, is also excellent.

Yesterday’s glorious moment came when he played and sang "Wonderful Tonight," one of my top-ten favorite songs, specially after having read Pattie Boyd’s biography, who was his greatest love and also George Harrison’s wife. It was to her that she dedicated this song that is the most beautiful tribute a man can give to a woman. Let’s not forget that, previously, to conquer her, when she was still someone else’s wife, he wrote to her “Layla,” another of his most famous songs.

In my next life I want to be a talented musician and spend my life on the stages of the world...

Good night to you all...

Chanel in Buenos Aires...

2011-10-13T10:54:00.001-03:00

Finally, after many many years of waiting, Chanel's perfumes and beauty products can finally be bought in Argentina! Today, at the Galerías Pacífico, Chanel opened a special space where you can see, try and desire the nail lacquers, the lipsticks, the eye-shadows and much more. I'm a great fan of their products. I've been using for more than 10 years the perfume Chanel N°5, in all its variations: body lotion, gel douche, eau de toilette. All my clothes smell like Chanel N°5. Not to mention the famous nail lacquer Black Satin, which I use constantly, or the rouge à levres Allure Velvet, shade La Distinguée, or the blushes Les Tissages... I consider Chanel's products to be among the best in the world...

And I'm always glad when things like this happen in Argentina.

I went to the cocktail with my sister, who wore a beautiful red Lanvin dress, and met many friends.

As I get ready to travel once again to Europe, my feelings towards Buenos Aires get more intense... and I would love to stay!

Coas Dinner 2011...

2011-10-07T15:06:00.002-03:00

I promise not to publish photos of myself for a while... I've posted three in less than a week!!!

It's just that I've come from COAS (Cooperativa de Acción Social) Annual Dinner, which is one of the last charity events of the season, and of the year, before the presidential elections... And I want to tell you who it went!

As usual, an exceptional amount of people and many many donations. Almost all the most important brands and companies of Argentina wanted to be present to support COAS' volunteers, ladies who work, with no salaries, to gather the needed funds to buy and then donate equipments to public hospitals. And they achieve this with private donations, with the Feria de las Naciones, with COAS-Gourmet and anything else they can hold on to... Since they began, many decades ago, they were able to raise 50 million dollars and distribute the equivalent in equipments and machines to many many hospitals and health centers. A true successful cause.

Of course, the night had its share of frivolity, with splendid elegant women, dancing, shows (two songs from Chicago and Rent) and prizes to be drawn.

To my table I invited Argentine, French and Italian friends.

The music of the 70s made us dance and move all night...

Another COAS dinner. For me, probably, the number 15. But, as usual, a classic I never want to miss...

El Camarín...

2011-10-05T14:49:00.000-03:00

On such a beautiful Spring day in Buenos Aires, I decided to go to the presentation of El Camarín's new collection, at the Museo Evita.

As you know, I get very emotional when listening to the song "Don't cry for me, Argentina,"but today's performance by singer Elena Roger left me absolutely breathless. Luckily enough, I could hide my tears under my Ray Bans!

Could it be because I love Argentina so much?

Who knows...

So, back to the presentation, I liked what I saw. A very personal collection, not at all "inspired" by foreign designers, with neutral hues, antique laces, very serene and tidy.

I congratulate the designer, because her pieces where able to shine in spite of being presented on such a historic surrounding, as it's the Museum's patio.

Of course, as it happens on all this events, many beautiful women among the guests, all gathered by Grupo Mass+.

With my friend Georgina Alliata.

Fundaleu's Benefic Dinner...

2011-10-03T14:40:00.004-03:00

As it happens annually, tonight we had Fundaleu's Benefic Dinner at the Alvear Palace Hotel, with the presence of many celebrities who, as usual, had no trouble working as waiters for the many tables. If I'm not mistaken, this one was Fundaleu's (Foundation fighting Leukemia) 16th Gala and, judging by the number of sponsors and tables sold, it turned out to be a huge success. Among the celebrity-waiters were Facundo Arana, Mirtha Legrand, Miguel del Sel, models, athletes, football players such as Martín Palermo and businessmen such as Cristiano Ratazzi.

This year I must point out the incredible salon decorations by Gerardo Acevedo which, as you can see on my picture, where sensational and fairy-tale like. The menu was specially prepared by La Bourgogne's Chef, Jean-Paul.

There were many prizes and special gifts to be drawn among guests... but I, recently landed from Paris, with a "jet lag" of 5 hours, could not bear my sleepiness, and fled back home... Early Cinderella.

I can only tell you that the music was great, but my long Oscar de la Renta dress made it impossible for me to move the way I like.

Many beautiful and elegant women, of course. A special note to Viviana Canosa, who has been charmingly improving her image year after year....

Well, time for bed. I was thrilled to participate in such beneficial event, at least for a few hours...

Don't cry for me Argentina...

2011-09-29T10:48:00.001-03:00

Photo credit: Johnny Vilagrain

For the second time in a row, we had an Argentine Fashion Week à Paris.

Thanks to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Argentina and the Fundación ExportAR, seven of the best Argentine designers and their favorite models traveled to Paris to present their collections in a great show on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower, at the Gustave Eiffel salon.

Lucky enough, this September 29th proved to be a splendid summer day, sunny and hot. As another tourist of the crowd, I went to the Eiffel Tower and waited in line to get to the elevator...

With enormous joy I met many dear Argentine and Brazilian friends, all gathered by Abraao Ferreira, who was in charged of the press and guests.

After an acceptable delay, the show began with the native looks proposed by Cardón, which were then followed by the Haute Couture dresses by Laurencio Adot, Iaia Cano and Claudio Cossano (absent due to a personal tragedy, but well represented by model Liz Solari, beautiful with her new haircut...).

It was then the turn of Carlos di Doménico, always glamorous, of Jorge Ibañez, with model Ingrid Grudke, and of Gabriel Lage, who wrapped-up the show with an amazing embroidered nude dress, worn by Carolina Pampita Ardohain.

All designers tried to show their best: shocking and shining dresses to wear at night. Will Parisians believe Argentine women dress like that every day? That they always go out looking like that? Jokes apart, the runway presented a sensual, mysterious and quite fatale woman.

Photo credit: Johnny Vilagrain

The grand finale came with Madonna's version of "Don't cry for me, Argentina." And I'm so romantic, that every time I listen to it, I cry!

Do to my anxiety to attend the show, I left at home my camera... A pity!

I took these pictures with my iPhone... I apologize for the mediocre results.

P.S.: Thanks to Johnny Vilagrain, official photographer of the show, I can post better ones!

Going out on a night of "Eté Indien" in Paris...

2011-09-27T00:18:00.000-03:00

There's a famous French song by Joe Dassin, an artist who died too young and who is one of my favorites, which is called "L'eté Indien." It talks about those wonderful days that, in the northern hemisphere, by the end of September and beginning of October, mysteriously bring back the Summer.

And this year in Paris we seem to be having a lovely "eté indien." Today we had 26°C and it is said that we'll be having a week of sun and days with 30°C.

Paris is, usually, marvelous but now, with this radiant sun, incredible light and amazing dusks, it's absolutely breath-taking.

The best part is that this meteorological phenomenon comes just in time for the Fashion Week, so it's impossible to stay at home!

This afternoon I took my friends Alessandro and Viviana, an Italian and an Argentine model, guests at my house and in Paris because of the runway show of the Argentine designers, to a cocktail and then dinner out.

First, we went to the cocktail at Ralph Lauren's boutique on Avenue Montaigne, where the brand was presenting it's new challenge: a jewelry collection. Many beautiful pieces, big golden bracelets and watches with black crocodile leather straps and diamonds on the face.
It's going to be a huge success.

All of Paris was there. I'd like to point out model Tasha de Vasconcellos, who looked amazing.

Then we went to Galignani, my favorite bookshop, where writer Charles Dantzig was presenting his last novel "Dans un avion pour Caracas." Apart from knowing Charles personally, he's a great and educated writer and I had already read the book, which I absolutely loved. It's always a pleasure to hear someone who knows what he's talking about!

To wrap the night, we went to have dinner at Mathis, which is a restaurant-lounge where you can find the most diverse of people: from actors such as Francis Huster to international artists, high-society women and outcasts of the night.

