BAAM's (hectic) Fashion week...

Although barely landed from Paris, I could not refuse to attend the many runway shows of the BAAM (Buenos Aires Alta Moda), which, for 20 years now, are held at the Sheraton Hotel with much success. Organized by Héctor Vidal Rivas, and his sons Manuela and Valentín, it gathers the best of local designers. And it's also like a never-ending party... You get to bump into actresses, models, former models, ladies from society... So many women! And they all seem to love each other a lot, because they kiss and hug so warmingly... But with women you never know, right?

I went to four of the many shows:

- Laurencio Adot's, who is a dear old friend of mine.

- Carolina Muller's, who I did not know but of whom I've heard great things.

- Menage à Trois, which is one of the best boutiques in BA and its owner, Amelia Saban, is an avid reader of our blog.

- And, last but not least, Calandra's. As you already know, I've known Teresa Calandra and Gabriela Flores Pirán, owners and designers, since forever.

I had a lot of fun. Let's get started.

Laurencio Adot is a very talented designer and this time he presented a line-up of dresses with a strong presence of color, but without forgetting the classic black. Style and elegance. A special note: all the models walked the runway wearing a black "bandeau" over their eyes, like a mask. I run into Laurencio yesterday and asked him the reason for this... He said it was so as not to see the tragedies of life... Interesting.

Carolina Muller presented a very nice collection, chic, with short skirts and touches of glam-rock. Marked waists. Lots of black, but also dark blue, which is gaining importance in night outfits. Some glitter also, but in correct amounts. 

Menage à Trois was able, as usual, to dazzle with sophisticated looks, with lots of leather (something we'll be seeing in Fall/Winter 2013), extremely-high boots and sequins. Amazing night dresses and fabulous jewelry. One of the best shows.

(Menage à Trois)

And finally, Calandra's, which, apart from its boutiques in Buenos Aires, the brand sells a lot in the rest of Argentina and nearby countries. They started selling sunglasses and then opened a pret-à-porter division. Teresa and Gabriela travel a lot to Europe and know what a working mom with a social life needs to look her best. Lots of jersey, easy-going pieces but with glamour and style.

(Calandra)

All in all, what I liked best were the hairdos (very trendy pony-tails), which looked very well-achieved.

What I liked less... the shoes. Unfortunately we are far from the Louboutins and the Blahniks...

(I want to thank María José Barcat for allowing me to use the picture she took of me for her blog.)

And the winner is Priscila!

Finally Priscila came today to pick up her Marni for H&M sunglasses.
I was thrilled to meet her and see her shinny smile.
We will continue organizing new draws!
Thank you so much for following us!

Fashion Weeks F/W 2012-2013 (Paris)

I'm a bit overdue with my chronicles of the 2012/2013 Fall-Winter shows, but I cannot leave Paris without writing something about this last stop in the Fashion caravan, that twice a year travels around the main cities of the world. 

Paris, as usual, excelled and dazzled. Personally, I felt identified only with Lanvin's collection, which looked luxurious, rich, feminine and even colorful (a risky detail in Winter, considering the tendency to wear always black and grey). A special note for Elie Top's jewelry, which always enhance, with a refined touch, any dress or outfit.

Although I'd never (well, never say never!) buy something by Givenchy, I must admit this season's designs were special, very horsewoman, lots of leather with some sparks of red. A good collection.

As I've already told you, I hated Chanel's show... To think that, ten years ago, I loved it! I still use dresses and suits from those years. I wasn't moved by Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton's collection, but the runway show was, by far, the BEST!! The train, the models dressed as in the 1910-20s, the "porteurs" carrying the luggage... Absolutely fabulous. Once again, dresses and coats over cropped pants, as seen in Prada's and Chanel's collection... Will I ever wear them like that? Not right now, but you never know...

I also liked some outfits by the new Maison Rabih Kayrouz, which had previously called my attention. Maxime Simoens for Leonard's show was also attractive.

Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli have strengthen their style chez Valentino. They were able to construct a style of their own without forgetting the legendary Valentino... A huge achievement.

I was let down by Azzaro's collection, as Vanessa Seaward is no longer designing for the house (she was great). The new head designer is the young Mathilde Castello Branco... I went to the show and did not like it one bit. It felt very "dejà vu," quite sad.

Ok then, now a recess till September (with Haute Couture week in July)... Oh, no! I was forgetting BAAM shows in Buenos Aires next week...

Fashion and more fashion!!

And the winner is...

... Comment number 61, sent by Priscila, whose e-mail address begins with pri444...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Priscila, Carla (my producer) will be sending you a message so we can arrange to give you the prize. 

