September 2007

September 30th 2007
Florence, Italy

I’ve just returned from Milan, where fashion week was in full swing. My reason for the trip wasn’t to see the shows, but rather to see some of HOLLYWOULD’s favorite fabric suppliers up in Lake Como, which is always a treat.  I had booked back-to-back appointments with mills all day on Thursday, and had planned my driving routes using the Italian version of mapquest so that I wouldn’t lose a minute.  Our fabric suppliers are scattered throughout the hills of Como, so getting from “Point A” to “Point B” often means navigating some back country roads. 

While it’s always a challenge to traverse Italy’s medieval road system, it is an extra special ordeal in Como where the locals have been kind enough to give all of the streets the same 3 names.  Every town has at least two streets named “Via Garibaldi”, three named “Via Madonna”, and four named “Via Volta”.  At one point I found myself asking for directions to Via Volta and a man replied, “Which Via Volta?  The one up the road, or the one down the road?  There’s also the other Via Volta around the corner, and the place where two Via Voltas intersect.”  Really, is it that hard to think up different names for each street?

Needless to say, by the time I got into Milan I was in desperate need of un prosecco, and thankfully ended up in the company of my favorite Milan posse, Jasmine & Bruno Sforni, Carolina Neri, and Tara Ffrench-Mullen.  Milan Fashion Week tends to be fairly glam, but the torrential rainstorms that week sent even the most longsuffering high-heeled girls straight for their rainboots & sneakers, as you might note in the photos right.  Nevertheless, we braved the rain and headed to dinner at Torre di Pisa, which was packed with the fashion week flock.

From Milan I headed back home to Florence where the sun always seems to shine.  This weekend was the kick off of the Biennale Dell’Antiquariato, which is a biannual antique show held in the Corsini Palace.  This is the show to end all shows, with museum quality works from the Renaissance masters, all for sale.  As much as I love going to museums there is something fabulous about knowing that the artwork on display actually has a price and can be bought if you are willing to mortgage your home.  Of course, it’s extremely tacky to ask prices if you don’t plan on buying, but good manners can be a bore so I asked about all of my favorite things.  If, for example, you would like a 15^th century dresser for your bedroom, I can find you one that has ample storage for all of your socks, ties and turtlenecks for a mere $250K.  

The show kicked off with a party last night, and I headed out with my Valdarno pals Laura & Ricardo for the evening.  As I was putting on my mini skirt and high heels the thought entered my head that I might be overdressed, as parties in NYC often require the more “casual chic” attire of jeans with flats.  Then I remembered that I was in Italy, where women put on false eyelashes to go to the gym, and that anything less than a corset and diamond tiara might make me look like I was on my way to the supermarket.  I arrived to find out that I was indeed correct, and the Florentine women had put on their 6” heels and head-to-toe Cavalli for cocktail party looks that we Americans reserve for The Oscars.   I’ve always believed it’s much better to be overdressed than under, and Italians are the masters.

Am off to Paris Fashion Week in a few days, so stay tuned…

September 26th 2007
Florence, Italy

In case you haven’t heard, the biggest news in fashion is that genius designer Lars Nilsson will take over the reigns at iconic fashion house Gianfranco Ferre.  This is exciting news for everyone because the combination of the gorgeous Ferre archives with Lars’ impeccable taste and style will definitely result in a new label for everyone to watch, covet, and try to steal.  Aside from being a genius designer Lars is also an extremely talented secret keeper, as I had dinner and drinks with him twice last week in Paris and he remained completely mum about this new position.  If he ever gets tired of fashion, I think they’ll have a place for him at the C.I.A.  In the meantime, his first show with Ferre won’t be until January 2007, but I suggest making friends now with the sales people at your local Ferre boutique.

Speaking of making friends with sales people… those of you who live in NYC may want to do the same with our lovely girls at HOLLYWOULD by the end of today.  Why?  Because tomorrow, for one day only, anyone who shops in our Nolita boutique will be eligible to win free “HOLLYWOULD MONEY” of up to $100 off their purchase.  Everyone who shops will win something, and there’ll be more than a few of you who just might get the HOLLYWOULD $100 BILL.  This could equal quite a nice discount off your favorite pair of new boots or ballets, so don’t miss shopping with us all day tomorrow!

WIN UP TO $100 HOLLYWOULD DOLLARS!