I go there because of their lentil salad and the sesame-crusted tuna.

After dinner I left my friends to enjoy the pleasures of Paris by night and went back home, as Cinderella... my carriage-blog was waiting for me to update it...

Le Bon Marché...

2011-09-21T23:52:00.001-03:00

When it's grey outside, when I'm feeling lonely or when I simply need to rest my mind, I go to the Bon Marché: a traditional, classic but yet luxurious store in Paris.

The Bon Marché is not the typical popular department store, as Galeries Lafayette or Printemps.

Not at all.

To begin with, it's on the Rive Gauche, on the 7eme arrondisement to be more precise. That makes it different. It's less touristic, more intellectual. It's never crowded. It has only three floors, not very large, and everything is in it's right place.

Today, as soon as I heard that the Gala at the Opera, which I had to attend at 6:45 pm, was cancelled due to a strike, I fled to the Bon Marché.

Fall is here and the new collection are in store already. And, till October 15th, there's a special exhibition dedicated to London and a special floor to promote British designers.

I went straight there to check out two dresses by Mary Katranzou, a new English designer, of Greek origins, who specializes in prints.

Unfortunately, one was too big for me and the other too tight around the shoulders... A pity.

I spent some time admiring the new shoes by Charlotte Olypmpia, one of my favorite designers. The new Smythson's notebooks in (fake) emerald crocodile leather also caught my attention. Still bare-handed, I went down to the second floor.

The Bon Marché is very "tendances," so next to designers such as Lanvin or Pucci, I could check the collections of newer talents, such as Anthony Vaccariello and Bouchra Jarrar (a French-Moroccan much talked-about these days).

I saw a black dress by Vaccariello, super sexy, but with too much cleavage for winter.

Anyway, there's nothing as Lanvin's dresses... It's a pity that my sister already has the one I liked best (a red one with a cape on one shoulder).

I went then to the ground floor, the one with the cosmetics and perfumes, and also accessories.

I bought a superb pair of semi-long gloves in black leather, to have them ready for the colder days. And I came back home to take my tea, listen to a sonata by Liszt and write my post...

Taking the plane to Paris...

2011-09-14T17:25:00.001-03:00

With a mixture of feelings (joy, fear, tiredness, curiosity) I jumped into my "plane" dress: a black, super classic, sleeve-less, 1998 Chanel dress. Chanel. together with Lanvin, is one of the few Maisons that include the production date on the labels of their clothes, so you can always tell when they were done and know how old they are...

So, back to my post, with my LBD, my three huge suitcases and my carry-on, I sped to Ezeiza to board Air France 417 flight, the one that every day, in the afternoon, connects Buenos Aires to Paris. For me it's like a branch of my house. I always know where I'll be seating (by the aisles, because I'm claustrophobic), what I'll be eating (I take my own food from home: soy burgers, veggies and fennel tea... what they serve on the plane is usually too salty for my taste...), what I'll be reading (the last issues of the main French magazines will be available on board and I devour them with passion...), etc.

After so many years of "hopping" from one country to the other, this travel routine is part of my life. Luckily I'm not afraid of flying: the plane can shake as a cocktail maker that I won't notice.

This time, the only difference with previous flights was the VIP service I was offered by Aeropuertos Argentina 2000, courtesy of Jorge Lukowsky... a pleasure.

The rest went by as usual and as soon as the "fasten your seat belts" sign was off, I ran to change into my "plane" sweat pants and my black cashmere cardigan, also for "plane use." That's when I realized it needed replacing. This one is from 1997, when my bag was stolen at Roissy's Airport and the one I had, disappeared with it...

I love the time alone I spend on board. You get to see everything from another point of view, judge what you've been doing, what you'll be doing and what you want to do. That's why I always carry my red Filofax with me, to jot down thoughts, ideas, lists of things to do... In spite of considering myself quite "cybernetic," there are certain things I prefer to write in my own handwriting.

After putting my watch 5 hours forward, one of my secrets to avoid jet-lag, I saw one of the movies, "Blue Valentine" (really sad love story), and fell into a refreshing sleep...

... Which was interrupted when one of the passengers opened his window and the sun invaded the cabin...

We were close to landing.

And there was Paris, splendid this time of the year, by the end of Summer and the beginning of Winter, waiting for me...

I'm listening "Vedo Nero",,,

2011-09-08T10:46:00.001-03:00

This is the IT song in the Italian and European Summer. Adelmo "Zucchero" Fornaciari has been one of my favorite artists for many years now and he's a genius.

Enjoy this beautiful video...

I like Lanvin...

2011-09-05T15:17:00.000-03:00

I want to share with you this video done by Steven Meisel for Lanvin... A unique piece of humor and style.
Enjoy...

Dear readers...

2011-08-31T16:11:00.001-03:00

With so many comings and goings, trips and journeys, I missed to remember our blog's 2nd Anniversary, which was on August 27th. So, today, I want to celebrate it with you and thank you deeply for joining me in this adventure!

Dinner in benefit of Unicef...

2011-08-31T11:06:00.001-03:00

Almost two months ago, Gabriel Oliveri, Alma Mater of the Four Seasons Hotel in Buenos Aires, contacted me to invite me to the Gala in benefit of Unicef and the celebration of the 90th Anniversary of the Mansion owned by the hotel. Of course I could not refuse, so I scheduled my return to Buenos Aires bearing this event in mind. The dress code asked for looks with details based in the 1920s.

In Paris, my very-creative friend Marc Mahon did to me a headwear with really tall feathers that looked amazing, but maybe too Folies Bergère, so I didn't have the courage to use it tonight. I went with my Cavalli dress in a Tiffany shade and a pair of gloves I bought this afternoon in a rush. Gervasio Larrivey, my make-up artist friend, applied to me some fake eyelashes and like that I went out to the cold night in the city.

The party, which had many important sponsors, was very well organized, specially the room decorations, designed by Gerardo Acevedo, with combinations of feathers (I would have liked them on my head) and stained-glass dragonflies. Really stunning.

Then I must admits most female guests did a hard work to comply with the dress code: from Soledad Silveyra and Natalia Oreiro, godmother to the event, to the many models dressed by local designers with their 1920s inspirations. I liked the looks of Ingrid Grudke by Jorge Ibañez, Karina Mazzocco by Carlos Di Doménico, Jimena Buttigliengo by Fabián Zitta and Lara Bernasconi by Laurencio Adot... I felt like being back in 1929 (a little because of the economic meltdown too)...

Griselda Siciliani and Carlos Casella did a musical performance and sang a couple of duets.

The food was also really tasty and appropriate.

Many prizes were promised for the night (for example, a stay at the Four Seasons Hotel in Paris, the famous George V), but my lack of sleep and willingness to write this post were stronger and, like Cinderella, I was off before midnight.

Anyway, I wish to point out that not all were feathers and sequins.... The funds gathered at the Gala will be given to Unicef to improve the facilities in more than a hundred hospitals and thus prevent many health-related issues. It's nice then to wear costumes and feathers (boy, I can't take feathers off my mind tonight) when there's such an aim to achieve...

To my readers...

2011-08-29T23:48:00.000-03:00

I want to beg you to forgive me for not writing these past days, dear readers... But I've been traveling and had nothing interesting to tell you about... Just hours spent on airports and flights...

But I've just arrived to Buenos Aires and I will soon go on with my posts.

Thank you for reading my blog!!

The Best and Worst of Ibiza...

2011-08-16T10:47:00.004-03:00

Back in the continent, here's my opinion of my stay in Ibiza, this original island, so full of contrasts...

The Best...

1. The Sea, specially that of Formentera: turquoise-blue, transparent... beautiful.

2. The countryside. The surroundings of San Mateu, San Gertrudis, the north. A dream come true, with those estates of the 18th Century, typical buldings with stone walls which, luckily, still remain intact.

3. The sandals at Pedro's. Made of leather, with straps around the ankles, super chic.

4. Vicente Ganesha's shop. I liked everything he had: caftans, beach wraps, echarpes. Just the right look for Ibiza. And he is charming.

5. Eggplants with parmesan cheese, from the restaurant "Las Dos Lunas," and its ambient music. Both excellent.

6. Sunsets from Punta Galera. Breathtaking.

The Worst...