To all the rest, thank you so much for participating!

We will be organizing new giveaways soon!

Attention!

Tomorrow is the last day to participate in the giveaway. At 0:00 hrs of Saturday 17th we'll announce the winner!
Good luck to you all!

Thank you so much...

... to all my readers who left me messages and comments because of my birthday!
It was one of the most original in my life: I spent the day replying to everyone...
I absolutely loved it.
Thank you once again...

Surprise!

As many of our readers were not able to go to the sale of Marni's collection for H&M, I want to organise a giveaway...

The prize? A pair of Marni sunglasses from H&M's exclusive collection.

What you have to do? Very simple. Just leave a comment with your name and e-mail address so we can contact you.

You have time till Friday 16th inclusive. The following day we'll announce the winner in a post in this blog.

(We'll be using the services of www.random.org to withdraw the winner. Each comment will be assigned a number according to the order of arrival...)

And when I return to Buenos Aires, I'll be taking the prize to you with me (shopping bag and all).

(Worry not, we'll find ways to send the prize to those living outside of Buenos Aires!).

Good luck!!

Marni for H&M

I couldn't help myself and, although I'm not a Marni person, I went back to my "combat" outfit (sweatpants, jacket and ear-muffs) and, together with the Russian wife of a Belgium cousin, we hit the megastore at Ave. Champs-Elysées.

As she had never been to one of these, I was the main chief of the operation. To my great surprise, the people waiting in line were three times more than when Versace's collection was launched, or even Lanvin's... Inexplicable. Marni is a well-known brand, but not extremely popular...

As the sun shone and we had plenty to talk about, we easily endured the one-hour wait. 

When we finally got inside, it was was total madness... Little was left of the accessories (Marni's strong point) and many women raced from one corner to the other like hunters. As I consider myself the "best" of hunters, I grabbed a bag and started with our rounds... We ended up catching most of what we desired. However, we have 30 days to return the pieces we don't want and receive our money back.

Back home, I did a selection and I'll be returning quite some things (Marni's looks are not my style) and giving other pieces as gifts. For me, I kept just two or three things (please, allow me not to tell you which right now...).

Anyway, as usual, a great work of marketing: each piece is of great quality and according prices. Shopping bags and packaging: colorful and fantastic. 

Who will be the next designer to be invited by Margaretha van der Bosch (H&M's head)?

Who konws?

YSL Automne/Hiver 2012-2013 show (Part II).

I chose to attend this show for many reasons... First, because of the time (7:30 pm), which was very convenient so as not to have to alter my daily activities. And of course then, because I love YSL and know the owners of the brand...

What I did not contemplate was the return of the bad weather and how far away was the magnificent Galerie de Minéralogie et de Géologie, where the show was to take place.

Anyway, I faced the cold and the rain (even my invitation got soaked), and got there.

It was worth it.

The whole place was stupendous and the mise en scène amazing. But, above all, it was announced as Stefano Pilati's last collection for YSL, because he will officially leave the Maison after 7 years... Many special guests (not all of them exclusives, for they were seen at other shows): Katy Perry (blue hair and all), Alicia Keys (who I love but at first could not recognize because she's a bit chubbier), actress Rosario Dawson, Catherine Deneuve, Isabelle Huppert, Salma Hayek (wife to the owner) and, of course, Anna Wintour, André Léon Talley, Grace Coddington and all the top fashion editors of the whole world.

The show started with a half-hour-delay (an act of rebelliousness by Pilati, maybe?) and a total line-up of 39 looks were presented by 39 models, all with absolutely tight chignons by Guido Palau and shinny blood-red lips by Pat McGrath. I found myself asking how I would feel if I had to walk the runway looking like that... pretty uncomfortable, I guess. But then again, these girls are more professional than myself...

The collection showed lots of leather, black, pants and some chain mail dresses I really liked. Over all, a very interesting proposal, with touches of true YSL (I must say many designers nowadays shamelessly copy him all the time).

Who will be Pilati's heir? Hedi Slimane, as some say?

We'll see...

YSL Automne/Hiver 2012-2013 show...

Returning home under the rain... I'll keep you posted soon!

Fashion Weeks F/W 2012-2013 (Milano)

Until now, the best shows I've seen...

Starting with Prada's, who, as usual, presented very original and innovative ideas. Lots of black, mid-calf pants with tunics on top, amazing embroidered coats and shoes with platforms. Also some outfits with 70s-style prints, in purple and orange. Make-up by Pat McGrath, so Blade Runner. Definitely, a very creative collection.