THURSDAY, SEPT 27

11:30AM – 8PM

HOLLYWOULD, NYC

198 ELIZABETH STREET

(BETWEEN PRINCE & SPRING)

EVERYONE WHO VISITS HOLLYWOULD NEW YORK THIS THURSDAY WINS HOLLYWOULD DOLLARS TOWARDS THEIR ESSENTIAL FALL PURCHASES!

Check out the collection online now to plan your purchase, and if you don’t live in NYC, find a friend who does!

September 24th 2007
Paris, France

I’ve spent the last week in Paris for the Premiere Vision fabric show (aka “PV”), where designers from all over the world come to search out the must-have fabrics for the following year.  The show is a gigantic monster held at fairgrounds that sprawl for what seems like miles, but despite exhausting days spent sifting through chiffons, everyone manages to hit the town with gusto each night.  Due to the fact that most of us PV attendees have worked in the trenches together at various schools and fashion houses, PV week in Paris is a bit like a high school reunion, or in the case of most of the boys I’ve worked with, a bit more like a High School Musical reunion.  

I met up with my favorite gang of ex-pats hailing from Dior, Rochas, Ricci, Herrera and Lacroix, and we hit the town hard with drinks at the Ritz, and dinners at favorite reunion spots Anait & Le Pot Au Feu.  There’s nothing better than catching up on all the latest fashion gossip and finding out what great talent has been hired, what evil bosses have been fired, and who is dating who.  If anyone tells you the fashion industry is full of dull people, well, they are lying.

Despite spending most of my days analyzing different weights of silk crepe, I did manage to squeeze in a petit bit of shopping and landed chez Christian Dior.  Girls, they say that money doesn’t buy happiness, and while we know this to be fundamentally true, the newly revamped Dior store on Paris’s Avenue Montaigne definitely challenges the adage.  Oh. La. La. 

The interiors of the store have been redesigned to mix Dior’s classic elegance with high tech movie screens set in boudoir mirrors, which is one of the many little architectural details that would make this store worth a trip to visit even if it was located in Paris, Texas.  However, it’s actually not the architecture that is most impressive, but rather the actual merchandise in the store.

As I walked through the store and perused the ball dresses, it occurred to me that John Galliano is truly, hands down, the greatest designer of our time, and possibly the greatest designer ever.  Because this is Dior’s flagship store, all of the runway looks are there, and I was overcome with the sense that it was an immense privilege to even get to touch such masterpieces.  These are not the type of clothes that are made in a factory, but rather pieces that are handmade in they type of haute couture atelier that is on its way to extinction.  Each piece is a work of art and craftsmanship combining not only brilliant design, but brilliant draping, patternmaking, engineering and tailoring that could hold it’s own against any other historic work in the Louvre.  $60,000 for a dress?  Totally worth it.

It’s probably a bit strange to gush so profusively over another designer’s work, but John Galliano’s clothing is in a league of its own.  Kids, you won’t see this handmade craftsmanship from anyone else, and after my visit to Dior, all of the factory-made frocks from the you-know-who big fashion houses on Ave Montaigne paled dramatically in comparison.  The clothing in Dior’s flagship store is without rival anywhere else in the world, so if you love fashion, and especially if you’ve got $60,000 to spend on a dress, I highly suggest you make the trip to Paris to see it. 

And… when you say your prayers tonight… be sure to thank God for John Galliano.

September 18th 2007
Florence, Italy

Thanks to a tip from my fabulous interior designer cousin Nancy, I have just come across a très chic & fabuleux website you can find at www.allthebest2007.blogspot.com, which features great interiors from all over the world including a picture of the HOLLYWOULD Nolita store.  We’re thrilled to be included on this divine site, which will make you want to buy a new house just so you can decorate it.

September 17th 2007
Florence, Italy

I’ve just landed in Italy and spent my entire 8 hour flight getting updated on important world news, such as Halle Berry’s pregnancy, Angelina Jolie’s eating habits,  Dannielynn’s first birthday, Lindsay Lohan’s rehab crush, and Scary Spice’s workout regime.  While all of this was exceedingly interesting, there was one little 2 page article tucked amidst the rest that deserves infinitely more attention…

The article to which I am referring can be found in People (Halle Berry cover) and lightly touches on the topic of Michael Jackson and his family.  Why is it that tabloids put Jessica Simpson on their covers for getting highlights, but somehow miss out on informing the world that Michael Jackson’s kids are still wearing masks, still living like sequestered jurists, are still named “Prince Michael Jackson 1”, “Prince Michael Jackson 2”, and “Paris”, and now have a crazy nanny who is in charge of their education?  This is the news Enquiring Minds want to know, and we want personal interviews.  Does Prince Michael Jackson 1 have an X-Box?  Does Paris like Bratz?  Who is Prince Michael Jackson 2’s mommy? What do they eat?  Where do they sleep?  When was the last time Child Services checked in?  Have you done a background check on this nanny?  Does daddy Michael Jackson feather his own hair? 