1. The way the city of Eivissa, and specially Sant Antoni, were urbanized... A tasteless disaster, with lack of harmony and aesthetic. A pity.

2. The charters which arrive on Fridays from the north of Europe bringing plenty of teens to the Discos. They stay sleepless till Sunday... and then, off they go back home. What can I say?

3. The Discos. I love dancing and partying, but that huge amount of soulless discos definitely does not interest me. This, in spite of the many artists that perform in them (Jamiroquai, Seal, Moby).

4. The seaport of Marina Botafoch... Too modern in comparison to the feel of the island.

5. The Atzaró... way too many styles (hindi, thai, etc.) all together.

6. Lots of tourists, too many... But, well, it's August after all...

Diner at Atzaró...

2011-08-13T19:06:00.000-03:00

Everyone told me so much about him, that we ended having dinner together!!

During my stay in Ibiza I couldn't miss the chance to meet Carlos Martorell, the famous Spanish P.R.

And he gently invited us to visit and have dinner at Atzaró, a huge resort not far from Santa Eularia.

Carlos has been one of the first promoters and witness of the touristic development of the island, and by the 70s he was already spending summers here.

Of course there's no famous person visiting Ibiza that Carlos has not met.

Nowadays, in addition to his job, he writes a blog called "El Observador Solitario," which is a huge success, with more than 200.000 visits per month.

The dinner was lovely, full of stories and anecdotes of this amazing place.

We would have stayed talking till dusk...

Pachá...

2011-08-10T18:47:00.001-03:00

As my loyal readers know, I'm no fan of nightlife. But to be in Ibiza, Mecca of the nightclubs, and go to no party is almost ridiculous...

This is why I said yes to an invitation to the famous Pachá, where Carlos Martorell, a world-known P.R, organized a Flower-Power-themed party. Having to get there by 1 a.m. sounded already like an adventure to me, but I had to cope. The dress-code demanded a 70s' look, inspired in the hippie flower-power era, so I used, for the thirtieth time, my beloved Oscar de la Renta dress, with two silver cuffs I bought on a street stall. It was the most appropriate look I could find.

What a thrill to be in a real disco! The music... wonderful! I couldn't stop dancing and watching others dance, to imitate their steps. I enjoyed myself a lot. A very good-looking, half-naked waiter came to offer me a drink... I would have ordered a chamomile tea! But I improvised and asked for a "vodka with tonic" (?). Of course, I did not even taste it.

Among the VIP guests were Natalia Vodianova and the Hilton sisters, both playing with their blackberries.

Many Spanish personalities, such as Ana Obregón, and some Italian vedettes, such as Simona Ventures. Also others I couldn't recognize.

By 2 a.m. we were out, and as we stepped on the street, we saw the never-ending line to get inside...

I've been tired all day today, wishing to finally go to bed early.

Ibiza...

2011-08-07T22:09:00.000-03:00

So I'm already in Ibiza... I'll look around and tell you all about it soon...

Paris in August...

2011-08-05T19:12:00.001-03:00

I love cities in summer... There's not too much people, everything is quieter, there's no traffic jams and everyone is softer and less electric.

And, in August, Paris is truly empty. Between the 5th and the 21st almost 80% of stores are closed and even banks open from Tuesday to Thursday!

In general, August is the month of the Middle East tourists, who run away from the 45ºC in their hometowns. But this year, Ramadan (very important for the Muslims, who fast all day, till dawn) began on August 1st, so even the Arabs have gone.

The big 5-star Hotels, such as the George V, the Crillon or the Ritz, have seen their loyal customers go, so they era promoting lower prices to attract visitors.

However, Paris, empty as it is, is more beautiful than ever.

The few that have stayed behind ride happily on their bikes, visit the many parcs and eat at the usually crowded restaurants. The only place where you can see people is on Champs-Elyseés Ave., and specially outside the Abercrombie & Fitch store, which opened three months ago and it's still a success.

The rest, a true desert: hair salons are all closed, as also shoes stores... and even fish shops don't receive fresh fish... better not to eat!

But I don't care... This low-speed city is still a pleasure!

Ciao Grecia...

2011-08-01T16:51:00.012-03:00

After 10 magnificent days of radiant sun (while it's been raining from St. Tropez to Capri), of a more transparent sea than that of the Caribbean and of a cuisine as I adore... it's time for me to go back to Paris.

If they lasted the 365 days of the year they wouldn't be holidays, right?

Greece is one of my all-time favorite destinations and I try to come here every year.

However, these past two have been special because of the economic crisis that threatens the country. But the Greek still receive tourists as charmingly as ever and, apparently, you don't feel the crisis at all.

It's August and it looks like a Babel tower: you can hear so many different languages being spoken around you that it's hard to tell them apart! I can't really say if I'm listening to Russian, Hebrew, Danish or Norwegian... I even bet against myself to guess the country of origin of my beach neighbors or those seating next to my table...

As for the cuisine... There's no food I enjoy more than the Greek: grilled octopus, feta cheese, grilled zucchinis, tomatoes from Santorini, roasted eggplants, 0% yoghurts with a touch of honey... Not to mention the huge capers and black olives (which I don't eat. but enjoy just by seeing and smelling), tuna carpaccios and olive oils. So simple and tasty...

Every time I eat, I imagine Ulysses and Enea eating just the same... Local produce are so good that they haven't change much in the past millennia.

To recommend, the restaurant Kalita, with its octopus carpaccio and bean puree. Also Nobu, at the Belvedere Hotel, Agua in Little Venice and Kuzina, in the beach of Ornos.

Many nice stores with beach wear, colorful and original. My favorite: SOHO SOHO.

Well, time to go.

Ciao Grecia, all'anno prossimo...

Greece...

2011-07-27T22:51:00.000-03:00

Wearing a cotton dress from Topshop (which was my last week's smart-bargain), I went to have dinner to Little Venice, on Mykonos' seaport.
It seems as if the economic crisis has been forgotten here, a bit because it's summer, and a bit because tourists from certain European countries (Germans, French, Italians, Spanish) have never stopped coming...
But locals here complain and a lot. There are less Greeks, all of them trying to fulfill the new austerity measures. Most shops and boutiques are on sale (still with a lot of stock to sell) and many reservations have been cancelled.
Poor Greece... so beautiful and generous, with so much History... and now living such a tremendous moment.
I love this country dearly and I do wish they can recover as soon as possible!

More on earrings...

2011-07-27T22:41:00.000-03:00

There are earrings that are jewels (made with gold, diamonds, pearls, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, etc.) and others that are bijouterie. That is, they are made with semi-precious stones, Swarovsky crystals, enamels and all sorts of fantasies. They are shinny and full of color. They can be from any big designer, such as Lanvin, Dior, Chanel, Ermano Scervino, Prada or Pucci. Or from others exclusively dedicated to design bijouterie, such as Vrba, Gas or Reminescence.

The first should be used only on certain occasions and with certain dress codes. The others can be used in many more opportunities.

It's rather obvious that, when on holidays, in summer and at the beach, you should privilege the second type... First of all because they are easier to adapt to any situation, and secondly, because, if possible, you should avoid traveling with expensive jewels...

Why must one pack 10 pairs of earrings when on holidays...

2011-07-25T19:29:00.001-03:00

The sun, the wind (meltemi, the wind of the Greek Cyclades), the sea and the damned humidity can leave your hair in quite a mess... And who wants to go the a hairdresser when in Mykonos?

I've seen no woman with a salon hairdo. This is the kingdom of hair-pins, ponytails and chignons, specially untidy ones. We are on holidays, and there are no photographers around... at last!

So, to look a bit more elegant and glamorous... long live the earrings!!!

They pull up any cotton dress, light up your face and conceal the worst of hairdos.

They must be long, colorful, shinny and, more then anything, FAKE!! As Coco Chanel used to say: "It's time the real thing imitates the fake..."

Attention: use them only at night, never during the day. I learned that from my friend Myriam, who has lots of experience in Mediterranean vacations, which are not the same as those in Punta del Este, where there's always a Roberto Giordano's salon around the corner, opened till very very late...

Contrasts...