I also liked Versace's. In the 90s, I was a huge fan of Gianni Versace and I cherish with outmost care the pieces I have from him. I was even invited to have lunch at his (beautiful) New York's house. He was a very talented man. With his death, the brand faced an understandable downfall. However now, 15 years later, it seems as if his sister Donatella has found the path and her collections are once again amazing. Black velvet for day, short dresses (above the knees), touches of yellow and orange and, for the night, long chain mail dresses.

Among my favorites, also Peter Dundas for Pucci. Then again, lots of black, revealing transparencies and some pants. I believe Dundas to be an excellent designer and he does live up to the name of Emilio Pucci.

On the other hand, I was appalled by Roberto Cavalli's collection, although I generally like what he does. Too many animal-print-fabrics, too many things going on, one on top of the other, very overelaborated.

And finally, I must confess that I absolutely loved Frida Giannini's collection for Gucci. As time goes by, I like them more.

So chic, so femme fatale! Black, olive green, bordeaux, velvets... All of the very best to dress up a woman sure of herself, a bit "matadora," but amazingly seductress.

After all these displays of creativity, let's wait to see how the French try to catch up with the Italians...

Argentine runway show in Paris...

For the third year in a row, I was invited to witness, in Paris, a runway show of Argentine designers, organized by Héctor Vidal Rivas and his daughter, Manuela. This time it was the turn of Emprendedores de Nuestra Tierra, Carlos di Doménico and María Pryor. My good friend Abraao Ferreira (the most Argentine of Brazilians) was in charge of the PR of the show and was able to gather numerous French and foreign press. We all arrived on schedule at 9 pm.

The show was held at the Pavillion Kléber, on the 7th of Rue Cimarosa, just in front of the Argentine Embassy.

As my readers already know, I am always thrilled to see my "fellow Argentine comrades." I asked my friend Eleonore to come with me.

Emprendedores de Nuestra Tierra was the first to open the show, presenting a full hand-made-collection created by 12 designers and artisans: ponchos, llama-wool shawls, accessories and silver jewelry with semi-precious stones. With Gotan Project's music sounding through the speakers, the line-up of looks was really good.

Then came the turn of my beloved Carlos di Doménico, with all his glamour. Splendid looks in creamy whites and nude beiges. Very chic.

And to wrap up, María Pryor, with her so-Middle-Age dresses, enriched with one-of-a-kind decorations and crowns and tiaras over the models' heads. Super sumptuous.

Later on, the Argentine Ambassador, Mr. Aldo Ferrer, invited us all to a cocktail at the Embassy.

I greeted and hugged all my dear Argentine friends. A nice way to start Paris' Fashion Week.

Academy Awards 2012...

This post comes in two parts: first I'll be writing the texts from Paris, now at 10:30 am, and the Carla will be uploading the pictures when she gets up in Buenos Aires...

Since early I've been surfing fashion websites to scan and analyze all the looks seen yesterday on the Red Carpet... The time difference of 9 hours with Los Angeles made it impossible for me to follow the live broadcast!

So here are my choices...

Of course, Angelina Jolie, with a black velvet Atelier Versace. Stunning. Anyway, I'm pretty sure she would look great even if she wore a hemp bag. But I loved the lack of bijou, the loose natural hair, the red lips.

I was also impressed by the white, with cape, Tom Ford worn by Gwyneth Paltrow. I can not say the same of her hairdo, but the total look was very chic.

As an elegant lady, I would point out Glenn Close, with a Zac Posen. Meryl Streep, who I adore because she is an amazing actress, wasn't favored by her golden Lanvin... It's not easy to carry a Lanvin.

I didn't like the red dresses of Michelle Williams, Natalie Portman and Emma Stone... Red on the Red Carpet? It's easy to fade out...

Interesting Rooney Mara's Givenchy... Although she looked a bit too pale for me.

Cameron Diaz's Gucci was nice, but I don't like her anymore. Too ordinary was Jennifer López's Zuhai Murad: too much cleavage!

George Clooney's girlfriend, Stacy, looked pretty in a golden Marchesa. Also elegant was Sandra Bullock's Marchesa.

Penelope Cruz's Armani Privé wasn't fitting, too "old lady," as also the hairdo... I like Penelope on her wilder days.

Among the men, Christopher Plummer, with a velvet tuxedo, was amazingly elegant. He is one of my favorite actors and his performance in "Beginners" is fantastic.

A special note for "The Artist:" so many awards... Good for the French!

