Fashionista's Prêt-à-Portea Via London's Berkeley Hotel

Yummy Miu Miu heels, delicious Lanvin dresses and scrumptious Burberry trenches are so good, you just want to eat them up. Well now The Berkeley, invites fashionistas to nibble on Christian Louboutins, Valentino gowns and Stella McCartney body con dresses. Prêt-à-Portea is the Berkeley's fashionable and modern take of the high tea tradition.

The iconic British hotel's Prêt-à-Portea is served in the Caramel Room daily from 1pm to 6pm and girls about town can't get enough. The service includes a selection of loose leaf teas from Assam tea to Pear Caramel & herbal infusions like Posh Pomelo & Melon, Gorgeous Ginger and Chocolate Mint Truffle. the teas are accompanied by a mouth-watering selection of mini-skewers, taster spoons, elegant canapés and tea sandwiches. The best bit is the collection of cakes and fancies mimicking the latest fashions from the world’s finest designers. For Fall 2011 the selection includes:

• Valentino orange and ginger clutch cake closed with oversized chocolate bow
• Bottega Veneta colour blocking pink and gold pear mousse and clementine cremeux coat with matching macaroon button
• Dolce & Gabbana signature gold starred chocolate éclair dress filled with hazelnut cream
• Stella McCartney must-have polka dot sponge cake dress
• Burberry Prorsum stylish black and white double breasted chocolate biscuit coat with snow white vanilla icing
• Miu Miu winter spice glittery high-heeled shoe biscuit
• Jill Sander pomegranate and grenadine mousse dress topped with colourful chocolate flower pattern
• Lanvin show-stopping cassis bavarois dress with crème de mûre jelly topped with signature folded meringue
• Sonia Rykiel striped chestnut cream and almond sponge cake dress complete with trendy metallic sparkles

For Prêt-à-Portea reservations and delivery service, please call +44 (0)20 7107 8866. The Berkeley, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London. SW1X 7RL

From Bombay To Paris With Love - Chanel Pre Fall 2012

Karl Lagerfeld took a breathtaking passage to India for his latest Chanel Pre-Fall 2012 Metiers d'Art show, inspired by the effervescence and vibrancy of India. The collection rightly named "From Bombay to Paris" featured some of the most beloved Indian sartorial touches From Nehru collars, sari-like draping, supple white leather boots which mimicked the chudhidar to fabulous dresses painstakingly drenched in Indian-inspired embellishments with a Chanel touch.

The collection was a glamourous melange between Eastern and Western. Pink tweed met kurtas and immaculately tailored tuxedos jackets topped saris. Let's not forget the models, many of which were of Indian descent who were adorned in headdresses, tikkas and jingling anklets (Kind of sounds like a Bollywood song).

The Chanel Pre-Fall show was indeed a spectacle, with the runway snaking around a lavish dinner party adorned with crystal chandeliers. Attendees included the usual editors, socialites and special guests including The Princess of Jaipur. The collection will be available come May via Chanel boutiques worldwide. We are counting the days. -LX

Fashion Imitates Art, Art Imitates Fashion: Anselm Reyle For Dior

Dior has dazzled us again with the brand's latest collaboration with Berlin based designer Anselm Reyle. The eccentric artist known for neon flashes, cameo prints and bold statements has shaken up the Avenue Montaigne couture house with his fresh take on Dior's most coveted handbags and accessories.

"I loved working on the Lady Dior handbag. Most of my work build on objects that already exist, which I then transform. I applied the same philosophy," says Reyle.

The collection is filled with Dior favorites reinterpreted by Reyle with vivid bursts of color, fluorescent camouflage and metallic leathers. 

Anselm Reyle's Dior stunners made their debut at whimsical pop-up shop during Art Basel Miami Beach which concluded this past weekend. The exclusive collection will be available for purchase again in Dior boutiques on January 9th. 

For information please visit www.Dior.com -LX

Valentino's Revolutionary Digital Museum

Via NY Times

Valentino Garavani might have had his last fashion show in 2008 (we shed a few tears that day) but the designer is still on helm of fashion ever since he began his career over five decades ago. Valentino will be the first ever international fashion designer to curate a permanent exhibition of his work in a dynamic digital museum. Now fashion lovers worldwide can divulge in the world of Valentino like never before right from the comfort of home.