2011-07-23T11:52:00.002-03:00

Today I travelled to Greece.
It's the holiday season in Europe, today is Saturday and everyone is happy and relaxed. One can never be sad when going to Mykonos, the island of parties, of sun and beaches. And a place far from Paris, with its awful weather and unusual cold. Our concerns over Greece's debt are left for some other time...
All girls here look like Kate Moss at her best, with the right looks and the artfully untidy hair. The men, tanned and handsome.
I was sad to read about the death of Lucien Freud on the plane. I had the privilege of meeting him last year, during his Paris exhibition, and I felt so happy... He is one of my favorite artists, if not THE favorite. But well, he was 88: it's kind of normal to die at that age.
And then, in my hotel room, overlooking the sea, with its islands and reddish dusk, I learned about Amy Winehouse's death...
I loved her as an artist, admired her incredible talent. Of course I did not shared her lifestyle, or self-destruction I shall say, so opposite to who I am, to my love for life, well-being, health and good habits.
But I felt devastated... To die on a sunny July day, at age 27... No matter if it was her "choice." Awful all the same...
I listened to her song "Love is a losing game" on my iPhone... and I wished Amy would finally find some peace...

Packing...

2011-07-20T11:39:00.002-03:00

There's nothing more boring, and yet impossible to delegate (with the risk of finding just what you don't need), than packing your luggage.
Believe me, I have experience on the matter. I've been packing and unpacking for years! And even more this time around, when I'm in Paris during the European summer, and constantly hopping from one place to another.
This is why I've developed my own personal method, which starts with a sheet of paper and a pen: how many days will I be traveling? 10? 5? I check on the web the weather forecast of my destination.
I then write down how many times I'll be dining out. If I'll be going out 10 times, then I'll be needing 10 different outfits. That will require 10 pairs of earrings (stored in individual plastic bags). Shoes, I chose pairs that work with as many looks as possible. They weight too much and are bulky. The ones I carry travel in their own fabric bags. Purses, also a few... Normally I do just fine with two Judith Leiber clutched, a golden and a black one.
If I'm going to the beach, I calculate 10 bikinis, with shorts and cover-ups to match. The same with my gym outfits: shorts and tank tops in Summer, sweat pants and hoodies for Winter.
Once I've wrote down all I'll be needing, I take out the items from my wardrobe and start organizing my looks. Nothing is left unplanned.
For some years now me beloved Louis Vuitton suitcases serve only for decoration... To heavy to use nowadays. Airlines have firm weight restrictions: never more than 20-23 kilos per piece. So I've gave them up and replaced them for simple black bags (customized with yellow and red ribbons for easy recognition) for my trips around Europe and to Uruguay. For intercontinental flights, I prefer T. Anthony's suitcases. If I want everything to arrive perfectly, I put sheets of white silk paper in between dresses.

The heavy stuff goes under and the lighter things on top.

Shoes, my creams and make-up products go on a separate bag. But, of course, if I must travel light, I take the precaution of storing all liquids in well-closed plastic bags.

When returning back, however, I'm not that organized!!!

I always carry fabric bags to store my laundry and I never forget a book or two.

For longer trips, I carry in cabin a cashmere blanket (a gift given to me a long time ago), a black gym pant and a black cardigan, which I wear as soon as I find my seat. I remove my make-up and use a strong hydrating cream. Then I try to drink a glass of water per hour of flight. And I carry my own snacks, because plane food is usually too salty or fatty.

What else?

Have a nice trip!!!

Leaving Tuscany to return to Paris...

2011-07-18T11:15:00.001-03:00

In Montepulciano, at the Dionora...

2011-07-13T23:30:00.002-03:00

Jean Paul Gaultier's Haute Couture Runway show...

2011-07-06T11:07:00.010-03:00

As it happens every year, the first week of July is that of the Fall-Winter Haute Couture runway shows...

And I couldn't miss the chance to see a fun and fantastic show as the ones Jean-Paul Gaultier proposes every season.

At the 325 of Rue St. Martin, were he has his atelier and runway hall (a real privilege because not all designers have both on the same place), by 2:30 pm, there were already lots of black Mercedes with drivers bringing the "precious" clients from Russia, the Emirates, India and America. But also, of course, the many fashion editors covering the show, although I did not see Anna Wintour.

There's always a Hollywood star invited, and this time it was the turn of Milla Jovovich, who came with her husband, director Paul W. S. Anderson, and her little daughter Ever Gabo.

Of course, the show began with an-hour delay, as usual. But this time we were given fancy feather fans to stand the summer heat.

Anyway, it was worth the wait, because the show was sensational and better than previous ones, I shall say. For the first time, there were also men on the runway, wearing totally crazy looks, such as feathery skirts or lace trousers with Swarovsky cristals. Very exotic, but yet beautiful.

As for women (all of them with feather arrangements on their heads), we saw coats and suits for the day in tweed or with details in fur, but also black pants, lots of leather, some skirts and the classic Gaultier trench. For the night, sumptuous dresses and shinny fourreaux.

The last look was modeled by Mylène Farmer, the famous French singer, who looked divine.

And of course, him... the eternal "enfant terrible" of the Fashion world, as always, running along his runway, with an ear-to-ear smile.

A real pleasure to witness such unique show...

Royal wedding in Monaco...

2011-07-02T10:51:00.001-03:00

Quit a warming sun, in a July afternoon, in a splendid ship on the waters of St. Tropez, to tune on TV the royal wedding of Prince Albert... One must really be willing to do so!!

But my friends and I did exactly that to follow the live broadcast from Monaco.

First of all, because a wedding is always interesting, specially for us, women. And secondly, because we wanted to be witnesses of the day Charlene would be becoming Princess of Monaco and, of course, judge her wedding dress...

The truth is that Armani's work did not disappoint. The designer knew exactly how to enhance the body of the new Princess (a former Olympic swimmer) and her coiffeur created for her a hairdo that really looked great on her.

She was perfect.

The ceremony itself was impeccable and the choice of music, with the sublime "Ave Maria," performed by Andrea Bocelli, made us cry. We, women, usually cry at weddings... It's no surprise...

So now it's time to wait for magazines as Hello! and Point de Vue to see the looks of all the guests...

Source: www.hola.com.ar

Maeght Fundation...

2011-06-29T23:56:00.000-03:00

Under Miró's Arch, at Maeght Fundation, in St. Paul de Vence...

At the Hôtel de Talleyrand...

2011-06-26T16:36:00.000-03:00

This June, in the mundane Paris that wishes to leave behind the Winter and see the city under better lights (those of Summer, of course) and meet with friends to talk about everything and nothing, you must attend one of the many gatherings taking place these days...

Precisely this week I had the honor of being invited by Bertrand du Vignaud, President of the WMF Europe, to their Diner held every year in June. The World Monument Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to restore the most important and incredible monuments on Earth and has chapters in more than a 100 cities. This is all possible thanks to the generosity of many donors... many many!

For example, WMF Europe, between 2010 and 2011, was able to restore the Kollegienkirche of Salzbourg, the facade of the Belvedere and the doors and balustrades of the Villa dei Vescovi, both in Prague, and the Roman Church of San Clement de Casauria, in Abruzzo, two years after the earthquake. And so many other projects are on the works... Fascinating!

WMF Europe has its headquarters in one of the most beautiful, historic and important palaces in Paris: the Hôtel de Talleyrand, which has a long, long history.

First it was known as Hôtel St. Florentin, because of Louis-Phelypeaux, Count of St. Florentin and future Duke of La Vrillière, who was Secretary of State to King Louis XV. The Hotel was finished by 1769 thanks to the work of the architect Chalgrin, When St. Florentin died, the Hotel went to the Duke Fitz Roy and later to de Duchess de Infantado. In 1812 it was finally bought by Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, a great politician of his time and a key piece of French History. He would live there until his death, in 1838. Around that time the Hôtel is bought by James de Rothschild, being the Rothschilds the only owners until 1950.

It it with them that the building reaches its highest splendor. However, the years of war, its many horrors and the German occupation in Paris, pushes the family to sell it to the American Government, which will first use it as headquarters for the Marshall Plan and, later, as US Consulate in Paris. A restoration process is began shortly after, ending in 2007 and taking the Hôtel to its original blueprint.

Today it is rented by a Law Firm and the WMF Europe.

It was in its halls, with such Past and splendor, that the dinner was held... with a breathtaking view of the Place de la Concorde.

Of course all the donors of the WMF were there, mostly Americans, and the "tout" Paris: women in long dresses and men in smoking.