September 13th 2007
New York City

Let me start by saying that I think Britney Spear’s VMA performance was fabulous.  I really don’t know what everyone is complaining about.  I mean, you try doing a better job after having eight ambien margaritas with vicodin-laced tequila chasers.  Who wouldn’t think they looked fabulous in a sequin bikini and bad hairweave after that?  It’s a miracle the girl could even stand, so missing a few lines while stumbling around stage on national TV was actually quite impressive compared to the alternative.  Oh Brit, remember the days when you used to come to our little HOLLYWOULD shop, pick out boots for your tour, and then stand out front smoking in your cut-off jean shorts and cowboy hat?  Those were the days of innocence and style. 

Speaking of style, New York Fashion Week has finally ended and I’ve gone out with a bang, ending up bedridden with a flu/cold combo that I can’t seem to shake.  Nevertheless, I did manage to hit a few shows & soirees, and although I sadly did not take my camera, I have hijacked a photo from http://www.patrickmcmullan.com/, where you can browse and purchase all the photos of fashion week your heart desires.

This week’s shows started with a fashion presentation from Hanuk (www.hanuk.com) whose collections are always an inspiring example of genius seam placement and draping.  This is the type of show that can really be appreciated by looking at the details, so Hanuk chose to display his collection on mannequins for up close inspection.  I had a few personal favorites in the lineup, and we all agreed that his long navy ball dress would be a très glam way to arrive at the Oscars.

Joining me at Hanuk’s was former HOLLYWOULD exec Leslie Smith, who then headed across town with me to a party at Cipriani.  While our motivation for hitting the party was not purely the food, the amazing sushi, lobster, and oyster buffet did not in any way damage the ambiance.  If you ever get invited to a cocktail party at Cipriani, be sure to skip lunch and attend.

From Cip’s we headed back across town to Milk Studios to see the Elise Overland presentation.  Elise is a fabulous designer who is best known for making amazing costumes for the likes of Steven Tyler and Mick Jagger, and is now a rising star in the women’s wear arena.  The clothes were amazing, and were shown on 18 models standing posed like mannequins while drums beat wildly and champagne was served.  These are the types of fashion week events I love, where you get to see your friends, look at the collection up close, and sip champagne all the while. 

From Milk Studios we all continued to party hop, and ended up at Ol’ Faithful, The Beatrice Inn.  There were many juicy details that evening and throughout fashion week, but I’m noticing that the Theraflu/Nyquil cocktail I’ve just consumed is greatly affecting my writing skills, and as a matter of fact I’m feeling a bit like Britney Spears.  I was planning on staying home tonight but maybe I’ll just slip into my sequin bikini, clip-on my hair pieces, and head out on the town…

September 7th 2007
New York City

For those of you who missed it, last night genius menswear designer Victor Glemaud (http://www.glemaud.com/) hosted his Spring 2008 presentation in the loft at Milk Studios.  As loyal diary readers know, Victor happens to be one of my nearest and dearest friends, and when he, Hanuk, and I get together our names instantly change to Ebony, Amber, and Ivory for reasons earlier explained (see Diary Feb 8, 2003). I forgot my camera for the evening, but thankfully Hanuk is a gifted photographer (as you can see on http://www.hanuk.com/), so he has graciously supplied photos of the soiree.  

Victor’s clothes were amazing, with great sherbert colored Bermuda shorts and preppy double collar polos, and I found at least 10 must-have items for any well dressed man.  As soon as we had each picked our favorite look we proceeded to pick our favorite male model from the lineup, a task that proved to be quite difficult thanks to a group of foxy imports from Brazil.  Tão bonito.  In attendance to view Victor’s gorgeous collection was a fun crowd that included Patrick Robinson & Virginia Smith, Kate Etter, Polina Aranova, Robert Burke, Magda Berliner, Brian Coats, Damien Nunes, Camilla Staerk, Keegan Singh, Sally Osborne, Derek Blasberg, Kate Young, Monique Nguyen, Prabal Gurung, Julia Topolski, Treena Lombardo, Hanuk and Mother of The Master, Mrs. Glemaud.  We love you Victor!