The virtual museum is a desktop application users can download that is connected to an online portal that uses a real time 3D technology to create an immersive environment. Over 300 decadent dresses from the Valentino's archives previously worn by his A-list clients of the likes of Jackie O, Elizabeth Taylor and Julia Roberts were captured for the museum and organized by theme. The collections are arranged in a museum style layout where users explore the different galleries and wings covering what would be over 10,000 square meters in an actual museum!

An Exclusive Look Into The "Red Room" Of Valentino's Latest Online Museum

Each dress is accompanied by exclusives such as sketches, illustrations, advertising campaigns, editorials and red carpet as well as event photos which give life and context to each dress. Special events and exhibitions from Valentino’s history are celebrated with photos and video – from the 1968 White Collection to the 2011 White Fairy Tale Love Ball.

Oh and if that's not enough for you, the application features a media library which catalogues the over 5000 images including dresses, photos, drawings and 95 fashion show videos.

The e-museum is set to launch on December 5th via http://valentino-garavani-archives.org -LX

Tarun Tahiliani Watch Collection

Sumptuous jeweled Jadau work, beautiful stone embellishments, pearls and contemporary gold detailing to add luster. No, we're not talking about a designer sari. In fact we're describing Tarun Tahiliani's latest designs for his exclusive watch collection in collaboration with Timex.

Each piece explores traditional Indian craftsmanship and history. The jewelled watches compliment and pair well with a variation of Indian fabrics from beautiful, vibrant bandhini to elegant chikankari.

The watches are reminiscent of the timepieces worn on the wrists of Nizams of old world India, the contemporary bride looking to complete her look or the individual searching for effortlessy chic timepiece which will be treasured for a lifetime. The beauty and glory of the Indian heritage are tastefully reflected through Tahiliani's watch collection.

Hermes “Winks” At Indian Customers With Limited Edition Saris

So how does one of the most renowned luxury brands (if not THE most recognized luxury brands in the world) Hermes “wink” at Indian customers? With limited edition Hermes saris, of course!

Hermes has launched an initiative to create a limited line of silk saris inspired by its famous silk scarves which are worn by some of the most glamourous women in the world. The saris range in price from $6,100 to $8,200 USD.

Hermes is looking towards the future by investing in India. It might be because India’s fashion market is estimated at over 2 billion dollars and is growing by 20% each year. Also, most Indian women still wear traditional Indian clothing while opting western luxury bands when choosing their shoes, handbags and accessories. Hermes is taking the next step by offering Indian women more than just accessories and rather a one stop shop for an entire outfit.

The brand launched their second boutique in Mumbai this year where the saris are now available. However, the brand is still unclear on whether this is going to be a long term venture. We’ll keep you posted.

Images via The Telegraph

The Sexiest Shoes of The Year

The Winner, Valentino Lace Pumps

Ladies prepare to burn some plastic because FN (Footwear News) and Saks Fifth Avenue have announced this year's sexiest shoes! The 25 finalists chosen by FN editor's included alluring skyhigh heels from the likes of Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin, Dior, Givenchy, Gucci, Oscar de la Renta, and Stuart Weitzman.

Jimmy Choo

Shoe fanatics worldwide voted for their faves online throughout October via the FN (Footwear News) web site. The winning pair of shoes was selected by more than 35,000 votes.

This year Valentino's sultry lace-embroidered leather peep-toe pumps won the contest followed by Jimmy Choo's Swarovski crystal-encrusted sandals with double ankle straps in second place, Prada's knee-high leather boot with covered platforms coming in at third, and Chrissie Morris's Suede, mesh and stingray peep-toe ankle boots came in at fourth runner up. 

To check out all of the stunning finalists click here.

Vacheron Constantin Now Open On Madison Avenue

Every serious watch collector knows that no collection is complete without a timepiece from Vacheron Constantin.  The iconic Swiss manufacturer of prestige watches (in the same league with likes of Jaeger-LeCoultre and Audemars Piguet) opened a lavish boutique last week on Madison Avenue, 180 years after Jean-Barthélémy Vacheron wrote a letter expressing his great desire to expand to the U.S.