As I love History and its traditions, it was a privilege to me to be able to be in a place were so many important people in France spent their time...

Dinner to honor Archi Lanús...

2011-06-19T15:26:00.001-03:00

Apart from Gardel, there are, and there's been, few Argentine so loved and respected here in France as Archibaldo Lanús.

Along the decade he spent in Paris, as Argentine Ambassador, Archi created strong bonds of friendship with an important part of the French society, and his invitations to the residence on Ave. Foch, be it to celebrate the 9th of July or to listen to a Tango ensemble, were all very cherished.

As no one he knew how to interest his French friends in Argentine culture and when he left, in 2005, there's been at least 30 farewell dinners... Never seen before!

Now, he returns every year, in June, and the French ladies call for themselves the right to offer him dinners and lunches months ahead.

This week was the turn of Francoise Gallimard, heir to the publishing house Gallimard, who gathered in her floor on Rue de Lille around 30 guests, among whom were the Princess María Pía de Savoia, Princess Alix Napoleón, the Bragance, Michel de Bourbon-Parme, Prince Amin Aga Khan, his Royal Highness Michel of France, Baroness Hottinguer... It felt like a dinner out of "The Recherche du Temps Perdu," by Marcel Proust, from 1911, not from 2011. It must have been quite hard for the host to arrange the sitting order respecting a certain protocol with so many aristocrats... I was lucky: in spite of being younger than other princesses, I was placed in Archi's table.

Archi brought a latin touch, hiring a band of musicians from Paraguay, who played such songs as "El Rey" and "Guantanamera."

As I left, they were inviting guests to dance to the rhythm of "Marina," a hit from the 60s...

PS: And now that we are pretending to be Proust, let me tell you that I wore an Oscar de la Renta black dress, with huge white sequins details on the skirt... Before you ask!!

Argentine Polo in Paris...

2011-06-13T20:42:00.000-03:00

Under a grey and rainy sky, a Polo match was held this afternoon at the Marus Sanctus field, just outside of Paris.

The French have always been huge fans of watching and playing Polo. And, of course, the Argentine players, considered the best in the world, are well-received in this country to play and teach the secrets of such an elegant and elitist sport.

Today, Patrick Guerrand Hermès's team, La Palmeraie, faced La Bamba de Areco.

As special guests among the players were the Pieres brothers, Facundo and Gonzalo, both with a handicap of 10. Also Lucas Monteverde, Francisco Bensadón and Facundo Sola, with handicaps between 9 and 6.

The cup at stake honored Mathias Guerrand-Hermès, who died too young a little more than a year ago and a great Polo lover, as also his father Patrick.

Each of us could help with a contribution to benefit the Coronel Moldes Hospital in Córdoba.

Between the downpours and the rays of sun, which came out randomly, and with a crowd happy to see such Polo stars, the match was fantastic. As it was expected.

Once again, the bonds between Argentina and France proved to be stronger than ever...

My American Tournée...

2011-06-09T19:31:00.002-03:00

Et voilá je suis ici... Here I'm, back in Europe, in front of my trustworthy PC, contemplating Paris' grey skies through the corner of my eyes... After so many visual stimulus in the US, it's relaxing and rather dull.

The truth is that New York in June, under a radiant sun and a pre-summer atmosphere, full of tourists, is better than ever.

And there's so much to do... For example, sales-shopping (40% off almost everywhere) and witnessing the twice-a-year show (in June and December) held at the shoes floor in Bergdorf, Saks or Barneys: hundreds of women fighting over their objects of desire, to see if they can get them a little less expensive.

And in a more interesting level, there's always the amazing exhibits at the local museums, so well-organized. Of course, my sister and I couldn't miss the chance to see the fabulous retrospective on Alexander McQueen at the Metropolitan Museum.

And it was worth it... "Savage Beauty," that the name of the exhibit, is a visual journey through unusual, creative and emotional concepts. A bit because McQueen died too young (killed himself at age 40), a bit because he's always been Fashion's naughty boy and a bit because he had an incredible talent... in less than fifteen years he knew how to leave a deep footprint in all those who, like me, love fashion.

The exhibit highlights all the obscure aspects of his personality... Wind, lights, noises... You feel as being transported into the romantic, melancholic and sad fantasy of an English boy...

And the gowns... The red silk cape, the black feathers dress, the lace, the leather sadomasochist bustiers... A different sexuality, weird and yet fascinating...

But enough... all of you passing through New York, don't miss the chance to see it and buy the catalog, specially edited for the occasion, with his face on the cover, which metamorphoses into a skull, depending on how you move the book...

Travelling...

2011-06-07T23:07:00.001-03:00

My apologies for not writting...
I'm currently travelling through the US but I will soon return to Paris...
Till then, see you soon!

Harper's Bazaar in Argentina...

2011-05-26T11:23:00.000-03:00

This afternoon I went to the cocktail to celebrate the launch of the Argentine version of the magazine Harper's Bazaar. Finally this great fashion and beauty magazine has its local edition.

Her editor-in-chief is Ana Torrejón, who already has a long and interesting experience in the world of fashion magazines for women, because she used to be in charge of the Argentine Elle Magazine.

The cocktail took place at the Faena Hotel, where I haven't been for a long time and still keeps that Argentine-modern charm: a mixture of local-antique with New York futurism. I love it.

But back to the cocktail, everyone was there, of course because the Grupo Mass+ organized it all. From a representative of the American Harper's Bazaar to Juliana Awada, lots of models and other magazine editors, together with many journalists covering the event (even my beloved Roberto Funes Ugarte was there working for C5N).

Everything turned out perfectly and it was lovely to see so many friends again. Before you ask, I wore my blue one-shoulder Lanvin which I took to the Sotheby's Gala in Paris. My sister also chose a Lanvin, but hers, more daring and original, with black feathers.

I hope the magazine meets a huge success here.

Later, together with Roberto, I went to the Restaurant Tô, at the Hotel Mio Buenos Aires. It was a first for me and I was positively impressed by the decoration and general look of the place. Great food, argentine-japanese fusion. I felt as if being in Los Angeles, with a touch of local tango.

Another restaurant I visited these past days is that of the Hotel Algodon Mansion. Excellent. Both in Recoleta, which has become again an IT neighborhood...

I'm behaving like a tourist in the city where I've lived half of my life... and I can tell it has changed a lot... for the better.

Martín Fierro 2011 (Part II)...

2011-05-23T14:18:00.000-03:00

Fighting hard not to fall asleep (I got back from Paris on Saturday, so I was still suffering the 5-hour time difference), I saw almost the entire Martín Fierro Awards ceremony.

I found the general look much better than in previous years, although there was a "surplus" of jewels (which I only like on one-color dresses, with no details or embroideries...) and some dramatic hair-dos. But, I repeat, in general, I liked what I saw.

Natalia Oreiro looked impeccable with the three dresses she chose. With a light and fresh make-up, she looked charming and comfortable in her hosting role. I would only criticize her first hair-do, a chignon to one side, only because I don't like it myself. I usually prefer something more classic.

I liked Verónica Lozano and found Viviana Canosa sexy with her turquoise necklace. Her hair, however, was too long...

Marcelo Tinelli is such a handsome man, but I would have suggested him a classic smoking and not the one he used.

I liked Mike Amigorena and his eccentricities. He makes me laugh.

Now, I'll wait for the photos!

Martín Fierro 2011...

2011-05-22T13:59:00.002-03:00

I jumped out of my bed, where I'm watching the Martín Fierro Awards, to write my first impressions... I must have Twitter!

(I do, but I'm still not into it...)

Well, up to now, I've seen very beautiful women and some interesting dresses... Of course, and sorry for not being unbiased, I must mention my sister, with a tight black Oscar de la Renta. She was specially invited to cover the event for her fashion column in Revista Caras, where she's now collaborating. Then, very nice was Natalia Oreiro's green dress, also an Oscar... It belonged to the 2011 Resort Collection... I know it to be so because I have all the catalogs! It reminded me of one I have from 2008, also in green and, of course, from De la Renta too.