From the Victor’s we all headed to nearby drink spot The Passerby, which happened to be the scene of HOLLYWOULD’s first ever presentation years and years ago.  The Passerby is still one of my favorite spots in NYC, with its disco dancefloor and unfinished walls, and flawlessly good music night after night.  After discussing earth shattering topics such as boys, boys, and more boys, Polina and I said adieu to the gang and headed downtown to The Waverly Inn for dinner with other genius designer Lars Nilsson and the hilarious Karl Treacy.

The Waverly Inn really can’t be beat.  Our table was situated right in the hot spot, perched between fabulous filmmaker John Waters, genius photographer Bruce Weber, businessman extraordinaire Ron Pearlman, chic designer Alberta Ferretti, and the world’s most hilarious man, Larry David.  Half way through dinner the lovely Kimora Lee Simmonds arrived dripping in diamonds with her amazing actor boyfriend Dijimon Hounsou and her stellar PR Director, BJ Coleman.  For those of you who don’t know, Kimora and I are sisters.  Kind of.  We are sisters in the fact that we have the same parents, or at least are owned by the same parent company, Kellwood.  I’m sure none of you had any idea that HOLLYWOULD was indeed owned by the same company that owns Baby Phat, but it is true, and we say it with pride.

From The Waverly we headed over to The Beatrice Inn, and as usual, that is where this story ends.  Fashion Week does not, however, so stay tuned…

September 6th 2007
New York City

New York Fashion Week is upon us and the parties are already in full swing.  On Tuesday night we contemplated heading out to the Van Cleef & Arpels party at the Hammerstein Ballroom, but by the time we got home to change clothes the couch and TV were looking far too inviting.  So, instead of hobnobbing with the likes of Demi Moore, Mischa Barton, and Ashley Olsen, we opted to watch Flipping Out, reality TV’s newest real estate show, which features one of my most hilarious friends from high school, Jenni Pulos, as the “assistant”.  It’s strange to see friends onscreen when they are acting in dramas, but watching them in their everyday life almost seems like spying.  Nevertheless, the magnetic power of Reality TV cannot be fought, and we were forced to watch back-to-back episodes for the rest of the evening.

Last night I headed to dinner at the The Modern, which is the fabulous restaurant attached to the Museum of Modern Art.  After dinner I popped over to the museum for a late-night Debbie Harry concert to celebrate the new book Iconic America.  The place was packed to the hilt with fashion revelers including supermodel Agyness Deyn, superphotographer Jeremy Kost, and HOLLYWOULD faves Lauren Remington-Platt, Olivia Palermo, Annie Churchill, and Katrina Pavlos.   

As I stood there surveying the crowd I was shocked to see just how many girls were wearing what can only be described as “The Sack Dress”.  Girls, you know exactly what I’m talking about – this ever popular dress that fits exactly like a potato sack, eliminates any hope of a waistline, and makes everyone who wears it look like a withering fig.  The rise in fame of this dress started last year, and it is quite amazing when unflattering trends like this manage to suck in the masses.  I know, you may say, “But my sack dress is Lanvin!  But I belt my sack dress!  But I wear fabulous shoes with my sack dress!”  Ladies, a sack dress is still a sack dress is still a sack dress.

This week we’re launching our new HOLLYWOULD Spring 2008 Collection, and you’ll be happy to know that there is nerry a withered fig in sight.

September 4th 2007
New York City

In case you haven’t yet flipped through your September encyclopedia-sized magazines, you must run out and buy the new InStyle, which features Chloe Sevigny looking gorgeous as a fashion “do” in a HOLLYWOULD dress, shoes, and handbag.  The reason she looks so gorgeous is mostly to do with her limousine long gams coming out of our dress, gams that would make any Rockette green with envy.  A few pages down there is another photo of Miss Sevigny and me drinking champagne, and we’re thrilled to have HOLLYWOULD so well-represented in one of our all time favorite mags.  We love InStyle!

As everyone knows, it’s US Open tennis time in NYC, which means the town is crawling with Tennis Champ Hotties.  One such hottie is Roger Federer, who was thrown a dinner party last week by none other than The Empress of Fashion, Anna Wintour herself.  We were pleased as punch to have Lucy Sykes attend looking gorgeous in HOLLYWOULD (see photo right), and only wish she had convinced Roger to make a stop by our offices to show us his swing.  Maybe next time.

Fashion week starts tomorrow, so stay tuned…