Now New Yorkers can experience the rich history of Vacheron Constastin through the breathtaking boutique that offers shoppers a private world-class shopping experience. The boutique is reticent of a contemporary Paris parlor complete with modern luxe details.

It's the 28th boutique for the brand with locations worldwide in Dubai, Moscow and its birthplace Geneva. Legendary historical figures from Napoleon Bonaparte to the Duke of Windsor have donned Vacheron and the tradition of immaculate craftsmanship lives on for a new generation of watch fanatics through the Madison Avenue boutique, the first Vacheron Constantin boutique in America.

The opening of the Vacheron Constantin boutique is all the more special thanks to an exhibition of remarkable historical timepieces related to the brand's American heritage. The exhibit opens September 12th and runs through the end of October at the Vacheron Constantin boutique in New York.

Vacheron Constantin

729 Madison Avenue, At E64th St

New York, NY 10065

(212) 317-8964

Mademoiselle Chi Chi Introduces An Exclusive Fashion Collection Made From Milk

From the outside these dresses look like any other frock you would pass by at a high-end department store but little do you know that these dresses are made from something you can find in your fridge, milk!

Anke Domaske, a 28-year-old German fashion designer microbiologist has come up with a way to make a revolutionary fabric out of high concentrations of milk protein called, QMilch. Celebrities of the likes of Mischa Barton and Ashlee Simpson have already been seen around town in the Domaske's fashion label Mademoiselle Chi Chi and the fashion world is also taking notice.

The organic milk fiber is the first manmade fiber that is created entirely without chemicals. It is derived from the milk protein casein extracted from sour milk. The fabric is extremely green, antibacterial and can be created in less than an hour without using pesticides and chemicals.

Domaske claims the fabric has a lovely silky feel, is much cheaper than silk (no more anxiety over ruining a pure silk dress) and since it is made from protein it us extremely easy to care for, you can jus throw it into the washer.

According to the designer QMilch fabric is environmentally friendly but also has a plethora of health benefits. The amino acids in the milk protein are proven to be antibacterial, anti ageing and can help regulate body temperature and circulation.

Can it get any better?

For more information visit http://www.mademoisellechichi.com

Tour de Fashion

Tour de Fashion Designer Bikes From Prabul Gurang, DVF and More!

It's fashion week! Louboutin-clad fashionistas are getting around town in style to the shows all the way from Milk Studios to Lincoln Center and they’re not riding in glitzy town cars or even yellow cabs. They're beating traffic on designer bicycles by the Fashion Center which has recruited the hottest N.Y. fashion designers including Prabal Gurang, Isaac Mizrahi, Diane Von Furstenberg, Betsey Johnson and more to deck out and put their own spin on a fleet of 30 bikes for "Tour de Fashion" a bike sharing program in New York City from September 8-15.

“During Fashion Week, all eyes are on New York City, and there is no more appropriate occasion to highlight the wealth of talent and history we have right here in this neighborhood," said Barbara Randall, president of the Fashion Center BID. “Tour de Fashion is a spectacular and innovative celebration of the Fashion District as the home of American fashion.”

The bikes are free of charge and open to the public (with a security deposit of either a valid credit card or driver's license) to borrow for an hour. They're available at staffed plazas at tented bike stations located on the Broadway Plazas at 40th Street. Each bike comes with a map with bike routes along the city and of course all the fashion shows.

Those who fall in love with their bicycle can even buy it post-fashion week via the auction at theend of the event to benefit the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s {FASHION INCUBATOR}.

We're taking dibs on the glamorous two-wheeler by Bibhu Mohapatra.

For More information visit http://tourdefashion.com

Luxemi

Luxemi: Luxury Indian Designer’s Now Only A Click Away

You adore the digital print saris by Satya Paul, swoon over the cool whimsical designs of Sabyasachi and covet the glitz and glam of TarunTahiliani’s latest collection. But alas, you’re in the U.S. where yourwondrousBollywood dreams are such a hassle to bring to life, what to do? Well, luckily for you a new sitecalled Luxemi(the first of its kind) that recently popped up lets you rent or buy the latest dazzling offerings (all scrupulously handpicked) from India’s hottest designers.