I saw lots of red dresses, like those used by Cecilia Roth and Inés Estévez. Charming was the Benito Fernández chosen by Laura Novoa (although she paired it with too much jewels for my taste) and Susana Giménez ruby necklace. I loved Leticia Brédice's white dress, although I found her hair too dyed (she must use it like that for her character in El Elegido), and Catherine Fulop's hair-do. Very modern...

Now, back to my bed and the TV...

Cannes is over...

2011-05-22T13:45:00.000-03:00

After 11 days of movies and fashion, this afternoon, with the award ceremony, Cannes Film Festival said goodbye till next year.

As it was predicted, the "Palm d'Or" was given to the movie "The Tree of Life," by Terrence Malick. This American director is not so popular among the great audience (in 40 years he only made 5 movies) but experts and movie critics consider him a unique artist, almost like Stanley Kubrick.

The award for Best Male Performance was given to the French actor Jean Dujardin for his role in "The Artist." I love Dujardin, who's good-looking, talented and a great dancer. Kirsten Dunst received the Best Female Performance award... I don't like her very much, but I'm sure she deserved it.

I want to point out again the supreme elegance of Jane Fonda, who handed out the Palm d'Or. She wore a long, nude and embroidered dress that looked perfect on her. Très chic.

Also beautiful (again!) was Uma Thurman's look: a French blue dress, opened in the back with a sexy cleavage... A true goddess!

Tonight we'll have, although more modest but not less important, the Martín Fierro Awards.

I'll be back with my comments... See you.

My "Palms" to Elegance in Cannes...

2011-05-20T12:59:00.018-03:00

For a week now in France (and in the rest of the world), we've been following the Cannes Film Festival which, apart from being one of the most important festivals because of the quality of the movies in competition and the line-up of directors (all of them proud to be chosen to participate), it has become a runway to fashion, elegance and unique glamour.

L'Oreal (French group owning several beauty brands) and Chopard are the main sponsors of the Festival and they both hire models and actresses to show their beauties on the Red Carpet leading to the steps of the Palais du Festival, were movies are daily premiered. So every afternoon it's a treat to watch the arrival of stars, broadcasted live by Canal +, another of the main sponsors.

This year we've seen everything: beautiful women, one or two looking totally ridiculous, and others simply stunning.

My awards to Elegance this year go to three actresses...

Number one: Jane Fonda

At 73, the American actress shone with her body (slim and perfect), her hair (she is one of the faces of L'Oreal products) and her beautiful dresses (a white Pucci, a golden-green Cavalli), with no cleavage, and long-sleeved, because, in spite of being the queen of fitness, she knows that at a certain age it's best to hide the arms!

Number two: Uma Thurman

With her white Atelier Versace dress, she looked splendid! Her loose, untidy chignon, her long green earrings, her body, her height... Everything, just perfect!

Number three: Angelina Jolie

I found her dress simply beautiful (although I'm not into that color). Also her hair, her face and... Brad Pitt by her arm... Such an "interesting" accessory.

The ones I liked less?

Penélope Cruz (a dramatic dress and a weird hair-do) and Melanie Griffith (a too-detailed look). I did not like Argentine actress Marina Guzmán's shoes. Just not glamorous enough.

There are still too days to go...

I'll be back with more...

My posts are back!

2011-05-18T13:01:00.002-03:00

Blogger kept its promise and my deleted posts have returned!
If you scroll down, you'll be able to find them!
So happy...

Monumenta 2011...

2011-05-16T12:35:00.001-03:00

One of the best privileges of spending a lot of time in Paris is being able to witness the many artistic offers in town. These days, at the Grand Palais, you can visit the gigantic masterpiece of Anish Kapoor, "Leviathan," in what is known as Monumenta 2011.

After Anselm Kiefer in 2007, Richard Serra in 2008 and Christian Boltanski in 2010, Monumenta has become an important appointment in Contemporary Art.

Anish Kapoor was born in India in 1954, is British and one of the greatest sculptors of our time.

His Leviathan can be seen till June 23rd and it fills the entire hall of the Grand Palais. It's made of a transparent plastic material, which feeds itself with the light that enters through the glass ceiling of the museum. You can enter and walk around the inside of it, feeling a warm yet moving intimacy... much like entering into a huge stomach... or at least I felt it so.

You can also, of course, enjoy it from the outside, while a guide will explain the nature of the material used (a special plastic), how it was inflated, how it is fed through very big tubes and why it took 7 days to build it (the same it took God to create the Earth... Duh).

Now, the question is... What is to happen with such structure after the exhibit? Re-use the plastic? Burn it? No, that would be too toxic.

Whatever.
But if you have the chance, it's worth visiting it, before it disappears.

A note...

2011-05-13T19:12:00.001-03:00

Dear readers,

As you've probably realized, my last two posts (as also your comments) have been deleted in the past days. It seems that Blogger had a technical failure and as part of the maintenance process, we've been unable to sign up into our blog. And they had to erase all changes made since Wednesday.

They promise to restore everything back, so I won't be writing those posts again, but I'll tell you (because you've been asking) that the dress I wore for the dinner was a Fall-Winter 2010-2011 Lanvin and that my shoes were Very Privé Louboutins. Also that the party was amazing, that Albert, Prince of Monaco, was there, without Charlene, and that 350.000 euros were raised to help the Association FXB. Everyone was very generous.

I hope my posts return soon!!!

Gala in benefit of the Association FXB (Part II)

2011-05-12T12:42:00.001-03:00

FXB stands for Francois-Xavier Bagnoud, a young helicopter pilot who, in 1986, died in an accident while on a rescue mission in Mali, Africa.

He was only 24 years old.

In 1989, his mother, Albina de Boisrouvray, cousin to Prince Albert of Monaco, created, together with her family and friends, the Association FXB to continue promoting the generosity and compassion that guided the life of her son. With the aim of helping the poorest families in Africa, they've created the Villages FXB, where they provide the necessary to put end to the vicious circle of poverty, illness and. illiteracy. Today, in 2011, there are already 50 Villages FXB, spread in Africa, China, India and Thailand.

How do they raise the necessary funds?

To begin with, Albina is a very appreciated woman and is part of one of the most important families in Europe.

And she works a lot... As she did so last night, in the Benefit Gala to help FXB, were many members of the greatest fortunes in Europe were invited. Incredible prizes were auctioned: from trips to the four corners of the world (donated by Sotheby's, who also lent the rooms for the dinner), to prestigious wines (as the Chateau Lafitte 2001 and Chateau Duhart-Milon 2001... gently donated by the Baroness Philippine de Rothschild) and jewels from Tiffany's... Everything was sold, summing up to 350.000 euros, which is a lot of money. So much can be done with such funds...

A very special night no one wanted to miss... From Prince Albert of Monaco to the most elegant and spectacular women and rich Arab Princes.

It was a great satisfaction to see how generous people can be for a fair cause...

Gala in benefit of the Association FXB (Part I)

2011-05-11T12:42:00.000-03:00

Here I am, getting ready for the Gala at Sotheby's... I've got lots to tell you, but forgive me, I'll do so tomorrow... I'm too tired and it's late...

However, here go pictures of my dress (Lanvin) and accessories, just before leaving home...

Ballet from the Bolshoi Theatre at Paris' Opera Garnier...

2011-05-05T15:13:00.003-03:00

Gala at the Opera Garnier. I invited my sister yo see the Ballet from the Bolshoi Theatre, which is giving a series of performances here in Paris. And tonight the special Gala is organized by the AROP (Association pour le Rayonnement de l'Opera National de Paris), presenting "Flammes de Paris," a ballet choreographed by Alexei Ratmansky, about the French Revolution.

All Paris was there: men in smoking, women in long dresses and very elegant.

The performance was simply PERFECT. Not a false step, nor a doubting dancer... Virtuosity as I've never seen before. Everyone danced with such grace, coordination and talent, that we were all left breathless.

A special congratulation for Maria Alexandrova, the étoile of the Bolshoi, absolutely marvelous.

And I don't want to forget to mention the splendid set design, costume and lighting...

We went out to the beautiful Parisian night, full of stars and crescent moon, with the sense of peace and fulfillment such artistic expression produce...

As you can see, I wore an Oscar de la Renta I've already used in Buenos Aires, on August 2010...

Met's Costume Institute Gala: Tribute to Alexander McQueen...