I follow Jean Dujardin since he's been doing "OSS 117," a parody of James Bond, also directed by Michel Hazanavicius.

Fashion Weeks F/W 2012-2013 (New York and London)

It seems unreal, but somehow we are in the time of Fashion Weeks... New York's shows are over, and also London's, and yesterday those in Milan have started. I'm currently receiving my invitations for the shows in Paris...

Time does fly.

And so, here we are, once again scrutinizing the looks for Fall/Winter 2012-2013.

I really did like the shows at NYC. I loved Ralph Lauren's collection, so "Old England," with tweed suits and jackets, very suitable for spending the weekends at Balmoral. Very "Albert Nobbs." Masculine looks for day, with jackets, trousers, gilets and ties... I've got a wardrobe full of clothes like these... Definitely from another time in my life...

For the evening, long velvet dresses, like those of a true Lady. Enchanting. I don't know if wearable in everyday life, but good enough for dreaming.

Ralph Lauren

I was impressed by the quantity of looks in red... As if designers had somehow all agreed on it.

Let's start with Michael Kors, one of my favorite American designers, who used and abused the red, even for daywear: coats, dresses, skirts, check patterns... in red! Excellent collection, as always, very wearable.

Michael Kors

Marchesa presented a line-up of evening dresses, one of them in red lace, of course. Personally, I would go for the "nude" looks, with transparencies, because I find them more elegant. We'll be seeing many of those on Sunday 26th, at the Oscars (Georgina Chapman, one of Marchesa's designers, is married to Miramax's Harvey Weinstein, a Hollywood tycoon... Get it?).

Marchesa

My beloved Oscar de la Renta designed a collection which, at first glance, could not convince me. Too much light-blue, some pink... Booo. However, after checking it for the third time, I found myself choosing one or two looks. It's a law and I've proved it through my social life: with an Oscar you will almost always be perfect. It's classic chic. Beautiful embroidered coats, prints and one or two very interesting long dresses.

Oscar de la Renta

As for the other designers, such as Alexander Wang, Prabal Gurung or Proenza Schouler, I find them ok, but I'm not mad over their creations...

When looking for newer talents, I prefer those presented in London: much more innovative.

Until some years ago, English collections weren't of much relevance... Today, however, England is known through the talents of Peter Pilotto (I have a day dress of his which I love) or Mary Katrantzou, one of my favorites. But let's not forget to mention Stella McCartney, Christopher Bailey for Burberry Prorsum or Christopher Kane. Hurray London!

Peter Pilotto

However, I've seen nothing to die for... I'm waiting for Milano for that.

Today, we had Prada's show...

Au Pays du Sang et du Miel...

After more than two weeks of peaceful quiet life in Paris, with cold and a flu, this morning I received an invitation that pushed me out of my routine. My friend Bernard-Henry Levy invited me to the avant-première of the movie directed by Angelina Jolie, "Au Pays du Sang et du Miel" (In the Land of Blood and Honey). She and Brad Pitt would be there. An invitation I couldn't refuse.

Of course, I took along my sister and my niece, both guests at my house, and together we went to the MK2, a complex in Bercy, where's the famous and gigantic library. At the entrance, there was a Red Carpet and lots of photographers. Once inside, we were able to follow the arrival of the other guests through the live broadcast on the screen of the theatre. Almost on perfect schedule, both actors arrived: Angelina, beautiful (but honestly beautiful), with a long off-white silk dress that I would say was Marchesa. She signed, with her left hand (she must be a lefty) an enormous amount of autographs and let herself be interviewed by, at least, a dozen TV cameras.

We saw it all from inside.

At 9:20 pm, Bernard-Henry climbed up the stage and presented the movie, which tells a love story in the middle of the Yugoslav wars of the 90s. And just as he was talking, Brad and Angelina came inside, absolutely stunning both of them, he carrying her by the arm and keeping a discreet second place.

Angelina and her actors joined Bernard on stage and he asked her how come an American girl, who in the 90s was just 20 years old, became interested and decided to direct a story based on a subject so removed and far from Hollywood...

She replied with kindness and simplicity, showing that she's no ordinary woman... But we could also prove so after watching her movie, which was quite good, engaging, hard and well-done. Excellent performances.

I was truly shocked by her incredible beauty, her inner light and intelligence, and of course her humanitarian compromise... Angelina is not from this world.

(Afterwards, they all went to dine at La Tour d'Argent.)

P.S.: I've just found out that Angelina's dress was from Ralph & Russo, unknown to me.

Whitney Houston...

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...

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

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

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...