Most fashionable Indian women in the U.S. travel to India itself to stock up on the latest Indian fashion every year but now they can save their frequent flier miles for a trip to Paris (Oui!,Oui!) instead because the team at Luxemi does all of the things that drive us nuts (17 hour flights, haggling with store keepers, sifting through thousands of dresses before finding “The One” and lugging it all back) for us and with a smile.

By signing up for a free membership on Luxemi.com, shoppers can gain access to Luxemi’s two collections, “Buy” and “Borrow”. They can use Luxemi’s multiple filter options to browse through an eclectic assortment of saris, lehenghas, salwars, mix and match sari blouses and Indian-inspired jewelryby color, occasion, price, style, designer, date and also by collection (buy vs. borrow or both!).

When borrowing, shoppers will select their reservation date, rental period (4 or 10 days) and their size. All sari blouses are adjustable and they also offer a second blouse size for free to ensure the perfect fit! Each dress comes freshly dry cleaned with a prepaid return envelope making your Bollywood transformation a snap!

Luxemi also provides styling suggestions on each product page to complete the perfect look. As an added bonus, all shoppers receive a complimentary “Luxe Pack”, which includes bindis, safety pins and a cute sari bag.

So next time you get that invitation for your friend’s big Indian wedding, don’t sweat it because Luxemi has you covered. Literally.

Join now: http://www.Luxemi.com

ILORI An Optical Fantasia

A few weeks ago while leaving the Chanel boutique on West Broadway, extremely annoyed because I wasn’t able to find the perfect shades for my trip to Miami, I noticed a small optical boutique across the street called ILORI with the most beautiful sunglasses from the likes of Bulgari, Prada, Dior, you name it adorning the windows. Being a self-proclaimed sunglass connoisseur and a little desperate for the right pair of shades for my trip I just had to take a peek inside.

ILORI is derived from an African word meaning “special treasure”. The boutique is designed to resemble your favorite art gallery filled with exclusive collections and distinctive works showcased in easy-to-view displays. The poignant style consultants are like curators of fashion and can assist you in selecting your eyewear look, whether you’re shopping for eyeglasses, sunglasses or prescription sunglasses with expertise and panache.

From the moment I stepped in the door I was greeted with the outmost hospitality by Duane a handsome ILORI sales rep with the most gracious smile who escorted me through the fantasia of sunglasses ranging from the very theatrical to the classically feminine. After asking me a few questions about my likes and dislikes he came back with a silver platter of sunglasses that were perfect for my face-shape (extremely heart-shaped) and my taste level (extremely glamorous).

It was wonderful having personalized service and being introduced to eyewear collections from the most coveted designers from around the globe. I ended up choosing a pair of wayfarer style glasses from the latest Chanel glitter collection (which by the way the Chanel boutique didn’t even carry). ILORI is sunglass shopping the way it’s meant to be: Personal, exclusive and perfect.

Book your ILORI experience today via: http://Ilori.com

ILORI

138 Spring Street
New York, NY 10012-3854
(212) 226-8276

Open Mon-Thu 10am-7:30pm; Fri-Sat 10am-8pm; Sun 11am-6pm

Ladurée Arrives Stateside

Polish off your berets, slip into a pair of ballet flats and grab your favorite Chanel bag because it’s time to head off to the first outpost of the famed French bakery (and fashion obsession), Ladurée, set to open on August 22nd on 864 Madison Avenue.

Ladurée brings the finest authentic French macarons presented in the outmost beautiful boxes along with its collection of chocolates, candies, teas, ice-cream macaroons, perfumed candles and fragrances. All of which make delightful gifts and perfect self-indulgences.

The Madison Avenue Location of Ladurée is decked out in the style of a private French home, offering customers a warm and welcoming yet glamourous atmosphere where the scent of pure sweetness and the most delectable confections can be purchased as well as enjoyed.

The boutique is broken up into two distinct areas. One room is for sales and decorated with neoclassical touches such as paintings, Barbedienne lamps and plaster medallions featuring cameos. The second room is decorated in refined furniture including antique chairs upholstered in 19th century fabrics and is reserved for conversation and order taking.

According to David Holder, the chairman of Ladurée who purchased the brand in 1993, Ladurée will open an adjacent tearoom where patrons can indulge in the full range of Ladurée products.