2011-05-04T15:13:00.000-03:00

You will have to excuse me... no pictures in this post. Carla Mitrani, my fabulous producer and assistant, will be giving birth to her second child, Homero, this morning...

Congratulations, Carla!

As for the Met's Gala, which took place on May 2nd, I invite you to watch the pictures of the Red Carpet in style.com.

I watched the coverage a couple of times already and I singled out some great looks and lots of hideous ones!

I found Giselle Bundchen, in red McQueen, the very best!

As for the worst... so many!!

I expect your reviews...

Royal Wedding in England...

2011-04-29T12:04:00.001-03:00

So finally, William and Kate got married.

I missed no detail and watched the three-hour live broadcast on Antenne 2. Through my HD (high definition) TV, I could see many flaws: too heavy make-ups (Victoria Beckham's, for example), wrinkles and dark circles (even those of the bride, but totally understandable due to the stress and pressure)...

But Catherine, with her Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen's gown, looked radiant and the dress fitted her to perfection, with her thin waist. The lace sleeves reminded me of those of Grace Kelly's wedding dress, when she became Princess of Monaco. I wasn't very convinced by her loose hair and found the veil maybe too close to her head, but other than that, she was a beautiful bride!

Very elegant was the Queen with her yellow ensemble (she's forced to wear very defined hues so that she can easily be identified in the crowd, in case of emergency...), and super chic was Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. I loved her beige coat and hat. David Beckham was really handsome, although I would have avoided that hair-do which looked too much like a gel ad. How mean I am today!

Anyway, I cried myself out. It's automatic... I cry in every wedding, even those of people I don't know. But in this case it was extremely moving to think that more than 2 billion people were following the live broadcast, 10.000 journalists have been sent to cover the event... the eyes of the world set on London.

And I believe no one felt disappointed... Everything was perfect: the music, the procession, the organization and the love of the English people to their Monarchy.

Patricia in the States...

2011-04-28T18:40:00.000-03:00

Twitteando from Paris...

2011-04-28T18:37:00.000-03:00

Rainy and fresh afternoon, back in Paris...

Wonderful article on the Royal Wedding (Do I need to say which?) by Stephane Bern, great French journalist, in yesterday's Le Figaro. Stephane Bern is already in London and will be the special correspondent of many French media.

There are already some 50% off sales in Galeries Lafayette... So soon?

In France it is used to give away lilies of the Valley on May 1st, for good luck. All of Paris is full of these scented and delicious flowers... I've already received mine...

Back home...

2011-04-28T17:52:00.001-03:00

After a week traveling around USA and stopping a couple of days in New York, here I am, in front of my computer, watching the Parc Monceau through my open windows and smelling the scent of the first mock oranges to blossom (premature, I must say... they usually appear around May 12th-15th).

As I spent time in the US, I've realized most Americans wished they were somewhere else, based on the amount of articles, magazine covers and special TV broadcasts... In fact, they all want to be in London to witness first hand Catherine's and William's wedding.

I do not remember such a huge and popular frenzy on, what we could call, a "mundane" event.

I even saw in the airport a magazine called "Kate"! And she isn't even a princess yet!

Most TV channels announce live broadcasts for Friday 29th, starting at 4 am in NYC and at 1 am in Los Angeles... Many won't go to bed to see the Bride and Groom. All top American journalists are to travel to London, from Diane Sawyer to... Barbara Walters!

My friend Roberto Funes Ugarte is already on the plane to London, as a special correspondent for C5N.

I read a piece in the New York Times which said that many tailors (mostly from Corea, China and India) will be ready to copy all the details of the yet mysterious wedding dress. A few days after the ceremony, these copies will be ready, at low prices, around the world, for all those women dying to feel like Kate... to feel like princesses, at least for a day.

All eyes will be also on the 1900 guests that from 8 am (local time) will arrive to Westminster Abbey... Among them, Elton John and his husband David, the Beckhams, Guy Ritchie and many Lords and Ladies. I heard today that the dress code for the event allows women accompanied by men using uniform to wear long dresses. Weird, considering the time of the ceremony. For all others, knee-lenght skirts are mandatory... better if a little under the knee than over.

Married women should wear hats, single women can go for a feather or flower arrangement.

Of course, no white, nor beige, nor black.

Apart from the wedding frenzy, I found New York ok... Lots of tourists and the usual lines outside Abercrombie & Fitch and also outside Hollister, both on 5th Avenue.

In Paris there's also some madness over the Royal Wedding, specially to find out who will be designing the wedding gown. Many bet on Sarah Burton, from Alexander McQueen. Others believe that Kate herself designed her dress... We'll have to wait till Friday, at 10 am, or even later, to satisfy our legitimate curiosity...

2011-04-22T11:07:00.001-03:00

Gala at the Musée d' Orsay...

2011-04-13T09:20:00.010-03:00

I want to let you know that yesterday I had the pleasure and honor of being invited to a Gala at the Musée d' Orsay to celebrate the inauguration of Manet's mega exhibition.

(Before you ask, I wore a blue dress and bolero jacket from Oscar de la Renta, which I borrowed from my sister, Rosella, because mine, due to a mistake from the boutique, did not reach me in time. You might wonder why I wanted to dress myself like that no matter what... I don't know... I wanted to do so for Manet...)

Moving on to more important things, let me tell you that before dinner we had the privilege of visiting privately the entire exhibition, one of the most beautiful ones I've seen in the past years. I love Manet. Since my days as a History of the Arts student, his work has always produced on me an incredible feeling of pleasure and admiration. This is why I did not hesitate to accept the invitation to the Gala sent by the Societé des Amis du Musée d' Orsay. The President of the Societé is the Count Edouard de Ribes, a great Art lover, full of friends. More than 300 people joined him yesterday... the "tout Paris."

Just by itself the Musée d'Orsay is unique... But to stand in front of the "Olympia," one of the most disturbing nudes in the History of the Art, or to feel part of "Le dejeuner sur l'herbe," is almost like being in Paradise! Or to witness Manet's particular use of black, the suit in "L'Amazon" or Berthe Morisot's dresses... all that has always caught my attention. The biography of this artist is as exceptional as his entire work. The exhibit will be open till July 5th.

After touring the museum (which I did twice to miss no detail), we were invited to a cocktail in the main hall (which used to be a train station and still has the marvelous antique clock, always à l'heure...) and then we were guided to the first floor, where the sumptuous dinner was held, under a ceiling of frescoes and dorés. Thanks to the kindness of the Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, we were served an exceptional Mouton Rothschild 1999...

Among the most elegant women, of course, the Countess Jacqueline de Ribes, Madame Schwartzmann (with an Oscar de la Renta) and Coco Brandolini, in Prada and Louboutin, but not on her feet... by her arm! Because Christian was her partner... I went to greet him and he had amazing patent leather shoes... designed by himself, of course!

What I carry in my bag...

2011-04-08T11:38:00.002-03:00

As you've been asking so much, Carla Mitrani came to my house, before I left for Paris, to take some pictures of what I carry in my bag...

So here they are. But, first I need to clear out some things: as I change my bag everyday, I have a small L. Vuitton purse where I carry everything I need and transfer it from bag to bag.
The green wallet is the one I use for my cards, IDs and money in Europe. The orange one is for South America. One key holder belongs to my house in Paris, the other one to my house in Buenos Aires.
The red "pochette" is a gift from my friend Myriam, as it is the silver pill box with the shape of an Hermès Birkin.
The powder foundation is one of the many in my Estée Lauder collection. I change it from time to time.
I carry a Chanel mini gloss and a Guerlain fard. Also a toothbrush and a small toothpaste. And even a small sewing kit, as those given to guests at hotels... Everything is hidden in the red pochette.
And that's all...

Parc Monceau in Spring...

2011-04-07T15:41:00.000-03:00

Concert at the Teatro Colón...

2011-04-06T10:34:00.000-03:00

Since its opening, on May 25th 2010, I've been willing to go to the newly renovated Teatro Colón. My last time there was on May 2003 and I cried with Puccini's "Tosca."

Today, after so many years, I entered again the glorious Colón...

Thanks to an invitation from French Ambassador in Argentina, Mr. Jean-Pierre Asvazadourian, and Buenos Aires' Minister of Culture, Mr. Hernán Lombardi, I enjoyed an exclusive performance of French pianist Bertrand Chamayou, a 30-year-old talent that is considered a huge promise by the French. Since 2006 he is touring the world masterly performing music by Franz Listz, Félix Mendelsshon, Camille Saint-Saens... as he did exactly tonight. In an hour-and-a-half-long concert, just him, with his piano on the majestic stage, he delighted us all with his huge talent.

And what can I possibly say about the Colón?

I adore theaters, their halls, their red velvets and dorés, that mystery that surrounds them... I always feel the presence of a ghost moving around, just as in the Opera. And tonight I was not deceived. The Colón still remains as splendid as ever...

A special note for the Tandem PARIS-BUENOS AIRES, which is to bring us many more amazing performances and exhibitions.

Bertrand Chamayou

Patricia in jeans...

2011-04-03T11:28:00.000-03:00

Laurencio Adot's Runway show...

2011-04-01T11:01:00.001-03:00

And so I'm back, after a few days of mandatory rest, due to my travels, and a virus that almost destroyed my PC.

In today's warm and scented afternoon, I went to the Sheraton Hotel to see one of the many runway shows presented at the BAAM (Buenos Aires Alta Moda). For more than 20 years now, Héctor Vidal Rivas, famous stylist and Costume Designer, together with his sons, has been working to promote Argentine fashion and designers, and with this in mind, he created BAAM.

Today I went to Laurencio Adot's show who, not only is a dear friend of mine, but also a talented designer, always willing to learn and improve himself in each of his collections.

The one he presented today did not let us down. Many cocktail dresses and black gowns, some with details and others totally embroidered with sequins. Other "tableaux" in greys, greens or goldens. Glitters, feathers, high heels. A very feminine and sexy woman. All models carried the same hair-do: untidy buns that looked really great.

A special note for MT's jewelry, specially the earrings, which were long and charming.

The show ended with wedding dresses, always a strong point in Laurencio's collections. And there were designs to suit every bride... from lace catsuits, very 70s, to short suits and the classic long ones every bride dreams of.

Among the models, some famous ones as Carolina Simeone, Ingrid Grudke and Julieta Prandi.

Many actresses that use Adot supported him in the front rows.

See you soon...

2011-03-31T15:23:00.000-03:00

An apology to all readers of my blog. An unfortunate series of events has made it impossible for me to write these days.
I promise to do so as soon as possible!

"La Prima Cosa Bella"

2011-03-20T13:53:00.002-03:00

What to do on a Sunday in March, when you are suffering from an otitis and are unable to leave your house or travel?

You can only stare at the Park through the window, finally covered with sun and blossoming trees, and watch a movie. As this was my case, I had no other choice than look through the DVDs my sister buys on the Italian Amazon, and with much much luck I found a little masterpiece... "La Prima Cosa Bella," directed by Paolo Virzì.

I've had read its critics last year, all very good, but somehow it has exceeded my expectations and filled me with emotions. Firstly because the story is set in Livorno, which is a Tuscan town where they speak the same Italian dialect than in Montepulciano, where I was born. And second, because the story of Anna, a beautiful and rather thoughtless mother, of the ups and downs of her life, always involving her two beloved kids, till the end, thirty years later... is fascinating and made me cry seas of tears!!

Amazing actors: Micaela Ramazzotti (young Anna), Stefania Sandrelli (elder Anna), Valerio Mastroandrea, Claudia Pandolfi... all of them stupendous. And that portrait of the provincial Italy from the 70s till today, so fair, so "dolce-amaro," so filled with love...

I do not want to forget the music, our music... as that of the band "I Richi e i Poveri," who sang the song that was used as title for the movie...

A visit to a past full of nostalgia...

You can watch the trailer by clicking here.

Happy 150th Anniversary, dear Italy!

2011-03-17T00:00:00.002-03:00

2011-03-12T16:06:00.000-03:00

Finally Paris' Fashion Week is over, the city is back to its normal self and so is the traffic.

I went to see a last runway show and, to tell you the truth, this year I went to quite many... But hey, I'm no Anna Wintour, though.

I was at the presentation of Moncler Gamme Rouge. which is a sophisticated line of jackets and coats designed by Giambattista Valli.

Giambattista Valli is a very talented Italian designer, who's been in Paris for a while (he used to design for Ungaro) and recently opened his own splendid boutique on Rue Boissy d'Anglas, which I visited yesterday.

But back to Moncler's show, I must admit it was the one I enjoyed best. The setting and the mood, at the enormous room on Rue de L'Ecole de Médicine, was impressive: it all worked around four climate phenomenons... Mist, wind (achieved through large fans that blew our hairs around), rain and, finally, snow. The first Moncler jackets were skiing ones... Models, young and beautiful, boys and girls of long untidy hair, walked around the room, holding hands, as if protecting themselves from the severe weather.

Almost a Chejov's setting.

Black jackets, short coats of neon yellow fur, others in orange... and black ensembles with plastic fringes that I found really nice.

As I sped out, I bumped once again into Anna dello Russo, Giovanna Battaglia, Franca Sozzani... and all the fashion journalists I won't be seeing again till the end of September.

Au revoir...

Yves Saint Laurent runway show...

2011-03-08T10:38:00.002-03:00

Happy Women's day to you all!!

I wish this to you from the city of Beauty and Fashion. And do so also by the end of a hectic week full of runway shows, vanity and frivolity, which is all part of life, at least of mine...

Yesterday night I went to the runway show of Stephano Pilati's collection for YSL, at the magnificent hotel particulier Salomon Rothschild.

At 7:30 pm, on the corner of Av. Hoche and Rue Faibourg St. Honoré, the traffic was completely jammed... I had to jump out of my car and walk a 100 meters on paving stones with my marvellous Charlotte Olympia shoes (15-cm-tall heels). But I didn't care, the general mood was festive and delirious. About a hundred photographers and bloggers waited by the entrance, dreaming of getting inside. Privilege for a few...

Once inside, we were seated in different rooms, one more elegant than the other. I was seated in the same Anna Wintour was, as usual looking terribly bored... I guess I understand her: after having witness about 50 fashion shows in six days, she looked cheerful only when chatting with Mario Testino, the great photographer, who sat on her right.

Kanye West, guest star of the show, was also in the room, and he went with his personal bodyguard, who woundn't keep an eye off of him (afraid someone might rob him?).

Also Kristin Scott Thomas, Francois Henry Pinault, President of the Group owning the brand, and many others...

With a half-hour delay, the show finally started... Thirty-eight models, very à la YSL: Prince of Wales suits, boulle-shaped coats and an all-white finale... SUBLIME!! Catsuits, smoking, dresses... white in all its variations. Beautiful show.

The models had all a tight chignon, almost no makeup and pale faces...

I went out running to reach my car and avoid the traffic jam...

Fall-Winter 2011 Runway shows in Paris (Part II)

2011-03-06T11:55:00.001-03:00

Fall-Winter 2011 Runway shows in Paris (Part I)

2011-03-05T11:15:00.005-03:00

Paris is hot... Infernal traffic, lots of people in shops and no places in restaurants. It's Fashion Week. Twice a year hundreds of buyers, Fashion editors, models and bloggers land in town... Even Lady Gaga was in Paris and modeled for Thierry Mugler.

On Thursday, at 10 am (weird time for me), at the entrance of the beautiful and historic Hotel Crillon, a crowd of photographers and black limousines was enough proof that something important was about to happen. And so it was: we were all gathered there for Nicolas Ghesquière for Balenciaga's runway show. Nicolas is considered a true artist by the press and his collections generate much expectations.

The floor of the room, even our seats, were all full covered with white tiles, bathroom-like. Everyone was already there... Anna Wintour, Grace Coddington, Emmanuelle Alt (Vogue Paris' new Editor in Chief) and many French actresses. Balenciaga's owner had the generosity of seating myself in the "front row" and that's very important.

The show was short but intense: thirty-three looks and all models wearing a very original make-up: highlight on the eyebrows, which reminded me of the movie "Blade Runner." Many had their hair bleached, almost white.

Overall a very graphic collection, with some leather, mesh, under-the-knee length skirts, all very original and easy to wear everyday... Without a doubt, a talented collection. Even too much for me, I wouldn't know how to dress like that...

We went to congratulate Nicolas Ghesquière backstage and he was very kind, charming and serene...

No stardom à la Galliano!!