Ladurée opened its doors in 1862, as a little bakery which was named after it's owner on 16 rue Royale. It was Pierre Desfontaines, the cousin of Louis Ernest Ladurée, who, in the mid 20th century, had the idea to stick macaron pieces together, and inject them with different flavors. "This small and pastry that is crunchy from the outside and melting from the inside, is prepared with extreme delicacy. Almonds, eggs, sugar, and a pinch of a unique know-how are necessary for their cooking, ensuring that every macaron reaches the delicate balance between flavors and textures," says a Ladurée spokesperson.

Every season, Ladurée creates a new flavor, in honor of Defontaines. More than a century later the fabulously French bakery will keep to this heritage and alive for millions of chic customers excited and anxious for the stateside launch.

Ladurée New York/ 864 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10021

Monday to Friday 9 AM – 6 PM /Saturday 9.30 AM – 6 PM / Closed on Sunday

Tentative Opening: August 22 2011

Sole Searching With Christian Louboutin

Every woman who has donned a sexy pair of Louboutin heels and every man who has admired her choice of footwear knows of the strong seductive power and passion a pair of red bottoms can induce. Christian Louboutin, the man who redefined shoes and transformed them into a symbol of glamour, status and eroticism has teamed up with publishing house Rizzoli to capture the world of Louboutin into a hardcover book, Christian Louboutin, which will be released this October.

The extravagant volume that is just as heavenly as one of Louboutin’s creations, features a five piece fold-out cover, binding made out of faux pink leather, a magical interior pop-up and gilded pages. Five chapters —A Life; The Shoes; Fetish; The Places; and Twenty Years—chronicle the designer’s background, inspirations and fantasies through direct narrative from the designer, candid images as well as vivid still life photos of Louboutin’s most iconic heels by famed photographers David Lynch and Philippe Garcia.

The reader gets a chance to learn the history and manifestation through anecdotes
on selected styles. From the classic Pigalle shoe from the Fall/Winter 2004
collection which was inspired by the arch of a dancers foot to the Maralena shoes
via the Fall/Winter 2010 collection, a transparent peep toe pump encrusted with
blue glitter and Swarovski crystals which was inspired by the transparent showgirl
costumes of Marlene Dietrich there is a story behind each coveted red lacquered
heel and it is a delight to uncover each tale.


The pages are filled with candid photos of the designer, his shoes, the factory just
outside of Milan and photos of iconic women including Dita Von Teese and Diane
Von Furstenberg, posing next to the shoes that were created in their honor and
likeness.

The last chapter concludes the volume with a catalogue of 20 years of Christian
Louboutin's collections. This book is a must have in your fashion library, a great gift
for a shoe lover and a great way to indulge in your in your shoe fetish.

Savage Beauty

On February 12, 2010, the fashion world stopped turning after news spread quietly that the legendary designer Alexander McQueen was found dead in his home in England. A little more than a year later, the Metropolitan Museum of Art located in New York City is resurrecting the heart and soul of McQueen through a dramatic and spectacular exhibit, ”Savage Beauty” which captures the unparalleled world of McQueen.

The exclusive exhibition which will run through August 7th is curated by Andrew Bolton of The Costume Institute who expresses that "the title 'Savage Beauty" very much epitomizes the contrasting opposites in McQueen's work. Polarized opposites, whether it's to do with life or death, lightness or darkness, predator/prey, man/machine."

The chilling exhibit is broken up into six galleries each with its own theme inspired by the different reoccurring themes McQueen explored throughout his career in fashion from his deep interest in fine arts to exotic inspiration from India and Japan.

The exhibition begins with the "Romantic Gothic" gallery that was designed to reflect the raw concrete decor of McQueen's first Atelier in Hoxton Square, where McQueen established his house and ends with the Plato's Atlantis gallery which features the last collection McQueen designed before his death in February 2010.

McQueen's sartorial expertise and dark poetic mind is captured not only through his one-of-a-kind fashions but through haunting suspended videos, two-way mirrors, low-lighting and rotating mannequins and quotes from the designer himself. One feels as though they have stepped into the world of McQueen where viewers are able to not only explore the thought processes and ideas behind McQueen's creations but also do introspective on their own sartorial inspirations.

For those of you who cannot make it to the groundbreaking exhibit can experience it through this exclusive video produced by The Met. (http://blog.metmuseum.org/alexandermcqueen/about/)